Nowhere Girl by Carla Ciccone

All her young and adult life, Toronto-based journalist Carla Ciccone struggled: to have healthy relationships, to maintain a healthy relationship with herself and the others, to keep a normal work and life rhythm. As she was later on diagnosed with ADHD she realized how different it would have been her life if all those discrete or obvious manifestations would have been take seriously much earlier.

Nowhere Girl, her memoir, tells her story, but also projects her situation to the scale of a whole generation of women who only recently are getting - though shyly - a new voice. 

Personally, I´ve noticed how gender-segregated is mental health is. Boys are easly labelled as ´ADHD´. For the girls, eating disorders are reason to worry about although boys can also suffer from it. In between, there is no space for diversity, for diagnosis without considering the gender. Medical mysogynie it´s real and affects at a serious pace women, particularly young mothers. Girls struggling in school are easily dismissed as being messy, but the over-activity is read in a very different register. After all, a girl is not supposed to be super active, it is expected to seat and take notes, and eventually shush their stubborn and loud male colleagues.

This narrow mindness is wrong and despite the fact that I am also careful in considering every manifestation which is out of the ´social norm´ a mental disease, I am convinced that often, having the right diagnosis at the right time helps to live better and gettting the right mental and family support.

Ciccone´s story may be the story of many of us, shortly before the social media outburst. It informs and educates while collecting various information from a pool of women affected by ADHD who were interviewed for the book as well as from latest writings on the topic. I´ve found personally the bibliographical add on attached to almost any manifestation of her behavior a bit too obsessive, but this background is useful to circumventing the topic. In the end, the final diagnosis should belong to the specialist.

Nowhere Girl is a book which empowers and open your mind to a different, hopefully more empathic reality for girls and women beyond the limitative framework who ignored the mental and behavioral diversity. A mindful read for educators and parents as well.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Le Feu du Milieu by Touhfat Mouhtare

Two women who do not want to follow their assigned path. A world of legends where trade routes bring merchants from all over the world. Taking place during the Middle Ages, in Comoros´ Itsandra, Le Feu du Milieu by Comoros-born Touhfat Mouhtare is a poetic epos where old legends meet Quranic surahs.

Gaillard is a slave, an orphan dedicating her free time to the Quranic study with her master. Halima is a young independent woman, who opposes an arranged marriage. She and Gaillard to meet, they are soulmates from the depth of time. 

Written in the rhythm of an old epos, with a poetic language of the old tales, this book is a fine work of fictional literature. Usually, I struggle to read pure fiction, with a historical/imaginative fiction background, and it took me more than usual to read this book. But I was delighted to be able to finish it, although I may reckon that I need some more details related to Comoros history and mythology that could help me better understand the book, particularly the part where Halima and Gaillard are undergoing several metamorphosis.

Touhfat Mouhtare, who studied languages at Sorbonne, is my first Comoros author and it opened up my interest to read more about the culture, geography, history and especially literature of this space.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Rachel´s Random Resources: Murder at the Wedding by Anita Davidson

Hannah is ready for her big day, and everyone is ready to celebrate the moment. Except that the vicar, who was supposed to lead the ceremonies, is nowhere to be found. Until his corpse is found which will lead to the revelation of secrets no one expected. Together with aunt Violet, Hannah is decided to find the truth.

Female sleuths are always interesting, in books and real life, but in the case of Murder at the Wedding by Anita Davidson, there is an additional detail we need to keep in mind: the action is taking place at the beginning of the 19th century, therefore you may imagine how challenging it may be for both of them.

The book is a page turner from the first lines and it keep maintaing the reader´s attention with new revelations and details pertaining to the crime that constantly changed my personal assessment of the case. The female characters are relatable, especially Hannah who has such a strong mind and strength helping her to react unexpectedly reasonable in the most unexpected circumstances.

A recommended read if you love female sleuths, historical London memories and memorable characters.

Rating: 4 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Rachel´s Random Resources: Christmas on Fifth Avenue by Julie Caplin

Meet Evie and Noah. Two strangers brought together under the magic Christmas lights on Fifth Avenue. Evie is trying to recover from the shock of being the target of a viral video all over the Internet. Therefore, the invitation of spending time in NYC sent by a PR company looked like the perfect escape from all the hard time she experienced before. On the other hand, Noah Sanderson is a disgraced football star who may try to uplift his career with...a fake date. 

And the rest is history...

Christmas on Fifth Avenue by bestselling author Julie Caplin is a lovely book of home and romance...a lot of unexpected romance in fact. Atmospheric, it recreates the local ambiance familiar to anyone who ever visited NYC during the winter time, in order to allow her characters to move at ease. In this real world, the magic happens in a most natural way. The feelings and reactions of the characters seem to be in sync with the festive ambiance which gives the book an air of a fairy tale. 

The characters are very easy to understand and accept - even as friends in real life -, particularly Evie, so fragile and with a delicate heart. They do have a certain way of learning how to deal with their own mistakes and re-build their lives out of it.

Christimas on Fifth Avenue is a cosy and funny read that may feel your life with hope and warmth. It also may give you inspiration if you are dealing with loss and grief, 

The book is the first in the series of Christmas Escapes, but probably can be also read as a stand alone, exactly like in the case of Caplin´s previous series Romantic Escapes.

Rating: 5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Random Things Tours: Darker Days by Thomas Olde Heuvelt

 

Imagine a perfect street. Let´s call it Bird Street. Everything is perfectly balanced and everyone is happy. But, as usual, there is a price for it. A human price. Every November, someone is chosen to die. And the life keeps running as usual. Perfect. Unless someone is ready to break this cycle and run away from the honorable duty. The gates of Hell are open. Open for the Devil to get in.

Darker Days by Thomas Olde Heuvelt was a completely different kind of read from my usual topics. But it explores brilliantly the Faustian pact, that fascinated me for many years long time ago. Is there any price to be paid for happiness? Does happiness exist, or it is just a projection of our minds looking for balance and perfection? Just a way to appease fears...and oh, how smartly Darker Days is playing with fears!

Thomas Olde Heuvelt plays so well the human weaknesses, through the characters, very well portrayed and with strong, definite voices, but also through the many circumstances they are exposed to. 

The ´darker´ in the title resonates perfectly well to the current season, particularly the month of November and I personally loved this match between this time of the year and the concentration of unhappy events planned for this time of the year.

The writing is spine-chilling often, and I had to stop more frequently I wished to, but nevertheless this book opened up towards so many brutal truth about human nature that we would maybe avoid to ask if not through the fictional setting.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis

A disillusioned academic with a strained relationship with her strictly religious mother, Nadia the main character of Fundamentally, the debut novel of Nussaibah Younis, arrived in Iraq to lead a de-radicalization program for former ISIS brides. The name of her program is more glamorous than the everyday working life she is getting accustomed with: office rivalries, bureaucratic proceedings, security screenings.

Fragments from her past, especially related to her East London episodes, are very much part of her life, once she mets Sara, a young ´bride´ who joined the ISIS at 15, with whom she relates more than professionally required. An encounter that may change her already insecure career paths more than she ever expected.

The topic of ISIS brides is definitely a serious one, and it haunts decision makers and human rights activitist ever since. The daily work of UN agencies could also be serious, unless you completely lost your sense of humour. As I haven´t lost mine yet, and I am dealing with bureaucracy of a daily basis - not UN, but German one - I guarantee that it offers an infinite source of hilarious episodes. Hence, the laughing out loud I often bursted into, while reading this book. This bureaucracy does not give any chance to a normal solution, hence my lack of objection for Nadia´s solution, although largely misguided.

Belief, with capital ´B´ plays an important role in this story: misguided - like the brides, substituted for love - as Nadia´s mother, nourishing - like Sara for her daughter. At the same time, women´s places in this world, no matter if ISIS brides or UN employees is outlining the main benchmarks of the story. Often, no matter whose ´bride´ you are, being a woman is already an element operating against one´s advantage.

I wanted to read Fundamentally for a very long time and it was worth waiting for it: it uses the right kind of humour to take on serious daily issues that approached on a solemn tone will never get the right audience. 

I would clearly want to keep up with the writing of Nussaibah Younis - herself experienced in the field of international organisations. 

Rating: 3.5 stars

Random Things Tours: Lies Between Friends by A.A.Abbott

A gripping psychological thriller, built around an abusive relationship set among the middle class Bristol society, Lies Between Friends by A.A.Abbott was my favorite thriller read of the week. 

I´ve finished it in few hours - oh, the blessings of being a freelancer fully in charge with your own (reading) time - and besides the thriller part which has extraordinary twists and turns of situation, it made me think about something else as well. As the title explicitly says, it has to do also with ´lies between friends´. Gail, Nick´s wife, whose world is turned apart following the disappearance of her abusive and controlling husband, had the unluck of being mislead by friends belonging to their social circle. Some may reckon already how does it feel to follow the advice of fake friends or believing the lies of a close friend. Gail´s world is also turned into pieces due to her trust wrongly invested in the wrong people. 

The many hidden secrets - that cannot be maintained as such otherwise than through a web of deep lies - may mislead Gail on her search for guaranteeing a safe life for their children but it made it into an eventful series of events, with a possibly dangerous outcome.

A recommended read if you are looking for a crime thriller that may make you think deeply about the worth of social relationships and trust, in addition to a very adventurous and surprising read.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Random Things Tours: Little Secrets by Victoria Goldman

When a former prison turned into a luxury hotel, there are secrets of the past resurging. In June 1999, the last inmates from HMP Panbrook died in unclear circumstances, and after the death of the nurse accused of the murders, it seemed that there is nothing to know more about the case. But as the story of the luxury hotel is taking into the darkest details of the event, it looks like there are more people interested in keeping the truth for ever hidden.

There are so many layers of authenticity to this story, including from the point of view of building repurposing. The travel writer in me may finds such an idea entincing and I can imagine myself spending such time, especially if there is a promise of luxury.

Little Secrets is very atmospheric and introduces the reader to the stories of the inmates, with all the moral and legal implications involved by their cases. The dual angle of the plot, which comes back and forth from the past to the present, creating tension and adding new information. There is a sense of expectation and mystery that increases as we are heading to the end of the story, which I´ve personally found entincing.

I loved how determined Madeleine was determined to find the truth, no matter the risks, although we may need to wait a bit to understand her real motives. There is a feeling of mystery surrounding the characters and circumstances of the events that keeps the reader focused and curious.

Victoria Goldman has a solid background in journalism which helps to build the narrative through inter-related facts and details that are relatable. This was my first encounter with this author but Little Secrets made me curious to read her other novels as well. 

Rating: 4.5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Le peintre dévorant la femme by Kamel Daoud

In 2017, Algerian author Kamel Daoud spent one night in Picasso Museum in Paris, an occasion to meditate - and write about it - about the representation of women and the fantasmas of the ´other world´ using women as a pawn of imagination - or counter-imagination.

He is himself using the register of imagination in explaining the experiences he gathered while facing Picasso´s erotisme - ´monstreux, grossier, incomprehensible´: he is accompanied by an imaginary Abdelah, his islamist double who may be eager to destroy any visual representation of the body. Just think about Palmyra and Mosul and the Buddha statues in Afghanistan.

Through the different perceptions, Daoud is retracing a partial overview of colonial history (think about the encounter between Robinson Crusoe and Friday). It is not a critique and he keeps being a writer with interests in the history of arts, without reducing his condition to being an anthropologist. 

While reading this book - a bit over 200 pages - I realized how blessed we may be those days to have access to such a vaste array of knowledge, allowing us to see so many nuances and cultural habits. But it is also displays the downside of it, the aberration of trying to prevent this knowledge to be shared and expand.

Rating: 4.5 stars

The Persians by Sanam Mahloudji

 

The women characters of The Persians, the debut novel by Tehran-born London-based Sanam Mahloudji are strong willed, refusing to listen to anyone but themselves, especially when they are doing mistakes in life and love. 

They are telling their story separately, sometimes continuing other women´s story, sometimes only to fully share their own. Men, they are mostly disposable, accessories to show at mehmooni (the Farsi word for social gatherings). You need them as you need a painted face, but there is more to life than that (hopefully).

As much as I loved, literally loved, the storytelling and some of the women, I felt a bit embarassed by the banality of their setting: rich, forced to leave Iran following the Islamic Revolution, obsessed about status and fancy cars and Aspen ski vacations. There are the common topics I´ve experienced in many books with Persian characters, whose repetition - and obligativity - may only lead to a stereotype that is killing any fiction. I may understand that this is what the ´market´ expects but it does diminish the originality of a story. After all, there are many more ´real´ characters with an Iranian background that probably aren´t rich, do not live in LA or Texas and may do a bit more with their lives than shopping to relieve stress.

The Persians was for me one of those books where loved the writing and the characters, but not lost me completely when explaining the context - both social and historical. There are so many more aspects to explore with talent and knowledge beyond that, and hopefully Mahloudji´s next novel will be fully fred from the chains of literary expectations.

Rating: 3.5 stars 

Random Things Tours: Genes Don´t Lie by Zeta Thomelin

The identity narrative is much different nowadays, with science and genetical research playing an important role in showing us who we really are and who may be our relatives. I may have my own second thoughts about extensively relying on DNA for identity representation, but true is that we cannot ignore the weight of such researches for the identity narrative.

Genes Don´t Lie by Zetta Thomelin, an author I´ve featured before on my blog, explains the impact of such a research on the life of a person. Many DNA tests are affordable and the results, corroborated scientifically with other further genealogically investigations can write completely new page in someone´s life.

I´ve personally heard and read many such stories, when out of nowhere you may get in touch with lost cousins and even discover geographical connections with cultural groups you never imagined are part of your DNA. 

I´ve appreciated the writing, as it relates directly to everyday life and storytelling, while intelligently juggling with very complex representations and concepts from the field of genetics. There is a blessing and a curse in such episodes therefore, anyone going through such a progress needs to be handled with grace and patience, hence the need of a professional counseling, when necessary.

I´ve learned a lot from Genes don´t lie and I would definitely want to get more into the depth of such challenges, as well as the research framework in this field.

Rating: 5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

 

Random Things Tours: The Protocols of Spying by Merle Nygate

´Why? Why us? Why we can´t ever be safe?´

Two days ago I would have write probably a different review of The Protocols of Spying by writer and script editor Merle Nygate. But after two long years, it is finally the 8th of October and the reading of this book can just change just from a day to another.

I was expecting for a long time to hear about fiction books inspired by the horrific events from the 7th of October in Israel, but 1. there were none so far in English - was expecting Daniel Silva to write something but not this time - and 2. it is an ongoing trauma that needs to be healed before writing about it, no matter the genre. 

I haven´t heard about Eli Amiram series by Merle Nygate, but after this book - the third so far in the series - I would love to go back to read more. It is a book with and about spies, Israeli and some local allies - like Petra, a British Jew helping locally, well dressed - too well dressed if you ask me for the average Israeli standards, but those are living in Europe, particularly London, so maybe they are following the local trends. After the terror shock they are working to make sense and prevent and operate in the new intelligence framework. 

The story is dense, tensed but still allowing operational explanations and character development. The elements of reality - including the famous Mossad pagers plot - frame the fiction within the planned plot denouement. Office politics play an important role in advancing the story, which largely corresponds to the real life of spies, where planning an operation and the personality conflicts may always come as a joint package - with obvious consequences on the failure or success of an operation. The action succeeds in short chapters which increases the sense of alert. The characters are rooted in the realities of the Middle East, voicing and explaining realities rarely heard, based on serious knowledge both in the historical and intelligence fields.

The title, The Protocols of Spying is exceptional because it leave you a wide range of expectations: would it be a very plain technical book about spies - which is not, or rather it may be the keyword to an unknown adventurous spy world (which largerly is).

I am convinced it will not take too long until will return to this author and Eli Amiram series as well.

Rating: 5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Orenda Books Book Tour: Black as Death by Lilja Sigurdardóttir translated by Lorenza Garcia

Some crime stories may not leave you alone, coming back over and over again. The characters penned by the authors and their unended stories stay with you, in between the time the authors are ready to release new books. 

For me, it happens with bestseller Icelandic crime author Lilja Sigurdardóttir whose series built around financial private investigator Áróra are always bringing some new elements into the saga, but also deep insights into the underworld of crime that in the end may bring the missing pieces she and her boyfriend Daniel were looking for.

I was waiting for her latest, Black as Death, translated by Lorenza Garcia and published by Orenda Books for enough time to get impatient enough to read it in one long seating. As usual, there is more than a story to the plot, which in the end will lead in an unknown direction that does not promise a clear final ending. 

In the previous books from the series, Áróra tried to find out the truth about the sudden disparition of her estranged sister Ísafold, but now, once her body found, there is the main suspect in the crime, the boyfriend, who is found dead. At the same time, she is getting involved in an investigation of money laundering that may just lead to a very dangerous end. Sigurdardóttir is also a screenwriter and those fine skills are very well put at work in this book.

The plot is diverted from one crime to another, and as a reader I asked myself several times if there is any connection between the two. Skillfully, the author is taking us in another investigation only to show us how all those missing pieces of the puzzle are getting together. But for this, we need to trust the plot and allow ourselves to be surprised. Although, in terms of crime stories, the surprises do have a completely different meaning.

As the title suggests, the predominant colour of this book is black, with a dark ambiance surrounding the circumstances and the mood of the story. I think it has to do with the overwhelming darkness of the encounters with evil, a topic this book is an eye opener as well. 

Black as Death was originally published in Icelandic in 2023 and it is the last in the series built around the couple Áróra-Daniel. I cannot wait to see what Lilja Sigurdardóttir will write next.

Rating: 5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Random Things Tours: Around the Table by Diana Henry

Diana Henry´s Simple was one of the few books that completely reassessed my relationship with food, helping me to understand both its nourishing and social significance. Her newest book, Around the Table, has less to do with recipes, but a lot with the significance and meaning of food.

The book is a collection of 52 essays, emphasizing her 2-decade long of direct experience with food, gathered while preparing her cookbooks or food articles. Fascinated about ´how and what we eat´ she is tracing down food traditions, ingredients and ways to connect across the world. Like in Simple and other books she authored, one can feel the quest for authenticity through original yet genuine food stories and ingredients.

Food is a gateway to other worlds, and mindsets. One of my sweetest memories about food are connected to the places I´ve discovered and the people I´ve met around the table. Hence, my absolute pleasure reading Henry´s essays which are evocative, inquisitive and well informed.

A recommended book to any lover of good writing about food while trying to better understand food´s impact in our daily lives. It may make you hungry for knowledge, and this is a special need we, readers among us, may be very much familiar with.

Rating: 5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opnions are, as usual, my own

Random Things Tours: The Writer´s Table by Valerie Stivers illustrated by Katie Tomlinson

What authors across centuries, geographical locations and genres such as Franz Kafka, Pablo Neruda or Joan Didion do have in common? Some may have loved good food, some may have loved to cook the good food. Their favorite recipes, authored or not, were collected and shared with us by Valerie Stivers, beautifully illustrated by Katie Tomlison.

The Writer´s Table is an extensive collection of such literary recipes, ready to be tested and tasted in more or less literary contexts. 

In addition to the beautiful illustrations, for each writer featured in the book, there are details shared regarding their tastes and connections with food. I particularly loved the mix between culinary stories and all those details needed to succeed in preparing a recipe, which re-creates stories across centuries. There are also many surprising things to discover about many of the authors included, such as for instance that Emily Dickinson was such a dedicated baker.

I would definitely love to try some of the recipes myself and I am counting the days until the weekend for giving a chance to that triple-strength gin Martini by E.B.White.

A recommended read for both gourmets and readers as the best among us are both.

Rating: 5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Rachel´s Random Resources: A Wordsmith´s Guide to Planning the Perfect Plot by Elizabeth M. Hurst

Late autumn is for me the perfect time of the year to seriously think about my writing plans. The worsening weather situation and the cold - the usual season´s spicy accompaniment in my part of the world - may bring some more opportunities for spending time indoors, the type of activities I usually avoid during the summer, always happy to take advantage of the good weather and travel as much as I can.

In case you are planning some good writing - as I do - A Wordsmith´s Guide to Planning the Perfect Plot by Elizabeth M. Hurst is my no. 1 recommendation. 

The book, very well structured with many extra resources for those looking to expand their knowledge, is aimed at beginners and mid-level writers, particularly of fiction. Planning a plot while developing the story and allowing the characters to ´exist´ in the literary realm is one of the main challenges for many writers, therefore, professional advice is always welcomed.

In the book, you may find explained different methods and approaches, answering different writing challenges and types of narratives. Last but not least, you can also get some very interesting ideas about when and how to end the story, which does not look easy at all, because everything must come along together in a harmonious way.

A recommended read to any writer-in-the making.

Rating: 5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Rachel´s Random Resources: My Rock Star Neighbor by Kathy Strobos

What happens when a guitar rock star and a citydesh reporter meet? It sounds like a great story to take the news over but first time was not a charm at all. Nick is playing his guitar on the fire escape at the wrong moment, when Maddie wants to dedicate to her beauty sleep. But there is also a bit of charm to expect, as Maddie accepts to be his fake girlfriend, as part of a journalistic assignment. With all terms and conditions written down clearly so to be sure nothing awkward happens. You know what people say about rock stars, isnt´t it?

My Rock Star Neighbor by Kathy Strobos has a funny rock-inspired pace and likeable characters. But both of them are not what may expect from their ´job descriptions´. Add to this the New York-based ambiance, a city that may be hard to feel in love with and be accpeted, but once you are in, it´s literally hard to give up on him. Just like it may happen in the case of the interactions between some of our characters.

The book has a good pace and is written in a charming way that it´s impossible to leave you indifferent. Although this rom-com story is built around the fake date of our main characters, there is still so much left besides this topic, which concerns the pure human connection between the two as well as the ways in which relationships may grow, when there is no pressure and need to hurry up.

This book belongs to series dedicated to New York where the author herself lives, and would be definitely interested to continue my discovery of the city through the adventures of Strobos´ characters.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of  the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Le Verbe Libre ou le Silence by Fatou Diome

One day, when I will seriously consider my option of doing more literary videos, Fatou Diome should be one of the first authors to interview. 

Her collection of essays Le Verbe Libre ou le Silence - in my approximate translation, The free word or the silence - is ironically but firmly taking a serious and elaborate stance against all the non-literary traps that do limit and distort the act of writing. From the insistence on identity politics to the search for commercial/sometimes sensationalist takes: your novel must ´sell´, your style needs to be polished to answer some specific expectations the ideal buyer may have, and definitely, if you are born in Senegal or outside the ´Western world´, remember the traumatic experiences as a child.

Editors and their likes are killing the freedom the writer dreams of. The freedom one needs to exist as a writer. Hopefully, we have nowadays the chance of self-publishing, but Diome doesn´t have a take on this. 

My relationship with this book evolved as I was advancing through reading. She writes so freely and I am sometimes so much into traditional literary frameworks that at times was feeling that her writing is too heavy with metaphors and style twitches. But, it was only me and once I really matched the pace and ideas, I couldn´t stop reading and thinking and smiling as well. 

It is so important to be reminded what and especially why to stand for. Le Verbe Libre...

Rating: 4.5 stars

Random Things Tours: The Gorge by Michael Dawes

The world of wellness tutor Laura Belmont is shaken to the core as she found out that her mother´s disability was far from an accident of sorts in the Avon Gorge. Instead, Aiden her beloved husband tried to get rid of her and as Laura is trying to find out the truth, among others, with the help of her good friend who happens to be also a crime writer, there is much more to consider. For instance, how far one can get involved in other people´s lives as well as many ethical questions that can take the investigations in very different directions. And there is one ex-schoolmate whose presence raises way so many questions in this story.

Set in Bristol, The Gorge by Michael Dawes is a psychological thriller packed with suspense and unexpected twists that goes far beyond the usual search for the truth in an obvious crime case. Laura´s strong personality radiates the entire story and direct the narrative, but due to the big amounts of fake clues, it is difficult to really judge any of the characters until the end of the story. The other women characters are very elaborated and relatable and they balance each other very well, especially given the heavy load of dark family secrets and intrigue.

The book is the second installment in the Bristol Stories but it can be easily read as a stand alone. 

Personally I´ve found the cover a bit overcharged from the design point of view, with too much white text that is doing a disservice to the beautiful landscape in sync with the main circumstances of the book.

Rating: 4 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Rachel´s Random Resources: Kalahari Passage by Candi Miller

 

A continuation of the Salt&Honey, Kalahari Passage by Candi Miller follows the next episodes from the dangerous journey through life and love of Koba and Mannie. Defying the terrible rules of South Africa´s apartheid system, they are sent to prison for the only guilt of being in love while belonging to two different races. 

While escaping prison, in two different episodes, they are on a crossroad: at what extent their choices - of deep political and human nature - may further influence their relationship? Will the tragic circumstances they are in affect in a negative way their relationship?

Fate is stronger than life, and hope and their love they have for each other is what they are left with. Koba and Mannie do remain the strong characters we encountered before, but I´ve found this story more action-driven and adventurous. It is a different pace as the characters themselves do face a completely set of challenges and therefore their immediate landscape changes as well. 

Kalahari Passage is mind opening as well about race-driven societies and the devastating effects on normal citizens. Although placed in a distant past, their warnings remain significant for our daily political challenges as well.

A book that for sure inspire the reader to think more about the poisonous impact of politics but also about the strength we may acquire through love.

Rating: 4 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Bientôt les vivants by Amina Damerdji

Selma is a teenager, passionate about horseback riding. She belongs to a middle-class Algerian family, living with her parents, her grand-mother and uncle in a neighbourhood of the capital city of Alger. But the country is on the verge of changes: first, the delimitation from the French - although when the civil war starts many families may run to France - then the raise of the islamists and ongoing violence. She is growing up under the impact of those changes: she sees betrayal, corruption, how her crushes are taking wrong sides and got involved in nasty political conspiracies.

Bientôt les vivants - it is very hard to give a word-by-word translation into English, so I will rather abstain myself from doing it - by French-Algerian writer Amina Damerdji is built around Selma´s side of the story. Through her eyes we seize the day and her growing up and the constantly damaging dynamics in her family. 

The book brings into the forefront terrible political events Selma is becoming aware through her connections with her jockey club and her journalist cousin. She doesn´t judge, but typical for this age, she is learning by observing and noticing the behaviors and the facts, the cruel entanglement of politics and crime.

I did not know what to expect from this book, as I was interested in continuing my exploration of Algerian authors and literary topics (there is definitely more to come soon). I definitely loved the writing and how the reality and hard political topics are approached. I would have expect more depth into some of the characters, but it probably has to do with the exclusive reliance on Selma as the main storyteller.

Both Amina Damerdji and the Algerian-related topics will continue to preoccupy me, and I am definitely interested in more renditions of the political realms and ongoing conflicts in the literary register.

Rating: 4 stars

 

Random Things Tours: Hello, Transcriber by Hannah Morrissey

Hazel, the main character of Hello, Transcriber by Hannah Morrissey, is working with the police as a transcriber, helping to document the crimes mostly taking place in the small locality of Black Harbor. As the name of the place suggests, there is a lot of darkness in this place, and this reflects not only in the ambiance of the book but also in the mood and features of the characters.

Hazel is herself haunted by dark fantasies and aspires to be a ´traditionally published writer´. Hence, her curiosity who goes beyond her job description, as she is getting involved in an investigation together with her colleague, Nikolai, aimed at catching a dangerous drug dealer selling drugs to children. She is lured by the idea, and also curious about it, but is she really ready to take the personal risks involved in this very dangerous mission?

While reading this book I needed some breaks in between as the general mood is as dark as the Black in the name of the place. The psychological changes Hazel is going through from the beginning of the story onwards, as well as her overwhelming interest to trace down, even with the price of her own honour, the dangerous dealer are sometimes hard to explain, but do resonate in many respects with this forgotten place they are all calling home.

Morrissey is a seasoned crime writer, with deep knowledge of psychological depths, as deep as the darkest corners of the subconscious. I may be interested in reading more of her books, but maybe a bit later on. 

Hello, Transcriber left a strong impact on my mood and this is an enormous achievement for a writer. It is not an easy job to take a reader from their comfort zone and confront with feelings and realities no one acknowledged before. An author to add to my list of writers to follow.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Rachel´s Random Resources: The Approval of Sheep by Karen Storey

Sheep may have different activities to keep themselves busy with, but what about meeting them roaming free through a hotel? Given the challenges the hospitality industry is lately going through, this may be a genius idea to save not only the brand, but also people working there from being made redundant. Or?

The Approval of Sheep, the debut novel by Karen Storey has an unexpected topic and even more unexpected characters. Gordon, a sad and lonely at heart employee of a top hotel, is hoping to get a promotion soon, the reward for his hard work. However, as his company is struggling to meet its main economic goals, his possible promotion is at high risk. What about allowing some well behaved sheep to entertain the guests? 

Decided to play his chance, he will go as far as Wales trying to find a way to bring the sheep and the owner of the hotel on his side. 

Indeed, the topic may sound hilarious and there are many moments of good laugh in this book, but the most beautiful part of it is when you discover the beauty of friendship and human connection, as well as the power of tradition. 

I´ve learned a lot about Wales and old traditions, but also about being part of a team, in the most genuine and warm hearted way. 

Rating: 4 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Orenda Books Book Tour: Deadman´s Pool by Kate Rhodes

I am not the kind of person to easily nurture expectations, being rather happy with my lot of life surprises, but edition houses with an aim to reachfor quality never disappoint me, therefore I always expect the best. Thus, my love for Orenda Books, whose unforgettable titles completely changed my way of reading and understanding crime and psychological suspense writing in general. Also, to discover new authors and their fantastic writing.

Kate Rhodes was not a new name for me, but did not have the chance until now to read her. Deadman´s Pool published today belongs to series set on the Isles of Scilly and it is one of the most atmospheric book I´ve read in a very long time.

A shocking murder is discovered on an empty island, and Ben Kitto is set to solve the case before the panic takes over. The diverse motives that may have been prompted the crime, and the many smoking mirors the investigators are set to follow increases the tension that follows us, as readers, as well.

Not only the geography of the island plays an important role, but the weather conditions are echoing the events and do play a very important role in amplifying the crime context. The violent storm creates difficulties in trying to pursue the investigation on the island where the crime was committed, but also may deteriorate the eventual traces of the murderer, among others.

Add to this the specifics of the ´island mentality where people pride themselves on resilience´.The novels feels at times claustrophobic which increases the confusion about the intentions of many of the characters. But this is a superbe act of crime writing.

Deadman´s Pool is my top reading recommendation of the week, to any real lover of crime fiction that never cease enjoying to discover new fantastic writers.

Rating: 5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Compulsive Readers Blogtour: Deep Blue Lies by Gregg Dunnett

Set in the fictional Greek island of Alythos, Deep Blue Lies by Gregg Dunnett is a story of finding oneself against the background of a terrible secret deeply burried in the layers of oblivion.

Ava is going through a personal crossroad: she has to leave her medical school before being officially expelled and her only chance is turning back to her mom´s house. Born in Greece but never having known her father, she embarks on a journey aimed at filling up her family story but ending up in the maze of secrets of her mother´s past no one wanted back to light.

I loved how this book explores the tensions of the untold past clashing with Ava´s curiosity to discover more  about her own family background. But as usual in such cases, it does not go smoothly, as the revelations may dramatically change everything she thought about herself. Her very identity is challenged. 

The story is relatively slow paced, with thrilling outbursts at the right moment, between long spaces where the characters and the story can develop in all the small details needed for the understanding. This happens from the very first chapter, that introduces the crime whose details may be reiterated on various occasions during the story. 

Add to this the carefree ambiance of the island, and not few outstanding characters, and you have a great mix for an interesting thriller read. Alythos where most of the action takes place, although fictional, and idealized in many respects related to the representations of Greek islands in general, makes it into an appealing setting, even for the sake of personally checking the realities on the ground as well. 

Rating: 3.5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Random Things Tours: The Battle of the Bookshops by Poppy Alexander

 

I truly believe that bookstore are the most romantic places to build stories about. Especially if you are dreaming about that kind of romance, following the intrigues of a plot well written.

Julia and Roman belong to two families whose feud lasts since generations. Are they ready to break the curse with a crush? Both of them noticed each other since the late teens years but their feelings were not expressed properly. Now, with Julia back from London to help the almost dying bookshop of her beloved aunt Flo, there may be some chances for a beginning, until it reveals that Roman may own the bookshop opposite Flo´s therefore, making her life even more complicated.

I´ve read this book while commuting or waiting for my appointments, and it brought so much light into my daily life. I appreciated the slow pace and the ambiance that helps to figure out the surroundings of the small British town as well as the local social network, so important for any successful  bookshop. 

There are so many literary bookish references in this book - starting with the ´Roman&Julia story´ - that it instantly appeals to a wide range of book lovers, including those who still believe in the romantic power of a bookshop. 

For those who heart travel - as I proudly do - this book may also inspire to take a trip in Britain, discovering the small charming towns and, why not, their bookshops too. 

The Battle of the Bookshops was my first by Poppy Alexander, an author I´ve heard a bit before, but it is definitely a new literary beginning for me, as I instantly fell in love with her writing style. 

A recommended read for both booklovers and anyone looking for a romantic read with a literary catch.

Rating: 4 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Blood Vintage by J.F.Penn

Rebecca´s dreams of pursuing her career as an architect in London are shattered following a conflict with eco-activists. Disillusioned and haunted by the mysterious disappearance of her sister, she took a break from the city, devoting to manual work and distraction-free activities at the Standing Stone Cellars in Somerset. The much praised wine whose recipe is based on secret techniques and knowledge, hidding darker secrets and Rebecca is about to be part of a story leading to the most unexpected turn of events.

As usual, J.F.Penn is writing stories inspired by old myths where old traditions are entangled into everyday life. Compared to previous books, the part of suspense is rather moderate, with a well measured number of twists allowing the story to flow. It rather grow from the steady base of the mythologies surrounding and associated with wine. This narrative choice suits the characters and the pace, while slowly revealing new elements guiding towards the end.

For me, it was a captivating read, that mixed my love for wine and for mythological/cultural riddles. An extra point for the contemporaneity of the context, as Blood Vintage is very much taking place in our world full of contraditions where fragments of myths co-exist with far-in-the future projections.

The book is digitally narrated by the voice of J.F.Penn.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered by the author in exchange for an honest review

Publication Day: Be Our Ghost by Carla Luna

Just in time for the spooky season, Be Our Ghost by late Carla Luna is a sweet romance with paranormal episodes. I am not at all into paranormal, but romance does always good to my soul, especially when good written. 

Knox and Charlotte are the most unlikely couple to happen. Knox is grumpy, Charlotte a hopeless romantic. They both work together at the same hotel, he as a bartender, she as front office manager. As paranormal events are starting to trouble the everyday life of a hotel, they are trying together to figure out the riddle of the recent occurrences. And, then, magic happened.

Be Our Ghost is a sweet romantic read, funny at parts, but with some useful hints about how chemistry, even between the most unlikely matches, can work. Personally, I also love the humour take on the title in the context of hospitality industry standard greeting.

Rating: 3 stars

Many thanks to Rachel for having me for this online event.

Rachel´s Random Resources: Appy Ever After by Chrissie Harrison

What happens when two people fed up with dating and being matchmaked do meet? No, it is not necessarily dating but it has to do with dating: for instance, building up a better dating up.

This is the story of Beth and Sam, the main characters of Appy Ever After. As building the right app requires testers, they may offer to be and...some sparkles may follow. Indeed, the romance may stay in the air not only around Valentine´s.

Appy Ever After by Chrissie Harrison - a literary pseudonym - is a contemporary dating romance realistically portraying how relationships are nurtured nowadays. Both Beth and Sam experienced the lows of it, but looking for perfection afterwards, or just giving up, may not change their situation. Especially if one feels that not spending the rest of their lives alone is what they expect from life.

Both the story and the writing are funny, that kind of romantic funny style that makes you enjoy while being faced with serious topics, like...dating again. I personally prefer easy takes on life, therefore the mood of the novel matched my own thoughts and expectations. My expectations were fully met, but if  you are looking for spice you are in the wrong place. 

Rating: 3.5

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Rachel´s Random Resources: The Gameshow by Alexander Raphael

No matter where I am professionally, will always remain connected with the world of the media. Including when the media world is used as a background for fiction. Hence, my interest in The Gameshow by Alexander Raphael. 

The characters of the book do meet for taking part at a competition with a $7.2 million prize. Who wouldn´t die for it? Or enjoy their competitors die, to be more precise...A controversial game that may help six disgraced celebrities to get back to fame. Fame, that strong drug.

As I was advancing through the story, I got caught in the intricated maze of the elaborated narrative. With so many characters with different, if not bluntly conflictual personalities and stories, Raphael did a fantastic writing job coordinating both levels. Additionally, it also added on a layer of intriguing thoughts about the media world and the challenging tasks of being under the limelights. 

The suspense awaits at any turn of the page, as we are progressively revealed the ongoing game evolution and the background story of the characters. It feels almost addictive to follow the book at the extent of which it was very hard to abandon the book until the end. I was not only curious about the final decision, but interested in the psychological details of the characters as well. 

The Gameshow is an addictive read bringing the reader in the very heart of the ´beautiful and famous ones´. A read that will definitely stay with me more than I initially expected.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own 

Schwindel by Hengameh Yaghoobifarah

Ministerium der Träume was an excellent debut roman, but Hengameh Yaghoobifarah´ second, Schwindel - Dizzy, according to a German/English translation although would personally think more about Dizziness- succeeds to bring story and message in a more articulated, free and authentic way. 

The characters - Ava, Robin, Silvia, delia - exist not only because they have to expose their truth, or for the sake of diversity, but because they are part of a story. They acquired their right to exist in the story as people similar to them may have their own individual lives, independently of their ideological narrative who wants them in or out of the society story. 

The transition from life to story is smooth, due to Yaghoobifarah´s unique storytelling - with frequent smart humour and irony - that allows also break-outs of the linear narrative, through broken texts and words and ortographical symbols on the page. It´s a way to get free from conventions, in the same way the characters themselves are longing for their own freedom, through or despite their queerness. 

Each of the characters are involved with each other at certain extents, and they will finally end up blocked on a roof, and their cross-arguments, explained with background details intersecting the story, explores options and weaknesses, with Ava juggling the other three lovers.

Yaghoobifarah is a strong and coherent voice in the German young literature and Schwindel fully confirms it. 

Rating: 4.5 stars

Rachel´s Random Resources: Love Match on the Road Home by Margaret Amatt

After Georgia Porter retires from the tennis championship with 31, she is decided to make the best of her freedom. The first time able to be on her own and decide accordingly, she is on the road in a campvan. But first thing first, she wants to make peace with an old love whose heart she accidentally broke. Things may go through in a completely different direction as Georgia is meeting Kerr, a local teacher, her ex-boyfriend brother who had an old flame for her.

Love Match on the Road Home by Margaret Amatt is a delicious, slow-paced romance that you cannot leave easily. For me, it shows how important communication not only for the inner dynamics of a relationship, but also for respecting and protecting other´s feelings. We are the only one able to explain our decisions and feelings, and misunderstandings can seriously hurt people we love but have to leave for all the wrong or right reasons.

Georgia is a character easy to relate to and complex, especially in her desire to finally build her own life. Kerr is also a sensitive and loyal character, down to earth and torn between his brotherly love and the wishes of his heart. 

The travel-related details and the Scottish ambiance add more context to the story.

Love Match on the Road Home is the 15th book in the Glenbriar series, but the book can be easily read as a stand alone. Personally, would love though to have some more time soon to read more from the series. 

Rating: 3 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Random Things Tours: Two Bugs on Bikes by Jacqui Webster

One year, 18.000 km, 30 countries. Jacqui and her partner took a gap year to cycle across Europe and Africa. Left behind jobs and the comfort of a home and took the challenge of discovering the world at their own pace.

Two Bugs on Bikes is Jacqui Webster´s debut, an account of those fantastic 12 months that took them 18,000 km away from home. Although Europe was in the cards, Africa happened as an alternative to the Asian adventure that could not have been achieved due to administrative reasons. But, when it comes to travel, such ´accidents´ always bring on unexpected surprises.

I loved the realistic tone of the book that does not try to idealize travel as a dreamy projection. Instead, the two protagonists share their thoughts and challenges as well as the limitations of travel. As a travel lover myself I appreciated the realistic tone of the memoir, and envied their experiences and courage. After all, cycling is not easy, but this memoir shows that it is possible to travel on your own terms, no matter how impossible some may say.

Cheers to gap years and to travel experiences. Besides reading, travel is one of the activities that makes life bearable, in my opinion, therefore I can only feel inspired by such travels memoirs. Hopefully Jacqui can share soon even more adventurous travel memories.

Rating: 4 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own 

If You Don´t Like This I Will Die by Lee Tilghman

It is hard to conceive my life outside social media: I am an active personal and professional user and through my daily interactions I´ve not only achieved relevant private and business connections, but also I am consuming most part of my daily need of information through it. Although I haven´t completely grew up in the 2.0 world, I can imagine how does it feel to have not known any other world that this one. 

When she was 17 yo, Lee Tilghman aka ´Lee from America´ started her account Instagram account that made her fammous as one of the first wellness influencers. She also remembers the times before 2.0 with nostalgy of her time in Connecticut, in a small conservative town. However, as she was lured more and more into the social media wave, her social skilly IRL decreased exponentially with her online success. A success that brought the distress of online harassment and the terrible pressure of peer pression. 

Her recently published memoir If You Don´t Like This I Will Die accounts for her experiences in social media, and predictably eating disorders and disfunctional relationships. Her online success led her to an emotionless life and failed relationships with others and herself. 

It is fashionable to warn nowadays of the dangers of social media and as everything in excess it is harmful. But the medium is not at fault when the users are losing the control they probably never had.

The tone of the memoir is direct and relatable, honestly sharing the ups and downs and the ugly side of success She is direct and approachable, but realistically speaking, such a success does not necessarily lead to personal disaster. 

If You Don´t Like This I Will Die is one of the many testimonies of our times, but will take with a grain of doubt when generalising the experience. 

Rating: 3 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review