The last quarter of 2015 was awesome for me. I read 26 books, gave 4 books 5 stars, and another 6 books 4 stars. Click the pictures below, if you want to see them all.
But here, I will give you the low-down run down. The ones you should buy, a diverse little stash, and the reasons why. Happy shopping. Oh, and if you click the covers, you will see my full reviews.
Little Black Lies by Sharon Bolton is one of the best crime thrillers I have read this year.
Sharon writes with such confidence, and this book will be read and enjoyed by everyone, their husbands, and maybe even other family members (if you allow that in your book club).
Set in the Falklands, a child goes missing. And this is not the first such strange event. Full of drama and suspense, you'll be on the edge of your seat.
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara is the book that every book club must have.
Not everyone will read it, but everyone should try. Those who persevere will be addicted. The story is set in New York, modern day, but no exact date, and revolves around four friends - all guys. Jude has had a very bad life, and the impact this has on those around him is observed with sensitivity and charm.
A beautiful harrowing story.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is set in France during World War II.
It's about women, and told from their point of view.
Strong, brave characters; action and danger everywhere; poignant, heartbreaking relationships between lovers, sisters and friends - this book has it all.
Everyone in Book Club will read it, and all will enjoy it.
I am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes is an epic crime and international terrorism thriller.
It flies between Turkey, New York, Saudi Arabia and the rest of the world. You will find yourself inside the mind of Pilgrim, his nemesis, Saracen, and follow their adventures with their twists and turns.
It is a big brave book, and such worthwhile reading.
Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley is the first in a series (of seven).
It tells the story of Pa Salt - an adoptive father who seems to collect baby girls, reminiscent of GUM in Ballet Shoes - his death (we think), and the uncovering of the past of his eldest daughter.
This takes her to South America, and we read, in parallel, the story of her ancestors, and the building of the Cristo statue in Brazil.
A lovely rambling read.
Playing with Fire by Tess Gerritsen astounded me.
So different from what Tess usually writes, this is the story of Julia Ansdell, who finds a piece of music for the violin in Italy. Each time she tries to play it, strange things happen, and she must eventually track down its history in Venice. Thrilling, haunting and exciting.
What's more, the author even composed the piece - Incendio - which features in the novel. It is downloadable from her website, and if you read the book, you should listen to the music.
An unforgettable book.
The Quality of Silence by Rosamund Lupton is set in Alaska, in winter. A mother and her daughter, who is deaf, must travel to find their husband/father, while danger literally stalks them.
Don't be fooled into thinking that wintry Alaska is boring. It is dark, dangerous and breathtakingly beautiful. It made me want to go, and the book will haunt me for even longer.
Rosamund Lupton, author of Sister, can write.
Hope you find your books.
Happy Book Club evening - please remember to get a ride home if you're drinking wine.
Previous Book Club Recommendations
And the ones before that.
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Little Black Lies by Sharon Bolton is one of the best crime thrillers I have read this year.
Sharon writes with such confidence, and this book will be read and enjoyed by everyone, their husbands, and maybe even other family members (if you allow that in your book club).
Set in the Falklands, a child goes missing. And this is not the first such strange event. Full of drama and suspense, you'll be on the edge of your seat.
 |
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara is the book that every book club must have.
Not everyone will read it, but everyone should try. Those who persevere will be addicted. The story is set in New York, modern day, but no exact date, and revolves around four friends - all guys. Jude has had a very bad life, and the impact this has on those around him is observed with sensitivity and charm.
A beautiful harrowing story.
 |
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is set in France during World War II.
It's about women, and told from their point of view.
Strong, brave characters; action and danger everywhere; poignant, heartbreaking relationships between lovers, sisters and friends - this book has it all.
Everyone in Book Club will read it, and all will enjoy it.
 |
I am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes is an epic crime and international terrorism thriller.
It flies between Turkey, New York, Saudi Arabia and the rest of the world. You will find yourself inside the mind of Pilgrim, his nemesis, Saracen, and follow their adventures with their twists and turns.
It is a big brave book, and such worthwhile reading.
 |
It tells the story of Pa Salt - an adoptive father who seems to collect baby girls, reminiscent of GUM in Ballet Shoes - his death (we think), and the uncovering of the past of his eldest daughter.
This takes her to South America, and we read, in parallel, the story of her ancestors, and the building of the Cristo statue in Brazil.
A lovely rambling read.
 |
So different from what Tess usually writes, this is the story of Julia Ansdell, who finds a piece of music for the violin in Italy. Each time she tries to play it, strange things happen, and she must eventually track down its history in Venice. Thrilling, haunting and exciting.
What's more, the author even composed the piece - Incendio - which features in the novel. It is downloadable from her website, and if you read the book, you should listen to the music.
An unforgettable book.
 |
The Quality of Silence by Rosamund Lupton is set in Alaska, in winter. A mother and her daughter, who is deaf, must travel to find their husband/father, while danger literally stalks them.
Don't be fooled into thinking that wintry Alaska is boring. It is dark, dangerous and breathtakingly beautiful. It made me want to go, and the book will haunt me for even longer.
Rosamund Lupton, author of Sister, can write.
Hope you find your books.
Happy Book Club evening - please remember to get a ride home if you're drinking wine.
Previous Book Club Recommendations
And the ones before that.
2 comments:
I think I'd like to read The Nightingale. I saw Suite Française in the cinema last year and really enjoyed it; so a book set in France during WW2, focused on women, sounds good to me!
I am sure you will enjoy it. I'll look out for the movie you mentioned.
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