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Jane Harper had done it again. A slow burning mystery with an atmospheric and moody sense of place, well written characters and enough red herrings to keep you guessing. You may need a bit of patience to get through the beginning- but the payoff is well worth it.
so-soA largely fictionalized account of the early life of Madam Tussauds, her experience in Paris , Versailles and a tumultuous ride through the French Revolution.
This was on my most anticipated list of 2018, and I think it fell victim to my unrealistic high expectations. Has that ever happened to you? Which book could never live up to your expectations?
pickThis book needs more love ❤️ It is beautiful and heartbreaking and transformative and powerful and fun and .... I could keep going ... or you could pick it up and read about the courage of a boy named Sam as he transforms into the person he was truly meant to be. Be prepared to fall in love with a fabulous cast of characters along the way.
pickThis is a fairytale, an odyssey, an adventure.
During WWII in Darwin, through the mysterious and mythical Australian top end comes the thrilling and magical tale of Molly Hook, who goes on a journey (with the help of a few friends and Sky gifts) to beg an ancient Indigenous sorcerer to lift a curse that has turned her heart to stone.
A story that will enchant and delight even the most jaded reader. Have an adventure and discover pure gold.
September bookhaul. Have you read any of these beauties yet? I‘ve read A Girl Made of Air and next up is All Our Shimmering Skies. So many books so little time, am I right?
pickIt had gore and humour and surprises - and it touches on some very important social issues of racism, sexism and a housewife's role in society (which is mostly overlooked and belittled). Grady Hendrix said he wanted to pay homage to the wives and mothers who fight everyday for their families and their communities without any appreciation or recognition.
#Pileofshame
Every year I attempt to whittle down my enormous tbr by challenging myself to read 25 books that I already own (chosen through various criteria). This is what remains of 2020‘s challenge. Which book should I prioritise?
It‘s interesting to note that I‘ve read 76 books so far this year - and yet these 8 still remain 🤦♀️ #moodreader
pickRuth Ware never disappoints (well, except for The Lying Game 😂) it was atmospheric and gothic and creepy and all those good things. What did you think?
pick“And I have sung of the women, the women in the shadows. I have sung of the forgotten, the ignored, the untold...”
Haynes has written an extraordinary retelling of The Iliad and The Odyssey from the perspective of the much overlooked women. Their voices were brave and moving and funny and intelligent. (Penelope was one of my favourite). This is definitely one of my most loved books of the year so far. Everyone should read it.
pickI was warned that you either love this or hate it. I was not thrilled with the ending, but can‘t stop thinking about the eerie storytelling and creepy atmosphere. It‘s one of those books where you feel deeply unsettled while reading it - but can‘t explain why. So - I guess - I‘m sitting in the ‘liked it‘ camp. What did you think? And are you excited for the netflix adaptation?
I love Brisbane in winter. And it‘s the perfect time to curl up with an engrossing and fantastic seasonal book. What are your favourite winter reads?
pickThis is a deeply disturbing tale of sexual, psychological and emotional abuse that illustrates the process of grooming and gaslighting. It was difficult to read - but an important one. What did you think?
Here are some of my most anticipated releases of the second half of 2020. I‘d love to know what you are looking forward to so I can add it to my endless TBR ❤️📚
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ An absolutely delightful story about Willa Waters - aged 8, 33 and 93 - and what happens when the 3 Willa's find a way to communicate with each other across time. What would you change if you had the chance?
A stunning debut that made me feel dread, joy, despair and hope.
"You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I'll rise." - Maya Angelou
#blacklivesmatter #blackauthorsmatter
I‘m finally picking up #wherethecrawdadssing I‘ve been reluctant to read it in case it doesn‘t live up to the hype 😬. Does anyone else feel this way? Where hype scares you off? Which hyped books do you still need to get to?
pickEmily is offered a dream job working for a wealthy family on their estate in France. She quickly befriends the glamorous and beguiling Nina.
Downes weaves gorgeous descriptions of the French peninsular with ominous and mysterious undertones creeping through at unexpected moments. There's sexual chemistry, a sinister caretaker, a troubled child and a house with secret rooms and no escape. All elements that make a fun and twisty read.
pickI read a lot of mystery / thrillers - and can usually spot the culprit before the great reveal. With #thewifeandthewidow however, I was completely thrown - flabbergasted 😲 which books have your favourite twists?
May book haul. I was very restrained this month and only bought 6 😬 #bookbuyingproblem Have you read any of these?
Time for a nostalgic #throwbackthursday
Although #mybestfriendsexorcism was published in 2016, it looks more like a remnant from the 1980‘s. I adore this retro cover that looks just like a VHS cassette tape 😍 - and believe me, the story is just as much campy fun.
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Why is nobody talking about this book? It‘s a tremendous romp through England in the 1660‘s (or there about) and includes a girl named H, the plague, some dastardly villains, the great fire of London, a few brothels, a cross dressing sailor, the odd murder and delightful array of colourful characters. Thoroughly enjoyable and escapist.
pick#bookreview #hamnet ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Exquisite, gut-wrenching sorrow. With prose that takes your breath away with its beauty and anguish.
pick#bookreview #belowdeck ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This book is powerful, and I think it would have been even more powerful if it had stuck to one main idea. Instead of focusing exclusively on sexual abuse and its ramifications (major trigger warnings) it also tried to be a book about art, race relations and climate change. And it felt a little scattered. The writing was poetic and it's message was important - but it just needed more focus.
I‘ve been in a dark reading mood lately, so thought it was time for something lighter. What are your favourite lighter reads?
pickI knew this book hit a nerve when I started feeling uncomfortable reading it. When I heard my own thoughts, my own insecurities given voice. Why I never feel good enough, why I‘m forever trying to lose weight, why I feel ‘less than‘ when I see images of beautiful people living beautiful lives.
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Book mail! Isn‘t this cover gorgeous? 😍. A haunting tale based on Irish Folklore. Yes please! Stay safe everyone #stayhomeandread
So, just like everyone else, my life has been disrupted and anxiety levels are rising - but thank goodness we have books to lose ourselves in other times and worlds. My most recent purchase is this beauty 😍. Stay safe and healthy everyone 💕💕
One of my most anticipated releases of 2020 arrived! Anyone read it yet?
pickAtwood has done it again! She has created a truly terrifying near future. One with sexbots, unauthorised organ harvesting and neurological sex slavery. But ultimately, this is about choices. What happens when your right to choose is taken away from you? And is it better to be free or secure? I have no idea what this has such low ratings. Yes, all the characters are deplorable and the plot is shocking, but it is such a thought provoking book.
February #bookhaul Have you read any of these beauties yet?
Just in! One of my most anticipated 2020 releases 🙌🙌. A thing of beauty is it not? Inspired by true events, this is about strong women, witch hunts, suspicion and love. Can‘t wait!
Hello beautiful 😍. This is the new one from the author of The Familiars (one of my favourite reads of last year!) it looks sumptuous. #coverappreciation
January book haul. Have you read any of these yet?
pick3.5 stars. Enter the first major discussion point novel for 2020. No doubt it will be loved (or hated) by book clubs everywhere. It examines race, class, well intentioned interference (or was it?) and an array of really really unlikable characters.
Book nerd confession: I bought this because I liked the title and the cover. And I do it All. The. Time 😬😉
pickThis was the most exquisitely written novel. Magical, whimsical, picturesque. I adored the stories within stories and quirky characters. But I still can't tell you what actually happened?? Maybe I wasn't concentrating enough. Am I the only one who feels this way? If someone asked me how it ended, I‘d shrug and say "haven't the foggiest - but I loved the cherry blossom forest and confetti ocean."
Project TBR 2020: Random number generator. I let google choose 5 numbers between 1 and 450 off my #goodreads want-to-read shelf. (Not pictured is NOS4R2 by Joe Hill). #projecttbr2020
Project TBR 2020: Highest rated books on my #goodreads want-to-read shelf.
If a book is a continuation of a series I haven‘t started then I substituted the first book in its place. Can‘t wait to dive in!
Project TBR 2020: the lowest rated books on my Goodreads want-to-read 😬are these really that bad?
Next up in the Project TBR 2020 - the five most recent additions to my Goodreads want-to-read shelf.
Project TBR 2020. In an effort to decrease the massive number of my current TBR (450!) I‘ve decided to use my #goodreads want-to-read shelf and have a bit of fun with the numbers.
First up, these are the 5 oldest books on my TBR (added back in 2013) that I plan on reading next year. #babygotbacklist
Those times when you head into a book with trepidation and are pleasantly surprised. These are the most surprising reads of 2019.
The Reason You‘re Alive: A book about a conservative elderly war veteran 😳 - it warmed the cockles of my heart ❤️
My Best Friend‘s Exorcism: Loved this fun (totally gross) 80‘s inspired possession story. And can we just appreciate the VHS cover 😍
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It‘s been a great reading year, but sometimes a book is so hyped that my expectations are sadly not met. This was the case with these, my most disappointing books of 2019. Please do not confuse this with the worst books.
The best books I read in 2019! I‘ve read 104 books so far this year (currently reading 3 more) and these 12 were my absolute favourites.
From award winners to middle grade fantasy, tear jerkers to ghost stories, books about obsession, family and rock n roll - it‘s been quite a ride. What are your favourites of the year?
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