Author: Bookworm&TheatreMouse

The Road Trip by Beth O’Leary

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

Miss W kindly lent me ‘The Road Trip’ by Beth O’Leary to read, and I am ashamed to say that it has been on my shelf since April, which really is not good enough. When I was politely reminded that I had not yet read it, I ensured it became my next read (if only picking my next read was always this easy).

Now, ‘The Flatshare‘ and ‘The Switch‘ were both fun reads. I really enjoyed both of them and their lighthearted but meaningful escapism, with ‘The Switch’ just coming out on top for me.

However, I found ‘The Road Trip’ a little harder to get into when I started it. I liked the idea, people thrown together on a road trip and all that entails, mishaps and more. Yet, this was just a little slow for me (as the rather awkward road trip was for the characters) and the characters were a little harder to engage with than in the previous books. I was not sure I was all that fussed what would happen, or what had happened in the past.

And, then, I suddenly hit a point where the book really picked up. Once you did know what had happened in the past, and why exactly it was as it was between the characters, I started to find it harder to put the book down. ‘The Road Trip’ did go on to handle an incredibly difficult event with sensitivity and heart, and brought to the fore exactly how important consent is, the tragic impact it can have on someone when they feel that it is very nearly taken from them, and how relationships can be changed as a result. Alongside dealing with the subject of the mental health of another character.

This will not go down as one of my favourite books, and maybe it could have been a little slicker, which may have held my attention a little more, as I whizzed through the final third once I felt that I had engaged with the story and the characters. But, it did very nearly become a DNF for me, which would have been a shame as I would have missed the best bit of the book.

Two for Tuesday – Childhood Favourites

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

I have been so lucky to have recently seen two of my childhood favourites on stage, and I felt it was time to share how much I enjoyed both of these shows (especially as my theatre posts have been slightly neglected recently).

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe – The Gillian Lynne Theatre, London

In October, I was lucky enough to go to London to see the latest stage adaptation of ‘The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe’. And, I have to be honest, I was so flipping excited. The Narnia stories have been some of my favourites since I was young. I still remember when I first unwrapped the seven books for my birthday one year, and I have treasured them ever since. So, a chance to see another way that they had been adapted was just such a treat.

This production is absolutely stunning – fans will not be disappointed at all. The characterisation is fantastic, the White Witch is as spooky as you would hope, Aslan is as brave as you would expect, and the Pevensie children become the heroes of Narnia you have always hoped for (even if Edmund does not have the most positive start, as we all know).

The staging is also incredibly clever, a minimal set that transports you directly to Narnia. As well as the fantastic costume design that brings all the residents of Narnia to life – good or bad. I was just as nervous of Maugrim in this production as I am in any other, and the book.

So, I feel it is safe to say that the current West End production is a must see for all Narnia fans, young or old, as you will feel like you have really stepped through that wardrobe and been on the adventure that you have always imagined.

Strictly Ballroom – Birmingham Hippodrome

In, contrast, another favourite of mine, which I remember my Mum introducing me to, was Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Strictly Ballroom’. A film that I adored and would watch over and over again, especially if I needed a little bit of comfort viewing. So, as soon as I found out that Craig Revell-Horwood had developed a production of ‘Strictly Ballroom: The Musical’, I knew I had to see it – which of course I did.

And what an amazing celebration of the film it is. It has everything that you would expect: the music and songs from the film (plus some shiny new songs), the dramatic costumes and the fantastic characters. By the end, we were dancing in the aisles to ‘Love is in the Air’ – so, as you can imagine, it is amazing fun.

Maisie Smith is an absolutely wonderful Fran – with all her determination and slight awkwardness that makes her such a brilliant character. Kevin Clifton is quite the Scott Hastings – the rule-breaker extraordinaire, with (let’s be honest) all the moves, as you would expect.

Together they are a fantastic pairing – but they are also supported by an extraordinary ensemble who bring everything you love about the film to the stage – especially the fantastic subtle humour that makes the story such a joy.

If you are a musical fan, a fan of ‘Strictly Ballroom’, or just a general theatre fan, then I would really recommend catching this production if you can, because you will come out singing and dancing, and feeling like there is at least some joy in the world.

In fact, that is exactly what both these stage productions did for me as they transported back to so many happy childhood memories – as well as being a chance to make even more fantastic memories.

A Fatal Crossing by Tom Hindle

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

My crime fiction addiction does not seem to have lessened over the last few weeks, it has simply been on pause as I have read some other genres.

So when my fantastic TBR Tarot Cards from Don’tJudgeBooksHQ suggested a book by a male author, I knew that I had to pick up ‘A Fatal Crossing’ by Tom Hindle. I thought it would be a perfect cosy crime novel for these cold and dark evenings – and I was correct.

A locked room mystery – or would locked ship be a better description? – we are on the ship Endeavour on its way to New York. A mysterious death brings together Timothy Birch, one of the ship’s officers, and Temple, a detective from Scotland Yard – or so he says. And, together, they attempt to solve the circumstances surrounding the mysterious death.

This book has everything you expect from a cosy crime novel set after the Great War. There are secrets, glamourous couples, mysterious women, valuable paintings (well, I guess this could be anything of value) and an unlikely crime-fighting duo. And, most importantly, that almighty twist that every good piece of crime fiction gives you.

So, if you are looking for a great piece of well-written and well-constructed cosy crime, then this is the book for you. A debut novel that takes you to the golden age of crime is one that, to be honest, everyone should be reading.

The Ballroom Blitz by Anton Du Beke

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

I was kindly gifted a copy of ‘The Ballroom Blitz’ by Anton Du Beke from Orion Books. Now, as a Strictly fan, I was very excited to read a book from the pen of everyone’s favourite judge (you know it is true), Anton Du Beke.

This is definitely a book for the fans of those historical upstairs, downstairs-type stories. As I read it, it really reminded me of ‘Downton Abbey’, and I was absolutely fine with this, as I am a fan. Set at The Buckingham Hotel in 1940, during the Blitz, this is a lovely piece of historical fiction about ordinary people united by their love for their place of work – and the family that this gives them.

This is definitely a book with a heart. Anton Du Beke does not just deal with the glamourous world of ballroom, and all the magic it holds in the darkest of times (we all remember how much Strictly brought joy to the nation after the lockdown darkness), but also the real horrors and struggle that so many people went through in London. I was pleased to read that PTSD (although, as we know, not officially recognised at the time) was handled through the story of Raymond de Guise, and not just for the soldiers who had been to war. But, also, how some easily got dragged into the darker side of society when times are hard.

I do not want to issue any spoilers about this book, as I think it is a perfect read for this time of year, or even nearer Christmas, as it is set in December 1940. It is a hug in a book for that time of year, and one for fans of the ‘modern’ historical novel, with a twist of the romantic.

The Moon and Stars by Jenna Warren

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

I was kindly sent a copy of ‘The Moon and Stars’ by Jenna Warren, by Fairlight Books. And, when it arrived, I spotted it had a quote from the fabulous Matson Taylor on it, so I knew this was a book I was going to enjoy. I was correct.

‘The Moon and Stars’ tells the tale of Matthew Capes, a talented musician and singer, who has one thing standing between him and his dream caree:, stage fright. Stage fright so severe that he has taken a back seat in the theatre world, working for the Moon and Stars Theatre. When he is offered the chance to sing with an old friend from music college, Matthew may finally have the chance to come out of the shadows – or will he?

This is a wonderful book, that may evade being placed in a genre, as there are just so many fantastic threads running through it. It is a contemporary piece of fiction, with so much more to it. If you are fan of theatre, especially musical theatre, you will enjoy this book. If you are a fan of books that follow relationships (romantic and friendly), you will enjoy this book. If you are a fan of The Phantom of the Opera, you will enjoy this book. And, if you are fan of books that really centre around great characterisation, well, you will enjoy this book.

For me, as a musical theatre fan, this was almost a comfort read. It whisked me away to the theatre world with some fascinating characters that really showed what a challenge such a world is and, sometimes, the only thing that is in the way of any of us achieving our dreams is ourself.

So, as the dark nights draw in, why not be whisked away to the land of theatrical performance and visit ‘The Moon and Stars’?

Pages and Co: The Treehouse Library by Anna James

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

I was soooooooo excited when a copy of ‘Pages and Co: The Treehouse Library’ arrived on my doorstep. I had been lucky enough to gain a place on the Tandem Collective UK readalong of this beautiful book and been gifted a copy of the book from Harper Collins to allow me to join in.

Well, it is very simple: this book is fabulous. I am fully aware that I am not the target audience of these beautiful books, but they really are books for readers and book lovers of all ages. I challenge any of you not to wish that you had the skills to be a bookwanderer by the time you reach the end of this story (or any of the others in the series) – although I suppose we are all bookwanderers the minute we open any of our favourite books.

I do not want to give the plot away, especially if you are a fan who has been reading them all, but I can honestly say you will not be disappointed. Anna James creates such a wonderfully adventurous bookish world with the most brilliant characters. There is such a range of strong characters who younger readers would be able to look up to and take inspiration from – especially when times may be a little more difficult.

So, as we enter the autumnal months, why don’t you take a trip to Pages and Co? Because there really is no adventure like the adventures we find in books.

Also, I bet your reading wish list will grow…

The American Roommate Experiment by Elena Armas

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

I was kindly gifted a copy of ‘The American Roommate Experiment’ as part of a Tandem Collective UK readalong. As I have not read ‘The Spanish Love Deception’, I thought this was a great chance to be introduced to a new author, in a genre I do not always choose to read.

This is a piece of romantic fiction with all the comfort of the chickflick films of the late 90s and early 2000s – which is not a criticism, as we all know that they are some of the greatest films ever made… This is a classic strangers-to-friends-to-lovers story (I do not feel this is a spoiler, as it is a fairly obvious path as you read the book).

Rosie and Lucas are thrown together by fate when they both need somewhere to stay – their connection: Lina, Rosie’s best friend and Lucas’ cousin. Spending time together, friendship blossoms and they help each other to find their stride again after some bumps in the road. But, most importantly, they help each other to learn to love themselves – which helps them learn to really love someone else.

This is an interesting study of all sorts of relationships and how important they are to us. What a support they can be and, sometimes, how we need to ensure we support others.

If you like a slow burn classic friends-to-lovers romance (that can also be a little bit steamy), then this is the book for you. A perfect piece of escapism as we approach autumn.

When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

The lovely Miss W sent me a copy of ‘When Stars are Scattered’ as a little treat a little while ago and, as it was a book that had been on my wishlist for quite some time, I was so excited when it arrived.

I absolutely love a graphic novel; they are just another beautiful way to enjoy reading. And they can be a perfect genre to tackle some harder topics, and this is exactly what ‘When Stars are Scattered’ does. This is even more special, as it is the story of Omar, who is one of the authors of the book.

Omar and his brother are living in Dadaab, a refugee camp in Kenya, as they have escpaed the war in Somalia. With just each other, and their new foster mother, Omar is focused on looking after his brother Hassan, who is nonverbal. Life is hard for the boys, but one day Omar is giving the opportunity to go to school and possibly have the chance to give himself and his brother a better life in the future – although he knows the path will be a long one.

Beautifully crafted through words and pictures, we follow Omar and Hassan as they navigate the challenges that they face in Dadaab. As well as finding out about the experiences of some of their friends, and how a little kindness can inspire some to fight for the chance to change their future – and maybe the futures of others.

Although this is a book for older middle-grade readers, this is a book that readers of all ages should take the time to read, as this is a book with a heart – and a very important message. It causes us to reflect on the privileges that so many of us take for granted, and how showing a little kindness can go a long way.

This book has been added to my automatic recommendation list, so, if you can, pick up this story and give it a read. I am sure you will love it.

Maureen Fry and the Angel of the North by Rachel Joyce

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

I have been very kindly gifted an uncorrected proof of ‘Maureen Fry and the Angel of the North’ by Rachel Joyce – which I was very excited about. However, I do have to confess that I have not read the two books that come before this, as my only encounter with the work of Rachel Joyce has been ‘Miss Benson’s Beetle‘, which was a book I really rather enjoyed.

So, I think maybe meeting Maureen Fry without meeting Harold Fry or Queenie was a slightly different way to read this book than maybe others will do. I had no preconceived ideas about any of the characters or the nature of the story, but I am certainly ready to read the others after finishing this, as I thought it was a delightful read.

Maureen is going to follow in the footsteps of her husband Harold, and go on a bit of a pilgrimage of her own. Maybe in not exactly the same way, but she and Harold have decided that she needs to make a journey north, by car, to visit Queenie’s garden. However, this is not an easy journey for Maureen, for all sorts of reasons (which I do not really want to go into, as I do not want to spoil it for anybody who is really looking forward to reading this book). But it is certainly a journey that Maureen does not entirely expect – even with the best-laid plans, it takes her further than she would ever have imagined in her own personal journey as she comes to terms with the past, present and future.

I read this book in one sitting, as I was so invested in Maureen and her story, and it certainly has me keen to meet Harold properly in his own tale. I also love that it is a book with a title that has so many different meanings throughout the narrative – it is a joy when you spot them or wonder if that is the moment that it is referring to. This is a beautiful and wonderfully emotional read about relationships of all kinds, and I am grateful I have been able to read this before its publication date.

Keep your eyes peeled if you would like to meet Maureen Fry, as she will be in bookshops in October.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

This is a book that I have seen around for quite some time – and as ‘The Maidens’ has also appeared to have taken the bookstagram world by storm too, I really wanted to give the books of Alex Michaelides a go.

And ‘The Silent Patient’ is a book that I think deserves the hype. It was a really fascinating and engaging thriller – told, I thought, in quite a unique style. Now, this is a really difficult book to try and write a blog post about, as I really do not want to give anything away, as this is a book that you need to read if you are a fan of a good thriller.

The tale is told from the point of view of Theo, the therapist who is determined to work out why Alicia carried out such an act of violence against her husband. And why, since that moment, she has not spoken a word or appeared to communicate in any way other than through one painting that she did after the violent and deadly attack on her husband. Theo sets out to find the truth and see if he can be the man who can get Alicia to speak – some would even say that he appears to be obsessed.

I know it is a cliche, but as a psychological thriller this is a real page-turner. I could not put this book down as I needed to know the outcome as we were drip fed snippets of information from Theo’s investigations and Alicia’s personal diary, which seems a surprise.

It has definitely got me keen to read ‘The Maidens’, as Alex Michaelides has proved that he has the skills to weave a chilling, thrilling read with quite the twist – or twists – throughout.