Children's book suggestions for Mother's Day

I've written three posts about books for Mother's Day but this post is full of ideas for books children could read that are about families.

Younger Readers 


The "Large Family" books are a firm favourite with my children and this one is all about Mummy Elephant trying to get five minutes peace from her delightfully energetic children. The four children just want to help their mum relax but their kindness is, unfortunately, a constant stream of interruptions and noise! As with all the Jill Murphy stories, it's lovely, funny and full of bright illustrations.

I love Anthony Browne's books and his illustrations are just extraordinary. This is a moving story about Hannah and her love for Gorilla's and visiting the zoo. Her dad works too hard and never has time for her, then one night she is visited by a real Gorilla and they set out on an adventure together. In the morning, everything has changed. It's heartwarming and affirming. Children will love it

Set in a zoo again, this is the heart warming, gentle story of more unconventional family. Two male penguins long for a baby together. This is a good introduction to talking about the fact that every family is different and there are lots of different ways of being a family. Another good book which deals with this subject is "Donovan's Big Day" by L Newman.


Full of black and white illustrations and engaging stories about a "naughty" little sister this is a timeless, appealing classic which will entertain young readers. A perfect transitional book for either reading aloud or for children who are becoming a little bit more confident with their own reading.

Set in the 1930s this will interest parents from a social point of view but will still appeal to young readers despite it's historical setting. It is the lively tale of a large, happy and simple family and their everyday life. Each chapter takes another member of the family and gives them one adventure. It's uplifting and although the grown ups will appreciate the insight into poverty and social welfare, the children will enjoy the spark and character of the adventurous loveable children.

For ages 5-8

Although Judy Blume is more well known for her books for preteen / teenage girls, these are a fun series for younger readers. Narrated by the witty Peter they tell the stories of his mischievous little brother Fudge and all his humorous escapades. Good for reading aloud as well as for those beginning to read more independently. Black and white illustrations and a clear, large print.

Everyone is familiar with this author! Wilson is famous for her numerous books which are all written with flair and humour but at the same time tackling important issues. This is for younger readers and includes fun illustrations by Nick Sharratt. Wanna-be comedian Elsa is forced to move into a Bed and Breakfast hotel when they lose their family home. A good introduction to Wilson.


Another well established and accomplished author for this age range is Anne Fine. She has also written extensively. Try this one for starters and then look out for "Goggle Eyes" and "Madame Doubtfire". "Bill's New Frock" is fun too! She also writes for 9-11 age range so just check through the story lines when making a selection to ensure you've got the right age range in mind - although there is nothing "inappropriate" in any of her novels - it would just be to check the use of language and accessibility of the text.


Another classic which has been brought back to life through several recent film and TV adaptations. This story of the tiny people who live underneath houses, "borrowing" things from the human world and adapting for their own homes will appeal to creative and bright minds who love playing their own imaginative games with small figures and invisible friends. An endearing story with plenty of adventure and excitement along the way.

Ages 9-12

So many of Dahl's books look at families: Matilda, Fantastic Mr Fox, Danny Champion of the World..... A brilliant author for this age to discover. Try David Walliams once they have read through all Dahl's books!


Again, a real classic but still very appealing to young girls! The story of three orphan sisters and their journey to the stage this remains engaging and enjoyable for a contemporary audience.

A great edition for introducing young readers to classics such as "The Railway Children" and "The Secret Garden" bridging the game until they are brave enough to tackle the originals or more sophisticated adaptions. Beautiful illustrations and accessible, well edited versions.


These are fantastic for boys and will be read, reread and read again! It doesn't matter! There are about 7 of them now and its great to get boys hooked on a series. There are lots of subsequent books appearing in the same style now but I think these are still the best. We love the films too - highly entertaining!

For Older Readers


There's about 11 of these I think so again, a great series on which to get a reluctant (or any!) reader hooked. They are quirky, witty, sharp and funny. They follow the unfortunate events of three orphaned children as they try to find a new relative with which to start a new life. I assure you that you will be grabbed from the very first line! I picked these up to skim through to check the reading age / appropriateness and ended up reading the entire series! They are well written and will stretch the reader's vocabulary. Unique and innovative, creative and full of adventure.


Sally Nicholls is one of my favourite YA authors. This is a novel about a family trying to get by together and avoid being taken into care. Following a visit to an old aunt and the discovery of an old photograph, they go in search for an inheritance that will give them the security they need and this novel is about their journey. It is an affirming novel of family, relationships and survival.


Siobhan Dowd was a very talented writer and was able to publish several books before her recent untimely death. Her books are often a little mystical and she writes with lyricism and great imagery. This book is about the lively and determined Holly Hogan who walks away from her foster family in search of her mum, taking on the liberating persona of "Solace" as she sets off on her journey. This is a coming of age story; heartwarming, affirming, moving and thoughtful.


I can't resist adding this! It is my all time favourite novel as a young girl! It is a little dated but I think will still resonate and I have reread it several times - including last summer! Dicey and her three younger siblings are abandoned by their mother in a supermarket carpark with no money. This is long before the days of sat navs, mobile phones and the internet! Dicey bravely takes the family on a long journey searching for the only distant relative she knows them to have. On foot, they walk and walk, camp and get by through Dicey's constant improvisation and instinct for survival. And then when they finally reach their destination - well that's a whole other story in itself. Fascinating and captivating this is a coming of age novel about what family really means, love, relationships and survival. Thought provoking. It has stayed with me for the last twenty eight years.

I hope this gives your mini bibliomaniacs something to enjoy over the weekend while we are all celebrating our families in whatever form, shape or size they may be!

For more recommendations, reviews and bookish chat follow me on Twitter @katherinesunde3 (bibliomaniacUK) or sign up for email notifications on the right hand side.

Books for Mother's Day #3

Final instalment! A broader range of gifts and some classics this time!



"Louise's cup of tea is going cold. There are six other cold cups of tea on surfaces round the house. When the vacuuming is done, Louise hopes she will be able to find the time to throw them away."
I'm pretty sure many of us will receive this! Having flicked through a few pages whilst standing around in shops, it does seem funny and entertaining. This new series have been incredible popular and I'm sure they will be slipping into our Christmas stockings and birthday piles for many years to come.


This cookbook is clear, simple, easy to use and full of everyday recipes that will be enjoyed by the whole family. Lisa's mum died when she was 16 and Lisa wants to keep the memory of her alive through cooking as her strongest memories are of her mother in the kitchen. Lisa won Celebrity MasterChef so is an experienced and able cook in her own right. The reviews I've seen are incredibly positive and full of praise.


I absolutely adore this collection of poetry. It is inspirational. Duffy's conceit is that behind every great historical male figure is the greater, more intelligent wife. Here is the poem Mrs Darwin:
Went to the Zoo.
I said to Him –
Something about that Chimpanzee over there reminds me
          of you.

They are witty, imaginative, sharp, poignant, moving and profound. We meet Queen Kong, Mrs Midas, Mrs Hathaway and Frau Freud to mention but a few. You may need to google a few of the historical and biblical references depending on your general knowledge but this is a fantastically clever collection of poems which celebrates women.


A brand new publication which I have already bored my twitter and Facebook fans with! It is sharp, witty, dark and brilliant. Ellis has an absolute gift for representing characters effectively in a concise and pointed manner. Her choice of language is clever and her characters are very horribly brilliant. You can follow @whatIdoallday on twitter for little nuggets and quotes that will keep you smiling throughout the day. Erin Kelly writes that "each perfect story is a fine chocolate, laced with arsenic. Wickedly funny, painfully truthful." I couldn't agree more!


I'm sure a lot of us read this many years ago when it was published to huge acclaim and followed up with a good film adaptation. Why not revisit this classic? Four mothers, four daughters, four stories. Tan is a superb storyteller whose writing is absorbing and spellbinding. She captures voice and characters with skill and perception. Well worth a reread!


Another classic and exceptional novel that if you have already read is probably worth a revisit. It is a more challenging read due to the prose but is powerful. A harrowing tale of slavery, it's not an easy book to "enjoy" but at the same time deeply rewarding. If you haven't read it you really should take a look. Toni Morrison is a Nobel Prize Laureate and one of the most famous and accomplished American writers.


I am a big fan of Gaskell and love "North and South" in particular. "Cranford" was adapted very successfully by the BBC a few years ago. Set in the 1830s and a rather daunting 700 pages long, it is the story of Molly Gibson and her step sister Cynthia as they grow up within their local society. Gaskell was interested in the social and political concerns of the day too, as well as the role of women within Victorian society. She is actually very readable and will still feel relevant to modern readers. "Cranford" and "Ruth" are much slimmer texts if you want to start with something less formidable!

 
Significantly shorter (under 60 pages long) this play delivers the great wit and humour we expect from Wilde. It is about an adulterous husband who although confronted by his wife, sets out to make her leave him rather than him leave her. It claims to be about manners but is also full of drama and would probably lead to a good discussion if used in a Book Club. There are screen adaptations and audio recording if you prefer to see/hear it in its original form.

I hope I've given enough suggestions to suit all mothers out there!

For more recommendations, reviews and bookish chat follow me on Twitter @katherinesunde3 (bibliomaniacUK) or sign up for email notifications on the right hand side.

Books for Mother's Day #2

Here are some more suggestions for Mother's Day gifts which are all popular, easy reads.


I read this on holiday and loved it so much I gave it 5 stars and recommended it to everyone! In retrospect, my enjoyment might have been partially down to being on holiday and this novel being the perfect, relaxing saga that I needed but I would still recommend it as a good book full of romance, drama, secrets, suspense and a few clever twists. It's set in Australia and shifts between two characters, one in present day and one in 1901. I liked the setting, the historical detail and the fact that both the characters have a past to come to terms as well as a desire for a new start. I don't want to say much more but it is a satisfying engaging read - perfect for a holiday or a weekend indulgence! Don't judge by the front cover - this doesn't really capture the kind of story it is - I read it on Kindle as probably would not have picked it up otherwise!


Liane Moriarty has written several books and they are all engaging and quick reads. This novel is no exception and I found myself either smiling wryly at the absurdity of some of the characters'  behaviour or rapidly turning the pages as the tension and drama unravelled itself. I did think some of the characterisation was a little far fetched at times but as I got further into the book, I quickly became wrapped up in the different threads of story lines and wanted to find out how they would all eventually come together. "Big Little Lies" centres around the school playground; the politics, marriages, children and cliques. The novel is structured around the run up to a charity evening and a dramatic turn of events which take place there. Moriarty also deals with abuse, bullying and several other deeper issues which creates more tension and interest. The denouement is gripping. I would also recommend "The Husband's Secret" and "What Alice Forgot" which I think is my favourite.



I borrowed this from the library while "The Great British Bake Off" was on; it was the middle of winter and I needed some "comfort reading" to go alongside some comfort eating! This is a gentle, heartwarming and humorous read. The main character, Marie, is very likeable and makes some perceptive observations which will make you smile as she attempts to juggle work, three children, a husband and a chronic inability to cook. It's a easy, fun and witty read about family, friendship and love.


This story uses old photographs to reveal a hidden past and is set between two different time periods which is moves between as the secrets are exposed. Sophie wants to create an exhibition of her late father's photography. Barbara, her mother, has spent a lifetime trying to keep the past buried. But it is time for the truth and time for Sophie to confront the reality of her parents and their marriage.


Again, this novel uses a dual time line, moving between 1860 and present day. It is set on the island of Harris in the Hebrides. Alexander Ferguson, a vicar and amateur scientist is fascinated by the reported sighting of "seal men" and mermaids off the coast and wants to prove the legend that he is in fact descended from these people. In the present day, Ruth and Michael move into a house on the same island and set about building a home for their future family. However, things are stopped by the discovery of the bones of a small child - a child whose legs are fused together like a mermaid...... A little bit more fantastical and magical but also a story of confronting traumatic pasts, hope, redemption and healing. Atmospheric.


The combination of Welsh words, evocative descriptions of 19th Century Wales and witches makes this a captivating read. Morgana, the main character, has not spoken since she was a child. She is viewed with curiosity and talk within her small, remote Welsh village. Her mother marries her off quickly in order to try and protect her and slowly she begins to fall in love with her new husband. This tale has a bit of everything in it from love to suspense and Morgana is a well crafted character whose use of gesture and sign can express far more than words. A little different but you will be transported firmly back in time to this part of Wales through beautiful writing and imagery.


I read this book about a decade ago and will definitely be re-reading it. It's a 660 pages of the finest type of spellbinding storytelling. It is one of the handful of books that has kept me up until 3am because I could not put it down. It is set in 1940s America and follows Sara and her relationship with Jack. It is a story of love, betrayal, dilemmas, choice and destiny with plenty of dramatic twists. Kennedy is perhaps the only male author I know who can write about women with utter conviction. His depiction of emotions and feelings is so truthful and compassionate that the characters are magnetic and mesmerising. I think I might have even found myself gasping out loud at times as I was so caught up with the narrative. This was the first novel of Kennedy's I read and since then I have read them all and will even stretch to a hardback copy of his new titles as they are always such enthralling and thoughtful reads.

For more recommendations, reviews and bookish chat, follow me on Twitter @katherinesunde3 (bibliomaniacUK) or sign up for email notifications on the right hand side.

My Review of "Gone Astray" by Michelle Davies

This is a very believable crime thriller which takes a very ordinary simple situation and turns it into an exciting and gripping tale full of twists, suspense and drama. I had to check whether this was in fact Michelle Davies' first novel as the plot is so well executed and the characters so well crafted! It reads as fluently as any other book in the genre of psychological thrillers and will give recent titles such as "Gone Girl" a run for its money.

Leslie Kinnock, her husband Mack and their daughter Rosie are recent £15 million winners of the lottery after Leslie bought a ticket on a whim. They have moved house, area, schools and left their old lives behind but Leslie seems to resent this new found wealth and hasn't adapted to it as easily as the rest of the family. She "loathes the wealth" which is all about "show" and walks around in bagging, worn clothes as what "was the point of dressing up when Mack's away...no job and no friends to see". I thought this made her a rather intriguing character and right from the beginning it implies Leslie has a deeper dissatisfaction with life and suggests more about the seemingly perfect family set up.

The story begins with Rosie's disappearance. Has she been taken or gone willingly? Is this just the behaviour of a typical 15 year old or has a sinister crime taken place?

The opening pages had me completely hooked. My attention was grabbed by the detailed description of Leslie returning home, finding the alarm had been fiddled with and then the eerie silence of a house where her daughter "viewed peace and quiet with the same disdain people reserved for traffic wardens". The image of Leslie searching the house and her growing sense of panic and unease is so vividly captured through minute observations that you are firmly placed at the scene with Leslie and take notice of every single tiny detail as Davies uses these pages to convey more subtle information to the reader and fill every sentence with some hidden suggestion of tension and suspense. Immediately the reader is wondering why the house is such a fortress and why is Leslie so riddled with anxiety and neurosis. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger making anything but reading on impossible.

The chapters then alternate between the unfolding story of Rosie's disappearance and the police investigation. Maggie is the police officer assigned to be the Family Liaison Officer. She is an appealing character; sensitive, and determined yet with her own skeletons and complications. Davies develops her plot by introducing further sub plots involving the people in Maggie's life and then weaving them in and out of the main plot line with a deft proficiency.

Dispersed amongst these chapters is a third, anonymous, more threatening and aggressive voice.

There are so many clues and comments that heighten the sense of mystery and suspense the reader is on tenter hooks throughout the whole novel. The unexplained absences of Mack, the comment from Rosie's friends that "she didn't deserve this", the predatory nature of the anonymous voice and his alluring personality, the emails on the laptop, the hidden secrets between Leslie and Rosie and the duplicitous behaviour of teenagers. All used with skill to create a thrilling read and dramatic climax.

I really liked the way the characters all began to interact towards the end and all the separate threads of story started to interact leading to dramatic revelations. Davies leaves you considering numerous questions such as is anything ever as it seems? How well do we know the people closest to us and how often do we miss what is right under our noses all along?

I enjoyed this book a lot. It was an engaging, quick read that had all the ingredients we have come to expect from a good, well written psychological thriller. I will be recommending to my friends as I think this is a book which will appeal to lots of them. This is definitely a book for fans of Elizabeth Hayes, Linda Huber, Rachel Abbott, crime novels and psychological thrillers. It also reminded me of Fiona Neill's "The Good Girl".

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review.

For more recommendations, reviews and bookish chat please follow me on Twitter @katherinesunde3 (bibliomaniacUK) or sign up on the email link on the right hand side for regular notifications.

Suggested titles for Mother's Day #1

Here are some recommendations for Mother's Day. I will post several blogs to cover a range of genres and titles so keep an eye out and hopefully there will be something for every mother out there!

First up, books about mothers....


This really is compelling and highly contemporary. What would you do if you find out there is a picture of your sensible, reliable A grade daughter in a very compromising position plastered all over the internet? This novel is a gripping and thrilling tale of such a nightmare and how the whole family cope with the consequences. A great page turner and a totally engrossing read.


A fairy tale of a read. I gave this 5 stars and fell in love with it. The writing is exquisite. Set in Alaska in 1920 it is the story of a childless couple who build a snow child one evening. It melts but the next day Faina appears in their lives. Charming, heartbreaking, multilayered and evocative it will captivate you.


Another 5 star recommendation from me! Opinionated and fearless Bernadette's often disgraceful behaviour will have you grinning and laughing out loud! This is a witty, sharply observed heartwarming and entertaining novel. This tale centres around Bernadette's disappearance and how her daughter Bea sets out to find her through a series of emails, secret correspondence and official documents. The story tracks Bea's search and is an honest and satisfying read about flawed characters and relationships within families.


I really enjoyed this. It is the story of Hadley and her relationship with writer Ernest Hemingway. Their often impoverished life in Paris during the 1920s is told from Hadley's perspective and it is a very engaging novel including a cast of well known characters who formed Hemingway's artistic circle of fiends. The reader feels huge empathy with Hadley, her unquestioning loyalty and patience as she learns to live with a gifted and talented yet sometimes tormented soul. It is about self sacrifice and love. It is moving and extremely well written. I found it very filmic and easy to visualise too.




There's a whole lot of these types of novels about, including "The Unmummsy Mum", "The Secret Life of a Slummy Mummy" and "I Don't Know How She Does It". They are all light, humorous, entertaining reads that satirise the life of a stay at home mum or women juggling both career and families. Sometimes I enjoy reading them and find myself laughing alongside them, sometimes I find them flippant, irritating and derisory. However, I read this a long time ago but a lot of it resonated (sometimes uncomfortably so!) with me and certain parts could have been written about by me! Mary is convinced that her dissatisfaction with life is down to her husband and she puts him on a "reward chart" similar to those used with very small children. The book is amusing and entertaining but also quite sad with some difficult decisions that need facing if indeed your relationship is in trouble....

If you liked "The Ballroom" by Anna Hope......

If you like the themes of madness and attitudes to mental health which Hope writes about in her new novel "The Ballroom", then some of the following novels may also appeal to you.


This is an enormous 793 pages long  - I read it on holiday years ago which was probably the best way for me as it meant that I was able to really concentrate on what is a rather involved novel and as it was in the pre kindle days, I'd no room for anything else in my suitcase! Faulks is an extremely talented author of lots of captivating books but this felt like a much more ambitious departure. The story follows two psychiatrists from Victorian London to Paris, and then worldwide, in pursuit of their studies, research and exploration of the human mind. In absolute honesty, there are some very good sections of the book but there are also some more heavy going passages and at times it is a bit of a slog. A worthy slog, and a chance to appreciate a great accomplishment but for the more ambitious and dedicated bibliomaniacs among us!


This was first published in 1892 and is a fascinating and horrifying story that will grip you and then haunt you! It is a very very slim read (my kindle edition only had the one story so I can't review any of her other short stories) so you will fly through it but it is a really interesting account of a woman's descent into madness when mental health was so misunderstood, not treated effectively and often not taken seriously at all. It is a famous piece of feminist writing and the author herself suffered from depression. Thought provoking. It almost reads like a horror story as much as a narrative on a depressed mind.


A much more accessible, mainstream read. This is a beautiful story about a young girl and her deaf boyfriend who escape from the School for the Incurable and Feebleminded. It gives a fascinating insight into these types of institutions that actually existed and the cruel misunderstandings, treatments and inhumanity that took place there. It is also a love story and a truly remarkable story. It is an absolute 5 star must read!


Classic novel from 1963 of which we'll all be familiar - through the film if not the novel. Felt I couldn't talk about this issue without listing this book!


Equally well known and also recently adapted for film, this 1999 novel is a deeply affecting short read. With an almost cult like following, it is a story about growing up and all the trials and tribulations of the those painful years at school. The main character Charlie is shy and socially awkward. He is "caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it". If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it. You'll be entranced and moved. I can't believe I didn't get around to reading it until relatively recently and it is one of the few books I have re-read a few times.


This came out last year and was a huge success in both the YA charts and adult bestsellers. There has been quite an eruption of YA fiction tackling controversial issues like suicide, mental health, cancer and grief. This is an excellent example of such a book. Theodore is obsessed with thoughts of his own suicide and counts the days until he might die. In contrast, Violet lives for the future and counts down the days until graduation and her escape from her family and its recent tragedy. They are the most unlikely companions but in fact their relationship has life changing effects on them. It's a roller coaster of a read. Lively, intelligent characters who you become helplessly involved with. Well worth a read and well worth sharing with teenagers.


John Green, a YA fiction author, is very well known for "Paper Towns" and "The Fault in our Stars". This is one of his earlier novels about Miles, a boy fascinated by people's last words and his friend Alaska. They are at a boarding school together and the structure of the book is told in sections "before" Alaska's disappearance and "after". The reader has some work to do in piecing together the clues and there isn't a sense of complete resolution or conclusion at the end but it is innovative, quirky at times and an imaginative exploration of life at a boarding school, friendship and coming of age. I rate it 4/5 stars.


Reviewers claim that this is a story "you will want to talk about and one you will never forget." I totally agree. I don't want to give too much away but it is about Emma and her family. One brother has died and one left home at the same time and has not been seen since. It deals with depression, loss, bereavement and grief. It is about how all these things impact on a family. It is very moving and very well written. Highly recommend.

Not a particularly cheery selection of titles here but ones that are rewarding and significant reads. I hope you find them equally interesting and sensitive in their exploration of a difficult and taboo area.

For more recommendations, reviews and bookish chat follow me @katherinesunde3 (bibliomaniacUK) on Twitter or sign up for the email notifications on the right hand side.

Which books have caught my eye? (28th Feb)

Time to see what has caught my eye this week!


Definitely this one! It sounds amazing! The blurb says that it is "told in a chorus of voices belonging to those who knew her best....a portrait of an elusive woman whose monumental talent and relentless pursuit of truth reveal the cost of producing great art, both for the artist and the people around her." However it was more the buzz words in the reviews and recommendations like "provocative", "extraordinary", "outstanding", "gripping" and the fact that a lot of readers weren't even sure how to write about it - they just knew it was a profound read. I am intrigued! @LindaHill50 tweeted about this book several times and her blog post review is worth a read (Linda's Book Bag). She used the amazing word "obfuscation" which I will leave you to look up (as I had to!) and I think I must read the book now if only to work that word into as many conversations about it as possible!


This has to be one of the other most talked about books this week. We all know Janet Ellis from Blue Peter but this book allegedly has nothing wholesome about it! It is set in 18th Century London and Anne Jacobs is an "uncompromising brutal girl" who will "cheerfully pray for another's unhappy end" while simultaneously be capable of "fun, hope, vulnerability and warmth". (Saturday Guardian Review) The reviews are a little mixed but all agree that it is sharp, well observed, witty and shows a passionate understanding of the human condition. Good luck Janet! I think I'll be reading it purely as a Blue Peter fan!


This book comes from a new publishing group that are part of Twenty7books -responsible for great reads like "Sofia Khan is not Obliged" and "The Hidden Legacy" which I have reviewed and blogged about earlier this year. It is likened to Jojo Moyes and Nicholas Sparks and sounds like a good, popular, chick-lit-esque read. Lauren is diagnosed with a brain tumour and the novel is about her spirit, fight and about how to she decides live her life. The reviews so far are positive and encouraging so I think this will be one to look out for and more uplifting than the blurb might imply. I certainly trust the judgement of the publishing house with their choice of authors so I'm fairly confident this will be a good, rewarding read.


Lee Weatherly is a fantastic YA author of whom I have had the privilege of working with on several creative writing workshops both within secondary schools and as an adult writer. She has written a huge range of books including the exceptionally popular "Angel" trilogy. This is her latest publication coming out on the 1st March. It is once more the first book in a trilogy, set in 1940 where war is illegal and harmony rules but life is less than perfect..... The reviews are incredibly positive and congratulate Weatherly on her creative and imaginative writing. One to add to that "to read" list and buy for any minibibliomaniacs!


This appeared on my Twitter feed with the description that it was a "literary human drama of the highest calibre". That sort of endorsement immediately wets my biblio-appetite! It claims to have mass appeal as well as the potential to win prizes. It is starts in 1993 and charts the friendship of two young men. The reviews I saw said it would appeal to fans of William Boyd (whose "Restless", amongst several titles I haven't room to list now, is a very rewarding read) and Anne Tyler (with an equally impressive list of titles under her belt -all highly readable) As one such fan, I shall be taking note of this novel!


Several highly regarded reviewers have named this as the "one to watch". It is set in Mumbai and follows the retired Inspector Chopra who inherits two unsolved crimes - one about a drowned boy and one about an elephant! It is billed as a funny, innovative, different, colourful read with an engaging, likeable, light hearted main character. For readers of crime fiction and people looking for something a little different! Look out for it!

Final Round Up!

• It was great to see "War and Peace" entering the Top 50 Bestsellers list! I wish everyone embarking upon the challenge good luck - it's not one I've won but I am a fan of classic literature and would encourage people to try something - they will be pleasantly surprised by how accessible or engaging a lot of the novels are. 
• It is also great to see the YA title "The Lie Tree" by Frances Hardinge still in the top ten. 
• The lovely, unusual love story "The Version of Us" by Laura Bennet and riveting thriller "Disclaimer" by Renee Knight are in the top 20 - all of which can be found reviewed in my previous blogs. 
• Fiona Barton's "The Widow" which I reviewed this week, is number 7 for fiction and the hotly anticipated audio download is due out very soon. 
• The new ironic Ladybird series is dominating the hardback non fiction charts and the adult colouring books dominates the non fiction paperback charts! 

That's all for this week! What caught  your eye?

For more recommendations, reviews and bookish chat, follow me on Twitter @katherinesunde3 (bibliomaniacUK) or sign up for email notifications on the right hand side.