Since posting this #tbt I have read & reviewed 📚nearly 30 books which equates to over a story a month, I think? Reading is powerful for several reasons & I hope to inspire those who can to #readmorebooks – when I think of books I touch my shelf 😂 🤓 If reading isn’t an option for you then perhaps check out audio versions. The “script” & “lyrics” will always be the heart & soul ♥️
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#bookstagram #books #bookreviewer #bookreview #readersofinstagram #reading #bookrecommendations #booksbooksbooks
My 2nd #lesleypearse book, recommended by Nana, again! Abduction, murder, trickery, rape & taking advantage of people at their most vulnerable haunt the narrative. Pre-warning it’s explicit, sexually, at various times too – this doesn’t dominate the narrative (at all) but was a bit of a shock. Aside from the obvious “darker” concepts this story is also weighted with great friendships, loyalty & (surprisingly) romance & love! So in the end, it all balances out. Far-fetched but enticing; A beautiful young girl (Lotte) is found by a rather handsome stranger (David) washed up on the beach, half-drowned – I wondered if he was something to do with it. But the plot isn’t that obvious. It is confirmed she’s recently given birth but there’s no sign of the baby and to top it off she’s lost her memory! Luckily, Lotte is imminently identified by her close friends & family – thankfully she’s not so far from home. Sadly, her parents are undeniably cold & unsupportive given the traumatic circumstances (there’s history, explained, as to why) but people like her best friend Dale, are solid & there for her. As it goes, Dale is the next victim to be abducted with Lotte (yep, a double kidnapping, 2nd time around!) not many days after poor Lotte’s been found. This is a story about survival. The couple responsible for the terror are sanctimonious sick bastards – that’s me being kind. I’m not gonna tell you the ins & outs of the duo “whodunnit” because you can give it a read! But a backstory of corruption & adoption fraud unfolds! It is a strong 3.8/5 from me – 💯 held my attention & I found it easy to care for the characters. However, it did become a bit too absurd for believability towards the end. I know, I know, it’s fiction! And the absurdity is probably why I kept turning the pages, so maybe I’m hypercritical to knock some points off 😂 😂 Anyway, my Nan ONLY reads Lesley Pearse & we all know Nan’s know best. SWIPE for my purposely “washed out” pics (to match) when #stolen got stolen by my #cheekychocolatelab & ripped up! Yes, I bought another copy to finish off the story & yes I’ll return the new copy to my Nan 😆 🐕 #bookstagram #reading #readersofinstagram #bookreview
My 2nd #lesleypearse book, recommended by Nana, again! Abduction, murder, trickery, rape & taking advantage of people at their most vulnerable haunt the narrative. Pre-warning it’s explicit, sexually, at various times too – this doesn’t dominate the narrative (at all) but was a bit of a shock. Aside from the obvious “darker” concepts this story is also weighted with great friendships, loyalty & (surprisingly) romance & love! So in the end, it all balances out. Far-fetched but enticing; A beautiful young girl (Lotte) is found by a rather handsome stranger (David) washed up on the beach, half-drowned – I wondered if he was something to do with it. But the plot isn’t that obvious. It is confirmed she’s recently given birth but there’s no sign of the baby and to top it off she’s lost her memory! Luckily, Lotte is imminently identified by her close friends & family – thankfully she’s not so far from home. Sadly, her parents are undeniably cold & unsupportive given the traumatic circumstances (there’s history, explained, as to why) but people like her best friend Dale, are solid & there for her. As it goes, Dale is the next victim to be abducted with Lotte (yep, a double kidnapping, 2nd time around!) not many days after poor Lotte’s been found. This is a story about survival. The couple responsible for the terror are sanctimonious sick bastards – that’s me being kind. I’m not gonna tell you the ins & outs of the duo “whodunnit” because you can give it a read! But a backstory of corruption & adoption fraud unfolds! It is a strong 3.8/5 from me – 💯 held my attention & I found it easy to care for the characters. However, it did become a bit too absurd for believability towards the end. I know, I know, it’s fiction! And the absurdity is probably why I kept turning the pages, so maybe I’m hypercritical to knock some points off 😂 😂 Anyway, my Nan ONLY reads Lesley Pearse & we all know Nan’s know best. SWIPE for my purposely “washed out” pics (to match) when #stolen got stolen by my #cheekychocolatelab & ripped up! Yes, I bought another copy to finish off the story & yes I’ll return the new copy to my Nan 😆 🐕 #bookstagram #reading #readersofinstagram #bookreview
My 2nd #lesleypearse book, recommended by Nana, again! Abduction, murder, trickery, rape & taking advantage of people at their most vulnerable haunt the narrative. Pre-warning it’s explicit, sexually, at various times too – this doesn’t dominate the narrative (at all) but was a bit of a shock. Aside from the obvious “darker” concepts this story is also weighted with great friendships, loyalty & (surprisingly) romance & love! So in the end, it all balances out. Far-fetched but enticing; A beautiful young girl (Lotte) is found by a rather handsome stranger (David) washed up on the beach, half-drowned – I wondered if he was something to do with it. But the plot isn’t that obvious. It is confirmed she’s recently given birth but there’s no sign of the baby and to top it off she’s lost her memory! Luckily, Lotte is imminently identified by her close friends & family – thankfully she’s not so far from home. Sadly, her parents are undeniably cold & unsupportive given the traumatic circumstances (there’s history, explained, as to why) but people like her best friend Dale, are solid & there for her. As it goes, Dale is the next victim to be abducted with Lotte (yep, a double kidnapping, 2nd time around!) not many days after poor Lotte’s been found. This is a story about survival. The couple responsible for the terror are sanctimonious sick bastards – that’s me being kind. I’m not gonna tell you the ins & outs of the duo “whodunnit” because you can give it a read! But a backstory of corruption & adoption fraud unfolds! It is a strong 3.8/5 from me – 💯 held my attention & I found it easy to care for the characters. However, it did become a bit too absurd for believability towards the end. I know, I know, it’s fiction! And the absurdity is probably why I kept turning the pages, so maybe I’m hypercritical to knock some points off 😂 😂 Anyway, my Nan ONLY reads Lesley Pearse & we all know Nan’s know best. SWIPE for my purposely “washed out” pics (to match) when #stolen got stolen by my #cheekychocolatelab & ripped up! Yes, I bought another copy to finish off the story & yes I’ll return the new copy to my Nan 😆 🐕 #bookstagram #reading #readersofinstagram #bookreview
My 2nd #lesleypearse book, recommended by Nana, again! Abduction, murder, trickery, rape & taking advantage of people at their most vulnerable haunt the narrative. Pre-warning it’s explicit, sexually, at various times too – this doesn’t dominate the narrative (at all) but was a bit of a shock. Aside from the obvious “darker” concepts this story is also weighted with great friendships, loyalty & (surprisingly) romance & love! So in the end, it all balances out. Far-fetched but enticing; A beautiful young girl (Lotte) is found by a rather handsome stranger (David) washed up on the beach, half-drowned – I wondered if he was something to do with it. But the plot isn’t that obvious. It is confirmed she’s recently given birth but there’s no sign of the baby and to top it off she’s lost her memory! Luckily, Lotte is imminently identified by her close friends & family – thankfully she’s not so far from home. Sadly, her parents are undeniably cold & unsupportive given the traumatic circumstances (there’s history, explained, as to why) but people like her best friend Dale, are solid & there for her. As it goes, Dale is the next victim to be abducted with Lotte (yep, a double kidnapping, 2nd time around!) not many days after poor Lotte’s been found. This is a story about survival. The couple responsible for the terror are sanctimonious sick bastards – that’s me being kind. I’m not gonna tell you the ins & outs of the duo “whodunnit” because you can give it a read! But a backstory of corruption & adoption fraud unfolds! It is a strong 3.8/5 from me – 💯 held my attention & I found it easy to care for the characters. However, it did become a bit too absurd for believability towards the end. I know, I know, it’s fiction! And the absurdity is probably why I kept turning the pages, so maybe I’m hypercritical to knock some points off 😂 😂 Anyway, my Nan ONLY reads Lesley Pearse & we all know Nan’s know best. SWIPE for my purposely “washed out” pics (to match) when #stolen got stolen by my #cheekychocolatelab & ripped up! Yes, I bought another copy to finish off the story & yes I’ll return the new copy to my Nan 😆 🐕 #bookstagram #reading #readersofinstagram #bookreview
My 2nd #lesleypearse book, recommended by Nana, again! Abduction, murder, trickery, rape & taking advantage of people at their most vulnerable haunt the narrative. Pre-warning it’s explicit, sexually, at various times too – this doesn’t dominate the narrative (at all) but was a bit of a shock. Aside from the obvious “darker” concepts this story is also weighted with great friendships, loyalty & (surprisingly) romance & love! So in the end, it all balances out. Far-fetched but enticing; A beautiful young girl (Lotte) is found by a rather handsome stranger (David) washed up on the beach, half-drowned – I wondered if he was something to do with it. But the plot isn’t that obvious. It is confirmed she’s recently given birth but there’s no sign of the baby and to top it off she’s lost her memory! Luckily, Lotte is imminently identified by her close friends & family – thankfully she’s not so far from home. Sadly, her parents are undeniably cold & unsupportive given the traumatic circumstances (there’s history, explained, as to why) but people like her best friend Dale, are solid & there for her. As it goes, Dale is the next victim to be abducted with Lotte (yep, a double kidnapping, 2nd time around!) not many days after poor Lotte’s been found. This is a story about survival. The couple responsible for the terror are sanctimonious sick bastards – that’s me being kind. I’m not gonna tell you the ins & outs of the duo “whodunnit” because you can give it a read! But a backstory of corruption & adoption fraud unfolds! It is a strong 3.8/5 from me – 💯 held my attention & I found it easy to care for the characters. However, it did become a bit too absurd for believability towards the end. I know, I know, it’s fiction! And the absurdity is probably why I kept turning the pages, so maybe I’m hypercritical to knock some points off 😂 😂 Anyway, my Nan ONLY reads Lesley Pearse & we all know Nan’s know best. SWIPE for my purposely “washed out” pics (to match) when #stolen got stolen by my #cheekychocolatelab & ripped up! Yes, I bought another copy to finish off the story & yes I’ll return the new copy to my Nan 😆 🐕 #bookstagram #reading #readersofinstagram #bookreview
#thehungergames #bookreview
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Fictional; teenagers killing each other, for entertainment sake. Wee bit of debate, online, re how old the reader should be 😬 Extraordinarily well-written. The characters have depth (even the ones who ain’t gonna last long) & the survivors are cleverly crafted with enticing potential for growth. I finished the last chapter shortly after closing David Nott’s War Doctor, so could’ve been slightly desensitised to how gory it was towards the end of The Hunger Games; a subconscious comparison. But, what stood out to me, more than bloodshed, was the complex love-story between Tributes, Peeta & Katniss, alongside the sheer devotion our strong female lead (Katniss Evergreen) has for her lil sister, Prim. Not to mention her loyalty to both family & friends. I love that Katniss actions a big “F you” to the corrupt system steering the wheel of fate. A brief synopsis is there’s a world split into 12 districts. Each district has its “role” to play in society which bleeds into the themes of class & social status. Annually, 2 “tributes” are (randomly) selected to take part in a reality tv show called “The Hunger Games” where the contestants ultimately fight for their lives. There are plenty of added twists & turns. Some of the chosen are young & naive, while others are older, wiser and/or have more of a physical advantage as their edge. The inequality & unjust distribution of resources is rife. Starvation, poverty & (once again) irrational human behaviour drives the narrative. It’s evident where the influence & insight for such astute writing, though imaginary, has come from… Suzanne Collins (the writer) father (Lieutenant Michael John Collins) was a US Air Force officer who served in the Korean War and Vietnam War. The Hunger Games is actually interactive, so the audience can pay to send gifts in for their favourite ones, which could ultimately save (or kill) a life – The Capitol (the rich) therefore exacerbate motive & manipulation. It’s harsh & extreme, but it appeals vastly to the dark appetite of the viewers – especially those who have more money than sense. I look forward to reading the next book in this trilogy! 💥 5/5
#thehungergames #bookreview
📚
Fictional; teenagers killing each other, for entertainment sake. Wee bit of debate, online, re how old the reader should be 😬 Extraordinarily well-written. The characters have depth (even the ones who ain’t gonna last long) & the survivors are cleverly crafted with enticing potential for growth. I finished the last chapter shortly after closing David Nott’s War Doctor, so could’ve been slightly desensitised to how gory it was towards the end of The Hunger Games; a subconscious comparison. But, what stood out to me, more than bloodshed, was the complex love-story between Tributes, Peeta & Katniss, alongside the sheer devotion our strong female lead (Katniss Evergreen) has for her lil sister, Prim. Not to mention her loyalty to both family & friends. I love that Katniss actions a big “F you” to the corrupt system steering the wheel of fate. A brief synopsis is there’s a world split into 12 districts. Each district has its “role” to play in society which bleeds into the themes of class & social status. Annually, 2 “tributes” are (randomly) selected to take part in a reality tv show called “The Hunger Games” where the contestants ultimately fight for their lives. There are plenty of added twists & turns. Some of the chosen are young & naive, while others are older, wiser and/or have more of a physical advantage as their edge. The inequality & unjust distribution of resources is rife. Starvation, poverty & (once again) irrational human behaviour drives the narrative. It’s evident where the influence & insight for such astute writing, though imaginary, has come from… Suzanne Collins (the writer) father (Lieutenant Michael John Collins) was a US Air Force officer who served in the Korean War and Vietnam War. The Hunger Games is actually interactive, so the audience can pay to send gifts in for their favourite ones, which could ultimately save (or kill) a life – The Capitol (the rich) therefore exacerbate motive & manipulation. It’s harsh & extreme, but it appeals vastly to the dark appetite of the viewers – especially those who have more money than sense. I look forward to reading the next book in this trilogy! 💥 5/5
Several lives, characters & subplots – meticulously intertwined. Loved it! Written over a week, 7days leading up to Easter; Re-birth & “a new beginning” judiciously end this novel. Women’s fiction & a well-written thriller ♥️ I highly recommend!
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Arguably confusing at the start to ya getting your head around all the different characters/stories that are set to crossover, but bear with it, because it soon flows. Cecilia (mum of 3 girls & Tupperware selling business woman!) finds a letter in her loft. It’s from her Husband & says to open when he’s dead. He ain’t dead. Pandora’s box 📦 ♥️ would you open it?! The letter holds a confession which directly bleeds into the life of another central character & in doing so has a knock on affect, seeping into the world of more people you’ll be introduced to.
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Feminine curiosity, secrets, guilt, coming of age, sex, identity crisis, murder, justice & letting go of the past. Choices & fate are also themes at the heart of this.
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There are colourful dramas & tragedies seemingly all going on all at once – Tess, for example, returns to the area with her young son, because her husband (back home) has fallen in love with her cousin, Felicity. Tess ends up shagging the hot PE teacher 😂 Simultaneously you have the receptionist, Rachel, 60’s, who’s young daughter was murdered many years ago, adamant the PE teacher did it…
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Set in a small community in Australia, modern day, the writer weaves in historical references to The Berlin Wall. And dips back & forth into the 80’s & 90’s when recalling certain memories. It’ll all make sense/tie up – give it a read! I probably need to read it a 2nd time to absorb/appreciate the genius of it to be honest. There are small details & clever nuances which should not be overlooked.
*
A strong 4.5/5 💥 #bookstagram #bookreview #secret #thehusbandssecret #readersofinstagram #australia #lianemoriartybooks
Several lives, characters & subplots – meticulously intertwined. Loved it! Written over a week, 7days leading up to Easter; Re-birth & “a new beginning” judiciously end this novel. Women’s fiction & a well-written thriller ♥️ I highly recommend!
*
Arguably confusing at the start to ya getting your head around all the different characters/stories that are set to crossover, but bear with it, because it soon flows. Cecilia (mum of 3 girls & Tupperware selling business woman!) finds a letter in her loft. It’s from her Husband & says to open when he’s dead. He ain’t dead. Pandora’s box 📦 ♥️ would you open it?! The letter holds a confession which directly bleeds into the life of another central character & in doing so has a knock on affect, seeping into the world of more people you’ll be introduced to.
*
Feminine curiosity, secrets, guilt, coming of age, sex, identity crisis, murder, justice & letting go of the past. Choices & fate are also themes at the heart of this.
*
There are colourful dramas & tragedies seemingly all going on all at once – Tess, for example, returns to the area with her young son, because her husband (back home) has fallen in love with her cousin, Felicity. Tess ends up shagging the hot PE teacher 😂 Simultaneously you have the receptionist, Rachel, 60’s, who’s young daughter was murdered many years ago, adamant the PE teacher did it…
*
Set in a small community in Australia, modern day, the writer weaves in historical references to The Berlin Wall. And dips back & forth into the 80’s & 90’s when recalling certain memories. It’ll all make sense/tie up – give it a read! I probably need to read it a 2nd time to absorb/appreciate the genius of it to be honest. There are small details & clever nuances which should not be overlooked.
*
A strong 4.5/5 💥 #bookstagram #bookreview #secret #thehusbandssecret #readersofinstagram #australia #lianemoriartybooks
Several lives, characters & subplots – meticulously intertwined. Loved it! Written over a week, 7days leading up to Easter; Re-birth & “a new beginning” judiciously end this novel. Women’s fiction & a well-written thriller ♥️ I highly recommend!
*
Arguably confusing at the start to ya getting your head around all the different characters/stories that are set to crossover, but bear with it, because it soon flows. Cecilia (mum of 3 girls & Tupperware selling business woman!) finds a letter in her loft. It’s from her Husband & says to open when he’s dead. He ain’t dead. Pandora’s box 📦 ♥️ would you open it?! The letter holds a confession which directly bleeds into the life of another central character & in doing so has a knock on affect, seeping into the world of more people you’ll be introduced to.
*
Feminine curiosity, secrets, guilt, coming of age, sex, identity crisis, murder, justice & letting go of the past. Choices & fate are also themes at the heart of this.
*
There are colourful dramas & tragedies seemingly all going on all at once – Tess, for example, returns to the area with her young son, because her husband (back home) has fallen in love with her cousin, Felicity. Tess ends up shagging the hot PE teacher 😂 Simultaneously you have the receptionist, Rachel, 60’s, who’s young daughter was murdered many years ago, adamant the PE teacher did it…
*
Set in a small community in Australia, modern day, the writer weaves in historical references to The Berlin Wall. And dips back & forth into the 80’s & 90’s when recalling certain memories. It’ll all make sense/tie up – give it a read! I probably need to read it a 2nd time to absorb/appreciate the genius of it to be honest. There are small details & clever nuances which should not be overlooked.
*
A strong 4.5/5 💥 #bookstagram #bookreview #secret #thehusbandssecret #readersofinstagram #australia #lianemoriartybooks
2nd book I’ve read by #lianemoriarty & once again I LOVED it. Entertaining with a good sense of humour throughout – also surprisingly thought-provoking; an unexpected focus on sudden loss, trauma & pain. 3 of the 9 perfect strangers (Mum Heather, Dad Napoleon & Daughter Zoe) are mourning missing family member (Zach – Brother & Son) who very sadly took his own life. It’s the anniversary of Zach’s death & the family have opted to spend it at a new health resort, Tranquillam House; one fancy mansion, 9 perfect strangers & 10 challenging days. Between periods of fasting, star gazing, yoga & complete silence… there are some enlightening breakthroughs BUT (shockingly) there are also some really strange & sinister “games” going on – Marsha, the creator of this so-called programme (ultimate control freak) has some questionable 🤨 techniques, such as secretly drugging her guests with LSD & locking them in the basement on their come down for over 48 hours… yes you read that correctly. Memorable characters & backstories keep the pace of this story. I won’t spoil by spilling ALL the beans… but you’ve got Frances, the quirky middle aged romance novelist who has recently fallen hard for an infamous internet scammer, Ben & Jessica the young couple who won the lottery but can’t work out why they’re so deeply unhappy – despite the Lamborghini & total appearance transformation, Lars a gay divorce lawyer who only helps women in court & can’t surrender to “true love” in his own life, Tony the (later revealed) famous ex-Athlete, battling post retirement depression & Carmel the lovely mother of 4 girls who believes she is too fat & pretty much worthless since her husband left her for a younger woman, plus the aforementioned Marconi Family.
#9perfectstrangers is well structured & beautifully tied together at the end. I can’t fault it. I’m not sure if it’s a drama, thriller or horror. But I highly recommend you take it on ya summer holibobs if you have a nice getaway planned… where hopefully you won’t meet anyone like Masha 😂 ☀️ 💥 #bookstagram #readersofinstagram #bookrecommendations
2nd book I’ve read by #lianemoriarty & once again I LOVED it. Entertaining with a good sense of humour throughout – also surprisingly thought-provoking; an unexpected focus on sudden loss, trauma & pain. 3 of the 9 perfect strangers (Mum Heather, Dad Napoleon & Daughter Zoe) are mourning missing family member (Zach – Brother & Son) who very sadly took his own life. It’s the anniversary of Zach’s death & the family have opted to spend it at a new health resort, Tranquillam House; one fancy mansion, 9 perfect strangers & 10 challenging days. Between periods of fasting, star gazing, yoga & complete silence… there are some enlightening breakthroughs BUT (shockingly) there are also some really strange & sinister “games” going on – Marsha, the creator of this so-called programme (ultimate control freak) has some questionable 🤨 techniques, such as secretly drugging her guests with LSD & locking them in the basement on their come down for over 48 hours… yes you read that correctly. Memorable characters & backstories keep the pace of this story. I won’t spoil by spilling ALL the beans… but you’ve got Frances, the quirky middle aged romance novelist who has recently fallen hard for an infamous internet scammer, Ben & Jessica the young couple who won the lottery but can’t work out why they’re so deeply unhappy – despite the Lamborghini & total appearance transformation, Lars a gay divorce lawyer who only helps women in court & can’t surrender to “true love” in his own life, Tony the (later revealed) famous ex-Athlete, battling post retirement depression & Carmel the lovely mother of 4 girls who believes she is too fat & pretty much worthless since her husband left her for a younger woman, plus the aforementioned Marconi Family.
#9perfectstrangers is well structured & beautifully tied together at the end. I can’t fault it. I’m not sure if it’s a drama, thriller or horror. But I highly recommend you take it on ya summer holibobs if you have a nice getaway planned… where hopefully you won’t meet anyone like Masha 😂 ☀️ 💥 #bookstagram #readersofinstagram #bookrecommendations
#ourgame #johnlecarre – swipe for my attempt to get a selfie with yet another cheeky doggy 😂
It’s set just after The Cold War (early 90s) & ex secret agent Tim Cranmer (late 40s, British) has retired to the tranquil English countryside with his young “musician” Emma, where he intends to chomp on cheese & make lots of wine (private vineyard) & sweet love, I guess… however, Dr Lawrence Pettifer (his so-called best mate, aka Larry) visits most Sundays & just causes chaos… their relationship isn’t healthy, it’s odd & I wouldn’t want to play their game… not only does Larry steal Emma (Cranmers young bird) BUT it’s quickly revealed that he also fleeces 37 million pounds from the Russian government, with the help of some former soviet spy. I should clarify Emma cops off with Larry willingly; although arguably brainwashed… he’s extraordinarily enigmatic, dangerously charming. Le Carre’s writing style is so engaging that the plot (& the characters) could have been little or nothing & I’d have read it to the end! I heard (& read) some mixed reviews… some people found it boring?! I confess I did find the odd few chunks a bit of a slog here & there, but mainly because I needed google to fully understand the narrative/conversation & historic references, during those points 😂 😂 Without giving too much away, Tim Cranmer tells the story in the first person & upon “understanding” Lawrence & Emma are “missing” he takes it upon himself to find them… that’s when we learn lots of dirty little secrets. Checheyev (actually Ingush, NOT Russian) is the one who has been working closely with Larry to get the money together for the arms with motive to uprise against the Russian oppressors. Believe it or not this is a story about love more than it is war, friendship, loyalty – & the frightful lack of. With a sprinkle of murder, deceit & a bit of an identity crisis… I was hooked. Embarrassingly, I knew very little of the Western involvement with Russia over the years, so not only did I get a magnetic story, but also an education. Gripping. Suspenseful. And eye opening. 4.8/5 💪
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#bookreview #bookstagram #bookrecommendations #booklovers #bookaddict
#ourgame #johnlecarre – swipe for my attempt to get a selfie with yet another cheeky doggy 😂
It’s set just after The Cold War (early 90s) & ex secret agent Tim Cranmer (late 40s, British) has retired to the tranquil English countryside with his young “musician” Emma, where he intends to chomp on cheese & make lots of wine (private vineyard) & sweet love, I guess… however, Dr Lawrence Pettifer (his so-called best mate, aka Larry) visits most Sundays & just causes chaos… their relationship isn’t healthy, it’s odd & I wouldn’t want to play their game… not only does Larry steal Emma (Cranmers young bird) BUT it’s quickly revealed that he also fleeces 37 million pounds from the Russian government, with the help of some former soviet spy. I should clarify Emma cops off with Larry willingly; although arguably brainwashed… he’s extraordinarily enigmatic, dangerously charming. Le Carre’s writing style is so engaging that the plot (& the characters) could have been little or nothing & I’d have read it to the end! I heard (& read) some mixed reviews… some people found it boring?! I confess I did find the odd few chunks a bit of a slog here & there, but mainly because I needed google to fully understand the narrative/conversation & historic references, during those points 😂 😂 Without giving too much away, Tim Cranmer tells the story in the first person & upon “understanding” Lawrence & Emma are “missing” he takes it upon himself to find them… that’s when we learn lots of dirty little secrets. Checheyev (actually Ingush, NOT Russian) is the one who has been working closely with Larry to get the money together for the arms with motive to uprise against the Russian oppressors. Believe it or not this is a story about love more than it is war, friendship, loyalty – & the frightful lack of. With a sprinkle of murder, deceit & a bit of an identity crisis… I was hooked. Embarrassingly, I knew very little of the Western involvement with Russia over the years, so not only did I get a magnetic story, but also an education. Gripping. Suspenseful. And eye opening. 4.8/5 💪
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#bookreview #bookstagram #bookrecommendations #booklovers #bookaddict
#icontainmultitudes #edyong
A “must read” for every hungry mind in 2022. Who knew bacteria 🦠 could be so alluring? A collection of anecdotes about survival, capability, limitation, balance, change, danger, & the profound potential of living organisms working together – not just a book about pesky microbes!
I’m lending it, with my lovely lil microbes all over the pages 😂
Witty, informative, curious & written with foresight, passion & good humour.
Ed Yong is a British science journalist writing about life; microbes; bacteria, viruses & their interaction with all our gorgeous creatures here on planet earth. In the skin, the blood, the hair, the snout… indeed, we are NOT born alone… & a focus on gut bacteria #hottopic which I found particularly interesting. Dive (not literally) into things such as fecal transplantion 💩 helping to control severe infection… and more*
Yong explores modern medicine, evolution & highlights researchers who think outside the box.
Pun intended, I love all this shit ha ha.
It is uncomplicated writing, given the subject matter – there are at least a BILLION species of microbe on earth… anyone want to invest in a microscope 🔬 with me? Yong’s attempt to tour guide the reader through the mound of microbial interactions should 💯 be commended. But, I would be lying if I did not confess it took me a while to get to the end; I wish I could ring Mr Yong & ask questions 🙋♀️ I don’t want to give too much away but if you are interested in learning more about *the role microbes might play in mental health & obesity and/or “the fearsome beewolf” 🐝 protecting its larvae “by painting their burrows in antibiotic-producing microbes…” whilst giving you a broader perspective on life itself & all living creatures, great & small… READ this book! #bookstagram #bookrecommendations #science #gutbacteria #antibiotics #probiotics #animals #humanbody
#icontainmultitudes #edyong
A “must read” for every hungry mind in 2022. Who knew bacteria 🦠 could be so alluring? A collection of anecdotes about survival, capability, limitation, balance, change, danger, & the profound potential of living organisms working together – not just a book about pesky microbes!
I’m lending it, with my lovely lil microbes all over the pages 😂
Witty, informative, curious & written with foresight, passion & good humour.
Ed Yong is a British science journalist writing about life; microbes; bacteria, viruses & their interaction with all our gorgeous creatures here on planet earth. In the skin, the blood, the hair, the snout… indeed, we are NOT born alone… & a focus on gut bacteria #hottopic which I found particularly interesting. Dive (not literally) into things such as fecal transplantion 💩 helping to control severe infection… and more*
Yong explores modern medicine, evolution & highlights researchers who think outside the box.
Pun intended, I love all this shit ha ha.
It is uncomplicated writing, given the subject matter – there are at least a BILLION species of microbe on earth… anyone want to invest in a microscope 🔬 with me? Yong’s attempt to tour guide the reader through the mound of microbial interactions should 💯 be commended. But, I would be lying if I did not confess it took me a while to get to the end; I wish I could ring Mr Yong & ask questions 🙋♀️ I don’t want to give too much away but if you are interested in learning more about *the role microbes might play in mental health & obesity and/or “the fearsome beewolf” 🐝 protecting its larvae “by painting their burrows in antibiotic-producing microbes…” whilst giving you a broader perspective on life itself & all living creatures, great & small… READ this book! #bookstagram #bookrecommendations #science #gutbacteria #antibiotics #probiotics #animals #humanbody
#icontainmultitudes #edyong
A “must read” for every hungry mind in 2022. Who knew bacteria 🦠 could be so alluring? A collection of anecdotes about survival, capability, limitation, balance, change, danger, & the profound potential of living organisms working together – not just a book about pesky microbes!
I’m lending it, with my lovely lil microbes all over the pages 😂
Witty, informative, curious & written with foresight, passion & good humour.
Ed Yong is a British science journalist writing about life; microbes; bacteria, viruses & their interaction with all our gorgeous creatures here on planet earth. In the skin, the blood, the hair, the snout… indeed, we are NOT born alone… & a focus on gut bacteria #hottopic which I found particularly interesting. Dive (not literally) into things such as fecal transplantion 💩 helping to control severe infection… and more*
Yong explores modern medicine, evolution & highlights researchers who think outside the box.
Pun intended, I love all this shit ha ha.
It is uncomplicated writing, given the subject matter – there are at least a BILLION species of microbe on earth… anyone want to invest in a microscope 🔬 with me? Yong’s attempt to tour guide the reader through the mound of microbial interactions should 💯 be commended. But, I would be lying if I did not confess it took me a while to get to the end; I wish I could ring Mr Yong & ask questions 🙋♀️ I don’t want to give too much away but if you are interested in learning more about *the role microbes might play in mental health & obesity and/or “the fearsome beewolf” 🐝 protecting its larvae “by painting their burrows in antibiotic-producing microbes…” whilst giving you a broader perspective on life itself & all living creatures, great & small… READ this book! #bookstagram #bookrecommendations #science #gutbacteria #antibiotics #probiotics #animals #humanbody
#reflections #hollywilloughby
A really easy (& enjoyable!) book; uncluttered & straightforward writing. Sort of felt like I was having a chat in the kitchen with a mate most of the time 😊 Holly permits her reader to take a wee bit of “YOU” time – to reflect, to look inwards & moreover to remember to always listen to ya bloody gut. Nice reminders. Rightly or wrongly whilst I appreciate “self love” has many pros, I think it can also come with some boarder line narcissistic cons 😂 – especially if over focusing on appearances – we are all gonna rot to skeleton bones at the end of it & everyone’s shit stinks! Thankfully, this book is NOT an overindulgence of “self love” binging; it’s insightful, honest & meaningful. As a person who is not blessed to be physically healthy rn, I’m grateful Holly pointed out that we should focus more so on being 💯 grateful for our hard working, beautiful bodies for the TRUE miracles that they are & moreover IF one is lucky enough for their body to be functioning in good health consistently. I do however have a confession – I did not read the last few pages (properly) about all the “make up” stuff; I switched off. That’s not a dig (at all) because I think Holly is genuinely passionate about make up & fashion – I just personally don’t care enough for it; much more interested in what she had to say about hormones, her kids, work, reading more books & the moon 🌝 😂 a strong 4.8/5 even with me shutting off early! Go grab it! @hollywilloughby & SWIPE for the most gorgeous reading pal ever 🐶 🍪 she’s about 70/80 in human years & teaches us all that what really matters is TREATS & rubs 😂
#reflections #hollywilloughby
A really easy (& enjoyable!) book; uncluttered & straightforward writing. Sort of felt like I was having a chat in the kitchen with a mate most of the time 😊 Holly permits her reader to take a wee bit of “YOU” time – to reflect, to look inwards & moreover to remember to always listen to ya bloody gut. Nice reminders. Rightly or wrongly whilst I appreciate “self love” has many pros, I think it can also come with some boarder line narcissistic cons 😂 – especially if over focusing on appearances – we are all gonna rot to skeleton bones at the end of it & everyone’s shit stinks! Thankfully, this book is NOT an overindulgence of “self love” binging; it’s insightful, honest & meaningful. As a person who is not blessed to be physically healthy rn, I’m grateful Holly pointed out that we should focus more so on being 💯 grateful for our hard working, beautiful bodies for the TRUE miracles that they are & moreover IF one is lucky enough for their body to be functioning in good health consistently. I do however have a confession – I did not read the last few pages (properly) about all the “make up” stuff; I switched off. That’s not a dig (at all) because I think Holly is genuinely passionate about make up & fashion – I just personally don’t care enough for it; much more interested in what she had to say about hormones, her kids, work, reading more books & the moon 🌝 😂 a strong 4.8/5 even with me shutting off early! Go grab it! @hollywilloughby & SWIPE for the most gorgeous reading pal ever 🐶 🍪 she’s about 70/80 in human years & teaches us all that what really matters is TREATS & rubs 😂
#reflections #hollywilloughby
A really easy (& enjoyable!) book; uncluttered & straightforward writing. Sort of felt like I was having a chat in the kitchen with a mate most of the time 😊 Holly permits her reader to take a wee bit of “YOU” time – to reflect, to look inwards & moreover to remember to always listen to ya bloody gut. Nice reminders. Rightly or wrongly whilst I appreciate “self love” has many pros, I think it can also come with some boarder line narcissistic cons 😂 – especially if over focusing on appearances – we are all gonna rot to skeleton bones at the end of it & everyone’s shit stinks! Thankfully, this book is NOT an overindulgence of “self love” binging; it’s insightful, honest & meaningful. As a person who is not blessed to be physically healthy rn, I’m grateful Holly pointed out that we should focus more so on being 💯 grateful for our hard working, beautiful bodies for the TRUE miracles that they are & moreover IF one is lucky enough for their body to be functioning in good health consistently. I do however have a confession – I did not read the last few pages (properly) about all the “make up” stuff; I switched off. That’s not a dig (at all) because I think Holly is genuinely passionate about make up & fashion – I just personally don’t care enough for it; much more interested in what she had to say about hormones, her kids, work, reading more books & the moon 🌝 😂 a strong 4.8/5 even with me shutting off early! Go grab it! @hollywilloughby & SWIPE for the most gorgeous reading pal ever 🐶 🍪 she’s about 70/80 in human years & teaches us all that what really matters is TREATS & rubs 😂
#reflections #hollywilloughby
A really easy (& enjoyable!) book; uncluttered & straightforward writing. Sort of felt like I was having a chat in the kitchen with a mate most of the time 😊 Holly permits her reader to take a wee bit of “YOU” time – to reflect, to look inwards & moreover to remember to always listen to ya bloody gut. Nice reminders. Rightly or wrongly whilst I appreciate “self love” has many pros, I think it can also come with some boarder line narcissistic cons 😂 – especially if over focusing on appearances – we are all gonna rot to skeleton bones at the end of it & everyone’s shit stinks! Thankfully, this book is NOT an overindulgence of “self love” binging; it’s insightful, honest & meaningful. As a person who is not blessed to be physically healthy rn, I’m grateful Holly pointed out that we should focus more so on being 💯 grateful for our hard working, beautiful bodies for the TRUE miracles that they are & moreover IF one is lucky enough for their body to be functioning in good health consistently. I do however have a confession – I did not read the last few pages (properly) about all the “make up” stuff; I switched off. That’s not a dig (at all) because I think Holly is genuinely passionate about make up & fashion – I just personally don’t care enough for it; much more interested in what she had to say about hormones, her kids, work, reading more books & the moon 🌝 😂 a strong 4.8/5 even with me shutting off early! Go grab it! @hollywilloughby & SWIPE for the most gorgeous reading pal ever 🐶 🍪 she’s about 70/80 in human years & teaches us all that what really matters is TREATS & rubs 😂
#theparisapartment #lucyfoley #bookstagram #bookreview
*
The ink of Foley’s fountain pen scratches you & something sinister lays it’s eggs under your skin. You know it’s gonna hatch. But ya don’t know what. Or when. Jess, (British, ex bar tender – before she locked her pervert boss in the loo) is the little sister of Ben (the missing journalist) – she arrives in Paris to stay with her big bro in hope for a fresh start but… he isn’t at his apartment upon her arrival. His ID, clothes, Vespa & anything you’d assume one might take with, are all left in situ – days go by & sisterly instinct fuels Jess on a mission, naturally, to find him. A “suspect” answer message was left on her phone, by Ben, moments before what ever possibly happened, happened. But she doesn’t have a lot of leads, can’t speak French & the people in the building are unusually cold towards her. We meet each of the culprits (potentially involved) quite early on. The story unfolds offering a first person perspective from several characters, chapter by chapter. I particularly like that each of them are not one dimensional additives & each have a significant bit of weight/history to unravel which bleeds into the story with affect. A dark & complex plot, executed well, mostly under the roof of one complex #theparisapartment 😉 I highly doubt you’ll know whodunnit – arguably a slow burner but Foley likes to drip feed #suspense Dysfunctional families (plural) are the “body” of this twisted Parisian thriller – unpredictability, fear, a lack of boundaries, secrets, sex, shame, “class” (& the lack of!) infect the narrative. It’s actually the 2nd #lucyfoley book I have read. She has a way of structuring her novel which makes it very easy to follow. Less is often more, but maybe a bit more humour within the darkness of all of this could’ve offered light, for further contrast. Murder, jealousy, sibling rivalry, old money, control & corruption – a thriller & a creepy page turner! I have now accepted this genre needs to be quite far fetched to work. And would highly recommend this book 📖 😊 4.8/5 – swipe for a sexy photo of me with my towel on my head #freshhairdontcare 🤓
#theparisapartment #lucyfoley #bookstagram #bookreview
*
The ink of Foley’s fountain pen scratches you & something sinister lays it’s eggs under your skin. You know it’s gonna hatch. But ya don’t know what. Or when. Jess, (British, ex bar tender – before she locked her pervert boss in the loo) is the little sister of Ben (the missing journalist) – she arrives in Paris to stay with her big bro in hope for a fresh start but… he isn’t at his apartment upon her arrival. His ID, clothes, Vespa & anything you’d assume one might take with, are all left in situ – days go by & sisterly instinct fuels Jess on a mission, naturally, to find him. A “suspect” answer message was left on her phone, by Ben, moments before what ever possibly happened, happened. But she doesn’t have a lot of leads, can’t speak French & the people in the building are unusually cold towards her. We meet each of the culprits (potentially involved) quite early on. The story unfolds offering a first person perspective from several characters, chapter by chapter. I particularly like that each of them are not one dimensional additives & each have a significant bit of weight/history to unravel which bleeds into the story with affect. A dark & complex plot, executed well, mostly under the roof of one complex #theparisapartment 😉 I highly doubt you’ll know whodunnit – arguably a slow burner but Foley likes to drip feed #suspense Dysfunctional families (plural) are the “body” of this twisted Parisian thriller – unpredictability, fear, a lack of boundaries, secrets, sex, shame, “class” (& the lack of!) infect the narrative. It’s actually the 2nd #lucyfoley book I have read. She has a way of structuring her novel which makes it very easy to follow. Less is often more, but maybe a bit more humour within the darkness of all of this could’ve offered light, for further contrast. Murder, jealousy, sibling rivalry, old money, control & corruption – a thriller & a creepy page turner! I have now accepted this genre needs to be quite far fetched to work. And would highly recommend this book 📖 😊 4.8/5 – swipe for a sexy photo of me with my towel on my head #freshhairdontcare 🤓