InkyBook Reads

Reviews of the books I've read this year.

[inkybooks17]

#26 Orphan of Islam by Alexander Khan

This was a Shelterbox book club read. It was excellent. Instantly absorbing and hard to put down. It follows the life of Moham, born to a white mother and Pakistani father. After they separate, Moham's life changes forever. It's sad, emotional, educational and scary. It left me wanting more and I hope he will write a sequel.

[inkybooks17]

#25 Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

I've wanted to read this for a while, and I managed to borrow the audio book from the library. I really did enjoy the story but it was so long. 17 hours of audio. I liked the story but I felt it went off in tangents and could have been a bit more focused. Overall I'm glad I've read it but it was more of a challenge than if expected.

⭐⭐⭐/5

[inkybooks17]

#24 My Sister the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

This was a dead pan read about two sisters, one of who's boyfriend's keep turning up dead. It's a really good read, looking at family history, loyalty, truth, lies and priorities. I really enjoyed this book.

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

[inkybooks17]

#23 Bitter Orange by Claire Fuller

This was an intriguing, psychological mystery that leads you back and forth from present to past. Following three characters that are thrown together in a dilapidated manison. They all have their own demons and the story files an eventful summer. It was an easy, enjoyable read.

⭐⭐⭐/5

[inkybooks17]

#22 Gotta Get Theroux This by Louis Theroux

This was an interesting autobiography by Louis. Following his journey into documentary making, his 'friendship' with Jimmy Savile, and his experience with the word and wonderful people here meet around the world. It's easy to read, accessible and relatable. I really enjoyed reading this book.

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

[inkybooks17]

#21 How to be Right:...In a World gone Wrong by James O'Brien

This is a great, contemporary book that discusses the issues in society today, including feminism, Trump and Brexit. It's well worth a read.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

[inkybooks17]

#20 Barracoon: The Story of the Last Slave by Zora Neale Hurston

Another Shelterbox book club book. This is a fascinating piece of writing that was written over 60 years ago. It is the story from Cujo who was one of the last slaves brought from Africa to the USA. It is an engrossing book which left me wanting more.

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

[inkybooks17]

#19 Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak

A great immersive book that takes you on a epic journey though the lives of the Dunbar boys. This book is wonderful and takes you into another world and deep into the lives of the whole family.

A wonderful read.

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

[inkybooks17]

#18 The Hold by Michael Donkor

This was the latest ShelterBox Book Club read. One which I really enjoyed. The last few have been non fiction so it was a welcome change.

The story focusses Belinda, from Ghana who moves to London and her relationship with Amma, her peer from the family she stay with. Amma is Belinda's opposite in so many ways but with threads of compassion, similarity and a shared feeling of confusion around their identity and purpose.

The characters are strong. The plot is well founded and it makes you think. It was an insight into life across countries and cultures.

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

[inkybooks17]

#17 Duma Key by Stephen King

A classic King novel. Weird, thrilling and gripping. Great characters and plot. The story follows Edgar as he moves to Duma Key to recover after a serious accident leaves him with a brain trauma and losing an arm. Duma Key holds a power that lets him paint remarkable and powerful paintings. The part of these leads him down a Dawn and destructive path that needs to defeat.

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

[inkybooks17]

#16 The Last by Hanna Jameson

The novel is full of promise. The idea is great, there's been a nuclear war, and a handful of guests are surviving in a Swiss hotel. And there's a murder. What more could you want?

Well a lot actually. The plot deteriorated from here, drifting in and out of focus with a variety of red herrings. The writing was ok but was repetitive and had simple mistakes like misspelling character names.

Overall it was a quick read, alright for 99p but I wouldn't really recommend it. It was disappointing how such a good premise fell flat and the ending was really unsatisfying.

⭐/5

[inkybooks17]

#15 The Secret Barrister: Stories of the Law and how it's Broken

This was a fascinating read. It's explores the complexities of the criminal justice system, the positives, negatives, successes and failures. From the development of the law to the impacts of political game playing and significant cuts.

This was all new to me and I'm glad I've read this book. We all need to be more engaged and passionate about our legal system as it can and will affect us all. As the secret barrister states, our legal justice system is a reflection of our society and how we treat those accused of a crime.

Highly recommend. A complex subject made interesting and accessible.

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

[inkybooks17]

#14 A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

This is one that's been on my bucket list for a while, found in a charity shop, sat on the shelf for a while. I finally picked it up and couldn't put it down. It's such a lovely book. As story slowly unfolds allowing you to see deeper into Ove's character and life. It's a heart warming, touching, funny and moving book that had me in tears by the end.

The story follows Ove and the community on his street which both engrosses and infuriates him in equal measure. If you read this I'm sure you will find a part of your heart becomes Ove shaped!

Highly recommend ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

[inkybooks17]

#13 The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead

This has been sitting on my book case for a long time! So glad I finally got round to reading it. Following the story of Cora, escaped slave via the underground railroad which Colson Whitehead has made a physical railroad. It's a brilliantly written book but also tragic at the same time, reliving the terror, fear and abuse that slaves experienced everyday whether they escaped or were free. A book well worth reading.

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

[inkybooks17]

#12 Rising Strong by Been Brown

Continuing my girl crush on Been with this second book. This explores the process of picking yourself up and learning from your fall. This book is insightful, thought provoking and inspiring. This book is helping me continue on my journey to be whole hearted, brave and vulnerable. High recommend Brené's work.

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

[inkybooks17]

#11 Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty

This was a really good read, gripping, intriguing and different! I really enjoyed the depth of the characters and the twists in the plot. Liane Moriarty writes a solid story that you know will keep you interested and entertained.

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

[inkybooks17]

#10 The Girl with Seven Names, Escape from North Korea by Hyeonseo Lee

This story follows Hyeonseo's life in North Korea, which was in many ways privileged due to her parents ability to provide a loving home and food. Hyeonseo's upbringing helped her develop a limited understanding of the wider world and that more was possible coupled with her stubborn, adventurous spirit means she leaves North Korea almost by accident.

Hyeonseo is insightful and reflective of her upbringing and how it impacts on her self worth, self esteem, belief in herself and relationships with others. She reflects on her experiences, what she has learnt and the strength of family relationships.

This is a powerful and moving account of the tyranny that North Korean citizens endure everyday, the constant threat of imprisonment and death. Lack of food is a constant concern. Having also read Escape from Camp 14, this account was less harrowing but still leaves you with a sense of disbelief that this is happening in the world with so little attention or action from the rest of the world

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐