Welcome to August! Here are some of my picks this month - impressively, I managed to squeeze in a few reads these past few weeks, despite falling into bed by 9pm most nights, totally exhausted.

Pretty Baby - Mary Kubica

She sees the teenage girl on the train platform, standing in the pouring rain, clutching an infant in her arms. She boards a train and is whisked away. But she can't get the girl out of her head… 

I recently finished 'Pretty Baby' and I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

In summary: We meet Heidi, a kind woman from a comfortable life, who observes a young girl & her presumably infant daughter, popping up in various aspects of her life. Unable to resist her conscience, she invites her to stay at her home - and thus, we meet (and hear from) Heidi's extended family - husband Chris and daughter Zoe. Through several perspectives, we find out more about each character's history.

The theme of social responsibility - particularly in regards to homelessness and the care system - rings out loud and clear in the book. Mental health issues are also raised, meaning the novel could be an uncomfortable read at times, but that's understandable.

I really felt that Heidi was the true lead of this novel. Yes, Willow and baby Ruby were an integral part of how the story panned out - but ultimately it was Heidi whose past and present (& potentially future) were highlighted. She spiked my interest early on, and certainly towards the end of the book.

I'd recommend 'Pretty Baby' as I feel it was a story that hadn't been told before - and it was told very well. A great read.

Never Always Sometimes - Adi Alsaid
Best friends Dave and Julia were determined to never be cliché high school kids—the ones who sit at the same lunch table every day, dissecting the drama from homeroom and plotting their campaigns for prom king and queen. They even wrote their own Never List of everything they vowed they'd never, ever do in high school. 

Sometimes we all need a book that we can read without thinking too much - something that isn't life altering, but is smart and easy and a happy escape from reality for just a little while.

That's what 'Never, Always, Sometimes' was for me. And I definitely needed it!

The story revolves around two best friends and their final months of high school. They find a list they had made in the early years of their friendship, that revolved around things they would NEVER do - but decide to spice things up by doing the opposite.

It's a sweet tale, written in two perspectives - his and hers. We meet interesting characters along the way & see the world through their eyes for just a little while.

A great little novel, and a nice way to remember the old school days. (Side-note: I feel old.)

What have you been reading lately?