PurrfectProse Cat's Book Reviews 
by Andy Weir
'26 May - theme: Was the Book or the Movie better?
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir “Oh thank God. I can’t imagine explaining “sleep” to someone who had never heard of it. Hey, I’m going to fall unconscious and hallucinate for a...
Abe Lincoln at Last(Magic Tree House #47) Ella's review - 'We found a lovely tree house and used it to go to the White House! When we got there the two brothers found out and...
by Tia Levings
Audiobook - A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy - Tia Levings
I apologize as there is quite a bit of personal backstory first. I'll admit it: back in my teenage years I watched quite a lot of 'reality' TV -wifeswap, americas next top model,...
Katie the Kitten Fairy (Rainbow Magic: Pet Keeper Fairies, #1) Another of these fairy books, this one included a kitten. Who doesn't like a kitten? I've not bothered to look up...
by Agatha Christie
Audiobook - Partners in Crime (Tommy and Tuppence #2) - Agatha Christie
I was right! A few months ago, when I last read an Agatha Christie book, I proposed they would be better as audiobooks. So I put my money (or audible credit) where my mouth is and...
by Roald Dahl
Reading with Ella - Book 20
Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl Ahh! The GOAT of children's authors in my opinion. And this is one of this is one of his best books too. I loved sharing this book with Ella since...
by Paula Harrison
Reading with Ella - Book 19
Kitty and the Moonlight Rescue (Kitty #1) by Paula Harrison I was beginning to think most kids books outside of the famous ones are all trash, but nope not here! This one I hadn't...
by Erika J. Simpson
Additional Review beta - Does Decatur really rhyme with Secateur?
This is Your Mother by Erika J. Simpson Thank you Goodreads and Scribner for the ARC of This is Your Mother. When I travel I love to look through my 'to read' bookshelf and see if...
by Barbara Kingsolver
'26 April - theme: Prizes - read a Pulitzer winning novel
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver “Tata Jesus is bängala” I need to rave about this book - it is brilliant and I loved it. I related to all the females in the family in...
by Art Spiegelman
'26 March - theme: Get Graphic - read a graphic novel
Maus I: A Survivor's Tale by Art Spiegelman “I dunno…maybe everyone has to feel guilty. Everyone! Forever!” Oh, a graphic novel sounds fun, thought I at the beginning of the month...
by Keon West
'26 February - theme: Black History Month
The Science of Racism by Keon West "I personally would much rather live in a world in which every White man wanted to lynch me, but none of them had the power to do it, than a...
by V.E.Schwab
Audiobook - A Conjuring of Light (Shades of Magic #3) - V.E.Schwab
What a fantastic culmination of this trilogy. I was on the edge of my seat as the the Antari from the 3 different worlds worked together to defeat the darkness. Just wow. I think...
by Herman Parish
Reading with Ella - Book 18
Amelia Bedelia Wraps it Up (Amelia Bedelia Special Holiday Book No1) by Herman Parish Christmas arrived here in September for reasons known best to a four year old. This is...
by V.E.Schwab
Audiobook - A Gathering Of Shadows (Shades of Magic #2) - V.E.Schwab
Usually book 2 in a trilogy is the weakest, but not it this case, as this was the best of the lot. At the beginning I was a bit confused as Lila was suddenly on a boat. In fact I...
by Agatha Christie
Additional Review alpha - Is this really the best one?
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie It's Agatha Christie - I enjoyed it. However, I would not say it was the best Agatha Christie I have ever read. The premise of this...
by Daisy Meadows
Reading with Ella - Book 17
Storm the Lightning Fairy (Weather Fairies #6)- by Daisy Meadows Here's some interesting info: Daisy Meadows is not a person! My mental image of a bubbly blonde woman in her 20's...
by Lucy Foley
Audiobook - The Guest List - Lucy Foley
What a fantastic audiobook! I read so many thrillers that are in fact - not thrilling. I am happy to announce this was not in that category. I was hooked from the very beginning....
by Monica Ali
'26 January - theme: finish an abandoned book
Brick Lane by Monica Ali Another year, another abandoned book. Finally an update from last year: last month I visited Wilby and did indeed go and visit the "pig-ones" as promised...
by Caro Ramsay
'25 December - theme: courtesy of Mum: Tartan noir
Absolution(Anderson & Costello #1) by Caro Ramsay Tartan noir - a popular genre of dark, gritty Scottish crime fiction. This particular example was set in Glasgow with sections...
Heading into year 3 of the reading challenge, I am beginning to forget which themes I have done and which I have not. Thus I propose a list of lists: Prizes * Nobel - accidentally...
The next, next, next list is in progress. [ ] January - theme: finish an abandoned book [ ] February - theme: Black History Month [ ] March - theme: [ ] April - theme: Hugo award...
by Clyde Robert Bulla
Reading with Ella - Book 16
The Chalk Box Kid - by Clyde Robert Bulla An unusual chapter book, certainly. This book definitely had an atmosphere, it was bleak and grey. If depression was a book, this might...
by Daniel Poppick
Additional Review L - comedy, poetry or literature?
The Copywriter by Daniel Poppick Thank you to Simon and Schuster and Goodreads for the ARC of this book. Even after I've finished, I'm not quite sure what this book it. But I like...
by Jon Krakauer
Audiobook - Into Thin Air - Jon Krakauer
Every few years, if you're lucky, you find a book that captivates you. a book that takes over your brain and your soul and makes you look at the world differently. Usually for me...
by Beth O'Leary
Audiobook - The Wake-Up Call - Beth O'Leary
Thanks Caitlin for buying this and letting me borrow it! I think Caitlin likes Beth O'Leary since this is the third book I've read - all donated by my sister-in-law. This book is...
by Pip Williams
Additional Review K - Feminism or Lexiography?
The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams I found this book on a book swap shelf in the play cafe where they host a book club. Fantastic book shelf that one, always something...
by Annie Barrows
Reading with Ella - Book 15
Ivy and Bean (#1) - by Annie Barrows This is our first Ivy and Bean book, and we actually started a series at no.1! I've never generally been a fan of books featuring "naughty...
by M. C. Beaton
Audiobook - Devil's Delight (Agatha Raisin #33) - M. C. Beaton
You can probably guess since this is number 33 in the series, that I quite like Agatha Raisin. I liked this one too, even though it wasn't actually written by M.C. Beaton since...
by Rita Mae Brown
Audiobook - Ruby-Fruit Jungle - Rita Mae Brown
I came to this (audio)book in a round-about way. The lovely folks at goodreads sent me a free giveaway copy of one of the later Mrs. Murphy Mysteries. Now I'm reading mysteries...
by Alexandria Bellefleur
Additional Review J - A romance for the lesbian Swifties?
Playing for Keeps by Alexandria Bellefleur Thank you Goodreads and Harper Collins for the ARC of Playing for Keeps. For the purpose of reading in the hot tub on vacation in Cancun...
by Poppy Green
Reading with Ella - Book 14
Sophie Mouse (#5) - The Maple Festival by Poppy Green This is our first Sophie Mouse book, and I thought it would be a winner since it's about baking. Ella and I are full into our...
by Mary Pope Osborne
Reading with Ella - Book 13
Magic Treehouse (#31) - Summer of the Sea Serpent by Mary Pope Osborne This Magic Treehouse was the best yet. Ella absolutely loved it. She made me read it through 2 times in a...
by Benjamin Stevenson
Audiobook - Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect (Ernest Cunningham #2) - Benjamin Stevenson
The second installment from Ernest was as good - better? than the first. As before Stevenson picks a fantastic location for his mystery - this time the Ghan train crossing...
by Mary Pope Osborne
Reading with Ella - Book 12
Magic Treehouse (#5) - Night of the Ninjas by Mary Pope Osborne This Magic Treehouse book was actually a little scary for Ella. Although the Ninjas turn out to be the good guys,...
by Besha Rodell
'25 November - theme: non-fiction
Hunger Like a Thirst by Besha Rodell Finishing off the year with more easy reads! Thanks to Caledon Books and Goodreads for the ARC of this book. This is totally outside my usual...
by Herman Parish
Reading with Ella - Book 11
Amelia Bedelia & Friends (#1) - Beat the Clock by Herman Parish The second Amelia Bedelia chapter book that we have read. This time to dig outside. A fun little book and nice to...
by Mary Pope Osborne
Reading with Ella - Book 10
Magic Tree House (#1) - Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne The second installment (for us) of Jack and Annie. This time to go back in time to the Cretaceous era. You can...
by Suzanne Collins
Audiobook - The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (Hunger Games #0) - Suzanne Collins
Watching the movie before reading the book is a sacrilegious offence, and one I erroneously committed with this title. Luckily for me, both the movie and the book are fabulous....
by Sally Rippin
Reading with Ella - Book 9
Billie B. Brown (#3) - The Midnight Feast by Sally Rippin Oh jeez, annoying Billie B Brown is back again. This time to get scared in the dark outside. It was a little bit better...
by Daisy Meadows
Reading with Ella - Book 8
Rainbow Magic (#14), Weather Fairies (#7) Hayley the Rain Fairy by Daisy Meadows We found this in a bookbox without realizing that this is the seventh and final book in the...
by Agatha Christie
'25 October - theme: Agatha Christie
The Boomerange Clue (or "Why didn't they ask Evans?" by Agatha Christie Ahhh, after last month's epic, this is just what I needed. One of a few standalone mysteries by the queen...
by Dorris Lessing
'25 September - theme: '10 things I hate about you' related
The Golden Notebook by Dorris Lessing First off, I believe some clarification is in order for my readers. Every year on my birthday (in September) I watch my favourite film - '10...
by Jenny Draper
'25 August - theme: Short Stories
Mavericks: Life stories and lessons of history's most extraordinary misfits by Jenny Draper While only tentatively fitting the theme of short stories, since all the stories are of...
by Nora Dahlia
Additional Review I - No more fish in the sea?
Back-slide by Nora Dahlia Thank you Goodreads and Gallery Books for the ARC of Back-slide. I am in the prime millennial demographic for this book, and I enjoyed the scenes from...
by Catherine Hapka
Reading with Ella - Book 7
Dolphin School (#4) - Flip's Surprise Talent by Catherine Hapka We're back with the dolphin friends again. I didn't think Ella especially liked the last book but she was up for...
by Asia Citro
Reading with Ella - Book 6
Zoey and Sassafras - Dragons and Marshmallows by Asia Citro So it is possible to find new children's books that are as good as the classics. It's not all Billie B Brown and weird...
by Charlaine Harris
Additional Review H - Do we still like vampires in 2025?
Dead as a Doornail (Sookie Stackhouse #5) by Charlaine Harris For some reason I never got to the Sookie Stackhouse series back in the 00's when they came out. I'm not sure why as...
by Roald Dahl
Reading with Ella - Book 5
The Magic Finger by Roald Dahl I was beginning to wonder if my dissatisfaction with the kids books we have read recently was due to me being, well, not a kid. I am happy to report...
by Sally Rippin
Reading with Ella - Book 4
Billie B. Brown - The CopyCat Kid by Sally Rippin Another short one, and better than the last one in this series. There was a moral to the story, I'm never sure if I should mark...
by Sally Rippin
Reading with Ella - Book 3
Billie B. Brown - The Deep End by Sally Rippin Better than those dolphins, and at least it is very short. Billie can't swim and feels embarrassed. Finds out at the swimming...
by Catherine Hapka
Reading with Ella - Book 2
Dolphin School (#3) - Splash's Secret Friend by Catherine Hapka Well, our second chapter book was less inspiring. Ella liked it (it does have a pink cover) but honestly even for a...
by Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg
'25 July - theme: Book In Translation
The Little Old Lady Who Broke all the Rules by Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg So maybe if I had read this before the 100 year old man who jumps out of a window, the pilgrimage of...
by T. J. Klune
Audiobook - Somewhere Beyond the Sea - T. J. Klune
I am happy to announce that book 2 is as good as book 1. It did what sequels so rarely do. It brought back favourite characters but also had an engaging new story that was not...
by John Peterson
Reading with Ella - Book 1
The Littles by John Peterson Ahhhhhhhh! This is so exciting, Ella is ready to listen to me read real chapter books! This was written in the 1960's but I had never heard of it...
by Alix E. Harrow
Audiobook - The Ten Thousand Doors of January - Alix E. Harrow
Fun story: I decided to read this after taking my daughter to a play cafe (cafe with toys for those not in the know!). While I was there I was sat near a book club discussing this...
by Eden Finley and Saxon James
'25 June (Part 2) - theme: Pride Month
Possessive Puckboys by Eden Finley and Saxon James I wasn't happy that my original pride month book was gay enough. Soooo I typed really super gay book into amazon and this is...
by C. S. Poe
'25 June (Part 1) - theme: Pride Month
Madison Square Murders by C. S. Poe Last year's pride month choice was so depressing I decided to have a happier choice this year. This book is about murder. Our main protagonist...
by Sue Grafton
Additional Review G - Why does the alphabet now end at Y?
C is for Corpse by Sue Grafton I have read a few of Sue Grafton's alphabet novels over the years and when this popped up in the bookbox I couldn't resist. This is an early one...
by Debra Driza
Audiobook - Mila 2.0 - Debra Driza
I found the second book in this series in the bookbox and it looked interesting so I picked it up. When I found it was the second book I borrowed this, the first in the series,...
by Colin Barrett
August (Part 2) - theme: Booker Long List
Wild Houses by Colin Barrett A year after I started the August 2024 theme, picked by my mother ,I have finished part two. It seems when my mother gives me a theme, she buys me two...
by Patricia Highsmith
'25 May - theme: Was the Book or the Movie better?
The Talented Mr Ripley by Patricia Highsmith I had so many choices of books to read which fit the bill this month but I am very happy I picked this one. Both the book and the...
by Kate Andersen Brower
Audiobook - The Residence, Inside the Private World of the White House - Kate Andersen Brower
I think this was the most boring audiobook I have ever listened to. It took me months to finally finish because I found it so difficult to make myself turn it on. However I am not...
by Michelle Zauner
Audiobook - Crying in H Mart - Michelle Zauner
I'm really sorry to say, but I didn't get on with this book. Possibly part of the problem was that I listened to the audiobook. Michelle reads this book herself and while that can...
by Meryl Wilsner
Additional Review F - Why did they have to give it a NSFW cover?
My Best Friend's Honeymoon by Meryl Wilsner Thank you Goodreads and St. Martin's Griffin for the ARC of My Best Friend's Honeymoon. First things first. What is with the cover?...
by Joe Kloc
Additional Review E - A book or an extended newspaper column?
Lost At Sea by Joe Kloc Thank you goodreads and Dey Street Books for the ARC of Lost at Sea. I visited Sausolito many years ago on a trip up the West Coast, but other than looking...
by Donna Tartt
'25 April - theme: Penguin's 100 books you should read
The Secret History by Donna Tartt I admit this book took some getting into but as soon as I had past the 100 page mark of this nearly 700 page tome, I found it surprisingly...
by Marian Keyes
Audiobook - Grown Ups - Marian Keyes
Marian Keyes, you've done it again. I've been reading Marian Keyes books since adolescence when I picked up Rachel's holiday on a whim. Since then I have slowly worked my way...
by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Audiobook - Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers - Jesse Q. Sutanto
This was a fantastic listen. Vera Wong reminds me of Hanne, an elderly friend of the family, who took over in the same brisk no-nonsense way. Once you step through the door you...
by Sally Thorne
Additional Review D - A Not-Terrible Romance?
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne This was fairly readable and I actually liked both protagonists. They didn't just magically get together at the end and there was real chemistry....
by Heidi Swain
Audiobook - The Cherry Tree Café - Heidi Swain
Heidi Swain cannot write male characters. And even her narrator's best efforts to give them different voices didn't make Jake, Ben, Tom and Giles any less interchangeable. Our...
by TJ Klune
Audiobook - The House on the Cerulean Sea - TJ Klune
Another fantastic fantasy book. I expected a book with the word cerulean in the title to either be amazing or amazingly pretentious. I am happy to report it is the first. The kids...
by Mindy Kaling
'25 March - theme: Memoir March (Alex suggests - a bubble wrap celebrity)
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling This appeared in our book box a few weeks ago and looked like the perfect candidate for a "bubble wrap...
by Tana French
Additional Review C - Our Greatest Living Mystery Writer?
The Searcher by Tana French The book jacket does indeed call Tana French our greatest living mystery writer. It seems a bold claim to make. The book is good, but not that good and...
by Catherine Bennetto
Audiobook - How Not to Fall in Love, Actually - Catherine Bennetto
Yeah, this was fine. Nothing problematic, pleasant enough characters, writing was ok. If you want a cozy romance in your ears while you go about your day this fits the bill. And...
by V.E. Schwab
Audiobook - A Darker Shade of Magic - V.E. Schwab
This was great. After my last brush with fantasy and SJM this was a breath of fresh air. A fantastically described and fascinating world. Non-problematic main characters....
by Sarah J. Maas
Additional Review B - Should I trust BookTok recommendations?
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas I've been vaguely aware of they hype surrounding these books from BookTok and in other social media, so when I visited England last...
by Richard Osman
Additional Review A - British Quiz-show host and comedian becomes a novelist?
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman After having so much fun completing my monthly reading challenge last year, I embarked on some other challenges this year. Namely to visit every...
by Jewell Parker Rhodes
'25 February - theme: Black History Month
Will's Race for Home by Jewell Parker Rhodes I was sent this book for free as an Arc from goodreads. It was called Will and contained no illustrations so I don't know if they are...
by Margaret Atwood
'25 January - theme: Finish an abandoned book
MaddAdam by Margaret Atwood Margaret Atwood is easily one of my top 5 authors, probably even holder of the Number one spot on my list. So it might seem surprising to find her in...
Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow by Peter Høeg Time Magazine's "Book of the Year" in 1992. Unfortunately it is not 1992 anymore and while this book might have seemed fresh and genre...
* I've done it * Thanks for the idea Alex * I'm going to continue next year * Theme suggestions gladly received * Thanks Goodreads for rewarding my reading and reviewing on their...
by Liane Moriarty
Additional Review 7
Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty First off, thanks Caitlin for getting all the Liane Moriarty audiobooks over the last few years and sharing them with me. You probable don't know...
by Sinclair Lewis
November - theme: Political
It Can't Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis A Guardian quote on the cover calls this book "eerily prescient" and it's right. Those are the only two words really needed to describe this...
by Janet Evanovich
Additional Review 6
Dirty Thirty by Janet Evanovich 30! Yes, she has written and I have read 30 of these guys! Like The Simpsons or SouthPark the characters never age while technology and society...
The next, next list is in progress too! [X] January - theme: finish an abandoned book - Brick Lane [X] February - theme: Black History Month - The Science of Racism [X] March -...
by Beth O'Leary
Additional Review 5
The No-Show by Beth O'Leary Thanks Caitlin for the loan of this surprisingly good book. I thought it would be a typical rom-com chick lit kinda deal. It was a bit more complicated...
by Stephanie Storey
October - theme: Historical Fiction
Raphael, Painter in Rome by Stephanie Storey It's occurred to me while reading this book that I might like historical fiction. That might sound odd but I've always had the opinion...
by Tom Standage
September - theme: Non-Fiction
A History of the World in Six Glasses by Tom Standage This was a London book box find. That book box was the first I had ever encountered and it was a delight. Housed in an old...
by Kathy Reichs
Additional Review 4
Bones Of The Lost by Kathy Reichs 10 years! I started this book in 2014 and made it to about the midway mark. Then Tempe went to Afganistan and suddenly all the bones were...
by Alexis Hall
Additional Review 3
Paris Daillencourt Is About to Crumble by Alexis Hall What a fun and cozy book. This is everything my pride month book wasn't. Set in the world of the Great British Bake Off (they...
by Rita Bullwinkel
August (Part 1) - theme: Booker Long List
Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel This theme was given to me by my Mum, and I put assigned it for August as the booker long list was announced on July 30th. Perfect timing! First step...
by James Hamilton-Paterson
July - theme: Summer
Cooking with Fernet Branca by James Hamilton-Paterson There were a lot of options in my bookcase for a book fitting the theme of "Summer". I'm not sure why I picked this one but...
The next list is in progress: [X] January - theme: finish an abandoned book [X] February - theme: Black History Month [X] March - theme: Memoir March (Alex suggests - a bubble...
The Laramie Project and The Laramie Project 10 Years Later by Moisés Kaufman I planned to read an Alan Hollingworth book for pride month but we were going away to England and it...
by Nora Roberts
Additional Review 2
The Search by Nora Roberts 26 hour train trips lend lots of time for reading so I finished off a very long forgotten abandoned book. I started this book on our first trip to the...
by Abi Dar
May - theme: Modern Slavery
The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré When I asked my friends and relatives for themes for my book reading bonanza I have to say I was not expecting "modern slavery" and...
So, there's a bit of a change in the billed material this month. I did say that I would be reading Brent's suggestion of "Modern Slavery" and I am working on that. That particular...
by Simon Brett
Additional Review 1
How to be a Little Sod by Simon Brett I'm ahead of the Monthly goals so I shoved a little extra light reading in this month (also for a break from Mr. Phinn). This book was...
by Gervase Phinn
March - theme: Sheep (Memoir March)
Out of the Woods but not Over the Hill by Gervase Phinn Two themes in one month this time! Alex gave me the theme of sheep and when I was looking online ideas I found that Memoir...
The List Has Been Compiled
by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza
February - theme: Black History Month
We Are Not Like Them by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza I listened to Jo Piazza’s podcast 'under the influence' about Mommy influencers when Ella was a newborn and enjoyed it enough...
by Gail Carriger
January - theme: Finish an abandoned book
Divinity 36: Tinkered Starsong Book 1 by Gail Carriger My Mum bought me this book a little while ago and I started it eagerly, I have no idea why I abandoned it because it was...
About halfway through January 2024 we reorganized the spare room and Alex pointed out that I’d hardly been reading since Ella had been born and my ‘to read’ staging bookcase was...
This is PurrfectProse, a brand new site by Catherine K that's just getting started. Things will be up and running here shortly.
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by Andy Weir
'26 May - theme: Was the Book or the Movie better?
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir “Oh thank God. I can’t imagine explaining “sleep” to someone who had never heard of it. Hey, I’m going to fall unconscious and hallucinate for a...
Abe Lincoln at Last(Magic Tree House #47) Ella's review - 'We found a lovely tree house and used it to go to the White House! When we got there the two brothers found out and...
by Tia Levings
Audiobook - A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy - Tia Levings
I apologize as there is quite a bit of personal backstory first. I'll admit it: back in my teenage years I watched quite a lot of 'reality' TV -wifeswap, americas next top model,...
Katie the Kitten Fairy (Rainbow Magic: Pet Keeper Fairies, #1) Another of these fairy books, this one included a kitten. Who doesn't like a kitten? I've not bothered to look up...
by Agatha Christie
Audiobook - Partners in Crime (Tommy and Tuppence #2) - Agatha Christie
I was right! A few months ago, when I last read an Agatha Christie book, I proposed they would be better as audiobooks. So I put my money (or audible credit) where my mouth is and...
by Roald Dahl
Reading with Ella - Book 20
Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl Ahh! The GOAT of children's authors in my opinion. And this is one of this is one of his best books too. I loved sharing this book with Ella since...
by Paula Harrison
Reading with Ella - Book 19
Kitty and the Moonlight Rescue (Kitty #1) by Paula Harrison I was beginning to think most kids books outside of the famous ones are all trash, but nope not here! This one I hadn't...
by Erika J. Simpson
Additional Review beta - Does Decatur really rhyme with Secateur?
This is Your Mother by Erika J. Simpson Thank you Goodreads and Scribner for the ARC of This is Your Mother. When I travel I love to look through my 'to read' bookshelf and see if...
by Barbara Kingsolver
'26 April - theme: Prizes - read a Pulitzer winning novel
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver “Tata Jesus is bängala” I need to rave about this book - it is brilliant and I loved it. I related to all the females in the family in...
by Art Spiegelman
'26 March - theme: Get Graphic - read a graphic novel
Maus I: A Survivor's Tale by Art Spiegelman “I dunno…maybe everyone has to feel guilty. Everyone! Forever!” Oh, a graphic novel sounds fun, thought I at the beginning of the month...
by Keon West
'26 February - theme: Black History Month
The Science of Racism by Keon West "I personally would much rather live in a world in which every White man wanted to lynch me, but none of them had the power to do it, than a...
by V.E.Schwab
Audiobook - A Conjuring of Light (Shades of Magic #3) - V.E.Schwab
What a fantastic culmination of this trilogy. I was on the edge of my seat as the the Antari from the 3 different worlds worked together to defeat the darkness. Just wow. I think...
by Herman Parish
Reading with Ella - Book 18
Amelia Bedelia Wraps it Up (Amelia Bedelia Special Holiday Book No1) by Herman Parish Christmas arrived here in September for reasons known best to a four year old. This is...
by V.E.Schwab
Audiobook - A Gathering Of Shadows (Shades of Magic #2) - V.E.Schwab
Usually book 2 in a trilogy is the weakest, but not it this case, as this was the best of the lot. At the beginning I was a bit confused as Lila was suddenly on a boat. In fact I...
by Agatha Christie
Additional Review alpha - Is this really the best one?
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie It's Agatha Christie - I enjoyed it. However, I would not say it was the best Agatha Christie I have ever read. The premise of this...
by Daisy Meadows
Reading with Ella - Book 17
Storm the Lightning Fairy (Weather Fairies #6)- by Daisy Meadows Here's some interesting info: Daisy Meadows is not a person! My mental image of a bubbly blonde woman in her 20's...
by Lucy Foley
Audiobook - The Guest List - Lucy Foley
What a fantastic audiobook! I read so many thrillers that are in fact - not thrilling. I am happy to announce this was not in that category. I was hooked from the very beginning....
by Monica Ali
'26 January - theme: finish an abandoned book
Brick Lane by Monica Ali Another year, another abandoned book. Finally an update from last year: last month I visited Wilby and did indeed go and visit the "pig-ones" as promised...
by Caro Ramsay
'25 December - theme: courtesy of Mum: Tartan noir
Absolution(Anderson & Costello #1) by Caro Ramsay Tartan noir - a popular genre of dark, gritty Scottish crime fiction. This particular example was set in Glasgow with sections...
by Clyde Robert Bulla
Reading with Ella - Book 16
The Chalk Box Kid - by Clyde Robert Bulla An unusual chapter book, certainly. This book definitely had an atmosphere, it was bleak and grey. If depression was a book, this might...
by Daniel Poppick
Additional Review L - comedy, poetry or literature?
The Copywriter by Daniel Poppick Thank you to Simon and Schuster and Goodreads for the ARC of this book. Even after I've finished, I'm not quite sure what this book it. But I like...
by Jon Krakauer
Audiobook - Into Thin Air - Jon Krakauer
Every few years, if you're lucky, you find a book that captivates you. a book that takes over your brain and your soul and makes you look at the world differently. Usually for me...
by Beth O'Leary
Audiobook - The Wake-Up Call - Beth O'Leary
Thanks Caitlin for buying this and letting me borrow it! I think Caitlin likes Beth O'Leary since this is the third book I've read - all donated by my sister-in-law. This book is...
by Pip Williams
Additional Review K - Feminism or Lexiography?
The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams I found this book on a book swap shelf in the play cafe where they host a book club. Fantastic book shelf that one, always something...
by Annie Barrows
Reading with Ella - Book 15
Ivy and Bean (#1) - by Annie Barrows This is our first Ivy and Bean book, and we actually started a series at no.1! I've never generally been a fan of books featuring "naughty...
by M. C. Beaton
Audiobook - Devil's Delight (Agatha Raisin #33) - M. C. Beaton
You can probably guess since this is number 33 in the series, that I quite like Agatha Raisin. I liked this one too, even though it wasn't actually written by M.C. Beaton since...
by Rita Mae Brown
Audiobook - Ruby-Fruit Jungle - Rita Mae Brown
I came to this (audio)book in a round-about way. The lovely folks at goodreads sent me a free giveaway copy of one of the later Mrs. Murphy Mysteries. Now I'm reading mysteries...
by Alexandria Bellefleur
Additional Review J - A romance for the lesbian Swifties?
Playing for Keeps by Alexandria Bellefleur Thank you Goodreads and Harper Collins for the ARC of Playing for Keeps. For the purpose of reading in the hot tub on vacation in Cancun...
by Poppy Green
Reading with Ella - Book 14
Sophie Mouse (#5) - The Maple Festival by Poppy Green This is our first Sophie Mouse book, and I thought it would be a winner since it's about baking. Ella and I are full into our...
by Mary Pope Osborne
Reading with Ella - Book 13
Magic Treehouse (#31) - Summer of the Sea Serpent by Mary Pope Osborne This Magic Treehouse was the best yet. Ella absolutely loved it. She made me read it through 2 times in a...
by Benjamin Stevenson
Audiobook - Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect (Ernest Cunningham #2) - Benjamin Stevenson
The second installment from Ernest was as good - better? than the first. As before Stevenson picks a fantastic location for his mystery - this time the Ghan train crossing...
by Mary Pope Osborne
Reading with Ella - Book 12
Magic Treehouse (#5) - Night of the Ninjas by Mary Pope Osborne This Magic Treehouse book was actually a little scary for Ella. Although the Ninjas turn out to be the good guys,...
by Besha Rodell
'25 November - theme: non-fiction
Hunger Like a Thirst by Besha Rodell Finishing off the year with more easy reads! Thanks to Caledon Books and Goodreads for the ARC of this book. This is totally outside my usual...
by Herman Parish
Reading with Ella - Book 11
Amelia Bedelia & Friends (#1) - Beat the Clock by Herman Parish The second Amelia Bedelia chapter book that we have read. This time to dig outside. A fun little book and nice to...
by Mary Pope Osborne
Reading with Ella - Book 10
Magic Tree House (#1) - Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne The second installment (for us) of Jack and Annie. This time to go back in time to the Cretaceous era. You can...
by Suzanne Collins
Audiobook - The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (Hunger Games #0) - Suzanne Collins
Watching the movie before reading the book is a sacrilegious offence, and one I erroneously committed with this title. Luckily for me, both the movie and the book are fabulous....
by Sally Rippin
Reading with Ella - Book 9
Billie B. Brown (#3) - The Midnight Feast by Sally Rippin Oh jeez, annoying Billie B Brown is back again. This time to get scared in the dark outside. It was a little bit better...
by Daisy Meadows
Reading with Ella - Book 8
Rainbow Magic (#14), Weather Fairies (#7) Hayley the Rain Fairy by Daisy Meadows We found this in a bookbox without realizing that this is the seventh and final book in the...
by Agatha Christie
'25 October - theme: Agatha Christie
The Boomerange Clue (or "Why didn't they ask Evans?" by Agatha Christie Ahhh, after last month's epic, this is just what I needed. One of a few standalone mysteries by the queen...
by Dorris Lessing
'25 September - theme: '10 things I hate about you' related
The Golden Notebook by Dorris Lessing First off, I believe some clarification is in order for my readers. Every year on my birthday (in September) I watch my favourite film - '10...
by Jenny Draper
'25 August - theme: Short Stories
Mavericks: Life stories and lessons of history's most extraordinary misfits by Jenny Draper While only tentatively fitting the theme of short stories, since all the stories are of...
by Nora Dahlia
Additional Review I - No more fish in the sea?
Back-slide by Nora Dahlia Thank you Goodreads and Gallery Books for the ARC of Back-slide. I am in the prime millennial demographic for this book, and I enjoyed the scenes from...
by Catherine Hapka
Reading with Ella - Book 7
Dolphin School (#4) - Flip's Surprise Talent by Catherine Hapka We're back with the dolphin friends again. I didn't think Ella especially liked the last book but she was up for...
by Asia Citro
Reading with Ella - Book 6
Zoey and Sassafras - Dragons and Marshmallows by Asia Citro So it is possible to find new children's books that are as good as the classics. It's not all Billie B Brown and weird...
by Charlaine Harris
Additional Review H - Do we still like vampires in 2025?
Dead as a Doornail (Sookie Stackhouse #5) by Charlaine Harris For some reason I never got to the Sookie Stackhouse series back in the 00's when they came out. I'm not sure why as...
by Roald Dahl
Reading with Ella - Book 5
The Magic Finger by Roald Dahl I was beginning to wonder if my dissatisfaction with the kids books we have read recently was due to me being, well, not a kid. I am happy to report...
by Sally Rippin
Reading with Ella - Book 4
Billie B. Brown - The CopyCat Kid by Sally Rippin Another short one, and better than the last one in this series. There was a moral to the story, I'm never sure if I should mark...
by Sally Rippin
Reading with Ella - Book 3
Billie B. Brown - The Deep End by Sally Rippin Better than those dolphins, and at least it is very short. Billie can't swim and feels embarrassed. Finds out at the swimming...
by Catherine Hapka
Reading with Ella - Book 2
Dolphin School (#3) - Splash's Secret Friend by Catherine Hapka Well, our second chapter book was less inspiring. Ella liked it (it does have a pink cover) but honestly even for a...
by Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg
'25 July - theme: Book In Translation
The Little Old Lady Who Broke all the Rules by Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg So maybe if I had read this before the 100 year old man who jumps out of a window, the pilgrimage of...
by T. J. Klune
Audiobook - Somewhere Beyond the Sea - T. J. Klune
I am happy to announce that book 2 is as good as book 1. It did what sequels so rarely do. It brought back favourite characters but also had an engaging new story that was not...
by John Peterson
Reading with Ella - Book 1
The Littles by John Peterson Ahhhhhhhh! This is so exciting, Ella is ready to listen to me read real chapter books! This was written in the 1960's but I had never heard of it...
by Alix E. Harrow
Audiobook - The Ten Thousand Doors of January - Alix E. Harrow
Fun story: I decided to read this after taking my daughter to a play cafe (cafe with toys for those not in the know!). While I was there I was sat near a book club discussing this...
by Eden Finley and Saxon James
'25 June (Part 2) - theme: Pride Month
Possessive Puckboys by Eden Finley and Saxon James I wasn't happy that my original pride month book was gay enough. Soooo I typed really super gay book into amazon and this is...
by C. S. Poe
'25 June (Part 1) - theme: Pride Month
Madison Square Murders by C. S. Poe Last year's pride month choice was so depressing I decided to have a happier choice this year. This book is about murder. Our main protagonist...
by Sue Grafton
Additional Review G - Why does the alphabet now end at Y?
C is for Corpse by Sue Grafton I have read a few of Sue Grafton's alphabet novels over the years and when this popped up in the bookbox I couldn't resist. This is an early one...
by Debra Driza
Audiobook - Mila 2.0 - Debra Driza
I found the second book in this series in the bookbox and it looked interesting so I picked it up. When I found it was the second book I borrowed this, the first in the series,...
by Colin Barrett
August (Part 2) - theme: Booker Long List
Wild Houses by Colin Barrett A year after I started the August 2024 theme, picked by my mother ,I have finished part two. It seems when my mother gives me a theme, she buys me two...
by Patricia Highsmith
'25 May - theme: Was the Book or the Movie better?
The Talented Mr Ripley by Patricia Highsmith I had so many choices of books to read which fit the bill this month but I am very happy I picked this one. Both the book and the...
by Kate Andersen Brower
Audiobook - The Residence, Inside the Private World of the White House - Kate Andersen Brower
I think this was the most boring audiobook I have ever listened to. It took me months to finally finish because I found it so difficult to make myself turn it on. However I am not...
by Michelle Zauner
Audiobook - Crying in H Mart - Michelle Zauner
I'm really sorry to say, but I didn't get on with this book. Possibly part of the problem was that I listened to the audiobook. Michelle reads this book herself and while that can...
by Meryl Wilsner
Additional Review F - Why did they have to give it a NSFW cover?
My Best Friend's Honeymoon by Meryl Wilsner Thank you Goodreads and St. Martin's Griffin for the ARC of My Best Friend's Honeymoon. First things first. What is with the cover?...
by Joe Kloc
Additional Review E - A book or an extended newspaper column?
Lost At Sea by Joe Kloc Thank you goodreads and Dey Street Books for the ARC of Lost at Sea. I visited Sausolito many years ago on a trip up the West Coast, but other than looking...
by Donna Tartt
'25 April - theme: Penguin's 100 books you should read
The Secret History by Donna Tartt I admit this book took some getting into but as soon as I had past the 100 page mark of this nearly 700 page tome, I found it surprisingly...
by Marian Keyes
Audiobook - Grown Ups - Marian Keyes
Marian Keyes, you've done it again. I've been reading Marian Keyes books since adolescence when I picked up Rachel's holiday on a whim. Since then I have slowly worked my way...
by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Audiobook - Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers - Jesse Q. Sutanto
This was a fantastic listen. Vera Wong reminds me of Hanne, an elderly friend of the family, who took over in the same brisk no-nonsense way. Once you step through the door you...
by Sally Thorne
Additional Review D - A Not-Terrible Romance?
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne This was fairly readable and I actually liked both protagonists. They didn't just magically get together at the end and there was real chemistry....
by Heidi Swain
Audiobook - The Cherry Tree Café - Heidi Swain
Heidi Swain cannot write male characters. And even her narrator's best efforts to give them different voices didn't make Jake, Ben, Tom and Giles any less interchangeable. Our...
by TJ Klune
Audiobook - The House on the Cerulean Sea - TJ Klune
Another fantastic fantasy book. I expected a book with the word cerulean in the title to either be amazing or amazingly pretentious. I am happy to report it is the first. The kids...
by Mindy Kaling
'25 March - theme: Memoir March (Alex suggests - a bubble wrap celebrity)
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling This appeared in our book box a few weeks ago and looked like the perfect candidate for a "bubble wrap...
by Tana French
Additional Review C - Our Greatest Living Mystery Writer?
The Searcher by Tana French The book jacket does indeed call Tana French our greatest living mystery writer. It seems a bold claim to make. The book is good, but not that good and...
by Catherine Bennetto
Audiobook - How Not to Fall in Love, Actually - Catherine Bennetto
Yeah, this was fine. Nothing problematic, pleasant enough characters, writing was ok. If you want a cozy romance in your ears while you go about your day this fits the bill. And...
by V.E. Schwab
Audiobook - A Darker Shade of Magic - V.E. Schwab
This was great. After my last brush with fantasy and SJM this was a breath of fresh air. A fantastically described and fascinating world. Non-problematic main characters....
by Sarah J. Maas
Additional Review B - Should I trust BookTok recommendations?
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas I've been vaguely aware of they hype surrounding these books from BookTok and in other social media, so when I visited England last...
by Richard Osman
Additional Review A - British Quiz-show host and comedian becomes a novelist?
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman After having so much fun completing my monthly reading challenge last year, I embarked on some other challenges this year. Namely to visit every...
by Jewell Parker Rhodes
'25 February - theme: Black History Month
Will's Race for Home by Jewell Parker Rhodes I was sent this book for free as an Arc from goodreads. It was called Will and contained no illustrations so I don't know if they are...
by Margaret Atwood
'25 January - theme: Finish an abandoned book
MaddAdam by Margaret Atwood Margaret Atwood is easily one of my top 5 authors, probably even holder of the Number one spot on my list. So it might seem surprising to find her in...
Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow by Peter Høeg Time Magazine's "Book of the Year" in 1992. Unfortunately it is not 1992 anymore and while this book might have seemed fresh and genre...
* I've done it * Thanks for the idea Alex * I'm going to continue next year * Theme suggestions gladly received * Thanks Goodreads for rewarding my reading and reviewing on their...
by Liane Moriarty
Additional Review 7
Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty First off, thanks Caitlin for getting all the Liane Moriarty audiobooks over the last few years and sharing them with me. You probable don't know...
by Sinclair Lewis
November - theme: Political
It Can't Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis A Guardian quote on the cover calls this book "eerily prescient" and it's right. Those are the only two words really needed to describe this...
by Janet Evanovich
Additional Review 6
Dirty Thirty by Janet Evanovich 30! Yes, she has written and I have read 30 of these guys! Like The Simpsons or SouthPark the characters never age while technology and society...
by Beth O'Leary
Additional Review 5
The No-Show by Beth O'Leary Thanks Caitlin for the loan of this surprisingly good book. I thought it would be a typical rom-com chick lit kinda deal. It was a bit more complicated...
by Stephanie Storey
October - theme: Historical Fiction
Raphael, Painter in Rome by Stephanie Storey It's occurred to me while reading this book that I might like historical fiction. That might sound odd but I've always had the opinion...
by Tom Standage
September - theme: Non-Fiction
A History of the World in Six Glasses by Tom Standage This was a London book box find. That book box was the first I had ever encountered and it was a delight. Housed in an old...
by Kathy Reichs
Additional Review 4
Bones Of The Lost by Kathy Reichs 10 years! I started this book in 2014 and made it to about the midway mark. Then Tempe went to Afganistan and suddenly all the bones were...
by Alexis Hall
Additional Review 3
Paris Daillencourt Is About to Crumble by Alexis Hall What a fun and cozy book. This is everything my pride month book wasn't. Set in the world of the Great British Bake Off (they...
by Rita Bullwinkel
August (Part 1) - theme: Booker Long List
Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel This theme was given to me by my Mum, and I put assigned it for August as the booker long list was announced on July 30th. Perfect timing! First step...
by James Hamilton-Paterson
July - theme: Summer
Cooking with Fernet Branca by James Hamilton-Paterson There were a lot of options in my bookcase for a book fitting the theme of "Summer". I'm not sure why I picked this one but...
The Laramie Project and The Laramie Project 10 Years Later by Moisés Kaufman I planned to read an Alan Hollingworth book for pride month but we were going away to England and it...
by Nora Roberts
Additional Review 2
The Search by Nora Roberts 26 hour train trips lend lots of time for reading so I finished off a very long forgotten abandoned book. I started this book on our first trip to the...
by Abi Dar
May - theme: Modern Slavery
The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré When I asked my friends and relatives for themes for my book reading bonanza I have to say I was not expecting "modern slavery" and...
So, there's a bit of a change in the billed material this month. I did say that I would be reading Brent's suggestion of "Modern Slavery" and I am working on that. That particular...
by Simon Brett
Additional Review 1
How to be a Little Sod by Simon Brett I'm ahead of the Monthly goals so I shoved a little extra light reading in this month (also for a break from Mr. Phinn). This book was...
by Gervase Phinn
March - theme: Sheep (Memoir March)
Out of the Woods but not Over the Hill by Gervase Phinn Two themes in one month this time! Alex gave me the theme of sheep and when I was looking online ideas I found that Memoir...
by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza
February - theme: Black History Month
We Are Not Like Them by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza I listened to Jo Piazza’s podcast 'under the influence' about Mommy influencers when Ella was a newborn and enjoyed it enough...
by Gail Carriger
January - theme: Finish an abandoned book
Divinity 36: Tinkered Starsong Book 1 by Gail Carriger My Mum bought me this book a little while ago and I started it eagerly, I have no idea why I abandoned it because it was...
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