What I’ve been Reading Lately

Something that I wanted to do more of at the beginning of this year was read! I love reading but sometimes I find it hard to find a book which I really want to read but in the first half of 2018 this is what I’ve managed to read.

Last December I discovered that I really enjoy reading thriller novels, *something which surprised me as I’m never that person who goes to see thriller films in the cinema* I guess I have the author Shari Lapena to thank for introducing me to these novels, specifically her novel ‘The Couple Next Door’  which kept me gripped from beginning to end.

After finishing reading the Couple Next Door I moved onto Lapena’s other novel, ‘A Stranger in the House’ , this had a similar style to the CND filled with characters which you honestly couldn’t predict what was going to happen next.   As seems to be a common theme with Lapena’s novels, the ending usually leaves the reader on a cliffhanger with so many questions, which as a reader, can either be enjoyable or frustrating.  I’ve heard that Lapena has a new novel out this month so I’m looking forward to reading that too!

In April I read Friend Request by Laura Marshall, this book is also in a similar vein to Lapena’s work as it too is in the thriller category and also has characters which have multiple layers to their personalities.  The main plot of this book is that years after her death, Maria an old school friend requests to be friends on Facebook with the main character of the book.   it becomes clear quite early on that Maria is certainly not dead.

The most recent book that I’ve read has been Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman.  I’d seen this book advertised at the front tables of Waterstones for quite some time and decided to buy it as it didn’t fall into the thriller category.  The book follows the main character Eleanor Oliphant through her day-to-day activities and shows that she leads quite a repetitive narrow life.  Honeyman really did well to create the character of Oliphant, because as the reader you can really sympathise and at times laugh at the antics of her.  Without giving any spoilers away, as the book develops it becomes apparent that Oliphant has come from a troubled childhood and this experience has dictated her everyday decisions.  It really drives home the message that you never know what someone else is going through and gives courage that there is always hope.

I hope that you enjoyed reading this blog post.   Perhaps its given you some reading inspiration for the summer! Be sure to leave me any book recommendations below as I really need some new books and perhaps of a different genre!

Clare x

 

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