The Whimsy Bookworm: A Book Blog from India

Romance novels are a dime a dozen! There is something out there for everyone's taste! What makes romance as a genre so interesting is that there can be all kinds of love stories- funny ones, tragic ones, dramatic ones, scary (stalkers and such) ones etc. However, what is also interesting is that there are so many badly written romances out there.  A good romance should have the basic elements in place- characters that one connects with and roots for, some fun quirks which makes these characters endearing and memorable, great chemistry, great banter and also some steamy love making! What?! Let's not be coy now!  So, without further ado, let's get into it, shall we?  5 and 4. As far as romance novels go, for me the discovery of the year 2014 was Colleen Hoover.  She writes, what people are calling, 'New Adult' books- basically, steamier than the teenage/ young adult rom-coms and whose protagonists are, largely, over eighteen (to allow for the afore...

1. The Strangler Vine by M.J. Carter: I randomly came across this book in a book store and it sounded interesting and like something I'd enjoy. I read it and loved it and reviewed it HERE.   2. The Fate of Mercy Alban by Wendy Webb: A very engaging read that I just couldn't put down. It was creepy and scary in parts and a very fun read. Reviewed HERE .  3. Oscar Wilde and The Candlelight Murders by Gyles Brandreth: Oscar Wilde and Arthur Conan Doyle solving crimes! Yes please! Such a unique concept and such a good read. I cannot wait to read more books from this series. Reviewed HERE.   4. The Silkworm by Robert Gailbraith aka J.K. Rowling: We are absolutely loving the Cormoran Strike books. Loved the first one and really loved this one too and I cannot wait for the next book to be out. Such amazing reads. Great thrillers, amazing writing and just stellar books! Reviewed HERE .  5. The Monogram Murders by Sophie Hannah: Poirot is bac...

So pretty. Simple. Colourful. Colourless. Perfection!  The Penguin English Library editions are some of my favourite books in the whole world. This is just one I acquired and read this year.  Secret Shame time: My shameful love for this beautiful man is pretty well-known. And when I found out that there were editions of Sherlock Holmes books with his gorgeous face on it, I just HAD to. I mean come on....look at him. Ahhhhhh! #lust #lovehim #hotman :) Botanical prints are just stunning and all the artwork in this book- The Blind Man's Garden by Nadeem Aslam- is just spetacular.  And now for the prettiest books I own...handsdown! And I have wanted this book for so freaking long, I was just glad to finally own it. So pretty!  Wildwood in all it's glory.  I just couldn't not include this Penguin Deluxe edition of Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons. Look at it...just look at it!  Of cou...

1. Fasting and Feasting by Anita Desai: A phenomenal book this is. Really, really good. I have read quite a few Anita Desai books this year and this is hand's down my absolute favourite. I have reviwed it HERE.  2. Calcutta Exile by Bunny Suraiya: This book I happened to randomly come across and went on to enjoy it immensely. Recommend it, I reviewed it HERE .  3. The All Bengali Crime Detective by Suparna Chatterjee: This was my first read in 2014 and it was a wonderful book. I started the year off really well and on such a happy note with this book. Another random find I took a chance on and absolutely loved. Reminded me of my dad and his friends, it was utterly charming. I reviewed it HERE.   4. My Kind of Girl by Buddhadeva Bose: Ah! This book was just delightful. And isn't this edition just gorgeous!? A lovely book that I am sure I'll return to over the years to come...in fact I want to re-read in 2015. My review for it is HERE .  ...

1. The Collected Works of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin: OMG! This book was just wonderful. It's a book about books, about a bookstore, about love and about the healing power of connection and relationships and love. So amazing. Heart-warming, funny, moving and just an excellent read. Definetly give this a read, you will love it. I promise. Reviewed HERE.   2. Notes on a Scandal by Zoe Heller: I have wanted to read this book for absolute ages and I am so glad I finally got to it this year. This was an amazing read. Like it blew my mind, it was complex and full of flawed characters who make terrible mistakes but still move you. Beautifully written and thought provoking. I loved this book and made my sister read it right after I was done with it, because I needed to discuss it with someone, The book is reviewed HERE .  3. Tell The Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt: This beautiful book caught my eye on Tumblr and I ordered it and read it and loved it. It br...

1. Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins: This book had a whole lot of hype surrounding it when it came out. I  picked up this book  amidst all this hype. I honestly didn't think I'd like it very much but this was such a fun read! Funny, action packed and wholely entertaining. Loved it and reviewed it HERE.   2. Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin: I just fell in love with this book and it's world and it's people. It was utterly charming, poignant and made me think about  some deep stuff. Review is up HERE . I seriously can't recommend this book enough.  3. Boys Don't Knit (In Public) by T.S. Easton: I won't lie the cover of this book first drew me to it and then it was a laugh riot. A YA book from the perspective of a young boy/teen is a rare thing, for me at least, I've mostly read YA books from the perspective of girls for the most part. This book was hilarious and endearing and quirky and lovely. The sequel is out already and I need to get my...

1. The Arrival by Shaun Tan: I recently read and loved this book. I had heard amazing things and all of them were true. It had no words just spell-bindingly beautiful art. A review is up HERE.  2. The Collected Essex County by Jeff Lemire: Another recent read and another one I loved. A great and poignant story. Reviewed this as well and it can be found HERE.   3. Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol: A delightful little book! Great art and a fun little story. Review can be found HERE.   4. Kabul Disco by Nicolas Wild: I don't even remember what lead me to this gem of a book but I am glad I found it. Funny, yet heart-warming and poignant. I really enjoyed it and it's sequel. Review for this can be found HERE.   5. The Complete Maus by Art Spiegelman: Ah! This book broke my heart. It is perhaps the most famous graphic novel that exists and it deserves all it's accolades. Loved it. Can't recommend it enough. This is definetly one of ...