Apologies. I've been so busy writing, I've not had much time for everything else. More on that as soon as it's possible.
March
Secret Lives of the Dead, Tim Lebbon
I kept picturing the characters younger than they were, but I really liked the concept of this book. It’s well-written and presented in a fun way, though I think I would have preferred a much-darker story because of some especially enjoyable elements and the title made me expect something darker.
Relentless, Dean Koontz
A reread for me as part of an attempted book clearance. Relentless is an author’s nightmare ramped up and far worse than an obsessed fan, but an obsessed reviewer. Sounds simple enough, but we soon learn that it’s far from what we first believe to be the problem. The reviewer is not your average man, and the author and his family are far from mediocre. What happens as the story progresses is fun, but this is a novel for those prepared to park any longing for reality in fiction at the first page and just go along for the ride. At the end, you’ll either have enjoyed yourself or might roll your eyes. In that way, this is light with some intense scenes.
The Martian (audio), by Andy Weir, read by Will Wheaton
Having loved Project Hail Mary, I felt compelled to listen to this, despite having already read the book and seen the movie. I just couldn’t resist revisiting the story to enjoy it all over again. Well read, of course; as is easy to expect from Will Wheaton. I’ve only read two of Andy Weir’s books so far, and both went straight into my favourite books pile. He has a way of making the technical details of his stories entertaining and fascinating while weaving a gripping adventure. He’s definitely on my list of favourite authors.
April
The Book Shop, Penelope Fitzgerald
I’d heard the author’s work was worth checking out, I picked up a couple of her books, this being the first I’ve read. The style is of its time, written in the 70s, so there’s a little more tell than show, which is not so preferred by publishers, editors, and readers these days, but the writing is light, lyrical, and enjoyable. The story didn’t have quite the impact I’d hoped for, as it wasn’t as tense as modern readers no doubt prefer, but it was a good read, reflecting a light on the subtleties of nastiness people can so often exhibit in roundabout ways.
Breathless, Dean Koontz
A re-read for me, and one that read almost like a book of two halves. I enjoyed almost all of it, but expected a different outcome. Koontz has been accused of getting too religious in his books over time, though if that’s what he wishes to write, that’s fine. A book's content is the author’s prerogative. Still, this one may be a step too far for me, which doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate the wonder created by the narrative, but some storylines come together in too light a way to truly satisfy. Still enjoyable.
