It happened again. I didn’t mean to be away from the blog but I was quite busy at work. That also means that I haven’t been reading a lot but I do have some great books that have been on my nightstand.
Let’s start with Small Island by Andrea Levy. I’m sure I heard about this one when it first came out and there was a lot of talk about it but then I forgot I had it on my shelf and as I’ve been reading this one I am thinking what took me so long. Great story about Jamaican immigrants to England after the end of WWII and how they’ll adjust to their new homes.
Next is The Murder Farm by Andrea Maria Schenkel. I read one book by this author before and liked it and so I’m glad I had another to read for German Lit Month. A whole family has been murdered and the reader tries to put the pieces together by third hand accounts, case files and different narrators. It’s a slim book and I should have already finished it but there’s a few others keeping me away from this one.
The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths. I have loved her series featuring Ruth Galloway and when my reading group chose this as the November read I was excited to pick about it. Unfortunately due to work I couldn’t make it to my book group meeting (virtual) which in a way I’m glad about now as I hadn’t finished the book. It’s too good. If you like mysteries set in the world of academia you are going to enjoy this!
Not pictured here are two kindle reads:
The Witch Hunter by Max Seeck. A Finnish thriller about a bestselling author whose wife has been murdered. As the number of cases grow the investigators realize that who ever is committing the crimes is basing them off of the author’s books. Good thriller and so far I cannot figure out how this will end.
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. I picked this one up for Nonfiction November and it is very bit as good as readers have said. I know that our criminal justice system is flawed but reading this makes you realize just how much it is so. It’s an incredible read and even without finishing it I can already recommend it.
Alright friends that’s the book scoop here at Casa Bookgirl. How have you been? Hopefully reading a lot of good books.
Small Island has been on my shelves since I first heard of it but haven’t read it yet. I started Just Mercy at the beginning of this month but with the election week, lost my mojo and haven’t been back to it yet. I’m hoping to pick it back up by end of this month.
I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed Small Island. Re-reading my review (from 2006!), I note that it took me 200 pages to get interested, but once I reached that point, I thought it was very good (4/5 stars). I’m eager to get back to Elly Griffiths and her Ruth Galloway series, but also want to try this new standalone. Good to know you enjoyed it.
I just finished Educated by Tara Westover and feel like I’m in the minority since I didn’t love it. Now I’m beginning Under a Wing by Reeve Lindbergh, as well as listening to American Dirt. I have The Fireman (Joe Hill) on pause for now. It’s SOOOO long!
Have a good week and a lovely Thanksgiving. Stay safe, Iliana!
Good to hear what you’ve been up to, Iliana. We’re doing The Stranger Diaries as our February 2021 read for our mystery group. You could attend that one virtually if you’d like. Just let me know. Hope you guys have a good Thanksgiving!
I thought The Stranger Diaries was a great read! I love that academic setting. 🙂
I meant to get to my copy of Just Mercy in September, but didn’t manage it. Perhaps early this coming year. I am glad it is every bit as good as everyone says! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
I loved The Stranger Diaries a lot! Hope you enjoy the other books and that you’ve a great week!