WWW Wednesday 15/7/20

WWW Wednesday is hosted by ‘Taking on a World of Words’ every Wednesday.

What are you currently reading?

The Confession by Jessie Burton

I really loved The Miniaturist and I enjoyed The Muse so I was looking forward to this. It’s not really what I was expecting and I’m not loving it as much as her previous books, but I’m liking it more as I go on so we’ll see…

Holes by Louis Sachar, audiobook read by Kerry Beyer

This is one of those books that is regularly on reading lists and often picked up by children abd parents in work, so I’ve thought for ages I should read it despite not being desperate to do so. I’m not really enjoying it much but it’s early days…

What have you just finished reading?

The Lost Soul Atlas by Zana Fraillon

I LOVED this. A favourite for this year for sure. You can read my review here.

The Corset by Laura Purcell

I was a big fan of Laura Purcell’s first book, The Silent Companions, and I really enjoyed this one too. Ive ordered Bone China by the same author and am excited for her new book, The Shape of Darkness, out next year too.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle, audiobook read by Simon Prebble

Although this is lost definitely of its time, if you read it bearing that in mind, it’s very enjoyable. Holmes is an excellent character and I really liked seeing how he figured out all the cases.

A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll

Review to follow tomorrow, but for now let’s say I think this is a much-needed, well-written book that will be deservedly popular but I didn’t love it on a personal level.


My Name is River by Emma Rea

I really enjoyed this. Fab setting, fab characters and fab themes. Full review to follow.

What will you read next?

I’m going back to work at the end of the month, so I’ve reshuffled my tbr a bit to try and get some new, recent and upcoming reads read before my return.

On audio, I’d like to listen to A Monster Calls or the garden double I mentioned last week (The Secret Garden and Tom’s Midnight Garden) but haven’t dived into yet!

Have you read any of these?

What are you currently reading?

WWW Wednesday 1/7/20

WWW Wednesday is hosted by ‘Taking on a World of Words’ every Wednesday.

What are you currently reading?

The Lost Soul Atlas by Zana Fraillon

I’m a huge fan of Zana’s other books and while this seems to have taken a totally new, fantasy type style, I think it’s going to be just as gritty and tackle equally important themes and I’m very much enjoying what littke I have read so far.

Lord of the Flies by William Golding, audiobook read by Martin Jarvis

I’ve nearly finished this now. I can’t say I’ve loved it but I am glad to have finally read it.

What have you just finished reading?

The Ten Riddles of Eartha Quicksmith by Loris Owen

This was a good, original and imaginative debut. My review is here.

The Midnight Swan by Catherine Fisher

I loved this! I’m a huge fan of the trilogy and this ended it brilliantly. My review is here.

The Last Paper Crane by Kerry Drewery

Absolutely stunning. Review will follow ASAP.

What will you read next?

Seren’s love of Sherlock Holmes in The Midnight Swan, along with Arthur Conan Doyle’s appearance in The House of Hidden Wonders recently have made The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes my next audiobook.

I’m not sure which of my #20booksofsummer books will be next, but I’m thinking possibly Wilde.

And My Name is River will probably be my next netgalley read.

Have you read any of these?

What are you currently reading?

WWW Wednesday 20/5/20

WWW Wednesday is hosted by ‘Taking on a World of Words’ every Wednesday.

What are you currently reading?

The Vanishing Trick by Jenni Spangler

I’ve not got very much further with this; I’m struggling to get into it but that’s not being helped by not finding much time to read it in…

The Lost Future of Pepperharrow by Natasha Pulley

I’ve also mot made much progress with this – I read this in the evenings before Peapod first wakes to call me to bed and have been managing a page or two at best before being summoned! That said, I am REALLY enjoying it, just very slowly!

The Secret of Platform 13 by Eva Ibbotson (ebook)

I’m thoroughly enjoying this – it’s the sort of story you think of when you think of children’s books (I think!)

What Katy Did by Susan Coolidge, audiobook read by Kate Harper

I only started this today and I’m not sure yet what I’ll make of it. I admit it’s never been one of those classic children’s books I really wanted to read but we’ll see…! It has a Little Women sort of vibe up to now, so I think it could go either way.

What have you just finished reading?

Watership Down by Richard Adams, audiobook read by Peter Capaldi

OK, strictly speaking I haven’t finished it, but DNF-d thiugh only temporarily. I was struggling to get into the audiobook despite enjoying the narration – I think I need to come back to it either as a physical book or when I can listen for longer stretches at a time…

The Boy in the Tower by Polly Ho-Yen (ebook)

I really enjoyed this. My review is here.

My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell, audiobook read by Hugh Bonneville

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this but I enjoyed it. A quick and entertaining read, I’ll review it in the next couple of days.

What will you read next?

With just a few days of Believathon left (and just over a week in my cheating, all-of-May extended version!) I’ll be trying to get at least a couple more of my choices for that read!

Have you read any of these?

What are you currently reading?

WWW Wednesday 29/4/20

WWW Wednesday is hosted by ‘Taking on a World of Words’ every Wednesday.

What are you currently reading?

The Watchmaker of Filigree Street by Natasha Pulley.

I’m absolutely loving my reread of this!

The House of One Hundred Clocks by AM Howell (ebook)

I’m just a few chapters on but I’m certainly intrigued! It’s all very mysterious and I’m hooked!

The Silver Sword by Ian Serrallier, audiobook read by Sean Barrett

I’m not sure if I ever read this growing up. I feel sure I must have as it’s one I know my mum really likes and I have vague recollections of it written in my reading record book!! But I have absolutely no recollection of the story itself! Either way, I’m enjoying it!

What have you just finished reading?

Emil and the Detectives by Erich Kästner, ebook

I’m glad to have finally read this, but honestly it left me a little (OK, quite a lot) underwhelmed. There’s elements that I liked but it just felt a bit slow, everything that happened seemed to be described to the last detail, but actually I’m not sure all that much really happened at all. I’m not convinced it’s stood the test of time.

The Animals of Farthing Wood by Colin Dann, audiobook read by Paul Whitehouse and Esther Coles

I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting this story and listening to this on audiobook!


Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian, audiobook read by Patrick Malahide
I have loved this since we first read it when I was in year 6. My mum loves it too so it’s a real favourite, but it’s a long time since I’d read it.

I was worried thst by listening to it the characters wouldn’t be howci picture them and gear them, and they weren’t, but it didn’t spoil it. Just as emotional and heartbreaking and hopeful and wonderful as ever!

What will you read next?

I’ll follow up The Watchmaker of Filigree Street with The Lost Future of Pepperharrow by Natasha Pulley.

I am also planning to take part in Believathon again in May so I’ll be choosing my MG books for that soon too!

Have you read any of these?

What are you currently reading?

WWW Wednesday 4/3/20

WWW Wednesday is hosted by ‘Taking on a World of Words’ every Wednesday. February was not a good reading month. I’m still finding it hard to get going but being a bit more up to date with reviews, finishing a couple of books and the start of a new month are spurring me on!

What are you currently reading?

Jungledrop by Abi Elphinstone

Ok, I posted this last week but actually with one thing and another didn’t start it til the weekend. I’m LOVING it (as I knew I would!)

Starfell: Willow Moss and the Lost Day (ebook)

I’ll be honest, this has only jumped the queue because its Book of the Month in work, but so many of you have loved it I’m hoping I’ll be glad I pushed it forwards!

Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman (audiobook read by Syan Blake and Paul Chequer)

This is another book I feel I ought to have read and with the series imminent, I thought I’d give the audiobook a go. Honestly, I’m not loving it so far, though how much of that is because of the book and how much my inability to get on with the narrators, especially Sephy’s, I’m not sure.

What have you just finished reading?

Shadowsea by Peter Bunzl (ebook)

*whispers* I just didn’t love this as much as I wanted to. I was really hoping for a knock out finale to the series, especially after I loved Skycircus so much but this just didn’t do it for me. It felt overly earnest and message-y, I was disappointed that someone I thought was a dead cert for a dramatic and fitting-for-the-last-book reappearance didn’t make one and overall just left a bit dissatisfied.

Good Wives, audiobook read by Christina Ricci

I surprised myself with how much I enjoyed Little Women, but Good Wives (included as part of the sane audiobook) felt much more laborious. More preachy and with marriage on everyone’s lips, this had less of the little dramas and everyday humour that was so enjoyable about Little Women and despite some highlights was mostly a bit of a boring relationship-fest.

What will you read next?

Physical copy – The Doll Factory by Elizabeth Macneal Its our Book of the Month in work (though knowing me by the time I read it, it probably won’t be!) and an adult novel which appeals, so I’m venturing out if my MG comfort zone for it! Ebook – If I enjoy Starfell, maybe the second book in that series. Otherwise, probably something from my older TBRs… Audiobook – If I end up enjoying Noughts and Crosses, I might go on to Knife Edge. Otherwise, maybe another more recent ‘classic’ like Holes. I’m not sure yet…

Have you read any of these? What are you currently reading?

WWW Wednesday 26/2/20

WWW Wednesday is hosted by ‘Taking on a World of Words’ every Wednesday. I have been in a real reading lull this month. It’s felt so hard to find time to get through anything and as I try to stick to my goal of not ending up with a backlog of reviews waiting by not starting something new without getting a review or two done, I seem to have managed neither reading or reviewing! However, I have made some small progress this week. Better than nothing!

What are you currently reading?

Jungledrop by Abi Elphinstone As most of you will know by now what a huge Abi Elphinstone fan I am, I don’t even need to tell you how excited I am to be reading this! I haven’t started yet but it’s all ready to go! Shadowsea by Peter Bunzl (ebook) I’ve enjoyed the Cogheart series such a lot, and while this isn’t managing to outshone book 1 or Skycircus, I am enjoying it very much!

Little Women (and Good Wives), audiobook read by Christina Ricci I read a lot of children’s classics as a child (less so adult ones as I’ve got older), but this is one that never appealed to me. However, in my attempt to read/reread more of the children’s classics, including some I might not have chosen otherwise, and amidst the current hype for this I thought I’d hive it a go. And I was pleasantly surprised. I still have some of Good Wives to read, but I have been utterly swept up in this and absolutely loved it on the whole. There are some very preachy bits – so much of the book is a lesson on something as the girls grow up, which weirdly I didn’t mind too much, but so many of these experiences end with a lengthy sermon on their message abd this did grate at times. Likewise the religion in the book. Mostly, it’s not really mentioned but when it is it feels a bit much. Those minor gripes aside, and having taken a little while to get into and to accustom myself to Ricci’s narration, I’ve really become hooked! It’s a brilliant tale of family, growing up and the many daily trials and tribulations of childhood and adolescence and still so relatable on many respects today though of course a lot has changed. The characters are varied and flawed and their different personalities will appeal to different readers, though I know I’m not alone in thinking Jo is ace.

What have you just finished reading?

Where the World Turns Wild by Nicola Penfold

I loved this so much I was very nearly live tweeting my reading of it! (I managed to restrain myself until a particularly nail biting point!) Review in the next day or two!

What will you read next?

Well, all reading plans have been totally screwed by this month’s snail-like speed! I’ll dust off and regroup in a few days but next up as far as I can see will be Physical copy – Starfell: Willow Moss and the Lost Day by Dominique Valente and/or The Doll Factory by Elizabeth Macneal Ebook – I’m not sure, something else from February’s picks, though honestly I think I need to replan! Audiobook – I’m not sure what I need to follow 19hrs of Little Women! I might throw in a more modern classic before returning to the more traditional, older classics – Noughts and Crosses or Holes maybe… Have you read any of these? What are you currently reading?

WWW Wednesday 12/2/20

WWW Wednesday is hosted by ‘Taking on a World of Words’ every Wednesday.

What are you currently reading?

Where the World Turns Wild by Nicola Penfold

Shadowsea by Peter Bunzl (ebook) OK, I haven’t actually started either of these yet but they are both ready and waiting for me to start hopefully later today!

The Starlight Barking by Dodie Smith, audiobook read by Delia Corrie

This was one of my absolute favourites growing up; I loved The Hundred and One Dalmatians but I remember loving this more. So it’s a great example of both how tastes change and how, often, a book might appeal massively to a young reader when an adult reader would be less enamoured. I am still enjoying it, but partly for the story and partly for the narrator, this time around I definitely prefer 101!

What have you just finished reading?

The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith, audiobook read by Martin Jarvis

As I’ve just mentioned, I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting this. It had all the magic of the first time – still a tense yet heart-warming adventure and I really liked Martin Jarvis as narrator too.

The Lost Tide Warriors by Catherine Doyle (ebook)

I’ll post a full review of this later in the week. I enjoyed it, though I think I still love book one a little more. Either way it’s left me very excited for book three!

Toffee by Sarah Crossan

I loved this. Review later today or tomorrow.

What will you read next?

Physical copy – The Confession by Jessie Burton, I think! Ebook – I’m not sure, something else from February’s picks, maybe The Switching Hour. Audiobook – I’m torn between a classic I know I love, like The Secret Garden, and one I’ve never read, like Little Women. Have you read any of these? What are you currently reading?

WWW Wednesday 29/1/20

WWW Wednesday is hosted by ‘Taking on a World of Words’ every Wednesday.

What are you currently reading?

The Lost Tide Warriors by Catherine Doyle (ebook)

I’ve just started this and I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to get to that book 3 is nearly out before I’d read it when I was so excited for it! I’ve been immediately drawn back in and am once more loving the blend of magic, folklore and the book’s island setting.

What have you just finished reading?

Running Girl by Simon Mason (ebook)

Honestly, I still don’t know how I feel about this book. I really enjoyed the murder mystery elements of the story, the twists just kept on coming and I especially liked that every time I rolled my eyes at a predictable or stereotypical turn of events, they turned again! However, I found the characters a bit flat and the women especially in the book were pretty poorly represented. I think I’m going to read book 2 and see if there’s any improvement, as I did enjoy the plot; the victim in book 2 is male so I’m hoping for a better perspective, but we shall see…

The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

Whilst this is very much an adult book in its themes and the way it tackles them, it has all the atmosphere, detail and depth I’ve come to expect from Kiran’s books for younger readers – I was totally immersed! A full review will follow, but essentially it was bleak and unflinching, historical but immensely relevant and I loved it.

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith, audiobook read by Emilia Fox

I really enjoyed this. A warm, funny coming of age tale read brilliantly by Emilia Fox.

Dragon Detective: Catnapped! by Gareth P. Jones

A great addition to the younger fiction range – full review to follow shortly.

Stig of the Dump by Clive King

I find it hard to believe I never read this growing up as I know it was one of my mum’s favourite books to read with her class, but I don’t remember ever reading it.

I enjoyed it though. There are parts that strike you as very much of their time, with gender roles etc, but nothing so much as to be offensive, just noticeable today. And otherwise it is a wonderfully whimsical ode to imagination, outdoor play, make believe and the impossible.

What will you read next?

Physical copy – The Highland Falcon Thief has just arrived and I am SO excited to read it!

Ebook – I’m not sure, but maybe Shadowsea.

Audiobook – I’m really enjoying using audiobooks to listen to children’s classics and I’m debating a few for my next read – maybe 101 Dalmatians or The Secret Garden. Which classic should I choose next?

Have you read any of these? What are you currently reading?

WWW Wednesday 22/1/20

WWW Wednesday is hosted by ‘Taking on a World of Words’ every Wednesday.

What are you currently reading?

The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

I’m about a third through and loving it!

Running Girl by Simon Mason (ebook)

I have such conflicting thoughts on this book! I’m intrigued by the actual mystery and like the use of both Garvie’s and Inspector Singh’s viewpoints. I also like the Garvie isn’t your typical main character – he’s lazy, arrogant, skips school, gets bad grades, smokes and drinks and none of it is so he can reform, nor is it to naje him cool. He just feels like a normal (if slightly cleverer) teenager for a change. But I’m not loving the writing style or voice at all and the portrayal of the female characters – so far at least – is pretty poor. I’m going to finish it and see how I feel then about reading the others.

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith, audiobook read by Emilia Fox

Continuing with my attempts to read more children’s classics, I chose this as I’d never read it. I’m really enjoying it and Emilia Fox is a great narrator for it.

Dragon Detective: Catnapped! by Gareth P. Jones

I started this on my lunch yesterday and am hoping to finish it today. I love the old style detective feel of our dragon detective, Dirk Dilly, and the tone of the book. I think it will be a great addition to the younger fiction range.

What have you just finished reading?

The Water Babies by Charles Kingsley, audiobook read by Bernard Cribbins

This was odd. And that’s really all I can say about it. There were things I liked, especially the way that it stood up for children’s rights and well being, bearing in mind the time it was written in. But overall it felt a bit too dated, moralistic and religious.

What will you read next?

Physical copy – probably Lost Tide Warriors but I’m eagerly awaitung a copy of The Highland Falcon Thief at work so if that arrives it’ll skip the queue!

Ebook – I don’t think I’ll be reading the other Garvie Smith’s, but if I do it’ll be those. Otherwise, probably Shadowsea.

Audiobook – I’m really enjoying using audiobooks to listen to children’s classics. Which classic should I choose next?

Have you read any of these? What are you currently reading?

WWW Wednesday 15/1/20

WWW Wednesday is hosted by ‘Taking on a World of Words’ every Wednesday.

What are you currently reading?

The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

Technically I haven’t started this yet, but it’s ready to go!

Running Girl by Simon Mason (ebook)

I was sent a copy of the third Garvie Smith mystery, Hey Sherlock!, and had that in this months TBR choices before I realised it was part of a series. So I’m reading this one first, and if I like it I’ll continue with the series. I’m only a couple of chapters in so far, there’s elements to the writing style I’m not mad on but I’m enjoying the way the story has started overall.

The Water Babies by Charles Kingsley, audiobook read by Bernard Cribbins

This was a suggestion from a friend and as I’d never read Water Babies and Bernard Cribbins sounded like a great choice for kid’s audio narrator, I thought I’d give it a go. So far, so good!

What have you just finished reading?

The Box of Delights by John Masefield (ebook)

I finally finished it!! This book took what felt like forever to read! If I had to describe it in one word it would be sprawling. In two it would be sprawling and strange. I don’t even know how I feel about it except that I hated the ending!

Shadows of Winterspell by Amy Wilson

Loved this. My full review will be up later today or tomorrow.

Skeleton Keys: The Unimaginary Friend by Guy Bass, audiobook read by Guy Bass

This was recommended by Mary over at Book Craic and it was indeed great fun. Guy Bass narrates it brilliantly – theatrical, dramatic and hilarious! A funny, sweet and unique adventure.

Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White, audiobook read by E. B. White

OK, this week’s WWW Wednesday should have a ‘What are you reading because of Mary?’ section as this was another I ended up listening to because of her.

I loved this book growing up and we were talking about both classics and audiobooks when Mary said she was planning to read this. Immediately I also wanted to re-read it so looked for the audiobook which I was pleased to find was read by the author (who I had always, always thought was a woman!!)

Wonderfully read in a perfect style for the book and just as bittersweet, tender and warm a take of friendship as I remembered.

What will you read next?

Physical copy – it’ll be a while as I’m only just starting The Mercies, but when I do start something else it’ll be another from my pile here, probably Lost Tide Warriors.

Ebook – If I enjoy Running Girl it’ll be the next in the Garvie Smith mysteries, Kid Got Shot. If I don’t want to continue with those, it’ll be another from my pile, probably Shadowsea.

Audiobook – I’m really enjoying using audiobooks to listen to children’s classics. Which classic should I choose next?

Have you read any of these? What are you currently reading?