Reading for Hours
Just shifting the Facebook icon from the homepage of my phone to page two where I can’t see it every time I open my phone was enough to open up hours of time. I still have to resist the urge to flip to FB, but I was determined to give it up for a while. It felt gross to spend hours scrolling. I distracted myself with reading. I read a lot anyway but now I had even more time to devote to the pages of good stories. From true stories to magical I have had time to read so many good things recently. I thought it was time to share the selections with you. Below you’ll find the covers and under that I’ve written a little blurb about each.
The Girl in His Shadow & The Surgeon’s Daughter are the first two books in a trilogy by Audrey Blake. Set in London 1845 it follows young Nora Beady as she becomes a doctor. Rich in detail and strong characters. I love a woman underdog story.
The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris & The Lost Bookshop are both by Evei Woods. This is a sweet stories of love and family. It’s always a delight to find an author who has lots of titles. Hers are set in the real world and yet magical things happen. It’s all very plausible when you suspend your disbelief.
A Hymn to Life Shame has to Change Sides by Gisele Pilcot is the memoir of terrible sexual abuse told from the victim. It was powerful and the graphic details were kept to a minimum. She was most interested in showing her humanity and that of all women victims.
Restrung by VIiay Gupta is another fascinating memoir. He is a violin prodigy, youngest ever to play with the LA Phil. But he finds his true calling in playing classical music in prisons and for the homeless
The Secret Painter by Joe Tucker. I bought this book in Edinburgh. It’s a slim volume about an unlikely painter, Joe’s Uncle Eric. He painted hundreds of canvas about life in a small English town. Neat story about finding a family secret and sharing it with the world.
This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page once again an author with many titles to enjoy. This is a story of a young widow whose husband gives her a year of books. Anything book shop related is fun. This love story was not a formula even if you know who ends up together.
The Lido another great title by Libby Page 80-something Rosemary and 20-something Kate are the unlikely team trying to save the local swimming pool in a London suburb. So good.
The Astral Library by Kate Quinn who has written so much historical fiction I enjoyed. I was surprised by this magical story of living within books. Those living in books are escaping hard lives in the real world. Interesting idea and a good read.
The Boxcar Librarian by Brianna Labuskes Any book related story is a good one. And this was is based in fact. Imagine a railcar full of books rolling into mining towns in Montana. Rich is detail and an exciting story of unions and overcoming “the man.”
The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa I like to read translated Japanese novels. They are so different than English stories. This is about caregiving for an elder. Chosen family is as strong as blood relations. Tender story.
The Book of I by David Greig is a short tale about a Viking raid on the Isle of Iona with moments of horror and humor. Odd but true. I like it because I’ve been there. BUt you might like it because it’s a very different look at ancient history.
The Incredible Kindness of Paper by Evelyn Skye A delight from start to finish. Yellow Origami roses bring all the characters together with love and kindness. There’s a love story at the center of it and watching that unfold (!) was the best part. Very sweet. I loved the twists.
And what have we here…..Another set of books. These are all the titles I’m waiting to check out from the library. I have some thoughts about why they are on my to be read next list. Check out the descriptions below.
All in Her Hands by Audrey Blake is the last book in the trilogy. I’m eager to see how Dr. Nora Beady handles cholera!
The Archer by Paulo Coelho offers Asian wisdom, taught by a master archer. Yes please.
Judge Stone by Viola Davis & James Patterson. I am interested because I like Viola Davis so much and hope she’s a good writer.
The Secret War of Julia Child by Diane R. Chambers I have read way too much WWII fiction and so I’m getting picky now. I think this one will be a nice twist. I loved the book Julie and Julia this seems like a good next read.
Eve, How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution by Cat Bohannon It’s the subtitle that grabbed me. I want to know more, I’m a woman after all….in a long line of women!
Finding My Way by Malala Yousafzai She was a brave Iranian girl and now I’d like to hear what she has to say about her grown up life after such fame.
Too Old For This by Samantha Downing What is life like for a retired serial killer? That little old lady living down the block. Crazy fiction choice.
Remain by Nicholas Spark & M. Night Shyamalan What an interesting author pairing, the Notebook meets Sixth Sense. Yes please for a supernatural love story.
The Fisherman’s Gift by Julia R. Kellly I like interesting stories set on islands. Seafaring people fascinate me.
The Story Collector by Evie Woods I have already gushed about enjoying two of her other books. I want more magic.
Tsubaki Stationery Store by Ito Ogawa As aforementioned I like to read Japanese fiction for the culture differences and different world views.
Her Majesty’s Royal Coven by by Juno Dawson. I’m intrigued to read about witches magical powers entwined with royalty. Could be interesting.