Kathy Hamilton It’s been a while since I shared a reading roundup with you all. But I’m back and excited to share all the new and notable books with you today. Featuring everything from Classics to Romance fiction, this roundup has something for everyone.
Last year, reading got a bit weird. Ok fine, life got weird didn’t it? On busy days in the office, I dreamed of having vast stretches of time to sit and read. Be careful what you wish for has never sounded more ominous! I chatted a little more about that in a recent post. But let’s just say my reading was patchy- too haphazard to succinctly distil into a reading roundup so I sort of…stopped! But here’s the thing, I love sharing these mini-reviews with you.
However, I thought I’d try something a little different. Life is about more than books (gasp). And I’d love to be able to share everything that I have been excited about reading/watching/listening to. So if films and TV are your jam you’ll find a little section at the end of this post just for that, how does that sound?
Right, let’s get started shall we?
Disclosure: Any links to Bookshop.org are affiliate links. Meaning that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase on that site.
Reading Roundup
Flush by Virginia Woolf
This is the story of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s cocker spaniel. But not just any story. Virginia Woolf learned of him from the love letters Elizabeth wrote to her future husband, fellow poet Robert Browning, and found ‘the figure of their dog made me laugh so, I couldn’t resist making him a Life.’ The resulting ‘biography’ combines sensuous imaginative description with sharp social comment and brings Woolf’s unsentimental humour and insight to the fore.
What Did I Think?
I have wanted to read this book for years but like so many other books it has been sitting on my bookshelf waiting. I’m so glad that I took the time to delve into this (short) work. Although it only took me an afternoon to read, it is full of Virginia Woolf at her most playful. The language, as you’d expect, is sumptuous and Flush’s reflections on what makes a SELF whether that be a dog or a human added a poignancy to this book that I wasn’t expecting. A beautiful book to read when you find yourself longing for a little chink of hope.
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Persuasion by Jane Austen
At twenty-seven, Anne Elliot is no longer young and has few romantic prospects. Eight years earlier she broke off her engagement to Frederick Wentworth Now older and wiser, the decision has haunted her along with the memory of the man she loved. When fate throws the two together again, in very different circumstances, Anne finds herself torn between the demands of family and social convention which conspire to take the man she loves away from her for a second time.
What Did I Think?
Next up in this reading roundup is Persuasion. My favourite book by Jane Austen. Others have vied for the top spot over the years but, honestly, nothing can touch this book. I find it to be Jane Austen’s most personal and even intimate novel. Allowing us to see the world through Anne’s eyes invites us to experience her hopes and fears, her highs and lows. I never finish a re-read of this book without giving it a little hug.
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Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel
Tita, the youngest daughter of the house, has been forbidden to marry, condemned by Mexican tradition to look after her mother until she dies. But Tita falls in love with Pedro, and he is seduced by the magical food she cooks. In desperation, Pedro marries her sister Rosaura so that he can stay close to her. For the next twenty-two years, Tita and Pedro are forced to circle each other in unconsummated passion. Only a freakish chain of tragedies, bad luck and fate finally reunite them against all the odds.
What Did I Think?
My sister posted me this book a little while ago with a command to ‘read this book’ and I’m so glad I listened to her. The idea of Magical Realism is sometimes off-putting so it’s not one I would have picked up on my own. But this book was brilliant. It takes a talented author to make you sympathise with characters who don’t always act honourably. This book felt human, with all the nuances that come along with human behaviour. I can definitely see why this was a bestseller in Mexico for two years after it was published.
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Rebel by Beverly Jenkins
Valinda Lacey’s mission in the steamy heart of New Orleans is to help the newly emancipated community survive and flourish. But soon she discovers that here, freedom can also mean danger. As an architect from an old New Orleans family, Drake has a deeply personal interest in rebuilding the city. Raised by strong women, he recognizes Valinda’s determination. And he can’t stop admiring—or wanting—her. But when Valinda’s father demands she return home to marry a man she doesn’t love, her daring rebellion draws Drake into an irresistible intrigue.
What Did I Think?
In my research for books to read if you loved Bridgerton I came across Rebel by Beverly Jenkins and now it’s in my reading roundup- so you know it’s good! Beverly Jenkins is a true master of the genre and I really enjoyed reading historical fiction that was about people of colour. I learned so much about the history of New Orleans from Rebel, even down to the coded way people dressed to show their sympathies. The smouldering romance was an added bonus too!
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Around The World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne
One night in the reform club, Phileas Fogg bets his companions that he can travel across the globe in just eighty days. Breaking the well-established routine of his daily life, he immediately sets off for Dover with his astonished valet Passepartout. Passing through exotic lands and dangerous locations, they seize whatever transportation is at hand – whether train or elephant – overcoming set-backs and always racing against the clock.
What Did I Think?
Finishing up this reading roundup is Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne. I’ll admit that was a little prejudiced about this book. Looking at its publication date I assumed it would be filled with problematic attitudes and outdated, downright racist, comments. But it wasn’t. Sure there’s some dated terminology, but for the most part, the joke is firmly on Phileas Fogg and his servant Passepartout as the two make their absurd journey around the world. It’s a classic for a reason. And I enjoyed that there was no deeper moral than sometimes, in life, being happy the best result.
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The Best of The Rest
Because This is My First Life
To save money, two housemates get married but soon face unexpected complications, such as demanding in-laws and having to face their own growing bond.
This series was a moving, funny and at times philosophical look at life. Featuring three different relationships it managed to explore life and living it on your own terms. If you have never watched a K-Drama before, I’d highly recommend this one as a good place to start.
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Bridgerton
During the Regency era in England, eight close-knit siblings of the powerful Bridgerton family attempt to find love.
As an avid fan of Julia Quinn, I couldn’t leave Bridgerton out. Although it hardly needs any more hype! I enjoyed the modern take that Shondaland productions took on this historical drama and already can’t wait for season two!
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The Farewell
Billi’s family returns to China under the guise of a fake wedding to stealthily say goodbye to their beloved matriarch — the only person that doesn’t know she only has a few weeks to live.
This film deserves more praise than its getting. A moving look at the challenges and balancing act faced by Asian Americans. With Eastern sentiments vying with Western assumptions on what makes a good life. I found it to be bittersweet, yet hopeful and well worth a watch.
Watch Now
Wind of Change
1990. The Berlin Wall just fell. The Soviet Union is on the verge of collapse. And the soundtrack to the revolution is one of the best selling songs of all time, the metal ballad “Wind of Change,” by the Scorpions, only it might have been written by the CIA.
Honestly, if you want to listen to something that will have you shouting ‘What the Hell?!’ almost every episode you can’t miss Wind of Change. This podcast has everything, intrigue, history, drama, and a heavy dose of espionage. Not to mention a song that will get stuck in your head for days!
