Yay! My first read for the year. The blurb which says it‘s “rife with overtones of Dostoyevsky,..” had me picking this up. It seems to be partly based on a true story from letters Highsmith exchanged with a prison inmate. A suspenseful, psychologically disturbing story with an unlikeable protagonist I can‘t help having sympathy for, in fact I was rooting for him. The building up of suspense brings an unexpected ending that leaves me unsettled.

Gem of a book with beautiful writing and imagery, as beautiful as the flowers and gardens described in the novel. Set against the war, it‘s quiet and melancholic as the story is about those who are waiting at home..those waiting for return of loved ones; for love; and to be sent off to war. It breaks my heart. There‘re so many great quotes, I took my time with the book. Read it for June‘s #TBRtarot 😅

In this new series featuring ex-cop Cal Hooper, French takes us to the Irish countryside where the atmosphere of the place is vividly described. It‘s a quieter book, and as always, the characters are complex and richly drawn. I felt let down to discover the mystery is not much of a mystery, but here French tells a heartfelt story of people trying to do right in difficult situations, and that difference between right and wrong is complex..⬇️

I‘m not a big fan of books with paranormal elements but I‘ve enjoyed and liked a couple of her other books, especially The Broken Girls. An unpopular opinion, because I saw many loved it. A quick and entertaining read overall. See why below ⬇️.

📚📖❤️🥹🙏
If you reside in Chicago, please, please consider helping me out so I can apply for a library e-card, please email me.

A twisty psychological thriller with an interesting plot. But sadly I didn‘t like it. The short chapters alternating between the few characters and pace of writing made it easy to keep turning the pages though. I kept reading as I wanted to know how the two stories are connected. Some predictable twists, a far fetched story. Read only if you can suspend disbelief on lots of things or can do with a popcorn thriller.

I‘m fond of Japanese literature but not a fan of this book. Themes of long-buried memories, and childhood are woven into the story with a melancholic, dreamlike tone. The starting was lovely; along the way, I just lost interest in the story and the protagonist. I also didn‘t like the two relationships depicted in the story (can‘t say anymore without spoilers).

My, oh my. The wife is nuts! Her all-consuming obsession for her husband, her insecurities, neuroticism, are intriguing and suspenseful to read in the beginning. But the repetition annoyed me. I know it‘s to stress how obsessed she is, but I was impatient to get to the end. And I didn‘t like the twist at the end (I saw many loved it). Giving it a Pick as I found some parts amusing and entertaining.

A charming story written in a simple, straightforward style. Mrs Harris is a likeable character, who has a lovely adventure in Paris, where she forms friendships with the people she encounters. I immediately watched the film, which has some subtle changes and a different ending. Both book and film put a smile on my face.
#TBRtarot

I just cringed and my heart was broken when I saw how my boxes of books were being handled 💔😢

The author‘s acknowledgment that this book is “a love letter to hometowns, and to the family, friends, and communities that raised us” sums it up. It‘s a beautiful tribute to the bond between grandparents and grandchildren. A relatable depiction of the changes and challenges faced by a 13 year old in middle school. A hopeful story that focuses on healing, dealing with changes, and importance of communication.

The Widow is an interesting, bleak, tension-building story that follows two characters trapped by fate and despair in the French countryside. Simenon‘s writing is forthright and sparse; the story kept my interest throughout, giving an air of edginess. Of the two main characters, the widow Couderc (Tati) - unattractive yet tough- is more interesting and has my sympathies. The 1971 French movie adaptation starring..⬇️

In this series of reflective essays, we get an insight on how Murakami became a novelist; his writing process; views on what it means to be a writer; thoughts on creativity, literary prizes; his relationship with his readers, translators, publishers, and why he writes abroad. From his first novel that he wrote at his kitchen table, to how he closed down his jazz cafe to become a ‘full time‘ writer, these essays are candid, and Murakami comes off⬇️

My 1st Lispector is unlike any novel I‘ve read. The whole book is the interior monologue of the main character, who seems to be on existential crisis as she muses on identity, death, religion,etc. Her complex philosophical ideas on life are perplexing to me; her thoughts are often contradictory & hard to follow, yet hypnotic. Not a book for everyone. For it being hypnotic & provocative merely from an encounter with a cockroach, it‘s not a ‘pan‘.

The author draws inspiration from his personal experience to show the similarities between Judaism and Chinese culture by highlighting the Rosh Hashanah and Lunar New Year traditions. Winner of the Sydney Taylor Book Awards 2024, it‘s a great picture book with vibrant illustrations to share with young readers, to learn about different cultures and reflect on customs that intertwine so beautifully. The back matter is very informative and helpful.

My second time reading Heidi as an adult and I still enjoy it. I like the descriptions of the beautiful landscapes, the idyllic life on the Alps, and the themes of family, friendship, and kindness. A gentle and comfort read.
#childrensclassicread2024
I read from Gutenberg but found this pretty edition on Pinterest.

A disturbing (and sad) read about a freshman‘s year at Harvard. David is academic smart, pathetic, a loner, and is obsessed with a fellow student. His obsession and stalking take a dark turn. The novel is gripping; thought-provoking in exploring obsession, privilege; David‘s interior monologue is at times witty and mostly struck as unhinged; the vocabulary used is good, clever. I‘ll like to read more of Teddy Wayne‘s works.

If not because of #TBRtarot I would not have chanced upon this book or author. A well-written, delightful story of four girls who turned a run-down cottage into their summer play house. I enjoyed the nice humour, and the way the girls are portrayed..reminds us of the simple joys of growing up. Published in 1904, it‘s old fashioned but sweet.

The Thief follows a skilful and complicated pickpocket who got mixed up in the criminal world. It lets you glimpse at the dark, underbelly of criminal world, how it can control the politics of a city/country. I was fascinated with the analysis of pickpocketing, and the book comes across as a bit philosophical, and perhaps it‘s an allegory, as I didn‘t understand the appearance of the ‘tower‘. Not a thriller or crime novel, more of a Japanese..⬇️

I enjoyed this more than the first book. The mystery wasn‘t too difficult to guess, but it was fun to see Holmes‘ deductions. A couple of things surprised me - the quick romance and the casual depiction of use of cocaine by you-know-who! And Toby made me smile.

#NoPlaceLikeHolmes

I was curious after @Reggie ‘s review…
Whoa! This was one crazy, chaotic story. The pacing was fast, lots of twists, and I felt things could go in so many directions,.. kept me turning the pages. Some parts a bit unrealistic, so if you‘re willing to suspend disbelief, need a quick popcorn thriller, just dive in for the wild, fun ride. 😆

Received my #NoPlaceLikeHolmes Sherlock merch! 🤩🔎
Thank you for all the hard work @dabbe @Cuilin
Will be starting the tagged book for our monthly read 👌.

This is the 4th in the Detective Kaga series translated to English. I‘ve read Malice & A Death in Tokyo, somehow missed Newcomer. It‘s good if you read them in order, so you‘ll get a little backstory of Detective Kaga, but no matter if you don‘t. You may get confused in the beginning because of the characters‘ names (luckily there‘s a character list) but soon you‘ll be familiar with them. Reading Japanese police procedural..⬇️

#serieslove2024

Carolyn, these arrived today. Thank you so much, for your kindness, and for thinking of me, truly appreciate! ❤️ I hope things are going well with you. 😘
#bookmail
#litsylove

A lovely, special tale about how people cope with life in a coastal town after the 2011 tsunami disaster in Japan. It centres around a girl, a young woman, and an elderly woman who met at a shelter. An engaging read, filled with folklore, and written with warmth and understanding. Thanks @batsy putting this on my radar. For an excellent review, look up @batsy ‘s thoughts on this book.

This fun tale follows three courageous mice on a mission to rescue a prisoner (though I never understood why that particular prisoner poet needed to be rescued). I liked all three of them especially Miss Bianca. The illustrations are great and I enjoyed the sly sense of humour. Never read the book, never watched the Disney adaptation, I‘m glad I‘ve read it for #ChildrensClassicRead2024

Five main characters, who have reached a crossroad in their lives, or kind of lost their way in life, met a mysterious librarian who has a capability of recommending the right book which helps them. I liked that all the characters are connected to the library, though unknown to each of them. This is a heartwarming book which matches the cute cover. It‘s uplifting, and celebrates the power of books/literature & human connection.

These collection of stories are about Black womanhood, touching on various topics like sexuality, lust, abortion, porn, rape, race, and many others. They‘re insightful however I‘m somewhat disappointed. A handful of them stood out for me - Nineteen Fifty-Five, The Lover, The Abortion, and Laurel; the others weren‘t so impressive.
#TBRtarot

Sundays are for pancakes 🥞! Listening to Murakami reflects on his career.

“What I was seeking by writing first in English and then “translating” into Japanese was no less than the creation of an unadorned “neutral” style that would allow me freer movement…Writing in my new style felt more like performing music than composing literature, a feeling that stays with me today.”

Interesting how Murakami developed his own writing style.

A reread for #NoPlaceLikeHolmes .
This first novel recounts the initial meeting of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson, which I liked. Just as in the first reading, I enjoyed it, although I think the backstory need not be so in-depth. I read from an illustrated copy, artwork by George Hutchinson.

My library hold just came in 😆. This will be perfect for a cozy festive read.. from the English country house, village pub to Christmas meals, it‘s a great holiday read, with a murder (or more) thrown in! It‘s a quick, engrossing and fun read, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

These are powerful stories, masterfully written with subtle messages on themes of misogyny, examining women-men relationships, and showing how women are looked down upon. 1st story was very good, 2nd stories was even better, and the last one was chilling. Highly recommend!

I found the first part slow, bogged down by the characters‘ backgrounds, motivations and philosophical ideals, which I later understood were essential to the story. It required much concentration; such long sentences, and I was out of air by the end of most paragraphs. I almost bailed out, but I was determined not to, on my first read of the year. Chapter 2 onwards it shifted full gear..it was tense and I was at the edge of my seat…⬇️

I didn‘t like this as much as The Hours Before Dawn but it was entertaining. Imogen‘s thoughts & perceptive observations are often wryly humourous. There‘s an atmosphere of unease cleverly weaved in throughout. And when the mystery is explained, it‘s so simple yet one couldn‘t possibly have guessed. Brilliant how Fremlin has a flair to “put a plot that is exciting or terrifying against a background that is domestic, very ordinary, humdrum."

A great collection of 12 short stories with appearances by Miss Marple, Poirot, Tommy & Tuppence, and Mr. Parker Pyne. These were previously published before, now compiled in a beautiful hardback. I enjoyed some of the stories more than the others, but overall these are entertaining stories to read if you prefer something light and cozy.

Visited a book sale during Christmas Eve. Very quiet, no crowd at all, unlike the previous years. Believe it or not, I only managed to get ONE book. Well, there were more children‘s books than adults, so 🤷🏻‍♀️.
Anyway, I want to wish everyone who celebrates a very Merry Christmas - a Christmas filled with love, peace, and joy. 🎄

Awesome! 😍 Thank you very much Suba, for my #Jolabokaflodswap package. @batsy I love them all!
I‘m also pleased to know an independent bookstore is being supported. 😊 Merry Christmas! 🎄

Thank you @MaleficentBookDragon for organising. Happy Jolabokaflod!

Isn‘t that a lovely cover? Book has a good premise..a young woman works at her uncle‘s bookshop for room & board after her breakup with her boyfriend & left her job. I like the message of rediscovering oneself, falling in love with reading, the importance of family. But I did not feel connected with the main character or moved by the overall story. 1st part about the second hand bookshop town, ⬇️

I‘ve sent off my #Jolabokaflodswap parcel. 🚚
Should reach you tomorrow @Smarkies 😊

I‘m pleased to know Richard Osman said this won‘t be the last we hear of the Thursday Murder Club, though he will let the beloved gang rest for a while and move on to write a new series (which I look forward to). This fourth instalment is probably my favourite. There‘s gentle humour, and sadness. Nicely executed.

It has arrived! So excited! #jolabokaflodswap
@batsy Thank you 😘

BATTENBERG CAKE. The antique dealer‘s husband in the book makes a terrific Battenberg. I didn‘t know what it is, had to look it up 😂. Looks so pretty. Now I want to taste it! 😋

In the intro Graham Greene called this her "finest novel". One will either agree, or find it rather dry. Because nothing much ‘happens‘ most of the time, no plot twist, no actual murder..but always, there is a feeling of something not quite right. The protagonist deals with his conscience, and isolation in the heat of Tunisia. We hear his thoughts mostly, and a good insight of world politics of the 1960s through all the characters‘ views. ⬇️

I‘m glad I finally got round to reading this little gem, thanks to #AuthorAMonth . A quiet, subtle piece of work, I love the way Ishiguro unfolds the story little by little. It has many layers, and so much of what is left unsaid is just as important as what is said. Beautiful, skilful writing. As in Never Let Me Go, it leaves me thinking long after I finished it.

Set in the 1950s California, this graphic novel touches on the main themes of homophobia, violent bullying, bigotry, abandonment, & isolation. The story is very bleak.The protagonist is going through adolescence phase, & trying to make sense of the world around him, but there‘re times I was frustrated with him for being a coward. The simple black & white artwork is effective in conveying the story..disturbing. TW: animal cruelty, nudity, suicide.

“Michiko Aoyama‘s “What You are Looking For Is in the Library” centers on a local library where five Tokyoites are gently guided through personal issues by a kindly librarian”.

This book sounds like a celebration of libraries, the power of books..light hearted and heartwarming, just the kind of book I need now. But it‘s ‘several months‘ waiting time! 😂🤣

I appreciate the author sharing her emotional experiences as a queer immigrant living in the US, and her strained relationship with her parents, in this comic book, which is a collection from the LGBTQ+ online magazine called Autostraddle (which I just discovered). However, my reading experience was not enjoyable as I was confused in places..it felt disjointed, without a sequence of narrative. It‘s like a diary of random feelings and experiences.

This historical novel about family secrets, war, and its trauma, is the fourth Simone St. James‘ book I‘ve read. The author can tell an engrossing gothic tale with paranormal elements, suspense, and romance. I didn‘t expect how the mystery and family issues played out, but overall it was an enjoyable read. This was supposed to be for last month‘s #AuthorAMonth but my timing is bad.

Hi #FurrowedMiddlebrowClub folks. Here are my picks ⬆️. Please cast your votes for November 2024 read. ❤️

I hope I got everyone in the list. Please add if I left out anyone Leah. @LeahBergen

This was a fun trip down memory lane. As a young reader, I remember loving Nancy Drew for her independence and the spirited girl she was. On rereading as an adult, I find the story too predictable but still admire her independence and determination. The fast paced story kept me turning the pages.
Read this for #ChildrensClassicRead2023 and #TBRtarot
Coincidentally it ties nicely with #NancyDrewBR this month. 😊