What a gripping first book to start the year with! Thank you to my one of my best friend and her kind partner for their apt recommendation. They were right in thinking I needed a happier book to read with highly descriptive writing. Although the fantasy genre isn’t my first choice, I persevered with an open mind then was unable to put it down. Can it therefore be categorised as a fantasy, psychological thriller or mystery? Does it really matter?
Without spoilers, find a brief summary for the impressive 2021 Fiction award winner, Piranesi. There is a scientist, Piranesi, that journals his experiences living in a house, with many halls that he meticulously tracks. It is an extraordinary house, thriving with ecology which Piranesi survives off. He is not alone, The Other, another scientist visits him twice a week for further study and investigation of their habitat. It is a mysterious, beguiling tale of their otherworldly experiences and the profound nature of the mind.
With an essence of C.S Lewis and somewhat dystopian, it is a very enjoyable and gripping read. 4/5 as the first half required some perseverance!
My boyfriend and I are humungous Jurassic Park fans. So much so that the tagline for our own relationship is “Life finds a way”. This applies to The Lost World by legendary Sir Arthur Conan Doyle published in 1914, since it inspired the works of the Jurassic Park franchise, it’s own 1960s film as well as other adventure films. Although, iconic Doyle was inspired by HG Well’s novella The Country of the Blind in 1904. It was about a blind man finding a hidden world in the Andes where everyone is blind and the ground was paved in gold. The Lost World literally found me as i stumbled across it in a box of free books! I recognised the author (Sherlock!), taking no notice to the title. As a result, i became transfixed when clues alluded to The Lost World being a hidden region of exotic South America, which is home to none other than living dinosaurs! Then, everything clicked or should i say, roared?
The detailed science fiction novel begins with everyman Edward Malone, a keen reporter surprisingly offering to take on a momentous challenge to impress his love interest, Gladys, demanding a “brave and noble man”. His editor sends him to infamous Professor Challenger, a foreboding figure with “hair that was peculiar, plastered down in front in a long, curving wisp over his massive forehead.”His unique experiences in South America had been contested and ridiculed. He abhors journalists yet sees a genuine interest in adventure in Malone. His drive to impress Gladys is the catalyst to send him to discover whether Challenger and his late explorer partner, Maple White’s dinosaur research were authentic. Doyle vividly describes each of the men that follow Challenger to recreate his Lost World Expedition. Here, they face perilous experiences with indiginous men, become in awe of extinct creatures (pterodactlys, stegosaurus and iguanadons) and find a way to escape the unforgiving jungle.
It was impressively written! His descriptions of the texture of the dinosaurs to the sweltering heat of the location was superb. I did find the ending rather rushed, however it was the first of a series so the open ending was a good hook for further reading. What impressed me most was Doyle’s knowledge of science and research to depict a newly discovered land, probably due to his expertise as a physician That being said, based on its early twentieth century publication there are dated and racist views of tribesmen and the perception of slaves that are to be read with caution. Overall a 5/5 as i was well and truly hooked. It unlocked my book rut!
Happy (belated) World Book Day. Who better to celebrate than discuss my absolute favourite author…
Of course the witty, whimisical and wonderful Michael Rosen. Renown for capturing children’s hearts from poetry to books, such as nostalgic favourites like “We’re going on a bear hunt” to becoming an internet sensation “noice”. It was a dream come true to watch him perform many of his iconic poems and entrancing storytelling last December. Let alone to have a little chat, hug and book signing! He evoked a gentleness and sincerity in our conversation (about teaching!). It transported me back to my ten year old self when he visited my primary school. I vividly remember him performing “bendy bendy pencil”, with the same enthusiasm. Despite his infinite successes from children’s laureate, guardian writer, podcaster and writer, it’s hard to forget that he is only human. In fact, he was one of the first people in England to be hospitalised at the start of the pandemic in 2020 at the vulnerable age of 74. The NHS put him into an induced coma where he lay for forty night and forty days (yes, he made a biblical Joke about this!) whereby he finally woke up to the sounds of his children’s voices over the phone. Determined to reclaim his power of speech and mobility, he also went on a psychological and self-reflective journey which he vividly retells in, Get Better.
I was compleyely hooked for the entirety of his inspiring life story due to the abundance of anecdotes and tangents. From losing his eighteen year old son to Meningitis (get your jabs uni students!), to discovering late in life that he had an autoimmune thyroid condition and reflecting on his family history of jewish war survivors, it was a reminder that everyone bears their own, or generational traumas. As my first read of 2024, it was not what I was expecting. I thought it was a self-help guide, which it partially was due to his reflections encouraging the reader to do the same. My favourite part was end where he listed all that he was grateful for in life, since he was given a second chance to embrace it, and he left extra pages for the reader to begin own creative endeavours.
If you’re as obsessed with Michael Rosen, fancy a little life pick-me-up as we countdown to summer or want to rediscover the beauty of life in a humorous way, then this is the book for you. It’s a biased 5/5 for me!
Back to school! Before I sorted my tables for the year ahead
We can all remember the first day of school. Wearing an oversized uniform that you’ll “grow into”, prancing about in shiny new shoes and parading down the corridor like it’s a catwalk whilst fashioning an overly embellished, impractical lunch box. What better to get back into the school spirit and get over the summer blues, then to read education comedy legends (and brothers!) Lee and Adam Parkinson’s “Put a wet paper towel on it.” They began a punny podcast entitled “Two Mr Ps in a Pod(cast)” based on their experiences as a teacher and teaching assistant in the U.K. since 2017. This book is essentially a continuation of their witty, relatable and inspiring podcast regarding the highs and lows of the education system. Even if you’re not an educator, it’s accessible and entertaining enough for anyone who knows a child or was a student (even if it was many moons ago!).
It is cleverly organised as though you are going through an academic year, from the first INSET (teacher training) day mocking typical teachers, to counting down until the end of year when educators are pulling their hair out! It was honestly comedy gold! I read it in a few days, literally laughing out loud whilst commuting (and embarassing) my teacher best friend. The title itself “put a wet paper towel on it” is a quintessential example of what teaching staff say multiplies times a day as a solution to any, and I mean any, sort of problem. The Parkinson brothers describe common scenarios that occur in a classroom from their own experiences as well as those sent in from their podcast listeners. I won’t spoil it, but these were my absolute favourites:
‘As teachers, we are very hypocritical. We are meant to be role-models for the future generation. We promote using kind language and reprimand children with rhetorical questions like “how dare you swear?” meanwhile in my head “what do you mean do you need a f*** pencil?!” The brothers set the scene so well, such as pressures of an observation or heaven forbid OFSTED coming in yet a child will undoubtedly say, “I can’t find my pencil!”
Despite three years of my Primary Education degree, completing my Newly Qualified Teaching year (now a 2 year Early Careers Teacher course) and recently accomplishing a leadership course, I am yet to find the secret to behaviour management. My go-to line is to raise my voice partially and as a Parkinson brother eloquently puts it,
‘Saying “urm, excuse me class” whilst your double chin has to be displayed proudly to show your pupils how disgusting their behaviour is by how disgusting you look’. Here I was thinking I was unique.
I really liked how they told their contrasting stories of how they entered the profession. Lee also described the shift in his teaching from being young and single, to then having triplets and a step-son! It’s hard to separate work and personal life in education so it was reassuring to hear this perspective. As each brother told their story or experience, the font differed which was reflective of their podcast.
Not only do they recreate hilarious moments that can occur on any teaching day, they also draw attention to the increasing pressures and demands within the U.K. education system. From government school budget cuts, unreasonable working hours, standardised testing and a rise in poor mental health (to say the least), the brothers refuse to shy away from the realities. They also comment on what actually helps children learn-not jazzy PowerPoints or Pinterest style displays but rather high-quality training. Most importantly they celebrate the passion and resilience of those working in education as we all know it’s a unique, special profession.
A completely relatable read. It will be my gift to any teacher (I’ve already bought for another teacher bestie!) or anyone wanting to get into teaching. 4/5 an easy summer read.
Last minute as ever, I needed a book for my trip abroad as I was flying the next day. Thankfully my wonderful lodger family had “Where the crawdads sing” on their bookshelf. I’d heard about the film and liked Daisy Edgar-Jones so gave it a go, with little expectations.
I went to volunteer in Poland, Malta and Prague so needed something relatively easy to read, that I could dip in and out of. As soon as I started reading it in Malta, my fellow bookworm roommate said that it’s a brilliant book! Instantly reassured I had made the right decision, I began to read it amongst the sweltering Malta heat.
Set in the Deep South of the 1950s, WTCD was reminiscent of To Kill a Mockingbird. A coming of age fiction about a dilligent, misunderstood protagonist (Kya Clark) who was accused of murdering the Prince Charming of the small town- Chase Andrews- due to her being an outcast, infamous as The Marsh Girl. I was alarmed at first, for it began with young Kya enduring domestic abuse by her alcoholic father which led to her family members leaving her bit by bit. She was completely alone, forced to survive independently on her labrynth of a marsh. As a young child, she learnt how to cook grits like her mother and sell mussels from her father’s small boat to the black community nearby. Inspired by watching her mother run the household, she remained in her shack with the hope that her family would return and save her. Without the ability to read or write, she chose nature as her teacher, observing the natural beauty surrounding her. Until, a kind boy, Tate, was encapsulated by her gentle demeanour and taught her to read and write despite judgment from the town. As their relationship developed, the narrative cleverly flicked between the past and future, providing possible suspects for Chase’s murder. Chase was also interested in Kya’s naive lust for life, but was she the murderer?
I really do hate romance books but there’s something gripping about this one. The way Delia Owens entwines formational friendships, loss, generosity of strangers alongside a murder trial is very effective. No wonder it became a film! As Kya became entranced by words, she recited poetry which was a recurring theme throughout. As was her love of nature, with powerful metaphors of the animal kingdom reflecting her stages of life. It was a genuinely beautiful book to read, reminding me to appreciate the natural wonders of the world.
Despite the gripping story, there were copious amounts of imagery so I did find the book a bit too long. This meant that the court case could have been developed more as opposed to the vivid details of her childhood. Although once you read the ending, it does all come together! My favourite part truly was the representation of Tate, as a young man,encouraging Kya to be her authentic self, aiding her self-sufficient ways and learning from his own mistakes. I’ve hardly come across this depiction of a love interest therefore I was really impressed.
If you like unusual romance, murder mystery and have an appreciation of nature then it’s so worth reading. I’d give it a 4.5/5, a not-so-hidden gem
I immediately recognised Haddon’s iconic illustrations from the eclectic collection of books in the charity shop. His distinctive style transported me back to being in my year eight English lessons encapsulated by reading ‘The curious incident of the dog in the night-time’ which he is more renown for. Having adored the book written from the perspective of a young boy with aspergers syndrome and seeing the stage adaptation twice, I knew Haddon’s style of writing wouldn’t disappoint in his adult fiction ‘A Spot of Bother’. Themes of mental health, family dynamics and British culture made it a light-hearted yet heavy read. I’ll explain…
Despite its huge size, it’s a very easy read. I finished it in a few days over the Easter holidays, where I spent much time on public transport. Nonetheless, it felt like hearing gossip about your neighbours as Haddon invites readers in the mind of members of the Hall family. It begins with the perspective of elderly gentleman George, who discovers a red mark on his thigh which leads him to spiral into thinking he has cancer, becomes dangerously depressed and anxious weeks before his daughter’s wedding. George’s narrative is of a humble, ordinary grandad keeping much to himself, when really he is in dire need for psychological help. It is contrasted by chapters told by his wife, Jean, as she ventures on a scandalous love affair with George’s old colleague. She is motherly, preoccupied with wedding arrangements, riddled with guilt about her affair and unsure what has happened to her husband recently. Her daughter, Katie, is feisty, yet also in turmoil as she contemplates whether she truly loves her rugged fiance or that he makes a wonderful stepfather to her son Jacob (solely there as a form of comic relief). The final member of the family, my personal favourite, is Jamie, the homosexual son not willing to mix his private life with his family life at the extent of losing his loving partner. It’s like a soap opera! Flicking between one storyline to the next, however all coming together by the end at a wedding in their garden.
It was filled with a whirlwind of sub-plots, ample cases of dramatic irony and a relatable bittersweet family life that did not disappoint until the very end! I hate that feeling of thoroughly enjoying a moving, gripping book until you finish it. It’s not that the ending was awful, I think it was rather abrupt. Though the more I think of it, as George increasingly loses his mind including episodes of self-harm and blackouts, mental health doesn’t always have a happy ending. Maybe I wanted an answer to help manage my own battle with depression and anxiety, yet George stayed present and in the moment. So it’s open to interpretation. The rawness of George’s mental state was insightful as Haddon would use many compound sentences to replicate a mind spiralling into panic. The heavy themes were mixed between humorous, typical family life of children throwing a tantrum and awkwardness bumping into old friends. There were a few too many characters as each family member came across so many different people, although it did add to it feeling like an authentic family. Overall, I really enjoyed it until the open ended ending so 3.5/5!
Ok so it’s not strictly primary school related or a fun, fictional read for Workd Book Day, but enlightening my class on inspiring women such as Emmelinre Pankhurst (last year) was a worthwhile decision. Our school has a “bedtime read” theme this year, so pyjamas it is.
Let’s be honest, this was an incentive to become a teacher. I look forward to the annual opportunity to celebrate the power of books and support the charity aiming to improve social mobility through reading. Designed by UNESCO, they ensure every child owns a book of their own to make reading a habit thus increasing children’s life chances. It is marked in over 100 countries around the globe.
Now to the book review; Penguin released a twenty book collection entitled “Great Ideas” to celebrate the work of radical, prodigious thinkers. They have striking covers, which caught my eye (a classic case of judging a book by its cover!). The Penguin Suffragette Manifesto is a collection of documentation during the iconic “Votes for women” campaign fighting for the right to vote in the U.K in the 19th and 20th century. It’s a slim book, with a traditional typeface made up of speeches to pamphlets from notable suffragettes such as Emmiline Pankhurst.
What I loved most was the range of writers and speakers including union workers, actresses, mill workers and aristocrats. The broad range of text makes each new piece a thought-provoking experience. It was hard to read at times based upon the injustice of how women were treated and the language based on the time written. The power of words is rife throughout the text as they passionately encouraged men and women around the country for support.
Next on my reading list is more books on the Suffragists which were more peaceful in their protests, however I am in awe of the dedication of the suffragettes’ forms of protests including hunger strikes, throwing bricks at parliament and countless demonstrations. There is still a long way to go in terms of gender equality in the U.K. and across the globe. I recommend the film Suffragettes as an insightful portrayal of the movement. I read the Big People, Little Dreams children’s book about Emmeline Pankhurst which is more child friendly and a lighter read. Overall I’d give it a 5/5 because how could I not?!
Do you keep the sleeve on or off? I felt bad for ripping this copy lent to me…
National treasure and tv show sensation, Richard Osman wrote his first book The Thursday Murder Club and it was an instant success. His likeable, amiable demeanour shines through the crime story underpinned with British humour.
Based on a visit to a retirement home, Osman was inspired to set his novel in Coppers Chase. Here, a retired group mull over unsolved murder cases as a form of entertainment. Written from the perspective of a few of the sleuths, Joyce’s diary entry was my favourite based on her commentary on what cakes she’d eaten and her visits to a vegan cafe. A friend of mine told me that the fictional character has her own real Instagram handle! Nonetheless, the group have their own murder case to solve as someone on their housing development is murdered. It’s very much a written game of cluedo, like a whodunnit scenario and it does keep you gripped right until the satisfying end (no spoilers!).
I’ll be honest, despite the modern references (WhatsApp, tinder and Waitrose) and easy narrative, I didn’t completely enjoy it. It’s a small entry because of this. There were too many characters, most of them funny and relatable but I got lost trying to remember who was who and and this confused me speculating who might have been the suspect. There was far too much speech based on his numerous characters and some irrelevant chapters. I’d recommend it for someone wanting to get back into reading, for the sense of accomplishment after completing a book and the mystery was worthwhile. It will be turned into a film soon and I’ll look forward to seeing it on screen. 3/5
It’s become a Sunday ritual, roast dinner, book talk and watching the latest call the midwife episode. Sunday night was the season 12 finale, which is surely far too many seasons, yet each episode is truly heartwarming. The show encapsulates the books perfectly with mothers, women and babies at the heart of the story. Each character is vividly and sensitively described, transporting you into the world of 1950s East End of London.
Book 3 in series
I’d read call the midwife years ago, so I vaguely remembered the origins of author Jennifer Worth, a young nurse and midwife wanting to improve her career in district nursing. Based on her privileged background, she was shocked and appalled by the poor living conditions of expectant mothers and debilitating patients in Poplar. Her comfort was lodging in Nonnatus House, the home of the inspiring nuns, providing the community with medical support underpinned with their Christian values. The trilogy could be read in any order since the books are ultimately about the range of individuals Jenny throughout her career during this time.
All of the books are written in an assorted way, ranging from personal memoir experiences, formal medical articles about prevalent diseases and short stories based on distinctive patients. This makes the reading experience unique, however I preferred the real life stories written in a fictional way. I’d recently read book three and my favourite story was when a fellow nurse and midwife Cynthia, supported a mother giving birth at home (typical of the 19th Century zeitgeist) when all of a sudden the chimney exploded and they were covered in soot! Worth described the humorous nature of the situation, all women being covered in black ash, despite their meticulously sterilised equipment and their natural reaction in which to hysterically laugh at the soot covered nun. This highlights the empowering nature of the books, female centred stories in a male dominated society.
Worth released her books in 2002 based on her experiences in the 1950s and the era has changed considerably. It was taboo at the time for men to be involved in “women things”, they weren’t even allowed at the birth of their own child! The trilogy spans across a range of socio-economic, political and cultural issues. She doesn’t shy away from the realities of poverty stricken London, vividly describing the dire conditions in overcrowded houses where families of eight shared one room and the life-threatening dangers associated with prostitution. Like the show, Worth shares the realities of such situations and leaves it to an individual to form their own opinions whether it be teenage pregnancy or the introduction of the pill. It’s not all doom and gloom as she shows the power in belonging to a community, the indescribable resilience involved in parenting and a gratitude of medical advances, including antibiotics. Such stories reminded me to appreciate living in London today and being forever grateful for the NHS!
I really loved the descriptions of her colleagues. Die-hard Call the Midwife fans will remember awkward, bumbling nurse Chummy (played by comedian and actor Miranda Hart) and my favourite sassy, stylish Nurse Trixie (still in the current series). It is riveting to know they were her real friends, real women helping other real women in their most vulnerable moments. Another funny story was when Nurse Trixie tended to a rather large mother giving birth on a ship, with hundreds of men onboard, she had to be moved to the captains cabin for more space and privacy! In spite of these memorable moments, the women were also faced with the difficult sides to pregnancy. They are often so graphic, I’d squirm at the page and feel my stomach tighten as she describes the doctor performing an emergency caesarean. However, ultimately the nurses’ friendship, warm-hearted nuns and Poplar community support in trying times made up for those tough chapters.
As a whole, the trilogy are worth a read for the wholesome stories, descriptions of the 1950s and empowering women. I didn’t read them all at once, literally years apart so I wouldn’t say they’re completely gripping but they are a comforting read. 4/5
It’s February! Christmas feels like a distant memory and for that reason I haven’t had a chance to write up my chrimbo read. Having spent the day at my iconic aunt’s house over the festive period, her theme for presents was “pertinent” and “positivity”. Therefore her gift to me epitomises that (scroll down for the heartfelt inscription). Do you write in gift books?
Despite the cringy title, I really valued the message of how to find self-love. As a teacher, sister and friend I find myself putting others before myself because I thought that’s what life was about. However I’ve slowly learnt that you can’t always be there for others, if you don’t have the capacity to look after yourself. I enjoy showering others with love and care. I feel a strong sense of purpose and moral justice whenever I can help someone else. Though, my therapist asked me something while I was feeling low, “How would you help a friend in your situation?” Then everything clicked! It’s so much easier to help others, give advice, truly listen (new book post pending, Listen by Katheryn Mannix) and support others yet how could I do that to myself? Vex King explores exactly this, how can you be a true friend to yourself?
I must admit I have a bias against self-help books because I didn’t think they can help. I still don’t to an extent. Though now I believe if you want to make a difference in yourself, there’s no harm in starting with a book. King is conversational, with accessible language and highlights the significance of looking after your mind, body and soul.
It’s a personal book, drawing upon his own experiences to suggest ways to make simple, everyday changes. Having been homeless as a child, living in dilapidated hostels and managing an unstable relationship with his parents, King’s adverse experiences shaped him to inspire others. Strategies such as practising self-care, adopting healthy habits, embracing new opportunities and believing in your own self-worth. Essentially, the positivity you give our will come back to you (at some point!).
It’s an easy read and I’m glad I started the year with an inspiring, influential book. By completing it in less than a week, I already had a sense of achievement. Some aspects were gimmicky, with Instagram buzz words such as “toxic people” and “vibes”. Which I think tainted the morals and foundational message in which to be your authentic self. It was unexpected gift, one that I’d possibly not purchase for myself but would buy for others looking to make a positive change. 3.5/5
Amber Reads something 