For some reason over the last few months I have been on a real reading roll.

Not only have I just about completed my 20 Books of Summer Challenge, but I read an additional THIRTEEN books! I’ve surprised myself with this amount of reading. I did make an effort to put my phone away in the evenings and watch less TV, so clearly that works for me and is something I hope to continue.

I could have these 746 books wrapped up a whole lot quicker if I would just keep up with this momentum!

The other books I read weren’t part of the 746 (unfortunately) – several were new purchases, some were Netgalley and others were lent by friends.

Orchid and the Wasp by Caoilinn Hughes

This is a fantastic debut – smart, funny with a brilliant female lead. Recommended

Stepping Stones: Interviews with Seamus Heaney by Denis O’Driscoll

I have dipped in and out of this fascinating book over the past two years for work research, but decided to finally sit down and read it cover to cover. It’s a really fascinating glimpse into the writing life of one of our greatest poets (I would say that, wouldn’t I?!).

Without You, There is No Us by Suki Kim

I heard Suki speak twice in June, at the Jaipur Literature Festival at the British Library and at the Dalkey Book Festival and her story of going undercover in North Korea is both fascinating and terrifying in equal measure.

What to Eat by Marion Nestle

I rifled this from my sister’s book shelves and it was an interesting, if overly long examination of how we buy, eat and are sold food. It hasn’t aged particularly well but is still worthwhile.

The Angry Chef: Bad Science and the Truth about Healthy Eating by Anthony Warner

I followed What to Eat with this slightly more impassioned plea for us to ditch fad diets, banish the idea of ‘clean eating’ and bring some joy back into our eating again. Highly entertaining, particularly if you are not a fan of Gwyneth Paltrow.

The Dry by Jane Harper

I came across The Dry in our Little Free Library at work and enjoyed this Australian set thriller over the course of a couple of days. I may read her new one – Force of Nature, would anyone recommend?

The Chalk Man by CJ Tudor

I received a copy of The Chalk Man from the publisher and very much enjoyed the thriller/ horror vibe of this entertaining book. Think Stephen King meets Stand By Me and you’ll get the idea.

Disclaimer by Renée Knight

On one of the summer trips to the library with the kids, I grabbed Disclaimer on a whim. It wasn’t exactly what I anticipated, but suspend your disbelief and it was an entertaining read. Although I do have a problem with plots that could be solved by people just talking to one another…

On Michael Jackson by Margo Jefferson

One of the downsides to having to call into my favourite bookshop No Alibis for work is the temptation to buy something. Still, this was well worth it – a fascinating exploration of a man who, love him or hate him, is a fascinating subject. I look forward to reading Negroland now.

So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed by Jon Ronson

One of the downsides of having to call into my favourite bookshop No Alibis for work, is that they give you ARCs! Obviously I don’t have to accept them, but that would be rude, right?! This is a fun read. It will, however, make you think twice about what you post online. It’s a cautionary tale for our times.

A Ladder to the Sky by John Boyne

John Boyne is coming to HomePlace on Sunday to talk about his new book A Ladder to the Sky, so I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of this very entertaining page-turner set in the world of publishing and featuring a truly horrible yet wonderful lead character, Maurice Swift.

I’m Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Read

This was an odd, odd book. I liked it, I think, but I’m not sure if I understood it. A couple, on the verge of splitting up, go to visit in-laws. Weirdness ensues. Your feelings on this book will wholly depend on how you react to the ending. I have since read that Charlie Kaufman is making it into a movie and that is one movie I will be sure to watch.

Sunburn by Laura Lippman

I was drawn to Sunburn courtesy of a great review by Elle Thinks. This is a brilliant slice of noir – taking inspiration from Double Indemnity and The Postman Always Rings Twice to create a really atmospheric page turner, with another fantastic lead character.

Have you read and enjoyed any of these? What hints do you have for reading more?

My plan is now to keep up the reading, but focus on the TBR and see if I can get it closer to the 400s before the end of the year!

The 746