A Man Called Ove by Frederik Backman: A thoroughly enjoyable book club read. Rarely have I read a book for the club that I would have read on my own as well. But this one was already on my list, so I just moved it ahead a bit. I liked Ove, the grumpy old man who thinks himself surrounded by idiots. A sentiment I sometimes share with him, I might even come across as grumpy as him. Funny and heart-warming story which develops slowly and all of a sudden you love all the characters. It was perfect how the neighbors got introduced in the story. From existing only as nickname given by Ove to becoming a supporting character in Ove’s life. Perfect beach read!
Broken Prince (Royals 2) by Erin Watt: After finishing the first part in almost one go on a bus ride in China, I read the second one during a weekend at home. I know I should have left the couch and done something in the sun, but I just wanted to keep on reading. What is it with these Royals that I got so attached to them? The writing is easy, the story moves fast and the characters are hormone-driven which makes an explosive cocktail. One you don’t to lay down but just go on and read some. Be warned, once you start it you might lose yourself a complete weekend just racing through the books. Can’t wait for part 3.
Kingdom by Robyn Young: The final part of the Insurrection trilogy sees Robert Bruce becoming king. But it is a long way to get to this point, not only to his coronation but also to his beating the English. These three audio books have given me so much pleasure. The voice of the narrator was exactly right and always kept me coming back for more although the story of the Scottish independence is well-known. Highly recommend it, not just for the history fan but anyone who likes a good story. The trilogy is the ultimate adventure!
All That Man Is by David Szalay: The life of men dissected in nine chapters with the youngest being 17 and the oldest 73 years. Some characters were more interesting than others but overall, if that is all that man is, that’s quite sad. But probably that’s exactly how they are and we always read too much into them. There is no hidden depth to them, they are as plain as they show themselves to be. The book had several cringe-worthy and laugh out loud moments though and I did finish it. So that should count for something.
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