POSTS

‘ALL THE HIDDEN TRUTHS

‘All the Hidden Truths’ by Claire Askew is a novel which I recently won in a competition and I am really excited to read. It is a psychological and suspense thriller novel which was released in August 2018. A man named Ryan Summers walked into Three Rivers College and killed thirteen women and then himself. It follows his mother, the first victim and DI Helen Birch as they all ask the same question. As they try to find out what happens and the media are looking for the truth, the truth seems to be further and further away.

I am excited to read this as it seems like something I would typically enjoy reading. It is a crime novel that also features some police procedural and investigations. From the reviews I have read it is a really intense and shocking book however realistic as it a situation which is something that seems to be happening more and more. It also shows how this impacts people from three different perspectives; the mother of the criminal, a victim and a Detective. It is a very emotional and shocking subject which makes the book gripping from page one.

I am very excited to start reading this book and seeing how this author writes!

Many thanks, Caitlin x

(PS please comment if you have ever read this book and what you thought of it)

Book Perceptions

I think those who do not read books often view them as hard work. I’m not saying that it isn’t time consuming but so is film and TV. I am under no illusion that reading is for everyone but I feel that books shouldn’t least be understood for what they are.

Detailed- I feel as though books are often much more detailed than films or TV programmes (depending on the genre) which often adds another dimension to a story.

Imagination- I know this is a typical one however it is true. Although you are often given a description of a character it’s up to you to to actually create that image. Some people are better than others at that and that’s ok but it’s personal to the person who is reading . On a screen this has already been done for you which may make you less invested in the characters.

Development- books are a good way to help develop your language and literacy skills. If you are reading new books and coming across new vocabulary then you are learning whilst reading.

Enjoyment– books are fun! They allow you to enter another world that is written but also lets you add your own spin on it by creating the scenes in your head.

Many thanks, Caitlin x

(PS please comment on your perception of reading )

My Ideal Book

I have certain aspects of a book that I enjoy to read however I don’t think I could create just one. I think that my ideal book would change as I read new genres and authors aswell. However no matter whaoartind characterisation a really vital part of any book.

In my opinion, characterisation can make or break a book. There needs to be well developed characters that are realistic to the story being written. If the characters aren’t believable then neither is the book. The only way that the story can take engaging twists and turns is by having good characters to go alongside that. I also think that realistic reactions to these events are important. I often feel as though, especially in crime books, those who have dealt with tough circumstances or are a victim of something can often just be ok. They can move on with their lives after it. This is something I don’t like. There would be some effect on the character and I commend authors that show that. Good example of this can be found in the light between world’s by Laura Weymouth and ‘no safe house’ by Linwood Barclay.

I also think that an exciting, fast paced story is often good as it keeps you enaged and wanting to read on. However I don’t think this is necessary needed if the book is written well. For example, in ‘call me by your name’ there isn’t really an exciting storyline with the typical twists and turns but it is one of my favorites because of how well it is written. It is almost like poetry.

The ending of a book is very important to get right. I think cliffhangers are good howver I always want the next book to be out so I can find out what happens. Ihave found in the past that when books have a big build up to the final events that they can go either one of two ways; exciting or disappointing. If there is a big build up to a slow or unrealistic ending then it could completely change your view on the book. I found this whilst reading ‘the lost witch’ by Melvin Burgess. To me it had a disappointing ending however I did still enjoy it.

An ideal book is personal to the reader. Those who like romantic books over crime are going to have a different picture of what there ideal book would be and I like that. My ideal book is ever changing but always has core factors;. characterisation and good ending.

Many thanks, Caitlin x

(PS please comment your ideal book or what core factors you love in a novel)

‘No Safe House’ by Linwood Barclay

No Safe House by Linwood Barclay is a thriller and crime novel that is the sequel to No Time for Goodbye. This picks up 7 years after the previous book and follows the same characters, Terry, Cynthia,Grace and Vince who are dealing with the trauma of what happened all those years ago.

It follows Terry as he tries to keep his family together after that night 7 years ago. Cynthia is dealing with her personal demons and Grace is becoming a rebellious teen, both of which are driving the family apart. Whilst trying to keep the family together they stumble back into the world of Vince, the infamous gangster. When grace foolishly follows her boyfriend into a stranger’s house, Terry’s mission changes from keeping the family together to keeping the family alive.

I really enjoyed this book and felt as though I was kept on the edge of my seat. I think it is a realistic character development from book 1 and that it all related to the previous book. The beginning of the story was more focused on how the family are doing since the events of that nights but we soon are brought into the mysteries and events of current day. I liked how in this book we were given a chance to learn more about the who the characters are now and how that effects the events in the rest of the book and gave us something tangible to link to them.

The story has lots of twists and turns which keep you wondering what is going to happen next. The book is fast paced and exciting which I enjoyed as it made me read quicker as I kept to the pace of the book. More times than not I didn’t want to put the book down and just wanted to know how it all ended. It shows both the psychological and physical effects of the characters and how they are dealing with such a huge amount of emotions. We are also given an insight into how Vince and Jane are doing since the previous book and how they have changed since that night.

I think that considering that there are more than one main character Linwood Barclay balances the amount on information of each character well. I feel as though I know loads about each character and why they are the way they are which I was impressed with considering, in my opinion, there are 5.

Overall, I would recommend this book but I would definitely read the first book, No Time for goodbye, first. I would say that I preferred the story of this book more however it often links to the previous book which without reading could cause confusion.

Many thanks, Caitlin x

(PS please comment your opinion of these books or any other recommendations by Linwood Barclay)

TBR – The Chalk Man

The Chalk Man by CJ Tudor is a book I previously purchased and I am excited to read it.

The Chalk Man is a thriller that follows ‘Eddie’ as he relives his childhood after receiving a drawing of a chalk stick man. It takes him back 30 years to when a game he was playing went horribly wrong.

This book was originally published in January 2018 and had received many positive reviews. It has plenty of twists and turns and the use of flashbacks to help explain the events of previous years. It has a complex and intriguing storyline however although it has good reviews there is also some bad reviews. It’s rare to not receive any and they mainly said that some parts are a little unrealistic.

Saying this however I am excited to see what my opinion of this book will be and get to create my own views of the story.

Many thanks, Caitlin x

(PS please comment if you have ever read this book or plan to)

‘Would You Rather’ Book Tag

1. Rather read only a series or stand-alone books?

I would rather only read series. I find that the characters are often more developed and the stories are more related to those character. I find that characters are one of the most important part of a book. 

 2. Rather read a book whose main character is male or female?

I wouldn’t really mind to be honest but as a female I like strong female leads. 

 3. Rather shop only at Barnes & Noble (or other actual bookstore) or Amazon?

Bookstores. Its much more enjoyable browsing the shelves and flicking through the pages of a book in a bookstore. It has an atmosphere as well as just buying books. 

 4. Rather all books become movies or tv shows?

Also a difficult one, I think that movies often have the budget and ability to explore these books but a TV show is better for a series as it can show a series of events throughout the books in a way that’s not rushed. 

 5. Rather read 5 pages per day or read 5 books per week?

I would rather read 5 pages per day. It would allow me to enjoy the book instead of racing through them. 

 6. Rather be a professional book reviewer or an author?

I would love to be an author however I don’t feel as though they would be very good 🙂 I enjoy reviewing books however. 

 7.  Rather only read the same 20 books over and over or get to read a new book every 6 months?

That’s a difficult one! I would love to reread my favourite books however I think that being able to read a new one is exciting.

 8. Rather be a librarian or own a book store?

I would rather own a bookstore I think. You would have more control over how and what you are selling and choose how to operate your business. 

9. Rather only read your favorite genre or your favorite author?

Favourite genre. I basically do this anyway! It would allow me to be able to read the different styles and structures of various authors.

 10. Rather only read physical books or eBooks?

Physical books. I find it much more enjoyable when I’m able to physically flick through the pages and get that new book scent!

Many thanks, Caitlin x

(please comment your ‘Would You Rather’ book tag !)

Book Box Club – November

Theme: Smugglers and Thieves

This months book box club subscription has the theme of smugglers and Thieves. It contains bookish goodies and a YA novel all related to this theme for those who subscribe to enjoy.

In the box, you received a multitude of goodies. There is a Captain Jack Bookmark from pirates of the Caribbean as well as a themed tea towel. There is a beautiful book bracelet to enjoy and a Neverland themes pin badge.

Also in the box is a print from the included YA book and a flag that relates to the same book.

The featured book this month is: Only the Ocean by Natasha Carthew.

“This book is a story of survival and courage in the midst of darkness. The two girls sat at opposite ends of the boat and Kel dug and stretched the oars into the ocean like her life depended upon it because it did.‘Just so you know,’ said Rose, ‘everything, and I mean everything, is your fault.’Kel Crow lives in a dead-end swamp with her deadbeat family and a damaged heart. But she has a plan to escape. It’s a one-two-three fortune story that goes: stow away on the ship, kidnap the girl, swap the girl to pay for passage to America and a life-saving operation.But the ocean is an untameable force, and wrecks ships and plans alike ...” ( Google books description)

I would highly recommend this subscription box as it allows you to explore new genres and books as well as giving you bookish goodies to enjoy!

Many thanks, Caitlin x

(PS please comment your opinion on this box and if you have read this book)