I read all the time and I always
have a book on the go. I would say that I almost chain read books and
I would panic if I had nothing on my 'to be read' pile
In December I read some
particularly brilliant books. Having my birthday in November meant
that I received book presents to treasure and vouchers to spend. My
December reads were as follows:
- The Toymaker by Robert Dinsdale. This is a magical and special book about a vast and incredible toy shop. The Emporium is a whole world in itself where people can escape. The family who run the toy shop are not without their problems, but they take in Cathy as one of their own. This book touches on the horrors of war, the necessity for hope and the strength and fragility that can make up a family. If you loved Night Circus you will love the Toymakers.
- The Secret Lives of Colour by Kassia St Clair. I found this a beautiful, tactile, aesthetic book filled with fascinating information about where colour comes from. I had no idea how complicated the world of colour was or how much work went into finding and producing colours. I have learnt how making colours have killed many over the years due to the methods of making them or the ingredients used. I have learnt that colour is not just the shades you see in paint and clothes and every day objects. It is nature and chemicals and hard work combined. Each colour has a rich and amazing history.
- Roofworld by Christopher Fowler. I have wanted to read this book for a long time and it did not disappoint. Rooftops fascinate me and I have often imagined a world up on the roofs. This book tells the story of an existence high above our heads. It tells of searching, power struggles, megalomania and how the search to find somewhere to escape to does not always work out. It describes the brutal lengths people will go to when they want power and the need to be very careful who you follow in life. This is another book that I couldn't put down.
- Past Tense by Lee Child. Jack Reacher, as always, at his finest. Probing, pushing, investigating, chancing his luck and charming or fighting his way through. As always Lee Child writes an intriguing story which you want to pursue to the end. Combining Reacher’s past and a twisted game of people hunting, this thriller takes you in many different directions, and with a few different sub plots, before you get to the end. I am always very happy to see the next Jack Reacher book is out, Lee Child is a brilliant writer and one of my most treasured books is my signed copy of “Never Go Back”. (Yes, I queued in WhSmiths to get it signed.)
- A Highland Christmas by MC Beaton. This light and fluffy mystery was a good Christmas read. Just like MC Beaton’s Agatha Raisin books this is a mystery without excessive violence set in lovely rural villages. It is easy to read and the crimes and clues are very well thought out.
