January Wrap Up

January Wrap Up

 

I feel like I’ve more or less lost January! On the 2nd I started to feel unwell, and, on the 4th, I tested positive for Covid. I’d managed to avoid it for five years and then, boom, it hit me with a vengeance. I continued to test positive for over two weeks. The euphoria of finally testing negative made me think that I was well, but it has taken another couple of weeks to start feeling human again. However, I did have time to read and whilst there were days when I felt too ill, I’ve managed to read a variety of books.

 

The Garnett Girls – Georgina Moore

I’ve interacted with Georgina Moore in the past when my blogging still seemed to count, and she was a publicist. I was interested in her first novel, and I tried to secure a copy in various ways, all unsuccessful! Then I came across a hardback copy in my local community centre. I pounced upon it gleefully.  I enjoyed it immensely; an atmospheric tale of family and the effect parents can have on their children.

 

The Family Remains – Lisa Jewel

Purloined from the same source as The Garnett Girls this is the sequel to The Family Upstairs. It was a perfect read when you’re languishing on your sick bed. Twisty mystery and dark…. 

 

Ultra Processed People – Chris van Tulleken

For some time now I’ve been trying to decrease the amount of processed food I eat. It’s been time consuming and sometimes expensive. It seems that the healthier the food is the more costly it is! This book in part explains why but it has caused me to modify my diet even more! But I do wonder whether the damage to my body is done and is irreversible. It also made me realise why there is so much ill health. It is quite frightening what people are putting in their bodies without understanding what it is doing to them. I find myself reading ingredient lists even more carefully than I was already doing! It was very readable. The danger of books like these is that you can become blinded by the science, but I did not find that to be the case. Very thought provoking.

 

Blessed are those Who Thirst – Anne Holt

I find crime novels easy to read. No matter how convoluted the plot might be I still tend to read them quite quickly and they are another perfect read for a convalescence. This was a charity shop find that has been slumbering on my TBR shelf for years!! I’ve read several of Holt’s books and always enjoyed them. Scandi, uncompromising thrillers. Bring ‘em on!

 

The Whalebone Theatre – Joanna Quinn

Another gem found in a charity shop. I’d seen this on social media, and it felt like the kind of book I would like. And I was not mistaken. I liked the convoluted family dynamics and it’s what I call a big house story, and I love big house stories. As a debut novel I found it typical, an exuberance of language and detail, possibly an overlong book but who cares? It was an immersive story, and I found myself rooting for all the children. Heartbreaking in parts but uplifting in others.

 

The Harder I Fight the More I Love You – Neko Case

Many years ago, my brother turned up with an external hard drive full of thousands and thousands of songs. And he let me loose on it for 24 hours. I found many old favourites, but I also found some new music I’ve never listened to before. And one of those artists was Neko Case. And I absolutely loved her. I subsequently sought out all her albums and bought them and although she rarely appears live in the UK, I’ve managed to see her twice. So, it was a no-brainer that I would buy this memoir of hers. I wasn’t sure what to expect. I love her songs but is that sustained through prose? Yes, it is. It’s one of the most readable memoirs I’ve ever come across. 

I bought it one day and by the next I finished it. It’s such a conversational and inclusive style of writing and the obstacles and heartbreak that she’s endured throughout her life are quite hard to read at times. But it's certainly done nothing to dampen my enthusiasm for her as a musician.

Living with a Serial Killer - Delia Balmer

I picked this up in my local library during a post covid walk which turned out to be too far and I was wrung out afterwards!! I had watched the TV series. I thought Anna Maxwell Martin and Sean Evans were very good in the lead roles and I thought the TV series was very faithful to the book. I also watched the documentary afterwards, which featured Delia Balmer herself. Not my usual choice of book but it was an interesting enough read although I felt the poor lady had plenty of issues before she was subjected to this horrific ordeal. But I'm glad she got to speak her truth.

The Unpicking – Donna Moore

An unsettling tale which is dark. Three generations of brave Scottish women endure abuse and the corruption of a police force. The three protagonists are plucky and resourceful but your heart breaks for them.

Out of Character - Alison Steadman

And the final book this month is another library book. I've admired Alison Steadman ever since I saw Abigail's Party on TV.  I've seen quite a bit of her work over the years. In common with much of the nation I tuned in to watch the Gavin and Stacey Finale on Christmas Day. It occurred to me that Ms. Steadman has had quite a journey artistically over the years and whilst for a while perhaps, Abigails' Party maybe defined her surely Pamela Shipman is a crowning achievement? I was interested to read her memoir. Strange that I've read two memoirs this month! But both have been very enjoyable and well written. 

Footnote: although the font is all uniform in this draft, I noticed that some has changed when the post is published. I don’t know why and I can only apologize.