Paperback
Publisher: Headline Review (13 May 2010)
ISBN-13: 978-0755356478
My fiancé bought this book as a birthday present for me and reading the book’s blurb I was wondering if he was trying to tell me something, especially as I’ve recently turned 31 and I think, like most of us who have hit this age, we are wondering what we are doing with our lives.
Linda Green’s Things I Wish I’d Known (Back when I knew it all…) is the story about Claire Cooper in her mid-30s reflecting on her turbulent teens, when she pursues her teen idol, footballer Andy Pailes.
Whilst some might find the story line of the relationship between 16-year-old Claire and her teen idol Andy Cooper unrealistic, it was heartening to see a chick-lit author deal with such a sensitive issue of teen/adult relationships and the ramifications of such a relationship has on her family, friends and the main character at such a tender age.
When Claire finds a list of things that she wrote when she was fifteen, it forces her to confront the demons of the past and decide where and with who her future lies.
This constant battle throughout the book was at times rather frustrating and I think a sign of a good writer when you wish you could jump into the book and give the main character a good shake. Green keeps you guessing right up until the end which man she’ll choose, which had me on tender-hooks.
The moral I got out of the story was that you shouldn’t let the past rule your future. Thanks fiancé.
Continue reading ‘Book Review: Things I Wish I’d Known by Linda Green’
Paperback
Publisher: Canongate Books Ltd; New edition edition (2 July 2009)
ISBN-13: 978-1847676016
What a fantastic story. Without giving too much away. A boy on a lifeboat which as a menagerie and ends up as moral decisions, it is the epitome for the struggle for a life. Is it as quoted at the beginning of the book, a story of God’s influence when it comes to men and animals, or is it a story about the depravity and the will to survive of man.
The writing is indicative and actually makes you feel for all of the characters, the scenery and the feeling.
★★★★★
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Paperback
Publisher: Pocket Books (29 April 2010)
ISBN-13: 978-1847392831
Johnson provides a heart-warming, lovely story of the friendship that grows when new boss Christie joins Anna, Grace, Raychel and Dawn in the Bakery Department.
This story grabs and takes you in right from the start as you find yourself engrossed in the ups and down the 5 women face in life, love and work.
Whilst some of the storylines run a somewhat comfortably predictable course, this isn’t a bad thing and Johnson doesn’t disappoint with a few surprising twists that keep you guessing towards the end. You really cannot help but root for all the four ladies that Christie has breathed life into. The best thing about this book is that it empathises and captures so well the relationship dynamics between women that occur regardless of one’s age or background. You really come away feeling like you know the characters and wouldn’t mind popping into town to have a catch-up with them.
All in all, I couldn’t put it down and took everywhere so I could read a few more pages to find out how the lives of the lovely ladies would turn out.
Seriously Great Read.
★★★★★★
Continue reading ‘Book Review: A Summer Fling by Milly Johnson’
