~ What’s On Your Bookshelf – October ~

A challenge hosted by Deb, Jo, Sue and Donna. Look no further for your latest recommendations in reading from these wonderful hosts.

What I’ve been reading this month is a real mix of genres. I’ll start with the latest, which was a book club choice.

“Think before you speak. Read before you think.”
Fran Lebowitz

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow which I’m sure many of you have seen, read or heard about. This was a Sunday Times best seller two years ago. I was put off initially by the synopsis, as it’s essentially about gaming. I did read that it’s not all about gaming, which is true. There are a lot of chapters about gaming though!

Sam and Sadie meet when they are children in a hospital. While Sam is in recovery from a tragic accident, Sadie is there because her sister is having treatment for cancer. They bond over their love of games. They lose touch for many years but then come together again due to their love of gaming.

I thought it was more for younger adults, but I eventually come to love the story of their friendship and love for each other. Gabrielle Zevin is a fantastic writer and brings to life the different characters throughout the book. Extremely clever book which stayed with me long after I had finished it. 5/5

“IN THE CASE OF GOOD BOOKS, THE POINT IS NOT TO SEE HOW MANY OF THEM YOU CAN GET THROUGH, BUT RATHER HOW MANY
CAN GET THROUGH TO YOU.”
-Mortimer J. Adler

I have read Kerryn Mayne’s previous book, Lenny Marks gets away with Murder, so was looking forward to reading the new one.

Most of her life Joy, the mother of twins, Andie and Cassie has been lying to them. To explain why they can’t go to school and have friends, she tells them they are from the future. They have to go back on their 21st birthday. Things don’t go as planned because on the day in question, Joy is found dead in the living room armchair.

A quirky book indeed, as we find out by going back in time, what prompted Joy to tell this outrageous lie. It was a fun read, if you suspend disbelief and just go along for the ride. 4/5

“Reading is an exercise in empathy, an exercise in walking in someone else’s shoes for a while”.
Malorie Blackman

Clare Chambers is one of my favourite authors and I’ve loved all of her books. This book is based on a true story and is quite shocking in some respects.

The story is set in the 1960’s and Helen is working in a psychiatric hospital as an art therapist. She is also having an affair with a handsome married doctor. She has been quite happy about this for many years, until the hidden man came to stay at the hospital.
A 37 year old man, called William Tapping, has been found living in a derelict house who hasn’t been outside in decades. This is a beautiful story told from different viewpoints. We go back in time to learn the background of why William was hidden away. Highly recommend 5/5

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