Read whatever, whenever, however.
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
In brief: Reese used to have almost everything a trans woman could want. But now her ex has detransitioned and gotten a woman pregnant – could Reese get a chance to be a mum? The good: The characters are wonderfully flawed and honest with the reader. The not-so-good: There isn’t a great deal of plot... Continue Reading →
In brief: Olivia has moved to L.A. to start her own law firm. The last thing she needs is to fall in love with a popular young senator in Max. The good: Olivia and Max are fun, as are the cake and pie descriptions. The not-so-good: I’ve only got one more in The Wedding Date... Continue Reading →
In brief: Professor Peter Doherty, Nobel Prize winner, had his 2020 planned. What eventuated was being involved with the pandemic response and disseminating that information. The good: Very interesting read on immunity, viruses and vaccines. The not-so-good: Possibly not always one to pick up when the COVID-19 news is not great. Why I chose it:... Continue Reading →
In brief: Vi and Kate are identical twins who have a psychic ability they call ‘senses’. In adulthood, Kate tries to be as normal as possible, while Vi embraces life as a medium. Then Vi goes viral for predicting an earthquake… The good: It’s more the story of relationships than about psychic ability. The not-so-good:... Continue Reading →
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