October 2024 Reading Superlatives
I have read some excellent books this month, but have not been particularly impressed by any children’s or YA fiction. I have therefore included two from earlier this year.
Most Enjoyable Novel
I bought The Whalebone Theatre by Joanna Quinn quite a while ago but its length of over 500 pages made me reluctant to pick it up. A friend loved it, however, and urged me to read it. I am glad I took her advice. It tells the story of three children who grow up in an old manor house, and their lives from around 1919 to the end of World War Two. There are some lovely characters, and I found it compelling. Some aspects of it reminded me of Elizabeth Jane Howard’s Cazalet Chronicles. It was an especially good read on a wet Sunday when I was seeking distraction from the weather and the world’s problems!
Most Interesting Thriller
I am not usually that keen on psychological thrillers, but I was very taken by Norah Lofts’ Lady Living Alone which was first published in 1945, and has just been reissued by the British Library. This tells the story of a female novelist who hates living alone and employs a young male housekeeper whom she marries. The question is whether he truly loves her or whether he is more interested in her money. The novel starts as a social comedy with some dry and witty observations. Slowly Lofts builds up a really sinister atmosphere. It was easy to share the protagonist’s growing unease, and I was intrigued by the ending.
Most Enthralling AI Mystery
I find it hard to describe Julianne Pachico’s excellent Jungle House which is a literary novel/novella in which twenty-year-old Lena helps to look after a holiday home in the jungle. This is set in the future, and Lena has mainly been brought up by robots and AI. Slowly we learn more about her past, the mysteries surrounding her background, and why the owners have stopped visiting the house. It is an engrossing read, and I was fascinated by the characters.
Most Thought-Provoking Non-fiction Book
A City on Mars by Kelly and Zach Weinersmith is summarised well by its sub-title: ‘Can We Settle Space, Should We Settle Space, and Have We Really Thought this Through?’. Although it deals with serious issues, it is very readable, and employs a lot of humour. It taught me a lot, and made me think about all kinds of possible problems and opportunities. I can see why it has won a number of awards.
Most Exciting Children’s Book
I much enjoyed Sam Sedgman’s exciting Clockwork Conspiracy (8+), in which two children race against time to find the boy’s father who has gone missing. Not only is there a good amount of adventure, but I think this should especially appeal to those who like their books to include facts and ideas. There are some interesting ones about time, as well as about Parliament and politics. These do not bog the reader down, but add to the book’s richness. I also thought that Stephanie Shafer’s illustrations were excellent.
Most Entertaining YA Novel
I greatly liked Sally Nicholls’ Yours from the Tower (12+) which is set in the late 1890s, and tells the story of what happens to three girls after leaving school. IÂ became more and more interested as it went along, and thought the use of letters to tell the story worked well. The girls are all rather appealing though distinctly different, and I was impressed by the range of their experiences, including romance, and teaching at an orphanage.
I hope that some of these appeal to you either as purchases for yourself or as presents for others.
Happy Reading!
Frances
Please note that I have taken the idea of ‘superlatives’ from the excellent book blogs Elle Thinks (https://ellethinks.wordpress.com/) and Laura Tisdall (https://drlauratisdall.wordpress.com/).
(If you are interested in any of the books on this recommendations list, just give us an email and we’ll order them in for you!)