Stoke book chat February
When linguist Val Chesterfield’s twin is killed, Val decides to travel to Greenland where he worked. While in Greenland scientists working there discover a frozen girl, who they manage to bring back to life. With her knowledge of Ancient Nordic languages, Val is enlisted to try to communicate with the girl, whom she eventually makes friends with and eventually formally adopts. Our reader didn’t really enjoy this science fiction novel – finding it strange; however, it was winner of a New York People’s Choice Award.
Still Life by Louise Penny (Three Pines Mystery, 1)
‘The village of Three Pines, a refuge from the modern world in the beautiful Eastern Townships, basks in the tranquil glory of its autumn colours. But the blazing woods conceal the body of a much-loved teacher - shot through the heart with an arrow. A tragic hunting accident or murder?’ (NPL catalogue). Our reader enjoyed this novel, the first in the Three Pines series, that follows Detective Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, but did find the 28 villagers a challenge to keep track of. Set in Canada.
In the Blink of an Eye by Jo Callaghan (Kat and Lock series, 1)
"DCS Kat Frank knows all about loss. A widowed single mother, Kat is a cop who trusts her instincts. Picked to lead a pilot programme that has her paired with AIDE (Artificially Intelligent Detective Entity) Lock, Kat's instincts come up against Lock's logic. But when the two missing person's cold cases they are reviewing suddenly become active, Lock is the only one who can help Kat when the case gets personal."--Publisher.
Our reader was fascinated by the hologram/AI which (AIDE) during the course of the novel, learns what it’s like to be a human.
How to Walk a Dog by Mike White
Mike White was a journalist with North & South magazine. Mike began walking his SPCA-rescue huntaway, Cooper, at Wellington's dog parks ten years ago, and since then has become part of a remarkable community of people and their pets. The book features the work of acclaimed cartoonist Sharon Murdoch.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
As a ten-year-old child Kya Clark is left behind by her poor family. Kya subsequently lives a life in tune with nature, and her swamp, but as she matures, she is drawn to two young men from town, who are each intrigued by her wild beauty. Kya opens her heart to new possibilities, until the unthinkable happens and local man Chase Andrews is found dead. The locals immediately suspect Kya. Our reader commented – it’s a great story – reminded me of To Kill a Mockingbird.
Interestingly author Delia Owens was a wildlife scientist and studies brown hyenas in the Kalahari Dessert and wrote a couple of books about hyenas and their behaviour .
A Christmas Gift for the East End Library Girls by Patricia McBride
‘With the echoes of war reverberating around London, Cordelia, Mavis, and Jane are delighted to be blessed with some good news: the King and his Queen will be making a visit to the East End. As excitement builds, so does their apprehension. With each passing day, the threat of destruction from air raids increasingly plagues their worried minds. But with Christmas on the horizon, their morale is at an all-time high, and the girls are determined to display to their esteemed guests all they have done with the library - and with so little.” (NPL website).
Our reader enjoyed this novel for its camaraderie, and cooperation – with everyone working together to make the Royal’s visit a success.
The Fallen Woman by Fiona McIntosh
It’s 1902 and botanical artist Jane Saville is devastated when her manipulative mother banishes her to the countryside to protect her sister’s honour. Meanwhile, wealthy Guy Attwood is searching for a rare apple on behalf of Royal Kew Gardens. When Jane and Guy’s paths collide, Jane begins to hope for a life of more than that of an outcast.
Although personally recommended to her, our reader didn’t really enjoy this novel, finding it a bit too predictable.
The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty
A trilogy of magic and mayhem on the high seas. Amina al-Sirafi was one of the Indian Ocean’s most notorious pirates. Although she has survived backstabbing rogues, vengeful merchant princes, several husbands and one actual demon, Amina is living a life of piety and peace with her family, when the chance to have one last adventure presents itself. Can she save her former comrade’s kidnapped daughter and, in the process, do right by an old friend and earn a huge sum of money? Our reader loved the idea of a middle-aged protagonist who embarks on adventure - un-put-downable!
Pets and the City : True Tales of a Manhattan House Call Veternarian by Dr. Amy Attas
A wonderful collection of stories about the pets and their owners that Dr. Amy Attas has treated. As a house call vet Attas visits her patients in their own homes and gains a unique perspective of their situations. She has been veterinarian to many very famous people e.g. Cher, Joan Rivers, as well as those on the fringe such as an elderly hoarder. Dr. Amy’s stories are fascinating, and our reader particularly enjoyed learning about her life when she was studying and establishing her practice.
Trapped in Hitler’s Web by Marsha Skrypuch (Not held by NPL)
In the grip of WWII, Maria realizes that her occupied Ukranian town is no longer safe, and her friend Nathan who is Jewish is in grave danger. Maria and Nathan flee and travel into Austria, hoping to blend into the foreign workforce and hide in plain sight. Things don’t go according to plan and their adventures and experiences are a testament to the bonds of friendship, and resilience. Our reader found it a thought provoking read.
The Year 1000 : An Englishman’s Year by Robert Lacey and Danny Danziger. (Not held by NPL)
Written in twelve chapters that follow the Julian Work Calendar, this book describes life as it was for a European living at the end of the first Millenium. An interesting book that was easy to read and would be suitable for teenagers as well as adults.
Thirteen Storeys by Jonathan Sims (Not held by NPL).
This thriller consists of thirteen interlinked stories about the residents in an apartment block. Each resident is being ‘haunted’ by a problem, and each resident receives a mysterious invitation to a dinner at the Penthouse Apartment, home to the apartment’s owner, on the same night. ‘Very good, if a little confusing keeping track of everyone. Could read it again!
