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The Mermaid of Black Conch Bay – Monique Roffey – 01.05.22 (BOOKGROUP)

This was my book group read for May, and Sheila (our leader) had just completed a course at Queen’s University on Women Writers, which covered this book so she was able to share some nuggets of inspiration about the many layers of meaning to this magical realism fable. Set on a Caribbean Island, the storyContinue reading “The Mermaid of Black Conch Bay – Monique Roffey – 01.05.22 (BOOKGROUP)”

The Comfort Book – Matt Haig –(AUDIOBOOK) – 25.04.22

I love Matt Haig, so much that I actually read his self-help type books even thought I hate self-help books usually. I listened to this on the way to my second physiotherapy appointment for my back pain. Since my Covid confinement, I’ve had a really bad back, which my GP thinks is due to aContinue reading “The Comfort Book – Matt Haig –(AUDIOBOOK) – 25.04.22”

Amongst Our Weapons (Rivers of London Book ) – Ben Aaronovitch – (AUDIOBOOK) – 24.04.22

I really enjoyed this new instalment of the Rivers of London series – lots of fondly humorous nods to classic fantasy like Tolkien and Harry Potter with magic rings of power and WWII ghosts and the excitement of Peter’s partner Bev’s pregnancy and the birth of the twins. Can’t wait for the next one!

Love After Love – Ingrid Persaud (AUDIOBOOK) – 21.04.22

I listened to this story as an audiobook read by the author. Authors are not always good narrators, but when they are, I think it really brings a book to life being read by its author as they know just where to put the emphasis to convey the meaning they want to put across, plusContinue reading “Love After Love – Ingrid Persaud (AUDIOBOOK) – 21.04.22”

The Girl With No Soul – Morgan Owen – 21.04.22

This is a young adult dystopian fantasy novel, which can go either way for my, but thankfully I really liked this one. The heroine doesn’t remember her past, so with her we discover her world and why she hid her soul in different objects like a good version of Voldemort and his horcruxes! I evenContinue reading “The Girl With No Soul – Morgan Owen – 21.04.22”

Anxious People – Fredrik Backman – Narrated by: Marin Ireland (AUDIOBOOK) – 12.04.22

Like other books by Fredrik Backman that I have read, the major theme of this story is life after bereavement. Once again Backman uses a deft hand to weave together the tales of ordinary people struggling to cope with the blows life has dealt them coming together and helping each other. There is humour andContinue reading “Anxious People – Fredrik Backman – Narrated by: Marin Ireland (AUDIOBOOK) – 12.04.22”

They Both Die at the End – Adam Silvera – 11.04.22

My daughter and I have a thing, that when we’re visiting each other, we swap kindles and read books from the other one. At Christmas this was the book on Becca’s kindle that I started to read, but with one thing and another I didn’t get very far, so I eventually got around to buyingContinue reading “They Both Die at the End – Adam Silvera – 11.04.22”

Eye of the Sh*t Storm (The Frost Files Book 3) Jackson Ford – 04.04.22

This third book in the Frost files series see everyone reeling in the aftermath of the big Earthquake. As usual there is action, heartwarming moments and lots of soul searching. Like in the previous book, a new child with superpowers is causing grief, only this time the child is not evil. Teagan has to tryContinue reading “Eye of the Sh*t Storm (The Frost Files Book 3) Jackson Ford – 04.04.22”

Bewilderment – Richard Powers – 28.03.22

I really enjoyed this beautiful book (almost 100% – with one reservation…). The story can be read on multiple levels and addresses several issues with sensitivity and poetic strength. A father and his nine year old son are both struggling with grief after the sudden death of their wife/mother. The father studies simulations of possibleContinue reading “Bewilderment – Richard Powers – 28.03.22”

Fuzzy Mud – Louis Sachar (AUDIOBOOK) – 24.03.22

Louis Sacher’s book, Holes is one of my favourite books ever – a masterpiece of structure that doesn’t sacrifice story and character. I’ve tried a few other of his kids books and been underwhelmed, but I liked the sound of this one so I gave it a go. I didn’t hate it. It’s quite American,Continue reading “Fuzzy Mud – Louis Sachar (AUDIOBOOK) – 24.03.22”