5 Short Book Reviews
Here are the last 5 books I’ve read. I’m finding I’m reading about a book a week at the moment. I’m just in the habit of reading in the morning, at night and as I work for myself, I even sneak in some afternoon reading sometimes especially if it’s sunny. I don’t actually feel guilty for reading a lot but I know some people do. I think it’s because I feel like I’m almost doing so many good things when I read; I’m resting, I’m taking care of my mind, I’m usually learning something and I’m getting inspired and using my imagination. Also I just love it! I feel so at peace when I’m reading. So if you are someone that feels guilty for reading instead of doing the dishwasher then I’m here to tell you, don’t!
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
This novel was so entrancing, captivating even, and yet it it doesn’t have a dramatic storyline or any huge twists. Do not let that put you off though as I simply couldn’t put this book down. The story goes back and forth in time which is done so seamlessly by the way Ann Patchett beautifully writes. We follow Danny, a boy who grows up in the magnificent house bought by his father. Danny and his older sister Maeve, find themselves parentless and thrown out of The Dutch House for good. I felt most attached to the character, Maeve, who’s obsession over the house they lost and protection of her brother, keeps her from living her own life. I love books that span across a characters entire life time; you understand why people make the choices they make and end up where they are in life. The ending is also unpredictable and satisfying. A must read for people who want a cosy but interesting read.
Early Morning Riser by Katherine Heiny
An easy read full of feel good moments and quirky characters. Teacher Jane falls for Duncan, a the guy everyone in town knows and loves. He is even still doing DIY jobs for his ex wife Aggie. However, a tragic accident means that Jane’s life suddenly becomes intwined with Duncan’s coworker, Jimmy. Jane, Duncan and Jimmy end up all living under one roof and we follow them along with other residents of Boyne City as they navigate life. I feel like friendship and family blossomed in this book. It was a really easy quick read, I’d say this a great book to pick up if you need a break from some darker stuff.
Girl Woman, Other by Bernadine Evaristo
This has got to be one of my favourite books ever. I had it on my to read list since it came out and I think I was putting it off because I don’t usually like short story style books that have lots of different storylines and characters but I am so glad I opened this because from page one I was hooked. There’s a lot of pain, fear and anger threaded throughout and I felt that but it’s also full of vibrance and education. I didn’t find it confusing jumping through 12 different characters lives and even found myself wanting more. I think that’s down to Bernadine Evaristo’s contemporary writing. This book is described as “a love song to modern Britain and black womanhood” and all I have to say is, read this book!
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
A sad but powerful read about human resilience. This is the second novel by Kristin Hannah I’ve read and I’m finding that she really brings a certain era in history to life. The Four Winds is set during the Dust Bowl Era in the 1930s in Texas. Just like Kristin Hannah’s, The Nightingale, I was shocked to learn about the reality of this time in history and the depths of poverty that people were thrown into. There’s not much happiness in this book but I wouldn’t describe it as dark. I cried but I felt strong and empowered. Mother daughter relationships always hit me the hardest.
I read Brit Bennett’s The Vanishing Half at the very start of the year and loved it, it’s now on the shortlist for the Women’s Prize Award. So of course I had to read her debut, The Mothers. I wasn’t instantly won over by this novel and didn’t feel like I started to really care for the characters until about half way through. I love to like and feel something the characters in a book I’m reading. I also didn’t feel the storyline hooked me in the same way The Vanishing Half did however I am glad I read it. A love triangle, an abortion, a betrayal, three young adults trying to be loved.