so-soBook 6 of my #12booksofsummer is a conundrum. Beautifully, skilfully written but a narrator - a plantation owner‘s wife - who, whilst being trapped herself, doesn‘t recognise her own prejudices and actions to limit the freedom of others. I found this quite problematic and didn‘t really enjoy the novel as a result.
pickWent off list with what I‘m referring to as Book 5a of my #12booksofsummer challenge because this library reservation came up. Not my favourite of the series but, let‘s face it, I‘d happily read any book Aaronovitch writes about PC Peter Grant.
so-soBook 5 of my #12booksofsummer challenge is a strange story of a young woman‘s growing involvement in a cult and then domestic terrorism. Some really good quality writing with great turns of phrase and interesting observations on faith, grief and belonging. Even in the first person (which is interestingly slippery at chapter beginnings), the narration is detached and hazy - not a completely good thing. Worth a read but you might forget it.
pickBook 4 of my #12booksofsummer challenge was a strange story of faith and transformation. Wonderfully atmospheric and darkly funny, as you‘d expect from Hilary Mantel. Quite unlike anything else I‘ll read during this challenge.
pickBook 3 of my #12booksofsummer challenge was my last remaining unread book from the 2018 Cheltenham Literature Festival and I definitely saved the best till last. This book - part memoir of a consultant in palliative care, part call to action to talk openly about death and dying and part guide to a good death - should be read by everyone. I was moved, inspired and even reassured by its honesty and compassion.
panBook 2 of my #12booksofsummer challenge isn‘t one I would revisit or recommend. A gruelling tale of a young Korean woman kidnapped by Japanese soldiers who enslave her as a “comfort woman” and her sister left behind to endure even more horrors of war. Whilst the story is important, I didn‘t like this book or the writing and found the plot too implausible.
Am doing the #12booksofsummer challenge between 3rd June and 3rd September (I know it‘s supposed to be #20booksofsummer but I have a full time job, housework and gardening to do). Anyway, I‘m using it to read books already on my bookcase or Kindle. Here‘s my list! #bookstagram
