Was I prompted to think about the impact of technology on the way we live, and how that might change in the future? Absolutely.
Dear Edward - Ann Napolitano
A heartwarming novel that explores humanity, and celebrates our ability to overcome trauma.
The Heart's Invisible Furies - John Boyne
I utterly adored John Boyne's novel, which drew me in with its unpredictable plot, richly drawn characters, and a heart the size of Ireland herself.
Down and Out in Paris and London - George Orwell
Down and Out in Paris and London is the diary of a man honing his craft, and living his life in such a way as to find the story he is destined to tell.
American Dirt - Jeanine Cummins
The thing that struck me the most about American Dirt was its powerfully compact prose; not a single word felt superfluous, which kept to prose moving at solid pace.
Daisy Jones & The Six - Taylor Jenkins-Reid
Daisy Jones & The Six details the rise, and fall, of a 70s band, during the iconic era’s atmosphere of sex, drugs, and rock & roll.
Exhalation - Ted Chiang
Some quite fascinating explorations of science, religion, morality, free-will, faith, consciousness, and artificial intelligence are contained within these brief 360 pages of speculative fiction.
The Family Upstairs - Lisa Jewell
I picked The Family Upstairs up this month as my Book of the Month choice - sadly, I wish I’d skipped the month.
Dark Matter - Blake Crouch
If you’re looking for a fast-paced read that poses profound questions about the nature of reality, and the meaning of our lives, then this is the book for you.
Battlestar Suburbia - Chris McCrudden
“British author Chris McCrudden has created a hilarious universe that speaks to issues of the modern world in a brilliant, and at times, a quite bonkers way.”
I'll Be Gone In The Dark - Michelle McNamara
“It was McNamara’s narrative style of writing non-fiction, rather than the details of the crimes, that kept me gripped throughout.”
Fleishman is in Trouble - Taffy Brodesser-Akner
An insightful and astute look at relationships and gender roles through a, not unique, but still effective point of view and narrative framing.
The Editor - Steven Rowley
Wow. What can I say? I absolutely adored this charming, poignant, richly imaginative, and wonderful novel.
The Topeka School - Ben Lerner
The Topeka School was a big disappointment, for me at least. I’d pre-ordered the novel months ago as the premise sounded like something I would very much enjoy, but, sadly, this one just wasn't for me.
The Dutch House - Ann Patchett
I found myself not wanting to put The Dutch House down - reading into the early hours of the morning, and picking it up promptly upon waking.
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous - Ocean Vuong
The thing that struck me most about On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous was Vuong’s incredibly astute, honest, and often heartbreaking observations about life, love, lust, abuse, and fear.
The Institute - Stephen King
King has a list of great novels to his name, The Institute is not one of them, despite its interesting premise.
The Water Dancer - Ta-Nehisi Coates
Whilst I didn’t love this novel as much as I’d hoped - perhaps due to its length, and initial slow build toward action - I would still recommend The Water Dancer…
The Testaments - Margaret Atwood
Underwhelming, but enjoyable nonetheless - perhaps a sequel to such a beloved novel could never live up to the hype?