31 Jan My Reading Life: January 2019
In January I read 6 books, one was my first 5 star book of the year, one I hated and only finished because I was trapped on a plane. Three books were from the local library, one book I purchased and two were from my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn.
My review: This was the first book that I read in 2019 and it was a very dark read but also a fascinating insight into a small town American life tinged with unspoken secrets and repressed histories. Held me captivated until the very last pages.
4/5 stars
Source: Local Library
Links: Amazon Goodreads Bookdepository
Pardonable Lies by Jacqueline Winspear
My review: I would almost say this was a 4 star book, always enjoy the Maisie Dobbs books, enjoyable reads, with a compelling main character. Plus I like the fact that she doesn’t fall for the obvious romantic storylines
3/5 stars.
Source: Local Library
Links: Amazon Goodreads Bookdepository
The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny
My review: A slow burner of a novel, not one I rushed to finish but one that I enjoyed reading none the less. I have been making my way through this series of books from Penny and they are a very particular style of detective book. They remind me of what a slow novels movement would look like. They set their own pace, matching the world they are set in.
3/5 stars.
Source: Local Library
Links: Amazon Goodreads Bookdepository
Beartown by Fredrik Backman (Translated by Neil Smith)
My review: This book took me a while to read. Normally when I love a book I devour it. I got half way through and I had to stop. It’s a tough read in parts and I had to step away. And then I picked it up again and finished it in one sitting. It’s both a fascinating study of sports and human nature. It kicks you in the guts and picks you up again with hope right when you think it’s too dark to go back. My first 5 star book of the year. And I don’t those out easily. Will it be for everyone? Probably not, but it will stay with me, and those that like it will love it.
5 stars.
Source: Purchased
Links: Amazon Goodreads Bookdepository
The Woman on the Orient Express by Lindsay Jayne Ashford
My review: A thoroughly enjoyable read. This book made me want to go back and reread status Christmas novels. Well written with an engaging plot. It is set in the time period in Agatha Christie’s life after her separation from her first husband and the fiction weaves so well with the reality of her life.
3 stars.
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Links: Amazon Goodreads Bookdepository
My not so good reads
There are always going to be books that are not your cup of tea. I generally don’t tend to pick up these books to begin with! But this month I read a few that I would NOT recommend
Mad Love by Nick Spalding
My Review:
This book popped up on my KU subscription and I downloaded before getting on a plane. The only reason I kept reading and finished the DAMN thing was that I was on a plane. With nothing else to entertain me. It’s just very blah, mediocre plot and characters. Reading the synopsis I felt like it had potential to be a funny read but it really wasn’t. A skip it from me I’m afraid.