On these long summer evenings, sometimes all you need to relax is a good book to delve into. In the past year I have read more than ever, partly due to lockdowns and also because I have missed reading frequently. This post discusses two books that stood out for me.
Do you need a good book to get you through those long summer nights? Here are two that really satisfied my reading appetite.
Nine Perfect Strangers
This was the second of Liane Moriarty’s novels that I read, after I became interested in her work when I tried out ‘Big Little Lies’. It’s about nine people who have all booked into a supposedly tranquil health spa in a remote part of Australia. The nine characters include an ex-sportsman, a couple with a huge secret, a writer who is low on luck and a family recovering from a recent loss.
Masha, the Russian owner of the peculiar Spa, is a formidable character who has a resolve to change all of their lives for the better using unconventional methods. As the story unwinds, the characters open up about their feelings and start to resent the awkward situation that they are in now. Are they really letting go or starting to allow Masha to control everything that they do?
Each chapter is written in the close third person, with Liane cleverly taking us on an incredible journey which unravels the group and totally hooks in the reader. This book is modern, relatable and very good at making you want to know lots more about each of them.
The Midnight Library
When Nora tries to end her life she finds herself trapped in a strange library with her secondary school librarian. Every book on the shelves connects to a different pathway and Nora is able to discover what might happen if she chooses a different life.
This book is a stroke of genius which really makes you think about mental health issues and consider the impact that one person’s choices can have on their own lives as well as those around them.
One route sees Nora as a researcher exploring glacial decline in Norway. She comes eye to eye with a polar bear and meets other interesting people who are on intriguing journeys of their own. In other chapters, she explores being in a band and moving to Australia with her best friend. Every time she learns something valuable about her relationships, insecurities and strengths.
Matt Haig is a fresh writer who always writes in short, punchy chapters that totally engross you as a reader. I recommend reading the first part and am sure that you will be tempted to carry on and read the whole brilliant book.
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Two brilliant books. I want to read them now
I have read both of these books and agree with what Jamie has said about them. I would recommend both of these as well as they are good reads.
Both of these books have been on my TBR shelf for quite some time so thanks for the reminder to get to them!
You must try them out. Thanks for reading.
I’ve had my eye on The Midnight Library for awhile, and I think it’s now going to be my next audiobook read. Thanks!
Good. You shall love it.
I also have read more this past year than any other year. It’s been really nice to get back into reading and become again the bookworm everyone calls me.
I read The Midnight Library early this year. I loved it! It was very personal to me, as someone who has survived a suicide attempt.
Oh well you need to read some Liane Moriarty too. Very good indeed. Sorry that it was personal.
Midnight Library seems like such a cool read. I really love a good adventure and do also want to see its take on mental health
Definitely want to check out The Midnight Library. I love a good adventure and want to see it’s take on mental health too!
I must be one of the few people, who haven’t read The Midnight Library yet. Glad you enjoyed it!