Last year, I started recording every book I read and writing a little review, just for myself, on each one.
Looking back over these brief descriptions, it is amusing to see how my state of mind at the time of reading has clearly affected my perception of certain books.
Nevertheless, it has helped me better appreciate the books I read, and to recall them with far more clarity.
(Honestly, I did a whole degree in English literature, I read constantly and obsessively, and if someone was to ask me what is the best novel I have read recently my mind would go blank)
Anyway, I loved doing this so much that I plan to continue and thought that this year, I might share it as I go.
So, here is a quick round up of the books I have read in 2020 so far!
My first book of the decade! Since reading (and totally devouring) Northanger Abbey in 4th year of university, I have been meaning to try another Austen novel.
I was inspired to choose Persuasion after a solo trip to the museum in Bath during a recent girls trip. I just love the way that despite the pomp, circumstance and old-timey propriety of Austen’s novels, her heroines are completely relatable in the 21st century.
Admittedly, I am a sucker for a love story and a total hopeless romantic, but the anguish, and the love, and the intensity of Austen’s women reminds me of my younger self (or me in the throes of a new relationship). Persuasion tells the story of a young woman who was talked out of a love-marriage at a young age by her family, who are more concerned with status and reputation than anything else, and the circumstances which bring the unlikely pair back together almost a decade later.
There is a lot of exposition, observation and he said/she said without much action, but the final few chapters more than make up for this. I ripped through them in an evening, desperate for a happy ending. Jane seems to have an understanding of the human condition that is almost uncanny and you will recognise many familiar ‘types’ of people in her work. It is always a joy.
This is a typical Austen novel with all the wit and sharp criticism of high society you can expect from her writing – I loved it.
I had been looking forward to reading this novel for such a long time, I finally picked it up while doing a little Christmas shopping in December and only just got round to reading it this month.
I love the premise of the novel, a younger sister whose boyfriends keep winding up dead while she claims self-defence, a protective older sister, and a love triangle. However, I actually found the book really disappointing.
That said, the simple language and short chapters help to make it gripping and hard to put down. I must have read it in about 3 days. Sadly though, I felt the poor character development and the abrupt ending left much to be desired.
I feel like this idea had so much potential for something even more dark and twisted, for more interesting observations on human nature, love, loyalty and betrayal. The end result was actually kind of boring, unexciting and totally lacklustre.
10/10 for plot and pulpy enjoyment, 0/10 for character development and depth.
Not the most exciting read of the year, I’m sure, but Whateley’s casual and informative discussion of everything a young earner should know about money has definitely been helpful.
I now understand so much more about credit cards, debt, mortgages, taxes, and even how to be ethical with my investments and purchases.
This is exactly the kind of book a young millennial who has just received her first ever ‘real job’ payslip should be reading. Anyone who knows me, knows that I have a phobia of numbers, so this was not a natural choice of reading for me. But, I have become increasingly embarrassed over recent years about my lack of understanding of basic finance and I decided that enough is enough!
Previously a money journalist for the Times (I didn’t even know such a job existed!), Whateley answers the questions she was most commonly asked by readers, and sets out very heavy information in a clear and concise way.
Not the most exciting book I have ever read, but definitely the most exciting book I have ever read about finance!
If you enjoyed these wee, bite-size reviews, check out what I have to say about Philip Pullman’s The Secret Commonwealth and Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran-Foer!