This book is Stern‘s debut from 2010 and is a collection of short stories. The characters are reckless but each story left me wanting to know more. Several of the stories touch on deaf people feeling isolated and struggling to communicate. The writing is good, and I got the impression of a writer feeling their way towards being a great one.

Absolutely loving reading this series. I got very grumpy with anything which took me away from reading this. Manon is probably one of the highlights of this book - such a great character with amazing development. Need the next one ASAP!

Two weeks until Dracula Daily starts!

Last year I kept up for about two months, not sure if I can do better this year…

https://draculadaily.substack.com/about if anyone is interested!

When Shaun Bythell in “The diary of a bookseller” mentioned meeting this author and her book I knew it was going on the list. I‘ve been keeping an eye out for books about deaf culture as I learn BSL and was delighted to come across a new one. Although I have to say inside another book wasn‘t how I expected to!

I somehow missed this when it was released. I‘m a big fan of cogman‘s invisible library series. Anyway it‘s 99p on kindle at the minute!

I have to say we‘re enjoying the Netflix show of this series. I haven‘t read the books, but now I‘m thinking I should! If only as I will want to know what happens after series one.
Although I will be thinking differently about getting on a cruise ship this summer…

I really enjoyed this, I thought it worked really well as an audiobook. Shaun is grumpy but loveable bookseller, who did make me feel guilty for owning a kindle. And not so guilty about my hoard of books. He paints vivid images of his customers and staff - not always favourable but usually very humorous.

Absolutely loved it. I gave up waiting for my library request and just bought it. 🤫
I especially enjoyed reading Celaena learn and learn embrace her magic. Super good baddies - lots of evil beings to fight.
Now to go straight on to Queen of Shadows.

SHUT YOUR MOUTH (new motto)
This was fascinating. It‘s well written - Nestor really gets the balance between research and anecdotes - and packs a powerful punch. I‘m definitely going to incorporate some new habits into my daily life - resolved to only breathe through my nose. Now excuse me while I go tape my mouth shut…

I was really nervous to read this having seen some mixed reviews, and knowing how much I adore Hazelwood‘s other books. But I absolutely devoured it and could not put it down!!! I loved the humour mixed in with the drama. Considering this was her first book into the fantasy genre I was very impressed. Also so happy that the end looks as though she‘s setting up for a sequel. Yay!

Geez this was a slow story, I reckon you could cut out at least a third of the book. I very nearly gave up on it several times. Quite a predictable conclusion. At least it‘s off the shelf.

I went to a used book barn and with over 100 000 books! I came home with quite a haul, but I loved this mills & boons section - shelves absolutely full of them! I was good and only chose one (which I sped through).
Mills & Boon have a special place in my heart. They‘re never going to win awards, but they‘re such a comfort read - guaranteed a happy ending!

I really loved the premise of this book, I loved the feminist stance and I loved how the main character was starting conversations about women‘s bodies and sexism in the workplace. But the story felt a bit contrived and the writing really needed some polishing. Maybe I‘m just too old to be reading about TikTok, Tinder and Instagram!!!

Loved this continuation of Throne of Glass, lots of character development and I enjoyed getting to know the main players.
Now to anxiously await my hold to come in at the library for the next in the series…

And so my journey through this series begins, I can already tell I‘m going to love it. Sneaky hints of magic, sinister baddies, and of course the romance! It‘s going to be a ride. Sarah J Maas knows how to build a world.

This is almost a Robin Hood tale. Dona really grew on me, and I loved her wit, courage and joie de vivre. There was humour in the dialogue that had me chuckling.
I got a bit tired of the “women are only good for having children” attitude, and hoped this would be challenged more but sadly wasn‘t. I don‘t know if it‘s just indicative of the time period, but I did roll my eyes!

“There was silence between them for a moment, and she wondered if all women, when in love, were torn between two impulses, a longing to throw modesty and reserve to the winds and confess everything, and an equal determination to conceal the love forever, to be cool, aloof, utterly detached, to die rather than admit a thing so personal, so intimate.“

Thank you so much to @Megabooks for this recommendation.

My journey to learn more about deaf culture continues and this was an excellent addition. I was horrified by the stories of how difficult it was to find early education in an accessible language. I definitely have more insight into the challenges deaf people face and how difficult it is to advocate for access.

If anyone knows of any other books around deaf culture please let me know!

I talked my way in to a “fantasy” exhibit at the British Library a few weeks ago and I was delighted to find that they had borrowed Susannah Clarke‘s original drawings of the halls in Piranesi. Absolutely fascinating how she planned it all out!

Now THAT is a genius idea.

Thank you so much #jolabokaflod !!!
I am super excited to read this book - it‘s been on my Amazon wish list forEVER! Excellent choice!

And thank you @MaleficentBookDragon for your super organisation, as always.

Wow what a clever book. An incredible story, very passionately written. And an excellent insight into deaf culture and deaf history. I learnt so much and thoroughly enjoyed it. I wish there were more like it, if anyone has any other recommendations then let me know!

Thank you very much to @Megabooks @fredthemoose and @Bookwormjillk for the recommendation and advice.

My #jolabokaflod is here!!!
Yayyyy!!!

@MaleficentBookDragon

I feel like I‘ve been seeing this book everywhere recently, and so when I wanted a spicy romance I thought I‘d give it a go.
Conclusion: it‘s okay. It did not have that “can‘t put it down” factor for me, which I usually get with this genre! Spoilers in comments of plot things which bothered me.
I suspect that the rest of this series is better as Huang‘s writing improves.

So good to be back with the gang in Coopers Chase. A bittersweet ending, but as always very well written by Mr Osman. Joyce takes a much more prominent role in this book which was lovely, and it seems the cast is expanding!

Definitely the best in the trilogy, although I wanted more of LaLa! Very satisfying ending. I have closure.

I am currently taking a course trying to learn British Sign Language and I would like to learn more about deaf culture and I was wondering if anyone knew of any novels which have this included? I‘d be very grateful! Thank you

It was the part of herself that loved to hope. She‘d forgotten how Hope could make colours brighter and feelings warmer. How it could shift thoughts from what wasn‘t to what was possible.

And it‘s on the way! It‘s prettier on the inside I promise, but forgot a photo of that bit… (Recipient please feel free to remove horrible brown packaging and reveal prettier sub Christmas tree appropriate parcel!)
#jolabokaflod #jolabokaflodswap
@MaleficentBookDragon

I thoroughly enjoyed this. I adore all Ali Hazelwood‘s books and this is no exception. She has a talent for taking on sexism issues in typically male-dominated sciences, or chess in this case, in a serious but fun way. Plus a good romance story!

I went to get Christmas Cards. I did not buy Christmas Cards. But I have no regrets.

For me this was much better than the first book. Evangeline really developed, and I felt like I got to know the world and back story much better. Also a superb twisty ending.
And, I want to go live in the Hollow.

Jacks is an excellent character and I look forward to reading more about him in the continuation of the trilogy. I was not a fan of Evangeline at the start, but she does go through some growth over the course of the book. I am looking forward to continuing the series.

This might be my favourite TJR. Carrie is unlikeable, but there is something compelling and empowering about her drive and focus. She makes me want to dust off my shoes and fight. Her dad is the hidden star of the story, I‘d like to read it again and focus more on him. Loved it.

Not quite as moving as I was expecting based on other reviews but still enjoyable. I particularly liked the writing style where the author changed perspectives to subtly describe an event happening.

This started well, but now I‘m into the “historical section”, I‘m 45% of the way through overall and it is drraaggggiinnngggg. Has anyone read this and can advise if it does pick up? I‘m hoping the story switches out of this historical chunk soon.

I do love Hazelwood‘s books. This is no exception. The couple are adorable, but Hazelwood is just helping to make science cool. She writes the politics of science very well.

It took me a while to really get into this and work out who everyone was, but once I did I found it a thrilling read. There were so many twists along the way and every chapter had some new reveal.

I loved how TJR uses the media snippets to tell the “public” side of the story. It contrast so well with the “private” story and makes the reader feel as though they‘re in on all the secrets. I thought TJR brought to life the glamour of Hollywood while still showing the “truths”. Really enjoyed it.

I wasn‘t expecting sci-fi! This is a seriously thought provoking tale of a future when the machines have taken over. It‘s quirky, and some parts really dramatic. But it‘s good and Rambo the vacuum robot is just adorable.

I was not expecting to enjoy this as much as I did. It is dark, but absolutely gripping. El is such a reluctant hero it‘s hard not to love her and root for her.
Naomi Novik is now firmly one of my favourite authors.

Very much enjoyed this brief journey into the Universe.

Its probably more enjoyable for those with a decent grasp of physics. A great overview of the basics in astrophysics.

I am coining the term “backstitch” to describe this style of storytelling, when there‘s a jump forward in time and then the gaps are filled in.
I found this a moving snapshot into Marianne and Connell‘s life and can see why it has won so many awards.

Damn that is a beautiful cover.
Gosh I can‘t wait. Getting my pre-order in ASAP.

(Apologies to anyone who has already posted about this on Litsy and I missed it!)

A Monday chuckle for you all.
😆

This was a chilling read. Du Maurier weaves a masterful tale of suspense, drama and intrigue with a bit of romance for good measure. The back drop of the moors and granite tors make it so very atmospheric.

I absolutely sobbed my way through this utterly gorgeous heart warming true story.
Kerry is in an accident and comes across spaniel Max, who helps him get back on his feet and bring joy to so many.
Such a lovely tale!

Stumbled on a few vintage books in a charity shop and this was the first I read.
Set in a lay community Murdoch contrasts the deeds of the characters with the virtues preached by the religion. The myth of the old bell adds an eerie layer.

🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Finally got round to reading this viral book (FYI it‘s on kindle unlimited).
Stassie and Nate make for a cute couple, even if it takes them a while to work it all out.
Also well done to the author for making consent clear-cut.

Sequel to the left handed booksellers. I listened on audio and it worked well, it‘s fast paced with new action every chapter.
I‘ve actually been up in the Lake District this week and saw “The Old Man of Coniston” as well as visiting the old copper mines and hearing the legends of knockers. I can understand why it makes for a good mythical story base.