Month: October 2020

Bill Bailey’s Remarkable Guide to Happiness by Bill Bailey

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

I was so excited when I was gifted a copy of ‘Bill Bailey’s Remarkable Guide to Happiness’ as part of a readalong with the other brilliant bookworms of Tandem Collective UK.

I cannot think of anyone better than Bill Bailey to share ideas about those simple things that bring happiness. This is an ideal book for the current situation, as it really makes you reflect on those little things things that can bring a sprinkle of happiness to everyday life.

Told in short, sharp chapters, it guides you, with warmth and humour, through steps that can bring happiness; some of them so simple that they are probably already part of what you do, but you may not appreciate or realise it. As I read this, I really started thinking about the real happiness of a fresh cup of coffee or sitting down to write a letter (yes, I still do that).

I get the impression that the current situation had quite an influence on Bill Bailey as he wrote this book. And that almost makes the book more enjoyable, as you realise how we have all probably re-evaluated our lives and the things that bring us happiness.

I am pretty sure that I had a smile on my face as I read every page of this book. Bill Bailey’s combination of anecdotes and data from studies make for an incredibly enjoyable read and may even have you want to try something new.

This really is a remarkable guide to happiness.

Thursday Thoughts: Should I Join a Book Club?

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

So, I always thought I would become a sophisticated member of a book club. However, life so easily takes over and it just never seemed to happen. Until I joined the bookstagram community…

In the book-loving social media world, there are an amazing number of book clubs you can be part of. You have a choice of lovely themed ones such as ‘Maidens of Murder’. This is a community of crime fiction fans who read a different novel by Agatha Christie each month. You have a chance to discuss and share your thoughts on a post at the end of the month. I am not always great at sharing my thoughts, but I have really enjoyed the chance to read more Christie books that I may not have picked up.

Another favourite that I am part of is the ‘Victorian Sensation Book Club’. This is a great community of fellow book lovers who enjoy reading Victorian classics, especially those of the sensation genre. We read a section at a time and share our thoughts as we go. This has been brilliant for getting me to read books I would never have picked up before. And, of course, talk about books.

However, these two lovely book club opportunities are still a little safe, because you chat on a post or in a chat group. So, my bravest step was taking part in the ‘Tasting Notes Book Club’ from ‘The Book Taster‘.

This is a brilliant subscription book club and you receive a box of goodies with your book, which makes it a fabulous treat. Yet, this involves an online book club meeting which, for me, was a brave step. However, I am not sure what I was worried about, because it is an amazing safe space to discuss the book with fellow bookworms. And you can, of course, say as much or as little as you like. The two meetings I have attended so far have also involved us hearing the wonderful authors, which has been such a treat.

So, I may not have managed to attend or join a physical book club, but I have found so many fabulous book communities out there to be part of.

Why not have a look what is out there if you have fancied giving a book club a go?

The Chain by Adrian McKinty

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

This is a book that I have had an eye on for quite a while, and October seemed like the perfect time to pick it up.

I was not really sure what this book was about other than it is a thriller. And, wow, what a thriller it is. A cleverly told story that delivers so much more than you expect.

Not only do you get the initial thrilling read in part one, but it really does have you asking how far you would be willing to go for your family. It is so hardm as I do not want to spoil anything about the slick and stylish thriller. However, through all of part one you will be on the edge of your seat and, if you can cope with all of that, you are in for even more of a thrilling read.

Part two is even more of a treat. This part reveals so much of ‘the chain’ and its reasons and causes. Quite a study of human nature and what makes people the way they are. There is an almighty twist as we are working towards the conclusion of the novel – it is not a total surprise, but it certainly adds to the tension of the novel.

This is another book with a brilliantly selected title in the phrase ‘The Chain’. Not only is it a named ‘organisation’ at the heart of the story, but it also had me thinking about the chain of events that make each of us who we are. Especially as there is really quite a collection of chracters in this novel.

If you really enjoy a well-crafted thriller, and a chilling one at that, then this is the book for you – especially as the dark nights close in.

Eight Pieces of Silva by Patrice Lawrence

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

I am always excited to read new books by Patrice Lawrence and, when ‘Eight Pieces of Silva’ hit the shelves this summer, I knew I needed to find a copy.

This book did not disappoint, and I found it a page-turner from the moment I started it. This is a mystery novel, but not in the totally usual sense.

Silva doesn’t return home after taking her parents to the airport and her sister, Becks, is worried. As time passes Becks realises her sister may need her help and finds eight clues in Silva’s room, which reveal a whole secret life Becks and her family had no idea about.

What is so brilliant about this novel is that it tackles a whole number of key issues in its well-crafted and engaging narrative. Becks deals with her complex relationship with family, friends and her own romantic relationship. As well as ideas about healthy and unhealthy ‘romantic’ relationships of others in the tale – and the importance about talking about emotions and mental health.

However, what is again wonderful about a book from the pen of Patrice Lawrence is that there is a brilliant collection of characters. And at the centre is the brilliant Becks – a strong female lead character who knows exactly who she is and exactly what she likes.

This is a fantastic YA novel which I hope many readers will enjoy. There are so many important lessons amongst the pages and, hopefully, it will encourage conversations about many of them too.

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

October is my favourite time of year for thrilling reads. And ‘The Guest List’ is certainly that – in fact, I am even willing to go as far as to say it is better than ‘The Hunting Party‘.

This, as with all books with an element of suspense, is a hard book to offer a blog post on, as I do not wish to inadvertently issue any spoilers. However, I can tell you that this book had all the brilliant ingredients of a thrilling read. An isolated island, a whole host of characters carrying secrets, and twists and turns. Part of the reason I loved this book was that I managed to pick up some of the clues that were scattered throughout the story but I did not spot them all, so some of the reveals were a surprise.

I was not particularly a fan of the number of characters. Although, as the story is told, you do begin to change your view of many – sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse.

I think, overall, this tale seemed more slick than ‘The Hunting Party’. And, although it was still a tale of secrets and lies, this just seemed maybe a little more complex. Yet, I still enjoyed both and think Lucy Foley is a great modern thriller writer. I would definitely be willing to read more stories from her imagination.

Thursday Thoughts: Does it matter what I read?

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

I am sure you have realised that I absolutely love reading. And I will happily give almost anything a go (although I am not really a Sci-fi fan). However, I do think sometimes people feel judged by their reading choices and that is really not wha this hobby is about. In fact, if you think you would enjoy a book you should read it.

I really enjoy YA fiction – I am not the target audience, but who cares? All that matters is that it is the chance to read a good story. And, to be honest, it is an opportunity to learn something and see things from other perspectives, and develop empathy for those who may be the target audience.

However, I also dislike some of the snobbery that comes with genres, like the idea of ‘chick lit’ or ‘beach reads’. What is wrong with books with strong female characters? After all, surely ‘Little Women’ is a perfect piece of ‘chick lit’ classed as a classic. And surely a beach read is something that helps you unwind on a holiday, and that is certainly different for all of us.

So, do not worry about the books you want to read – if it makes you happy and helps you unwind, then pick it up and enjoy the escapism.

The Courage to Care by Christie Watson

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

Wow – this book could be one of my books of the year. I could not put this brilliant book down. Tandem Collective gifted me a copy of ‘The Courage to Care’ and it really is a book everyone should read, especially in the current situation.

Watson shares incredible anecdotes about what it is to be a nurse and have the courage to care. We all know that nursing is not a simple job, but this really highlights all the different roles and positions, not only within the NHS and hospitals, but for patients and their families a nurse takes on. I read this book, sometimes crying, realising that all of those people who take on a caring role are very special.

However, this book also has Christie Watson reflecting on her own experiences of adopting a little boy. There was a whole lot of courage in making the decision that she and her partner can care for a little boy who needs a new start in life.

And, as Covid-19 struck, so many NHS staff were left on the front line not only supporting their usual patients, but offering to help so many more.

This book does tackle some really difficult subjects surronding physical health, mental health and difficult experiences that may be a trigger for some. It is all handled sensitively, but it may mean some readers would rather approach the book with caution.

Yet, for me this is a beautiful book that can teach us so much about those who got to work every day to care for others. And it will have you reflecting on your life, priorities and the courage you have to care – especially when it can really make a difference.