Tag: Tandem Collective Readalong

Joe Nuthin’s Guide to Life by Helen Fisher

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

I was kindly invited to join the Tandem Collective Readalong for ‘Joe Nuthin’s Guide to Life’ by Helen Fisher. And, as a result, kindly gifted a copy of the book, too.

What a joy of a book this is. I could not put it down. Beautifully written, it introduces us to Joe, who is neurodiverse and is finding his way in the world with the help of his mother and ‘Hugo Boss’ at the ‘Compass’ store. Joe knows what he likes and he likes his life to be full of routine and order, but, when his Mum dies, he has to start finding his way in the world on his own – with a little help from his friends and the guides to life that his Mum has left to help him through. This book takes us with Joe as he navigates his way through life and finds out some of the realities of life that he may have been sheltered from before.

This story is just beautiful and the hashtag #bemorejoe could not be more apt. Joe is a fantastic character who teaches those around him as much as he learns from them. And I think it was quite a lesson in finding the joy in the simple things in life, and the importance of showing people kindness in all sorts of different situations. This is a book that I think will be an automatic recommendation from me. as I absolutely adored it – and I think it can teach the reader rather a lot, too.

It was a rather poignant read, too, as Joe’s favourite show, and pretty much the place he formed many of his views of the world, was ‘Friends’ – and, with the tragic death of Matthew Perry, I found this even more special and reflected on the comfort that our favourite things can bring us.

Helen Fisher has definitely become an author that I will be looking out for more books from over the next few years.

One-Armed Jack: Uncovering the real Jack the Ripper by Sarah Bax Horton

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

I was kindly gifted a copy of ‘One-Armed Jack: Uncovering the real Jack the Ripper’ by Sarah Bax Horton, by the lovely Tandem Collective UK.

As someone who has a passion for history and loves a good mystery, this was a great book to have the chance to be on a readalong for. We have to all admit that we have probably heard of the crimes of Jack the Ripper, and there have been so many who have tried to work out exactly who this infamous character was (as the name ‘Jack the Ripper’ was penned by the media of the day). And the case has, of course, been hitting the headlines again in recent years as we look at reframing history to remove the sensationalisation of the crimes, while ensuring that the women are remembered for the real people they were, and not just as the victims of this figure. Hallie Rubenhold’s book ‘The Five’ starts this very important conversation, reframing that historical narrative to bring ‘her-story’ and not just ‘his-story’ to the world.

But I digress; let us return to ‘One-Armed Jack’. This book was an absolutely fascinating read, bringing us not just the history of ‘Jack the Ripper’, but also ensuring that the canonical five (just as Rubenhold did) have their story shared too (as well as others who may also have been the victim of Jack the Ripper when you look at the actions of such a serial killer).

I do not want to give spoilers to this true crime book as, realistically, it is still a thrilling read that brings us evidence that allows her to prove why exactly she (and others) believe that Hyam Hyams could well have been the man we know as ‘Jack the Ripper’. I found all this work and evidence incredibly interesting, and I can see exactly why this man may well have been in the frame. And, maybe just the lack of expertise in policing at the time – as we all know that things have to develop and improve – may have been the reason why he was never really discovered in Victorian England.

I find the study of Hyam Hyams as a figure intriguing in this book, and it becomes very thought-provoking when the experiences of his past are used as evidence as to why he may have committed such terrible crimes. Yet he would not have been the only person (sadly) in Victorian London who may have had such an experience. As his life goes on, you see that some of those of experiences would not be to unique to him – so, really, why do some chose one path and others a different one? It is easy to see why people have such a keen interest in true crime and those who commit it – but what this book does so well is to not glamourise it, which we know some media outlets have been accused of previously.

This book is one that I will definitely be encouraging people to read if they have an interest in this piece of history – the social history, as well as the particular story of Jack the Ripper. I think a clear case is made – with evidence – that Hyam Hyams could well have been the man that evaded the authorities for so long. However, it is clear that we will never really know; there is no way that anyone can tell us for certain – so maybe we will always have to have an open mind, and there may well be others who decide to investigate another figure.

But, for now, ‘One-Armed Jack’ is a book you should read if you’re looking for a well-researched and clearly laid out case that could potentially identify ‘Jack the Ripper’.

The Wind Knows My Name by Isabel Allende

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

I was kindly added to a readalong for ‘The Wind Knows My Name’ by Isabel Allende. So, I was gifted a proof of the book to allow me to join in, so thank you again Tandem Collective UK. I was very excited, as this was my first encounter with Allende’s work; I have seen it around a lot but I was not sure that her books were for me. They always seemed to be something that may be a little highbrow for me. Yet again, how wrong I was – in fact, I am now going to be trying to read her backlist (along with all those other books I promise myself I will read).

‘The Wind Knows my Name’ is a beautifully crafted piece of historical fiction that takes use from the tragic night of Kristallnacht in the 1930s right up to the present day. This book explores the idea of displacement of people due to the difficult and dangerous social and political situations that they have lived through with their families, causing them to flee for the hope of a better life. And, what Allende does so cleverly is bring some of her characters together from very different backgrounds, but who all have the shared experience of displacement – allowing them to form relationships and support for each other.

This book is heartbreaking and hopeful in equal measure. It is incredibly thought-provoking as its timeline becomes more and more contemporary, and you see the issues we sometimes think are left in the past are still continuing, every day, around the world. And, in fact, you will be wanting to find out more about the events that she has chosen to pick out to create her narrative.

I think it is fairly clear that I will be trying more of Allende’s novels. So, if you have any recommendations, please let me know in the comments.

People Person by Candice Carty-Williams

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

Thank you Tandem Collective UK for having me along for a buddy read of ‘People Person’ by Candice Carty-Williams, and gifting me a copy of the book too. What a treat for the May half-term break.

I had been a big fan of ‘Queenie‘ so I had high hopes for this book. And it did not disappoint. ‘People Person’ is a fantastic study of people (I guess the title gives that away) and their relationships. It especially reflects on the idea of family and what makes a family what it is.

We meet a group of siblings, who all have the same father, Cyril, but different mothers. Different women that Cyril met throughout his younger days, and promised the world to, but did not hang around to deliver. Each of the five siblings has handled this differently over the years, and they have rarely spent a lot of time together. However, when Dimple needs a team around her, after a difficult encounter with her on/off boyfriend Kyron, her siblings are all there for her, in their different ways. Even if, like Lizzie, they are a little reluctant in some ways.

Dimple is really the central character to this story, as she is the one who calls the siblings back together and it is her relationships that form the focus of the story. Dimple really goes on a journey of self-discovery as she finds out more about each of her siblings, and this forces her to reflect on the relationships she has with her father and her mother (who never really seems to have got over Cyril – and who Cyril may have had on a pedestal all those years, too).

I really enjoyed the reflection of nature versus nurture, how each of the siblings had little to do with their father and had been brought up just by their mother – yet their experiences had been very different but still similar. Some had a harder time than others, some were much happier than others but, all in all, they do realise that maybe they do need each other. There is also a clear investigation on how the past of parents can impact the future of their children.

I do not like to spoil books in my posts (as you know, and I say it nearly every time) but if you enjoyed ‘Queenie’, I think you will enjoy this. If you enjoy family drama (rather than saga), I think you will enjoy this. And, if you like strong female characters, then I think you will like this. Candice Carty-Williams writes characters and relationships brilliantly, and this is a book that is worth picking up.

The Favour by Nicci French

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

Thank you to ‘Tandem Collective’ for the gifted copy of Nicci French’s latest novel. I had not read any books by Nicci French before, so I was very excited to start, especially as I am a fan of a thrilling read.

This thriller is definitely more of a character-driven story than plot-driven. The plot is engaging – after all, what exactly is ‘the favour’? But it is the characters that keep the story going and keep the reader reading.

Jude has her life together – and always has. She is young, she is successful and she does not appear to let the events of the past haunt her or hold her back. However, Liam, her first love, reappears one random morning and asks her for a favour, which she appears to agree to, with hesitation. Little does Jude know that this may well change her life beyond recognition and drag her into a world that she would be better off leaving alone.

I did find this book a page-turner, as I just had to know what was going to happen and who was involved with what throughout the narrative. And, the phrase ‘the favour’ takes on so many different meanings as you work your way through the story – some having much more significance than the other. Occasionally, Jude’s actions seem a bit bizzare for an educated woman, but as the story unfolds you begin to understand why some things are like they are (although it still makes some of her actions a little questionable – I mean, she really does not seem to spot a warning sign…).

The revelation at the end was not quite what I was expecting. I had seen some of the secrets worked out before they were revealed, but not the final revelation. There are plenty of red herrings as we meet different characters – and some of them do seem a little wasted, as they do not bring much to the plot other than a little bit of distraction.

If you enjoy a pacy thriller with a complex plot, then this may not be the book for you – but if you enjoy a well-crafted character-led story full of secrets, then this definitely is the book for you.

The Book-Lover’s Retreat by Heidi Swain

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

Thank you to Tandem Collective UK for my gifted copy of ‘The Book-Lover’s Retreat’ by Heidi Swain. This was a buddy read for the publication of the paperback edition of the book, and what fun it has been. This was also my first Heidi Swain novel, so I was excited to read it.

‘The Book-Lover’s Retreat’ is definitely a book for book lovers (as the title may suggest): a book about books – can there be anything better? Emily, Rachel and Tori are each big fans of the book ‘Hope Falls’, each has their own personal connection to the book and the film, and finally they are going to have the chance to stay at the cottage used in the film and visit all the places the characters visit. There is just one snag: Tori has to drop out and they need to find someone to replace her pretty quickly to not to lose out on their long-awaited dream holiday. Along comes Alex to save the day – but Alex is not quite who Emily and Rachel expect, and the holiday possibly becomes more than any of them ever expected.

This was such a lovely book to read. It delicately handled so many key issues and showed the importance of being supported by fantastic friends. There is a little bit of romance between the pages but it is so much more than a romantic piece of fiction and, quite honestly, it had me wanting to pack my bags and head for the Lake District with my best friends.

The character development is something that made this book particularly enjoyable. It was lovely to have strong female characters who worked together to support each other and help each other to achieve their dreams, or find their correct place in the world. As well as some male characters that were just as supportive of the dreams of their friends. There is one baddy among the pages, but this allows for the difficult subject of toxic relationships to be handled sensitively, while still raising awareness of such issues.

This book was a delight to read, especially ideal as we move towards the spring and summer months. This may not be my last read from the pen of Heidi Swain.

Just. Got. Real. by Jane Fallon

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

Tandem Collective UK kindly gifted me a copy of ‘Just. Got. Real’ by Jane Fallon as part of a readalong campaign.

This was my first introduction to Jane Fallon’s books, and it was an absolute delight to read – I think I may well be looking out for more of her books.

At first glance, this may appear to be an obvious romance novel, especially with its fantastically pink cover (which is amazing), but actually this story is so much more than that. This is a wonderful book about grief, loneliness, friendship – and rediscovering yourself when you may have slightly lost your way. And a fantastic revenge.

Now, as regular readers of my blog will know, I hate to give anything away in my reviews, so I am going to keep my little summary brief. Joni’s marriage has ended in divorce, her daughter has moved away and her best friend has died in a car accident. Joni has created a life of routine for herself for each day, but it is not quite a life full of adventure. However, when she decides to get back on the dating scene thanks to an app, her life becomes far more adventurous than she ever could have imagined – with an opportunity to make two new wonderful friends.

I found that I could not put this book down, as I just kept wanting to know what would happen next. This book is fantastically written and the characters are so beautifully created that you could imagine sharing a glass of white wine with them when they have their girly get-togethers.

So, if you are looking for a read with strong female characters, then this is the book for you.

An Unwanted Inheritance by Imogen Clark

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

I was due to read ‘An Unwanted Inheritance’ back in December, when I was kindly gifted a copy by Tandem Collective UK – however, it never made it. I had give up hope and just thought it was one of those things that was just not meant to be – however, out of the blue it appeared on my doormat, so I had my little readalong on my own.

‘An Unwanted Inheritance’ is an excellent study of human relationships, especially within the family unit. When three siblings are left with a suitcase full of cash after the sudden death of their father, everything that they thought they knew is brought under the microscope. We follow the three siblings as they try to make decisions about what the right thing to do with their ‘unwanted inheritance’ is (well, it is more unwanted by some than others) but, also, as they try to solve the mystery of where exactly the money came from or who exactly their father was.

What keeps you reading, however, is the character study. I enjoyed seeing how each character reacted to the situation, or at least the situation as they saw it. How, sometimes, people can not see what is right under their nose, or accept what is in front of them. And how money can really impact people in so many ways, some often being very negative.

So, if you are a fan of a book that is character led (although, do not expect to like all the characters, because I certainly did not) and a plot that is guided more by the characters, then this is the book for you. It may even make you reflect on your own character at times.

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.