I started reading this about ten years ago but never finished. It wasn‘t an intentional bail but I was mostly reading in 10 minute stints on public transport and this book needs time. I decided it was time to revisit. The paper bag bookmark I was using is still in place and I can‘t believe I got so far through and didn‘t get to the end.

Finished the book, then discovered Shaker Heights is real 🤯 (thought intro quotes were part of the fiction). Such a great setting.

Ng has created a complex and intriguing story around different aspects of parent/child relationships. Longing for a child and loss of a child. Pride and disappointment in a child/parent‘s behaviour. It also looks at belonging and identity. Does it come from your parents‘ heritage, just your own reality or both?

I didn‘t plan to read this despite the glowing reviews. I thought the story would be annoying and the characters irritating, and they were. However, Sally Rooney knows people. The psychology of the four charters is well observed, particularly Frances, the narrator. The use of past tense allows for some reflective self awareness from Frances. This felt honest and truthful, the writing is intense - I‘m really glad I changed my mind and read it.

I loved Ada, Charles and the story of their friendship formed from mutual respect and shared interests. I learned so much from footnotes. Text books should be written like this. Highly recommended for anyone interested in: computing, history, science, engineering and/or remarkable women.

Turned on my TV last night right at the moment an antiques show was discussing some of Mary Somerville‘s letters, inc. one from Babbage. So this pic seemed apt.

Would you rather be successful or loved? (Apparently you can‘t be both).

This is a fast-paced thriller and the science seems sound - well it makes logical sense, enough to think Crouch knows what he‘s talking about.

The set-up is obvious long before it is revealed and the ending is inevitable. Most of the surprises come in the mid-section but there are enough of them to keep you hooked.

An enjoyable read but not one that will stay with you.

I think this is the best book I‘ve read this year. So much depth. A reminder that history is always with us and so relevant for now.

The designer has done a great job on this cover, really ties in with the title, I‘m always partial to a bit of magical realism.

Loved this right from the first page. I wish I had appreciated the ‘poetical‘ nature of maths when I was at school, I would have applied myself to it a bit more. Happily, Sydney Padua is not a maths and science expert (she says so herself) so I can understand (most) of the technical things in here. And she is hilariously funny.

Stories which span the whole of Jansson‘s life from childish innocence to weary old age. Philip Pullman describes them: “tough as good rope,... as smooth and odd and beautiful as sea-worn driftwood, as full of light and air and wind as the Nordic summer.

We see Tove‘s growing feeling of injustice in how women were expected to behave, that residents understand the island and sea and visitors/tourists do not. So beautiful, I highlighted so much!

I don‘t think I‘ve ever read a book which is both so joyful and so dark. Raymond, scruffy, chain-smoking, Glaswegian geek is absolutely the hero we all need. Eleanor herself is a unique and interesting character (not saying too much because too many spoilers). What you do need to know is that her story is inspiring - “its never too late to be what you might have been”.

Despite being set in the openness of the outback The Dry feels claustrophobic. Tense, fast-paced, great characters and a compelling plot. The clues are all there, so no annoying random ending. Even if you think you‘ve worked it out, the finale is worth waiting for.

A group of people, all over 70, are advised ‘remember you will die‘ and find that their pasts are catching up with them. Spark‘s observation of people is acute. Her characters are flawed and incredibly human. The book deals with themes of trust, deception, loyalty and dignity. I hadn‘t read any Muriel Spark books until this year, but now I am hooked.

My library had a display to celebrate 100 years since Muriel Spark‘s birth, so how could I not pick up at least one. I think I might be reading a lot of Spark this year. (And I‘m the first person to borrow the book so taking extra care with it). #loveyourlibrary

I read the first 120 pages of this in one sitting and really enjoyed it but the story didn‘t really progress from there. MARY‘s memory has been built around stories from lonely people who had difficulties coming to terms with loss. I finished this with too many questions - perhaps that is the intention. Definitely a book that would prompt discussion.

I loved this! It felt like Mina was sitting here chatting; telling the story; sharing her research; offering her opinion and asking questions (why did no one ask about this?). These are true crimes and she doesn‘t sensationalize.

I have the hardback and was constantly distracted by the pre-M8 map of Glasgow on the inside front cover - there is something very fascinating about old maps of familiar places.

You know your friend, your warm, witty, engaging friend who tells you stories you‘ve heard before, but it‘s ok because they‘re still funny every single time - well that!

Is this just Bernadette all over again: middle aged woman, brilliant career cut short, mental health problems, husband wants to live in Seattle etc? Bernie herself even has an anonymous cameo. Sort of but it‘s still fun. Loved the graphic novel section - wish it was longer.

Long day and now on 3 hour journey home with a flapjack, tea and a book I picked up from the library last night that was not on my to read list. (I Was supposed to leave empty handed. Too many books at home still to read).

I don‘t think I‘ve read a bad review of this and for very good reasons. Eddo-Lodge‘s arguments are clear and well constructed. It‘s an engaging book on a challenging subject which is perfectly pitched throughout. Highly recommended.

I needed to be in the right frame of mind for reading Gilead, when I was it completely absorbed me. I loved the character development and John really understood the people round about him, possibly better than he understood himself (but isn‘t that often the way).

Ancillary Sword continued the themes of colonisation, slavery and cultural assimilation & appropriation which were introduced in Ancillary Justice. It introduces the concept of a race-based class structure within Radch society. So many parallels to our own world and a great story too.

Miss Brodie is eccentric, her political views are controversial and she has some suspect aspirations for her “girls”. Muriel Spark is hilarious, witty and insightful. So this is a great story if that‘s what you‘re looking for.

But it also has so much depth. I was struck by how the set are assigned personalities by those around them based on how they look. A social commentary and statement on gender roles which sadly still feels very relevant.

I love the way Waters writes: clear but nuanced. Her characterisation is very strong. Lil was particularly complex and I never felt on stable ground with her, which made for more compulsive reading. My first Sarah Waters book but definitely won‘t be the last.

I picked this up from a library display and because I knew they had a few copies and I wasn‘t really in the mood I renewed it a couple of times before I read it. Big mistake, I should have read it straight away. The personal relationships in the book highlight the social and political changes in Nigeria in the 1970s to 1990s. The plot is interesting and the emotions are real. Excelled exploration of social roles.