Happy 2023 TBIF’ers! I have a bit to catch up on from the last part of 2022, and I thought that I’d start the catch up with the second half of the Reading Challenge that I managed to successfully complete before 2022 was over and done. With the exception of one prompt, which I mentioned in the previous blog that I wasn’t planning on completing (“Re-read a favourite”), I managed to hit every single prompt, including the “Extra Challenging” ones, so I consider that a win in what was a relatively miserly year of reading in 2022 all things considered. With all of that in mind, let’s jump straight back in to how I fulfilled the prompts!
Bought it for the cover: Social Creature by Tara Isabella Burton
With its glossy black cover and pops of metallic shininess, as well as hints of the sinister with the blood red flecks dotted about, this cover simply intrigued me. On top of a positive review from a friend on social media, I didn’t need much more convincing to pick this one up (back in 2018, the less said about that the better!). This modern take on The Talented Mr Ripley tells the story of two women – the lowly and struggling Louise, and the rich and glamorous Lavinia, and just how desperate Louise will get in order to have Lavinia’s life. A twisted read of toxic characters – with an undeniably attractive cover.
Trending on #BookTok: Verity by Colleen Hoover
Everything Colleen Hoover has written has turned to gold on BookTok in the last 18 months or so, but this one was the one that was hot property and seemed the most appealing to me. Having previously read and not particularly loved It Ends With Us, I thought I’d give Hoover another chance in the thriller genre. Ultimately I did enjoy Verity a lot more, in spite of the writing not being the most sophisticated. It’s worth picking this one up just to see which side of the fence you land on when it comes to the titular character, her husband Jeremy and the book’s main character and fellow author Lowen.
Illustrated cover: Love Locked Down by Beth Reekles
No shortage of options to fulfil the nature of this prompt, but ultimately landed on this sweet romance set in a London apartment building who are plunged into an unexpected seven day quarantine lockdown. Following five different apartment buildings and their experiences in respective lockdowns, this was a sweet and comfortable read that was great fun to read. Who would have thought that a collective worldwide trauma could result in such a warm and fuzzy romance novel?!
Friend’s favourite: The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow
Such a friend’s favourite it was that it was given as a gift with a beautiful note enclosed, this tome was a thoroughly pleasant read. Weighing in at a hefty 650+ pages, this book is certainly a journey that at times feels like reading 3 or 4 books rolled into one, it tells an alternative history of the “forgotten” Bennet sister from the classic (and my all-time favourite) Pride and Prejudice, Mary Bennet, and how she could find happiness in the world as an introverted, plain and intellectual young woman. A comforting read that at times cuts with its cruelness.
Inspiring change: Boys Will Be Boys by Clementine Ford
“An exploration of power, patriarchy and the toxic bonds of mateship” – the subtitle of this 2018 investigation into the culture particularly in Australia of patriarchy. Written in the wake of the birth of her son, Ford is ultimately attempting to inspire optimism in the hope of creating a better world for men and women to co-exist with mutual respect in spite of the heavy burden of history. This is no mean feat, especially given the at times confronting nature of this book and the examples it makes. At times incredibly difficult to read, although it inspires change, it also incites anger and hopelessness all rolled into one incredibly well-researched book.
Start of a series: The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
The first of the Montague siblings series, this fun historical young adult novel introduces us to Henry “Monty” Montague, an unashamed and unabashed bisexual lord whose roguish behaviours have caused his family to send him on a grand tour of Europe in the hope of reforming his ways. One big obstacle to this reform is his travel companion, best friend and secret crush, Percy. What develops is a manhunt spanning multiple countries with no shortage of adventures to be had. A great romp with characters who have so often been excluded from historical tales such as this.
A Classic: Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote
Having previously absolutely loved Capote’s In Cold Blood, I knew I’d love Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Despite its iconic nature, I’ve managed to never see the movie so it was nice not to have had that colour my interpretation of the characters, although so very iconic it was that I did have a fair idea of the plot and the characters, particularly given that it is such a quick read. A great glimpse into the world of 1940s New York and the colourful characters that inhabit it.
Australian author: Black River by Matthew Spencer
I hope that I am able to continue to read a lot more Australian authored books in 2023 and beyond! This was a crime novel set on the banks of the Parramatta River with a serial killer on the loose dubbed the “Blue Moon Killer”, it is left to local journalist Adam Bowman and Detective Sergeant Rose Riley to see if they can uncover the identity of BMK before his is able to strike again. A well plotted and paced novel, unfortunately it just failed to reach the “wow-factor” and remained “just okay” for me.
EXTRA CHALLENGING:
450+ pages: A Home Like Ours by Fiona Lowe
My second read from Fiona Lowe and will not be my last, this book tells the story of a small town and a community garden. Doesn’t sound like it should be enough to fill close to 600 pages does it? Think again. Primarily centred around three women: Tara Hooper, the wife of the owner of the local hardware store, Helen Demetriou, a woman who has clawed back from the very edge to find a bit of comfort in her life is about to have all of this stability ripped up from underneath her, and Jade Innes, a young mum whose boyfriend is frequently absent and uncaring towards her and her son Milo. Their unlikely connection through the community garden sheds light on how many issues are at play in this small town – homelessness, poverty, political corruption and racism to name just a few. A wonderful read with characters you will want to root for.
A book older than you: Crooked House by Agatha Christie
Originally published in 1949 (just a few years before I was born!), this was my first venture into Christie’s work and I’m glad I did! A classic mystery that has clearly inspired many that have come after it and that keeps readers guessing right until the bitter end. Aristide Leonides has been murdered in his own home by poisoning in what seems like it could have been an accident – but it does not seem likely that it was. So who is to blame? There are no shortage of suspects all inhabiting the crooked house of the book’s title. Definitely worth reading to see the origins of a powerful genre and experiencing the work of a true trailblazer
Finished in a day: Kill Joy by Holly Jackson
The prequel novella to the Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series, this sees our beloved protagonist Pippa Fitz-Amobi taking part in a murder mystery in the 1920s’ party (costumes and all) with her friends. But in spite of it being all in good spirits, Pip finds herself immersed in the game and is determined to read the clues accurately to finds the culprit of the murder…and not too far from her mind are real-life cases that aren’t a game at all. With nods to the many characters that we encounter through the series, this was a fun return to the world of Little Kilton – I look forward to reading Holly Jackson’s new book in 2023!
Read entirely outside: Deep End by Jenna Guillaume
Another novella (you have to do what you have to do to reach targets!) designed for Australian Reading Hour by a great talent of Australian YA writing, Guillaume has done it again with another feel-good book. Despite its petite size, this book packs a powerful punch of gorgeous characters, all-too-real cringe-worthy scenarios (did anyone actually enjoy school swimming carnivals, really?) and beautiful blossoming relationships, both platonic and romantic. Of course it could have been fleshed out more, but the whole point of it was that it didn’t really need to be. Plus it would have meant more time outdoors for me..
And that’s a wrap on the 2022 Reading Challenge!
It looks as though I’m headed down a slightly different path in 2023 with Reading Challenge goals, so stay tuned for that as the year goes on.
One or two more blogs left wrapping up the year that was 2022, which I’ll try and get uploaded as quickly as possible. All the best for 2023, readers – may the books be good, and may your reading time be ample!
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