I feel as though everyone is reaching for a book at the moment, we have a lot more spare time than usual so it's the perfect time to do just that. I've been cracking on with my reading challenge for 2020 and throughout March I've read some really incredible books - ones that have made me laugh and cry. I've really enjoyed everything I've reached for and spending more time at home has really given me the motivation to get through my huge pile waiting to be read.
If you need even more recommendations then be sure to check out my Books tab above.
Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
The minute Queenie launched into paperback, it seemed to be everywhere. I don't remember as much fuss when it was first released but my interest certainly peeked after seeing an array of colourful covers to choose from and a blurb that totally sold it to me. I picked up the yellow cover, the sun was shining so it seemed apt and dutifully dived headfirst into what would be one of my favourite books so far this year. It follows the life of Queenie a 25-year-old Jamaican British woman living in London. To begin with, I wasn't sure it was going to be for me but no sooner had I thought that I found myself warming to Queenie and wanting to protect her. It was a story full of charm, wit and energy. So much is covered within this book in such a beautifully written way - anxiety, self clothing, complicated families and learning how to let go. It really should be at the top of everyone's reading list.
The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary
This was one of the March picks for Beth's Book Club and one I'd been wanting to read since it was released. It follows the story of Tiffy & Leon and their less than normal flat-sharing arrangements. Beth O'Leary's first book is romantic comedy at its best and left my heart feeling incredibly full. It's a charming story of love, fight and acceptance although there are some hard topics within the story that some may find difficult to read (TW: emotional abuse & stalking). I knew I'd love this and I honestly can't wait to read what Beth O'Leary releases next.
If you want something to perk up lockdown, this is it.
The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley
I spied this doing the rounds on Instagram when a read-a-long was taking place and quickly added it to my wishlist. I eventually picked it up with vouchers from Christmas and I'm so glad - it is absolutely gripping. It follows a group of friends to a hunting lodge in the middle of nowhere to celebrate the new year and what ensues is not for the faint-hearted. I read this in a just one day and was thoroughly gripped throughout, more so than I thought I would be. It's a brilliantly written psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end - sure the main story has been done countless times before but the way the characters entwine was excellent. I can't wait to read The Guest List now.
The Long Call by Ann Cleeves
I totally judged a book by its cover with this and had picked up then put it down a number of times on my jaunts around Waterstones but with it being the half-price book of the week and forgetting the one I was reading at home while having a rare hour to myself I succumbed. The Long Call is the first in a new series by much-loved crime author Ann Cleeves, it follows Matthew Venn, a detective in a North Devon coastal town. It is such a well written, mystery driven book that has firmly put Ann Cleeves on my radar. It's a great read and I can't wait for the rest of the series, I suppose I'll have to catch up on some of her others now too!
The Other Woman by Sandie Jones
This is one I'd put off reading for some time as it all just seemed a bit too done - I was totally wrong because I enjoyed it so much! I really couldn't put this done and found some parts so tense I had to go back and read it again because surely that didn't happen but oh yes - it did. It's a really clever page-turner that keeps you guessing to the end, I didn't see the ending coming at all!
Half a World Away by Mike Gayle
I've found myself having a bit of a love affair with Mike Gayle at the moment, I'm currently reading a third book he's written after loving the first two so much. Half a World Away is beautiful and right up there as one of my favourites, I don't think I've stopped recommending this to people. It follows two strangers with seemingly nothing in common living worlds apart but it wasn't always the case. It's touching, incredibly heart-wrenching and I found myself sobbing through the final chapters. I cannot believe I'd never read anything by Mike Gayle until this book that I picked up on a whim. All I have to say is you must read it, it's beautiful.
The Man I Think I Know by Mike Gayle
After finishing Half a World Away I did some research on more of Mike Gayle's novels and found this one. It's a powerful story of an unexpected male friendship and another that brought me to tears. The two main characters are so incredibly special, having suffered from unspeakable things that completely changed the path of their lives they each go on to help one another more than they first think. It's a tender and heartfelt story that completely tugs at your heartstrings and is absolutely brilliant.
