This book arrived last year in my Teatime Bookshop subscription (click the link for 10% off!) or follow this link for my Teatime Bookshop review. It was one of the first books I received from them and, as the genre is a surprise every month, I had no idea what to expect. I didn't read up on it, just read the blurb and jumped right in! The cover gave nothing away so no clues to be had there either :)
BLURB
A WHITE REVIEW BOOK OF THE YEAR
'It leaves the reader moved and subtly changed, as if she had become part of the story' Hilary Mantel
'So moving and delicate and terrifying and haunting' Maggie O'Farrell
The highly anticipated new novel from the Costa-award winning, three times Booker-longlisted author of Reservoir 13.
When an Antarctic research expedition goes wrong, the consequences are far-reaching - for the men involved and for their families back home.
Robert 'Doc' Wright, a veteran of Antarctic field work, holds the clues to what happened, but he is no longer able to communicate them. While Anna, his wife, navigates the sharp contours of her new life as a carer, Robert is forced to learn a whole new way to be in the world.
Award-winning novelist Jon McGregor returns with a stunning novel that mesmerisingly and tenderly unpicks the notion of heroism and explores the indomitable human impulse to tell our stories - even when words fail us. A meditation on the line between sacrifice and selfishness this is a story of the undervalued, unrecognised courage it can take just to get through the day.
MY REVIEW
This is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, one of the most beautiful stories I read last year. I was overwhelmed with how brilliantly the author brought me into the main character's world, through language (and the failure of it). It showed the gritty side of dealing with a life-changing situation and demonstrated that things are not always sunshine and roses, coming to terms with a 'new normal' is hard for everyone involved, and that getting through the day is enough.
Reading the blurb, I initially thought this would be a James Bond, action-type novel but boy I was wrong about that. It's intensely emotional and really focusses on the aftermath rather than the incident itself.
Doc is a research guy in the Antarctic. He lives there for months on end with nobody but his fellow research people for company. It's a lonely existence, where every day is exactly the same as the last, but Doc loves his job and its remote, unforgiving location. One fateful day, no spoilers, but I will say there's a storm and a rescue mission, and leave it at that. The build-up to this incident was incredibly written and realisation sets in slowly but with a heartstopping impact.
Back home, Doc has some recovering to do, along with new realities to face and huge adjustments to make. Communication is now a virtual impossibility, and Doc soon learns that anger can be easier to sustain than patience or resilience. His wife is now no longer just a wife, she's a support, a caregiver, and a crutch (whether she wants to be or not!). This story follows the couple as they adapt and try to move forward into the great unknown.
The writing, especially the sections from Doc's point of view, is clever, intricate, and haunting. It transported me as close as possible to actually experiencing what Doc was going through. It made me very reflective, considering how many people (or their loved ones) may experience something similar. I felt vulnerable, and emotional and wanted to run and hug my loved ones in case I wasn't able to again. Not that I would be spending any time in the Antarctic anytime soon! This story also filled me with hope and pride in the strength of the human mind to overcome even the most devastating events. New friends, new way of life
The two main characters, Doc and Anna were portrayed brilliantly, with genuine, believable development. They had flaws, they had thoughts and feelings that weren't picture-perfect, and they were raw, honest depictions of how some people deal with trauma, illness, and loss.
A Five-Star read all the way, from the unique way of bringing the reader into Doc's experience to the intensity of emotions I felt when reading Anna's point of view. An engaging (though difficult and emotional at times) read that I finished in a day and that I cannot recommend highly enough!
Check out my video review:
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A slightly different Travel Tuesday today! I wanted to share my love of a stunning place in Scotland with a special literary history. The Birks of Aberfeldy.
This picturesque location, complete with waterfalls, amazing scenery, and a sense of peace and tranquility, inspired Robert Burns to write his poem of the same name. There's a well-trodden route all the way around, which does involve uphill climbs and stairs and it's a popular place for walkers, literary lovers, dog walkers, and anyone who wants a bit of the outdoors. If you're visiting Scotland I would highly recommend a quick stop off here as it really is a gem!
Located in Perthshire, just outside Aberfeldy, there's a small car park (as well as plenty of parking in Aberfeldy itself) so it's easily accessible by car and by foot. I love taking the dog here for a walk, she gets so much joy from all the different smells and sounds (and is tired out afterward which gives me some peace and quiet at home too!). It can be quite busy especially on dry summer days, I've never visited and not passed by at least one other person (I love the difference in places like this, everyone says hi, gives the nod, and makes a weather-related comment, so different to big towns and cities where everyone avoids any and all interaction as much as possible!). Aberfeldy also has a watermill bookshop and cafe (to be featured in a Travel Tuesday post shortly, keep your eye out!) which makes for a wonderful literary day out.
As a nod to the links the Birks have to Robert Burns lines from his famous poem are displayed around the path ,which really add to the sense of occasion and connection. I'll be honest though, even without the literary connection, this would be one of my favourite places to visit in Scotland, especially when I want to switch off from the world!
I took the below pictures on my last visit, as you can see, it's beautiful (though the pictures definitely don't do it justice!)
Here's the famous poem that this location inspired:
Bonnie lassie, will ye go,
Will ye go, will ye go:
Bonnie lassie, will ye go
To the Birks of Aberfeldy.
Now Simmer blinks on flowery braes,
And o'er the crystal streamlets plays:
Come let us spend the lightsome days
In the Birks of Aberfeldy.
The little birdies blithely sing
While o'er their heads the hazels hinge
Or lightly flit on wanton wing.
In the Birks of Aberfeldy.
The braes ascend like lofty wa's.
The foamy stream deep-roaring fa's,
O'erhung wi' fragrant spreading shaws,
The Birks of Aberfeldy.
The hoary cliffs are crown'd wi' flowers,
White o'er the linns the burnie pours,
And rising, weets wi' misty showers
The Birks of Aberfeldy.
Let Fortune's gifts at random flee,
They ne'er shall draw a wish frae me;
Supremely blest wi' love and thee,
In the Birks of Aberfeldy.
Bonnie lassie, will ye go,
Will ye go, will ye go;
Bonnie lassie, will ye go
To the Birks of Aberfeldy
I'll be visiting many more literary places in Scotland over the coming months and as you may have guessed, Robert Burns will, naturally, feature quite heavily! I can't wait! Scotland is such a beautiful place (something I often forget, even though I live here!). Where would you recommend?
If, by some stroke of luck, you made it to the end of this and thought, "Wow, what a great post, I'd love to read more!" you can FOLLOW MY BLOG by clicking the link and subscribing :) I also post bookish content on Instagram. Happy reading!
This book was one of the ones that I grabbed during my recent Charity Shop Challenge. The cover gave nothing away but I was drawn to its simplicity and did (miraculously) read part of the blurb. I was intrigued. Ghost story? Murder Mystery? Secrets and Lies? After finishing The Hobbit recently, I wanted to step away from the fantasy genre and read something more based on reality.
BLURB
Somehow she'd always known that she would end like this. In a small square room, in a small square flat. In a small square box perhaps. Cardboard, with a sticker on the outside. And a name...
An old lady dies alone and unheeded in a cold Edinburgh flat on a snowy Christmas night. A faded emerald dress hangs in her wardrobe, a spilt glass of whisky pools on the floor.
A few days later, a middle-aged woman arrives back in the city she thought she'd left behind, her future uncertain, her past in tatters.
She soon finds herself a job at the Office for Lost People, tracking down the families of those who have died neglected and alone.
But what Margaret Penny cannot yet know, is just how entangled her own life will become in the death of one lonely stranger...
'One of the strongest debuts of the year' Herald
'Full of twists and turns' Independent
'A wonderful, inventive debut...I can't wait to see what this author has up her sleeve next' Fanny Blake, Daily Mail
MY REVIEW
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. If you've read my previous reviews, you will understand that I ADORE a dual timeline. This book has two timelines, one of which is the present day, following Margaret Penny as she tries to find the family of the newly deceased Mrs. Walker (and tries to find herself and re-establish a relationship with her mother, Barbara, in the process). The second timeline starts in the 1930s and follows the childhood and young adult life of Mrs. Walker and her sisters.
The pace was slow at times, especially at the start, but built up nicely towards the end of the book. During the historical timeline, the author shared multiple points of view, from each of the sisters which really built the characters, and the suspense brilliantly. This style was right up my street and although one major twist was pretty easy to identify, there was one big surprise that left me open-mouthed.
Reading this, I felt connected to each of the characters, loving and hating them in equal measure and at different times. They were well padded out and I really enjoyed how intertwined everything became. Each of the sisters had their own journey which I was equally invested in.
Despite all of this, I was left feeling disappointed when I closed the book and had hoped for it to be less open-ended. I do love a good conclusion. Though the author has written more books with the Office for Lost People premise, there's no specific sequel to this so I am left to guess how things were concluded. I know that this is something that many readers love, being able to make their own assumptions about what happened next, and for those readers, this is brilliantly done, just not for me.
The writing was beautiful and haunting, poetic at times. I enjoyed the style very much. Being from Scotland, I smiled, knowingly at the dark, rainy and dreary way that Edinburgh was described. I've never visited Edinburgh and not experienced rain, mist, or greyness in some way or another, it's a beautiful city, but be assured that grey is part of the atmosphere! The symbolism of this didn't go unnoticed, Edinburgh and Margaret were one and the same.
I also got a fluttering feeling of magic (or fate) being threaded in the background of Margaret's present-day story This may have been wishful thinking but there were moments of serendipity, along with knowing looks and comments that gave me a sense of a magical undercurrent. It wasn't blatant, commented on, or even noticed by Margaret but I enjoyed speculating on whether there was anything to it.
There are some themes of abuse concerning young girls, so I would advise caution if you have triggers in this area. While the descriptions are not explicit, the intent is clear, and reading these parts was definitely emotional. The subject was sensitively handled and was a key part of the story and character development.
If you love to read historical fiction or enjoy unravelling family mysteries and relationships, this is a great book for you to read. A solid 4-star read for me, I'm glad I picked it up as my final gambit in my visit to the charity shop!
Have you read this, or any other book by this author? What would you rate it as?
If, by some stroke of luck, you made it to the end of this post and thought "Wow, what a great review, I'd love to read more!" you can FOLLOW MY BLOG by clicking the link and subscribing. I also post bookish content on Instagram. Happy reading!
When I headed off to the Download Festival last weekend, I knew I would be camping in a giant field next to an airport with 75,000 other people so falling asleep would be difficult. I wanted an audiobook to listen to in short bursts to help me get some shut-eye. This one caught my eye, true crime, included in my Audible membership, and only 3.5 hours long. Perfect!
BLURB
A new thriller based on the true story of LA's first known serial killer.
In 1919, Kathryn Wombacher finds a lonely-hearts ad placed by one Walter Andrew:
"Would be pleased to correspond with a refined young lady or widow. Object, matrimony."
Kathryn and Walter fall in love and marry within weeks.
What Kathryn doesn't know...is that her new husband is really James "Bluebeard" Watson, a notorious West Coast serial killer who catfished and married 22 women, murdering 10.
Based on newly unearthed evidence, Bluebeard is the definitive story of a sociopath who wielded love as a deadly weapon.
And it's the story of a woman who discovered the unthinkable about her husband...and dared to fight back.
MY REVIEW
I feel like this is cheating a little, as once I started listening I found out that this audiobook is more a dramatisation of a story, rather than a book being read aloud by voice actors. There's background noise and full dialogue, like listening to a really intense episode of Coronation Street. It's not my usual preference and I wouldn't have picked it if I had known. That being said, the premise was intriguing (and I will admit that I didn't have enough signal in the muddy, rainy fields of Download Festival, so was limited in my choice!) so I stuck with it.
Similarly to a play, the main character (Kat) reads her diary entries in a monologue style, which is then played out or continued through dialogue. To tell the story of the husband (James Watson), the dialogue is in the form of a police interview following his arrest. It took me a little while to get used to this style and the background noise was quite distracting. Music, chatter, footsteps, doors opening, and traffic for example. After the first few chapters, this wasn't too much of an issue and I started to enjoy this dramatised style.
The story follows Kat as she meets, falls in love with, and marries "Walter" (not his real name!). Things seem to be going great but Kat soon starts to become suspicious and afraid of Walter's behaviour. She hires a private detective and they unravel Walter's vicious, cunning, and evil double life together.
The fact that this is based on a true story makes it all the more compelling. I quickly fell down the Google rabbit hole trying to find more information about these crimes. I read quite a lot of true crime and listen to podcasts, this was a really engaging and unique way of telling me the story in a way that avoids the dryness and morbidity of a straightforward "these are the facts in all their gruesome detail" style.
I love thrillers and I love true crime so this was actually right up my street and I did enjoy it. Would I choose to listen to a dramatisation of a story rather than a book being read aloud by narrators/voice actors? Probably not. Would I turn it off if I downloaded one without realising? Also no :)
If you like listening to plays or dramatisations and enjoy thrillers, you'll enjoy this. It's clearly very well done, it just wasn't my cup of tea!
What do you think?
If, by some stroke of luck, you made it to the end of this post and thought "Wow, what a great review, I'd love to read more!" you can FOLLOW MY BLOG by clicking the link and subscribing :) I also post bookish content over on Instagram. Happy reading!
It's been two weeks since I cracked open The Hobbit for the first time, to begin my exploration of the high fantasy sub-genre. Two days ago, I completed the book (see my full review here) and I wanted to post my updated thoughts.
I'm having a great time expanding my tastes, through trial and error and I am no longer afraid of books that have dragons or mythical beings for fear of being clueless - well-written worlds will teach me as I read :)
I will definitely be reading the remaining Lord of the Rings books. The Hobbit gave me enough of a teaser for me to now feel invested, so I have placed a hold in my local library for the first in the trilogy, The Fellowship of the Ring, and will be reading it as soon as it becomes available. I enjoyed reading Bilbo's story, along with his team of fellow adventurers, though I continued to find the prose a bit tedious (definitely related to the time it was written, not the quality of the work!). There was also a lot of "singing" that I wasn't expecting and didn't really love. The world-building was great though and I really do feel that I know more about the ways of the people (creatures/beings) of Middle Earth. I am prepared for Lord of the Rings. I think.
Another thing I have discovered about high-fantasy is that these books tend to be best told as series, rather than as standalone novels. They are, after all, whole worlds, with many epic quests and adventures that intertwine and branch out.
I've been looking out for, and researching, recommendations for great standalone high fantasy books but have struggled to identify any (other than The Hobbit!) that are standout recommendations. So I am on my own here. Instead of forcing myself into another series, I'll keep my pace slow and steady (even though I am so impatient!) and stick to Tolkien before moving on to another sub-genre over the next month or so. I wouldn't want to start getting my worlds mixed up! Do you have any recommendations?
Fantasy is a complex beast. It's nuanced and everyone has an opinion. I'm still yet to find my niche (or discover if I even have one!). I'm feeling at the moment that high fantasy is enjoyable but definitely requires some commitment. I am a mood reader for sure, my enjoyment can sometimes be based purely on how I feel that day, and with high fantasy being a bit of a more epic, long-term relationship, it might not be for me. Either that or I will go the other way and become a complete obsessive, reading nothing but epic series for the rest of time!
In terms of my Fantasy Friday posts, I am still new to the blogging sphere and am struggling to have a new idea every week, certainly can't be dropping one subgenre and moving to another on a weekly (or even monthly) basis, so Fantasy Friday from now on will focus mainly on reviews of fantasy books as I muddle along this path I am on, with the odd, slightly more specific post when I have a creative brainwave :)
The world of books can be a beautiful place but it can also be a competitive place, especially when 'BookTok' and 'Bookstagram' are involved. I regularly post bookish content on Instagram and I also SEE bookish content regularly. It can make it seem like, to be considered a 'real reader' you need to have a home library, colour-coded, and own every book you have ever read (multiple copies of some, if the editions all have gorgeous covers). I am not particularly creative or aesthetic and I certainly don't have the funds to create a home library or buy every book I see. This doesn't mean that I don't enjoy that content, or that I would say no to an entire room full of beautiful editions of my favourite books, complete with a rolling ladder and cosy bean bag chairs everywhere! Oh boy, would I love that!
This post is simply a reminder (to myself and to you!) that reading books makes us readers, not how we store, display, or obtain them.
That's the great thing about libraries, we can fulfil our every desire (at least from a reading perspective) without spending a penny. In the city where I live, I can reserve books online, and collect them when they are ready - they will even transfer books from a library further out to my closest one so the range of books is far greater than what's just in the local facility. Libraries aren't just about the books either, they offer a range of services, social clubs, and initiatives for the local community to get involved.
My library also has its own 'TBR' shelf on my online account (currently there are 48 books on there!) which is handy for adding book recommendations from friends or online. I can work through that list one at a time, based on the book's availability, without having to buy every one I see. Perfect for my thrifty mind (and my purse!).
This week I have reserved the first Lord of the Rings book, The Fellowship of the Ring, as I have finished The Hobbit and am moving on to the main event. It's currently in a library at the other end of the city so it will be moved over to my local one and put aside for me. I'll get an email or phone call to let me know when it's ready to be picked up and the only thing to do at that point is collect it, read it, and return it when I am done.
I see libraries as almost a 'Try Before You Buy' system. I rarely read books more than once, but when I read something I know I will read again, I add it to my Amazon Wishlist, as something I would like to own. Your library is also a never-ending resource of amazing book knowledge and recommendations. These people make books their life and are always delighted to share their own love of literature with you.
Libraries can also have sales of some of their books that are coming out of rotation so you can end up with some great discounts on amazing books.
Does this stop me from buying books? No.
Does this mean that I spend no money on books? Also no.
Does it help me keep my TBR under control? Absolutely not - it likely adds to my TBR!
What it does though is allow me to explore far more books than I would be able to if I bought everything I wanted to read. It saves me space, time, and money.
If you don't already have a library card, I would absolutely recommend that you sign up for your local one. Go along, have a browse, and explore the options available to you! I guarantee you will benefit :)
If, by some stroke of luck, you made it to the end of this and thought "Wow, what a great post, I'd love to read more!" you can FOLLOW MY BLOG by clicking the link and subscribing :) I also post bookish content on Instagram. Happy Reading!
For those of you who have read my Fantasy Friday Episode 3 post, you'll know that I have jumped headfirst into high fantasy as my first fantasy sub-genre and, beyond that, went straight for the jugular with The Hobbit.
My decision was influenced by two things. First, it's one of the highest-rated high fantasy books out there. Secondly, I already owned it so didn't have to buy it. The physical copy also just felt like the right way to do this book so I opted to jump right in.
I read most of this book on the way to, while camping at, and on the way home from the Download Music Festival, I didn't get through as much as I had hoped (napped on the way there, it was pouring
with rain, the whole time we were there, and napped on the way home). The time that I did get was a great experience, especially sitting on my wee camping chair, beer in one hand, book in the other, Pantera blasting from the speakers, waiting for my other campmates to arrive.
BLURB
Bilbo Baggins enjoys a quiet and contented life, with no desire to travel far from the comforts of home; then one day the wizard Gandalf and a band of Dwarves arrive unexpectedly and enlist his services - as a burglar - on a dangerous expedition to raid the treasure-hoard of Smaug the dragon. Bilbo's life is never to be the same again.
Seldom has any book been so widely read and loved as JRR Tolkien's classic tale, The Hobbit. Since its first publication in 1937 it has remained in print to delight each new generation of readers all over the world, and its hero, Bilbo Baggins, has taken his place among the ranks of the immortals: Alice, Pooh, Toad...
MY REVIEW
I've included my very first impressions in my Fantasy Friday Episode 3 post, specifically about the verbose language and wordiness of the book and my surprise that it's fast approaching 100 years old.
Being new to Lord of the Rings lore, my knowledge was based primarily on memes and my singular viewing of the first Hobbit movie when it was released in cinemas. My only recollection of that movie was my thorough disappointment that I had sat there for 3 hours only to find that the characters were nowhere near their final destination. The story itself has become a distant memory and none of the book jogged my memory whatsoever.
The story follows Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit (technically THE Hobbit to which the book refers in its title) who, by his very nature, enjoys home comforts, multiple breakfasts and dinners, and is not an adventurer. That is until Gandalf and his team of dwarves, whose names reminded me of Santa's reindeer EVERY SINGLE TIME, roll up on his little hobbit hole one night, cause a ruckus, and tell him to join them on an adventure up the mountain to reclaim the old Dwarven treasure from Smaug, the dragon. There's plenty of adventure (or misadventure to be more accurate) on the way and the story follows the team of merry men as they find their way to Smaug and the treasure, encountering both friends and enemies on the way.
I found myself thinking throughout this book that every success was sheer luck rather than any sort of heroics or intent from Bilbo or his gang of merry men. They seemed to accidentally make progress throughout and spent most of their time moaning about being hungry and tired (exactly how I would be if I was thrust into an adventure I knew nothing about and had to spend days in forests, barrels, and random caves trekking towards a certain death).
Character-wise, I felt myself warming to Bilbo more as time went on, his development was quite clear and he went from being an unwilling participant to an unwilling leader, to a true leader in a beautiful arc. I was also delighted when Gollum popped up, I know who he is, and I liked getting an insight into him and how he might fit in later on. The other characters in the book are quite flat and I never really got to know or understand them or their motivations. Even with an omniscient narrator, I found the development of characters other than Blibo quite disappointing. Speaking of the omniscient narrator, I did quite enjoy the parts where I was being told that there was more to the story but that I'll find out later on, it was almost like a teaser trailer for a future chapter (or book in some cases!). I wasn't given any more information than Bilbo and his troops had but was being drawn in by being told there was more to come.
Contrary to my own preconceived opinions from memes and other random cultural references, Gandalf I feel, was a bit of an ass. Similar to Dumbledore in practically every single one of the Harry Potter books, he knows what's going to happen and what dangers lay ahead, but rather than properly arming and supporting his team with knowledge and insight, he just leaves them to it, alone, scared and vastly unprepared for what lays ahead. Half of the terrible things that happened could absolutely have been prevented if Gandalf had told them the full story from the start. He infuriated me and while I realise that, had Gandalf furnished Bilbo and the Dwarves with all of the information, the book would have been very short with nothing of note happening, this blatant lack of communication between characters is something that gets on my nerves when reading, regardless of genre or style (Romance can be quite bad for this, a misunderstanding or miscommunication results in a fight before it suddenly all becoming apparent and the characters live happily ever after).
There were moments of total chaos, that were fast-paced and an absolute joy to read, but some parts were fairly tedious and laboured the point. There were moments where I just wasn't enjoying the story and wanted them to hurry up and get on with it, cross-sectioned with so much action and adventure that I couldn't put the book down. I was expecting some very different outcomes (no spoilers here, though I may be the only one who didn't already know what happens!) and was a little disappointed in Bilbo's role in the key moments towards the end of the book.
As someone who is quite new to the realms of high fantasy, I found the world-building to be nothing short of amazing. Tolkien takes the time to let the reader know what the fantasy creatures are, their history, and their place in the world. This helped me immensely, as did the little map at the start of the book. No more feeling lost. The pictures in the book were great too, as I find it hard to visualise things in my mind with just words, something that is quite essential for a book where the world in which it's set is a key part of the story (they are on a quest through the word after all!).
My favourite quote in the book, delivered surprisingly by Thorin (one of the Dwarves) is one that resonated and feels as true now as it likely was at the time it was written: "If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world."
Overall a good 4-star read. I can appreciate the writing and the storytelling even though it didn't quite pan out how I had hoped or expected in parts. The language was verbose and tiresome in parts, which is why this isn't a 5-star read for me. It did pack a punch though and has given me enough curiosity to want to explore the other LoTR books in the hope that they perhaps expand on some of the narrator's clues about other events (I also want to know what the deal is with the ring, as I have no idea but realise that it's very important given that it's literally in the name of the remaining books!)
The LoTR fandom is huge and passionate. I'd like to know what you thought of this book, especially your first time reading it, what did you love about it?
Check out my YouTube review of this book below:
If, by some stroke of luck, you made it to the end of this post and thought "Wow, what a great review, I'd love to read more!" you can FOLLOW MY BLOG by clicking the link and subscribing :) I also post bookish content on Instagram. Happy reading!
I listened to Project Hail Mary last year and absolutely adored it, always had the intention of picking up The Martian to follow up. Sci-Fi can sometimes be too complex for me to comprehend but Project Hail Mary, especially in audio form, really turned the genre on its head. Everything was explained in layman's terms, easy to understand yet with amazing detail. I don't know if any of what was said was accurate, but it sounded great and I could follow the story, and that's the main thing! I had high hopes that The Martian would be the same.
BLURB
Six days ago, astronaut Mark Watney became one of the first people to walk on Mars.
Now, he's sure he'll be the first person to die there.
After a dust storm nearly kills him and forces his crew to evacuate while thinking him dead, Mark finds himself stranded and completely alone with no way to even signal Earth that he's alive - and even if he could get word out, his supplies would be long gone before a rescue could arrive.
Chance are, though, he won't have time to starve to death. The damaged machinery, unforgiving environment, or plain old "human error" are much more likely to kill him first.
But Mark isn't ready to give up yet. Drawing on his ingenuity, his engineering skills - and a relentless, dogged refusal to quit - he steadfastly confronts one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after the next. Will his resourcefulness be enough to overcome the impossible odds against him?
AUDIBLE BLURB - for the edition I listened to
Will Wheaton, who has lent his voice to sci-fi blockbusters like Ready Player One and Redshirts, breathes new life (and plenty of sarcasm) into the iconic character of Mark Watney, making this edition a must-listen for both longtime fans of The Martian and new listeners alike.
BONUS MATERIAL: This edition includes the following extras:
- "Diary of an AssCan" - Mark Watney, new astronaut
- "I Made It" - A happy letter to Mom
- "Car Trouble" - A somewhat sad letter to Mom
- "The Earthling" - A postscript (Available for the first time in this recording)
MY REVIEW
Where to begin? This book met and exceeded my expectations. Will Wheaton is a fantastic narrator, he made me laugh with his quips and sarcasm, I actually forgot he was reading a book at times. It felt like I was listening to someone telling me their story not reading from a page and his interpretation added to the experience of the audiobook.
Andy Weir is a fantastic writer of Sci-Fi. He explains things so easily and describes complex processes so impeccably that they seem straightforward. I can imagine that's no mean feat! There's a chapter dedicated to the highly intricate process of turning human waste into compost that I laughed all the way through. Maybe that's just my inner child laughing at poop banter, but when an audiobook makes me smile the same way my friends do, that's when I know I am onto a winner.
The pace was spot on, some lengthier chapters where big technical happenings were described, separated in a "Captain's log, star date 16 million 3 hundred and 7" style. The inner geek in me loved this, especially since Will Wheaton was IN Star Trek (there are also many Trekkie references that did not get lost on me in terms of irony!).
The plot in itself was a slightly more complex Armageddon. This isn't a bad thing, Armageddon is a great movie! It also felt more realistic due to the ingenious way the science part of sci-fi has been articulated.
One thing I found tricky about listening to this book rather than reading was the short and snappy back-and-forth dialogue. There's a lot of dialogue between the characters on earth and the natural thing to do when writing dialogue is to add "said Joe Bloggs" at the end of each character's line. When that dialogue is quickfire, and narrated, it can become tedious. For me, I found my bubble of immersion popped a few times. This is not a negative, as I listen to audiobooks on 1.7 speed, so the incessant "said Joe" and "said Jane" was my own doing. For this reason, I preferred the chapters focussed on Mark as the sole narrator or the small group of Mark's crewmates on their shuttle.
As we flew towards the finale, the pace picked up (along with my heart rate!) and I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next. I was taken through a range of emotions throughout, from elation to disappointment to outright despair. I laughed and cried and shrieked, sometimes in the same chapter. What a rush! The result is incredible when an author (and narrator in this case) can elicit such a connection with the story, the characters, and the finale. Andy Weir and Will Wheaton achieved this in spades. There was also a lovely moral to the story, about humanity and kindness, which made me smile.
The bonus material at the end of the audiobook was a lovely addition to the story, gave a little background to the character, and was a nice way to come down from the emotional rollercoaster of the main story.
Five stars from me, for so many reasons. The storytelling was incredible, and I will be recommending and re-reading (or re-listening) The Martian for years to come.
This book is an amazing read for anyone interested in sci-fi, hero stories, and adventure. I'd also really recommend that you listen to the audiobook even if you have read the book. It adds so much to the storytelling.
If you've read or listened to The Martian, would you agree with my rating? What did you like or dislike about the book?
If, by some stroke of luck, you made it to the end of this post and thought "Wow, what a great review, I'd love to read more, you can FOLLOW MY BLOG by clicking the link and subscribing :) I also post bookish content over on Instagram. Happy reading!
Take a look at the Teatime Bookshop and get 10% off with coupon code KCSBOOKCORNER
I've been receiving books from the Teatime Bookshop for almost a year, after I received a one-year subscription for my birthday. This is hands down, one of the best gifts I've ever received. Not only is it clear that my other half actually listens to me harping on about books all day every day, (he was able to pinpoint the exact box that suited my reading goals) but it's a gift that lasts all year, I get a new present, that I will treasure and enjoy, every month :)
The Teatime Bookshop offers many options to tailor your subscription to your style and preferences. Choose from Crime and Thriller to Historical Fiction, Politics, Romance, and even kids subscriptions for various ages. There's a box for tea lovers and wine lovers. There's even a 'surprise' box that will contain any book from any genre for adventurous book lovers (this is the one I have). Each box contains a bookmark, tea/coffee/hot choc, and yummy biscuits to munch while reading your next book.
These boxes can be completely tailored to meet your needs. From choosing new or preloved (saving many books from going to landfill), adding a wee tipple to the first box, and length of subscription (or even a one-off!). It's fully customisable which is a huge gold star for me.
I particularly love the gift hamper, filled with books and bookish goodies for that special someone (or yourself!) who loves to read.
If subscriptions aren't your thing, worry not! They have a huge online store with bookish gifts ranging from tote bags to journals, socks, mugs, and everything in between. They also, of course, have plenty of books available if you prefer to order something more specific.
Add this to the fact that they plant a tree for every subscription, and you're on to a winner!
This week, I received my June box and was so excited to open it, they haven't missed yet! Every month I've received a great book, on time, and with my hot drink and biscuits, I know I will have a cosy evening of reading ahead whenever the box arrives!
On to this month's box. Inside I had a couple of Coffee Bags (which I took away on a weekend trip with the girlies to get my coffee fix each morning!) and a pack of Fruit Shrewsbury Biscuits (bus snack!). A gorgeous card bookmark with "drink coffee read books and be happy" on the front and a matching postcard were also packed in my box. The book I received is one written by Nicola White, called The Burning Boy. Set in Dublin in the 1980s, it's a crime novel that has received great praise. It looks like a great read, intense and gritty. Crime and Thriller is one of my favourite genres and though I've adored not having a clue what I am getting each month, this one feels extra special! Another home run by the Teatime Bookshop! I'll pop a link to my review here once I've finished the book!
They're one of the top subscription boxes in the UK for a reason and I love them. So much so that when my gift runs out, I'll be signing up myself!
If, by some stroke of luck, you made it to the end of this and thought "Wow, what a great post, I'd love to read more!" you can FOLLOW MY BLOG by clicking the link and subscribing :) I also post bookish content on Instagram. Happy reading!
I visited Manchester this weekend, as part of a Hen Party. I've visited Manchester a few times but really only for short stays, attending gigs, or as overnight stops on a longer journey. This time I was there for 3 days so had the opportunity to explore a little more.
The first thing I will say about Manchester is that there is PLENTY to see and do. No matter your interests, how long you are there for, whether you're there as a couple, a family, or a group, you will find something to while away the hours.
We stayed in the Northern Quarter, slightly further out from the city centre, but easily accessible by walking and public transport. It's quite a quirky part of town with comic book stores, vintage and independent clothing, and plenty of places to eat and drink including a little square with bars all around, outside seating, and a lovely chilled vibe.
Within a 5-minute walk from our apartment, was an escape room for a fun daytime activity, a gorgeous Instagram hotspot serving Cinderella Cocktails from glass slippers (and a great value bottomless brunch) called On The Hush, a giant Primark for the last-minute essentials, and the bus station to get us home to Scotland again.
On the way back to the bus station after checking out I, of course, wanted to visit a bookstore and found Chapter One Books (also under 5 minutes away on foot). It's an independent bookstore, with a cafe serving various hot/chilled drinks and a great selection of cakes.
This bookstore/cafe has a lovely look and vibe and seems like a great place to study or socialise. It has various little areas to sit in and enjoy a coffee and cake. We sat in a cute area set up like an old-fashioned living room. Mismatched sofas, 1950s TV, the works. There was even a little library area, low lighting, bookshelves all over the walls, and small tables to sit quietly and study/read. Did I mention the indoor fountain? Yup, there's an indoor fountain!
When you walk in, there's a pile of board games to pick up and play during your visit. Overall just a really laid back and casual atmosphere, I loved it! They seem to have plenty of events and bookclubs, really turning it into a hub of activity for the social butterflies out there.
I'd say that it is more of a cafe than a bookstore. Though there were books everywhere, they seemed more for display purposes than anything else (I could be wrong!). They did have a little preloved bookshelf though where I found a Karin Slaughter book for £1 which I happily bought alongside my latte.
From a cafe point of view, it was perfect. Plenty of vegetarian and vegan options and some quirky cakes (one was an avocado cake, and one a vegan Oreo cake) along with staples like lemon drizzle. We had a lovely chilled morning while we waited for our bus. I'd recommend it to anyone visiting the Northern Quarter, looking for a chilled-out way to spend a couple of hours with good books, friends, or coffee (or all three!). A lovely way to spend a couple of hours.
Here's a link to their website if you want to find out more!
If, by some stroke of luck, you made it to the end of this and thought "Wow, what a great post, I'd love to read more!" you can FOLLOW MY BLOG by clicking the link and subscribing :) I also post bookish content on Instagram. Happy reading!
One perk of being an Amazon Prime member (other than the free delivery and the television shows) is that you can select and buy a digital book once a month, free of charge (or for a discounted £0.99 for customers who aren't prime members), from a small list of editor's picks, in a perk called Amazon First Reads. This book was one of my Amazon First Reads earlier this year, so it was sat on my Kindle bookshelf. Have a look at Amazon First Reads here.
I was heading on a Hen Weekend that involved a few hours of travel by bus, so I packed my Kindle to read on the downtime. This is the book I selected to read. The premise seemed interesting, and I love a good thriller/mystery/crime story.
BLURB
For two sisters, confronting the past could come at a terrible price in a riveting novel about a family tragedy - and family secrets - by the #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author Elle Marr.
Fiona and Violent Seng were just children when their family's Cessna crash- landed in the Washington wilderness, claiming the lives of their parents. For twelve harrowing weeks, the girls fended for themselves before being rescued.
Twenty-five years later, they're still trying to move on from their trauma. Fiona repurposes it into controversial works of art. Violet has battled addiction and failed relationships to finally progress toward normalcy as a writer. The estranged sisters never speak about what they call their Alone Time in the wild. They wouldn't dare - until they become the subject of a documentary that renews public fascination with the "girl survivors" and questions their versions of events.
When disturbing details about the Seng family are exposed, a strange woman claims to know the crash was deliberate. Fiona and Violet must come together to face the horrifying truth of what happened out there and what they learned about their parents and themselves. Before any other secrets emerge from the woods.
MY REVIEW
I really enjoyed this book. The story is told from multiple points of view, and on a dual timeline. This helps to tell the story at a good pace, revealing only what's required to move forward without giving away the big twist until the end.
I really love dual timelines, especially in a thriller book, they're a really effective way of controlling the narrative. Having them come together at just the right time allows for that sudden realisation to dawn. It was great to be reading this, almost with an audience, as they witnessed my live reactions when things started coming together. On more than one occasion, I'd sit up in my seat and murmur "No f**king way" and then have to explain myself to the group!
The author managed to take my hand and lead me towards the finale until I finally had it sussed out. I had some suspicions of what the main twist was but wasn't sure, which kept me engaged. I was keen to see if I was right. The only thing I wasn't keen on was the final addition to the story that came at the very end (no spoilers of course!). I felt like the book had stood up without it, and I was left with more questions than answers.
The characters all had enough grey about them to keep things open, though Violet's brief love interest was a little strange and unnecessary. I thought we were going to make a sudden switch to fantasy/horror. I understood why it was included, to a point, but it felt like it had been included as an afterthought and wasn't fully padded out.
Despite the fast pace, some really poignant moments made me stop and think. One quote in particular that stuck with me was "After a certain level of trauma is reached, the only choice we have is to either feel the pain in all its depth and depravity or choose numbness - ice to assuage the heat". This was really impactful and gave a real insight into that character's behaviours.
Yes, the storyline is a little unrealistic in parts (especially the survival of the plane crash and living in the wilderness as young children), but if books didn't stray away from reality or probability, they would all be very mundane, so I don't mind a bit of artistic license being used to help give a sense of mystery or adventure.
This was a great read for my journey and made the time pass really quickly.
If you enjoy multiple points of view, dual timelines, and a book with twisty twists, this one is a great option. If you do read it, or have read it, let me know your thoughts (I'd love to know if anyone agrees with my opinions on the final reveal!).
If, by some stroke of luck, you made it to the end of this post and thought, Wow, what a great review, I'd love to read more!" you can FOLLOW MY BLOG by clicking the link and subscribing :) I also post bookish content on Instagram. Happy reading!
This book was selected as a 'buddy read' in the 52 Book Club Reading Challenge in April 2024. I hadn't heard of it before and was also new to the idea of a buddy read. I didn't know what to expect. From the challenge information, I had a rough idea of the plot and was excited to try a different book from my usual. I don't have any in-depth knowledge of classical music, apart from a few piano lessons as a teenager, but the premise was great and I was looking forward to getting into it.
BLURB
Growing up Black in rural North Carolina, Ray McMillan's life is already mapped out. But Ray has a gift and a dream - he's determined to become a world-class professional violinist, and nothing will stand in his way. Not his mother, who wants him to stop making such a racket; not the fact that he can't afford a violin suitable to his talents; not even the racism inherent in the world of classical music.
When he discovers that his beat-up, family fiddle is actually a priceless Stradivarius, all his dreams suddenly seem within reach, and together, Ray and his violin take the world by storm. But on the eve of the renowned and cutthroat Tchaikovsky Competition - the Olympics of classical music - the violin is stolen, a ransom note for five million dollars left in its place. Without it, Ray feels like he's lost a piece of himself. As the competition approaches, Ray must not only reclaim his precious violin, but prove to himself - and the world - that no matter the outcome, there has always been a truly great musician within him.
MY REVIEW
This was a really interesting and thought-provoking read, though it sometimes felt like I was reading two books (which is the only reason this was a 4-Star rather than a 5-star read for me). It has a dual timeline which I usually love. One timeline begins when the violin is taken and the other progresses through Ray's journey to that date, his childhood and experiences, eventually coming together. The feelings that the two timelines gave me as a reader contrasted significantly and I found myself enjoying the 'past' more than the 'present'. I was captivated by Ray's story from the start, brought to tears by reading about some of his experiences of racism throughout his life, especially in the worlds of classical music, wealth, and privilege.
The mystery surrounding the violin theft was predictable (I suggested my theories to my buddy read group after chapter 1) and while I know that the culmination of his experiences, mixed with his fear of being rejected without his priceless violin were really key in Ray's development, I wasn't too keen on the super sleuth, James Bond style investigation towards the end of the book. It didn't feel needed, the writing was gorgeous, the depictions were vivid, and successfully highlighted the reality of the challenges, both subtle and overt, encountered by BIPOC, even in today's age of supposed inclusion and equity. The story was one of empowerment and achievement in the face of uphill climbs and I adored it for the clear, concise, and effective way this message was portrayed. The pace was slow at times, but deliberate and purposeful.
What surprised and delighted me the most about this book was how music was described. I can't begin to imagine how hard it is to articulate the melody, build-up, sound, and style of a piece of music. I struggle to visualise things when I read, my mind doesn't conjure images (apparently that's quite normal but really does get in the way sometimes!). This can make it difficult sometimes to imagine things exactly as they are intended. But the description of the music was 'chef's kiss' beautiful.
Ray's relationship with his teacher was beautiful, I know so many people who credit their success to someone believing in them. I loved reading about their interactions, honesty, and complete trust in one another. In fact, I still remember one of my teachers in primary school, Mr. Woodhouse, who encouraged me to strive for being and doing better. I'm not a world-famous classical musician or anything, but his words resonated with me at a time when that encouragement was vital.
I definitely recommend it even if, like me, you know nothing of what it takes to be a musician. Don't let that put you off, the author brings you into the world with such finesse that you don't need to worry.
Have you read The Violin Conspiracy? What did you think of it?
If, by some
stroke of luck, you made it to the end of this post and thought "Wow, what
a great review, I'd love to read more!" you can FOLLOW MY BLOG by clicking the link and subscribing
:) I also post bookish content on Instagram. Happy reading!
I read this book immediately after finishing Shuggie Bain. I needed something easy, quick, and light-hearted to help with my feelings of heartbreak and loss from the previous read. I read the tagline "A Delicious, Laugh Out Loud Comedy" and wanted to give it a whirl. It's a novella which is exactly what I needed. A short read to cleanse my palette and prepare my mind for what's to come.
BLURB
After accidentally exposing himself to his son's girlfriend, and realising that because of his overhanging stomach, she couldn't actually see anything, Eric Baxter decides it's time he went on a diet. Unfortunately, due to an exercise allergy, and an eating obsession, it isn't going to be as easy as he first thought. Throw in a battle of wits with his neighbour's cat over toilet rights to his garden, a son who lives in the shed and dreams of being discovered on the X-Factor, a stroppy teenage daughter with a Wayne Rooney fixation, a wife who doesn't want to sleep with him anymore, and an amorous work colleague who does, and you have all the ingredients to Sex, Lies, and Chocolate Cakes: A Deliciously Laugh Out Loud Comedy.
Sex, Lies and Chocolate Cakes is the first book in the Sex, Lies series. The hilarious tale of taxi driver Eric Baxter's daily struggle with life, love, and his ever expanding waistline, as he tries to come to terms with middle age and the difficulties of parenting and family life. A funny light summer holiday read about dieting, weight loss, love, lust and romance that'll have you laughing from the first page to the last.
MY REVIEW
This novella is written in diary form, spanning around a month. It's a snapshot of the life of Eric, a middle-aged taxi driver, father of two teenage kids, and husband to Helen. I enjoyed the diary writing style and the fact that it's written from the male perspective. Eric is a guy in crisis. The poor guy has some unfortunate luck (when I say that, I mean he gets into some unfortunate situations that have nothing to do with luck and everything to do with poor decision-making and lack of communication, but that are hilarious nonetheless. I felt for him, we've all been there).
The diary entries are funny (especially his anecdotes about the neighbours cat, and his sneaky diet fails) and conversational, making them easy to relate to. I didn't particularly LIKE Eric though, I felt that he was whiny and self-entitled, and didn't want or care if things turned around for him. He didn't seem to be putting any effort into changing things, just moaning about it and blaming everyone else. This is what we do in diaries though, we let our inner demons roam free without any social filters. The writing style also restricted any development of the other characters in Eric's life, as they were only presented based on small interactions and Eric's highly biased view.
I'll admit though, I did laugh out loud. One line in particular "My wife may have a pubic region so untamed, David Attenborough could film a documentary about it, but at least she can see hers without leaning over" had me snorting so hard I had to explain myself to the people in the room with me. One thing that disappointed me was that it ended very abruptly, feeling unfinished. I wanted to know what happened after his unexpected guest knocked on the door. This would have helped to close the story more clearly, however, this is the first in a series of novellas where the second one picks up exactly where this one leaves off. This could have worked better as a standalone full novel.
I'd read the next one if I were in the same situation, needing a quick, funny pick-me-up after a hard-hitting read.
This book has a unique writing style and some endearing qualities and is definitely funny and lighthearted. I enjoyed it for what it was and my rating only reflects my connection with the characters and my preferred reading style. It worked well in the context in which I used it but didn't grip me or pull me in, it just didn't have enough time and was just starting to find its pace. As a reader, I prefer to have the plot completed in the book I am reading, even if it's part of a series. Harry Potter, for example, each book has a specific storyline that ties into the bigger plot, but the individual story is brought to a close for the most part in each book. This one felt like a part book that ended in the wrong place and this is the main reason for my low rating.
Have you read this novella, or the series? Is it worth reading the rest of them to get to the end of the story? Let me know what you think!
If, by some stroke of luck, you made it to the end of this post
and thought "Wow, what a great review, I'd love to read more!" you
can FOLLOW MY
BLOG by clicking the link and subscribing :) I also post bookish content on Instagram. Happy reading!
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