I don’t know why, but January always seems like a really long month. The upside for me is that I have read some amazing books; I hope this is a good omen for the rest of the year. I have read eleven books, posted ten reviews and bought far too many new books that I have no room for, just the usual book worm problem; just don’t tell my husband. So here are my top reads of January.
The Binding by Bridget Collins. Emmett Farmer has been called to be an apprentice book binder, although he wanted to take over the family farm. Book binding is a calling, and. under Seredith he starts to learn his craft of binding peoples unwanted memories into books so they forget. After a while, in the vaults, he finds a book with his name on, just what did he need to forget? I absolutely loved this book, the story works on many levels, and had me gripped. It is completely different to anything I have read before, with the magical book binding and a love story that was heartbreaking.
Three Hours by Rosamund Lupton. Having read the three previous books by Rosamund Lupton, I knew this would be an original with wonderful characters. As the title suggests this book is set over three hours of a school taken hostage. The Headmaster has been shot and is the library, trapped with students. One of those is Hannah who is looking after him but also worrying about her boyfriend, Rafi, Rafi in turn is concerned for his younger brother in the junior school. This is a thought provoking, tense and compelling read due to the reality that this is something that could happen. I was fully engrossed in the plot, the characters involved and the detail the police profiling. An amazing read.
The Other People by C.J.Tudor. I have read both of C.J. Tudor’s previous books, but this is her best so far. Gabe thinks he sees his daughter in the car in front on his way home from work, but that’s impossible as she is at home with his wife; but she isn’t. There years later Gabe spends his days an nights driving the motorway hoping to see the car again. Fran and her daughter Alice, also spend their days on the motorway, running from those who wish her daughter harm. Kate works at a service station on the motorway, she sees Gabe frequently, knows of his loss and suffering. As their lives cross, weaving an intriguing and complex web, that takes you on a real rollercoaster of a journey. The tension in this book builds slowly, and draws you in. Underlying menace and suspense makes this a difficult book to put down.
The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep by H.G. Parry. If ever there was a book written for book lovers it is this one. Charley Sutherland was a child prodigy, Oxford University at fourteen and is an expert on the works of Charles Dickens. He is also a Summoner, able to bring literary figures into his own world. A summoning of Uriah Heep brings to his attention a hidden street full of literary characters, and a new world coming brought about by another summoner. This is a story of adventure, good versus evil, and the joy of literature. The writing is wonderful as is the portrayal of the classic characters. A perfect read.
The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates. I first came across this book last year when I saw it was chosen for Ophra Winfrey’s Book Club, and I have been waiting impatiently for it to be published in the UK. Narrated by the main character Hiram, it follows his life from slave, to runaway to being part of the Underground that helped other slaves run to freedom. Hiram’s story is one of loss, pain, determination and freedom, and his story makes for a powerful read. The books everything I expected and more, with the historical detail, lyrical prose and has an amazing cast of unforgettable characters.
My full reviews of these top reads, and the rest of my January reads are on my blog. Books I’m looking forward to reading and reviewing in February are Her Last Breath by Alison Belsham, the follow up to The Tattoo Thief, The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave, The Foundling by Stacey Halls and The Burning Men by Will Schindler.
