It had me hooked. This is a wonderful piece of non-fiction that chronicles the development of the Paris Left-Bank intellectuals starting with the Nazi Occupation of Paris. After the war, the intellectuals and artists influenced the public and government through publications, demonstrations and debate. All this is played out on the world's political, artistic and intellectual stage. This is an accessible history of a fascinating time.

This is one of those tasty treats that you hear about and then, finally, make time to read. Barbery does a splendid job of observing and subverting stereotypes, privilege and class structures. The story is told through two main characters as they observe, critique and compare the lives of fellow residents of this Parisian left-bank apartment building. If you're after a book that feels light, yet has substance and wit then this may be it.

After reading this book, I had only one question. Was I entertained? Yes, I was. This book is more like a film that plays in your head. At least that's what was happening in my head. But, I have watched a lot of science fiction in my time. If you're looking for deep and meaningful, then this is not your book. However, if you're after an easy read to satisfy your 'inner space-opera nerd' then you could do a lot worse.

Through the lives of four of its citizens, Masha Gessen shows the reader the political morphing of modern Russia. This is more than a history lesson. Through her four central characters, their families, friends, and associates, Gessen examines the Russian psyche during the post-Soviet era, the use of disinformation and propaganda, corruption, and the legal system. If modern Russia interests you, then read The Future Is History.

What a lovely discovery. Teju Cole's topics range from books and authors to photography and politics. Throughout the book, Cole demonstrates that he has the education, intellect and writing skills to convey his thoughts to the reader in an accessible and interesting style. Some readers may accuse Cole of name-dropping or disagree with what he says and I will not argue with them. However, for me, this book was both a conversation and an education.

The reader gets a taste of what life is like in North Korea... and it's not great. Here the party rules everything, everyone is suspicious each other, deportation of citizens from the city to the harsh countryside can happen within the hour, and lies are constantly recycled to prop up the infallibility and wisdom of the great leader. There is more. But these things alone make the book worth reading and remind us to watch our own governments.

Greenfield begins with an interesting premise and along the way explores notions of family, our addiction and abuse of technology, social structure, freedom and selfhood. However, her style spoon-feeds the reader rather than entertain them. That being said, I still found the novel's ideas enough to get me to the end.

Somewhere between Douglas Adams and Harry Harrison, there is Yoss. The author's style is entertaining and irreverent. Josue Valdes is a contact specialist. He is a trade emissary for humanity, a role which is part diplomat, part negotiator and part sexual explorer. Valdes is perpetually worried that his humble past will catch up with him. However, the fun really starts when the first extragalactic visitors are detected. A great Cuban sci-fi read.

I can't say this book grabbed me from the beginning. It took me the first 200 pages before I could really engage with any of the characters. I understand why some would consider this book slow and dull and there were times when I considered abandoning this one. That being said, there are moments of beauty and tenderness in the writing that for me, made the effort worthwhile.

Karin Tidbeck covers a lot of ground in 213 pages and does it with an understated elegance. This was deceptively quick read and I found myself ruminating upon Tidbeck's novel for a few days after I'd finished it. With each reflection, there's something new to unpack. If weird, strange or speculative fiction is your thing then "Amatka" beckons.

While Hitler's political ambitions were already well underway, one cannot wonder how much Dr Morell's drug cocktails may have influenced the outcome of WW2. Furthermore, the power that Morell gains during the war, as Hitler's personal physician, combined with the horror stories of methamphetamine use during combat make this book a fascinating read.

If you enjoy weird speculative fiction, then this one is for you. It has overtones of the Strugatsky brothers "Roadside Picnic" as the reader is lead into a place which is familiar and yet transformed by an alien, unnamed and unknown influence. It's the first book in a three-day series and I'm looking forward to reading the other two.