Monday 16 April 2012

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

23 comments:

  1. Happy Birthday Wendy!
    Love your book choices for this week must download them. I'm currently reading Catching Fire, the second book in The Hunger games trilogy
    Hope you have a great birthday

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    1. Thanks, Lisa! I hope to be reading the Hunger Games soon. Not sure whether to read the book first or see the movie. Any suggestions? :)

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    2. I have seen the movies and loved them - im doing a review of the first book tomorrow

      Also I have awarded you the Liebster Award - check it out http://sweetlilpretties.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/some-blogging-love-liebster-award.html

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  2. Happy Birthday and I love your new header Wendy. Her Fearful Symmetry is a story that certainly stays with one, I think I enjoyed it!
    http://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogspot.it/2010/11/her-fearful-symmetry-by-audrey.html

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    1. Thanks for your book review link. Seems like everyone felt a bit uncomfortable about what the ghost decided to do. :)

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  3. Her Fearful Symmetry was read by my book club a couple years back... we were not so thrilled either :)

    Happy Birthday! Enjoy your day!

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  4. Happy belated birthday! Found you through Lisa and your comment on my blog :)

    Can't say I'm into spooky stories (athough I'm intrigued by the afterlife - but at the same time, don't want to dwell on it lol).

    The books you discuss here though sound extremely intriguing!

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  5. Happy Birthday!

    I want to get the Ellen book on audio. I think she'd be fun to listen to.

    Have a great week!

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    1. The Ellen book is amusing but very light reading. :)

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  6. I really want to read Seriously...I'm Kidding, it sounds so fun! I might have to pick it up soon :)

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    1. Don't pay too much! It only takes about an hour to read it! :)

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  7. A belated Happy Birthday!
    Her Fearful Symmetry definitely deals with some heavy issues. I thought it was pretty good until the end. The ending drove me crazy!
    Have a great week!

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    1. I didn't mind the ending, except for what Robert left behind on the table. I can't understand why he would do that!

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  8. I think I will have to get my hands on a copy of Her Fearful Symmetry. Thanks for visiting my Blog.
    Jackie x

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  9. It's a great book for considering your own thoughts on the afterlife. :)

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  10. Sadly Poet's Cottage didn't grip me as much as it seemed to have gripped you, I am glad you enjoyed it so much though!

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    1. It's probably because I'm right into the art deco era right now which is when this book was set. :)

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  11. I read a Chris Bohjalian with the twin theme which was also creepy. This sounds even more so. Enjoy them all and have a good week.

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  12. Ooh, I'll have to check out that one.:)

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  13. Oooh...I found the Niffenegger book really confronting and challenging....didn't enjoy it nearly as much as her first..
    Totally intrigued by the Josephine Pennicott book...I think I remember her from school...off to check her blog now.
    Lovely to find your blog
    Hope it's been a great birthday week.

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    1. You went to school with Josephine Pennicott? That's pretty cool! :)

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