I was just thinking that I haven’t read a lot of books lately and then had a look at my listening history for the last couple of weeks, and I have been reading, quite a lot actually. Between Audible books and the Libby app, I constantly have a book playing.
The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai. This is one of those books that is just a story – of a life well lived. This book literally felt like you had stepped through the hedge and become a fly on the neighbours wall as you watched Sonia and Sunny grow up together and apart and together and … It was just a ride alongside them, very poetical, very tough and just a beautiful read. Well worth all the acclaim.
Small Fry by Lisa Brennan-Jobs. The biography of Lisa, daughter of Steve Jobs, who grew up in the Silicon Valley in the70/80s. An arty/creative mom and no need to describe her dad, this is a very moving memoir. She longed for someone to fill the gap in her life, her parents never quite did, and she turned out to be feisty and scrappy, funny and warm. This is a good read, about crazy parents whose kids survive, despite them.
The Instrumentalist by Harriet Constable. A historical novel set at the height of Venetian Artiness. When orphans were abandoned on the church steps and Venice had a world renowned conductor and music school. This is behind the scenes on the life of Anna Maria, or one of the many Anna Maria’s, who rose to fame despite her lowly beginnings, are quest to be the best, no matter who or what stood in the way. Ultimately the cost of her ambition and the betrayal of those around her. It’s outrageous, it’s gritty and to be honest, none of the characters are very likeable.
The Body Keeps Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk. So many friends recommended that I read that I read this book, so not one to back away from a challenge, I dived in. This book may well unpack you, you will learn things that you might not want to know about yourself and you will learn things about the people around you too… a very compassionate author, a very thought provoking book, not only does he question the establishment but he looks for and provides solutions too. This is an excellent read. It explains a lot about trauma, how we deal with it, or don’t deal with it, and how to live alongside it… excellent read.
Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping by Jessie Sutanto. This is the second in the series, an amusing energetic and elderly character takes on the world, her heart is feisty. Just a great fun read. I love Vera Wong, easy reading, cosy crime at it’s understated best.
The Names by Florence Knapp. I listened to this because of the hype… and my goodness, this book has earned the acclaim. It is excellent. A child receives three different names. The story is told by and retold by all the characters… it is about growing up and heartbreak, family ties and family knots. There are moments of pure joy and many more of deep sadness. This is beautifully written and will have you pressing pause on your life, so that the story can play on. Trigger warning for domestic abuse.
The Barbecue at No. 9 by Jennie Godfrey. I absolutely loved her previous book, The List of Suspicious Things. For those of you who grew up in the 80 and 90’s her books are a MUST read. When the Gordon’s decide to host a barbecue to watch the LIVE AID concert, they had no idea that all the neighbours secrets would come spilling out in the lead up, let alone all of theirs on the day. A great read about those times when you think all is hopeless, and if folk would just speak to each other, it would all turn out okay.
What’s Your Dream? By Simon Squibb. I heard about this book on a podcast, and had to listen to it. This is very easy listening, and if you are looking for inspiration to get moving on a project you have put to the side, then this book is a practical guide to get you moving.
The Mysterious Affair of Judith Potts by Robert Thorogood. If you enjoyed The Thursday Murder Club, then you will absolutely love this series. Judith Potts lives on the Thames River and is partial to a morning dip (already she appeals to me). Mysteries and Murder seem to land on her doorstep and she and her collection of besties gather together to solve them. Funny, charming, and extremely readable.
The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella. I love a good Kinsella weekend read, and this one didn’t disappoint. When Samantha Sweeting, a high powered London Lawyer, literally runs away from her job and finds herself working as a housemaid in the English Countryside, even though she can hardly make a cup of tea, let alone toast. The flyaway pieces of her life start to fit back together, all while she is learning how to bake a fresh loaf of bread. Funny, light and enjoyable, just as you would expect.
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. I LOVED this book, the audible is excellent, but you have to look at the “book book” it is written in letter form, as we get to know the protagonist Sybil Van Antwerp, through her daily letter writing. In an era when letter writing was the norm, Sybil made it a practice and still writes a letter each morning. This story is funny and witty, but there is an underlying sadness and Sybil will have to face something that she has put off for years and years. There is a genuine and heart warming apology from an older mom, to her grown daughter. This book will always hold a place in my heart.
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. This one also comes with loads of “best book ever” stamps of approval from every corner of the reading world, and yet I have found it really really long. Theo is an elderly man that arrives tin the small town of Golden and does several good deeds for the local townsfolk, one by one, and mostly anonymously. There is a lot of mystery surrounding Theo, he is a likeable enough character and hopefully his secrets and the reason behind his generous spirit will eventually emerge!!! Still listening…