I can’t believe that we are at the end of July already, time seems to br flying. They say that variety is the spice of life and July’s reads were certainly diverse, and took me on some wonderful journey’s; New York, Australia, New Caladonia, Stockholm, and Ireland. Choosing my top reads of the month has been quite a challenge, but here they are.
Fleischman Is In Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner. This book has been nominated for nearly every book award and rightfully so. This book is full of wit and irony in its look at the modern world, and the everday challenges we come across. Toby Fleischman is going through a divorce, loving his single life, online dating and freedom. When his wife disappears and leaves him with their two children, he relects on his marrige, the good and the bad and realises that all may not be what it seemed. Sublime writing, with pearls of wisdom on life and love, and wonderful character insight make this such an engaging read.
The Light Within Us by Charlotte Betts. This is the first book in a new trilogy from Charlotte Betts. Set in the last decade of the nineteenth century this is the story of three very different women who met whilst studying art at The Slade Art School. Edith’s marriage to Benedict is relatively short lived, so together with fellow artists Dora and Clarissa tunrs Spindrift House in Cornwall into an artists community. Rich in detail, with wonderful characters, this is a story of love and friendship and art. I really can’t wait to read the next book in theis trilogy.
Miss Benson’s Beetle by Rachel Joyce. Rachel Joyce is known for her quirky characters and engaing storylines and she doesnt disappoint here. Set in 1950, Miss Benson quits her job as a teacher to go to New Caledonia to find the elusive Golden Beetle she has wanted to find since childhood. With her goes Enid Pretty, the complte opposite to Margery Benson, with her candyfloss hair, fluffy shoes and pink suit. As they cross the world there are many humourous moments, and poignant moments. This is a story of never giving up your dream, love, loss, friendship and self discovery and I loved every minute of it.
Feathertide by Beth Cartwright. This is like a fairytale for adults and I was totally immersed in the characters and magical City of Murmers. Maréa is born with feathers on her back, and is kept hidden by her mother who fears her daughter maybe stolen away or ridiculed. On her eighteenth birthday Maréa decides to leave the security of her home and travel to the City of Murmers to find her father. This is a truely magical read, set in a city full of magic where mist captured in a jar can heal heartbreak and time can be suspended. Maréa goes on a journey of self discovery, learning to love herself and her feathers, find love and her place in the world. This is an amazing debut from Beth Cartwright, a fairytale that deals with some contemporary issues.
Full reviews of these books and the others I have read are available on my blog so pop over and see if there is anything that takes your fancy. I also hope you can join me in August for some more fabulous reads including The Final Cut by S.J Watson, The Innocents by Michael Crummley and The Kingdom of Copper (The Daevabad Trilogy Book 2) by S.A Chakraborty.
