January Reading Wrap Up | Part Two | 2021

It is time for a wrap up, and soon my one in one out/sorting the shelves video eek, so in this video I talk through all the books that I read in the second half of January. More of a mixed bag than the start of the month but some absolute corkers in the mix. #JanuaryReadingWrapUp #WrapUp #ReadingWrapUp #JanuaryWrapUp

Books Mentioned…

Note – money from these links goes to myself AND, far more importantly, independent bookshops.

Me Elsewhere...

[lucyballands]

Reading Still Life, what an easy, joyous poetic, informative, trail of woven tales & personalities. I don’t want it to end. Ps, stumbled on your channel, your authenticity absorbs the viewer, great work.

[annabaillie-karas]

Just finished Mrs Death Misses Death, trying to gather my thoughts for our podcast discussion. Not easy to sum up! The mix of styles reminded me of something Olivia Laing said, that in current times you can’t tell stories in a traditional novel format, it doesn’t ring true, new ways are needed. I loved that she was grappling with that - and what phenomenal writing indeed! Thanks for the rec. 👏🏼

[YourTrueShelf]

I added so many of these to my wishlist!! I am so excited that Sarah Winman has another book coming out 🎉 what a lovely bonus that was at the end!

[UKLeonie]

" Mrs Death Misses Death" audio is even better and I am still raving about it cause I am still loveing it much, plus as a south Londoner seeing East London in such a beautiful view was great.

[SydneyKav]

I read and really enjoyed Mrs Death Misses Death and completely agree that it should be on the Women’s Prize longlist next year - if only just for the brilliant word play throughout!

[annabaillie-karas]

You had me at ‘It starts in Tuscany’. 😂 Adding to my list.

[KateriRansom]

Still Life sounds like a vacation of a novel! Definitely picking up a few from this wrap-up as well!!

[demeldapenkitty]

Loved Mrs Death Misses Death a true masterpiece.

[allycanuck]

A crime series set in the Caribbean by Jacob Ross and recommended by Bernadine Everisto - Book 1 is The Bone Readers and 2 is Black Rain Falling. I recently bought them both, and copies for my mom too... she's already read the first one and loved it!

[demeldapenkitty]

Mermaid of Black Conch is hopefully coming my way for Valentines, who needs roses when they can have books!

[mpsensha]

Funny, I was desperate to read Still Life, too. But the one by Val McDermid. 😁

[hillA]

So glad you like Luckenbooth. I have it on my TBR then someone did the "Oh I have just read that and its really crap" thing. Gothic in Edinburgh is all I want to know :)

[BellesBooksbyCarly]

I had the same feeling about Bellman and Black with the amount of historical detail but I still found it engaging, also thought it might have been a narrative technique to show how bound he was to repetition of the day to day business? I really liked the ambiguity of the ending too but agree I wanted more from/for Dora! I’m reading The Mermaid of Black Conch at the moment, that first chapter was tough going but really enjoying it now!

[miaarndt]

I just started reading Mrs Death Misses Death and I’m so excited to hear that you loved it! I’m only a few pages in but I already love the style of the book!

[donkeirstade]

I remember looking at Bellman and Mr Black years ago, but never got to it. You have intrigued me . Also Luckenbooth sounds good

[monaedoyle]

Hello. I am in the middle of reading a cute rom-com that I’m enjoying very much so. I also got two books in the mail today. One of the books I got is a Christmasy holiday read. My holiday reading might have to start a little early 🎄

[suzannahdarcy]

The Blue Fox - I read that a few years ago and feel exactly the same: I read it too quickly and didn't do the book justice. But I've kept it, so like you, I want to read it again

[GKReads]

Omg it’s the worst when you’re reading a book and realise you’ve read it before but also don’t full recall what happened 😅 I feel like you and me are the founding members of the Love After Love fan club! 💞

[agirlabookandamom]

I love your reviews. I think I will have to take a look at Mrs. Death Misses Death. And I completely agree that entertainment for children has gotten a little too "real" and that sometimes escapism is what they need. I'm totally going to run The Voyage of The Sparrowhawk by my daughter. I think it sounds terrific.

[Usvaa]

That red sweater suits you really well :)