Me before you

Me Before You

by Jojo Moyes

I had heard the name Jojo Moyes buzzing around the book blogs in the past year or so, but I hadn't read anything by her until now. Me before you is fantastic. Dealing with some very serious issues that make you think long after you've finished reading the book.

Heart-wrenching, funny, thought provoking - an overall great read. Jojo Moyes is now on my favourite authors list, and I can't wait to read the sequel, After you.

Kitchens of the Great Midwest

Kitchens of the Great Midwest

by J. Ryan Stradal

I had read many positive reviews about this title and I was really excited to read it. The reviews were right - this is an excellent book. However, it is definitely not what I expected.

When I first started to read the book I thought the book would be mainly about Eva Thorvald - a genius with food at a young age. However, the book is, and is not, about Eva. Each chapter is from a different character's point of view. Eva is sometimes central to this character's life, but more often than not, she makes an appearance in a small, but vital way.

When I finished the book I thought to myself - what is this book trying to tell me? And I think I could probably have some pretty interesting discussions about what this book's goal is, but for me it is a subtle reminder about slowing down and enjoying life. Taking each moment, whether good or bad, and understanding its importance. Food is a major theme in this book, and becomes a way to connect people in a variety of ways; for example, a way to meet up with friends and family, to appreciate the simple things in life, to get through tough events, and as a way to show people you care. This book can really be interpreted in several different ways which makes me thing this would be a fabulous book for a book club as there are so many subtle nuances to explore and discuss - all with some yummy food of course.

Who do you love

Who do you love

by Jennifer Weiner

Rachel Blum (pronounced Bloom) and Andy Landis meet each other for the first time in the Emergency Room waiting room when they are only eight years old. Rachel has a congenital heart defect and has just undergone heart surgery to save her life. Andy is there for a broken arm. Rachel is surprised to find out that Andy is at the hospital all alone. She decides to tell him a story to help him forget about the pain. However, Andy's mom soon arrives and he leaves to see the doctor - both believe they'll never see each other again. However, soon after Andy and Rachel's live become intertwined in one way or another. Linked by a night that changes both their lives.

This is a sweet and heart warming story about the importance of love, even if it may break your heart.

The Husband's Secret

The husband's secret

by Liane Moriarty

Cecilia Fitzpatrick accidentally comes across a letter her husband wrote to her after the birth of their first child. However, the envelope says not to open the letter unless he's dead, and he's very much alive. What would you have done? The decision Cecilia makes may not only ruin the life her and her husband have built together, but the lives of those around her as well.

I can't wait to read Moriarty's other book, Big Little Lies. Hopefully it's just as good!

Uprooted

by Naomi Novik

Agnieszka loves her home of Dvernik even though it is nestled along the enchanted Wood. The Wood has destroyed villages, corrupted the townspeople, and its magic becomes stronger every year. The only way the town Dvernik has been able to survive is with the help of the Dragon. His magic ensures the people are safe and that the Wood does not creep any closer. The only thing he asks for in return is that each year a village girl who has turned 17 will live in the tower and serve him. She will come to no harm, but she will have to stay for ten years.

The year Agnieszka turns 17 she knows that she may very well be chosen; however, everyone knows her best friend Kasia is the prettiest, most elegant and accomplished of them all. Agnieszka on the other hand can't leave her home without ripping a hole in her skirt, or spilling something on herself. But the Dragon surprises them all and his choice will change everything.

A God in Ruins

A God in Ruins

by Kate Atkinson

I have loved every book that I have read by Kate Atkinson and A God in Ruins is no exception. Her latest work is the companion novel to Life After Life - which features Ursula Todd as she lives her life over and over again, trying to get things right.

A God in Ruins turns its attention to the much-loved Teddy, Ursula's younger brother. Teddy is recruited as an RAF bomber pilot in the second world war and as such has accepted he will die during the war. However, when the war is over, and Teddy is still alive, he must adjust to a life he never thought he would live.

The Good Girl

The good girl

by Mary Kubica

Mia Dennett is kidnapped and held at a remote location in Minnesota. Her captor, Colin Thatcher, did not want to kidnap her, and now doesn't know what to do with her. The longer Colin waits though, the tougher it becomes to let Mia go. As Colin and Mia get to know each other their relationship slowly starts to change, but things aren't quite what they seem.

The story is written in three points of view - each view is written either during the kidnapping, or after. Having the story told this way makes for an interesting read. You know what happened, but you don’t know everything. Each viewpoint slowly fills in the blanks until the shocking ending reveals all.

H is for Hawk

H is for Hawk

by Helen Macdonald

I don't read a lot of non-fiction, but when I read a review about how fantastic this book was I decided to give it a try - and I'm so glad I did! First of all, the writing is phenomenal. The author Helen Macdonald definitely has a way with words (the back cover notes she is also a poet and it shows). Her description of her goshawk and country surroundings make it all so real (even the gross parts where the hawk is tearing into wee little animals!).

However, even though the book is slotted into the bird subject area of the library, it is about much more than a hawk and how to train it. Macdonald wrote this book after the passing of her father which hit her really hard. Training the goshawk helped her deal with her loss and the devastating grief that gripped her when her father died. Loss happens at the most unexpected times and Macdonald's book reminds us to make the most of the time you have with loved ones. Always an important reminder and one easily forgotten.

The girl on the train

The girl on the train

by Paula Hawkins

Three women. All intertwined. With their own story to tell. Who do you believe? Who do you trust? What really happened that night? 

This book was fantastic! I did not want to put it down, and when I had to, all I could think about was picking it up again. If you love psychological thrillers you will love this book!

The Miniaturist

The Miniaturist

by Jessie Burton

Excellent! The lyrical, inviting writing of author Jessie Burton lulls you into the story of Petronella Oortman. The description of Amsterdam in the 1600s is intriguing and so alive you feel you are walking along the cobblestone paths and smelling the tantalizing sugar loaves while keeping one eye out for the ever present Miniaturist!

To Rise Again at A Decent Hour

To rise again at a decent hour

by Joshua Ferris

This book was recommended to me by a friend, and I'm so happy I decided to pick it up and read it! The author, Joshua Ferris, tackles some major topics - identity theft, religion, relationships, suicide and others. But the book is also very funny. I was laughing out loud most of the time. I'm definitely going to be reading something else by Ferris!

Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and his years of pilgrimage

by Haruki Murakami

I've been reading books that are a little more light-hearted so I thought it would be a good time to switch it up a bit. Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and his years of pilgrimage by Haruki Murakami is definitely not light-hearted, but it is a fantastic read. Friendships, love, regret, openness, and death are all touched upon in this novel. It definitely made me pause and reflect on the past, and choices made.

Attachments

Attachments

by Rainbow Rowell

Lincoln is hired at the local newspaper to read staff emails flagged as inappropriate. At first it seems to be the perfect job: he works mostly alone, the job is pretty easy, and at times amusing. However, when Lincoln starts to look forward to reading emails between coworkers Beth and Jennifer he starts to question his behaviour - especially once he finds himself falling in love with Beth. 

Funny and sweet, I couldn't put this book down! Rainbow Rowell has also written Eleanor & Park, Fangirl, and Landline.

The Bees

The Bees

by Laline Paull

Get a glimpse into the lives of bees. From the Queen bee to the lowly sanitation bee - Laline Paull has created a rich, complicated and intriguing world. This world feels so real that you'll probably never look at a bee the same way again!

The Quick

The Quick

by Lauren Owen

Delve into the world of vampires in Lauren Owen's first novel. With a Gothic vibe, the reader is immediately immersed into mysterious happenings, damsels in distress, and of course bloodthirsty vampires!

I have a sneaky suspicion a sequel may be in the works.

The Rosie Project

The Rosie Project

by Graeme Simsion

My sister recommended this book to me. I had told her I was looking for something lighthearted and funny, and she said The Rosie Project would be perfect - and she was right!

If you are looking for a laugh out loud read The Rosie Project will not disappoint.

The Cuckoo's Calling

The Cuckoo's Calling

by Robert Galbraith

This is a series (I believe 7 books are planned) and the first title is The Cuckoo's Calling. I loved this book. The main character Cormoran Strike is spot on, and I can't wait to start on the second book in the series The Silkworm - definitely next on my books-to-read list!

Robert Galbraith is a pseudonym for J.K. Rowling and I know some of my colleagues are not impressed with her foray into adult fiction, but I am most definitely a fan.