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I’m a big Jodi Piccoult fan. I’ll say that up front.
Songs of the Humpback Whale is about a single child family going through a crisis. Within the first 20 pages, Jane and Oliver, mum and dad, argue. Jane and daughter Rebecca leg it to find Jane’s brother, Joel. Their journey across the United States, including Oliver’s attempts to find them, is actually a backdrop for the real story: how they became who they are. Read more
I’m not big on romance stories. Or historical fiction. BUT These is my Words was enough of a novel to make me think maybe I’m being too picky. If a similar book were as well written, engaging and completely lacking in bodice ripping as Nancy Turner’s debut novel, I might just give it a go. Read more
Reviewing a Pulitzer Prize winner means you’d better like it. Cause if you don’t, then it’s YOUR opinion that’s wrong. Right? I bought Goon Squad without reading a single paragraph (rare). It was a relief, then, to get through the first couple of pages and know I was going to enjoy the book and be wowed by the skill of the writer. Read more
There’s something romantic about the idea of adopting a child from another country. Maybe it’s the element of rescue, the noble idea that you’re giving a child a life it could not have any other way. Or maybe you just think kids from your own culture wouldn’t appreciate all you have to offer as a parent. Either way, it’s a great idea to explore. Read more
I never knew Chairman Mao was so interested in ballet. Apparently he was. The Beijing Dance Academy became Li Cunxin’s home when he was just 11 years old, and changed the course of his life. Ultimately it saw made him an international star, caused him to abandon his home country and start a new life with untold opportunity. Read more
Stephen Fry has 2.4 million followers on Twitter. He used to take cocaine to enjoy crosswords. He was diagnosed fairly early on in life with bi-polar disorder. If you’ve never heard of him, you’ll find this a hugely entertaining, wordy and informative read about a very interesting guy. If you know him well, his story may still surprise you, make you laugh and help you appreciate his place in modern British comedy history. An autobiography is all about the writing, and this one’s a goodie. Read more
