Do you read different books in different seasons? I know I do. When the temperature dips, I like to lose myself in a cosy, welcoming read. Something that’ll still make my brain tick, but that’ll also soothe me when I need it.
Here are some of my ‘Instagram’ favs from my book shelf, you can’t beat a book and a perfect cup of tea, can you?
Our current book club read is The Thread by Victoria Hislop, another of her books set in Greece. She is a great storyteller. It’s just like a tapestry, when each thread is sewn into place, so emerges the layers and history of relationships past and present. I’m new to her books but quite enjoying the plot linking Thessaloniki in 1917 and 2007. A bit like a blind date!
The next one is on my shelf and I’m looking forward to picking up and reading before I see the film. This came recommended by my sons girlfriend, A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman who is a Swedish blogger. She tells me I’ll laugh, cry and feel a new sympathy for the curmudgeons in life. And that I will also want to pack my bags and take a trip to Sweden.
Our book club loved Apple Tree Yard by Louise Doughty, set in hot and steamy London and Parliament which went on to be a TV series. Her follow-up is Black Water, another character study showing a glimpse at mid-century American civil rights, a thriller and a meditation on the effects of foreign policy on individuals, as well as a modern love story. Great choice for winter reading.
If you want to laugh, try Hot Mess by Lucy Vine. I heard a podcast with Lucy and loved the concept of her debut novel. It’s billed as a new Bridget Jones for the Tinder generation (not me I know). It sounds funny and with a pleasingly happy and satisfying ending.