Emoji Book Tag

Books and emoji’s – two of my favourite things! I really couldn’t help but do this one, which has us pair an emoji of our choice to a book it brings to mind. I believe I first came across this particular tag over on Ragan’s YouTube channel and as always, I invite anyone to take part or share their answers in the comments.

1.

1. A book that made me happy: Anya’s Ghost by Vera Brosgol

This graphic novel was just a ton of fun. The story was cool with just the right amount of creepiness and the art style was awesome. I’m excited to see more of Brosgol’s work.

2.

2. A book that I love: The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

There are plenty of books I could have chosen for this but I wanted to try and pick one I haven’t mentioned much on my blog before. This story is mysterious, poignant and charmingly whimsical. I love books that blur the line between fantasy and reality, which Gaiman made look easy here.

3.

3. A book that shocked me: The Cement Garden by Ian McEwan

I cited this book as part of an English dissertation back in the day and I can tell you that repeated readings and closer analysis only make this disturbing little book all the more unsettling. The characters’ actions become dark and twisted yet we still find ourselves routing for them, and it’s this juxtaposition that I think makes it so unnerving.

4.

4. A book that confused me: We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler

I deliberately didn’t look into anything about this book as I’d heard that was the best way to go into it. Admittedly I didn’t see the twist coming, but it took the story in a totally unexpected direction and so despite being interesting and very well written, it ended up being nothing like what I had anticipated or hoped to find. Also, if someone could please explain what all that stuff with the puppet was about, I’d be grateful.

5.

5. A book that I couldn’t connect to: We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

Everyone will tell you that this book hinges entirely on one twist. Sadly, (and without wanting to sound smug) I correctly guessed the twist by page 4 and this stopped me from feeling like I could ever fully connect to the plot or its strange characters.

6.

6. A book with dreamy writing: The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton

Okay, so I’ll admit that I have mentioned this one in a couple of tags already but it really has been a grower for me. The more I’ve thought about it, the more I’ve come to appreciate its depths, not least the beautiful writing style.

7.

7. A book that made me sad: The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

No tag is complete without a mention of Mr Ness somewhere. Obviously I don’t want to spoil anything, so all I’ll say is a certain something horrible happens to a certain adorable character that just gave me all the feels.