Books I've Read

My reading habits have changed quite a bit. I used to automatically choose novels and often struggled to find ones I really enjoyed. Keeping a record of what I’ve read has helped me see a much clearer picture of the books I actually like.

With George using that history to suggest something a little different, my reading has expanded into true stories, personal journeys and historical fiction based around events I knew very little about. I’m reading a much wider variety of books now — and enjoying them more.

I’m not attempting full book reviews here — just a short idea of what each book is about, what I thought of it and a score when I have one. My scores are simply fbased on how much I enjoyed each book, rather than the quality of the writing.

Fiction

Stories I’ve enjoyed for all sorts of reasons — some gripping, some moving and some simply a good read. My ratings are based on how much I enjoyed each book rather than its literary merits.

Into the Darkest Corner — Elizabeth Haynes

10/10

A psychological thriller about Catherine, a young woman whose seemingly exciting new relationship gradually becomes controlling and dangerous. The story moves between her past and present as she tries to rebuild her life.

My thoughts: Excellent. This completely pulled me in and kept me reading. Definitely one of my favourites.

The Girl on the Train — Paula Hawkins

10/10

Rachel takes the same train every day and becomes fascinated by a couple she sees from the window. When the woman she has been watching disappears, Rachel finds herself drawn into the investigation, although her own memories aren’t always reliable.

My thoughts: Another excellent read. I love a psychological story that keeps me guessing and makes me want to pick the book up again.

The Road Beyond Ruin — Michael Reit

Excellent

Set in Europe in the aftermath of the Second World War, the story follows people whose lives have been changed by the conflict as they try to find their way through a damaged and uncertain world. Past secrets gradually emerge, bringing together themes of survival, loss and starting again.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. The historical setting and the characters kept me interested throughout.

A Fire Sparkling — Julianne MacLean

8/10

A family story that moves between the present day and wartime Britain. When an old photograph raises questions about her grandmother’s past, Gillian begins to uncover family secrets and a very different story from the one she thought she knew.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this. I like stories where the past gradually unfolds and family secrets come to light.

This One Life — Amanda Prowse

8/10

A story about family, relationships and the unexpected turns life can take, exploring the choices people make when life doesn’t follow quite the path they imagined.

My thoughts: An enjoyable, emotional read with believable characters.

The Girl in Seat 2A — Diana Wilkinson

Enjoyed

A psychological thriller beginning with a seemingly ordinary encounter on a flight. What follows develops into a story of secrets, suspicion and trying to work out who can really be trusted.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. It was easy to get into and kept me reading.

The Water Women — Bonnie Blaylock

Okay

Set on a remote island, the women dive into the surrounding waters to collect a valuable substance which they use to create beautiful objects. It’s an unusual story built around the island community and its traditions.

My thoughts: I liked the unusual idea behind this book, particularly the women diving each day, but overall it was just okay for me. It didn’t draw me in as much as some of the other books I’ve read.

The House We Grew Up In — Lisa Jewell

A family story centred around a mother whose possessions gradually take over the family home. As her hoarding becomes increasingly overwhelming, the story explores its effect on her children and the wider family.

My thoughts: I remember finding this quite sad. The amount of stuff just grew and grew, and what stayed with me was the effect her hoarding had on the rest of the family.

Death Row — Freida McFadden

Really enjoyed

Talia Kemper is on death row, convicted of murdering her husband, although she insists she is innocent. With her execution approaching, something happens that raises an extraordinary possibility — could the man she supposedly murdered actually still be alive?

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this. It was a quick, twisty read and, although I can’t remember every detail now, the story came back to me once I was reminded of the plot.

The German Daughter — Marius Gabriel

9/10

Set partly in occupied Norway during the Second World War, the story explores the Nazi obsession with creating an “Aryan” race and the women and children caught up in it. Years later, a young woman begins uncovering secrets about her own identity and where she really came from.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this. I knew very little about this aspect of the war before reading it and found the whole subject fascinating as well as disturbing. Definitely one of my better reads.

West with Giraffes — Lynda Rutledge

9/10

Inspired by a true story, two giraffes survive a hurricane while being transported to America in 1938. What follows is an extraordinary journey across the country as they are driven to their new home at San Diego Zoo.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this. It was funny, heartwarming and completely different from anything I would normally have chosen. The fact that it was inspired by real events made it even more interesting.

Memoir & Real Life 

I really enjoy true stories, particularly personal journeys, travel and adventure, and stories about ordinary people experiencing extraordinary things.

Wild — Cheryl Strayed

9/10

After a difficult period in her life, Cheryl Strayed sets off alone to hike more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, despite having very little long-distance hiking experience. It becomes as much an emotional journey as a physical one.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this. I could relate to some of her feelings about taking on a big physical challenge.

It took me back to cycling from London to Paris for the first time many years ago — the doubts, the difficult bits along the way and that wonderful feeling afterwards of knowing you actually did it.

It’s amazing what we can achieve when we push ourselves beyond what feels comfortable.

The Salt Path — Raynor Winn

9/10

After losing their home and receiving devastating news about her husband’s health, Raynor and Moth set out to walk the South West Coast Path, carrying what they need on their backs and camping along the way.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed the walking, resilience and sense of journey in this book.

Since reading it, questions have been raised about elements of the story, which inevitably made me look at it a little differently, but I still enjoyed the experience of reading it.

The Penguin Lessons — Tom Michell

Very enjoyable

Based on a true story, Tom Michell rescues a penguin from an oil-covered beach while travelling in South America. Unable simply to leave him behind, the penguin eventually accompanies him back to the boarding school in Argentina where Tom teaches.

My thoughts: This was a very different book from my usual choices, and I really enjoyed it. Sometimes it’s good to read something completely different.

I’ll keep adding to this page as I work my way through more books.

If you’ve read something you would genuinely give 9 or 10 out of 10, I’d love to hear about it. I’m always looking for the next good book.