A few years ago, when I first began to blog, part of my reason to do so was to try find something to do that reminded me of who I was whilst surviving the early zombie years of parenting two little ones. Adjusting to parenting has lots of positives and one is how you begin to really hone in on your passions. You have no time to waste anymore- bad TV shows bite the dust. You cannot afford to listen to horrible conversations that suck your energy. Bad news reports can bugger off. You cannot wantonly give your sacred time to reading a dreadful book. Reading is my brain massage and books are the objects that make me most happy. More than chocolate. No lie. Just like an extremely restrictive diet taught me sausages were my favourite food, sleep deprivation showed me there is nothing you cannot handle once you are rested, parenting cemented the fact reading is my one true love when it comes to life’s pleasures.
I have been chipping away at a few novels over the four years gone by but this summer I managed a much better run at the books. I am getting them back. And I love it.
Here is my summer reading in review. I did very well. No duds and no throwaways. I firmly believe that life is too short to insist on reading a book that does nothing for you. Have a look at the following. Maybe you also need the therapy of a truly good book.
The one I talked about to everyone I met…
Keep them Safe by Melissa Hill
I was hooked by the storyline. Hill employs a chicklit genre but brings a new element. Quirky, predictable romance takes a backseat to the controversial and timely plot of two families and the potential consequences of decisions whether or not to vaccinate babies. I couldn’t put it down until I knew what happened.
The one I took a chance on…
Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch
This was a Facebook book club choice (run by blogger An Historian About Town) and the book I took on holiday. I thoroughly enjoyed the settings in the novel as characters romps about modern London, dipping and diving between the supernatural and ethereal to the perfectly real. I found the storyline entertaining. It is fantastical in genre- Harry Potter is mentioned in many reviews. Magic is a key element of the story and the novel does not hold back on moments of horror or grotesque imagery (sensitive folk be aware of upsetting scenes). Having said that, it is not overused. A very enjoyable adventure to read and also to experience reading it.
The one with heart…
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
Hooked. Loved it. Young love in a nineties setting, I was back in time with clunky, awkward jeans, mixed tapes and house phones. If you remember loving My So-called Life then you owe your younger self the honour of reading this wonderful book.
The one with the Bennett sisters…
What Kitty Did Next By Carrie Kablean
A recommendation from a fellow blogger There’s something about KM and I was double clicking confirm on an Amazon purchase. I quite enjoy a text that draws on famous characters as their plot focus- if they successfully meet the challenge. Kablean gives us the story of Kitty Bennett and continues on shortly after where the infamous Pride and Prejudice left off. A difficult task and a brave one- keeping the integrity of the characterisation and being believable. I enjoyed every page.
The fluffy one…
Mrs Queen Takes the Train By William Kuhn
A little bit of whimsy. I very much like Alan Bennett’s The Uncommon Reader and the book has a similar theme. A royal showing her reality. It is fun to read.
The one that made me uncomfortable...
The Knot by Mark Watson
I gave Watson another go after quite liking Hotel Alpha. The book kept me reading but it took a twist I really wasn’t sure how I felt about. The twist is implied early on but you could think it wouldn’t happen as it is surely too shocking. Suddenly it is right there in the page in front of you. I think the subject matter would be easier digest if I liked any character as a person but I really did not.
The one that made me ugly cry…
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
The character of Harold smacks of A Man Called Ove which I adored. I read it every spare minute I could grab, loving the journey, the sentiment and the pop-up characters so much. I recommend it to all but I can never read it again. My tear ducts are still getting over the assault of salt.
The one that made me laugh out loud…
The Guts by Roddy Doyle
Roddy Doyle has been one of my favourite authors for decades now. The style of writing was a revelation to teenage me. Dialogue, dialogue, dialogue. Comedy. Swearing. Lines that are unforgettable and funny. I found this book on sale in the local supermarket with one of those stickers that are so cheap nothing will scratch it off. The story of Jimmy Rabbitte from The Commitments continues twenty years on. It is terribly funny and just like classic Doyle, is underpinned by harsh reality but will not let you drown in the despair of the character’s world. Gifted.
The one with accolades…
Brick Lane by Monica Ali
It took me longer to read than the others. I did not carry it around the house with me yet I loved Nazneen’s character. This is a powerful story of emigration, assimilation into a different culture and the varying roles assigned to men and women in different parts of the world. A good read, it makes you look at a familiar place through new eyes.
I am already three in to my Autumn books. So far? They are really good.
Am so happy to be immersed in my reading world once more.
fancypaper 
‘Reading is my brain massage’ love this!
Also I’ve not read any of these so shall be adding few to my list.
Early this year I joined an online book club and I’m enjoying how it’s introducing me to some books I’d never have picked up. A couple I’ve particularly enjoyed are, Beartown by Fredrik Backman, and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
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I’m not in a book club and I should be! These are all new to me so adding them to my TBR pile.
Rachael | https://rachaelstray.com
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Some great books here. I loved Brick Lane!! I made a list too (great minds think alike) if you want to check it out. https://darlenefoster.wordpress.com/2018/09/16/books-i-read-this-summer/
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Sure, sounds fun!
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Some great books here Orla! I really enjoyed a few of the Ben Aaronovitch novels, they have a fun and quirky tone. I’ll take note of some of the others you mention and I love the way you describe each book in various sections.
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Eleanor and Park sounds like such fun!
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So glad you enjoyed What Kitty Did Next! And a summer of great reading is always a great accomplishment. 🙂
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Thank you for introducing me. Really loved it!
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LOVED Eleanor & Park. As for Austen redux have you read Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld?
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No I haven’t- if it is as good as Kablean’s that would rock
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I read a review and just ordered it. Yea😎
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Thank you for the tips as I haven’t read any of these! I’ll have to see fif they are available on audible.com.
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Some super reads there. I have Mrs Maisel on order too on your recommendation
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Omg!! I can’t wait for you to watch Mrs. Maisel! I’m thinking about watching it a third time it’s that good.
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I heard a radio review raving about it and it reminded me of your recommendation
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You totally need to watch!
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I ADORED Eleanor & Park. Such a beautiful book. Loved Harold Fry too. I couldn’t get on with Brick Lane though. I must’ve missed something as lots of people rate. I was just a bit….bored.
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Kinda the same as you Hayley!!! Brick Lane didn’t keep me reading like the others even though I can see the talent in the writing clearly. Not like Harold. Or Eleanor and Park.
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Yes, she’s a good writer, but the book just didn’t hold me interest.
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Sounds like some great books! I loved “Eleanor and Park!” It’s one of my favorite YA books! ❤
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Such a beautiful read. Sad and lovely x
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Yes. I wish the ending could have been happier. I was sad their relationship had to end. 😦
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Devastating
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It was. 😦
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This is an interesting collection of books but I am yet to read any from your list. Currently reading Crazy Rich Asians…after I saw the movie adaptation last weekend. Loving it
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Really want to read this. And see it!
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Some good recommendations there!!!
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All books I have not heard of as of yet, so thank you for the introduction. And, I’m so happy you’ve had some quality reading time – isn’t it the best?
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So so good. It helps my mind relax like nothing else x
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I’m impressed! I keep trying to read (and I want to), but suck at it :p I end up reading more blogs or news articles instead, but I’d like to do more deep reading. Thanks for the inspiration though 😀
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Blogs and articles are super reads too I think☺ I tried to round up for a post but lost track
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Haha they are! But I lose track of time and end up not reading in depth topics as you can do in books 🙂
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That is true. Skimming more than immersing.
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Great list! They sound interesting, I’ve added a couple to my list – just got a Kindle for my birthday last week and love being able to read again!
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I’ve not read any of these, really great list, I need to get back to reading I have a pile by my bed but between blogging, working and being mum I’m not fitting it all in,. Think I need to somehow prioritise better.. Will have to look a the books on your list, I do love reading,
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I has to switch it up recently. So I have blogged less unfortunately but loving my book time! It is very hard to do it all
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hi yes it is hard, im finding blogging everynight hard work.. takes up to 2 hours in the evening.. now been sharing.. time to read and fit everything in is limited, i need to stop blogging daily – 42 day streak now… but i enjoy doing it. however i definately need more book time.
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Well done on 42 day streak! You will get to use all that as #Throwback and flashback posts too.
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I hadnt thought of that, thankyou.
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I loved Rivers of London. I am currently working my way through the series. So far I I all that I have read.
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Did you know Jessica from AnHistorianAboutTown is a huge fan? She got me into them. Am reading a tough one at the minute called Asking for it. Extremely good book. Makes you ask those difficult questions about consent.
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Yes, I do read Jessica too. They are a fun series of books, love them.
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