Friday Fiction – it’s been a while between updates!

Welcome to Friday Fiction #9

So many books, so little time!

Frank Zappa

What’s been happening in my reading room?

It’s been a while since my last Friday Fiction post, (back in November 2020!), and here we are now in April 2021, with winter staring us in the face, going by today’s temperatures anyway! I must say I’ve been enjoying the autumn colours here In Tumbarumba.

I did write about two books I enjoyed immensely, one was Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell and the other was Sam Bloom:Heartache and Birdsong, in my Shoutout Saturday post in February. I have since seen the movie Penguin Bloom and I absolutely loved it! Have you seen it? If not, I can highly recommend it.

Since our last book chat I’ve completed my Goodreads Challenge for 2020 and I am now well on my way towards my goal for 2021.

I only set a goal to challenge myself and am in no way competing with anyone else. I simply love reading and keeping a track of what I’ve read.

You can see my list of book and my ratings, here in the link below:

Reading Challenge for 2021

So what books have I enjoyed since our last chat?

I’ve been working my way through the James O’Loughlin series by Michael Robotham and am currently up to #6 which I’m attempting to listen to on Audible. I tried Audible a few years ago and gave it away as I don’t seem to concentrate as much as when I actually ‘read’ a book. I’m giving it another go and am trying hard to just concentrate more as I listen and not try to do other things at the same time, unless I’m driving or ironing! I’ll let you know how I go.

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One book I am enjoying listening to is Agnes Grey, mainly because it is read by Emilia Fox and her voice is perfect for the story. My online book club is sticking with the classics and after Wuthering Heights, we’ve now moved onto another Bronte sister, Anne’s Agnes Grey. The way we do it is set a number of chapters to read before our Zoom chat and discuss the happenings in those chapters before moving on. It’s been a great way to enjoy reading the classics and we’ve all learnt a lot from each other – which is what a book club is all about.

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In an Instant by Suzanne Redfearn, was another book I wouldn’t have read, except Sue from Women Living Well After 50 suggested it to me, as the story made her think of me and my history of a tragic accident when I was 17. I wrote about this book and the impact on me in a post in March – Good friends, good books, good company

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The Girl who saved the King of Sweden by Jonas Jonasson was an interesting book which my husband recommended I read.

Just because the world ignores you, doesn’t mean you can’t save it .

Nombeko Mayeki was never meant to be a hero. Born in a Soweto shack, she seemed destined for a short, hard life. But now she is on the run from the world ‘s most ruthless secret service, with three Chinese sisters, twins who are officially one person and an elderly potato farmer. Oh, and the fate of the King of Sweden – and the world – rests on her shoulders.

As uproariously funny as Jonas Jonasson’s bestselling debut, this is an entrancing tale of luck, love and international relations. 

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I’ve also been getting into Fiona McIntosh books lately, having read the Quickening Trilogy, Tapestry and The Royal Exile. They are largely historical with some fantasy elements and they have really captured my attention and kept me engrossed. Another friend is also reading other books by this author and has recommended the Perfumer’s Secret, which I’ve added to my ‘want to read’ list

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The Four Winds by Kristen Hannah was another book suggested by a reading buddy and although it was quite a harrowing read in many ways, I learnt a lot and ultimately enjoyed the story.

Texas, 1934. Millions are out of work and a drought has broken the Great Plains. Farmers are fighting to keep their land and their livelihoods as the crops are failing, the water is drying up, and dust threatens to bury them all. One of the darkest periods of the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl era, has arrived with a vengeance.

In this uncertain and dangerous time, Elsa Martinelli—like so many of her neighbors—must make an agonizing choice: fight for the land she loves or go west, to California, in search of a better life. The Four Winds is an indelible portrait of America and the American Dream, as seen through the eyes of one indomitable woman whose courage and sacrifice will come to define a generation.

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The rating system I use

1* = did not finish/terrible

2* = OK

3* = enjoyable

4* = really good

5* = excellent

My Reading Challenge for 2021

So far I’m up to 33 completed books for the year in my Goodreads challenge, with a few more on the go – all at once!

I started my Friday Fiction series quite a while ago, to share what I’ve been reading, what has taken my fancy or what I’d like to read.

This series was sparked by an item on my list – 12 things to do before turning 60 – which was to write more book reviews and share them on my blog. I have since done an update on my original post – An update on my list of 12 things to do before turning 60. I’m happy to say I’ve now turned 60 and am doing quite well for an old girl 🙂

Book review bloggers

One of my best ways of learning about new books to read is to follow book reviewers and blogger Deb at Debbish.com is one of my favourite reviewers. I often add books to my want to read list based on her reviews.

Also reviews by friends on Goodreads help me make a decision about what to read – or not! So thanks to all those who take the time to read and write reviews – it helps a lot. Sue has also recommended I read The rose Code by Karen Quinn, so that’s on my list too!

Over to you, so what are you currently reading or watching? Have you read any of these, and would you?

I access many of my books for free, via our regional library app. Sometimes I have to wait for them to be available but generally it works well. I also use Kindle Unlimited and buy titles to read on my Kindle from Amazon. I also buy real books!

Some book fun – will you join me?

Thanks for joining me for Friday Fiction. I look forward to reading with you again soon.

Don’t forget to tell me what you’re reading at the moment!

Deb xx

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