I had a pretty good reading week, not just in terms of how many books I finished, but how much I enjoyed some of them. Most were ones that have been sitting on my TBR for ages and that I decided to try out on a whim, one is a new release that I wanted to read based solely on the lost letters hook. So here they are!
Just Shelved
I have seem Miriam Margolyes in several interviews (notably on The Graham Norton Show) and I can’t quite figure out how to feel about her. She’s funny, irreverent, and has absolutely zero filter at all. Seriously, whatever you’re imagine it, take it much, much further. She talks about sexual escapades, memories of other actors and hand washing her underwear (which she does on camera in one of her documentaries) with as little ceremony or hesitation as discussing what she ate for breakfast. It’s remarkable, but a bit unsettling when you’re not expecting it! I did enjoy the book, though, even if it didn’t make me feel like I have any better sense of her! My Oxford Year is a romance, which I hadn’t realized when I got into it. But I liked the setting and the romance was bearable, though a bit more dramatic and fraught than I prefer. The Skylark’s War I’ve heard wonderful things about for years. In my mind it’s something of a modern children’s classic. This idea was correct. It is beautifully written, has characters you can’t help but love who develop over the course of the book, there are challenges and tragedies, but also joy and beauty and love. It’s got everything, and is just a fantastic read.
Happily Ever After etc. was a re-read – I was waiting and needed something to keep me busy for half an hour or so. It’s that quick of a read, but also just wonderful. Loved it as much this time. The Lost Letters is another book I came across in a sale and liked the concept of (woman moves into run-down cottage and finds old letters that lead her down a new road in her life). It’s the second book I read this week not realizing it was a romance, but it was alright. Again, not super believable, a bit overwraught, but I enjoyed the basis of the plot, and some of the characters had me wanting to keep going. Not a favourite, but a pleasant way to pass a few hours.
Currently Reading
Okay, so if I’m honest I haven’t read any more of the first two this week at all. I still think I’ll probably go back to them, but haven’t this week. I am, however, deeply enjoying Remarkably Bright Creatures, another of those random selections I made with zero thought or research this week. The characters are fantastic – particularly Marcelas, the octopus, who is absolutely hilarious. The plot is a bit predictable in places, but it doesn’t take away from the sense of wonder and whimsy of the story. I’m looking forward to finishing it, which I’ll likely do later today.
Up Next
As usual I have no idea what I’ll read next, so I might as well just keep these here because they’re as likely as anything else to get read in the near future!
That’s my week! I’ve enjoyed my reading – a couple of great surprises, some wonderful characters and that feeling of following the thread of a book without effort. Which was really what I wanted this week – to be immersed and entertained. All the books I read this week accomplished that, so I’m quite pleased.
What about you guys? Have you read any of these? Did you have any stand-out reads this week? Any on this list you want to read? I’d love to hear about your reading week!
A weekly post that encourages bloggers to share what they have read in the past week, what they’re currently reading and books they’ve recently added to their TBRs. Originally started by Sheila at Book Journey, it is now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date.
I adored Remarkably Bright Creatures and agree that the characters, especially Marcelas, are brilliant.
I also enjoyed Snapdragon – mostly because I love stories that involve intergenerational friendships. The witch apprenticeship reminded me a bit of Terry Pratchett’s witches – some of my favourite literary characters.
I’m so glad I decided to try out RBC, it was such a wonderful discovery! Yes, the intergenerational friendship was one part I loved, along with her mother’s portrayal and her trans friend and how their friendship was so pure and supportive. Lots of things to love in that one!
Your thoughts about The Skylarks’ War compelled me to head to my list of libraries. How can it be that none of the libraries around me have this book? Sigh. I will add it to my wish list in the hope that I will eventually find it somewhere. Hopefully soon!
Really? That surprises me! Maybe it’s more popular in the British book world… it’s hard to tell because the online community of bloggers is so international! It felt like everyone had read it, but maybe it was just everyone from the UK! I do hope you find it – it was a lovely book, and a quick read as well!