Fallen Angels

I love a story that surprises you, a story that is not only well written but also written in an unconventional way. This was the case with Falling Angels by Tracy Chevalier. Each chapter is written from the point of view of a different character and we get to follow their thoughts and actions. It is such a melancholy story and I can’t help but think it must have been such a pain living during this time (the end of Victorian England) with all the restrictions society put on you.
Chevalier has found a nice balance between social commentary and pleasure reading in Falling Angels. It is one of the most well-written books I have read in a long time.
Josefine

My recommendations: The Pirate’s daughter by Margaret Cezair-Thompson

Fundamentalists

In a world where fear is constant and religious fundamentalists are the greatest enemies, it is refreshing to read a book (The reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid) that treats the subject light but seriously.
The Reluctant Fundamentalist is written completely from the perspective of a man sitting in a café in Afghanistan and reconstructs his life story to a man unknown to us. The end is predictable, but at the same time it takes you by surprise when it finally comes.
Josefine

My recommendations: Only half of me, being Muslim in Britain by Rageh Omaar

Nostalgia

A selection of Roald Dahl books are piled up on my nightstand waiting to be read. They are part of a new fresh edition paperbacks, all in the same format, packaged in a smart little box. Charlie and the chocolate factory, BFG, The witches, etc. and my absolute favourite Giraffe, Peli and I (my old picture book still exist somewhere in the bookshelves at my parents house).
I am waiting for a free afternoon to sit down for a nostalgia trip with Roald Dahl.
Josefine

My recommendations: Kiss Kiss by Roald Dahl

I caved in

As the frenzy has settled I have finally got around to reading Harry Potter. I borrowed the first book from the library (Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone). I have long avoided reading them as I thought the madness around J.K. Rowling and her books was too much. It is difficult for me to read and enjoy a book that everyone wants you to have an opinion about. Now I have decided to give it a shot, and yes, I will tell you all what I thought about it.
Josefine

My recommendations: Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Amsterdam in one afternoon

It doesn’t happen often, mostly a few times per year, last weekend was the first time this year I finished a book in one afternoon. I started Ian McEwan’s book Amsterdam in the morning with my first cup of coffee. Some hours later and as many cups of coffee I had finished the whole thing.
It was a shorter novel, but the history drew me in and I couldn’t put down the book the whole day. It is quit a dark novel that most of his books are but the intrigues drew me in and I had to keep reading. It had twists and turns on every page without making it in to a soap opera. All in all a well spent afternoon.

I love the combination of a good book and the time to finish it in one long sitting and I look forward to next time it happens
Josefine

My recommendations: The prosperous thief by Andrea Goldsmith.

The book or the movie

The set up is perfect, Robert Downing Jr. and Jude Law as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson I was excited to see the result.
I spent December re-reading some of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories, to be ready for the big release on New Years Day (we are a bit late in Sweden). I had read the reviews and was therefore not as surprised as other people seemed to be of the characters Guy Ritchie had recreated. I thought he had done a brilliant job portraying the two and put some action into the stories.
I liked the movie a lot and would see a sequel when it comes out. What did you think?
Josefine

My recommendations: The Best of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

100e posts

I’ve reached the one hundred mark. I have read more books, but those are for later posts. It has given me much to think about books, how I approach a book and what books and authors I read. Through writing about books I have gotten much inspiration and insight into what I read. I hope i can continue this for one hundred more posts and I hope that I have had some impact on you, my readers. Let me know what you think. Is there something you’re missing?
I'll see you in a future book.
Josefine