wonder & the cuckoo's calling & the sense of an ending

16 June 2014



Wonder by R. J. Palacio
This one has become hugely popular for a reason. It's touching, charming and simple in its message - you'll read this in a day, and fall in love with August. There's not much that I can say about it, just make sure it's in your suitcase (literal or figurative) for your summer holiday reading.

The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith
As everyone probably already knows by now, Robert Galbraith is actually J. K. Rowling. I was interested to read this to see how it compared to her other non-HP novel, The Casual Vacancy. As with that book, I recognised her writing in the distinctive creation and development of her characters - something I really do love about her, regardless of what she writes - to the point of being a little Dickens-esque. The plot itself (it's a crime novel) wasn't the most convincing in my opinion, and although the ending was satisfying enough it didn't particularly impress me. It was a worthwhile read though, and I will probably give the next book of the series a go when it comes out.

The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes
I was recommended Julian Barnes in general by one of my best friends and a fellow bookworm, so I decided to try this one out first. It's more of a novella in length, but in the substantiality of the writing and story, it's definitely one that will stay with you and bears a weight that will make you think and reflect. The writing is that rare kind which makes you feel as though you're alone in a room with the narrator, and they're telling this story to you and only you. I can't wait to read more of his works.

I'm already one and a half books into my next batch of three, so I'll probably be back with another book review soon!

Read my previous book reviews here.


14 comments:

  1. Aw. I liked Wonder, it's a young adult novel with a wonderful message. I almost picked up The Cuckoo's Calling in my buy one get one half price hunt the other day. But it's one of those books that I feel I only want to read because of the hype. I'm sure there's much better crime novels out there. I love your little book reviews.

    Jenny | sunny sweet pea xx

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    1. agreed - i would never take any hype away from Rowling since I do think she deserves it as a fantastic writer, but I guess you don't have to love everything an author writes. I actually thought The Casual Vacancy was a great read x

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  2. I really want to read The Cuckoos Calling. I read Casual Vacancy and liked it. What did you think?

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    1. I thought The Casual Vacancy was a daring and fascinating novel, it had a big impact on me and I definitely think it's superior to this one. Who knows, the next book of this series might be better though! x

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  3. I'm reading Wonder at the moment. I agree it's really good so far, and so simple to read :)

    Danielle at Cup of Loveliness

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    1. it really is isn't it? not everything good has to be compex :) x

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  4. If you like crime novels, I've just read 3 that were proper page turners! I couldn't believe how lucky I was. And they were all under £1 in the kindle store:
    Look behind you by Sibel Hodge
    Broken Dolls by James Carol
    The Accident by C L Taylor.

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    1. ahh thanks for this Valerie!! will definitely check them out, i love a good crime novel, especially when travelling :) x

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  5. If I would count all the books written by Julian Barnes I have on my shelf it would be 5 - 6 for sure, great choice :-) If u like him u might love David Lodge as well! I will try to find some of the first two u mentioned. xx

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    1. that's so great to hear! this will be the first of many for me too, i'm sure. I will definitely look up Dave Lodge, thank you! x

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  6. Is it bad that I didn't know that was JK Rowling? Oops!

    These sound like books out of my comfort zone, but I'd totally love to give it a try. I'd like to try Casual Vacancy first and see how I like JK Rowling in a new voice.


    Saskia / girlinbrogues.com

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  7. I NEED to read the Cuckoo's Calling!!! I can't believe I haven't yet, I feel like the worst Harry Potter fan ever. But I'm adding these to my reading list as always! You do the best reviews :]

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  8. So good of you to be able to get through so many novels. I'm going to go back over this post when I need a book to read and I've been meaning to!

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  9. Wonder is so so beautiful, I adored it <3

    Jennie xo | sailorjennie.com

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