Books - February 2023

[smallhobbit]

It appears that I've read nine books this month - or at least finished nine books as some were started in January.  It also means my book bingo card is looking good, as I mark off the easier categories, it will be slower from now on.

Shrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson
I either really enjoy a Kate Atkinson book or dislike it, there doesn't seem to be a halfway point.  And this was one I didn't like.  It had promise, but it fizzled out.  It's set in the 1920s, which appealed, and others will probably enjoy it, but it wasn't for me. [F2]

Madly, Deeply: the Diaries of Alan Rickman
I didn't know a lot about Rickman before I started reading the diaries.  It was an interesting insight into the man and his work ethic.  Too many meals with other famous people for my liking, but as a diary it would record who he met and when, so it's understandable.  Definitely worth reading for anyone who is a fan of the actor. [F3]

All Systems Red by Martha Wells
I had been wanting to read this for a long time and finally got hold of a reasonably priced second hand copy.  I'm not usually a fan of sci-fi, but thoroughly enjoyed it and intend reading the next in the series. [C2]

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Recommended by a friend, I had to wait four months for a copy from the library.  Another book I really enjoyed, and would recommend it.  Some of it is not completely believable (too many convenient co-incidences), but the attitudes haven't changed from those of the 1960s as much as we might hope.  [F4]

Becoming Ted by Matt Cain
The latest novel by Matt Cain, which I had reserved when the library only had it on order.  Ted is a gay man, whose greatest dream is to become a drag queen.  The book is full of normal people muddling along in the way most people do and they remain very likeable.  Another book I would recommend - there's a feel-good sense to it, without being trite. [F5]

A Necessary Evil by Abir Mukherjee
This year I'm planning on reading most of the Sam Wyndham novels set in 1920s India.  I listened to the first on audiobook last year, and I'd say this is better.  The first book concentrates on Wyndham getting to know Calcutta, whereas this one doesn't spend so much time on the western view of India and Indians - that's still there clearly in the background, but the story dominates. [D2]

Money in the Morgue by Ngaio Marsh & Stella Duffy
The final Inspector Alleyn novel, although set in 1940s New Zealand.  It was begun by Marsh, finished by Duffy after Marsh's death. I found the story quite engrossing and thought it better than the last few books Marsh wrote.  It was also interesting reading about wartime New Zealand.  Not brilliant, but I'm pleased to have completed the books. [A2]

Murder in the Basement by Anthony Berkeley
This was the first book written in Berkeley's name I have read.  (Last year I read one of his Francis Iles' books.)  I doubt I'll read any more, I disliked his attitude, the way he wrote, and the outcome of the story.  I read this as an alternative Shedunnit read. [E2]

Agent Sonya by Ben MacIntyre
The book was recommended to me by a friend.  Sonya (real name Ursula Beurton née Kuczynski) was a Soviet spy who lived in Oxfordshire from 1942 to 1950.  Her life story is fascinating, as is seeing what she accomplished.  The British secret services do not come out of this well. [B2]

[Letters refer to my reading lists.  I aim to read at least one book from each list every month]

Comments

[snowynight]

I have only read All Systems Red, and really enjoy it. Becoming Ted and Agent Sonya sound interesting.

[smallhobbit]

I would definitely recommend both Becoming Ted and Agent Sonya - both were library books for me.

[snowynight]

Aww, Agent Sonya is in my library system. Time to reserve it!

[smallhobbit]

Excellent!

[friendofthejabberwock]

Oooh, I'm delighted that you've given Murderbot a try! It's a great series and I'll be interested to see your thoughts on the rest of it. :)

[smallhobbit]

Yes, it's very good. I shall have to wait until I can find a reasonably priced version, or maybe listen on audiobook.

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

Wow! That's a lot of books! Glad you liked Murderbot! Yeah, I can't say I am a an Anthony Berkeley fan either.

[smallhobbit]

I was surprised - it's partly because all my library reservations made over the last few months came at once. Murderbot is great. Glad we have similar views on Berkeley.

[aome]

Alan Rickman's book was a Kindle deal of the day a few weeks ago, and I did debate getting it. Aside from too many reports on celebrity meals, you liked it, though?

[smallhobbit]

Yes, I did like it. I wouldn't have read it if it wasn't a library book, but if you're interested in him it would be worth buying as a deal of the day or similar.

[annofowlshire]

*scans carefully for next read* XD

[smallhobbit]

I think you'd like Lessons in Chemistry. Definitely worth waiting for if you're a library member.

[kingstoken]

Wow! Great work on the book bingo, you're going to be done in no time!

[smallhobbit]

Thank you! These were the easy categories, where I could tick off something every time I read a book. It will become harder from now on!

[howsmyenglish]

I'm curious: do you remember which books by Kate Atkinson you liked and which you didn't? It's been a long time since I read them, so I'm not sure I really remember my reactions, but I'd like to try and compare them with yours.

[smallhobbit]

I liked Life After Life and Transcription, but disliked A God In Ruins and Case Histories. Looking at Goodreads ratings, it's the reverse of what most people thought.

[howsmyenglish]

Oh - good that I asked! I completely forgot that Life after Life was also her book. I liked it a lot, but it was so different from the Jackson Brodie books than I ended up storing my memory about them in different parts of my brain XD I never read Transcription or A God In Ruins. I'll give them a try! Thanks!

[mafief]

I was wondering what your thoughts were on Murderbot. I’m glad you liked it and are interested in the rest of the series. The reader for the audio book makes the series even better. His voice and inflections are perfect for the characters.
Hopefully you can find the rest! :)

[smallhobbit]

I was initially dubious, because I'm not a sci-fi fan, but the character of Murderbot sucked me in and I found its POV a great way to write the book. I raced through it.