Ericka Waller's "Dog days"

 

You can find this book here.

Ah, the dog. Everybody's best friend (unless you are a cat person). In Waller's novel, the dog is part of three different characters' lives (whether they like dogs or not). They become a sounding board for reflecting emotions and communications that may not always be as easy for humans. Just be aware that whilst the cover focusses on the dogs, they may not always be as central in the book if you like that type of thing.

The three focal characters in the novel are George; a grumpy old man whose wife has just died; Dan who is a counsellor with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and Lizzie who lives with her son Lenny in a women's shelter. The difficulties with identity, communication, love and loss are brought through the novel in ways that are in part funny and gritty (psychologically speaking); with a dog there the entire time. 

The characters have very different and full personalities throughout the book, even if you think the chapters are too short. Each chapter alternates between the three characters, which some readers may find frustrating if they only like perspectives of one character. However, they are all written well, and you can really see what each character is feeling or going through across their individual journey. Please note though, you may not find them likeable. They are snapshots of real lives, and not necessarily the best of them. 

The pace is quick: the timeframe for the characters' stories is also short. Because of the short chapters and revolving character focus, it makes the novel move quickly. 

Again, I will bring you back to the cover. Only because it looks light and fluffy. Even if people are dealing with grief, you expect a satisfying end for the characters. You may not get any of this when you read it. It is a much heavier read than the cover allows you to think (that's why you don't judge by it!). There are difficult scenes in there that may be hard to read through and its ending is more realistic than romantic. In the end, it really is about what it is to be human (whether you like the characters or not).

This book isn't like 'Dog's purpose'; the dogs are less centred here. But they are there. And I do feel as if at least some of the time you really get to see them shine. It does have a lot of emotion, but the dogs aren't centre-stage. If you prefer your animal books to be more like Cameron's, this one is not for you. This is also not a book for reader's looking for a light story. But, if you like a challenge; this could be for you. 

Links for you

The books I have below are possibly more dog-centred than Waller's. However; themes will be similar, just written in different and unique ways.

Read-a-likes in the Library

Friend

Sigrid Nunez

Nunez's book looks at a character's grief.

Art of racing in the rain

Garth Stein

This book is from the perspective of the dog Enzo and how to bring a family back together.

Dog who saved me

Susan Wilson

Cooper goes home after his dog in the Boston K-9 Unit is killed. As he tries to rescue a feral dog, perhaps the dog will also help him heal.

Wonder of lost causes

Nick Trout

Cory Doctorow's "Attack surface"

 

You can find this book here.

I should start by writing that though this is essentially part of Doctorow's 'Little Brother' series, and number three in fact, it is also a stand-alone novel. 

I did not know this when I chose to read it; but now I can understand what some references were referring to as if I had read the past books, I would have had a more complete picture. For example, I might have understood more about the bombing in San Francisco or the terms easily used by characters if I had read book one, 'Little Brother'. 

Unfortunately books 1 and 2 are not available at Camden Libraries; but as I have said, you can read it and understand the story set within. I mean, the book itself gives no indication it is part of the series 😊

Anyway, back to the novel in hand ...

Masha Maximow is a compartmentalising tech wizard (though because she is a compartmentaliser, she realistically sees her skills and probably would never deem herself a wizard). Masha works for a transnational cybersecurity firm where she enables organisations and countries to keep people, states and countries in line through spying, malware and disinformation. On the side, Masha helps protestors fight against these same regimes. The problem for Masha is, can you really play both sides without hurting people you care about, let alone strangers across the world? And, has Masha really helped enough people to counteract the bad choices she has made? Can you even do that: counterbalance bad choices by making more good ones?

The setting of the novel is near-futuristic: you can see it looming on the horizon like a large rectangular server. This means you can relate to the world the characters are in. You just may not be able to understand it for at least the first third of the book. There is a lot of jargon: tech-talk for days. Doctorow's past is in technology, so he understands it clearly: I did not. However, the pace eventually picks up and the tech-speak becomes less involved (or I was able to manoeuvre through it). This might trip you up in the beginning though. 

The characters work. Masha is, well, not relatable (as I am not that great at compartmentalising), but she is realistic. She juggles the world in a way that probably most of us do, whether we like ourselves for it or not. The remaining characters that we see are mostly female (except for Marcus and some side characters), and they appear strong and fleshed out. 

The pace was okay. There are flashbacks within the book that you may find slow the pace, but I found the slowness came from slogging through the tech-talk more than the flashbacks. You might also find it feels long. That could be because without flashbacks it would be a much shorter novel; but it also could be the themes that slow you down. The book is not exactly made to make you think unicorns are at the end of every rainbow. Though I did enjoy that about this book. 

There are also two afterwords at the end of the novel. These, and the author's note, possibly explain why the book is written the way it is and how people should be taking care of technology (it helps change the world, it can't save it: that's the general message). I liked this about the novel too. 

Hopefully you find the book has enough thrills for you to keep reading, if you are looking for a focus on the thriller aspect. If you are interested in the technology and hacktivist side, there is enough of that to keep a reader content. Then you can try a couple of his other works we have in the Library.

Links for you

Doctorow in the Library: 

Walkaway

Doctorow in cloudLibrary:

Radicalized (US spelling)

Read-a-likes in the Library:

Fox

Frederick Forsyth

A compelling cyber-thriller that focusses on using a hacker to inform on national enemies. Whilst Doctorow looks at how this works inside countries, the same feel will be there.

House on fire 

Joseph Finder

This novel doesn't have the cyber-thriller element to it (so is it really alike?). However, it is fast-paced and focusses on whistleblowing. It makes it just as compelling and thought-provoking on the issue as Doctorow does.

Doubt factory

Paolo Bacigalupi

Whilst not a focus on technology; this book is a compelling thriller that revolves around whistleblowing for social action. Again, it has an issues-oriented feel about it relevant for today; however, the main character goes up against their own father.

Will MacIean's "Apparition phase"

 

You can find this book here.

This is McIean's first novel. 

The story revolves around twins, Abi and Tim, who are both incredibly intelligent, but also have specific interests that differ from their peers. Both siblings are interested in ghosts and the supernatural and cocoon themselves in this world with each other. This; however, all changes when they decide to fake a photograph of a ghost and take it to school to scare someone, or at least see if it could be passed off as real. It is from this moment that lives change in terrifying ways for the siblings and rest of the family. 

The story itself is set in the 1970s. It's atmosphere is claustrophobic; highlighted not just in the relationship between Tim and Abi, but in the environments that are encountered between British suburbia and a Suffolk manor. Everything seems confined and dark, given the circumstances and lives of the characters. For the horror element of this book, it works. 

That sense of tension is a good element for a horror novel. Whether you think it is more supernatural horror or the idea of dread that suffocates characters that is this books strength, is up to the reader. This is because the novel seems to move very slowly through everything. Time has a part to play in this novel and helps move not just tension but the creepiness of the goings-on that happen to Tim and his family. For this reason, you might think the slower pace doesn't help the story.

There may also not be enough ghost-centred hauntings for the hard-horror fan. 

Links for you

Read-a-likes in the Library:

Damned

Andrew Pyper

The story centres on relationships with a set of twins; but the consequences of their actions and relationships are heavier throughout the book.

House on Cold Hill

Peter James

This book focusses on the traditional haunted house aspects; however, it does show the moves and difference between suburban/city life and the countryside in the United Kingdom.

James Patterson and Marshall Karp's "NYPD Red 6"

 

You can find this book here.

Patterson is a household name. Even if you have never read one of his books; you have at least heard of him. He has written books for adults mostly, but also youth fiction as well. He has stand-alone novels, but also multiple crime/thriller series. 

The book I am going to write about, is one book in one of those series: NYPD Red 6.

Now firstly, this is the latest in the series (number 6 of 6); but Patterson and Karp ensure that you don't need to have read the previous five to understand what is going on in this book. 

The book focusses on two detective, Kylie MacDonald and Zach Jordan (though the book is mostly from Jordan's perspective) and dealing with a case of a kidnapped "star". I use air quotes because Erin Easton is herself not famous for anything other than her social media activity and reality television to keep her fame alive. Does that make her a star in your eyes, or not? Though I am sure Influencers may see themselves as famous too. Perhaps it depends on perspective.

The flow of the narrative and the way the plot unravels feels standard. I was able to figure out the twists. But if you like a comfortable read, the household name of Patterson (and now Karp?) could still be a fun read for you. Outside of the major case the detectives follow, there is also a minor one about burglaries , which shows the busyness of these specialised detectives. This might add some meat to your read.

It is fast-paced, and the chapters are short and quick to keep you reading. I do not know whether you will find the characters as full as in other novels you may have read; however, as this is the sixth book, that could be why they perhaps seem two-dimensional. 

So why not read them from the beginning? ...

NYPD Red 1 = print books are here

NYPD Red 2 = print books are here

NYPD Red 3 = print books are here

NYPD Red 4 = print books are here ; the eBook is here

NYPD Red 5 = print books are here ; the eBook is here

Links for you

Title read-a-likes in the Library:

Bone collector

Jeffrey Deaver

This is also the first in a series that will be as fast-paced as Patterson and Karp's.

Sweet little lies

Caz Frear

Distant echo

Val McDermid

Margaret Bearman's "We were never friends"

 

You can find this book here.

This book is adult fiction; but a lot of the perspective is of the protagonist when she was younger (so it may have the feeling of Youth Fiction, if that is something you want to be wary of). It follows Charlotte, known as Lottie, as she looks back at her life and friendships and the impacts of the past on the present and choices and lives we live. Its themes revolve around friendship, but also family dysfunction and what 'artistic genius' is. 

When I read this book, it seemed very raw and real. It seemed like the relationships fit with families and friendships not only in the past, but how they are dealt with now (just with less focus on social media). Charlotte summed up teens well and how they possibly relate as they move into adolescence. Whilst I didn't want characters to act or be the way they were necessarily throughout the whole novel; it showed how change, or its lack, can also impact on relationships. 

The setting is Canberra, so yay for Australian authors! Whilst characters had problems with the birds (I love hearing the magpies!), the setting does take a backseat for this novel. The protagonist's emotional journey is more important. 

Because the focus is on Lottie's emotional journey, the remaining characters are not necessarily well understood or fleshed out. I believe this could be because of the point of view it holds, which limits what we can see and know about the rest of the characters. and possibly adds to the self-involvement Lottie has about people in her life like Larissa who trumps, at that time in her life, relationships with her family. However, for this reason, it may not be a well-rounded read to some of you. 

The book is an easy, quick read. The author is Australian, and apparently has a great history in research as a professor at Deakin University. I like these points. I also recommend this book if you like rawness of emotion of characters as they try to work through life (or adolescence).

Links for you

Read-a-likes in the Library:

Husband's secret

Liane Moriarty

This is where I leave you

Jonathan Tropper

Read-a-likes in CloudLibrary:

Ask again, yes

Mary Beth Keane

This book looks at memory and the past and its impact on the future of adulthood. This book focusses more on the adult-side, unlike Bearman's.

We are water

Wally Lamb

Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor's "Faceless old woman who secretly lives in your home"

 

You can find this book here.

I'm old. Older than you can imagine. Probably older than I can imagine, and I have met nearly everyone in your family tree, going back well over a century" p. 7

This is an introduction to the protagonist of this novel. She is, as the title suggests, also a faceless old woman who secretly lives in your home. everyone's home. At the same time. Particularly in Night Vale. 

Now, before I get on with this book; if you do not know Night Vale, let me introduce you. It started as a podcast, and has become so much more. They are all horror-style stories within the show that kind of remind me of way back in the day when radio stations used to read novels by H. G. Wells or Comics from DC for everyone to hear. It's a very interesting series that has been going from 2012. This book is based off one of those podcasts. Feel free to listen to it here. It is the second in the list.

As a head's up, I have found the book to be just as good as the podcast series. Whilst you have to subscribe to hear all of the stories from Welcome to Night Vale, you can at least borrow this book for free!

The protagonist is far more developed in the novel than the podcast. You learn to understand her beginnings from the Mediterranean in 1792 to her connections to Craig in Night Vale in 2020. I do not want to give too much away because then it will spoil the history and creepiness this novel brings about. There are also some twists in this tale that you hopefully do not see coming.

The writing is very strong and it cements a sense of place for the multiple characters you encounter. There are also strong themes in regards to relationships and humanity and what that means, particularly when it comes to the life the Faceless Old Woman leads. Oh, and don't forget the humour. There is some of that in there too, reminiscent of the podcasters. 

If you are a fan of Welcome to Night Vale already, you might not like the fleshing out of the Faceless Old Woman, because it then may take the creepiness away from her. It didn't for me, but it might for you. This also isn't a book with strong scares or horror elements, so if that is what you are after, you are missing out here. 

Overall, I liked the read. It is familiar and yet not so in the places it describes in relation to the idea of it being our world, but not quite. The characters may not necessarily be fully developed every time, but they do work for the plot. This is definitely a plot-driven novel (though the action might be a little slower). So if you like a traipse through some light history (worldly and personal), this book should be given a go.

Links for you

Novels by Fink and Cranor in the Library:

Welcome to Night Vale

Series read-a-likes in the Library:

Twin Peaks

This one isn't so much a "read" as a "Watch" a-like. There is a book on this list that will help develop the series (old and new) if you are interested that will flesh out Twin Peaks, Like the Faceless Old Woman does (in part) for Night Vale.

Stephen Aryan's "Mage born"

 

You can find this book here.

Aryan has written many books, and this, is the first  in the series Age of Dread. The Library does not have the remainging two books in this series, nor does it have the trilogy that comes before this within the same world ... feel free to request them for purchase if you like this one.

This book comes ten years after the first trilogy, Age of Darkness, and is interesting because as a fantasy novel its focus seems to be on the world being so afraid and horrified by magic that they want to eradicate it. This is about three protagonists in different fields trying to make sure the truth is known and fought for so no more people die, either from magic, or because of the fear of it. 

The book is very detailed and fast-paced (even for almost 400 pages). The characters are well-rounded, and maybe those that aren't come from the previous trilogy and are expected to be understood or known more clearly. The action is very clear and if you want to look at the differences between good and evil, this book highlights the grey in-between just as well. 

Everything was solid about this read, and leads it very open for the next two books that are coming. I recommend it, as long as you are able to get your hands on the rest of the series 😊

Links for you

Read-a-likes in the Library:

Waking land

Callie Bates

The characters in this book are fighting to save their world, even though magic is hated here too. It is strong in world-building and political intrigue as well. 

Author read-a-likes in the Library:

Chorus of Dragons trilogy (we have them all!)

Jenn Lyons

The world-building and writing style is strong; though the themes are not similar between these series. However, like all good epic fantasies, gods and humans must be involved.

M. J. Arlidge's "Gift for dying"

 

This book can be found here.

She heard their screams

she felt their fear.

now she's their only hope ...

This comes from the cover of the book. It's a nice introduction as it shows how a young teenager, Kassie, sees the deaths of anyone she looks in the eye. This is an important part of the character, given there is a serial killer on the loose who seems to be unable to be stopped. 

The other main character of this novel is Adam Brandt, a forensic psychologist. Adam is a character who is not supposed to believe in Kassie's abilities but help her to work through her trauma. The problem is for Adam that the more he hears and sees, the more he believes and becomes involved, which has larger consequences for him than allowing a teenager to live in supposed psychosis.

The book is set in Chicago and has a great gritty feel to it. Whilst I have mentioned the above two main characters, there are other points of view littered through the novel which adds depth to situations and the concept of fate and whether choices can change fate or if free will really doesn't exist because choices do not alter the future.

This theme was the most thought-provoking in the book and was one of my favourite parts about it. Some chapters read a little slower than others, which is possibly because of the shift in points of view of the characters; but the ending is quick, suspenseful and possibly even surprising (even factoring in the strength of its theme). 

I did find some grammatical errors in this book that may be distracting if you are that kind of reader, so just be aware. 

If you are a fan of Arlidge's 'Helen Grace' series, this is definitely a detour you might enjoy. Or you might find a detour from Arlidge's norm disappointing. The only way you'll know is if you read it 😊

Links for you:

Arlidge in the Library:

Pop goes the weasel

Love me not

Author read-a-likes in the Library:

Gone girl

Gillian Flynn

This book is dark and gritty, with suspenseful endings. The focus is psychological suspense like Arlidge's novel with characters that are flawed.

You can run

Steve Mosby

The characters in Mosby's work are flawed and the atmosphere is dark, gritty and psychologically suspenseful. 

Peter Hanington's "Single Source"

 

This book can be found here.

Peter Hanington is himself a journalist; so he knows how the world of journalism works. This adds credence to the novel. This is also a sequel of sorts to 'Dying breed', as the protagonist is the same. However, as I have not read the first book, I cannot tell you what crosses over between the two. I can tell you it didn't bother me during this read that I hadn't read the first one. 

William Carver who has been around awhile as a radio reporter. He knows the business, he follows his gut on stories, and he is a little unlikeable (maybe more so depending on your perspective). The story he follows in this novel is protests in Cairo during the Arab Spring. If you are unsure of this terminology, you could try History's website or Britannica's for an introduction. However, it turns out that Carver finds out there is an even bigger story happening during this time within Cairo; which is also even more dangerous than the first. 

Carver is a solid character with flaws and depth, but very good journalistic skills. His perspective is the dominant one within the book, though it does flit between characters, such as his producer Patrick and two brothers trying to escape Eritrea and make it to Italy. This adds different perspectives and voices to the story, and actually adds depth to the investigations overall. 

The journalistic side of this novel is very tight and the diversity of characters and connections is good. The story moves quickly, though you might not like the jump in perspectives I mentioned earlier (though I had no trouble with this) and may not be as fast-paced as other thrillers you have read.

I enjoyed the historical, political and journalistic elements of the novel. Hopefully you will too.

Links for you

Read-a-likes in the Library:

Man with no face

Peter May

Same genre and suspense elements in this novel, perhaps more so, as Hanington's. 

Seventeen

Hideo Yokoyama

Amity Gaige's "Sea wife"

 

You can find this book here.

Gaige's novel is a sea adventure; at least on the outside. Juliet's husband Michael buys a sailboat and persuades her and their two children to live at sea for a year. And so, the sea "adventure" begins. The inside of this novel though; is about Juliet and her marriage, her relationship to her family, and her own individuality and identity that has been overtaken, it seems, by postpartum depression. 

The writing is a very smooth read; and offers the two perspectives of Juliet and Michael. Juliet's is in real-time, but Michael's voices comes through written logs during the sailing. There are, in the back of the book, excerpts of other styles of writing such as emails and radio interviews; however, I felt that these did not add to the story and once that final page of the narrative is read, everything is resolved as it can be. I do think that being able to see both voices in the marriage is a strong tough and adds authenticity to both voices and the ability to see things differently, or the fact that we all put lenses over things depending on our experiences, personalities, histories and lives. 

Whilst readers who enjoy sea jargon are going to love this aspect of the novel, those unfamiliar with sailing (like myself) may feel overwhelmed by the focus. However, it again adds authenticity to the life the family are living. This book is also not a thrill-ride, but more a look at characters and underlying tensions that can exist but aren't brought to the surface as strongly until you are stuck at sea with them for a long period of time (politics comes up from time to time for example that seems to focus on the 2016 U.S. election). In this way, the novel is more relational, focussing on characters. There is a mysterious tone surrounding Michael; however, this is a very light shade of mystery, that resolves itself when it should.

Emotions and communication are strong themes in this book, among other things, and so if you want to read about these balances between a wife and husband, pick up this book. It is an easy-read and the language flows well. Just don't expect a kraken in the water.

Links for you

Read-a-likes in the Library:

Monogomy

Sue Miller

This book has a little more psychological tension than Gaige's; however the focus is on long-term marriage, relationships and identities within them. It's also not at sea.

Only story

Julian Barnes

Again, whilst not at sea, this book focusses on marriage and reflections of love, life and memory.

Vanessa Savage's "Woods"

 

You can find this book here.

Two girls went in. Only one came out.

This is part of the fairy story Tess's mother used to read to her and her younger sister Bella; but now the line mars her present with a past horror she can't remember.  

Tess's past not only haunts her, but was a haunted experience for her: new neighbours brought chaos to her life; local girls, murdered by someone who was never convicted, and her sister died, but only Tess herself believes someone murdered her. The interesting part of this haunting? Tess herself does not remember what happened to her sister, even though she had been found with her that night. 

As she has to move back to her old home where it all happened, she is haunted by being around people from the past again, not being able to sleep and suffering from hallucinations of her dead sister. Or, is she an actual ghost?

Tess is an unreliable narrator; so this makes the story's progress interesting. It chops and changes in her present, whilst bringing to light her past. Her unreliability comes from the fact that she is so emotionally charged and (to me at least) appears to not see past her own nose, and so you may find yourself drifting between sympathy to strong dislike. 

The novel has a nice pace to it, which helps to keep the creepy vibe going. I was able to pick up on some of the twists; let's see if you think it is predictable. The rest of the characters all have secrets and difficulties with being back where they grew up though, increasing the suspense when reading, which was good to see. So overall, it was a good read for me. 

Links for you

Savage in the Library:

Woman in the dark

Read-a-likes in the Library:

Mother-in-law

Sally Hepworth

This novel has an unreliable narrator as well and focusses on secrets in a psychological suspense genre. The author is also Australian. There is an eBook copy of this also if you prefer, available in the library here.

In a dark, dark wood

Ruth Ware

This book is similar as it is a psychological suspense novel where the protagonist wakes up in hospital and does not remember what happened. And what happened was something horrible. 

Read-a-likes in cloudLibrary:

When the lights go out

Mary Kubica

Is a psychological suspense novel with an unreliable narrator. 

David Jackson's "Resident"

 

You can find this book here.

Who wants Thomas Brogan living in their loft (or attic)? No one. 

Brogan is a serial killer who is on the run from the police. He finds an abandoned home with a loft that has a secret: the loft joins to three other houses. This of course will make a lot of fun for a serial killer no one knows is living up there. Oh, the games he intends to play with the neighbours!

The book is a first-person narrative; though most of the conversation Brogan has is with the voice in his head. To be honest, without this element, the book would be a boring read because most of the book is him watching and playing games to gauge reactions from the people below him. 

The perspective of a serial killer was interesting. You slowly find out about Brogan as the novel goes on and possibly motivations for why he does what he does. But since he talks to a voice in his head, you also know he's not sane. 

Because the book focusses on a very restricted environment, there is a sense of claustrophobia to it. There is enough information to attach yourselves to the characters in the book; though whether you grow sympathetically to Brogan's situation or not is up to you when you read it. 

Watch out for the black humour; and though the reviews on the cover suggest it is a thriller, I found it a slow burn and not very creepy. This is good though, because it builds tension rather slowly, shows you the state of Brogan and other characters and possibly even the claustrophobia they feel, even though they aren't stuck up in an attic. 

It wasn't terrifying, but it was a little bit of fun.

Links for you:

Read-a-likes in the Library:

Please be aware that I have chosen these read-a-likes because their point of view (POV) of the main character is that of the killer, stalkker, etc.

You and Hidden bodies

Caroline Kepnes

Dexter: an omnibus

Jeff Lindsay

American psycho: a novel

Brett Easton Ellis

Jack Heath's "Hangman"

 

You can find this book here.

'Hangman' is a thriller where Timothy 'Tim' Blake looks for a kidnapped adolescent. One of the twists is that as a consultant to the FBI; whilst he is a genius, he is also a dangerous criminal that shouldn't be trusted. But, if need be, you call the genius in to solve the hardest puzzles and cases there are. And to the protagonist, this one turns out to be one he can't solve so easily. 

As a protagonist; you may not like Tim Blake. Or maybe he will grow on you. He is an anti-hero. But he is engaging and a fresh perspective on a genre you may have read a lot of. The background, education, life and choices of the character are also interesting and add more depth to Blake. I think it is helped that the setting for the novel is Texas somehow; like all the bad things anybody has ever mentioned about Texas has been included, and so the characters seem to fit into their setting. Of course, this could make it more unrealistic and believable to other readers. The choice is yours.

The pace is quick and easy; you will finish it quickly. It is a darker novel, with a lot of gritty elements; so it might not be for you if you prefer a lighter crime or thriller fiction novel. Heath is also an Australian author; if this matters to you, but may also then turn you off reading it if you think he can't possibly hold the setting truly. 

From the acknowledgements, Heath seems to have done some serious research to make the novel, and especially the characters, believable. Give it a go and see if you like it. 

And then you can read the rest we have in the series:

Hunter

Hideout  (this book is not out yet; but you can reserve it)

Links for you

Heath in the Library:

Shockave

(a Junior Fiction choose-your-own adventure story)

Cut out

(a Young Adult novel - part of a series)

Read-a-likes in the Library:

Silent wife

Karin Slaughter

In this novel, a lot of the themes are the same in terms of death row and kidnapping. The genre is also the same, as well as the level of violence.

Dexter: an omnibus

Jeffry P. Lindsay

Whilst the characters are different in background; the way they work to stop crime and the level of violence is similar. However; Dexter, as a character, is probably not as flawed.

Hannibal rising

Thomas Harris

The characters are similarly twisted and dark within this novel and Heath's.

Eva Nour's "Stray cats of Homs"

 

You can find this book here. The book was originally titled De hemlösa katterna i Homs as it was written in Stockholm. The English translation read by me was made by Agnes Broomé.

This book is in the Library's general fiction section; however, it contains some biographical events of 'Sami' (not their real name for safety reasons) during the Syrian Civil War that began in 2011 and is at this point still ongoing; though it could possibly be classified as an escalated war that is more than just within Syria.

If you would like fact-based progression of the war, Britannica has created a timeline for viewing here.  

Don't get me wrong, there are facts within this book that relate to the timeline and progressions of history. However; this book focusses on the experiences, relationships and life during this time of the protagonist Sami. When Syria goes to war with itself, normal is no longer what Sami remembers or lives through (particularly regarding to the reader if they have not lived through Civil War). Whilst there are horrors and devastation in Sami's life, the novel does focus on the concepts of hope and home with Sami. These themes are interwoven throughout the text and really help shape the reader's understanding of the concepts, as well as war and trying to live with it. 

Let's face it, when the blurb on the back claims: 

              Tender, wild and unbearably raw, it is a novel which will stay with you for ever

It means it.

The protagonist is well rounded, the descriptions are full. You feel part of the scene, even if you are rather distanced by possibly not having the knowledge or understanding of this kind of experience. There is a lot of emotion in this book; and if you are not comfortable with some things that happen during wartime, this may be a little too detailed for you, as again, some descriptions are rather vivid (for example, what changes occur through vitamin deficiencies).

This means that it adds depth and heartbreak to events readers may only know through the distance of media. The writing is detailed and full and shows the effects of war on individuals trying to escape it, and those who remain. 

At the end of the novel, you also receive extra information, notes and photographs from 'Sami' and used within the novel that helps understand why Sami told his story and why Eva (not her real name) wrote it. 

This book is a powerful read.

Links for you

The books in this list found within our Library may have different focusses, characters, and writing styles. However; their themes are similar if you would like more perspectives and information on the Syrian Civil War.

Nujeen

Nujeen Mustafa

Syria's secret library

Mike Thomson

We crossed a bridge and it trembled

Wendy Pearlman

Last sanctuary in Aleppo

Alaa Aljaleel

Essie Fox's "Somnambulist"

 

You can find this book here.

First, let's learn some things!

A somnambulist is a sleepwalker; or, someone who walks in their sleep. 

If you want to know a little bit about the actual painting in the story (and shown next to the title page); here is the auction page that shows a catalogue of the item and hands it has been through. There is also a rough guide on the painter here at a general art history site. Both sites I would use for interest only (just in case). 

Now, for the novel ...

The novel is set in the late 1800s (which matches the time of the painting by Millais). It centres around Phoebe Turner a young girl who lives with her strictly religious mother Maud and her aunt Cissy who lives for performing on stage. One night, Phoebe is able to sneak out of her house to watch her aunt perform. There, she is drawn to a strange man, Nathaniel Samuels, who impacts all their lives when he hires her to be the companion to his reclusive wife.

This plot seems straightforward. But I have missed a lot of what is happening within this novel: the main theme of secrets. This is a big deal. And, obviously, if the members of these families communicated at all properly with anyone, there wouldn't be such haunting horrors and tensions between characters. 

Horrors, though, might be too strong a word. It is a gothic novel, which leads to the idea of horror elements; but don't expect gore or monsters. It is more a slow with tensions you possibly see coming. Maybe this is where the horror lies, because characters cannot see what their choices, or lack thereof, have led to. 

I found the settings to be strong and the feel of places in England for the time to be fitting. The atmosphere also was very full. The characters may go either way for you: you may find Phoebe more passive and frustrating, you may not. This could be how youth related historically, it may not. Perhaps read it and decide for yourself. Probably more for an historical fiction reader than a horror reader though. 

Links for you

Author read-a-likes:

Wuthering heights

Emily Bronte

The gothic elements and characters' emotional pulls are stronger here; but the setting, time period, genre are similar.

Picture book

Jo Baker

The time period is different; but the focus on historical fiction and secrets is similar.

Julie Cohen's "Louis & Louise"

 

You can find this book here.

Cohen's novel attempts to look at the life of a person from two different aspects: born male or female. The character therefore, is supposed to show the development of what could happen depending on the gender stereotypes lived with. The summary itself claims:

"The day they were born is when their story begun. In one, Louis David Alder is born a male. In the other, Louise Dawn Alder is born a female. Louis and Louise are the same in many ways - they have the same best friends, the same parents, the same dream of being a writer and leaving their hometown in Maine as soon as they can. But because of their gender, everything looks different. Certain things will happen in their lives to shape them, hurt them, build them back up again. But what will bring them back home?"

It makes the book sound very intriguing ... but does it deliver? To be honest; I don't think the stereotypes and the choices that surround the characters are strongly shown throughout the novel. The characters show how things in life have impacted them, but perhaps if the situations had been reversed, their outcomes may have been the same? The impact could be based off the situations, not the sex or gender of the characters. There were some choice I found illogical by the characters also; and it left me wondering if these choices were put there just to show differences between Louis and Louise. But what if they had been reversed and played out onto the protagonist of the opposite sex? What choices and changes would have occurred then?

What I did enjoy was the landscape of the small town feel and how this can impose on how a person should live, compared to possibly more "freedom" in a larger city. This also has to do with familial ties, context and choices as well; not just gender ones. 

In the end, if nothing else once you read this, it opens up questions about gender stereotypes and how these are portrayed depending on the sex of a child. It is an easy read and an introduction into a world of fiction that tries to look at society in all its fullness and flaws. 

Links for you

If you wanted something meatier in terms of sex and gender (as suggested by Cohen's work), you could also read:

Left hand of darkness

Ursula K. Le Guin

Secret life of Luke Livingstone

Charity Norman

This child of ours

Sadie Pearce

Daniel H. Wilson's "Clockwork dynasty"

 

You can find this book here.

Wilson knows his machines. he has a B.S. in computer science and did a Ph.D. in robotics. So if it is one thing he knows; it is how machines work. So this science fiction novel should be centred in strong science. But, is it? I'll get to that later.

Funny thing, it is also centred in layers of history. This makes the narrative of the story an enjoyable read as each chapter tends to move between the present and the past to make connections with characters, robots (or avtomat) and historical context consistently.

The book centres mostly around two characters: June a human, and Peter (or Pyotr) an avtomat. Past and present collide with these two characters after June discovers a secret concealed in a three-hundred-year-old mechanical doll. Whilst I have made that sound strange, June is an anthropologist who specialises in ancient technologies. and the "doll" she finds is incredibly ancient. Just like Peter, who as part of that technological history, partners with June to help save, well, possibly everyone in the end.

The mystery of avtomat in this novel is strong; so too, I found are the historical elements. I found some fight scenes hard to follow, but I found the human character believable, relatable and true-to-form for being thrown into situations such as these. There is even some nice moments between avtomat.

Now, back to my first question. Is it science? Are all civilisations circular and so rise and fall just to rise again so that something like an avtomat can exist and try and save its self? And should I answer that? Maybe not. The book brings out ideas like this and makes you think about the nature of time, machines and purpose in large, sweeping arcs. It makes questions like this valuable, and as a reader, I hope you enjoy it. A book that makes you think, can be just as good fun, or even more so, than a book you read just for enjoyment. 

Don't worry; it isn't so deep you will wade through and have your brain explode on you (for example, a Kafka work). It balances well. You might find the ending anti-climactic; but it is a good book to read if you like the science fiction or steampunk genres. It is a short, quick read; which makes it a strong selling point as well. 

Links for you

Wilson's work in the Library:

Andromeda evolution

Title read-a-likes in the Library:

Peripheral

William Gibson

Humans, bow down

James Patterson

Both of these books look at artificial intelligence, machines rising up and strong narratives. Gibson's work also has a parallel narrative like Wilson's (it changes between timelines or characters).

Lauren Ho's "Last Tang Standing"

                                                          

This book can be found here.

Ho's novel is contemporary romance / chick lit. That's right, I went there and read one of these. 

Anyway, the book is well-written. The language is tight and witty. But that's also not what you are going to focus on in this review ...

So, the story. Andrea Tang is a successful lawyer (hoping to make partner), owns a posh condo and has a strong group of friends who always know the best places in Singapore to go. It sounds like she has everything (or will). But as Andrea is a dutiful Chinese-Malaysian daughter, the weight of familial expectations to marry and bear children is hard to ignore, particularly as she is thirty-three and almost last in the family to be married. 

Andrea is therefore struggling between the tensions of the life she has, the life her family (and possibly she herself) wants, and what Andrea hopes for or really desires. Andrea is realistic and relatable (even with all the drinking and partying that may or may not be relatable to your personal life). The fact that there are parts of Andrea that are contrasting and almost incompatible at times show the depth of humanness to her in the book. The fact that the book deals with very successful and rich characters could challenge easy connections readers make with Ho's book; but the themes of identity, singleness and purpose are universal and will still speak to any reader. 

The characters, too, are strongly written and well-rounded. The characters can be seen as diverse within Malaysia/Singapore, but also highlights some of the ways the dominant cultures and communities view diversity. Ho has explained why the writing is the way it is here, if you find those moments difficult to read or understand. Whether this helps or hinders you reading this book, let me know. 

The pace also may be slower for some. However, given this is contemporary romance / chick lit, I didn't foresee it as action-packed and ever going to be moving at a speedy pace. However, it may be slow even for some readers who live for this genre. 

For her first novel, it was very strong and it should be a full and enjoyable read.

Links for you

Title read-a-likes in the Library: 

Bridget Jones's baby: the diaries

Helen Fielding

(Be aware, this is not the first of Bridget Jones's stories). This novel was chosen because of the familial pressures placed on its characters, the diary fiction-style of writing and the similar snarkiness of its protagonist.

Crazy rich Asians

Kevin Kwan

This novel is chosen for the culturally diverse cast, the same setting and similar wit.

First comes love

Emily Giffin

Author read-a-likes in the Library:

Unmarriageable: Pride and prejudice in Pakistan

Soniah Kamal

This author was chosen as they write in the same genre, the author uses their own voice and a strong sense of place.

Not that kind of guy

Andie J. Christopher

This author writes in the same genre and has characters that are culturally diverse, flawed and likeable. 

Kate Hilton's "Better luck next time"

You can find this book here.

The book is a multiple-perspective comedy based around a large extended family, with multiple people in midlife struggling to keep their lives together. In fact, their lives are falling apart. and to top it off, as this happens, an iconic feminist leader, who is mother to three of these five adults, is trying to push them into making their past choices work for them.

Each character written in Hilton's book are complicated, deep and strong; even with all their flaws. Whilst Nina (who doesn't have much of a voice in the novel) is less heard in this way, as a character you still see her strength and resilience even when others talk about her. In saying that, it would appear each of these characters are too strong or too successful to be relatable. I think that that's not the case. All of these characters look at new lives, in a way, not because of a midlife crisis, but because of choices, because of connections, or because of a lack of communication. These are very real things that can connect a reader to this family. 

It is also a very quick read. it is witty and flows rather well. I felt there was some discontinuity in a couple of places; overall however, it stands strongly as a recommended read. The wit and humour centres mostly around family relationships and family breakdowns in many ways, and possibly at least one character will ring familiar to any reader's personal life or someone they know. 

I enjoyed this read: it went by rather quickly. It is recommended for anyone interested in (possibly) chick lit, though the characters in the book are older and deal more with divorce than most chick lit heroines. Also, if you are interested in a lighter book for your period of life, or someone wanting to take stock of their own lives (as the characters have those kinds of defining moments in the book too).

Links for you

Read-a-likes in the Library:

First comes love
Emily Giffin

Heart of the matter
Emily Giffin

I almost forgot about you
Terry McMillan

P.S. I love you
Cecelia Ahern

All of these authors and titles may have different writing styles and tones; however they share themes: self-fulfilment in and for women, bouncing back into life, female friendship and middle-aged women.

Claire S Lewis' "She's mine"

 

You can find this book here.

This is Lewis' first novel (though the publishing company has signed her up for a 3-book deal; so if you like her book, more will be seen of her in the future). 

The book follows Scarlett; who tries to solve the disappearance (or murder) of Katie, her charge, whilst being pinged as a top suspect at the same time. The plot in this way is rather simple and straightforward for psychological thrillers, though there are twists and turns I am not mentioning 😉

The narrative is very descriptive and dense. I found that there was a lot to follow; but unlike a lot of thrillers where I have no idea what may be coming, some of the twists and turns were more obvious to me. 

The character is something else. To be honest, I did not enjoy Scarlett. Whilst every character has flaws to make them more human, I found Scarlett more entitled than I would like her to be. Mix that with her lack of skill and knowledge as the amateur detective, and some of the weirder moments she encounters or puts herself in, and it may be hard for some readers to like her. 

In saying that, this book was not a bad read. I just disliked the character. And sometimes we need characters we don't like, or cannot completely relate to, so that we step outside our comfort zones when reading. 

I found the few twists I did not see coming, inventive. The ending of this book also was possibly the most impacting part, whilst also fuelling my dislike for the protagonist. Again, this is not a bad thing, because the book still left an impression on me. And that makes it something worth talking about. 

Or giving a shot at reading it.

Links for you

Read-a-likes in the Library:

The girl in the mirror

Rose Carlyle