Katheryn Thompson's Blog, page 16

I was away for the end of August and start of September, so this month you get two for the price of one.


Sidney Chambers and the Shadow of Death (James Runcie, 2012)

As a priest, Canon Sidney Chambers' priorities should be simple: first to God, and second to his parishoners. But these priorities soon become more complicated when his parishoners are accused of murder, when his friends ask him to investigate a theft because he is the only one everyone trusts, and when he is a witness, and even a potential suspect, in a murder case.

Four stars. The crimes which Sidney investigates in this collection of short stories are enjoyable and engaging, but nothing out of the ordinary (certainly don't expect anything too intellectual or fast-paced). But, for me, what made this book special was Sidney himself. He is portrayed vividly and realistically, and his involvement in each of the cases was perfectly justified. I loved the fact that the sleuth is a priest, and one whose company is such a joy to be in, as well as the ensuing consequences, such as the way people treat him, and the conflict between his calling (not to mention his actual job) and his entanglement in crime investigations. If you find yourself in the mood for a cosy mystery, this is definitely a series I would recommend.

If you enjoyed this book, I'd recommend: Murder at the Vicarage (Agatha Christie, 1930)


Bad Feminist (Roxane Gay, 2014)

In this collection of autobiographical essays, Gay discusses what feminism means to her in today's society, from the impact of Fifty Shades of Grey to Orange is the New Black, and why she considers herself to be a bad feminist. However, Bad Feminist is much more than its title suggests. Gay also talks extensively about race, literature, and her own life experiences, and always with the same honesty, humility, and wit.

Four stars. I absolutely love the concept of a bad feminist, since I, like Gay, initially struggled with describing myself as a feminist, since the term is often used in an insulting manner and given the stereotypical connotations of a feminist: "militant, perfect in their politics and person, man-hating, humorless" (in Gay's words). However, it is a term I have come to embrace, and when Gay ends the book by describing herself as a feminist I actually cheered out loud. She doesn't pretend to have all the answers, nor does she claim that Bad Feminist has the final say on these huge issues; instead, Gay discusses her experiences and opinions and then opens the floor up to the reader. For me, Bad Feminist was a step in the right direction in my journey as a feminist. The only problem is that now, as well as wanting to read more feminist literature, I also want to read more from Roxane Gay.

If you enjoyed this book, I'd recommend: We Should All Be Feminists (Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, 2014)


The Giver (Lois Lowry, 1993)

Jonas, like most eleven year-olds, mostly enjoys his life. However, the society which Jonas lives in is unlike that of most eleven year-olds, one where, at the age of twelve, children become adults and are assigned jobs. But Jonas is not assigned. He is chosen; chosen to become the Receiver of Memories, and it is not until he meets the Giver and starts experiencing the collective memories of his community that he realises there is something very wrong with his life.

Three stars. I read this book in anticipation of working on it with a Year 8 English Literature class, and so its relative disappointment shouldn't really have come as a surprise. I found The Giver to be a quick and enjoyable read based on an interesting concept, albeit not an overly original one, which was often rather predictable. It certainly isn't a story which will stay with me.

If you enjoyed this book, I'd recommend: Utopia (Thomas More, 1516)


A is for Arsenic: The Poisons of Agatha Christie (Kathryn Harkup, 2015)

In A is for Arsenic, Kathryn devotes a chapter to each of the fourteen poisons used by the Queen of Crime, explaining the role the poison plays in the murder mystery, background information on the poison itself, and real-life cases Agatha might have been inspired by or might even have inadvertently inspired. It is also worth noting that few spoilers are included, and the ones that are are very clearly marked as such.

Four stars. Kathryn writes clearly, concisely, and with a much-needed sense of humour, and her love for Agatha Christie shines out from the book as much as her knowledge of poisons does. I would highly recommend A is for Arsenic, although I have to warn you that it will make you want to read all of Agatha Christie's wonderful mysteries again.

If you enjoyed this book, I'd recommend: everything by Agatha Christie

Check out the Guardian's top ten Agatha Christie novels here: https://www.theguardian.com/books/200...


The Reluctant Fundamentalist (Mohsin Hamid, 2007)

In one sustained monologue, a young Pakistani named Changez relates his life story to an unidentified American man in a cafe in the city of Lahore. Changez, a Princeton graduate who once worked as an analyst for a Manhattan financial firm, tells us how his optimistic view of America began to darken in the aftermath of 9/11.

Three stars. I was intrigued by the concept of this book, of a portrayal of 9/11 from the perspective of a young Pakistani man living in America, but unfortunately A Reluctant Fundamentalist just didn't quite hit the mark for me. It is an interesting exploration of identity, religion, and power, but I don't think it's one that will stay with me.

If you enjoyed this book, I'd recommend: The Great Gatsby (F. Scott Fitzgerald, 1925)


Atonement (Ian McEwan, 2001)

On a hot summer day in 1934, thirteen-year-old Briony Tallis witnesses a moment’s flirtation between her older sister, Cecilia, and Robbie Turner, the son of a servant and Cecilia’s childhood friend. But Briony’s incomplete grasp of adult motives—together with her precocious literary gifts—brings about a crime that will change all their lives.

Four stars. As soon as I finished reading my first book by Ian McEwan, I realised that this was an author who could write just about anything and I'd want to read it. And Atonement is no exception. I love the way McEwan often focuses on different professions, portraying them with such ease and skill, and this book is particularly interesting in that respect since it is about an author. I also love the way he explores moral issues and asks difficult questions, almost to the point of making the reader uncomfortable, and that's exactly what he does in Atonement and its study of war, relationships, and truth.

If you enjoyed this book, I'd recommend: The Children Act (Ian McEwan, 2014)

Also, check out this blog post on what to read if you love Ian McEwan: https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...


Secrets in Death (J.D. Robb, 2017)

Lt. Eve Dallas of the NYPSD reluctantly joins forensic anthropologist Dr. Garnet DeWinter for a drink at chic Manhattan bar Du Vin, in an attempt for the two headstrong colleagues to form something resembling a friendship. But Eve's plans to stay only for a quick drink are soon overturned when Larinda Mars, a so-called information reporter, is killed in front of her. Eve's latest investigation finds her and her colleagues, not to mention her billionaire husband Roarke, knee-deep in suspects and secrets, as they discover Larinda's lucrative talent for blackmailing.

Five stars.The fact that this series in 45 books in, and I am still reading them and giving them five-star reviews, is a testament to JD Robb's skill as a writer. As always, while this book can be read as a standalone I would strongly recommend starting at the beginning, since, for me, the best feature of this series is the characterisation, which can only truly be appreciated by reading the series from the start. (But trust me, it's worth it.)

If you enjoyed this series, I'd recommend: the D.I. Kim Stone series by Angela Marsons (it starts with Silent Scream, 2015)


The Dylan Thomas Omnibus: Under Milk Wood, Poems, Stories and Broadcasts (Dylan Thomas, 2014)

This book pretty much does what it says on the tin, but I'm still reading it so watch this space!

Fight Club (Chuck Palahniuk, 1996)

I'm sure you're familiar with the concept of Fight Club, but if you haven't actually read the book then its dark wit and anarchic vision will surprise you. Fight Club is about something so much bigger than white-collar men fighting each other with their bare hands, and while I wouldn't describe it as a world-changing book, I would describe it as an unnerving one.

The film is also worth watching, especially to compare the endings since the film adaptation finishes the story on a very different note to the book.


The Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger, 1951)

Salinger's Glass family stories may have influenced the anthology format of Pulp Fiction, but I think much of the tone of The Catcher in the Rye is familiar to fans of the film.


The Picture of Dorian Gray (Oscar Wilde, 1890)

If what you love most about Pulp Fiction is its quotability, then The Picture of Dorian Gray is the book for you. It's a dark, beautiful, and intelligent musing on morality and mortality, and it's one of my favourite novels.

I would also advise against watching the film adaptation, which ruins much of the novel's darkness by making the implicit explicit (although an upcoming reimagining by St. Vincent with a female lead has caught my eye).


Ulysses (James Joyce, 1922)

Ulysses is one of my favourite books, largely because I have no idea what is going on half the time. If you feel the same way about Pulp Fiction then I'd highly recommend giving this intimidating-looking tome a go.


The Big Sleep (Raymond Chandler, 1939)

This is crime noir at its best. Philip Marlowe is everything a PI should be, and I instantly fell in love with him, while the plot of The Big Sleep is delightful in that it never quite goes where you expect it to. But best of all is Chandler's unique and highly quotable prose. I'd be hard pushed to choose just one favourite line, so here are two:

"Neither of the two people in the room paid any attention to the way I came in, although only one of them was dead."

"I don't mind if you don't like my manners. They're pretty bad. I grieve over them during the long winter nights."


Surfacing (Margaret Atwood, 1972)

If you love Pulp Fiction but fancy reading something from a female perspective, then I'd recommend Surfacing. Part detective novel, part psychological thriller, Surfacing is a dark, powerful, and thought-provoking exploration of identity, isolation, and memory. It's short, it's written in exquisite prose, and it's extremely unsettling. What's not to love?


Amsterdam (Ian McEwan, 1998)

One of my favourite things about Ian McEwan is his ability to explore issues of morality and mortality to the point of making me feel uncomfortable. And I think he does it best in Amsterdam.


The Countenance Divine (Michael Hughes, 2016)

One of these days I'll recommend this book without referring to its stunning cover, but today is not that day. The Countenance Divine is a little-known gem, which crosses four time periods and numerous genres to create what is perhaps best described as an apocalyptic fantasy. Love it or hate it, you have to admire its ingenuity and pure nerve.


You can check out Book Riot's suggestions for what to read if you loved Pulp Fiction here: https://bookriot.com/2017/05/15/10-bo....

What pulp fiction would you recommend for fans of Pulp Fiction? (Sorry, I couldn't resist.)

You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart.

The Lord of the Rings trilogy is an epic tale of bravery and adventure, and I'm sure the members of the fellowship could teach Gryffindors a thing or two.

Jane Eyre is the story of one of the bravest characters in literature.

Runemarks is a sweeping tale of gods, goblins, and magic, which draws on Norse myth and follows the adventure of its brave protagonist, Maddy.

The Iliad because love him or hate him, Achilles is the archetypal classical hero.




You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil.

The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns are powerful stories of friendship, loyalty, and survival.

The Noise of Time is a fictional biography of Dmitri Shostakovich, focusing on three crucial points in his life, which asks some difficult questions about truth, loyalty, and bravery.

To Kill a Mockingbird is a timeless coming-of-age story about equality and justice.




Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
If you’ve a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is brilliantly clever and shouldn't be underestimated. Even better, Alice's internal monologue is how I imagine Luna's would sound.

The Complete Sherlock Holmes, because if Sherlock Holmes isn't a Ravenclaw I don't know who is.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a witty tale guaranteed to make any Ravenclaw smile as much as it makes them think.

The Gene: An Intimate History is a non-fiction book, perhaps best described as the biography of the gene. Informative, thought-provoking, and relevant, what's not for a Ravenclaw to love?




Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folks use any means
To achieve their ends.

The Great Gatsby is a beautifully written book about achieving dreams.

The Picture of Dorian Gray is one of my all-time favourites, and is a stunning portrayal of beauty, power, and narcissism.

Perfume: The Story of a Murderer is another book filled with lyrical prose, and it tells the story of a man who is capable of doing anything in order to achieve his goal.

Macbeth is the classic tale of power and ambition.



Which Hogwarts house would you be sorted into? And which books would you recommend for each of the four houses?
Let me know what you think, either via Twitter (@Katheryn97T) or in the comments below!

The Gene: An Intimate History (Siddhartha Mukherjee, 2016)

“A fascinating and often sobering history of how humans came to understand the roles of genes in making us who we are—and what our manipulation of those genes might mean for our future” (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel)

Five stars. I think I might have already found my favourite book of the year. Mukherjee presents the biography of the gene in a highly understandable and engaging way, weaving science with history, and the personal with the universal, to discuss and question who we are as a species.


Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (J.K. Rowling, 1999)

In the third book in the series, Harry has to pass his OWLs (Ordinary Wizarding Levels) and help Gryffindor win the Quidditch Cup while trying to ignore the fact that Sirius Black, a notorious murderer, has escaped from Azkaban prison and is looking for him, and that the Azkaban guards, the terrifying Dementors, are now at Hogwarts. Hermione's impossibly overloaded timetable, Hagrid's new teaching role, and Harry's unsigned permission form for Hogsmede, the nearby wizarding village, only add to his problems. At least they have a good Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, for a change.

Five stars. I love rereading the Harry Potter series over the summer, so have continued to do so this month. These books are, for me, the perfect summer read: humorous, engaging, magical adventures with vivid characterisation and just the right mix of light and dark.


To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee, 1960)

Set in the small Southern town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Depression, To Kill a Mockingbird follows three years in the life of 8-year-old Scout Finch, her brother, Jem, and their father, Atticus--three years punctuated by the arrest and eventual trial of a young black man accused of raping a white woman.

Five stars. For me, To Kill a Mockingbird was one of many books which I didn't read at high school and, as such, I had at the back of my mind to read some day. However, I recently read Go Set a Watchman, after someone bought it for me, deciding to treat it almost as a draft or lead-up to its more famous prequel, and really enjoyed it, so decided to make To Kill a Mockingbird a higher priority. And I'm so glad that I did. I love the tone of this one; I think Lee's exploration of family, community, race, class, and sex through the eyes of children is brilliant. This one will stay with me for a while, and I highly recommend it to anyone who, like me, didn't read it at high school.


Echoes in Death (J.D. Robb, 2017)

In the 44th book of the series, Lt. Eve Dallas of the homicide department of the NYPSD is glad to be on her way back from a Winter Ball, when her husband, billionaire Roarke, narrowly misses hitting a naked, dazed, and badly injured woman who walks into the road.

Five stars. I don't know how Nora Roberts does it, but 44 books in and the 'In Death' series is still going strong. Like the 43 books before it, Echoes in Death is fast-paced, gritty, and character-driven, with witty dialogue and pages which seem to turn themselves.


Paradise Lodge (Nina Stibbe, 2016)

Essentially, this is the story of Lizzie Vogel and her life at Paradise Lodge, the eponymous residential home where Lizzie starts working. But in reality it is about so much more than that; it is about Lizzie's future, as she is kicked off the O Level course for taking too much time off school (to work at Paradise Lodge), her relationships with her friends, her friend's boyfriend, and her mildly dysfunctional family, and the lives of the other staff and the residents at Paradise Lodge.

Four stars. This is a charming, humorous, and character-driven novel, which will possibly make you cry, probably make you laugh, and certainly keep you engaged. I would highly recommend it. (I also love the title.)


The Honeymoon (Tina Seskis, 2017)

For as long as she can remember, Jemma has been planning the perfect honeymoon. A fortnight's retreat to a five-star resort in the Maldives, complete with luxury villas, personal butlers and absolute privacy. It should be paradise, but it's turned into a nightmare. Because the man Jemma married a week ago has just disappeared from the island without a trace.

Five stars. I rarely read books in one sitting, simply because I don't have the time, but this book didn't seem to let up enough to provide a suitable point to stop reading and go to sleep at a reasonable hour (not that I'm complaining). This book reminded me in many ways of I Let You Go, another five-star read for me, with its alternating perspectives and jaw-dropping twist.


Waiting For Monsieur Bellivier (Britta Rostlund, 2017)

Helena is sitting in a cafe when she is asked whether she is waiting for Monseiur Bellivier. She says yes, and her curiosity leads to a mysterious job, where she spends the day on the deserted top floor of an office block forwarding coded emails to Monsieur Bellivier, and where the day ends with her being handed a bouquet of flowers by the receptionist. In another part of Paris, Mancebo accepts an equally mysterious job: to spy on the writer who lives in the building opposite his shop and apartment, whose wife is convinced he is having an affair. But both these jobs entangle Helena and Mancebo in bigger mysteries than they could have anticipated, mysteries which eventually entwine.

Four stars. This was a charming book based on a brilliantly imaginative concept. The characters are vividly portrayed and are a real driving force for this story where nothing much seems to happen, but where the slow pace nevertheless had me gripped throughout. I would advise you to go into this book expecting little beyond an answer to the question, "Are you waiting for Monsieur Bellivier?", and let it surprise you.


Lovemurder (Saul Black, 2017)

San Francisco homicide detective Valerie Hart is called away from a weekend break with her long-term partner Nick, when a body is found with the hallmarks of a pair of sadistic serial killers, one of whom, Katherine Glass, Valerie caught six years ago, along with a note addressed to Valerie. To catch the so-called Man in the Mask, whose intelligence is matched only by his cruelty, and protect the people she cares most about, Valerie must turn to Katherine for help with his coded messages. The problem is that Katherine is playing games of her own.

Five stars. Lovemurder has everything you could want from a thriller, made even better by Black's crisp writing style. It is the perfect balance of personal and professional, with some incredible scenes between Valerie and Katherine, and a climactic plot which will keep you awake until you reach the end (and may also cause you to yell at the characters, although that might have just been me). A brilliant read, this is definitely a series, and an author, to watch.


Fight Club (Chuck Palahniuk, 1996)

Every weekend, in basements and parking lots across the country, young men with good white-collar jobs and absent fathers take off their shoes and shirts and fight each other barehanded for as long as they have to. Then they go back to those jobs with blackened eyes and loosened teeth and the sense that they can handle anything. Fight Club is the invention of Tyler Durden, projectionist, waiter and dark, anarchic genius.

Four stars. When I decided to read Fight Club, I was expecting a book about a man who starts a fight club out of that feeling of boredom, emptiness, even despair, which we have all surely felt at one time or another. And while that is part of the story, it is only a small part of a surprisingly dark, witty, and thought-provoking book about a man with a brilliant anarchic vision. Fight Club is about something so much bigger than white-collar men fighting each other with their bare hands, and while I wouldn't describe it as a world-changing book, I would describe it as an unnerving one. But I like an unpredictable book and whatever else it might be, Fight Club is certainly that.

I have to admit that in the battle between books and films, I am always on the side of the books. However, I do enjoy watching films and there are some exceptional book-to-film adaptations out there. Here are some of the best and the worst:


Buy:




The Harry Potter film series is perhaps one of the best book-to-film adaptations I have seen, especially in terms of characterisation. While the film's Dudley might be a brunette, and Harry famously has blue eyes, the essence of the characters is perfectly captured. And while I'm still sad about the missed details and dialogue from the books, realistically cuts had to be made and I think that the films did an excellent job at achieving the necessary compromise.


Much Ado About Nothing is probably my favourite Shakespearean comedy, because I love the relationship between Benedick and Beatrice, and its contrast with the more conventional relationship of Hero and Claudio. I especially love Beatrice's fiery nature and wit. All of this is captured wonderfully in the 1993 adaptation starring Emma Thompson and Kenneth Branagh. Keanu Reeves is also (unintentionally) hilarious as the villainous Don John.




The Lord of the Rings film series is every bit as epic as its book counterpart. While films inevitably lack the effect of your imagination, and many of the details from the books, these films make up for it with stunning scenery and incredible music (I'm a particular fan of the Fellowship Theme). As with the Harry Potter series, I think that the characterisation in the films is particularly strong (aside from some, fairly minor, grumbles).


Borrow:


The Firm is definitely my favourite John Grisham novel, and I think that the film adaptation does a decent job at adapting it for the big screen. Tom Cruise is excellent as the legal thriller's protagonist, Mitch McDeere, and the film manages to keep the suspense high throughout. The real disappointment for me, however, is that the film doesn't manage to capture the book's immense creepiness, which is one of the reasons I love the book so much.




I have to admit that Susan Hill's The Woman in Black is not for me. In fact, I rarely enjoy ghost stories. However, the film adaptation does an excellent job at creating a dark and creepy atmosphere, with the story's evocative setting in an isolated house on the marshes (reminiscent of Wilkie Collins' The Moonstone). I personally think that Daniel Radcliffe is an exceptional actor (despite many people's qualms about the age gap between him and the book's Arthur Kipps), and he is supported by fine acting, as ever, from Ciarán Hinds.


Bypass:


The Picture of Dorian Gray is one of my all-time favourites. The 2009 film adaptation is not. Where the novel's Gray moves in the shadows, and is all the more menacing for it, the film has gone for explicit sex scenes which detract from the story's darkness and depth. I would recommend avoiding at all costs, despite Colin Firth's potential as Lord Henry Wotton.




Not even Leonardo DiCaprio can rescue the film adaptation of The Great Gatsby. Much of the book's power comes from its writing, which of course is lost in the dialogue of the film. Nick's unreliable narration in particular is absent from the film, which is a real shame since the film forgets that the book's portrayal of Gatsby is in fact entirely Nick's. As with The Picture of Dorian Gray, much of the subtlety of the book is lost in the film, and no amount of stunning 1920s costumes or scenery can bring that back.

Books play a enormous part in my life, so many books I've read are associated with memories of the time in my life when I read, or bought, them. Here are some of my favourites:


The Body in the Library (Agatha Christie, 1942)

I remember listening to the audiobook of this in the car, when I was reasonably young, and being transfixed. I have since read widely from Agatha Christie's books and, although And Then There Were None is my favourite, I still love The Body in the Library.

Desert Queen: The Extraordinary Life of Gertrude Bell, Adventurer, Adviser to Kings, Ally of Lawrence of Arabia. (Janet Wallach, 1996)

I bought this book last summer after attending an exhibition on Gertrude Bell at Kirkleatham Museum with my grandparents, whom I was staying with. Gertrude Bell's childhood home was in nearby Redcar, in the north-east of England, where my family live, hence the museum exhibition.

The Gene: An Intimate History (Siddhartha Mukherjee, 2016)

It was recently my birthday, and I treated myself to lunch in Waterstones followed by about an half-hour period of wandering around the books dreamily, trying to persuade myself not to buy all of them. In the end, I chose this book. It was a good choice.

The Ice Beneath Her (Camilla Grebe, 2016)

I read this book, which I was lucky enough to win in a Goodreads giveaway, in Glasgow where I spent the weekend with my parents celebrating my dad's birthday. I can still remember sitting in bed in my hotel room, reading that twist.

Pretend You Don't See Her (Mary Higgins Clark, 1997)

This was the first Mary Higgins Clark book I read, and I remember being at my grandparents and having finished the books I had brought with me, so I chose a book from their bookshelves. It was Pretend You Don't See Her, and I was immediately hooked. I've since read several books by Mary Higgins Clark, but this has remained my favourite.

The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett, 1911)

I have always been an avid reader, but I think The Secret Garden is the book from my childhood which really captured my imagination, and showed me the secret worlds which reading allows you to explore.

Ulysses (James Joyce, 1922)

After my last A-Level exam, I walked the short distance from my sixth-form college to our town centre to meet my mum for lunch, and called at the library on the way to borrow Ulysses. I then read it over the summer before I started university, which included during a cruise around the Mediterranean.

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox (Maggie O'Farrell, 2006)

I read this, my first book by Maggie O'Farrell, on the aeroplane to Budapest. I loved Budapest, and if I ever return I will be sure to take another excellent book.

The Woman in White (Wilkie Collins, 1860)

I attended a summer school at Pembroke College, Oxford, during the summer after my first year of sixth-form college, during which we were all given vouchers for Blackwell's (the book shop). I was told to take as long as I wanted, but when I left my group were about to leave, thinking I must have left without them because I had been so long. I chose three Oxford World Classics, because they were on a three for two offer: Paradise Lost, The Importance of Being Earnest and Other Plays, and The Woman in White. I don't remember exactly why I chose the latter, but it is now one of my favourite novels.


Which books are mostly strongly associated with memories for you?

We're halfway through 2017 already, so I thought it was a good time to look back over the books I've read this year so far. Here are my top ten (in reverse order):


10. We Should All Be Feminists (Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, 2014)

The title says it all. Personal, powerful, and unfortunately pertinent. And its brevity is an added bonus.


9. Game of Queens: The Women Who Made Sixteenth-Century Europe (Sarah Gristwood, 2016)

Many of the books on this list feature strong women, and this is no exception. Gristwood has taken one of my favourite periods of history and delved into the parts which tend to be the least studied, despite arguably being the most interesting. The way she smoothly navigates the reader through the wide-ranging periods and countries is particularly impressive.


8. Kill the Father (Sandrone Dazieri, 2014)

This is the perfect antidote for cliched thrillers and police procedurals. When the main characters are a warrior-like female detective, not without her vulnerabilities, and a man who spent his childhood trapped inside a concrete silo, you know you're onto a winner. I also love the fact that, unlike most crime fiction, this is a fairly hefty tome.


7. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams, 1979)

This is one of those books that I've been meaning to read for longer than I can remember. And it didn't disappoint. Bizarre, brilliant, and surprisingly thought-provoking, it's guaranteed to make you smile if nothing else.


6. I Let You Go (Clare Mackintosh, 2014)

Two words: the twist.


5. Runemarks (Joanne Harris, 2007)

This is one of those books which I wasn't sure about when I started reading it, enticed by the beautiful cover and the author, whose Gentlemen and Players is one of my all-time favourites. But as soon as I started reading, I found myself immersed in this sweeping tale of gods, prophecies, goblins, magic, and myth.


4. Evil Games (Angela Marsons, 2015)

There are so many crime series out there that's it's hard to know where to start. I would definitely recommend prioritizing this one. Kim Stone, a Detective Inspector in the West Midlands Police, listens to classical music, drives a Golf GTI, rides a 600cc Kawasaki Ninja, and is now one of my all-time favourite characters. I immediately added the entire series to my to-read list.


3. Home (Harlan Coben, 2016)

After a five year gap since the last book in the Myron Bolitar series, which I adore, and a slight dip in my enjoyment in the last few books in the series, reading this book actually felt like coming home.


2. The Big Sleep (Raymond Chandler, 1939)

Books like this are the reason why my to-read list never actually decreases in size. I finally read The Big Sleep, and now I want to read the entire series. Chandler's style of writing is absolutely beautiful, and I love the fact that this book never quite went where I was expecting it to. I'm also not ashamed to admit that I have a small crush on Marlowe.


1. The Gene: An Intimate History (Siddhartha Mukherjee, 2016)

I have a sneaky feeling that when I make a list of my favourite books of the year at the end of 2017, this book will still be number one. I cannot praise Mukerjee's style of writing, in this biography of the gene, highly enough. I do need to apologise, however, to everyone who is tired of hearing me talk about The Gene, which I have done endlessly since I first picked it up.


What are your favourite books of the year so far? And what do you think of my choices?

in books







According to Mark (Penelope Lively, 1984)

Mark, a respected literary biographer, is happily married, wholly satisfied by his career choice, and confident in his knowledge of Gilbert Strong, the subject of his next biography. But then he visits Dean Close, the old home of Strong, half preserved as a museum, and half taken over by Strong's granddaughter, Carrie, and her business partner, Bill, as their home and successfully-run garden centre. Here, much to his surprise, Mark finds a cache of letters and documents belonging to Strong, which he didn't know existed, and that he has fallen in love with Carrie, an unusual woman, almost childlike in her mannerisms, more interested in bedding plants than books or relationships, and certainly not Mark's type.

Four stars. I loved the leisurely pace of this one, as Lively seems to drift between the minds of her characters, raising thought-provoking questions about love, literature, truth, and memory, and how well any of us really know each other, or even ourselves. Highly enjoyable.


The Noise of Time (Julian Barnes, 2016)

The Noise of Time portrays Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich at three key moments in his life: in 1936, when his opera Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk had been condemned, 1948, when he goes to America as part of a Soviet delegation, and 1960, when he is offered the position of head of the Composers' Union. The focus is on Shostakovich's thoughts at each poignant moment in his life, and as he reflects on bravery and cowardice, truth and tyranny, and life and death, so does the reader.

Four stars. I actually found this book very similar to my last read, According to Mark, as both are slow, throught-provoking books, with a particular focus on truth. It also reminded me of a incredibly atmospheric play I recently saw called Collaborators, which is about the relationship between Russian writer Mikhail Bulgakov, and Stalin. I would recommend both if you enjoyed The Noise of Time.


The Invisible Man from Salem (Christoffer Carlsson, 2013)

Leo Junker is a suspended Internal Affairs officer, shaped by his childhood in Salem, a rough suburb of Stockholm, haunted by his failed relationship, and increasingly reliant on medication and alcohol. One night he is woken up by blue police lights outside his apartment block, and bluffs his way onto the crime scene of a murder, which he assumes to be a coincidence. But it soon becomes apparent that the rogue investigation that Leo embarks on, to catch the killer, is closely linked with himself and a past he has tried to leave behind.

Four stars. While the world-weary, rule-breaking police officer with a past which comes back to haunt them is something of a cliche, it can still make for an interesting and enjoyable protagonist, if done well. I found The Invisible Man From Salem to be a solid four stars in this respect; too original for three stars but not original enough for five. Leo's backstory is surprisingly emotive, and his childhood home of Salem very well portrayed, while his character could benefit from being distinguished by more than just this past.


The Last Days of Jack Sparks (Jason Arnopp, 2016)

Jack Sparks, controversial, narcissistic, atheist journalist sets out to disprove the existence of the supernatural once and for all, in his new book 'Jack Sparks on the Supernatural'. But, in mysterious circumstances, he dies writing it. The Last Days of Jack Sparks presents this book, interspersed with interviews and letters inserted by Jack's brother to give the reader all the necessary information, to give the reader an account of the last days of Jack Sparks.

Four stars. It's a fantastic concept, and Jack's character is brilliantly portrayed through his own account, which the extra material inserted by his brother makes the reader constantly question. The Last Days of Jack Sparks is witty, engaging, and downright creepy, and refreshingly far away from the predictability of many books. The ending is perfect, and cynics of supernatural-fiction need not fear as you are in extremely capable hands. Highly recommended.


Lucky Jim (Kingsley Amis, 1954)

Jim Dixon has accidentally fallen into a job at one of Britain's new red brick universities. A moderately successful future in the History Department beckons - as long as Jim can stave off the unwelcome advances of fellow lecturer Margaret, survive a madrigal-singing weekend at Professor Welch's, deliver a lecture on 'Merrie England' and resist Christine, the hopelessly desirable girlfriend of Welch's awful son Bertrand.

Three stars. Lucky Jim made me laugh a few times, but, for the most part, it failed to hold my attention. An enjoyable enough read, but not one I'm likely to return to. I'd recommend it if you enjoyed The Catcher in the Rye.


Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (J.K. Rowling, 1997)

I love re-reading the Harry Potter series over the summer; I think it's the perfect time to revisit the familiar, magical world, especially since the books all start and end with the summer holidays. And so, despite having a desperately out of control TBR list, I re-read Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone this month. After all, it is its birthday.

Five stars. Always.


Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (J.K. Rowling, 1999)

Another five stars for the second in the series, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.



The Gene: An Intimate History (Siddhartha Mukherjee, 2016)

Weaving science, social history, and personal narrative to tell us the story of one of the most important conceptual breakthroughs of modern times, Mukherjee animates the quest to understand human heredity and its surprising influence on our lives, personalities, identities, fates, and choices.

I'm still reading this one, so watch this space!

With the summer fast approaching, here are some of my recommendations for your summer reading list (and an excuse to use this wonderful gif):

The Awakening (Kate Chopin, 1899)

Edna Pontellier is holidaying on the Grand Isle when her awakening, both sexually and emotionally, begins. While The Awakening is hardly as shocking as it was when it was first published, it is still a beautiful novel about women, love, and freedom, and it contains some exquisite descriptions of the sea.

The Bell Jar (Sylvia Plath, 1963)

"It was a queer, sultry summer, the summer they electrocuted the Rosenbergs, and I didn't know what I was doing in New York." If The Bell Jar's opening line doesn't make you want to read it this summer, I don't know what will.

The Great Gatsby (F. Scott Fitzgerald, 1922)

Over the course of the summer of 1922 Nick Carraway discovers the eponymous Jay Gatsby, a fascinating, mysterious, and, ultimately, tragic character, drawn to the green light, always out of reach, at the end of the harbour of the woman he loves.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (J.K. Rowling, 2003)

I find the Harry Potter series perfect for summer reading, but I picked this one above them all because it's one of my favourites of the series, and because it starts on "The hottest day of the summer so far".

The Hobbit (J.R.R. Tolkien, 1937)

Fantasy and adventure are perfect for the summer, as are books which, like The Hobbit, are best read when you have the time on your hands to fully appreciate them.

Instructions for a Heatwave (Maggie O'Farrell, 2013)

It's July, 1976, and the heatwave is the least of Gretta Riordan's problems when her husband, Robert, leaves the house to buy a newspaper and doesn't come back. Gretta's children gather around her but, as cracks begin to show, they will have to reunite to find their father and bring him home.

The Trouble with Goats and Sheep (Joanna Cannon, 2015)

Also set during the summer of 1976, the heatwave is being blamed for everything in the cul-de-sac where ten year-old Grace lives. Including the disappearance of Mrs Creasy. When the vicar tells Grace that people disappear because they haven't found God, she and her best friend, Tilly, decide to spend the summer finding God, in order to protect their friends and family.

Ulysses (James Joyce, 1922)

The summer is the perfect time to read this incredible, beautiful, and wonderfully weird book. For me, Ulysses is forever linked to the summer after my A-Levels when I read it. And the best thing about reading it (apart from being able to boast about it)? No-one actually expects you to understand it. Just enjoy it.

On my to-read list:

The Gene: An Intimate History (Siddhartha Mukherjee, 2016)

I like reading at least one door-stopper over the summer, simply because it's the best time to do so, and The Gene: An Intimate History is that book for this summer. I recently treated myself to it for my birthday.

Life of Pi (Yann Martel, 2001)

More fantasy and adventure in this one, and I've recently acquired a copy so it's been bumped up my to-read pile.

The Monogram Murders (Sophie Hannah, 2014)

The summer is, for me, the time to catch up with friends, and I don't see why that can't include fictional friends such as Hercule Poirot.

One Hundred Years of Solitude (Gabriel García Márquez, 1967)

This is one of the favourite books of a close friend of mine. I don't need any more reasons than that.

The People We Hate at the Wedding (Grant Ginder, 2017)

Although the wedding I'm attending over the summer is that of a close friend, I'm not normally a wedding person, so I'm hoping that this book will be the perfect, witty outlet.

Siracusa (Delia Ephron, 2016)

Just look at that cover. Need I really say any more?


To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee, 1960)

I've been desperate to read this one since I read Go Set a Watchman and, once more, I've recently acquired a copy (of this beautiful Vintage Classics edition, no less).

Conspiracy (S.J. Parris, 2016)

In the fifth book of the series, Giordano Bruno goes to visit an old friend, a priest involved with the fanatical Catholic League, to seek forgiveness from the Catholic Church. Soon after, the same priest is found dead. Bruno soon finds himself investigating three murders, which he is convinced are connected, playing off the Duke of Guise and King Henri III, not to mention the King's mother Catherine de Medici, and her harem of beautiful spies, in his attempts to discover the truth about the murders and the conspiracy.

Four stars. I haven't read any books in this series before, but Conspiracy worked well as a standalone. I immediately fell in love with Bruno, despite his frustrating ability to land himself in dangerous, and often deadly, situations, and he is joined by a cast of fascinating characters, practically all of whom the reader suspects at some point in the novel. There is a lot going on in this, fairly hefty, book, and it kept me guessing and made me want to keep reading until the end.


I Let You Go (Clare Mackintosh, 2014)

The first part of I Let You Go alternates between Jenna Gray, who relocates to an isolated cottage in the village of Penfach and tries to learn to live with the grief and to move on with her life, and the Bristol CID police team, led by DI Ray Stephens, who are trying, with little success, especially after the disappearance of the victim's mother, to track down the driver of the car who hit Jacob and then drove away. And then comes the twist.

Five stars. I love the way that this book blends two genres together and devoting adequate time to each, so that the reader sees Ray struggling to make progress on the hit-and-run investigation, while trying to convince his boss that he is ready for promotion and trying to maintain a home-work balance, as his son gets into deeper trouble at school and grows more distant at home. But they also get to see Jenna consumed by grief and guilt, trying to rebuild her life. I Let You Go is not what I expected, and if you still haven't read it, I urge you to stop what you're doing and read it.

More books with jaw-dropping plot twists:
1. Before I Go to Sleep (S.J. Watson, 2011)
2. Gone Girl (Gillian Flynn, 2012)
3. The Ice Beneath Her (Camilla Grebe, 2015)


Runemarks (Joanne Harris, 2007)

It's been five hundred years since the end of the world and society has rebuilt itself anew. The old Norse gods are no longer revered. Their tales have been banned. Magic is outlawed, and a new religion - the Order - has taken its place. In a remote valley in the north, fourteen-year-old Maddy Smith is shunned for the ruinmark on her hand. But what the villagers don't know is that Maddy has skills. According to One-Eye, the secretive Outlander who is Maddy's only real friend, her ruinmark - or runemark, as he calls it - is a sign of Chaos blood, magical powers and gods know what else.

Five stars. I don't read a lot of fantasy and I knew next to nothing about Norse mythology before I began Runemarks, but I like challenging myself with my reading choices, and I loved Gentlemen and Players (also by Joanne Harris). And I found myself completely immersed in this sweeping tale of gods, myth, and magic, so much so that, once I started the final section, finishing the book became a much higher priority than sleep. I've now added The Gospel of Loki to my to-read list.


A Cold Case in Amsterdam Central (Anja de Jager, 2016)

Detective Lotte Meerman is back at work, and while she has has been cleared by Internal Investigations, she is acutely aware that she can't afford to make any mistakes on this case. But that's easier said than done. The death of Frank Stapel, a painter and decorator, appears to be an accident, but then Lotte and Frank's widow, Tessa, find a skeleton in a luggage locker Frank rented in Amsterdam Central train station, and Lotte is convinced that the two incidents are connected. Lotte's colleagues are far from interested, until the arm bone of a major criminal, who has recently gone missing, is discovered alongside a skeleton from the Second World War.

Four stars. I really liked Lotte's character and the way she was portrayed, and the mystery itself was complex enough to keep me hooked throughout, but far from convoluted. The only thing I would say, is that there were some details of Lotte's past which weren't fully explained, presumably details from the first book in the series (which I haven't read). Otherwise, I found A Cold Case in Amsterdam Central to be a highly enjoyable read, with some interesting twists on a solid genre.

More crime fiction series with great characterisation:
1. Kill the Father (Sandrone Dazieri, 2017)
2. Naked in Death (J.D. Robb, 1995)
3. Silent Scream (Angela Marsons, 2015)


We Should All Be Feminists (Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, 2014)

It's all in the title. If you haven't read it yet, stop what you're doing and read it now.


The Hound of the Baskervilles & The Valley of Fear (Arthur Conan Doyle, 1902-15)

The Hound of the Baskervilles is probably the best known of the Sherlock Holmes stories, and rightly so. With murder, mist-shrouded moors, and a legend of a supernatural hound, what more could you want? The Valley of Fear is an equally gripping read, in which Holmes faces Professor Moriarty once more. The solution to the death of a man, killed in a house cut off from the rest of the town by a moat, lies halfway across the world in the Valley of Fear.

Four stars. I love Sherlock Holmes and the way in which he goes about solving a case, as he does so excellently in these two short stories. They're both quick, but thought-provoking, reads with chilling atmospheres and brilliant characterisation.


Instructions for a Heatwave (Maggie O'Farrell, 2013)

It's July 1976, London, and the heatwave gripping the country is the least of Gretta Riordan's problems, when her husband leaves the house to buy a newspaper and doesn't come back. The family gather together to search for Robert: Matthew Francis, the eldest, on the brink of a divorce; Monica, the favourite, estranged from her sister and determined to make her second marriage work; and Aoife, the black sheep of the family (and my personal favourite), trying to make a life for herself in New York.

Five stars. Maggie O'Farrell is just an incredible writer. She uses third-person narration in this one to move seamlessly between the characters, all of whom are beautifully and realistically portrayed. I flew through Instructions for a Heatwave, and would highly recommend it as the perfect summer read.

More books perfect for summer reading:
1. The Great Gatsby (F. Scott Fitzgerald, 1922)
2. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (J.K. Rowling, 2003)
3. The Trouble with Goats and Sheep (Joanna Cannon, 2015)


The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams, 1979)

On the day that the Earth is destroyed to make way for a hyperspace bypass, Arthur Dent is lying in front of a bulldozer, trying to stop his house being demolished for a similiar, if more earthly, reason. But Arthur, with the help of his best friend Ford Prefect, who is actually an alien, survives, and soon finds himself travelling through space on a brand new ship, stolen by the ex-President of the Universe, Zaphod Beeblebrox. Arthur and Ford are accompanied by Zaphod himself, Trillian, a mathematician and astrophysicist and fellow human, Marvin, a paranoid android, and, of course, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, with its quirky definitions of everything you could want to know about the galaxy.

Five stars. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy had me laughing out loud at its bizarre plotlines, ironic authorial comments, and hilarious definitions from the eponymous guide. I read a review which perhaps sums up my experience of reading this book better than I can: "To read The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is to step into the garden shed of a maverick genius while he’s out, to discover what ideas he has left lying around."


Pietr the Latvian (Georges Simenon, 1931)

Who is Pietr the Latvian? Is he a gentleman thief? A Russian drinking absinthe in a grimy bar? A married Norwegian sea captain? A twisted corpse in a train bathroom? Or is he all of these men? Inspector Maigret, in the first of the series, tracking a mysterious adversary and a trail of bodies, must bide his time before the answer comes into focus.

Four stars. Maigret is a fascinating character, and I particularly enjoyed the way he rushed about according to a plan evident only to him. The reader spends most of the book trying to keep up with Maigret, as his colleagues also seem to, as he tries to identify four men, one or all of whom could be the infamous Pietr the Latvian. It's also a very short book, which adds to the tension and speed of the investigation as well as allowing it to be read in one sitting (as I did), and leaving the reader wanting more.