Reading Wrap Up | June 2019

A look at all the books I read in June. Click ‘Show More’ for links to everything mentioned! xx

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MY BOOKS:

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THINGS MENTIONED:

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WHO I AM

Hello, my name's Jen. I'm an award-winning poet and short story writer. My debut short story collection 'The Beginning of the World in the Middle of the Night' is published by Two Roads, and my children's books, 'Franklin's Flying Bookshop,' ‘Franklin and Luna Go To The Moon’ and 'Franklin and Luna and the Book of Fairy Tales' are published by Thames and Hudson. I'm also the author of the Sunday Times bestselling 'Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops' series, 'The Bookshop Book,' 'The Hungry Ghost Festival' and 'The Girl Aquarium.'

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Where to find me:

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[meggiemoogles]

Lowborn sounds most intriguing! Looking forward to picking it up. X

[nisoZ]

I just want to say I love you, and I wish you have more videos and podcasts and talks and appearances because we need more Jen, more booklove, more insightful beautifully articulated analysis and criticism. You are the best ❤️

[SotiriaPlaga]

Lowborn gives me strong "Educated" by Tara Westover vibes. Since I loved that, I am definitely interested in picking Lowborn too! Thanks for the recommedations Jen! <3

[Liz]

First of all, you made me want to read a Sarah Waters books (yes, even if that one was a bit f a letdown). And second of all : what a beautiful scarf !

[LaurenWade]

I enjoyed The Paying Guests, I don't know why it has that reputation specifically. I prefer The Nightwatch and Fingersmith, but that doesn't mean that it's the worst by any means. Not perfect, but not the worst!

[MaryAmongStories]

I'm excited to try some Sarah Waters books soon!

[CharlesHeathcote]

I really must acquire Lowborn. I listened to The Paying Guests earlier this year, but agree with your thoughts. In avoidance of spoilers: whilst I got the end I wanted with that book, it also felt rather convenient and so - despite the fact it's been near six months since I read it - I'm still not over it.

[KayAmpersand]

I have the exact same response to Ogawa's books as you, Jen. Did not like Hotel Iris at all and to this day still do not understand what the purpose of this book really was.

[curioushmm]

i love the story line you created for "the paying guest"..i'm not so creative but i do agree i'd have enjoyed the book more if it were a bit slimmer.

[rosemarysykes]

You've just sold "Their Lunar Language" to me. Looking forward to it :)

[michellewdcosta]

Hi Jen, have you read The body myth by Rheea Mukherjee (Unnamed Press). I think you'll like it

[juliekehoe]

Hi Jen I’m the one who said about if I can write books on my computer

[premadimauro]

Jen would you kindly recommend a poetry book for a twelve year old girl. I am having a very difficult time finding something for her age group pre teens. Thank you so much

[SavidgeReads]

Bought twice... to DNF, oh no! Gah! It is particularly awful when you think a book is going to be one of your books of the year and then just becomes a fizzle schmizzler. I DO LIKE your poetry, so I will have to look The Lunar Language up. We do not deserve Kerry, she is amazing. The Paying Guests, I don't know if I would call it my least favourite but I did feel that it needed a good edit. I think I was also hoping for an extra twist, like the fabulous one you have come up with.

[GreenBitterfly]

The Paying Guests is the only Sarah Waters I've DNF'D, I think I just prefer her first three novels.

[josephinewinter]

Paying Guests turned SPOILER into a tedious whodunnit halfway through, if they'd just tried to leave and live independently, that novel would have been great, i felt her characterisation of the period in terms of how people felt was brilliant and the novel's strong suite

[paulwinchell]

I really must get my eyes on Lowborn between you and Simon. I want it badly.

[Bec-jnlp]

I also completely thought Leonard was having an affair with a man! If the pacing had been better, it would’ve been my favourite Waters (it’s hard to pick though), but she’s still one of my favourite authors.