Orangecoffee69: The Start of my 2019 book journey……. January and February

January and February have been good months for reading. I started the year having books that were either birthday presents, Christmas presents or bought with vouchers. In February I had another foot operation so had extra reading time while I sat with my foot up.

I started the year reading A Fear of Flying by Erica Jong. This was a present and it looked really interesting. The main character, Isadora, is married to a psychoanalyst but is clearly discontent with her world. She goes off on her own across Europe while trying to decide whether to stay with her husband or a man she is having a fling with. The book explores sexuality and feminism in a really interesting way but I did find the main character really annoying and selfish. She whines a lot and frequently mentions what she considers are the issues with being Jewish and a feminist. She is what I would describe as an “I want” woman; her needs MUST come before others. I have never been a feminist so this was a good book to read as I like to look at things from a different perspective. I really wanted to love this book because the person who gave it to me as a present really liked it; sadly it just wasn't for me and it put me off radical feminists even more. ★★

The Librarian by Sally Vickers was a fabulous read. It is set in 1950’s Britain, based around a library in a market town and has some fantastic characters. It really highlights small town prejudices but also shows that children are much more accepting than adults. I loved the mix of characters and working out what makes them tick, but particularly loved the relationship between the characters and books. Their attitudes to reading and books in general was fascinating. Definitely worth reading. ★★★★

I am always happy to read a book by Mike Gayle and The Man I Think I know did not disappoint. This book shows the depth of male bonding, the way you can change your life for the better and how helping someone else can be very rewarding. I loved the James Dewitt character who only really wants his normal life back and the equally likable Danny Allen who has almost given up on life or making an effort. A series of unlikely events means that the characters cross paths many years after attending the same school. James needs help and, as it turns out, Danny is rather good at being helpful. Their journey is funny, poignant and heartwarming while touching on the important issues in life. Mike Gayle’s insightful look at life should be in your to read pile right now. ★★★★★

My next book is beautiful inside and out. Whiskey in a Teacup by Reese Witherspoon is a totally fabulous look at little slices of the American South. This mixture of nostalgia, recipes, decor, fashion, accessories and advice comes with a twinkle and a smile from actress, mother, businesswoman and prolific reader, Reese Witherspoon. I read this from cover to cover and would recommend it to any woman who is interested in that vintage mixed with contemporary lifestyle and that mix of femininity with a dash of feisty that all woman need and I aspire to. Reese Witherspoon shows us how growing up in the South inspired and shaped her life. I will be dipping in and out of this book because it’s just that sort of book. Another definite recommendation from me. ★★★★

Another brilliant present I got at Christmas was my first read in February. The Killing by David Hewson is an engrossing read. A clever, twisting plot and brilliant characters makes this book the sort of book you do not want to put down. Throwing politics into a rape and murder case brings up many potential suspects. There are secrets being covered up, family members unsure of their own relatives and a tenacious police detective determined to break the case before she moves on to a new job. This story is about the breaking point of Detective Sarah Lund and how far she will go; about the murder of a nineteen year old girl and about the corruption in politics and how far people will go for power. Another five star recommendation from me. ★★★★★

The Golden Thread by Kassia St Clair is a really interesting look at fabric through history. Though not as aesthetically pleasing as The Secret Lives of Colour, The Golden Thread gives you so many fascinating facts about fabric, how it was made, where it fitted in historically and how it changed history. This book makes you think about the fabric we use in our everyday lives and what it represents. Definitely a good read for people interested in the fine detail of history or fabric in general. I would recommend this book but Secret Lives of Colour by Kassia St Clair is still my favourite so far. ★★★★★

Dress Memory by Lorelei Vashti is a wonderful book about a decade in a woman’s life through the dresses that meant the most to her. It tells the fabulous story of Lorelei’s twenties and connects her memories to each dress that is evocative of that time. Lorelei has a fabulous collection of vintage dresses that go with her through life as a student, band member, editor and writer in various countries and during her romantic and platonic relationships. This book highlights the highs and lows of a young woman’s life but most of all, it shows that life is for living and you should live it in style. I would recommend this one too. ★★★★★