Hello! Welcome back to another edition of our weekly bookish rendezvous. It's been a quiet week here in Ramsgate, with cozy reads, long walks, quiet days in the bookshop and salty breezes keeping me company.
I've stumbled upon some absolute treasures this week, and I can't wait to share them with you all. From tear-jerking dramas to laugh out loud road trips, there's a little something for everyone in this edition.
So, grab your favorite blanket and a cup of something hot, and let's dive into the world of books together…
Just a note: Please know that all of the titles in this list are hyperlinked and will take you to Bookshop Org where you can find out more about the book and order a copy. Any books purchased will see a % go towards supporting my bookshop, Book Bodega. It also means I can do fun, free things like writing this newsletter :). Remember to shop small for your books!
Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart
I finally got around to reading Shuggie Bain after leaving it sat on my TBR pile for ages, it was totally worth the wait. It's the 1980s in Glasgow, and we're following the story of young Shuggie as he navigates his way through a turbulent upbringing in a working-class family. His mum, Agnes, is struggling with addiction, his dad has left for another family, and Shuggie is just trying to make sense of it all while dealing with his own battles.
Now, I won't lie to you, this book isn't a happy book. It's gritty, and it doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of life. But at the same time, there's this underlying sense of hope that keeps you reading. What really struck me about the book is its portrayal of resilience. Despite all the adversity he faces, Shuggie never gives up hope. He's determined to carve out a better life for himself and his mum, no matter what it takes. You’ll be moved by this for sure.
Sometimes I lie by Alice Feeney
This was a more unusual pick for me. These days I don’t read many thrillers, although I do always enjoy them, so it was nice to experience racing through a plot with lots of twists and turns.
The book dives headfirst into the twisted mind of Amber Reynolds, who’s lying a coma, unable to move or speak, but fully aware of everything happening around her. Intense. Amber has been left confused after an accident and she’s not sure what’s real and what’s just a figment of her imagination. I found myself questioning every part of the plot, you just don’t know who to trust! Feeney, like all good thriller writers, keeps you on the edge of your seat with this novel. Weaving a confusing but exciting plot that keeps you up way past your bedtime. The book is a wild ride through the dark corners of the human psyche, I enjoyed myself.
Frank and Red by Matt Coyne
This was actually a recommendation from a listener to our podcast, thank you Mike! He mentioned it and I remembered that I have a proof copy of it on the back shelf at the bookshop so I decided to dive in. This is such a sweet and heartwarming book. Frank is a grumpy old man grieving the loss of his late wife. Since she died he’s become quite a hermit and gets anxious leaving the house. Red, is a young boy who recently moved in next door who is full of curiosity and life. The book see’s this unlikely duo form a unique friendship. With themes of identity, grief and the human experience packaged up in a lighthearted and humorous way. I don’t read many books that can be described as “happy” or “uplifting”, I tend to read much darker, depressing things so reading this was a real joy. If you like to be left smiling after putting down a book then this is one for you.
All Fours by Miranda July
Right - firstly - this one isn’t out until the 16th May - I’m sorry, I think that might be really annoying? Please do let me know whether or not you like to know about books which haven’t yet been released. I decided to go ahead and include this one as I literally just put it down and wow, what an unexpected experience. If you like your female characters slightly unhinged (Think Ottessa Moshfegh books) then I think you’ll like this book. I’ll be honest: I’m not entirely sure how to describe what this book is about. Our main character, a 45-year-old semi-famous artist, decides to drive to New York from LA. But, about 30 minutes into her journey, she changes her mind and winds up staying in a local motel. This book was equal parts wild and funny. It’s also pretty spicy, as our main character rewrites what it means to be a 45-year-old married woman. It’s gorgeously queer and outlandish, I definitely want to read Miranda July’s first novel: The First Bad Man. If you do give this one a go then please let me know what you end of thinking of it!
I’d love to know what you’ve been reading in the comments below. See you next week! xxx