It has been a while since I shared what I have been reading in more depth than mentioning it in my This Week posts. I have also not really been updating my Goodreads page as often, I suppose because I have been enjoying just reading at my own pace and not worrying so much about how far through a book I am or how many books I have finished this year. In light of that I thought I would sum up the books I have just finished or currently have on the go. Cat stealing your footrest is optional.
Girl on The Train - Paula Hawkins::
This is something I have recently picked back up. I had borrowed it from work a few months ago and didn't finish it before it had to go back, and I wasn't invested so I just stopped reading thinking I would grab a copy when it was in paperback. Since then it has really picked up speed with lots of people talking about it, so when I saw it reduced in Sainsbury's I decided to pick it up so that I know how it ends. I am so far starting again at the beginning as my memory is a bit foggy of where I got up to, and although I am not completely in love with it, it is pretty good.
Toast & Marmalade - Emma Bridgewater::
I saw this on the trolley at work and had to read it, over the past year or so I have really grown to appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into Emma Bridgewater's products. Admittedly I gravitate more towards the pieces designed by Matthew Rice, her husband, but I really enjoy that they are made here in the UK. Knowing the backstory has only increased my appreciation for the products, and Emma is such a cosy narrator. The book was perfect for curling up in a chair with a warm drink and a biscuit.
The Casual Vacancy - J. K. Rowling::
I have been meaning to read this forever, and it was only the TV show that made me hunt around on my bookcase for my copy. I really enjoyed the show, and although I know the ending is much harsher in the book, I am enjoying it also. It reminds me so much of modern rural village life, I used to live in an area that was so close to being Pagford, the cliquey atmosphere was dominant. Despite having lived there for over 20 years we were still incomers, our village wasn't really a village anymore, it was a small town, with all of the old businesses gone to make way for Aveda salons and a large Co-op. I am reading this as an extreme version of the way our society is evolving and though it upsets me that this is the case, I am glad that someone with such a prominent voice has put her two cents in.
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie - Alan Bradley::
This isn't pictured because it is on my Ereader, but I am re-reading this for the second time in only a few months. I have found my new favourite crime series. In complete contrast to the last book, if you love anything about rural village life in the 50's onwards you will love this. Flavia de Luce is an 11 year old chemistry genius, super sleuth and the baby in a family destroyed by grief. She whizzes around the countryside throwing herself into dangerous situations while also plotting to get her own back on her elder sisters. The whole series so far has that cosy crime feeling while being a little different. Flavia's point of view is thought provoking, she is only 11 years old but she sees and understands much more than I think we give children credit for. I absolutely love these, do give them a try!
What have you been reading lately? Do leave me some of your recommendations below :)