Books - February 2023
Feb. 25th, 2023 03:12 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
smallhobbitIt 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]
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]
no subject
Date: 2023-02-25 07:22 pm (UTC)