So Far So Good……

A while back in a wanky management meeting we did one of those pointless personality tests. Turns out I’m a ‘reflector’ not an ‘activist’.

What are you blathering on about woman?….

Well, I’m using this to highlight the point that I’m late to the mid-way point of the year where more organised book bloggers amongst us have already put out their post/video detailing their most loved books of 2018 so far.

I’m 11 days behind the times people and today this will be rectified. I have done much soul searching and ‘reflecting’ and have compiled my list.

I say ‘soul searching’ what I actually did was scroll through my Goodreads, look at the books and judge whether it was a definite ‘yes’ or a definite ‘no’ based on my gut instinct. Only the creme de la creme were getting through! Yeah I’m a tough nut when I want to be kids!

If you follow me on Twitter you’ve probably already seen me wanging on about these books so I apologise for the repetition. I also apologise for the fact that 3 of the 7 books I’m going to mention are not yet published BUT they will be by the second week of August. Something to look forward to you could say.

I’m not going to go into too much detail about the books, and I will link my reviews of the books that have already been published and you can go check these out should you choose to. (You should)

So……in no particular order:

Swan Song by Kelleigh Greenberg Jephcott

Published by Hutchinson – Out now 

This beauty (and it is an actual beauty with a stunning cover and end papers) was such a treat to read. I’d never read anything written by Truman Capote and didn’t have much of an idea of who he was. After reading this fictionalised account of his relationship with his ‘swans’ I feel I know him much better. The swans are the various socialite women who fulfil his every whim, whom he then dishes the dirt on. It’s a funny, touching, glamorous romp of a book and it has a piece of my heart. Check out my review here.

Everything Under by Daisy Johnson

Published by Vintage – 12th July 2018

I’ve been raving about this one till the cows come home on Twitter recently. Another stunning book both outside and in. This one was gritty and raw but at the same time lyrical and compelling. Based firmly in folklore this book had me hooked from the get go and has made me want to reach for Daisy Johnson’s short story collection Fen. (If the library hadn’t have lost it! Don’t get me started….livid!). Check out my review here.

Resin by Ane Riel

Published by Doubleday – 9th August 2018

This is an odd one in a completely marvellous way. Claustrophobic and atmospheric with a first line that knocks your socks off! The rollercoaster ride starts immediately and has you firmly strapped in until the killer last paragraph, after reading which you feel like you have been holding your breath the entire time. My review of this one will follow closer to publication date, so keep your eyes peeled!

Bitter by Francesca Jakobi

Published by W&N – Out now

Yet another bloody stunning cover! I’ve been a lucky girl being treated to all of these gems. Not only is this book awesome, the author is a total doll too. She’s lovely. Just lovely. This one is another one that has a little piece of my heart. Emotive, thought provoking and utterly compelling with a completely fascinating protagonist. This book kick started my amazing reading year so far. Check out my full review here.

Call Of The Curlew By Elizabeth Brooks

Published by Doubleday – Out now 

I consider myself lucky to have been involved in the blog tour for this one. An absolute stonker of a dual timeline story (and I do love me a dual timeline!). This book made me want to urge everyone to read it at the same time as me. I so desperately wanted someone to chat through my thoughts with whilst I was reading it. I remember closing it after I’d finished and knowing that I’d been part of something magical. Sounds daft. But true. I got straight on to writing my review (which is always a good sign) and you can check that out here.

The Weaning by Hannah Vincent

Published by Salt. Out now.

I can’t remember how I came by this book but someone must have mentioned it or I must have seen something on the socials and I’m hella glad I did! I tore through this one in mere hours. It’s not a long book by any means but it sure does pack a sucker punch! Another one I wanted to shout from the rooftops about as soon as I’d finished it……..actually I think I did! If you want to find out what got me waxing lyrical then check out the full review here. Sidenote: published by Salt so you know it’s awesome right?

Bitter Orange by Claire Fuller

Published by Fig Tree and out 2nd August 2018

This was just a perfect book in my humble opinion. It encapsulated everything I adore about a compelling read. So atmospheric and almost stifling, set during one long hot August in a crumbling country house (who doesn’t love a country house I ask ya?!). You don’t have to take my word for this one as I’ve recommended it to a few of my most trusted bookish bloggers who have also adored it. I can see this one most definitely making my top books of the year. No question. Unfortunately you will have to wait until August for this one…..and my glowing review.

So there they are. My top reads of the year so far. Just to clarify, this doesn’t mean that the other books I’ve read were no good. It just means that I feeeeeeeel these ones in my heart and bones. Ya get me?

See you soon for some more bookish stuff.

Bookish Chat. Xxx