Book Club 2019

It's been another year for book club, I can't quite believe we have found time to read all these (Nov 2018 - Jan 2020) but there has been a great variety this year.  As always a mix of really interesting stories and a few not so great...you never know what you are going to get.  

 Blood Orange by Harriet Tyce
The Night shift Before Christmas by Adam Kay 
Travelling to Infinity by Jane Hawking
Elisabeth is Missing by Emma Healey
The Binding by Bridget Collins
Apple Tree Yard by Louise Doughty
Killing Eve by Luke Jennings
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Washington Black by Esi Edugyan
The Tattoist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
Little by Edward Carey
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak
This is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay
  

I won't go through them all, mainly because I can't remember and never write a review at the time, but i'll talk about a few that stuck in my mind. Starting with the one book on that list that nobody finished and i'll say it now so that anyone reading this doesn't bother to attempt it either. 'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt.  After being advertised on one of those lists of books you MUST read before you die, I was certainly surprised by how boring it was to the point where I really wished I hadn't spent a month persevering with it.  

 Probably my favourite of the year is 'Elisabeth is Missing'. It was a really gripping story about a lady with dementia who is entwined in a murder mystery.  It was funny, sad and all the emotions in-between and it kept you guessing.  It's now a TV adaption aswell which is worth watching but I loved the book.

 'Travelling to Infinity' I found fascinating, but don't get me wrong it was lengthy and any mention of science went over my head.  I also found myself skimming over anything related to Jane's degree in Medieval poetry *yawn* however I still think its worth a read as it was really interesting to learn about Stephens disease, their quite unusual family relationships and essentially the true story behind one of the most famous men to ever live. It was an eye opener realising that behind this genius was an incredibly strong woman who lived an extraordinarily and tough life, she is inspirational.

 'This is Going to Hurt' was something very different, hilarious and also horrific accounts of NHS stories from the point of view of a nurse.  Definatley worth a read and makes you appreciate even more what these amazing people put up with working for the NHS.

 'Bridge of Clay' was a book iI was eagerly awaiting, so much so that I pre-ordered a signed copy - I know what a nerd.  Markus Zusak had previously written one of my favourite ever books 'The Book Thief' so I was more than disappointed to find this new book lacked the magic of his first.  Of course its a totally different story, but it didn't really hook me in and I didn't feel anywhere near as much emotion for any characters, which for me made his last book so special.  I will still look out for his future fiction but sadly this one just wasn't that great.  Too much expectation perhaps.

 'Killing Eve' was a tiny book (one of many in a series) but it was just a taste of the television series.  Regardless of what came first I'd say ditch the books on this one and watch the addictive series.
Outside of book club I read a few others.  Its rare to find enough time to read an extra book in a month but I did read Michelle Obama's biography.  I knew pretty much nothing about her before reading it and was lent it by a friend.  It was an empowering read, I found her to be an inspiring person and it also gave me some insight into presidential life.  Really interesting and although its hefty in size she is such an engaging writer that I read it with ease.

'How to Stop Time' by Matt Haig was another I read on my own and really enjoyed. The man who looks 41 but has been alive for centuries.  It was a heartwarming story and I liked how it entwined modern day London with famous historic events from his past. A fast and engaging read, Id recommend this to anyone!
So there you have it, here's to another year of new books to delve into! Happy reading!

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