27-9 Jul 25 (audiobook)
A shocking memoir by a former director of public policy at Facebook that leaves one wondering where the world is headed. And seriously wondering whether to delete Instagram. Regardless of how much is true or how out of date some of the information is, there are some truly frightening revelations. And the fact that so many of her colleagues simply did not care about the ramifications of their actions is devastating to me.

2-28 July 25
I loved this book about the terribly dysfunctional Lambert family coming to grips with the already irascible father‘s dementia. Each family member - Chip, Denise, Gary, Enid and especially Alfred - was quite unlikeable and made terrible choices and yet I found them compelling and continued to hope for a better outcome than they no doubt deserved.
Franzen writes the type of book I love. I am amazed at how many negative reviews he gets.

25-6 Jul 25 (audiobook)
A story of the first female astronauts allowed by NASA during the 80s. I really enjoyed Joan‘s story - her difficult family and, in particular, exasperatingly selfish sister, her beliefs about god, space and life, and her difficulties in coming to terms with her sexuality and love for Vanessa. I do wish we had heard more about her time in space, but loved all the details of space travel and training.

23-4 Jul 25 (audiobook)
If I could choose my dream career it would have been magazine editor during the golden age of magazines in the 1980s and 90s. I loved them and spent many teenaged hours reading from cover to cover and then selecting images to decorate my school books and college room walls. So this memoir, read by the author, was fascinating to me. I don‘t think I would have had the requisite ego to be editor in chief at Vanity Fair though

23 May-22 Jun 25 (audiobook)
Fourth in the delightful Nevermoor series. This is my favourite book series for children since Harry Potter. It is well-paced, not too predictable and full of interesting characters and world building. I am not sure how many books are proposed, but we are invested in Morrigan and her companions.
In this instalment, Morrigan meets her mother‘s family and is introduced to the snobbery of the Silver District.

19-21 Jul 25 (audiobook)
I enjoyed this story of the neuro diverse Molly working as a maid in a grand hotel and naively getting caught up in drug trafficking and murder. The wisdom of Gran and the kindness of a handful of characters in the hotel is starkly contrasted by the attitudes of the majority who either treat Molly as an imbecile or exploit her vulnerability.

12 Jun-20 Jul 25
Not sure what about this memoir I enjoyed - I do not remember the writer‘s acting career (although have apparently seen quite a few of his films), have never read any books written by any of his famous relatives but obviously aware of Joan Didion, and cannot really recalling Dominique in Poltergeist. Nevertheless, the name-dropping was compelling and the courtroom story of attending the trial of his sister‘s killer affecting.

15-6 Jul 25 (audiobook)
Stupidly saw ‘After‘ in the title and thought this was the sequel. Although both books stand alone, I would recommend reading this before One Golden Summer which gives away part of this book‘s plot.
Nevertheless, another lovely, frothy beach read (even if we have just returned home to quite a cold, winter beach town).

14-5 Jul 25 (audiobook)
Quite a lovely, frothy summer novel about two beautiful people who will inevitably fall in love. I do appreciate a friends to lovers without much real fiction trope. Bit disappointed I read these in the wrong order though!

2-14 Jul 25 (audiobook)
I really did not like this much. The protagonist is a narcissist, who seems hung up on how much her mother‘s behaviour impacted her life but then seems to quite consciously make terrible decisions that impact her own loved ones. I am not sure why her husband stayed. I could not stand her. The writing was still good, but the fact I listened to this whilst travelling, waking up in uncomfortable beds, probably didn‘t help.

30 Jun-2 Jul 25 (audiobook)
My least favourite Sittenfeld but it was still fun to read her Austen fan-fiction novel. Basically, Eligible imagines the characters from Pride and Prejudice in a modern day setting where Jane is a yoga teacher and Mr Bingley a doctor and former Bachelor. All a little ridiculous and far-fetched but quite amusing. Some of the characters do not make a good impression in the modern setting, particularly Mr and Mrs Bennett.

26-29 Jun 25 (audiobook)
Interesting look at why certain groups of people appear to vote against their own interests and support Trump‘s Republican Party specifically in Appalachia. Highschild interviewed many people living in the region with the highest rate of Trump supporters in the US and reported her findings. Particularly notable was the statistic that far more republican voters believe poverty is a result of one‘s own actions and failures.

24-5 Jun 25 (audiobook)
Perhaps I don‘t eat enough Korean food, or because I am vegetarian and squeamish of descriptions of devouring live seafood amongst other things, but I did not love this the way many readers seemed to.
My mother also died at the age of 56 - far too young - and I found myself crying in all kinds of circumstances and places so I could relate to Zauner‘s story, I just did not find it particularly engaging or original.

19-23 Jun 25 (audiobook)
Another book I had intended to read for a long time, I enjoyed this far more than expected.
Telling the story of a young, gay man who moved in and ingratiated himself with a rich British family in the 80s, Hollinghurst examines wealth, beauty, Thatcherism and the reality of being homosexual in the early 80s when AIDS was ravishing the community.
A worthy Booker winner beautifully written.

15-9 Jun 25 (audiobook)
Reminiscent of many other stories of families with four sisters (Little Women, Hello Beautiful, Blue Sisters, etc) but enjoyable in itself. I felt sure I had read Lombardo before - it not that her writing is derivative, just familiar.
This book deals with family dysfunction, guilt and imperfection. I particularly felt for the parents, Marilyn and David, as they negotiate imperfect offspring and maintaining their marriage.

11-14 Jun 25 (audiobook)
I had been intending to read this for so long and it didn‘t disappoint. Eugenides‘ family saga of Greek immigrants pursuing the American dream and of the transition of his central character was enthralling. There was a lot of humour but also authentic emotion and provoking ideas about gender/sex and nature/nurture.
I do wonder how adopting the voice of an intersex character would be viewed in our current environment.

28 May-11 June 25
Cosy mysteries are not my thing, but this book will really appeal to those who love them. Set a few years after Pride and Prejudice, the plot centres on Caroline Bingley (obviously) and Georgiana Darcy. It is quite well-written and comfortingly predictable. What I found interesting was its depiction of the political and social context of Austen‘s novels - slavery, the role of women, class mobility. Issues Austen barely hints at

7-10 Jun 2025 (audiobook)
Trent Dalton‘s writing is not for me. I read Boy Swallows Universe and it was ok but this second book really grated on my nerves. Partly, because I really disliked the narrator‘s exceedingly broad accent and her infantilisation of 13yo Molly. Dalton is added to the list of male Australian writers I do not enjoy - such as Tim Winton. I find their short, repetitive sentences irritating. I will not bother with any more books

2-6 June 25 (audiobook)
Such a fantastic book. Set in 1660s, shortly after Charles II is restored to the throne, the events surrounding the hanging of a young woman are told by four different characters. Fascinating story of unreliable narrators, scientific advancement, theology and politics.
Recommended by The Rest is History hosts as one of the greatest historical novels, which I fully support. An absolute masterpiece. Need a hard copy.

31 May-2 Jun 25 (audiobook)
I needed something to keep me awake (physical book was making me drowsy) whilst I waited for Polly‘s curfew on Saturday night and this did do the job. Henry‘s books are all a bit the same, although this was less about the relationship between the two characters and more of a family history. It was fine - she is good at writing light, romantic fiction that is a quick easy listen and doesn‘t really matter if I tune out.

10-22 May 25 (audiobook)
We bailed! We watched the tv series (I think Johnny Lee Miller is my favourite Mr Knightley), the movies and Clueless, but then bailed about a third of a way through the audiobook. Emma just does not have the humour or the appealing characters of Pride and Prejudice and could not catch Trix‘s attention so decided not to persist through to the end.

20-27 May 25
I loved Love and Virtue as the context was so familiar and it forced me to question my own memories of college culture. The follow up novel from Reid was a lot less personally relevant but it did hold my interest.
Oscillating between a past holiday in France and the present one wedding and a funeral, Reid again examines privilege and the different hands people are dealt.

10-9 May 25
I expect I will also love Sittenfeld‘s writing and I actually quite like short stories. Some were of course more successful than others but all held my attention for the 30 or so pages they lasted. I particularly loved the final story which returned to the world of Prep for the characters‘ 30 year reunion. Made me very keen to read Prep again. And to order Eligible.

29 Mar-9 May 25 (audiobook)
Trix and I loved listening to this on our commutes. Rosamund Pike does a lovely narration and we enjoyed that she played Jane in the 2005 film. We found watching the various films and TV adaptions (except Zombies - still to scary for a 9yo) whilst listening to the book fun and I believe knowing the story actually enhanced Trix‘s reading as otherwise it could have been a bit beyond her.
Need to read Dickens for contrast.

24 Apr-9 May 25
A strange collection of slightly intertwined stories of rejection, self-hatred and nihilism. It is gross, disturbing and violent at times, but I also found it quite compelling. All of the characters are somewhat addicted to the online world and their own fantasies. Not sure I could recommend it to anyone but it certainly made me think. I believe it was a Jaclyn Crupi recommendation. Also worth reading Vulture review.

21-3 Apr 25
Light and predictable but nevertheless an enjoyable read.
Gail is having a bad day - informed that the principal at her school is retiring and not only is she being overlooked for promotion but the new principal is bringing her own VP. So she is already on edge before attending the festivities for her slightly estranged daughter, Debbie‘s, wedding.
The awkwardness and anxiety was certainly relatable.

29 Mar-20 Apr 25
Beautifully written and quite a compelling read.
Akbar tells the story of Cyrus, an Iranian-American whose mother was killed when the US shot down an Iranian passenger plane and who is trying to understand the nature of martyrdom in the context of his own life and addiction.
A little predictable but nevertheless a compelling and provocative read and so beautifully written.

11-28 Mar 25 (audiobook)
A short but engaging story about Stanley, a boy who is arrested for stealing sneakers that had been donated to raise money for a homeless shelter, and sentenced to a youth detention centre where the boys are sent out every day to dig holes in a scorching hot desert. Very much in the tradition of tall tales and adventure stories, the characters are engaging and all comes to a satisfying ending. A good listen.

3-28 Mar 25
2024 Booker Prize. The narrative follows 24 hours in the life of a group of Astro/cosmonauts in the international space station as they orbit 16 times around Earth. What this narrative allows Harvey to do, however, is give the reader a different perspective on our planet - the lack of borders, the beauty, the inevitability (and our hopelessness) of natural disasters. I do wish I read it quicker - really a book to read in one sitting.

2-10 Mar 25 (audiobook)
Trix could not remember this and, given her current interest in historical disasters via the I Survive series, I thought she may enjoy a re-listen. It is an amazing story

14 Jan-2 Mar 25
Finally finished! I remember enjoying this book at uni, but re-reading in anticipation of Polly studying it for IB LIT has been tedious. Perhaps it was because the structure was no longer novel? Or maybe it is a book that needs to be studied and discussed rather than read for pleasure? I may need to do some additional reading to appreciate it whilst it is still close to mind because as the moment it just seems contrived.

15 Dec-2 Mar 25 (audiobook)
I appreciate the LGBTQI+ friendliness of this book and its general message of found families and acceptance. It is great to be able to share and normalise all types of relationships and families with middle grade readers. But I did find this dragged a little. There was still lots of humour, particularly Luci and TBone, but I was less invested. Trix enjoyed.

22-3 Feb 25
One of Polly‘s IB literature book so quickly read whilst she was home for the weekend. It was fun and frivolous. I believe I saw the opera 20 years ago. All a bit silly and I now realise I probably should have read The Barber of Seville first.

4-5 Feb 25 (audiobook)
This seemed so light and fluffy after Navalny, but it was enjoyable even if Shiloh did really grate on my nerves at times. Perhaps Rowell wanted to portray her as authentic, but I did see her as a bit of an attention seeker. Her high school relationship with Cary drove me a little insane. I did like Cary, both mothers and Juniper.

31 Jan-3 Feb 25 (audiobook)
A fantastic memoir of Alexei Navalny, an incredibly brave Russian who trained as a lawyer and used his education, position and charisma to expose the corruption of Russian officials and challenge Putin for the presidency. Much of the book was written in a prison cell as Navalny was arrested re-entering Russia after his recovery from being poisoned by the state. An important and moving read from such an impressive man.

29-30 Jan 25 (audiobook)
It was so lovely to be immersed in Eilis‘ world for the last few days (particularly after the frenzy of Navarre). Toibin‘s writing is such a contrast to Yarros: subtle and understated.
This sequel takes place 20 years after Brooklyn, when Eilis flees life amongst Tony‘s tight Italian family in Long Island and returns to Ireland.
Like Rooney, Toibin draws sympathetic characters who struggle to communicate their desires.

28-9 Jan 25 (audiobook)
I loved this gentle story of belonging, homesickness and regret.
Like so many Irish, Eilis leaves her home and family to seek work elsewhere, in this case, Brooklyn. She suffers tremendous isolation and homesickness but eventually starts to find her feet in her new home, excelling at work and at night school and maybe falling in love. But tragedy sees her return home to Ireland and reconsider the life she could have there.

25-7 Jan 25 (audiobook)
I was sucked in to the dragon world again and it was fun. I am fond of Xaden, Violent doesn‘t really drive me that crazy and I appreciate the other characters. But I have kind of already forgotten what happened and why I was so into it a couple of days later. And I assume there will be a significant wait for the next one.
No idea who the ‘brother‘ is. I thought Dane but upon relistening realised it couldn‘t be.

20-4 Jan 25 (audiobook)
Done with the re-read. Not sure whether it stood up to a re-read but I listened quickly and am ready for number 3.

20-22 Jan 25 (audiobook)
Decided on a quick re-listen before the third instalment. Yes it is probably trashy dragon porn, but I am sucked in. Funny, I can‘t deal with ACOTAR or many of the other romantasy series, but I do like this one.

14-9 Jan 25 (audiobook)
A lot more complex than Mayflies, with a large cast of flawed characters, Caledonian Road centres on a year in the life of middle-aged writer, Campbell Flynn, in which his life unravels. At times it does feel like watching a train wreck as O‘Hagan foreshadows Campbell‘s (and many of his contemporaries‘) fall from grace.
Reflecting the zeitgeist (Me Too, Brexit and Putin-era Russia), this is a compelling and provocative read

12 Dec-13 Jan 25
Lovely to return to the world of Amari with Trix for the summer holidays, even if it is becoming a little dark.
Amari continues her fight against Dylan , who is becoming increasingly unhinged, perhaps due to the influence of the Despicable Wonders. Despite her inclination to go it alone, Amari learns to accept help from others.
The last few chapters did choke me up. Looking forward to the story continuing.

12-3 Jan 25 (audiobook)
I knew nothing other than this was shortlisted for the 2024 Booker and acclaimed by other readers before starting this debut novel. Set in 1960s Netherlands, it is a story of repression, silence and complicity. I did see the ‘twist‘ coming quite early on but don‘t feel that spoiled it in any way.
Reparation is a topic that interests me greatly. So much of what we have was taken from someone else.

27 Dec-12 Jan 25
2024 NYT top 10 but, perhaps due to my complete lack of knowledge of South American culture and history, I found it hard going.
Enrigue tells a tale of the conquistadors‘ arrival in Mexico City. It is a visceral reimagining of drug-induced dreams and bloodthirsty practices. Somewhat reminded me of Bolano.
Perhaps audio would have been better to avoid the names, but it may stay with me longer than more enjoyable reads.

9-12 Jan 25 (audiobook)
It would be dishonest to pan this: I listened voraciously and wanted to find out what happened to Frankie. But Hannah‘s books are not for me. She throws obstacle after (predictable) obstacle at her heroine before coming to the also predictable happy ending. Reminds me of other bestselling writers such as Bryce Courtenay.
I did appreciate the prompt to think more about nurses in war and the role of women in Vietnam.

4-8 Jan 25 (audiobook)
DONE! The final book in the collection. I particularly enjoyed Fry‘s introduction to this book, which acknowledges that some of these stories are repetitive of earlier tales but notes the audience seeks the comfort of the familiar. Sherlock and Watson behave just as we have come to expect and Conan Doyle continues to be a fabulous storyteller. There is some novelty in having Holmes tell a couple of the tales.

28 Dec-3 Jan 25!(audiobook)
Another good addition to the collection. The Devil‘s Foot was probably my favourite but The Dying Detective was also memorable.

24-27 Dec 24 (audiobook)
Phoebe checks in to a luxury hotel intending to kill herself but finds she is surrounded by people attending the wedding of a neurotic bride, Lila. Lila begs and bribes Phoebe to delay her suicide so as not to spoil her perfect wedding and an unlikely friendship begins.
Whilst the plot reads like a setup for a romcom, the writing delves deeper than expected, examining loneliness, expectations, and finding life‘s meaning

25 Nov-26 Dec 24
The Blue Sisters grew up with an alcoholic father and a mother who had prioritised him over her four daughters. Now, 12 months after an opiate overdose by Nikki, the most conventional of the four sisters, the remaining three are each unravelling. Mellors tells the story of the sisters‘ grief and of the friendship and friction between them incredibly well. I love Mellors‘ stories and their (primarily) NYC backdrop.

23-4 Dec 24 (audiobook)
Decided I needed some relief from Sherlock whilst I was out doing Christmas lunch errands (hell on Christmas Eve) and whilst I did really enjoy this, it wasn‘t light. Yes it was sometimes funny but also sad just how naive Margot was (about sex abuse, having a baby, drug addiction, money) and how few avenues there were for support. Highlighted generation and wealth gaps for me and did provoke more thought than expected.