Read whatever, whenever, however.
In brief: Emmy lives with a secret – she’s part Japanese and spent years in an internment camp during WWII. Now famed actress Virginia van Belle wants her to write a play about her experience, but will it be true? The good: The second half is fast paced and dramatic. The not-so-good: The first half... Continue Reading →
In brief: Sean is a middle age bookseller who should have really written a novel by now. He’s jaded with work, writing and the gentrification of his neighbourhood. The good: Comments made to people asking stupid questions. The not-so-good: Definitely not an uplifting read and can be repetitive. Why I chose it: Don’t mind a... Continue Reading →
Happy Monday! I’ve got some surprise books as well as favourite authors and topics this week: Department of the Vanishing by Johanna Bell (available March) was a surprise from Transit Lounge. It’s a blend of images, poetry and narrative verse as it tells the story of Ava, who works rebuilding lost species from the information... Continue Reading →
In brief: Cielo is a busy medical student, and she doesn’t give people second chances, especially her ex-turned music star Aiden. But when they are forced to be part of the same wedding, they need to talk – and rethink their relationship. The good: A light read that is both interesting and fun. The not-so-good:... Continue Reading →
In brief: Birdie became a model at a young age, where are every move was controlled by someone else. Finally free, she has to reflect on the past when she receives an invite to her agent’s career celebration. The good: Different and fascinating. The not-so-good: Not particularly happy for the most part. Why I chose... Continue Reading →
And the first week of the year is done – hopefully the rest isn’t as busy! Rachel to the Rescue by Elinor Lipman opens with Rachel being sacked from her White House job for criticising Donald Trump. As she departs, she’s hit by a car in suspicious circumstances but her recovery is loaded with flowers,... Continue Reading →
In brief: Food detectives Nagare and Koishi return to help out six people find the food of their memories. The good: Familiar and easy to read. The not-so-good: A bit repetitive, down to where the cat makes an entrance. Why I chose it: Love Japanese novels in translation and have enjoyed the previous Kamogawa Food... Continue Reading →
In brief: Janet leads a very boring life (according to Lady Miss Jacqueline) until she meets a magical wig. The good: Very, very funny. The not-so-good: A short story (but the first in the Southern Belle Insults series). Why I chose it: I really like Jasmine Guillory’s novels. Year: 2021 Pages: 25 Publisher: Amazon Setting:... Continue Reading →
Happy Monday as things return to normal under the holidays. I got a few books with a birthday voucher: L.A. Women by Ella Berman opens with Lane back on the up. She has a new book deal, but it’s based on her friend/rival Gala who has been missing for months. Both writers, they were drawn... Continue Reading →
In brief: Riko and Aki work at the same bookshop in Tokyo, but don’t get along. When their store is threatened with closure, they will have to work together to try to save it. The good: A fun read! The not-so-good: Don’t go in expecting cosy fiction, this is drama. Why I chose it: Love... Continue Reading →
Sam Still Reading 