Read whatever, whenever, however.
It was a busy week with a lot happening in the course of a day. It’s also been over 40°C for most of the week, so everything is hot and tired. Orphan Rock by Dominique Wilson (available 1st March) arrived thanks to Transit Lounge. Set between Sydney and Paris, it’s about Bessie and her daughter... Continue Reading →
In brief: In a world where singles rules, Millie thinks she has her life sorted. But then she meets Ben. Will she defy convention to be a couple? The good: Great romcom vibes. The not-so-good: There is a bit of alternate reality here, so be openminded. Why I chose it: Loved The Shelf! Year: 2021... Continue Reading →
I’ve got some topical reads for this week, all about vaccination and COVID-19 in particular: A Shot to Save the World by Gregory Zuckerman is the story of COVID-19 vaccines and the race to produce a successful one in record time. It sounds very dramatic with negotiations, clashes and ambition but also shows the amount... Continue Reading →
In brief: Ray Carney is a fairly legitimate furniture store owner. But then his cousin drags him into a heist at the Hotel Theresa and it all kicks off from there… The good: It’s much more light hearted than Whitehead’s previous books. The not-so-good: Drags a bit at times. Why I chose it: Always here... Continue Reading →
In brief: A collection of essays about wide ranging topics, from vintage cars to Italian movies. The good: A brilliant writer. The not-so-good: I really don’t know much about Italian politics. Why I chose it: Rachel Kushner has a Ford Galaxie. Year: 2021 Pages: 258 Publisher: Jonathan Cape (Penguin) Rating: 8.5 out of 10 Rachel... Continue Reading →
A shorter working week with some very good mail from Simon & Schuster! 28 Questions by Indyana Schneider (available 2nd February) is about first love, and the pain and pleasure that goes with it as Amalia meets Alex at Oxford. They are friends, but can they be more? Here’s To Us by Becky Albertalli and... Continue Reading →
In brief: The sequel to Dear Mrs Bird finds Emmy still at Woman’s Friend magazine, reporting on women workers during World War II. But it’s not as fun as the Ministry of Information makes out… The good: Even better than Dear Mrs Bird. The not-so-good: Emmy is sometimes too positive for me! Why I chose... Continue Reading →
Happy New Year! It’s a bit late but here are the books that were in my Christmas collection: Pandemics: What Everyone Needs to Know by Peter Doherty was written several years ago, and ‘was mainly right’ according to the author. It discusses infection, immunity and pandemics before the current COVID-19 one. Yours Cheerfully by A.J.... Continue Reading →
In brief: A collection of short stories told in the first person about baseball, women and a talking monkey. The good: Classic Murakami but in short bursts. The not-so-good: A quick read. Why I chose it: It’s Murakami. Year: 2021 (2020 in the original Japanese) Translator: Philip Gabriel Pages: 245 Publisher: Harvill Secker (Penguin) Setting:... Continue Reading →
In brief: Mean Girls meets 21st century binge drinking and partying in this Regency era coming of age story. The good: Ever wanted swearing and drinking in your tea parties? The not-so-good: The characters aren’t overly likeable and the debauchery gets old fairly quickly. Why I chose it: Sounded original. Year: 2021 Pages: 428 Publisher:... Continue Reading →
Sam Still Reading 