LOCKDOWN READS

[Rebecca]

Tell us what you're reading in lockdown.

[Rebecca]

The Catcher in the Rye

My first lockdown read. The Catcher in the Rye has been on my to-read list for some time now so when lockdown was announced it seemed like the perfect time to get started.

I was surprised with how much I enjoyed reading this book! Although the plot isn't largely suspenseful, I found the narrator, Holden Caulfield, so engaging. After being expelled from yet another private school, the novel follows Holden's thought process as he spends three days wandering around New York City.

The book is quite short so if you're looking for a quick read this could be for you.

[Joanne]

The Shipping News by Annie Proulx

I've read this book a couple of times and although I initially struggled with Proulx's style of prose, I stuck with it and am glad I did. Her mastery as a wordsmith genuinely left me feeling cold when I read her description of Newfoundland. There is much here that is very dark, but also much that is humorous. I think a third read is imminent!

[Lauren]

The Screaming Staircase

This is a new book that I have read.

It is a ghost story with a twist. The writing style is easy to digest and the suspense, humour and thrill within the book is exceptional. Makes you want to read more. There a number of books in the series if you fancy reading more and it is something different to read.

Would definitely recommend to those who like me like to read stories with a hint or magic or supernatural factors within.

[Laura-Ann]

Dragonflight
I've heard a lot about this series, and it's taken me ages to take the plunge and pick it up. So far I'm really glad I did... I stayed up until 1am last night to read it, which, if anybody who knows me can varify, is unusal, as I'm normally spark out by 9. The names are a little strange, but that's normal for a fantasy like this and I'm getting used to them. I might have to order the next book soon so it's ready for when I finish this one, at this rate it'll be read by tomorrow!

[Joanne]

Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
I am just about to start this. It intrigued me as it's about President Lincoln and the death of his son. I looked up the meaning of Bardo and it is a Tibetan Buddhist word for an intermediate place between life and rebirth. It won the Booker prize in 2017.

Finished this on 20 May. Took a long time to read. In places more like a script from a play than a novel. I sometimes felt it was a bit disjointed and rambling. I must admit to skipping some of it. I felt that I really didn't care what happened to any of the inhabitants of the Bardo. Not a page turner for me.

[Rebecca]

Thanks for the update Jo, it sounded so interesting at first and I was thinking about reading it! But after your review I think I won’t bother haha.

I’ve just started reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Excited about this one because I know it’s popular. Has anyone read it?