Wednesday 22 March 2023

What's on my bookshelf? - March

 A very slow reading month (again). 

In Japan I read Territory of Light because it's set in Japan, by a Japanese poet and novelist. It's a strange book. I enjoyed it but I can't really tell you what it's about (and that seems to be similar to a number of goodread reviews I read after). It's little stories of a woman in the first year of separation, living with a young child and on the verge of a breakdown (it seems to me). Kind of poetic, lots of different 'light' pervading each scene. I don't really know what to make of it at the end. I gave my copy to other travellers to chuck out when they were done.






I started Where the Grass is Green when in Bali as my holiday read. I'm srill reading it as I didn't take it to Japan. It's not something I would pick but it came in my book advent and it's entertaining enough. A good light read with likeable 'unlikeable' characters. By the Devil wears Prada author. So that kind of vibe.





Elizabeth is Missing. Someone in one of the book link ups recommended it, so thanks for that. I have to as, I enjoyed it, while it's usually not my thing. It's a mystery from the point of view of someone with advanced dementia. Now I have to say, if you are dealing with someone with dementia or recently lost someone, don't read it. If you are at peace with it and the pain has gone (and can't be triggered), it's quite entertaining as you'll recognise things that happen in the book or are said or the feelings of her daughter. I thought she did a great job in the first person voice and I thought that made it a really good take on a mystery novel. It's also a light read but very enjoyable (which seems weird to say about dementia).


The Quiet American. I listened to this on audible. I've read it before. I love the complexity of the narrator who is awful but you end up conflicted over at times. It's such a great book. Even though I knew what happens, I still had that sinking feeling as it happens, like horror in a slow motion car crash, waiting for impact. It's a grubby world and you as the reader feel a little grubby too. If you haven't read it, it's well worth a read or listen. 

I've not been reading much of late. Not sure why. Need to get back into it. What have you enjoyed this month?




My Random Musings












10 comments:

  1. I read Elizabeth is Missing a few years ago and really enjoyed it. I haven't heard of any of the others, but would definitely give the first two a miss!
    Popping over from Bookworms Monthly.

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  2. Thank you for your weekend coffee share and book share. Elizabeth Is Missing sounds interesting. I've been reading less this month due to travels.

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  3. I am going to download Elizabeth is missing to my kindle#dreamteam

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  4. I like the idea of reading something from a place I'm traveling to, but not every book will be a favorite, of course! Elizabeth is Missing sounds like a really interesting take on a mystery, and I'm going to keep it in mind when I search for my next read. Happy Reading!

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  5. Elizabeth is missing sounds a tiny bit like Still Alice which is written from the perspective of the one who has early-onset-dementia. That was an interesting read, too. Have a great week. :)

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  6. Good book reviews. I need to get back to reading the book I've been reading, though now it's gardening time. Karen #Weekendcoffeeshare

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  7. I've read a few Japanese authors and they do write differently for sure, I have my favourite authors, but again, not to everyone's taste. I like the idea of Elizabeth is missing even though it sounds sad. Thanks for linking up to bookworms monthly. I'll feature you on next months post.

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    1. Cheers on the feature! And it's sort of not sad but I would be careful if you are dealing with someone with dementia or a recent loss. I could see bits of my dad but was in an ok place for it to be funny (familliar, not haha) not upsetting.

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  8. So many books Lydia! I always know I'll spot something new by seeing your list. I think I've seen a few people recommend Elizabeth is missing now. I'm intrigued to give it a go. Thank you for stopping by the #DreamTeam and hope you have had a lovely Easter xx

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  9. Elizabeth Is Missing sounds good but might be too emotional! Thanks for linking up with #DreamTeam

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