Read whatever, whenever, however.
In brief: In 1968, a film is being made in Brighton. For three people linked with the film, their secrets are about to come into the open. The good: Detailed characters and setting. The not-so-good: None of the characters are truly likeable. Why I chose it: Haven’t read enough of William Boyd’s work. Thanks to... Continue Reading →
A big week in U.S. politics and for COVID-19. Let’s talk books now. I received one book in the mail and bought two: Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson is book four in the Stormlight Archive series. At this point, neither side has gained an advantage in the war but new technology will change that.... Continue Reading →
In brief: Three short stories by Curtis Sittenfeld, yay! The good: Curtis Sittenfeld! The not-so-good: Pace yourself or the fun will be over too soon. Why I chose it: Love Curtis Sittenfeld’s work. Year: 2020 Pages: 83 Publisher: Penguin Setting: USA Rating: 9 out of 10 Help Yourself is a slim volume of three short... Continue Reading →
In brief: In the small rural town of Barker, someone is sending drugs via the mail. How does this link with a story of a young couple in the 1980s? Detective Dave Burrows is on the case. The good: Just the right level of action, tension and mystery. The not-so-good: I read it in a... Continue Reading →
I’ve been reading a lot of the US election coverage this week. It will be an interesting week… I received one book in the mail and bought two: Home Sweet Home by Mandy Magro arrived from Harlequin. Sienna is focusing on her work and her daughter until she is left a large property by a... Continue Reading →
In brief: Lizzie has always helped others, be it her family or the patrons at the library where she works. But what happens when the problems get too big? The good: Original, quirky, funny and realistic. The not-so-good: I think you need to be in the right mood for the style of narrative. Why I... Continue Reading →
In brief: The story of ten drugs that changed medicine over history, from opium to monoclonal antibodies. The good: Very interesting as the history of drugs is not really something that you learn. The not-so-good: I found the opium chapter a little too long. Why I chose it: I like a good medical book (and... Continue Reading →
We had spring here last week and now it has turned into summer. Time to start hoping that the air conditioner will work this year. I bought three new books, all new releases. A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor by Hank Green is the sequel to An Absolutely Remarkable Thing, which was loads of fun. The statues... Continue Reading →
In brief: A series of short stories with the common theme of misunderstanding what others mean. The good: Best short stories ever. The not-so-good: Any of these could be a wonderful full-length novel. Why I chose it: Loving Curtis Sittenfeld’s work. Year: 2018 Pages: 271 Publisher: Black Swan (Penguin) Setting: America Rating: 10 out of... Continue Reading →
In brief: In Nazi Germany, everyone has to make sacrifices. For Susie to protect her family, she must live a lie and pretend that her soulmate is nothing to her. The good: An incredible amount of drama in one book. The not-so-good: Something things seemed to be spelled out a little too much for the... Continue Reading →
