August and September in Books
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!
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!
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