Read whatever, whenever, however.
In brief: Malak, Kees and Jenna were all best friends until one argument divided them. Now, as they forge their own paths in life they need each other’s friendship and forgiveness more than ever. The good: Three strong female characters doing their best. The not-so-good: Sometimes, these women were being unfairly treated by themselves or... Continue Reading →
In brief: Alice just wants to spend the summer studying for her entry exam for medicine. She didn’t count on the most tumultuous summer ever involving family, friends and her phone. The good: A lot of great characters, all with something fascinating happening. The not-so-good: For the first hundred pages, I really just wanted to... Continue Reading →
Halfway through the year and of course it’s freezing! It seems like winter is finally here, which means that you really shouldn’t stray away from a blanket or heater…or when Parcel Post is kind enough to deliver on the weekend! Young Women by Jessica Moor arrived thanks to Allen & Unwin. When Emily meets Tasmin,... Continue Reading →
In brief: A collection of powerful, brutally honest short stories about women with no holds barred. The good: Lisa Taddeo dares to write what others don’t touch. The not-so-good: Would have loved a full-length story about any of these characters. Why I chose it: Always up for a great short story collection. Thank you to... Continue Reading →
In brief: Joan seems to have it all in 90s Dublin, but time spent in London in the 60s changed her forever. Now the daughter she gave up for adoption wants to make contact… The good: Not what I expected from the cover, but a more nuanced story. The not-so-good: Appearances are everything for many... Continue Reading →
Not as much reading for pleasure this week, but that just means I have some great reads ahead: Girls They Write Songs About by Carlene Bauer (available 5th July) arrived thanks to Bloomsbury. Set in 1990s New York, Charlotte and Rose become friends as they make their way through their lives. As they get older,... Continue Reading →
In brief: Kiara is seventeen and at the end of her tether. She’s broke, about to be evicted and looking after her neighbour’s son. So she turns to the streets to make money, but becomes embroiled in police corruption. The good: Realistic and well written with glimmers of hope. The not-so-good: The characters’ lives are... Continue Reading →
In brief: Patrick is a fun uncle to his niece and nephew. But when he has to look after them for an entire summer after tragedy, things become more difficult. Not only do the kids need to face their grief, but Patrick needs to as well. The good: Fantastic story with both sparkles and tears.... Continue Reading →
It was a good week for reading – I got a lot read of a variety of topics and moods. This week’s new books are also varied: Viral by Alina Chan and Matt Ridleyis about COVID-19 – how it started and how we can prevent it from happening again. No Hard Feelings by Genevieve Novakfinds... Continue Reading →
In brief: A new collection of essays, set just before and during the pandemic. The good: It is hilarious! The not-so-good: I could not stop reading and laughing. Why I chose it: Thank you to Hachette, who got me into David Sedaris in the first place many years ago. Year: 2022 Pages: 259 Publisher: Little,... Continue Reading →
Sam Still Reading 