I’m a sucker for lists of all kinds. To do lists, places to visit list, present list but surely the best type of all is that of books! Books are always a huge part of my life and even more so during a holiday.
This Easter in Sweden was no exception and thanks to ebooks I’m no longer restricted by weight to the number of books to take along – just as well as together my son and I read sixteen books.
It was a literary fest and here are a few of the varied mix I read…with just a brief overview and the effect they had on me.
The book that carried me across the North Sea was The Legacy of Lucy Harte. I need a good, no, make that a great book, to ensure that I am distracted from the fact I am 30,000+ feet up in the air with only two engines keeping me safely there and a thin sheet of metal is all that protects me from the airless minus 50 degrees centigrade outside.
‘Maggie O’Hara knows better than most that life can change in a heartbeat. Eighteen years ago she was given the most precious gift- a second-hand heart, and a second chance at life.
Always thankful, Maggie has never forgotten Lucy Harte – the little girl who saved her life. But as Maggie’s own life begins to fall apart, and her heart is broken in love, she loses sight of everything she has to live for…
Until an unexpected letter changes Maggie’s life..’
The Legacy of Lucy Harte is a gem of a read and I was desolate when I finished reading it. I had immersed myself in Maggie’s, her family’s and friend’s lives and it was a wrench to say goodbye to them. The book was wonderfully written and at no point a maudlin story.
A good friend here on WP recently recommended the film Lion. I was all set to go to the cinema when it was removed from the schedule. That is so typical! l! However I saw the book available on Amazon and once I reassured myself that the book was written before the film, I just couldn’t resist this true-life story.
‘As a five-year old in India, I got lost on a train. Twenty-five years later, I crossed the world to find my way back home.
Five-year-old Saroo lived in a poor village in India, in a one-room hut with his mother and three siblings… until the day he boarded a train alone and got lost. For twenty-five years.
This is the story of what happened to Saroo in those twenty-five years. How he ended up on the streets of Calcutta. And survived. How he then ended up in Tasmania, living the life of an upper-middle-class Aussie. And how, at thirty years old, with some dogged determination, a heap of good luck and the power of Google Earth, he found his way back home.’
Lion is a wonderfully sweeping human real life drama; it is lovingly told, heart-breaking, tense and astutely emotionally honest. The main characters in Saroo’s life are wonderfully captured. The whole book is cinematic in its scope, brilliantly written and by the end I felt I’d seen the film! This is a book that caught hold of my heart from the very start and had me reaching for the tissues. Surely a sequel will be written soon.
Go Set a Watchman has been on my shelf for a year and after the, at times, vitriolic, discussions across the news and social media I had decided to leave this. However, my curiosity was piqued and at the last minute this is the only paperback that made it into my suitcase.
‘Maycomb, Alabama. Twenty-six-year-old Jean Louise Finch – ‘Scout’ – returns home from New York City to visit her ageing father, Atticus. Set against the backdrop of the civil rights tensions and political turmoil that were transforming the South, Jean Louise’s homecoming turns bittersweet when she learns disturbing truths about her close-knit family, the town and the people dearest to her. Memories from her childhood flood back, and her values and assumptions are thrown into doubt. Featuring many of the iconic characters from To Kill a Mockingbird, Go Set a Watchman perfectly captures a young woman, and a world, in painful yet necessary transition out of the illusions of the past – a journey that can be guided only by one’s own conscience.’
The book is brilliantly written with the first part beautifully capturing Jean Louse Finch’s return to Maycomb and meeting up with family and friends, including her potential fiancee. However, about half way the whole book takes a sudden dramatic turn…and stays there. Whoa! Despite the comments I’d read I hadn’t expected the remainder to be a whole discourse on race in the 1950s and before. Like the slap she received from her uncle, I felt equally winded. As she argues for her beliefs I begin to feel her helplessness. I’m glad I’ve read it but can see why her publishers advised her to write To Kill a Mockingbird instead as indeed the first part of the book contains a lot of her memorable events which later find a central place in TKMB.
Frederik Backman is very popular at the moment and he found success after writing a blog for many years (there is hope for us all!) I had thoroughly enjoyed his A Man Called Ove. I was less fond of My Grandmother sends her regards and apologises.
However, Britt-Marie Was Here is my favourite of his books and as far as I’m concerned Backman has totally redeemed himself!
‘For as long as anyone can remember, Britt-Marie has been an acquired taste. It’s not that she’s judgemental, or fussy, or difficult – she just expects things to be done in a certain way. A cutlery drawer should be arranged in the right order, for example (forks, knives, then spoons). We’re not animals, are we?
But behind the passive-aggressive, socially awkward, absurdly pedantic busybody is a woman who has more imagination, bigger dreams and a warmer heart than anyone around her realizes.
So when Britt-Marie finds herself unemployed, separated from her husband of 20 years, left to fend for herself in the miserable provincial backwater that is Borg – of which the kindest thing one can say is that it has a road going through it – and somehow tasked with running the local football team, she is a little unprepared. But she will learn that life may have more to offer her that she’s ever realised, and love might be found in the most unexpected of places.’
Britt-Marie Was Here is deceptively simplistic in its style with a hidden far-reaching depth. The character of Britt-Marie and all whom she encounter are wonderfully crafted although it does take time to become engaged with them on a literary level. Britt-Marie’s world is odd, particularly with her OCD which dictates her life (I could identify with the obsession with lists, though!).
Do stick with the book as it is worth the initial effort and very soon her life and the lives of the inhabitants of Borg will win a place in your heart and mind. As they are changed by her presence of Britt-Marie, she is equally affected by their disarming behaviour. Hers and their lives will never be the same. I just loved this book and at times found myself cheering along for Britt-Marie, at times screaming at her (silently of course); Britt-Marie evokes a reaction from the reader throughout until the touching and deft finale.
My final three books all have one element in common – Sisters. At last it seems that the era of ‘Girl’ titled books are on the wane only to be replaced by a proliferation of ‘Sister’ related ones.
I hadn’t even realised The Lost & The Found was about two sisters, one snatched as young, until I started the book.
‘SHE WAS LOST…
When six-year-old Laurel Logan was abducted, the only witness was her younger sister, Faith. Faith’s childhood was dominated by Laurel’s disappearance – from her parents’ broken marriage and the constant media attention to dealing with so-called friends who only ever wanted to talk about her sister.
NOW SHE IS FOUND…
Thirteen years later, a young woman is found in the garden of the Logans’ old house, disorientated and clutching the teddy bear Laurel was last seen with. Laurel is home at last, safe and sound. Faith always dreamed of getting her sister back, without ever truly believing it would happen. But a disturbing series of events leaves Faith increasingly isolated and paranoid, and before long she begins to wonder if everything that’s lost can be found again…’
This is YA book was recommended to me by my son and mostly so for its ending. The story is superb, well told, full of suspense building to a crescendo of twists. Wow! The first I was sort of expecting, not the second nor the heart-stopping third. I had to re-read it a few times…just to take it in. Finishing this book late at night is not recommended as a sleep eluded me for next few hours. This is an extremely powerful and one I finished within 24 hours!
Sister Sister is in many ways eerily similar to Cat Clarke’s book and alas only highlights its weaknesses.
‘Alice: Beautiful, kind, manipulative, liar.
Clare: Intelligent, loyal, paranoid, jealous.
Clare thinks Alice is a manipulative liar who is trying to steal her life.
Alice thinks Clare is jealous of her long-lost return and place in their family.
One of them is telling the truth. The other is a maniac.
Two sisters. One truth.’
In all honesty I would say this is the weakest of the books I read during the Easter break. A psychological thriller with few thrills. There were a moments of danger, but the story was clearly signposted, the characters deliberately vague to add to the confusion. It had me hooked to a certain degree however in the end I finished it as I wanted to read the end, see how the writer got there and if I was right. A good read overall, just not great.
Sister Sister also had the misfortune of using the same technique for one of the characters as Sometimes I lie in that one of the character is not telling the truth.
Sometimes I lie is another book recommended to me by my son and this is a compulsive read which such intricate twists my son and I ended up discussing them at length, referring back to the book to double check details.
‘My name is Amber Reynolds. There are three things you should know about me.
- I’m in a coma
2. My husband doesn’t love me any more
3. Sometimes I lie’
This brilliant psychological thriller had me guessing until the end, satisfying in its twists and drama, great hold on the characters which are fully developed. My personal pet hate is the very final sentence which I know is supposed to be tantalising but it just isn’t logically possible!!
I read an article on Mslexia magazine about Twitter length stories and for fun I wrote the following loosely based around the themes of the last three books mentioned.
My long lost sister’s tatty teddy hung limply in the stranger’s hand, her gaunt eyes fixed on me.
‘Where did you get that?’
‘From Lucy…years ago. I managed to escape.’ ©Annika Perry, 2017
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about my Easter book binge. Have you read any of these? Are you tempted to read any of them? I look forward to reading your comments.
Annika Perry 
I am also a sucker for lists, and since books are a huge part of my life, here are a very few of the most recent books I have read : http://wp.me/p1QwdP-cP Thank you for this wonderful blog and all you have written here !
What is it about list that makes them so addictive?! 😀 Books ones are the best…shopping ones the most boring, I think! Thank you so much for your kind words about my blog and all your likes, so glad you’ve enjoyed reading my posts. Your link didn’t connnect to one about your read books but very interesting, must make sure to laugh more! 😀😀
Annika: Please excuse the incorrect link. This is the correct, actual link for a very short list of books I have enjoyed in their entirety. http://wp.me/P1QwdP-1Mp
I read them the old-fashioned, pre-internet way – cover to cover. And enjoyed every page. 😉
P.S. – I should probably add LAUGH FOR NO REASON by Dr. Madan Kataria – the foundational book for Laughter Yoga.
Oooo! I want to read “Sometimes I lie and sister sister” they look very good! And great list by the way! Keep progressing!
Have fun reading the books and do let me know what you make of them! 😀 I do like lists…addictive somehow and books ones are the best!😀 Many thanks for your comment.
Yes! I sure will! Thank you again and you are welcome
I enjoyed reading your list and take on the books. I knew the first few and for some reason never picked them up. For instance, after To Kill A Mockingbird, I have read such terrible about Go Set… that I never wanted to go that route.
I liked A Man Called Ove a lot, and I think I’ll add Britt Marie to my TBR. Have to still watch Lion, but I’d rather read first.
Oh- yes, I love my lists😊
Lists…what would we do without them?!😀 My son has even started writing them! I’m sure you’ll love Britt-Marie since you enjoyed A Man called Ove and know Backman’s writing style…he never rushes into a story so patience is called for! But first, do read LION – I just loved this and it ticks all the boxes! Many thanks for your lovely comment.😀
Oh really. LION it is then! Thank you 🙂
Great reviews, Annika! “Sometimes I Lie” seems so interesting I have to get it. Love your little twitter-length stories as well 🙂
Thank you so much! 😀 I can highly recommend ‘Sometimes I lie’ and hope you get a chance to read it soon…do let me know what you think of it. There were so many threads to keep hold of and well-written and plotted. It was fun coming up with the Twitter story and I’ve found it’s an interesting way to try and summarise books!
You certainly did have a book binge Annika, but then that’s partly what holidays are for! I haven’t read any of these – Go Set a Watchman is on my list, but like you, I’ve been put off from reading it from what I’ve heard about it – To Kill a Mockingbird is one of my favourite books of all time, so I’m not sure I want to spoil the memory of it!
Andrea, reading has always been a huge part of holidays for me and this one was no exception, obviously!!😃😀 Hmmm…you are in a bit of a dilemma about Go Set a Watchman however, I don’t see why it would have to change your affection for To Kill A Mockingbird. I must admit all the controversy did make me put off reading the book and it was only a last minute addition to my suitcase! So glad I did and could make up my own mind! Hope you have a chance to indulge in some books on your holiday!
Hi Annika – so great to see what you read on your Easter holiday! I remember seeing the book/movie Lion promoted and I’d forgotten about it. Now I’m curious.and will have to add it to my list. I had a similar reaction to Go Set a Watchman. I am sure it was never meant to be published. Regarding Atticus, I can’t help but think that Harper Lee was simply trying to develop his character and used Watchman to try out some things. It’s a shame it was published, but it doesn’t change how I feel about To Kill a Mockingbird, one of the best books ever written. Happy reading and writing to you!
Barbara, after reading Lion I’m now even more excited about seeing the film…sometime! 😀 I feel the book would be a very different read if I’d seen the film first and knew the whole story. There is so much mystery, mystique and intrigue surrounding Go Set a Watchman and this initially dissuaded me from reading the book at all. I had read somewhere that Harper Lee had sent this book for publication but an editor had suggested she concentrate on the story of Scout and her siblings which became To Kill a Mockingbird. Many scenes and events from Go Set a Watchman later made it to that book. Happy reading to you too 😀 I always enjoy reading your reviews and book posts!
Lists! I need to make a short ‘shopping for last minutes’ one as I’ve got the girls coming for supper tonight. I love their company and at least the house will be clean (eventually- if I actually stop typing and make a start 🙂 ) but it’s always a relief when my ‘turn’ is over. Have meant to read the Harper Lee too and Lion sounds fascinating. Where does the time go? 🙂 🙂 Happy weekend!
Time!? This year seems crazier than ever for flying away! It just doesn’t feel like it can be May already! 😀 I hope you got everything on your list and had a great supper. I’d be lost without lists, I’m sure…packing ones are fun! Hope you’re having a lovely weekend, Jo! ❤️
Thanks, hon! It was a good night, and I’ve just survived the whirlwind visit from my son. In slump/catch up mode 🙂 🙂 You too!
What a terrific selection of books, Annika! I wish I could sneak away with a nice pile of books, that would pretty much define a true vacation for me. Lion sounds incredibly intriguing. I want to see it, maybe read, but certainly, I think it would be a great movie. I had forgotten about Go Set a Watchman. I am a long time admirer of Harper Lee and have read To Kill a Mockingbird like fifty times, so I think I’m going to have to get that one. Unfortunately, I know the subject matter well. Wonderful reviews, as always 😀
Lana, it was wonderful to have so much time and peace to indulge in books, giving them my full attention. Pure bliss and luckily such great reads I do hope you have an opportunity to sneak away on a break, even if only for a few days! 😀 Lion was amazing and one of those that I wouldn’t mind seeing the film. Go Set a Watchman must be one of the most controversial books printed in recent times and it’s fascinating how opinions about the book are so divisive. I’d love to know what you think of the book once you’ve read it. hugs❤️
Hugs and happy weekend, Annika 😀
An interesting selection of books here. I had heard of a couple and the one that stood out for me was “Lion” I am in a quandry here as I wanted to see the film and like you left it too late. So do I read the book first or wait to see the film. I’m just not sure. There are two books herer that I would not have looked twice at if I had seen them in a bookshop (or, dare I admit it, on Kindle), these being “The Lost and The Found” and “Sometimes I Lie”. Now I’m hooked.
Really like the Twitter story too. Unusual approach and a frustratingly thought provoking mini story. What happened!!
Mike
Mike, so glad you liked the Twitter story…I like leaving the reader intrigued! 😀 Personally, I rarely read a book after I’ve seen the film so I suggest reading Lion first! The other two books you mention were terrific, heartfelt, brilliantly written. I’m so glad my son recommended ‘The Lost and The Found’ for me as this was an unexpected gem. I really hope you get a chance to read one or all three of these!!😀❤️
ARGH! Now I need to race and get some of these books you mention. TODAY. And I want to read them all …. TODAY. Thank you (I think…) 😉 I never heard of The Legacy of Lucy Harte and it sounds enticingly readable. LION – well, I watched the movie two weeks ago and s o b b e d at the end. Beautifully captured the soul of the book, it seems. I’m afraid to read the book – I may never recover. But I’m for sure going to read Britt-Marie Was Here – can’t wait! Sometimes I Lie has a great opening – I’m afraid it may keep me up at night, though. Your Twitter story is fun!!
Pam, I’m sorry!! 😀😃 I don’t mean to give you such book angst!! haha! I know the feeling and suffer equally when reading book posts and am overwhelmed with that urge to drop everything and just read!! I’m not sure how the book Lion would come across after seeing the film…you seem to have had a wonderful heartfelt time watching the story! Yeah, start with Britt-Marie and just don’t give up if it seems a bit repetitive at the start, it fits for the story and the book is brilliant!! It becomes your next best friend which you don’t want to finish. Many thanks for your comment about my Twitter story – it was a lot of fun to write and I’ve been scribbling other ones down for pure enjoyment.😀
Thank you for adding to my list! I’ll have to start with Lion and Britt-Marie (and still have to get to A Man Called Ove). I agree on Go Set a Watchman – I’m glad I read it, but so much of it felt like out-takes that it ended up being a bit disappointing. I’ve been reading the Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman and loving it – it’s a fun break from reality.
I must admit to never having read any Neil Gaiman although I’m steadily going through his excellent collection of articles/essays in ‘The View from the Cheap Seats’. What I’ve come across of his work, his writing seems superb, magical, lyrical and amazingly imaginative – reading about Anansi Boys I can well see how that is a great break from reality! 😀 The two books you mention are wonderful, one obviously based on a true story and I highly recommend A Man Called Ove as well…again it takes a little to get fully into the story. I can understand how part of Go Set a Watchman felt like outtakes – at times I felt it was sketches of thoughts that would later be developed…I don’t know. The writing was superb and the dialogue relentless and flowing. Many thanks for your lovely comment, Sheila. 😀❤️
I love Gaiman’s writing style and you described it perfectly. The only other ones I’ve read are The Ocean at the End of the Lane and Trigger Warning and I think Anansi Boys is the best so far. It’s even making me laugh out loud – lots of fun!
Interesting reviews, Annika. It’s great that you could have the option of ebooks whilst on hols. 🙂 Thanks for this lovely write! 😀
Many thanks, Iris and yes, ebooks have been a blessing! I used to panic that I would run out of books when I went on holiday but now no such fear! Als,o they’re so easy on the eyes to read…a real wonder.
Yes, they are great and so convenient! You’re welcome, Annika. 🙂
Great reading time out for you Annika, and some wonderful books I was delighted to read your reviews on. I too have been anxious to get to Go Set a Watchman, and I had pre-ordered it and also felt like waiting awhile because of the mixed reviews and press about how the manuscript was obtained and if it was all Lee’s story. I’d read a few articles with different takes.. But I knew either way I had to read it for my own curiosity. 🙂
Debby, so glad you liked the reviews and it was fun to revisit the books to write this post! 😀Pure indulgence! A lot of press hype -whether positive or negative – about books, movies etc tends to turn me away from reading / watching the book or film and this was the case with Go Set a Watchman, even though I’d got it early on. At last, with it being out of the public eye I became curious again and so glad I read it. The writing is superb, the execution unique and above all else, memorable. I’d love to know what you think about the book? If nothing else, it is amazing how it has split opinions to both extremes!
Yes, I’ve read many opinions. And like you, I wondered if many negative reviews were because of the press, saying different things such as: the manuscript was only in rough draft taken away from her and mostly written by someone else. Whatever it is, they also say all press is good press. Like you, I’m still curious to read it. I pre-ordered the paperback before its release and still haven’t got to it yet but I’ll sure let you know when I do. 🙂
How can you go wrong with books like that? 😀
Exactly, Kev! 😀 It felt like a luxurious treat – such good books and lots of time!
Thank you, thank you, Annika, for all of these book suggestions!! After I finish the Harry Potter series, I will be on the prowl for a new book to read, and now know where to start. Lion, hands down, was the best movie I saw all year, and one of the best ever. The book is probably even better! Thanks again for all of this! And take deep breaths while you are on the plane. xo
Tanya, now I want to see the movie of ‘Lion’ more than ever! 😀 Like you, so many say it was the best film of last year…I’ll just have to wait until it’s out on DVD (is that old hat yet?) I hope you enjoy the book and you’ll have to let me know which is the better medium for the story. I tried hard to get into Harry Potter when my niece was reading it years ago but really didn’t like it (I know, this will be highly unpopular!) I can understand why it’s so well like and have enjoyed a couple of the films. Does this count? Ah…so I should be breathing on the plane!!😀 I’m sure from the start of the runway until we’re high up I don’t take a breath! I just love travelling too much so will endure with this fear…and maybe get better (fingers crossed)!
Annika, you are going to love the movie!!! And, I think renting DVD’s is totally cool, and is still one of my favourite things to do, so you run to the store and rent it when it comes out! You will not regret it! After I read the book, I will send you a review. Harry Potter isn’t for everyone, so don’t worry, I won’t hold it against you. Ha! Yes….PLEASE BREATHE ON THE PLANE! Flying terrifies me, so when we are racing down the runway gaining speed for liftoff, I make sure playing in my ears is the one song I would want to hear when I take my last breath on earth. Sounds morbid, but it makes me feel at peace and allows me to surrender to whatever will be. Fix You, by Coldplay, is that song. Like you, there is no way I am not flying; there are just too many places in this world to see! 🙂
I can’t believe how many books you read–and so eclectic. I used to take piles of paperbacks on trips but now, like you, it’s all about Kindle. I treat myself to some of my favorite books and then slowly, work through them. Now, though, there’s the device charge. Reading burns through battery. I’ve taken to bringing both my iPone 7SPlus (the big version) and an iPad so I can seamlessly go from one to the other when battery expires. It is difficult to find wall outlets in airports at times.
Jacqui, I read on a Kindle paperwhite which can hold it’s charge up to two months – when I read this heavily I only had to charge it once during the two weeks! I think this is as it only runs the books, no other applications etc. Oh yes, ipad and moile phone batteries drain so quickly and it’s tricky when travelling as by the time I land there is barely enough charge left to make a phone call! Wall outlet points in airports etc are starting to come to Europe but reckon we have to wait a while in the UK. Happy Reading!😀
Great post, Annika! Lovely reviews as well. Sixteen books?! Wow. My reading speed has slowed to a crawl lately; I’m lucky if I can read one book every couple weeks. Sounds like you had a wonderful time with your son 🙂
Julie, at home I’m down to about a book a week which is little for me – the holiday is exceptional and allows us so much time to read. No TV, computer, internet…the old way of life is a wonder! The sixteen books were between us though! My son and I had a brilliant time and had a real chance to just be together, chat, walk, work on the land. I learnt so much from him; I feel so lucky.
Great reviews. I’m intrigued by Lost and Found and Go Set a Watchman. Great list!
Thank you so much, Dorothea and glad you liked the list. 😀 The two you mention are fantastic reads – a real treat. Hope you have a chance to read them sometime.
I hope I do too! They’re on my list.
Man. You’ve been busy! This is a great list and an equally wonderful synopsis of each.
Thank you so much, Kathy! 😃 It was a lot of fun compiling the list and revisiting the books – I was lucky with the selection this year!
It seems you had a wonderful time Annika! Soaking in the splendor of books along with other activities during a break adds so much to our mental and emotional wellbeing. Isn’t it amazing that you liked all of them except one? Great choice and so many of them! You seem to be a voracious reader 🙂 I have read just ‘Go Set A Watchman’ out of these but ‘Lion’ caught my attention and I would like to read it.
Thanks for sharing these books. I always go by recommendations and my list is quite lengthy as I am a slow, savoury type of reader 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend.
I know, time and place is a luxury and I had both by the bucket load this Easter – I felt so lucky indeed.😀 It feels like catching up with myself to have the chance to read so much, although I read far too quick – something which has been commented on by my mother, teachers, friends! Sometimes I’m caught out and have missed something much to my chagrin. I like the idea of a slow savoury read but never seem to manage it…often feel I’m chasing myself! ‘Lion’ was wonderful and a real tear-jerker which doesn’t happen often to me with books. I’m intrigued what you thought of ‘Go Set a Watchman’? It caused so much controversy and the commentary and reviews put me off the book for ages. I was lucky with my choices overall…I did start one which was about the Libor scandal, probably too ambitious although I was hooked by the crazy characters involved, the banking detail was just too much! Hope you’re having a great weekend and Happy Reading!😀📖
I don’t read the reviews before reading the book and depend on its popularity or recommendations. When I am in doubt I read a little of critical reviews and go ahead with the book. When I picked up ‘Go Set a Watchman’ I was inspired by Harper’s Mockingbird, which I had read long ago. However I was disappointed with Go Set…halfway and therefore went to Goodreads to read the reviews. Then I could understand why this book was in a disoriented state!
Balroop, I totally understand your mixed feelings about the book and it is halfway in that it seems to change totally – disorientating is definitely the word! Once I decided to see where it went and read on I became caught up in the discussion, the writing is as compelling as ever and fascinating to read the thoughts of the time, even though uncomfortable. It is almost like two books in one…thank you so much for sharing your opinion about the book here.
As usual, Annika, you are a delight to read! ❤
Ah…thank yo so much, Carol! ❤️ Always lovely to read your comments .😃
Wow! A great list of books and reviews, Annika. So glad that Harper Lee’s GO SET A WATCHMAN was among them. I pre-ordered a hard cover copy, devoured it once it was delivered to my doorstep and wrote a 5-star review (contrary to many editorial critiques I had read). I only wish there was another hidden treasure to be found as a sequel.
Bette, I think of all the books I read over Easter, Go Set a Watchman is the one I will remember for a long long time. It was amazing…a wonderful literary novel! I was just astonished by the turn the book took but was hooked by the arguments and discussions as they swung back and forth. It was intense. Like you, I would love to read a sequel to this…that would be amazing and also I feel it needs to written and read! Oh well…not likely to happen, I suppose. Bette, do you have a link to your review of this book – I would love to read /reread it and to share your review here?
Hi, Annika. Here’s a link to my review on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1415946116?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1 The page includes quotes that I shared from the novel. Have a beautiful week, my friend! xo
Thank you for sharing your excellent thoughtful review, Bette – I think it’s great and I enjoyed revisiting the novel through the quotes you’ve shared – I wasn’t really even aware of this feature on Goodreads. The week is coming along just fine; I’m just beginning to wonder what the sun looks like though! It’s been grey and dull for so many days now…hugs xx
Of this list, Lion captures my imagination the best, Annika. I was laughing about your need to get a book for the plane. My sister-in-law has been visiting for the past week and left this morning. Before she left, however, she went perusing our library to make sure she had a book to read for the plane trip home. –Curt
Curt, Lion is a wonderful book which explores his inner journey whilst also painting a picture of the lives of the children who weren’t as lucky to get out of Calcutta. Ha, I totally understand your sister-in-law’s feeling and I hope her flight home went well. There was a time when I couldn’t even read on the plane, just sat in sheer terror so things have improved! My flight to the States last September was a huge personal achievement but I wasn’t going to let fear stop me!
My sister (in contrast to my sister-in-law) absolutely refuses to get on airplanes, Annika. I think she has flown twice in her life. 🙂 I’ll check out Lion. –Curt
That’s quite a bit of reading, Annika. It sounds like you had a wonderful time. I so enjoyed your book review of each volume…, welcome back… jc
Thank, JC…it’s a joy to have the opportunity to become fully immersed in the books I’m reading and often read for an hour or two at a time…not something I have a chance to do once back home! So glad you liked the reviews – it was a struggle keeping them this short, otherwise the post would have become unmanageable!
|Good reviews and a nice post. You should holiday lots !
Haha! I couldn’t agree more, Shey! 😀😃 I catch up on my reading during the holidays as you can tell!
Well… we can all be like that xxxxxxxx
Going to the library and taking your list with me. I always go blank as soon as I walk into the library.
Yeah, glad to be of help and happy hunting! 😊 I imagine some of the covers might well be different – a fact I hadn’t realised properly until I started blogging.
You read 16 books in a week? I’d be lucky to get 16 titles read in a week. Wish I was a fast reader – so many great books waiting to be read. Thanks for all the suggestions and descriptions – very inspiring.
Oh no, Sharon, my son and I read that between us…so about eight each – and that over the two week break! He was studying hard too so that’s even more impressive for him! It’s amazing how much time one has with no TV or computer etc! So glad you liked the descriptions…I remember some of them with such fondness.
Excellent reviews!
Thank you so much, Rebecca!😀
i’m certainly glad your back was spared
by not having to carry the hardback versions, Annika!
such wonderful reviews that make me
consider taking time to read more novels.
thank you for putting a book down
and sharing this wonderful reflection 🙂
David, thank you so much for your wonderful comment.😀 You are right about my back being spared the weight as before I used to fill up my hand-luggage with books until I was near the 10 kg limit! It’s a delight to share these here and I hope you find time to enjoy and become fully immersed in some books soon…😃
Sixteen books is wonderful. What a vacation. 🙂 I also won’t read a book based on a film, Annika. The other way around is just fine, and I usually try to read the book before seeing the film. A nice variety of reads here. I love your recommendations – just finished Local Girl Missing. Your recommendation was spot on. Have a great weekend and enjoy some reading!
It’s just something about a book written after a film that makes me cringe and glad I’m not the only one who feels these don’t often work. Even the cover of this book is slightly ruined for me by having ‘now a major motion picture’ splashed across the top! Well, the sixteen books were between us otherwise I don’t think I’d have left the summer house! It is a blessed holiday with family and books – when the world seems all perfect! 😃 Diana, I’m so glad you enjoyed Local Girl Missing and honoured and chuffed you like my recommendations. Happy Reading! 😃📖
You write great reviews, Annika. I’m almost always sucked into one of them. 🙂
You had a busy reading Easter. I savor your descriptions of the books and reasons why you selected them. I have picked a couple from your list. I always have a books to keep me company before I go to slumber-land. Our tulips have now opened. The apple tree has blossomed and the beach plum is visited by our neighborhood bird friends. Ah, such creature comforts when the gardens awaken. Thank you as always for an informative and fun mini-vacation to Sweden. Does your son also blog? Loved the blog entry. Thanks, Annika. ^__^
Mary Ann, thank you for your lovely comment and I’m quite chuffed that there are a couple here that interest you. 😊 I could easily have written more about them all but tried to keep the post readable. I’m the same and need to read a book at bedtime to settle, even if it is very late. My roommate at uni was quite frustrated with me, I’m sure, as we’d get in late (or early morning!) and I’d still settle down with a book in bed to relax! Your garden sounds so beautiful and I just love apple blossom, something almost ethereal about it. Our tulips have just finished flowering but so much else is out so I can’t complain. I’ve just spent a few hours out gardening again this afternoon and came back indoors quite mellow and peaceful. No, my son doesn’t have a blog although he wants to start a youtube channel once his school exams are over in mid-June. On there he will put up videos of his piano playing, including his own compositions – I hope to share these here! Wishing you a lovely musical weekend!❤️
Lion is the one that has captured my attention. Especially as I’ve been to both India and Tasmania.
Oh, Wow! That’s amazing and I bet you have lots of stories from your trips to these places. 😃 You would definitely identify with the book well and both India and Tasmania are captured brilliantly (I feel!). When he was travelling in India I felt quite overwhelmed with the people and bustle!
Great post Annika and thank you for this beautiful work of sharing it. I always love your
book reviews / recommendations. So far you have guided me right.
Funnily I read 3 of your holiday books myself over Easter. ‘Legacy of Lucy Harte’ , ‘Lion’ and ‘ Britt-Marie’. All three kept me enthralled and I found it difficult to say bye to them.
Hug
Mirja
Ah, thank you, Mirja and so happy you like my book suggestions. It seems however that some of these aren’t needed, eh?!😃😀 The books you mention are terrific and I can empathise that it was sad to finish them. I don’t know how you would feel about the psychological thriller ones…although The Lost & The Found is a wonderful original read – and quite heart-breaking!
Oh, I do need your book suggestions so please do not stop.
The psychobiological thrillers, do you think they would be better read at daytime……hmmm, just thinking of dreams.
Have a two books on the go, one for day and one for night
😉🦋
Mirja, that sounds like a good idea and I’ve done something similar at times and had two books on the go…either if a book is too intense, intellectual or scary – or even too heavy. The big hardbacks are just too heavy to hold in bed!!😃 Glad you like the suggestions and I definitely intend to keep them coming. I have so many netgalley books to review, I’m crazy behind, so hopefully get some out in time for your summer reads!❤️🌸
I love lists too, Annika! Crossing items off of my To-do list makes me feel so productive.
Although greatly deserved, I’m jealous of all of your free reading time during your holiday. That is my kind of vacation. It sounds like you picked some great reads. THE LOST AND THE FOUND sounds particularly intriguing. Thanks for the terrific reviews!
Yeah! 😃 Another fan of lists…it is so satisfying crossing off completed tasks. But do you have a problem of losing lists? My brother joked that he needed a list to find his list…Great that you liked the book selections – I just had such an enjoyable relaxing time reading these. Whilst writing about The Lost and The Found I did think of you, Jill and wondered if this was something you’d like. Definitely a brilliant book…do let me know if you read it, I’d love to hear what you think. Hope you get a chance to book binge soon! ❤️