It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

I've been reading some amazing, but quite confronting books this week:

Her Fearful Symmetry has some incredible characters, with major frailties, including Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, identity crisis, jealousy, grief, and carers' fatigue. The twin thing was of interest to me, especially as there were two sets from different generations.  I enjoy a contemporary story with glimpses to another era. I also really enjoy ghost stories and the idea of someone trying to communicate a message from beyond the grave, even though I don't really believe in ghosts. Hmm, maybe in old jails. I believe good people cross over to heaven.

There were a few moments in the book where I felt very uncomfortable, especially with the idea of the dead being able to manipulate life, and with the living considering taking their own life. I don't think that gives too much away, but I think anyone who is feeling fragile about life and what is beyond should probably steer clear of this book. There was enough in the story for me to still love it, but only because I have a good sense of self, and a strong belief in a happy afterlife.

The other spooky story I finished today was this one:

I was soooo looking forward to this book because it's by an Australian writer who grew up in Tasmania (one of my favourite places, and where my hubby grew up.) I've been following the author on her blog for a few years, and she is so sweet with her interest in all things vintage and Johnny Depp! The book centres around the character of Pearl, an exquisitely beautiful 1930s woman with a charismatic but poisonous personality. There are many colourful characters in this book, vivid and often difficult-to-like characters, however the storyline of an unsolved murder was completely intriguing, and I raced through it. This is another book with a contemporary setting and a setting from the past, and one of the main characters is the Poet's Cottage itself, a house with a very creepy atmosphere, strange smells and an incessant chill. There was so much going on in this book that I found myself lying awake at night thinking about each character and who would be the murderer! That's exactly what's meant to happen with a murder mystery isn't it? I highly recommend this one, it's a real page turner, and beautifully written.

 I am still reading Jasper Jones which is also about a horrible murder, but mostly about the guilt one feels when they are trying to hide what they know from everyone around them.

Three books about death and mean mothers. Makes me so relieved to have such a loving Mum!

Next, I'm going to read something really lighthearted. So I've downloaded Ellen Degeneres' book to  read on my iphone. A quick and funny read for $4.99. Bargain!

Besides, I feel like a good laugh today because IT'S MY BIRTHDAY! I've had a nice lazy pyjama day, reading books and writing blog posts, getting phonecalls from family, planning adventures, and eating chocolate cake, and now I'm going to check out what all my bookish friends are reading this week at Sheila's Book Journey.

Join us, and you might find some more great reads!

xx