I’ve read six books this month and listened to seven audio books. Being spring, I’ve spent many hours in the garden, which is why I’ve listened to more audio books than usual. I’ve chosen this month to share two highlight books and one book that I thought would be a highlight, but haven’t totally given up on.
Highlight Reads
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
This book, for me, was unputdownable. I really loved it. The storyline is believable fantasy. I’m not usually a huge fan of fantasy, but The Midnight Library really touched me and gave me much to think about. This book is about life and death, and being able to choose the life that we live. If we had that choice, would we choose our actual life or a life from a missed opportunity in the past. I did wonder what I would do? Would I go back and take the sliding doors moment?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Sheer Water by Leah Swann
Sheerwater is a a fast paced psychological thriller, set mainly on the south coast of Victoria. There is the heart wrenching story line of missing children, and many twists and turns. The older boy who is missing is one of the narrators. The writing when he was narrating, really touched me, and I couldn’t stop thinking of my own children in this situation. Many tears were shed while reading this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
I’m including this book as I know that friends, who are readers, have read it. The Rose Code was recommended to me a few times, so I was looking forward to reading it, especially as it was my favourite genre of WW2 fiction. I’ve read so many reviews of this book, giving high star ratings, but I’m really disappointed to say that The Rose didn’t do it for me. I really struggled with the first half, but as I started to get into the second half I had hopes for it. Unfortunately I had to force myself to finish it. I really can’t say what I didn’t like as I loved the themes and the characters were believable. I suspect that it’s my own fault that I couldn’t into this book, so I’m going to give it another go. I read the entire book, in small chunks of time, which I rarely do, and I hve a feeling that this is why it was a struggle. I’m committing to reading it again soon, ensuring that I allow enough time in each reading session, to get involved with it. It really annoys me that I seem to be the only reader who didn’t absolutely love this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Win by Harlen Coben – Audiobook
I was a bit hesitant to read this book, but after the first couple of chapters was hooked. Very briefly this is a thriller, about an unsolved family disappearance from years ago and a piece of artwork belonging to the family, that was found at a murder scene. Not wanting to give anything about the plot away, I’d say, just read this book to find out what it’s about.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What’s Next?
I have what seems like a never ending ‘to be read’ pile. Books are added much more quickly than I can read them. In the past, looking at this pile of books would make me feel stressed, that it would take me so long to get to some of the great titles. These days I tend to love looking at my pile and feel excited about the great reading to come.
The next two books at the top of my pile (unless something irresistible comes along) are:
- You Me Everything by Catherine Isaac
- Eden In Winter by Richard North Patterson
- What Could Be Saved by Liese O’HalloranSchwarz -audiobook
Reading ‘purists’ may not like it, I but count listening to e-books as reading. I listen to my ebooks on free library apps Borrowbox and Libby.
I’ve now read 64 books in 2021. At the start of the year, I set my Goodreads reading goal at 75 books. According to Goodreads, I’m four books ahead of schedule. However, I am expecting to fall a little short of this goal.
My book corner post is linked to the monthly #whatsonyourbookshelf challenge hosted by bloggers Deb, Sue, Donna, and Jo.
This post is linked to Denyse’s Life This Week
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I absolutely count audio books as reading. Bah humbug I say to the purists. I adored Midnight Library, yet, like you, its not my usual subject. The Rose Code too is one of my faves from this year. Thanks for linking up.
Thanks for dropping by Jo. I say bah humbug too!
Hi, Jennifer – Thank you so much for joining us for #whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge. Is that Book Corner photo (with the adorable dog) in your house? I would LOVE to sit there and read.
I greatly enjoyed your reviews – especially your honesty and your reading commitment. Reading The Rose Code for a second time, to give it a second chance, is very impressive. I am very interested to know what you think about it upon second reading. Please keep us informed!
Ooh I’d love to sit in that book corner too but unfortunately it’s not in my house. It’s just a free image I came across online. Thanks for taking an interest in my post. I really enjoy all the #whatsonyourbookshelf posts.
Hi Jen, I absolutely loved The Rose Code and The Midnight Library. My husband is a Harlan Corbin fan. I’ve not read Sheer Water but I do love a psychological thriller and it is set in Australia which is a bonus. Thanks for joining us at #whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge and I look forward to reading your next month’s reviews. x
I love reading the #whatsonyourbookshelf posts Sue. I think you’d enjoy Sheer Water.
Hi there!
I’ve just also put up my post for this month’s book reviews, so I couldn’t believe it that you thought the same as me about The Rose Code, also forced myself to finish it. I loved The Midnight Library also, we seem to think along the same lines! I started Win but didn’t finish it, I might go back to it now as you said it was good.
Great reviews
Alison 😀
Hi Alison, seems we have commonalities in our reading. I’d definitely recommend you read Win and hope you enjoy it as much as I did
Hi Jen, thanks for joining us again this month. I loved reading your reviews and you reminded me that I’d read Sheer Water, which I also enjoyed. The Midnight Library was a standout book as you say and I’m sorry the Rose Code didn’t do it for you but it’s sometimes tricky when reading a book many others have recommended. They don’t always live up to expectations.
Great to hear you’ve been listening to books while working in the garden.
I’m loving #whatsonyourbookshelf Deb. I find myself looking forward to it each month.
That’s so good to hear Jen! Back for #lifethisweek and loved treading the comments here 🙂
I’ve read a few of those books Jennifer and also enjoyed the Matt Haig book. It’s interesting as he irks me on social media for some reason so I’ve not read his non-fiction / anxiety-related books but really enjoyed The Midnight Library and thought it was beautifully written.
The Midnight Library sounds good. I’ve never really stuck to on genre of book which is both good and sometimes makes it hard to find/choose the next thing I want to read. Will see if my library has it.
Harlan Coben’s stories sure pack a punch. There have been some wonderful television series made from his novels, too.
I’ve never seen any TV series of his books Laurie.
The Midnight Library is our book club read this month. I’m now looking forward to it even more.
I haven’t really gotten into listening to books. I tend to read faster than the words would be spoken and I’m a scanner at times as well. I often will scan over description of space, clothing, or environment. I know folks talk about multi-tasking with audio books, but I’ve never been a good multi-tasker!
I shift between fiction and non-fiction in my reading. And my piles of to-be-read are high, as I’m still an avid “real books” reader as well. It’s dangerous when I go to any book sale!
My book club just started to bring all our read books to the meeting to allow others to share – when no-one is interested anymore, the books are donated to a local Little Library. We had 2 bags donated last week…and I added 2 more to my pile.
Thanks for telling me about the way you approach reading. I’m a ‘real book’ reader to bit trying to get myself into ebooks. I’m finding it difficult as I’d much rather hold a book in my hand. I love what your Bookclub are doing. It’s a great idea for book clubs
My Audible books are a great comfort and terrific company. Normally I wouldn’t have listened to the Midnight Library but I got it because of recommendations, and its story was very interesting. I then began to follow its author Matt Haig and his journey through mental illness, and bought Comfort – the book and I also have his voice narrating it.
I have audible for all occasions and learning really. Love it. And I go back to old favourites too. Right now, as it is for me quite a bit, I am listening to Lisa Millar’s memoir Daring to Fly.
Learning is my fav thing…and today I learned more about trauma from her life as a journo now realising I was a victim of trauma back in my school principal days.
Loved your post and your flower images on IG!
It’s been great to have you share your post this week for #lifethisweek on Denyse Whelan Blogs. Thank you. I hope you will be back next week, where the optional prompt is “young” but my guest poster, Mr Whelan, is sharing his thoughts for the final time on the blog in 2021 on a different topic. See you there, Denyse.
Lisa Millar’s book is on my ‘to read’ list Denyse.