Book Review: Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas

Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. 

You can buy this book here.

I have heard great things about Penelope Douglas. Pretty much everyone seems to know her and her books have amazing ratings on Goodreads, so I should definitely join the party, I thought. And I'm very glad I did.

What's the story?

Punk 57 is centred on a boy and a girl who start out as pen pals. They grow up, life catches up and boy meets girl, but the girl doesn't know he is her pen pal! Sounds twisty enough yet? Believe me, the story gets 'mind-blowingly twistier' as the story progresses. Be warned, this is a dark romance, so things get pretty NSFW into the story.

What did I like about the story?

I really loved the characters. Not just Misha and Ryen, but the rest of the ensemble too. Misha is a heartthrob honestly; a tattoo-sporting, future rockstar with dark family secrets. Ryen is the cheerleader Mean Girl who is more than what she seems. Both protagonists had an amazing depth to their characters, and I very much bonded with them. I am craving to see more of them, and I'm praying for more of their story!

Then there's the rest of the ensemble. My personal favourite? J.D.! His character had so much potential and, keeping with the theme of the story, I didn't spot it till the last few chapters. Ten! Manny! Man, I need more story on these great characters!

I loved the twists in this story, too. There were some obvious ones that I suspected, but it's always great to have your half-ass guesses validated by the author! 

What did I not like about this book?

I'll admit that I was frustrated at Ryen in the initial chapters. I didn't think I'll like her at all, but she totally grew on me. So, I guess that's not really a negative point. One legit negative is that this is standalone! I have spoilt myself on the Devil's Night series, so I totally recognised Misha's cousin and his hot friends (I pretty much frothed at the mouth when they made an appearance), but I need more of just Misha and Ryen! They're just amazing characters! So realistic and raw!

My final verdict? 

Absolutely loved it! I can't wait to read the spin-off! I'm so ready for more Thunder Bay boys! 

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Book Review: Also Human by Caroline Elton

Also Human: The Inner Lives of Doctors by Caroline Elton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.  

You can buy this book here.

I picked this book up during one of the student placements in Melbourne at Readings, Carlton. I was drawn to it because it discusses problems faced by junior doctors, which is what I will be soon. So, it felt like a good way to prepare me.

What I liked about this book, is that though the author is speaking about a UK environment, I find these issues are quite universal. There were chapters that spoke of difficulties that arise in transitioning to medical school, or to clinical studies, or to a whole new country.

My favourite chapter was "Leaky Pipes", which looked at sexism in the medical workplace, especially in the surgical field. I found this chapter inspiring; Elton talks about the issues clients of hers faced, the facts of these issues and how her clients fared against these odds.

What I didn't like was the cover. Honestly, I felt that a much more creative approach could have been taken. It is just too plain and uninspiring to me. The next factor I didn't like is that it ended! I just wanted more of Elton's experience when I kept reading, and it's a damn shame that the book had to end!

via GIPHY

At the end of this book, I felt motivated, inspired and apprehensive. This book brought a lot of obvious and not so obvious workplace issues to my attention. A part of me is scared about how progressing into my internship years would play out, but the rest of me is excited to take the approaches Elton discussed in this book.

via GIPHY

Have any of you read any great medical memoirs? I haven't read enough so let me know some recommendations in the comments below!

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Jan' 2020 TBR Pile

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.  

Happy new year, everyone! 2019 has been an amazing year but all good things must end for a better one to take their place! There is a lot that I'm planning on getting done this new year, starting with this month's TBR pile.

My last month's TBR pile did not go so well. I had four books that I wanted to finish up in December but I'm only halfway through the third book. Anyone else had better luck with their last TBR? 😅 

I don't usually do well when I carry on TBR books from month to month, so I pretty much refresh my pile each month. What I have got this month are four more books that I would like to finish up!

Without further ado, here are my TBR books for January 2020:

1. Brain Rules by John Medina

I love a good non-fiction book as much as the next guy, and this one was recommended to me by a lecturer of mine. I'm at like the 20% mark with this book right now, and I can see why people enjoy it; Medina has a writing style that can weave neurons and hormones into a grand story.

Buy Brain Rules here.

2. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

I am 100% reading this book because of how highly recommended it is. Funnily enough, I got this book at a discounted price at a sale, and it's a large edition with a few blemishes here and there. I am very excited to discuss this book once I start reading it!

Buy The Goldfinch here.

3. Only Time Will Tell by Jeffrey Archer

One of my friends raved about how much she loves Archer's writing, so I picked this up at a discounted price. I don't think this is one of his more popular books but I'm gonna give it a chance and see how it goes.

Buy Only Time Will Tell here.

4. The Lady in the Van by Alan Bennett

Another discounted book! I'm starting to see a trend here! 😉 When I saw Dame Maggie Smith on the cover, I just picked it up, no matter how good or bad it is. To be honest, I didn't know anything about this book when I picked it up. Hopefully, it's a good read and I have a good time.

Buy The Lady in the Van here.

Have you guys read any of these yet? None of these are new books, so I'm sure quite a few of you have. Let me know in the comments below!