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What are you reading in 2021?
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Abigail
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Nov 22, 2021 03:22PM
Those were some of my mother’s favorite books, Peggy!
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Abigail wrote: "Those were some of my mother’s favorite books, Peggy!"Abigail; They are fun reads! Our library now has them on Audio which enhances the experience :)
I liked the first and second books a lot but got a little tired of the child prodigy later on.
The highly anticipated Devotion, by acclaimed Aussie author Hannah Kent, is not only a tale of devoted religious migrants to Australia in the early 1800s, it is also an unusual, exquisite love story. 
4★ Link to my review of Devotion
The Weight of Heaven – Thirty Umrigar – 5*****
Reeling from the loss of their son, Frank and Ellie Benton accept an opportunity to relocate to India to run a factory. But they cannot escape their grief, and Frank’s obsession with the son of a local couple drives a wedge between both couples. This is the third book by Umrigar that I have read, and the third time I’ve rated her work 5-stars. It is an intense and heartbreakingly real story. The tragedy of this couple’s story is inevitable though none the less shocking.
My full review HERE
This Shining Life by Harriet Kline has a very pretty cover showing a young boy, after his dad has died, looking for what makes life worth living.
3.5★ Link to my Shining Life review
City of Secrets – Stewart O’Nan – 3***
Set in 1945 Jerusalem, the novel follows Brand, a survivor of the Holocaust, as he tries to make a new life working with the resistance. I love O’Nan’s ability to put you into the mind of his characters – to understand their hopes, ambitions, and fears. But this was perhaps too intense for me at this time. I appreciated it more than I enjoyed it.
My full review HERE
Death at Victoria Dock is #4 in the Phryne Fisher mystery series by Aussie author Kerry Greenwood, and I enjoyed it as much as the previous adventures of this clever siren and amateur detective in 1920s Australia.
4★ Link to my review of Death at Victoria Dock
Finished The Shadows of Men #5 Wyndham & Banerjee by Abir Mukherjee. Historical mystery set in 1920's India. One of my favorite series! Rated 5 stars.
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Other Tales of Terror – Robert Louis Stevenson – 3***
Classic horror from a master of Victorian gothic fiction. I appreciate the atmospheric nature of Stevenson’s writing, and his use of psychological / moral themes. But the language seems over the top as compared to more modern writers.
My full review HERE
I finished The Bombay Prince
by Sujata Massey. Set in 1921 Bombay, India. Book 3 of series. Excellent historical background of India under British rule. Strong woman character showing how difficult to be an independant Indian woman at that time. Also interesting info on Parsi Religion. Very good series.
Shuggie Bain – Douglas Stuart – 5*****
Stuart’s debut work explores the impoverished working-class families of 1980s Glasgow. Hugh “Shuggie” Bain is the youngest child of Agnes, and much of the story focuses on his efforts to understand and deal with his mother’s alcoholism and depression. Shuggie is tender, kind, and lonely, but he is also resilient and brave. Stuart makes the reader privy to the most intimate details of their lives, This makes their descent all the more painful to watch. There is no neat happy ending here, but there is some hope for Shuggie.
My full review HERE
I finished Charles Dickens'
The Old Curiosity Shop. Historical only that it was published in 1841. A classic Dickens. Characters you love to hate and a sad, philosophical ending.
Currently reading Jane Austen and Shelley in the Garden: An Illustrated Novel by Janet Todd. Not as much fun as the title.
I am reading a really good HF book right now. Island Queen
by Vanessa Riley. It starts in the Caribbean in 1761 and goes to 1824. Based on real story of Dorothy Kirwin. Strong story of slave who becomes freeman and business owner. Fascinating. Highly recommend.
Alice wrote: "I am reading a really good HF book right now. Island Queen by Vanessa Riley. It starts in the Caribbean in 1761 and goes to 1824. Based on real sto..."Sounds interesting!
Just finished The Woods In Winter by Stella Gibbons, which is almost historical—published in 1970 but set in 1930 or so. A lovely book.
The classic Graham Greene novel, The Quiet American, is up there with my favourites. Vietnam in the early 1950s - what a mix of people and a mess of politics and war, plus a love story.
5★ Link to my review of The Quiet American
I've enjoyed some real winners in the Amazon Original Stories series, but this was not one of them. Oh. What. Fun. by Chandler Baker seems to have amused other readers. Not me.
2★ Link to my review of Oh. What. Fun.(not)
I always enjoy Catherine Ryan Hyde's novels and her latest one set in 1941, 
Boy Underground at the time of the bombing of Pearl Harbour is a sensitive look at how that affects one group of teenage friends.my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I've not read American author Lily King before, but I sure enjoyed her collection of short stories, Five Tuesdays in Winter. I do love finding new writers I like. 😊
4.5★ Link to my review of Five Tuesdays in Winter
Her Second Death (Bree Taggert #0.5) is a short-story prequel to Melinda Leigh's homicide detective Bree Taggert crime series. I had never read any of this author's work before, but I enjoyed this introduction enough to consider reading the series.
4★ Link to my review of Her Second Death
I read enough of Double Blind to agree with those who thought Edward St. Aubyn was showing off and being preachy. One or the other, I might manage. Moving on!
2★ Link to my Double Blind review
Going light while I sit in endless airports in masks: Good Luck with That by Kristan Higgins. Interesting story focused on three young women who met at a fat camp and are each struggling with the factors that contribute to their eating and weight issues. Not as cheery as your usual Higgins romance/women’s novel, but it feels quite real and touching. Weight is at the center but the focus is also on everyday life in ways that would appeal to anyone.
This has to be one of the most remarkable debuts I've ever read! The Booker Prize people liked it, too. If Nobody Speaks of Remarkable Things by Jon McGregor has a mysterious event at its heart. Who did what?
5★ Link to my review of ...Remarkable Things
There should be lots of books like this for kids (and their grown-ups). It's beautiful, it's informative, it's scary, and it's funny! What's not to like about Nenek Tata and the Mangrove Menace (set in Sabah, Malaysia) by Judith Vun Price
5★ Link to my Nenek Tata and the Mangrove Menace review
Just finished Magic in the Weave an historical mystery leaning toward romance (which isn't my favorite genre...)My *** review: hhttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Garden of Sins
offers a delightful Victorian-era mystery (actually, several mysteries) with a blend of humor, menace, and scandal.My **** review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Have not yet finished The Torqued Man
, but am loving its mix of espionage, gay sensibilities, historical detail, and humor. Coming out in January.
Just finished The Spanish Daughter
, a really solid story that provides a delightful escape from the day to day. Set in Ecuador in the first part of the 20th Century.My **** review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This book is unique. Not just kind of different - unique. Naoki Higashida wrote a memoir The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism, which is not only informative but entertaining! For a kid who couldn't "communicate", he sure learned well, and he has a good sense of humour, too.
5★ Link to my Reasons Why I Jump review
I’m still slogging my through The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline. The topic, Britain’s convict transportations to Tazmania (Van Diemens Island) in the 1840s, is one that particularly interests me. The characters and storytelling, though, are disappointing. Two-thirds of the way through, I’m still waiting to feel engaged.
Christina wrote: "I’m still slogging my through The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline. The topic, Britain’s convict transportations to Tazmania (Van Diemens Island) in the 1840s, is one that particularly interests me...."I usually give a book one-third, Christina, unless there's an awfully good reason to keep going. Too many good books await!
This may help people approach challenging holiday conversations.The graphic publication The Pronoun Book, by Cassandra Jules Corrigan tries to explain how people choose to identify themselves and how we should refer to them and each other.
Bi, non-binary, trans, other gender issues are here. It's certainly a tricky business, and this is one place to start to understand it.
3★ Link to my review of The Pronoun Book wil several illustrations
Kamala Harris by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara is a colourful look at the current US Vice President. She is a first in so many ways! Little people BIG DREAMS is a great little series of books.
4★ Link to my Kamala Harris review with several illustrations
I'm currently reading through two series:Knights Templar (by SJA Turney)
* Time period begins in 1198 Europe
* Six book series. I've read three so far.
Saxon Tales (by Bernard Cornwell)
* Time period begins in 866 England
* Thirteen book series. I've read four so far.
This is my first-time reading books written by either author and they have been hard to put down!
Eva Luna – Isabel Allende – 4****
I’m already a huge fan of Allende’s magical realism, and this book did not disappoint. I loved the many characters – from the Lebanese merchant to the petty criminal/guerrilla leader to the transsexual entertainer. As Eva tells the story of her life, she tells the story of this South American nation – of corruption, class struggle, feast and famine. The story comes alive with saints and ghosts, servants and political leaders equally profiled, skewered and cherished.
My full review HERE
I just finished The Enemy Within, the enemy being radicalised suburban Muslim youths, local right-wing extremists, and bent Aussie cops. TTake your pick! Journalist Tim Ayliffe knows his stuff. This is January 2020 JUST before Covid hit.
4★ Link to my review of The Enemy Within
I just finished Minette Walters latest historical fiction. she really knows how to spin a good tale and make historical fiction readable and interetsingwhile making sure the facts are accurate.
The Swift and the Harriermy review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I also just finished another very enjoyable historical fiction novel, set in a turpentine camp during the Great Depression
The Saints of Swallow Hill by Donna Everhart my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
About to start a Regency-era novel I’ve been wanting to try, An Independent Heart: A Novel by Elizabeth Grant.
Jamaica Inn – Daphne du Maurier – 4****
What a wonderfully atmospheric, dark, sinister tale! I shivered with the damp, cold fog, strained to see by faint candle or lamp light, listened to the alternating whispers and shouts of a rabble of men up to no good. Mary Yellan is a marvelous heroine. Young and somewhat naïve, she is still a strong woman, resolute and determined to make the best of her situation. Du Maurier’s plot is intricate and complex and had several twists & turns in it. I wish there were a sequel so I could find out what Mary Yellen is like as an older woman!
My full review HERE
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Art Forger – Barbara A. Shapiro – 3.5***
Claire Roth is an aspiring artist who is making a living (just) by painting reproductions of old masters. And then she’s approached with an opportunity she cannot resist. Set against the backdrop of the infamous art theft at the Isabella Stewart Garner Museum in Boston – still the largest unsolved art heist in history – this is a marvelously intricate story. My feelings about Claire kept changing as I learned more of her backstory. Still, I was engaged from beginning to end and Shapiro kept me turning pages to see what would happen next.
My full review HERE
Fascinating reads, Book Concierge! You remind me I need to read du Maurier. And I love art mysteries.
The Marriage Test by Suzanne Redfearn is another of the Amazon Original Stories by well-known authors. This test isn't like anything else I've ever heard of!
3.5★ Link to my review of The Marriage Test
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