Reading has always been my breathing space – something that allows me to escape from reality for a short while. I have quite an active imagination so love to step into a different world every now and then. Characters stay with me and I overthink scenarios.
I read every night before bed. And if the weekend stars align, and the girls are occupied, I’ll retreat to my room for a sneaky Saturday afternoon read.
Books have a way of keeping me company. They remind me that there’s beauty and wonder beyond the endless paperwork, local authority arguments, and stress of worrying about Jude/the girls/work/anything else. This is particularly so at the moment with the issues around Jude’s current placement.
Books refill my cup so I can pour back into the people and things I love most.
They are my indulgence. I don’t borrow from a library – I head to my local bookshop once a month and buy a new stack of fiction.
I realise this is sounding more and more tragic as I write. But I’ve kind of befriended one of the workers in the bookshop and her recommendations have proven fantastic!
So I wanted to share with you a few of the books I’ve read recently that remained in my brain and why. There are lots! But here are three I think you may like.
When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzén
One of only two books that have ever made me cry! (Please tell me any that have made you cry too!)
This book tells the story of an elderly gentleman called Bo, who receives support each day from a stream of carers. He wants his voice heard, and his independence retained, but it’s not always that easy. His son tries to dictate processes, and Bo fights hard to mend their fractious relationship. Then there’s the matter of his companion dog who people want to take away from him.
Absolutely fabulous but simple story that focuses on dignity and friendship. Autonomy, reconciliation, mortality and family. I wish I could read it again for the first time.
There are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak
I’ve read a few books by this author but this one was my favourite. Primarily because of the fantastic characters – I love strong, complex characters and this book certainly delivers.
The story jumps between the 19th century and modern day life. It follows three main characters and how their lives connect around a single drop of water. There’s Arthur who was born in the sewers in 19th century London, Narin who lives by the River Tigris in Turkey in 2014 and Zaleekhah who lives in London in 2018.
Their lives intertwine thanks to a powerful poem, originally found in King Ashurbanipal of Mesopotamia’s great library, called the Epic of Gigamesh. This poem blends the power of the two rivers and acts as a point of focus for Arthur’s academic pursuits. With the water system repeating across the centuries we are regularly reminded that “water remembers. It is humans who forget.”
It’s an absolutely wonderful book. And I still think about these characters now. Not a simple novel to read, but one that builds as it goes. If you fancy this one, you will soon find yourself embedded in each character’s life story.
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
A psychological crime story – something a bit different to my norm.
It’s based on a summer camp in America. Two children from the same family have gone missing and there’s a whole host to unpack from all the family members, staff and friends who are staying on site.
As the investigations unfold, each complex layer of the family dynamics reveals itself. Leaving you uncertain of how the tale will end.
The Van Laar family is hugely wealthy and live on the wooded estate where the camp is held each summer. But when Barbara Van Laar goes missing, the case of Bear Van Laar’s disappearance has to be reinvestigated.
There are a lot of characters in this book but I didn’t find it too confusing. Chunky book with an unexpected ending.
Let me know if you read any of these books. I’ll share a few more next month when I’ve finished this latest batch.
Enjoy!
