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whatdaniellereadnext's Reviews (640)
I struggled to get into it a little at first. The world Piranesi describes was just so alien to me that I was finding it hard to imagine. Picking the book up to read more almost felt like a chore, it was just such hard work.
But I'm SO glad I stuck with it.
I don't think I could include spoilers in this review if I tried. I came away from this book questioning everything I'd read. It was just such a surreal read.
To put a rating on a book I didn't fully understand seems wrong in a way. I mean I'll do it anyway, but it doesn't feel right. I urge anyone thinking of getting this book to look at other reviews online and see what others gleaned from it.
I loved the character of Piranesi and the methodical way he lived. And I think I'd like to revisit this book at some point in the future and see if I can understand more of it.
But I'm SO glad I stuck with it.
I don't think I could include spoilers in this review if I tried. I came away from this book questioning everything I'd read. It was just such a surreal read.
To put a rating on a book I didn't fully understand seems wrong in a way. I mean I'll do it anyway, but it doesn't feel right. I urge anyone thinking of getting this book to look at other reviews online and see what others gleaned from it.
I loved the character of Piranesi and the methodical way he lived. And I think I'd like to revisit this book at some point in the future and see if I can understand more of it.
Ah I loved this book so much! We follow George as she auditions for the part of Charlotte in her school play. But everybody tells her she can't be Charlotte because she is a boy.
George is transgender and wanted to use the play as an opportunity to show the world who she really is.
I can't begin to explain how amazing this book was for starting conversations with my children. We have always been very open and honest with our children about the state of the world and how we treat the people in it and done our utmost to make them accepting and understanding of the LGBQTIA+ community.
George is written from the perspective of the 10 year old George. We haven't really read anything from the perspective of a transgender child before and I think it really helped my children to understand the struggles George was facing.
Everyone should have this on their shelves. Schools should be reading it and learning from it. The writing is so easy to understand and the book is relatively short but George really packs a punch!
My children wanted to say a few words about this book:
'I like how George had a friend that she could talk to who encouraged her to be who she wants to be'
'It was a really good book that could help fix problems in schools. George is strong and seems really cool'
George is transgender and wanted to use the play as an opportunity to show the world who she really is.
I can't begin to explain how amazing this book was for starting conversations with my children. We have always been very open and honest with our children about the state of the world and how we treat the people in it and done our utmost to make them accepting and understanding of the LGBQTIA+ community.
George is written from the perspective of the 10 year old George. We haven't really read anything from the perspective of a transgender child before and I think it really helped my children to understand the struggles George was facing.
Everyone should have this on their shelves. Schools should be reading it and learning from it. The writing is so easy to understand and the book is relatively short but George really packs a punch!
My children wanted to say a few words about this book:
'I like how George had a friend that she could talk to who encouraged her to be who she wants to be'
'It was a really good book that could help fix problems in schools. George is strong and seems really cool'
I have to start this review by telling you all it's a beautifully floppy paperback. It will sit open on your lap with no force needed. I may have added a star for that alone!*
Unsettled Ground follows Jeanie and Julius, who are 51 year old twins that still live with their mother in a small cottage on a farm. When their mother dies at the beginning of the book, things start to fall apart.
I have to admit I wasn't sure I'd like this, going into it. But from the very beginning the writing had me hooked. I'd seen it advertised as a thriller, which I really don't see. In my opinion it's more of a family drama, but I think I liked it more because of that.
The twins' mother had many secrets that start to unfold, and I have to admit I guessed the biggest secret very early on in the book. But it was still an interesting read, especially how the twins interacted with the world around them. They are very well written characters that have been fully sheltered from the outside world, so much so that it's hard to see than as the age they are!
*I haven't really
Unsettled Ground follows Jeanie and Julius, who are 51 year old twins that still live with their mother in a small cottage on a farm. When their mother dies at the beginning of the book, things start to fall apart.
I have to admit I wasn't sure I'd like this, going into it. But from the very beginning the writing had me hooked. I'd seen it advertised as a thriller, which I really don't see. In my opinion it's more of a family drama, but I think I liked it more because of that.
The twins' mother had many secrets that start to unfold, and I have to admit I guessed the biggest secret very early on in the book. But it was still an interesting read, especially how the twins interacted with the world around them. They are very well written characters that have been fully sheltered from the outside world, so much so that it's hard to see than as the age they are!
*I haven't really
I've finally made it onto reading the books from the @womensprize shortlist after finishing the last of the longlist reads earlier this month.
I picked this one purely because I'd heard such mixed things about it I thought it'd be my least favourite of the longlist. Whilst it still might turn out to be my least favourite I actually really loved this book.
It's like nothing I've ever read before, with the story told entirely in little excerpts which can be quite detached from each other.
The book takes a look at our relationship with the internet, or the portal as the author calls it here. The first part of the book is full of witty observations about how we use the internet and how it is affecting us, whilst the second part tells us about a family issue and is more emotional, less disjointed than the first.
It definitely isn't a book that's for everyone and I can see why people struggle with the format of the book. But I really loved it. It was a short snappy read - and only 210 pages - taking me less than a day to read (though I may revisit in the future and take my time with it). I found myself picking it up for just one section whenever I found the time.
I picked this one purely because I'd heard such mixed things about it I thought it'd be my least favourite of the longlist. Whilst it still might turn out to be my least favourite I actually really loved this book.
It's like nothing I've ever read before, with the story told entirely in little excerpts which can be quite detached from each other.
The book takes a look at our relationship with the internet, or the portal as the author calls it here. The first part of the book is full of witty observations about how we use the internet and how it is affecting us, whilst the second part tells us about a family issue and is more emotional, less disjointed than the first.
It definitely isn't a book that's for everyone and I can see why people struggle with the format of the book. But I really loved it. It was a short snappy read - and only 210 pages - taking me less than a day to read (though I may revisit in the future and take my time with it). I found myself picking it up for just one section whenever I found the time.
I bought this book purely because of how much I'd seen it on bookstagram. Everyone seemed to be reading it and I didn't want to be the only one
I found it difficult to get on with. I wasn't gelling with the stream of consciousness style of writing, hated the lack of speech marks and didn't like the characters very much either if I'm honest, especially not Robert (though one of his pranks did garner a laugh). It jumps through different eras with no explanation too, which was pretty jarring.
But at around two thirds of the way through it 'clicked' I guess. I started to enjoy it. So much so that the last third of the book took a couple of hours tops, where the other two thirds had been days worth of forcing myself to pick it up.
This was written, at least partially, during the covid pandemic, but it isn't wholly about that, which I'm thankful for. It deals with a lot of tough topics, including racism, immigration and the aftermath of the Brexit vote here in the UK.
Now I haven't read the rest of the Seasonal Quartet yet, I have them ready but I need to read them in the seasons they correspond to.
The last third of the book rescued it from getting 2 stars.
But at around two thirds of the way through it 'clicked' I guess. I started to enjoy it. So much so that the last third of the book took a couple of hours tops, where the other two thirds had been days worth of forcing myself to pick it up.
This was written, at least partially, during the covid pandemic, but it isn't wholly about that, which I'm thankful for. It deals with a lot of tough topics, including racism, immigration and the aftermath of the Brexit vote here in the UK.
Now I haven't read the rest of the Seasonal Quartet yet, I have them ready but I need to read them in the seasons they correspond to.
The last third of the book rescued it from getting 2 stars.
The story is set on a remote Norwegian island in the late 1600's and the cold, harsh landscape is detailed beautifully. After a horrific accident most of the men of Vardo are killed, in the first couple of chapters, leaving behind women who must now learn to survive.
The story is based around true events - but ones I hadn't really read much about previously. It is a harrowing, difficult read in parts that's full of wonderfully written characters.
The story moved slowly, but the book was all the better for it as we got to read about the women and their lives in more detail. Their friendships and disagreements took centre stage for a little while, before the disagreements were exacerbated by the arrival of religious zealots bent on cleansing the world of 'witches'. (Or just a man who couldn't take it when women didn't need them so needed a reason to rid the world of these strong, independent women).
The Mercies is a really interesting read, one I think I'd like to revisit one day after learning more about the witch trials in Norway. It's bleak and disturbing in parts, but given the subject matter this is to be expected! I loved Maren and Kirsten and their strength of character.
The story is based around true events - but ones I hadn't really read much about previously. It is a harrowing, difficult read in parts that's full of wonderfully written characters.
The story moved slowly, but the book was all the better for it as we got to read about the women and their lives in more detail. Their friendships and disagreements took centre stage for a little while, before the disagreements were exacerbated by the arrival of religious zealots bent on cleansing the world of 'witches'. (Or just a man who couldn't take it when women didn't need them so needed a reason to rid the world of these strong, independent women).
The Mercies is a really interesting read, one I think I'd like to revisit one day after learning more about the witch trials in Norway. It's bleak and disturbing in parts, but given the subject matter this is to be expected! I loved Maren and Kirsten and their strength of character.
Well this was a lesson for me, on never judging a book by it's cover. We've all done it, bought a book because the cover is beautiful and then been slightly disappointed in it. Well this book is the opposite of that. The cover is a bit boring, in my opinion, but the story told inside was really quite good.
David Dowling is a foreign correspondent married to Mary Rose. But Mary Rose has died, and David must now learn to live his life without her. In Nothing but Blue Sky David recounts his life, both alongside Mary Rose and his strict, cold upbringing.
I think I was expecting this book to be a fluffy holiday read. But instead it's a really touching portrayal of grief and love. Of picking up the pieces once someone you love is no longer here.
It's possible that I took more from this book than some might. David is only around 50 when he has to face life alone. We lost my mum nearly 4 years ago, at the age of 48, leaving my dad facing life alone before the age of 50. So I've seen first hand that battle between wanting to stay away from anywhere that offers up memories of happier times and of wanting to relive those past memories, even if it's painful.
'I know what you're saying, and of course there will be a moment of sadness, always, that Mary Rose isn't there. But the happy occasions will still be happy occasions, because that's how life works. Happiness trumps sadness, every time. If it didn't, we couldn't survive.'
Nothing but Blue Sky is a thought-provoking slow read. Poetic and beautifully written, it handles the subject of grief realistically, even tapping in to the guilt that the person still alive sometimes feels.
The thing that I felt let this book down was the sickly sweet ending. It felt unnecessary, too neat. It brought the whole experience of reading this book down a little if I'm honest. It didn't feel realistic.
David Dowling is a foreign correspondent married to Mary Rose. But Mary Rose has died, and David must now learn to live his life without her. In Nothing but Blue Sky David recounts his life, both alongside Mary Rose and his strict, cold upbringing.
I think I was expecting this book to be a fluffy holiday read. But instead it's a really touching portrayal of grief and love. Of picking up the pieces once someone you love is no longer here.
It's possible that I took more from this book than some might. David is only around 50 when he has to face life alone. We lost my mum nearly 4 years ago, at the age of 48, leaving my dad facing life alone before the age of 50. So I've seen first hand that battle between wanting to stay away from anywhere that offers up memories of happier times and of wanting to relive those past memories, even if it's painful.
'I know what you're saying, and of course there will be a moment of sadness, always, that Mary Rose isn't there. But the happy occasions will still be happy occasions, because that's how life works. Happiness trumps sadness, every time. If it didn't, we couldn't survive.'
Nothing but Blue Sky is a thought-provoking slow read. Poetic and beautifully written, it handles the subject of grief realistically, even tapping in to the guilt that the person still alive sometimes feels.
The thing that I felt let this book down was the sickly sweet ending. It felt unnecessary, too neat. It brought the whole experience of reading this book down a little if I'm honest. It didn't feel realistic.
I didn't have high hopes for it, if I'm honest and had been putting off reading it for ages. I'd found it cheap on depop back in March when I'd decided to start reading all of the books nominated for the @womensprize and this one (as well as Because of You by Dawn French) were my least anticipated reads.
Unfortunately the initial surprise at how good this book was didn't last. I think I enjoyed roughly a third of it, before I ended up just wanting it to end. The first part had good pace to it and was quite interesting. The rest of the book slowed right down though and was full of stereotypes, clichés and predictable outcomes.
I predicted everything in this book - you could see where it was going from a mile away. I think a lot of the issues present in this book were dealt with quite lazily too, aside from domestic violence. It was interesting to see a male character having suffered from it (though not before being accused of being the violent one before that, which was highly disappointing).
There was a lot of repetitive thoughts about Brexit, and the rich and poor divide that just didn't aid the story after the first mention. The main character Hannah and her family just come across as incredibly ignorant, which I don't think is necessarily intended.
I was hoping for more after the first part of the book, but unfortunately this book just didn't live up to its promising start.
Unfortunately the initial surprise at how good this book was didn't last. I think I enjoyed roughly a third of it, before I ended up just wanting it to end. The first part had good pace to it and was quite interesting. The rest of the book slowed right down though and was full of stereotypes, clichés and predictable outcomes.
I predicted everything in this book - you could see where it was going from a mile away. I think a lot of the issues present in this book were dealt with quite lazily too, aside from domestic violence. It was interesting to see a male character having suffered from it (though not before being accused of being the violent one before that, which was highly disappointing).
There was a lot of repetitive thoughts about Brexit, and the rich and poor divide that just didn't aid the story after the first mention. The main character Hannah and her family just come across as incredibly ignorant, which I don't think is necessarily intended.
I was hoping for more after the first part of the book, but unfortunately this book just didn't live up to its promising start.
We follow Irina, a photography artist from Newcastle who has some pretty deep seated issues. She is narcissistic and abusive, yet I couldn't stop reading.
She scouts for models for her explicit photography projects by giving random 'interesting' looking men her card whilst she's out and about. I really loved the gender swapping of the power roles at play in this novel.
Now don't read this book if you're squeamish. Seriously. The descriptions in this book of vomit and blood were enough to make me feel queasy and I am not usually a squeamish person.
Anyway, I digress. Yes this book is very visceral, with a lot of graphic detail surrounding most areas of Irina's life. But it has some tender moments and I couldn't help but feel for Irina at points, despite hating how she treats literally everybody around her.
As dark and graphic as this book gets at its heart is a novel dealing with drug abuse, mental health issues, eating disorders and relationships and how they can all be inter-woven. As I said earlier Irina is the worst protagonist, I doubt anyone could read this book and want to know her, let alone be friends with her. She's an unreliable narrator but the story is interspersed with texts and emails with people Irina interacts with and also excerpts from her best friends secret blog, which gave an interesting alternate view of their relationship.
I can't wholly recommend this book. Because I can't say that I enjoyed it, really. I mean, I couldn't put it down. I was gripped, especially about 70% of the way through when Irina just casually drops a huge bombshell into the story. But it's one hell of an uncomfortable read, from start to finish.
So if you like your fiction a bit more on the dark side then go for this. I doubt you'd be disappointed. For people who don't appreciate rampant drug use, casual violence and abuse then I'd say skip this one. It's a book that sticks with you, whether you want it to or not.
I think the authors dedication says it all for how uncomfortable this book is:
'For my mother and father. Please don't read this.'
She scouts for models for her explicit photography projects by giving random 'interesting' looking men her card whilst she's out and about. I really loved the gender swapping of the power roles at play in this novel.
Now don't read this book if you're squeamish. Seriously. The descriptions in this book of vomit and blood were enough to make me feel queasy and I am not usually a squeamish person.
Anyway, I digress. Yes this book is very visceral, with a lot of graphic detail surrounding most areas of Irina's life. But it has some tender moments and I couldn't help but feel for Irina at points, despite hating how she treats literally everybody around her.
As dark and graphic as this book gets at its heart is a novel dealing with drug abuse, mental health issues, eating disorders and relationships and how they can all be inter-woven. As I said earlier Irina is the worst protagonist, I doubt anyone could read this book and want to know her, let alone be friends with her. She's an unreliable narrator but the story is interspersed with texts and emails with people Irina interacts with and also excerpts from her best friends secret blog, which gave an interesting alternate view of their relationship.
I can't wholly recommend this book. Because I can't say that I enjoyed it, really. I mean, I couldn't put it down. I was gripped, especially about 70% of the way through when Irina just casually drops a huge bombshell into the story. But it's one hell of an uncomfortable read, from start to finish.
So if you like your fiction a bit more on the dark side then go for this. I doubt you'd be disappointed. For people who don't appreciate rampant drug use, casual violence and abuse then I'd say skip this one. It's a book that sticks with you, whether you want it to or not.
I think the authors dedication says it all for how uncomfortable this book is:
'For my mother and father. Please don't read this.'