Our usual January wellbeing reading group meeting was a relaxed discussion where we shared what we were currently reading and the book-themed gifts we received over Christmas. As there were so many, we’ve made a list to inspire anyone looking for something new to read – or a book to buy someone else. Among the books in our reading piles and to be read piles were the following titles:
If you’re a fan of atmospheric thrillers with plot twists and are looking for a book that will keep you thinking about it long after you read the last page, one of the group thoroughly recommended I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh. Starting unpromisingly with a hit and run, you become captivated by the story of Jenna and the ongoing police enquiry.
One reader made use of the festive break to do some light reading, describing their choice as a ‘Hallmark style‘ novel. The Christmas Book Club by Sarah Morgan is a heartwarming story of three friends having their an annual book club holiday at an inn in Vermont, and what happens when things don’t quite go according to plan…
One of our group members has recently been to Japan to see family, and enjoyed reading Lost Japan by Alex Kerr, describing it as ‘very evocative’. This non fiction book was written in Japanese by the American author, then translated into English. It deals with Kerr’s life in Japan and looks at how Japanese people are rejecting their historical past in favour of modernism.
The Rosie Result by Graeme Simsion is the final book of the Rosie Project trilogy. After liking the original novel, but having a disappointing experience with the second novel, The Rosie Effect, one of our readers thought they’d give it a go. They were glad they did and thoroughly enjoyed it, recommending it to the rest of the group.
Lightning in a Mason Jar by Catherine Mann was a story about secrets, friendship, family – and a cookbook. Bought on a whim, this book rapidly became a favourite of one reader who enjoyed the changes of timeline from 1970s America to the present, the very different depictions of city life compared to small town America, as well as the distinctive characters.
A second book set in Japan this month, this time by a Japanese author. The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop by Takura Asakura is a magical realism story about the power of books in the lives of four visitors to the shop. While our reader didn’t like it as much as they’d expected to, it was still deserving of a mention.
Describing The Undoing of Violet Claybourne by Emily Critchley as a story about gaslighting, this gripping story of a dysfunctional family was recommended by the reader. They particularly liked the main character’s visit to the place she had stayed as a child, saying that it was well done and the characters well rounded.
You tend to believe what your parents tell you, but Restless by William Boyd is an example of why this may not be such a good idea. Especially when your mother, a respectable widow living in the Cotswolds, turns out to be a World War II spy. This book, read at the start of the holidays, still left the reader thinking about the story weeks later.
One group member talked about an audiobook they’d recently listened to. Becoming Meg Dashwood by Rebecca Humphries is a short sequel to Sense and Sensibility. In it, the main character, the rebellious Meg Dashwood, despising the idea of marriage, moves to London. Here she meets and moves in with a group of like minded women, and finds love in a lesbian relationship. This story of her independence was described as ‘thoroughly entertaining’
The same reader also recommended another Jane Austen sequel (this time to Pride and Prejudice). Mrs Wickham by Sarah Page is the story of the youngest Bennett sister. Lydia may have married in haste to the less than honourable George Wickham, but is certainly having time to repent. Deep in debt, shunned by society, and with a cruel and unfaithful husband, Lydia has to defend herself and ignore the critics.
One group member is currently reading the latest of The Thursday Murder Club series. The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman has so far taught them about bitcoin. As usual for an Osman story, this cosy crime novel reveals a convoluted plot, this time with a wedding, kidnap, death and an uncrackable code – in which the gang all become involved.
The group commented how a lot of TV and film adaptations were coming out this year: the Housemaid by Freida McFadden (one member received 5 of her novels for Christmas), Emily Henry’s People we Meet on Vacation, Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell, and the next series of John Le Carre’s The Night Manager. We agreed how it was better to read the book before seeing the adaptation – partly because how characters in your mind’s eye may differ to those on screen (Pierce Brosnan’s rendition of Ron in The Thursday Murder Club being a case in point)
Next month’s read is The Women of Wild Hill by Kirsten Miller.
“Blending witchcraft, magic, and family legacy, The Women of Wild Hill is a modern-day novel about witches and sisterhood that will make everyone believe the power to change the world is in their hands”
Want to know more? Collect your copy from the Library in GETEC now, and join our Teams meeting from 12.30-1.00pm on Tuesday 3rd February.
Find out more about our reading groups here or take a look at some of our previous book reviews.
We look forward to seeing you!