Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan

Rating : 4/10

I picked up this book, alongside I'll Give You the Sun, when I first began my mission to read books with LGBT+ characters. Obviously, both John Green and David Levithan are popular authors and so, although I had only read The Fault in Our Stars before and I'd not yet read anything by Levithan, I had hopes for this novel. There were so many aspects of this storyline which made it enjoyable to read, but unfortunately, I found it more problematic than I did fun.

This is a book about two guys, both named Will Grayson, who meet one night under unforeseen circumstances and from then on their lives are intertwined. Will Grayson No.1 is just your normal guy really, he's the only straight member of his schools Gay-Straight Alliance and he's got a crush on a girl called Jane. Will Grayson No.2 comes from the Suburbs of Chicago, fancies a guy who he met online, named Isaac, and is not popular in school but has one close friend named Maura who is interested in more than a friendship. Will No.2 also has a diagnosis of depression and his character is struggling a lot with life, which makes him a much more interesting and relatable character, for me at least.

The novel follows the two boys storylines in alternating chapters as they deal with the issues of being a teenager; having both a homosexual and a heterosexual character means a lot of topics are covered within a comparatively small number of pages.

You're probably wondering why I've only given this book a four out of ten, and before I say this I must clear up that this is purely personal to me and is by no means a reason for you not to read it!
The main issue I had, and this may just have been the way the authors wanted their character, was that the first Will Grayson was just, rude! On more than one occasion, he makes comments about how he "isn't asexual or anything" making it sound like being asexual (FYI an individual who doesn't experience sexual attraction towards other people) is a bad thing. I'm sorry Will but no, as someone who identifies as asexual myself (and who is VERY passionate about making sure everyone understands and respects asexuality) I cannot put up with anyone, even fictional, making it sound like it would be bad to be ace.

In general, the storyline is good and it was an enjoyable read, unfortunately the fact that one character was somewhat rude about my sexuality meant that it wasn't a good fit for me. Apart from that fact it was very good and I would recommend it; especially if you are looking for an easy read featuring more than one gay character.

End note: I'd be interested to know if I'm the only person who found these things frustrating when they read it so please respond in some way if you would like!

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Rating : 10/10
The simple way to put it is that this book is ART. Honestly, it is one of the best, most beautifully written novels I have read in a long, long time. I had heard so many good things about The Night Circus from so many different people and it is safe to say that I was by no means disappointed!
It has everything you would ever want from a fantasy novel and the way in which it jumps between characters, times and locations in each chapter whilst still keeping you gripped (and un-confused) is fantastic. This is the kind of book I would recommend even if it's not the sort of thing you usually read, trust me on this one it is 110% worth it.

Put simply, it follows the movements of a circus in the victorian era; Le Cirque des Rêves is a place of mystery and just a dash of magic. However, the circus has a purpose more complicated than just to provide entertainment to guests. Characters Celia Bowen and Marco Alistair have been bound since childhood to take part in a competition with the circus as their playing field. To begin with the aims of said battle are unclear but as the rules become more evident and the pair grow closer, the true nature of their challenge is revealed. But I shan't tell you any more than that because the mysterious nature of every aspect of the book is what makes it so much fun!

Even though I'm certain you will thoroughly enjoy every page of this novel it isn't until the end, when every piece of the storyline falls gracefully into place, that you'll think "Oh my goodness what the heck that was fabulous I cannot believe!!!!" well, I mean that's the gist of the message I sent to a friend upon finishing it anyway.

Truly, if you're considering reading this fantastic book then don't just take my (and so many others') word for it, read the art for yourself! I could not recommend it more, a wonderful mixture of joy and illusion combined with a dark, twisting plot-line which will have you gripped from the start. An absolutely phenomenal piece of literature.

The Manifesto on How to be Interesting by Holly Bourne

Rating : 8/10
This was a fantastic book, I was absolutely hooked from the first chapter. It's one of those where you sit down and think to yourself "Yes, I've got time to just read a couple of chapters before I carry on with my coursework." then low and behold three hours have gone past and you're still in exactly the same position, no closer to reaching your deadlines.
It follows the story of schoolgirl Bree who dreams of becoming a published author, but her applications keep being rejected despite all of her efforts. When she is told to live a more exciting life before trying again, she takes it upon herself to becoming interesting, the living stereotype of all things popular in high school. As you would expect, the popular life isn't all that it seems to be from the outside and Bree is soon in a bit of a mess! But I'll leave the rest of the story for you to learn for yourself.
Bree, is a character who I hold close to my heart (I think it's because we've both dyed our hair stupid colours and have had to deal with the weird is it pink? or is it brown? stages of colour fading), she's like so many of us are (or have been), unhappy with the way things are even though there is no real reason. The difference between us however, is that she has the guts to go "Okay let's see what the popular thing is about then shall we, if I have to be interesting I'll go all the way!" and that's what makes this book such a joy to read, we can all relate to different aspects of what she's going through and we can learn from her story, whilst at the same time look at everything which happens to her and marvel at how someone can deal with so many things at the same time!
The one factor that I wish I had been warned about before I began reading this book however, is that it should come with a pretty big trigger warning for self harm. Holly Bourne writes about such a sensitive topic as well as anyone could do, whilst still reflecting the way in which it affects her character's life, but I found it very challenging to read and I would have much appreciated knowing what I was in for before I opened the book. I would never tell anyone not to read something but I would just suggest considering if it is a wise idea before you start this one, if you know this is something that can upset you.

Overall this is a wonderful read, a classic coming of age novel with a heartbreakingly relatable lead character that you will fly through once you open, and I would certainly recommend it.