Read whatever, whenever, however.
Happy Thanksgiving/Black Friday/Cyber Monday. If you partook, I hope you got what you wanted and had fun. (I did enjoy the video games sale a bit too much, unfortunately sales on books were a little light on locally). You Don’t Know What War Is by Yeva Skalietska arrived thanks to Bloomsbury. It’s a true story,... Continue Reading →
In brief: The story of Carlisle’s relationship with her father and his partner James from 1980s New York to the present day. The good: Very emotive at times. The not-so-good: I am not a fan of ballet or dance! Why I chose it: Thank you to Bloomsbury for the ARC. Year: 2022 Pages: 270 (ARC)... Continue Reading →
In brief: Rose and Charlotte meet while working on a New York music magazine. Their friendship will continue as they take different paths, but will they agree on the other’s choices? The good: Bluntly honest, it doesn’t hide the bad. The not-so-good: I was less invested in Charlotte towards the end of the novel. Why... 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 →
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 →
It’s been a busy week, with not a lot of time for reading (particularly due to the Pokemon GO Fest on the weekend). I think this week I’ll get stuck instead at least one of these: Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley (available tomorrow) was thanks to Bloomsbury. Kiara is just trying to keep her family safe... Continue Reading →
In brief: An author travels to Uruguay, just for the day, to collect some money and see his secret lover. The day turns out very differently than expected. The good: A beautiful writing style and insight into different lives and cultures. The not-so-good: The narrator is not very likeable for most of the story. Why... Continue Reading →
In brief: A collection of short stories, mainly about Paulie and Howard, your everyday couple. The good: Excellent writing and the last story tore me apart. The not-so-good: With all good short stories, I just want more! Why I chose it: Arrived from Bloomsbury with thanks. Year: 2021 Pages: 179 Publisher: Bloomsbury Setting: USA Rating:... Continue Reading →
In brief: Nella is the only Black person in her workplace. So when Hazel starts, she should feel happy – right? But Hazel is suddenly taking over the office and Nella starts receiving messages to leave the workplace. But this isn’t just about work… The good: An incredible debut novel that fizzes with energy. The... Continue Reading →
Sam Still Reading 