It’s been a while since I contributed to this challenge hosted by Debbie @ Deb’s World, so with the new year just started I am once again joining in.
If you read Debbie’s post and I urge you to do so for some great recommendations, you will realise what a prolific reader she is. I like to think of myself as an avid reader and try to read two or three a month.
I have four to share this month, but I’ll come clean as some are from December also.
I was trying to clean up the virtual bookshelf on my iPad and either delete some old samples or get on with reading them.
So it was with this book, a fairly old one by Lisa Jewell that I hadn’t realised was unread.
“Melville Heights is one of the nicest neighbourhoods in Bristol, England. It’s not the sort of place where people are brutally murdered in their own kitchens. But it is the sort of place where everyone has a secret. And everyone is watching you. Tom Fitzwilliam, the local headmaster is beloved by one and all, including Joey Mullen, his new neighbour. Joey and her new husband have just moved in with her brother and his wife. Her obsession is taking over her life.” – Taken from Goodreads.
I read this in about two days and couldn’t put it down. Another great book from Lisa Jewell.
This author is fairly new to me and this is the second book by Liz Moore I’ve read. It’s hard to believe this book was written in 2016 as it deals with what is now ChatGPT and AI. Starting in 1980 and ending up in 2009 with flashbacks to 1920, 1940 and 1950. The story focuses on David and Ada Sibelius. David is a single father to Ada. He works in a computer science lab and Ada is “home-schooled”. He teaches her what he thinks is necessary. Years later when David is diagnosed with Alzheimers, his secrets come to light. This was a fantastic read, such a beautiful story and kept me guessing until the end. Highly recommend.
Michael Connelly is a favourite author of mine and this is his latest offering. Mickey Haller leaves criminal court behind for his first civil lawsuit. Coincidentally this book is also about AI and the moral and ethical dilemmas that go with it. Jack McEvoy is also a key player in this book. I like it when Michael Connolly brings characters together. This is still a gripping court room drama as he goes head to head with the powerful tech companies.
An excellent if harrowing read – not for the faint hearted. The story starts in 1987 with Cora and her small daughter, Maia, walking to register the new baby’s name.
“Seven years later, her son is Bear, a name chosen by his sister, and one that will prove as cataclysmic as the storm from which it emerged. Or he is Julian, the name his mother set her heart on, believing it will enable him to become his own person. Or he is Gordon, named after his father and raised in his cruel image – but is there still a chance to break the mould?“ Amazon
Quite stressful to read in parts but I still loved it and gave it 5/5 on Goodreads. Does Bear/Julian/Gordon try to live up to their name or escape from it? I enjoyed reading the different storylines. It is my book choice for book club this month and it will invoke much discussion.
A footnote here about What’s Been on My Screen.
The Night Manager – Series Two.
I’ve only watched two episodes so far. Maybe not as good as the first series and a tad overdramatic. But I will keep on watching, as Olivia Colman is in it.
HiJack – Series Two
One episode in and I’m already confused! But anything with Idris Elba in it I will watch. This series involves an underground train in Berlin. Hoping for clarification in the next episode!
Song, Sung, Blue – Cinema
Not technically on my screen but at the local cinema. I just loved this film. Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson deserve oscars, as does the screenplay and music. I had a vague idea before seeing it, I knew it wasn’t about Neil Diamond himself, just the music. A truly wonderful uplifting film.
