shortjen

All Happening by the Water

Into the Water – by Paula Hawkins Paula Hawkins also wrote “The Girl on the Train” which I read some time ago and enjoyed. This was another audio book – and I wonder if that had an impact on my enjoyment of it. There were a lot of characters and it felt confusing at times.Continue reading “All Happening by the Water”

Borrowbox Gems

Little Sister by Lucy Dawson This was an audio book I borrowed from Cumbria Library’s Borrowbox service. It was the first audio book I’ve listened to for a while and I really enjoyed it. Fabulous company for my daily exercise during lockdown. The book is about Anya who goes on a cave diving holiday inContinue reading “Borrowbox Gems”

From Nazareth to Inverness

The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd I was given this book by the Reading Agency; registered Reading Groups can apply for free pre-published copies in exchange for reviews. The Book of Longings is the story of Ana, the fictional wife of Jesus. I was very interested by the premise. As the author explains,Continue reading “From Nazareth to Inverness”

Spending Time

Chocolat by Joanne Harris This is the perfect book to read at this time of the year – Easter weekend. It is beautifully written, full of rich descriptions of tastes and smells. The descriptions of chocolate are so good you can almost taste them (I have never been so disappointed in a bar of DairyContinue reading “Spending Time”

Different kinds of fantasy

The Book of Dust – by Philip Pullman I still remember the absolute joy I felt when I read Philip Pullman’s trilogy, “His Dark Materials”. My regret is that I didn’t have an opportunity to read it as a child. It would have fed my imagination games for months. When I found out that PullmanContinue reading “Different kinds of fantasy”

Challenging Reads

My Absolute Darling – Gabriel Tallent I’m a fan of Stephen King and have been since I was a teenager. I follow him on Facebook, where he often posts about books he’s enjoyed. This is how I discovered this book. ‘My Absolute Darling’ is about Turtle, a 14 year old girl who lives with herContinue reading “Challenging Reads”

Contrasts

A Detail in History by Arek Hersh This is the true story of what happened to Arek Hersh during the war. As an 11 year old Polish Jew he had to endure and witness many horrors. Somehow Arek survives what happens – when you read the book you wonder how that could be possible. ArekContinue reading “Contrasts”

Poetry & Gin Cocktails

Mentors by Russell Brand In ‘Mentors’ Russell Brand describes what a mentor is and how important they have been in his life. Mentors can be almost anyone, but they must be able to help you move onto the next stage of your life. Russell says that we all need heroes, role models and mentors. ThereContinue reading “Poetry & Gin Cocktails”

Nothing like a recommendation….

Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty The story is set in Australia and follows 9 people who decide to spend 10 days in an expensive rural health spa run by an ex-corporate executive called Masha. Their past lives and reasons they are at retreat are gradually revealed, as they take part in increasingly bazaar activities.Continue reading “Nothing like a recommendation….”

Inspiration

The Outsider by Stephen King When Detective Ralph Anderson decides to arrest Terry Maitland, the town’s popular baseball coach, he’s convinced he’s doing the right thing. There is strong evidence – DNA, fingerprints and several eye witness testimonies – that Terry assaulted and murdered an eleven year old boy. The only problem is that TerryContinue reading “Inspiration”