It may be the first day of 2020 but, with festive days having been full of excitement, I have missed a round-up of the final books of 2019.
So here we go…
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
This book crossed over from my ‘Non-fiction November’ into December. ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’ is a book that I have always wanted to read but it had never quite happened.
However, this is a book that I feel many of us should read. This is not just a memoir of Maya growing up in America, but it is a study of the society and culture at the time too. It tackles some uncomfortable issues – but that is the tale of the young girl’s life, however hard it may be for us to read.
This book is an inspiration, and I am keen to read the books that follow, to learn more about this inspirational lady.
Murder at Christmas
I enjoy a festive read and I enjoy a murder mystery – so this seemed a winning combination.
A collection of short stories – classic crime capers. Some were stronger than others as tales. However, overall it was an enjoyable collection of tales for these winter nights.
The Truth Pixie Goes to School by Matt Haig
Matt Haig is a writer that I admire for a number of reasons – but one of those reasons is that he can turn his hand to writing for both adults and children.
As I purchased this book, the bookseller also mentioned that he was a Matt Haig fan, but that this book may be too young for him. I tolf him that was not true, as I think anyone can enjoy these books about the Truth Pixie. They contain ideas and themes that we should all take note of.
Told in rhyme and supported with the illustrations of Chris Mould, this book is good fun for all ages, as we have all needed the friendship of the Truth Pixie from time to time.
Let It Snow
Having watched the Netflix Original Film and always enjoying some YA fiction, I have this book a read for the festive season.
A collection of three tales by three different authors, but all centred around the same town. Love and friendship are the main themes of all the tales. It is a nice read for the festive season and will inject you with the spirit of Christmas – and the desire for a white Christmas.
Death Comes as the End by Agatha Christie
Maidens of Murder December pick.
This may not be a traditional setting for a Christie novel – Ancient Egypt. However, it has all the other elements of a classic Christie novel. An enjoyable read as the tale unravels – I do not want to give any spoilers.
My only slight issue as a reader was getting my around all the names of the characters – but that was probably just me.
Peter Pan by J.M Barrie
A classic that I am not sure I have ever read – why not? Who knows? I saved this until December because I feel it is a really festive tale, maybe because it is now a classic pantomime.
This book was an absolute joy, as I knew it would be. There is adventure, heroes and villains, and a little bit of magic. It is just a wonderful tale – and makes you appreciate the importance of family and friends at all times.
Som there we are; quite a collection, there was one more but that will have a post of its own – as bookstagram made me do it.
Happy New Year – here is to happy 2020 reading!