I am a sucker for a book that has a bookish word in the title. Generally I am not disappointed either. These five were 2019 reads, although a couple of them have been around quite awhile.
The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick. Martha the main character works at the library, used to write stories with her Grandma and there is a bookshop owner and bookshop as well. I enjoyed this story, liked Martha as a character, her quirkiness and the way she changed. My review.
A Month of Sundays by Liz Byrski is set in Australia. It is about four women who belong to an online book club. They are invited by one member to join her for a few weeks in the Blue Mountains. They have never met in person before, each one is either retired or about to retire. They each have to bring a book that is going to reveal to the others something about themselves. They take a week to read and then discuss each one. The books mentioned are real books, and bring out information about each character. They have very thoughtful discussions. My first read of this author and I will certainly look for more by her.
Five women meet each month to discuss a book. Their friendship is important to them, even if some are tinged with tension. Each women faces a challenge as the story unfolds and each responds in a way unique to her. And through all the trials friendship carries the day. Each chapter begins with a quote from a book that is rather relevant to what happens in the chapter. I cheered them on, recognised and understood the crises and rather admired their steps forward in their lives.
I thought this might be another happy book about a bookshop, however I was warned in the forward by someone other than the author that this was a sad book, and so it is. It was an excellent listen on audio, I don’t think I’d enjoy just reading it. Set in a small village in England it is a tale of taking a risk, being a little naive about what might be a success and how to run a small business. Florence Green has a kind heart, but that cannot be said for another woman in the village who ruthlessly sets about being Florence’s and the bookshop’s downfall.
OMG I loved this book, I just was so annoyed when it ended, the best kind of annoyed though. I have read this every spare minute I had, I love this kind of book magic that draws me into a story. It often surprised a laugh out of me. It often had me worrying over the outcome for characters. There are some serious issues that are explored.
Zoe brings her own brand of book beliefs to the blue van while Nina is busy holed up in a hospital bed. (Remember Nina from The Bookshop on the Corner). Zoe brings her own brand of being a nanny to three “lost” children and she is a wonderful mother to her own.
Set in Scotland – in a big house like a castle. At some point I hope I’ll hear this on audio because I am sure it would be wonderful with the right narrator.
LOVED IT.
This was a fascinating look at the world mostly around the Cuban crisis and the time of President Kennedy. These were in the background as a young Cuban woman whose family had to flee Cuba in the revolution becomes involved in espionage and one handsome American senator. The book is well written, the story was mostly believable and I liked the main characters. I’d certainly read this author again.
This one involves twin sisters, one on the beauty queen stage – the other a down to earth school librarian. When the beauty queen comes down with a bad allergy she twists the arm of her twin sister to take her place in the initial events of the competition. While the first sister is at first resistant she gets in the spirit and is a very refreshing entrant. This book was light and funny and I enjoyed the quick read. I’d be happy to read Teri Wilson again sometime.
In Tell Me Three Things Jessie must make a new beginning as a sixteen year old when her Dad uproots her to leave Chicago and live in California with a step mom and step brother. She has to settle into a new home, a new school and new friends. If she can make them. Add to that she grieves the loss of her mother who died about two years previously. I loved this book, the characters, the wisdom and insight and the struggle. I really look forward to reading more by Julie Buxbaum.
I’m Fine and Neither Are You explores grief, a working mother, two young children and a house husband who may not quite be pulling his weight. Penelope and Sanjay seem to be coasting towards boredom and dissatisfaction with their marriage. Could adding some honesty into the mix help or hinder? While there are serious issues explored in this book I read it quickly with enjoyment. I would certainly read this author again.
What a beautiful story, as a teacher I appreciate the portrayal of a talented and caring compassionate teacher in Maggie. My heart went out to Katya and Sasha who were victims of the Chernobyl disaster. Their son Yuri has a heart defect as a result of all the radiation. Such a moving, sad and yet hopeful story. I loved the relationship between Maggie, Yuri and Finn. So many good friendships in the book. The only thing that sort of amused me was I know the writing of the students would not have been so highly edited in their notebooks. I certainly would recommend this book.
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