Read whatever, whenever, however.
In brief: Vivian is a switchboard operator in Wooster, Ohio in the 50s. She enjoys listening in on conversations until she hears something incredibly shocking about herself. How can she fix this and hold her head up high? The good: The 1950s are brilliantly portrayed. The not-so-good: Bit uneven and I had to concentrate to... Continue Reading →
In these awkward days, I feel it's important to have something to read to take us away from news and endless refreshing. I'm pleased to share with you today a chapter sampler from The Deceptions by Suzanne Leal. It's a story across time full of secrets and intrigue: Moving from wartime Europe to modern day... Continue Reading →
Welcome to the Home Zone. It's grey and rainy today so staying inside is pretty easy. Some of my online book orders are starting to arrive, but I think the local parcel postie is very busy as I spotted him delivering on Sunday. Here's what arrived this week, and don't forget to stay home (even... Continue Reading →
In brief: The Central Line, told through statistics about the people who live there. The good: This is a great way to talk statistics. The not-so-good: It's a one sitting book. Why I chose it: Working my way through the Penguin Lines series celebrating 150 years of the Underground. Year: 2013 Pages: 164 Publisher: Penguin... Continue Reading →
In brief: Every year, Oona wakes up in a different period of her life. Sometimes she's 19 in a much older body, and some years are painful to bear. The good: Quirky idea handled very well. The not-so-good: I want to hear more about Oona's years! Why I chose it: Felt like something a bit... Continue Reading →
Hello and welcome to the new abnormal. Just a couple of months ago I would have been referring to the new album from The Strokes. Please STAY HOME and save lives. Listen to the experts. I got some books in the post this week, including some comfort reads (bottom row). Thank you to those working... Continue Reading →
In brief: Trelawney Castle and its inhabitants have been an institution in Cornwall for centuries. But now the castle is falling down and the family has run out of money. How will they react? The good: Very detailed with unique characters. The not-so-good: Sometimes a little too much detail and not enough action. Why I... Continue Reading →
In brief: A story in three parts about a group of teenagers at a high school focusing on theatre. What is true? What has been omitted? And what are straight out lies? The good: Brilliant writing evokes great images. The not-so-good: The second part had me confused in places. Why I chose it: It won... Continue Reading →
A very different world this week. I haven't done a lot of reading because I've been out stalking toilet paper for sale for older folk but I think that will change. Everything I have planned has been cancelled, bar one event (which I'm expecting that will be cancelled today). My five-month holiday has turned out... Continue Reading →
