Perhaps bad timing read for me. I just watched The Jetty on BBC, and it was the same premise. I just thought the Jetty was be3 maybe 2 and half stars
Perhaps bad timing read for me. I just watched The Jetty on BBC, and it was the same premise. I just thought the Jetty was better, it had better twists and turns and a solid ending. Each chapter of Kala is one of the 3 protagonists’ point of view, Joe, Helen or Mush.
Perhaps only an issue on kindle edition, but kindle did not have the chapter title on each page, so I was forced often to read a whole chapter (not the end of the world ofc) in one stint or scroll back and recount which POV this chapter was. I often read books where I can't remember the character’s name, but it does not matter because they have a 'voice' (or something like that) unique to them. I guess it was not the case for this book.
Anyways not a bad read, but I would have dnf if I was not trying to read it for book club.
Summary from Amazon:
In the seaside town of Kinlough three old friends are thrown together for the first time in years. They - Helen, Joe and Mush - were part of an original group of six inseparable teenagers in the summer of 2003, with motherless, reckless Kala Lanann as their group's white-hot centre. Soon after that summer's peak, Kala disappeared without a trace.
Now it's fifteen years later. Human remains have been discovered in the woods. Two more girls have gone missing. As past and present begin to collide, the estranged friends are forced to confront their own complicity in the events that led to Kala's disappearance... ...more
2 or 3 stars but you do you and read the book or not as I was not the target audience, so my review is probably void.
The Outrun is a mixture of memoi2 or 3 stars but you do you and read the book or not as I was not the target audience, so my review is probably void.
The Outrun is a mixture of memoir and nature writing. The mixture of genres/topics must have been influenced by Moby Dick (which the author was reading during the time she wrote about). So I guess the mixture of genres is not too strange. Amy mentions her dislike for tourists who visit Orkney but then writes about how Orkney is unique, bursting with nature and interesting folklore and history. It felt like an advertisement for the area.
I listened to the audiobook and was surreal driving around the city at night while she talks about astronomy (which I am unlikely to see in the city) and whales. It had its moments, but with memoir’s sometimes the author does use the writing process as a time to reflect, and she reflects a lot. Thinking about her alcoholic days while weaving with her new hobbies of swimming, astronomy and bird watching. Read it if you want, or not. ...more
I do like reading books where you slip into someone's world and then slip out. Only focusing on the important bits and adding a sprinkle of backstory I do like reading books where you slip into someone's world and then slip out. Only focusing on the important bits and adding a sprinkle of backstory to make the characters decisions make sense and the plot progress. Although you then must sacrifice the feeling of closure and an indefinite ending. It must be the same as creating a piece of art, knowing when to step back and drop the paintbrush. You could continue, but continuation may lead to making a mistake or ruining the whole thing. Isabella Hammad ended up at the right moment and I must accept that. The longing to know what happens next is a testament that I got engrossed in the story and the characters....more
I don't want to give it a two star, as I understand it has its merit. I just think, perhaps I'm at the wrong age to read this. I am a late twenty yearI don't want to give it a two star, as I understand it has its merit. I just think, perhaps I'm at the wrong age to read this. I am a late twenty year old and I guess I would relate to the daughters. But they are not given much depth, or any viewpoint. They act as an audience to the protagonist telling her story.
I listened to the audiobook and I loved Meryl Streep's narration. I loved the depth of Lara, I was just hoping for some lump in my throat moments. It was a nice read but I wanted some morals to the story or a point to why the story was being told. I guess it wasn't that obvious, as I am sure someone else can write an essay on the themes of this novel. It just flew me by.
Maybe a reread when I am in my late 50s would be a good idea and I am sure I would understand it then and strongly relate....more
Always jarring when adults treat children so badly. This edition has been on my tbr for so long, I wanted this version because the illustrations are bAlways jarring when adults treat children so badly. This edition has been on my tbr for so long, I wanted this version because the illustrations are breathtaking (and so eerie). I found this in the charity shop and read it from the day of purchase.
Summary (to remind myself what happened if I fancy rereading it one day):
It tells the story of a man who returns to Sussex for a funeral and then finds himself driving "randomly" to the scenes of his childhood. He is drawn to the Hempstock farmhouse wherein, he remembers, there lived three generations of powerful and mysterious Hempstock women.
Quick read, I would like to reread, although I think I am drawn to wanting to read more from Neil Gaiman. I love the worlds he creates and the eerie grimness, more so than Stephen King. As I step away from Stephen King I know I can fill that space with Neil Gaiman. ...more
I listened to this and the audiobook was great. It was fun listening to this book while running and working out.
Spoiler: the sex scene was not graphiI listened to this and the audiobook was great. It was fun listening to this book while running and working out.
Spoiler: the sex scene was not graphic like Fourth Wing which was refreshing. This was a fantasy, that did have a tad bit of romance but wasn't that main theme.
The world building was great, I am enjoying the new fantasy books that are being released. More like this and less smut please....more
I enjoyed this book, it reminded me of belladonna in regards to clashing of genres. Where Belladonna is a mashup of romantic fantasy, gothic vibes andI enjoyed this book, it reminded me of belladonna in regards to clashing of genres. Where Belladonna is a mashup of romantic fantasy, gothic vibes and murder mysteries, The Southern Book Club's.... is a mashup of Southern fiction, horror, housewife’s (not a genre but whatever).
I was so frustrated with all the men in the book, and I find it uncomfortable and frustrating to read men who are gaslighting controlling husbands. Got to get through the pages. I also struggled with the gore and horror. I won't reread it, just because of the gore.
Summary from amazon: horror novel about a women's book club that must do battle with a mysterious newcomer to their small Southern town. ...more
I enjoy listening to this series, I am not sure how I would rate it if I read it. I just love this cozI forgot to write a review and its been awhile.
I enjoy listening to this series, I am not sure how I would rate it if I read it. I just love this cozy fantasy genre, its fun its low stacks and I can comfortably read.
Summary (so I don't forget what I wrote) from Pan Macmillan website
First loves. Second-hand books. Epic adventures.
Viv’s career with the renowned mercenary company Rackam’s Ravens isn’t going as planned. Wounded during the hunt for a powerful necromancer, she’s packed off against her will to recuperate in the sleepy beach town of Murk – so far from the action that she worries she’ll never be able to return to it. What’s a thwarted soldier of fortune to do?
Spending her hours at a struggling bookshop in the company of its foul-mouthed proprietor is the last thing Viv would have predicted. Even though it may be exactly what she needs. Still, adventure isn’t far away. A suspicious traveller in grey, a gnome with a chip on her shoulder, a summer fling and an improbable number of skeletons prove Murk to be more eventful than Viv could have ever expected.
Sometimes, right things happen at the wrong time. Sometimes, what we need isn’t what we seek. And sometimes, we find ourselves in the stories we experience together . . . ...more
I am mood reading right now with whimsical, entertaining, 'easy' reads. I am revising a lot and need some less traumatising books. I ended up picking I am mood reading right now with whimsical, entertaining, 'easy' reads. I am revising a lot and need some less traumatising books. I ended up picking up this book and trying not to enjoy it (because it’s so popular) and I failed, it’s a great book.
It’s so well structured, the main character Violet Sorrengail mantra is 'I will not die today'. She must deal with one dilemma after another. I have had to ask AI copilot to figure out what was the thing I enjoyed and it’s a common trope (I guess I don't read many fantasy books) called 'Perilous Journey'. Maybe I should get into fantasy reading, as its such fun. I loved the worldbuilding and one cliffhanger after another, I enjoyed reading when I was reading this book. Thanks to the person who recommended it to me, also her tip to buy the sequel at the same time, so don’t have to wait too long after finishing Fourth Wing.
AI BOT - “Perilous Journey” or “Gauntlet”. This is a common trope in literature where the protagonist must face a series of challenges that test their endurance, skills, and resolve. Each challenge is potentially lethal, increasing the tension and stakes of the narrative. This is often used in adventure, fantasy, and action genres. It’s a way to showcase the character’s growth, resilience, and determination. Examples include Odysseus’s journey in “The Odyssey” and Frodo’s journey in “The Lord of the Rings”.
Another enjoyable book (although got a bit weird sometimes). 3 star because I have no urge to re-read it and may not recommend to others - mostly becaAnother enjoyable book (although got a bit weird sometimes). 3 star because I have no urge to re-read it and may not recommend to others - mostly because people will judge me if I recommend smut like this to them.
Summary from amazon:
Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman of the Southwest, is an outcast - again. Her days of living in anonymity among the Humans are over: she has been called upon to uphold an historic peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their mortal enemies, the Weres, and sees little choice but to surrender herself in the exchange - again . . .
Weres are ruthless and unpredictable, and their Alpha, Lowe Moreland, is no exception. He rules his pack with absolute authority, but not without justice. And, unlike the Vampyre Council, not without feeling. It's clear from the way he tracks Misery's every movement that he doesn't trust her. If only he knew how right he was . . .
Because Misery has her own reasons to agree to this marriage of convenience, reasons that have nothing to do with politics or alliances, and everything to do with the only thing she's ever cared about. And she is willing to do whatever it takes to get back what's hers, even if it means a life alone in Were territory . . . alone with the wolf. ...more
Not sure if it's a translation problem, but it was very simplistically written. It didn't really have a plot, which I guess is fine, but it says 'daysNot sure if it's a translation problem, but it was very simplistically written. It didn't really have a plot, which I guess is fine, but it says 'days at the' so assumed it would have different tales. I was hoping for a mix of characters, getting to know the customers, like 'when the coffee gets cold'. But that didn't really happen.
Some bits felt just odd. Like the hug in the bath???
I will skip the sequel and leave it as a two star....more
Bookish.Issy
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