Tuesday 16 February 2016

Tuesday Books day

I have read two books since my last books post and as I am busy with "I am Pilgrim" and it's 800 plus pages (thus it will be a while before I am done with it), I though I should share about the last two books I have read.
"Before I go " by Colleen Oakley
Daisy is 27 years old when she finds out she only has a few months to live. In stead of wallowing in her sadness and fear she jumps straight ahead in her type A personality type and make lists of things that need to be done before she goes. Her main concern is her charming and intelligent husband that is totally useless in taking care of himself.

As she search for who she believes will be the perfect wife for him she actually almost loose him in her pre occupation to ensure that his life goes ahead with minimal disruption caused by her illness.

I really enjoyed the book and despite the very sad topic one never feels overwhelmed by her sadness of sickness. The tone of the book carries through her attitude towards her situation - almost light hearted and matter of fact. But subtly one finds out how her life is changing and how the disease affects her and her relationships.

Well worth a read - an 8/10 .

"The Italian Wife" by Kate Furnivall

Set in Mussolini's Italy with the fear and horror that any dictatorship brings. The main story line is good enough and the main characters well rounded but I did find that some of the others felt a bit too shallow- as if I needed to know more about them to colour them in. I also found the continuous description of Isabella's slim figure and unruly hair as well as Roberto's broad shoulders as totally unnecessary up until the end of the book. Our idea of what the characters look like was long settled by then while I found some others had no physical description or anything that painted that same picture.

The book only really gripped my about two thirds in and then the story moved at a good pace. The best part of the book was a fascinating look at the time and place. I am sure lovers of historical fiction may enjoy it. A good enough read only and a 6/10 rating.


 So have you read any of the two and what are you reading at the moment?



7 comments:

  1. Thanks Cat- I am adding the first to my book list. Right now I am reading a book by Aziz Ansari (the comedian) called Modern Romance.

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  2. Both sounds like good reads! Urgh I'm so behind on my reading, one of my most favourite things to do, but these days I can't keep my eyes open past 9... even less when I read or watch tv. I really need to make more time for it.

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  3. Am now keen to read the first one you mentioned. I have 10 books on the go, not including 2 books for class. The increase in theory reading though, is putting a crimp in my normal reading.

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  4. I am currently reading The Sword of Shannara Trilogy. I have read I am Pilgrim, I enjoyed it very much.

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  5. The first book looks like something I'd read :) Definitely not the second.

    I'm reading "We'll always have Paris" and in the car, "Parenting your powerful child" (I'm on a Leman streak!)

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  6. I'm reading 'Running with scissors'. Always love your book reviews.

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  7. Reading "small beginnings" and loving it!!

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So what's on your mind?