My favourite 5 books from the second half of 2017
It’s been a busy six months: publishing my third novel, packing up our house & leaving Nairobi. But I’ve read more than ever. Reading is a constant for me, an anchor and refuge and my day is never finished without losing myself within the pages of a book. So here are my five favourite reads from the second half of 2017. I’d highly recommend them all for different reasons, so read on…and enjoy!
by Robert Macfarlane
| This is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read, and certainly the most beautiful non-fiction. Taking in geology, literature, history, personal commentary and so much more, this book is a call to the wild: understanding the nature we have in the British Isles, and what we stand to lose. |
by Susan Fletcher
| I was hugely impressed by Fletcher’s debut novel, particularly her lyrical prose and evident connection with the natural world. The story itself is disturbing but also captivating and beautiful and I was a little shocked I had not heard of her before. I am definitely going to read more of her novels. |
by Sofi Oksanen
| What a fantastic writer! The blurb on the back said Oksanen is the hottest new crime writer around, and another reviewer suggested not reading it before bedtime, so I was expecting something rather different. This is so much MORE than a crime book – it is history, Soviet politics and it is also stunningly written, in more of a literary style. This is the only of Oksanen’s books translated from Finnish…very much hoping for further translations to English soon! |
by David Mitchell
| I think this is my favourite of David Mitchell’s books. This is actually quite strange, considering I’m pretty keen on a strong plot and actually, there wasn’t a great deal of plot in Black Swan Green. And yet, the antics of 13 year old protagonist Jason carried me along fantastically, and I loved how characters from Mitchell’s other books cropped up. This was a real 1982 retro-throwback read, tied up in inventive language and brilliant characterisation. | |
by Louise Beech
| I must confess I am only half way through Louise Beech’s second novel, but I am very confident that it will receive a hearty 5 ☆’s from me. I can hardly put it down! Beech delicately and sensitively interweaves mystery with notes on a thoroughly believable, troubled ten year old boy whom I almost want to reach through the pages to embrace him. Louise Beech is fast turning into one of favourite writers. | |
Looking for more book recommendations? Why not read about my top books from the first half of 2017? Or if you’re looking for gift ideas for a child aged 8-10, check out this post. And here are my top five reads from the whole of 2016.
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