Thalia @ Pictures in the Words

There are very few books that I end up *loving* that I thought I wouldn't like. Sometimes I think I won't like a book and I'll be pleasantly surprised by it--but love? I can only think of two that fit in that category.

The Alchemist: This is only one of two books I've ever reviewed that I could find absolutely nothing wrong with. I sat around for hours, staring at my review, pacing, doodling, pacing again, staring some more, and I couldn't think of a single thing I didn't like. And to be honest, when a book club I'm in IRL decided to read this, I didn't think I was going to be impressed. I was wary and hesitant and I'd never heard of it, and I don't usually like this genre--but holy crap! I absolutely loved it! It was so beautifully written and simple and like a parable, and I just bought a copy for myself and now I'm forcing my mom to read it, and it's just such a dang good book.

Pushing the Limits: I expected this book to be full to the brim of that thing that I don't reading about (especially in detail)--sex. I expected it, but everyone said it was good, but I still didn't think I'd like it or be comfortable with the content--and I was so, so surprised! I really did end up loving this book because of the writing and the characters and everything, and I wasn't expecting to even like it at all, but BAM! It got me right in the feels.