On the Bookshelf // The House & Black Cairn Point

Happy Friday! Is anyone else as ready for the weekend as I am?

I have been reading as much as possible lately, even if it’s only a chapter before bed at night. I just can’t get enough of it, which feels good after a bit of a reading slump in August and part of September. Here are two of the books I’ve read recently.

THE HOUSE by Christina Lauren

THE HOUSE is about Gavin and Delilah, who fall in love when she returns to her hometown after spending some time in boarding school. But there’s something about Gavin’s house that has a hold on him and it’s not going to let Delilah get in the way.

Okay, I’ll start with the some of the “negatives” about this book. There’s a big insta-love thing going on. While insta-love isn’t always a negative for me, it felt like a little much in this book. I guess it had to be that way to get into the story as quickly as possible, but it felt really off and rushed. The writing felt a little young for the age of the characters and some of the things they talk about. It almost had a CORALINE feel to me, yet at the same time you can tell that the authors (two friends who write under this pen name) also write romance novels. So… that was weird.

But, even with all of that, I really enjoyed this book. It wasn’t incredibly scary, but it had creepy moments. The writing was absolutely beautiful, especially in particular scenes. And it had me turning pages because I had to know how it was going to end. I really liked the concept. I think this was a beautifully written book that will really appeal to people who want to read something a bit creepy, but don’t like books that are a bit scarier, especially if they can get over some of the negatives and just enjoy this entertaining read.

BLACK CAIRN POINT by Claire McFall

BLACK CAIRN POINT takes place in Scotland and follows five friends who go on a camping trip at a cairn for a weekend. When the weekend is over only two friends return and one of them is in a coma. The story bounces back and forth between “Now,” a year after the trip when the narrator is institutionalized and blamed with the deaths of her friends, and “Then,” the weekend at Black Cairn Point.

This novel wasn’t as scary throughout as I thought it would be, but I thought it worked really well. The tension in the novel builds slowly as you read Heather’s account of what happened and both parts of the story were compelling enough to keep turning pages. The story wasn’t necessarily scary or creepy, but it was definitely eerie because you know something goes wrong during the trip. The end had me at the edge of my seat and kind of took me by surprise. I really enjoyed this one and the more I think back on it, the more I like it.

CURRENTLY READING

I haven’t included what I’m currently reading for awhile, which I did when I started these “On the Bookshelf” posts and always intended to include, so I am going to try to remember going forward. I’m actually reading a few books right now. I’m working my way through YOU by Caroline Kepnes and it is really good! The language is pretty strong, so if that will bother you too much you might proceed with caution, but it fits the character and this book is amazing so far. I’m rereading OMENS by Kelley Armstrong and am enjoying it just as much as I did the first time. I’m also reading THIS IS WHERE IT ENDS by Marieke Nijkamp, which I received a copy of from Netgalley. If you’re interested in getting your hands on a copy, the publisher contacted me to let me know that there is a giveaway on tumblr to receive a copy of this book, along with a piece of chalkboard and chalk so that you can write your feelings about the book down after you read it. If you’re interested, go check it out! I love the idea behind this giveaway, so when I got the email I knew I had to share the opportunity with all of you. I would definitely enter if I didn’t already have a copy of the book.

WHAT BOOKS HAVE YOU READ RECENTLY & WHAT’S YOUR CURRENT READ?

ps – if you’re on the lookout for some creepy novels check out Labor Day Weekend Reads & 8 New Mystery + Horror Novels Perfect for Fall.