Books: July and August 2019

A real mixed bag of books in the last couple of months:

Follow You Home by Mark Edwards

I'm not even sure how I managed to possess this one as its not my usual style, however I did quite enjoy this horror/thriller. Daniel and Laura have a chance encounter with a couple on a night train during their last stretch in an adventure holiday in Europe, which results in a catastrophic saga involving deserted houses, vicious gangs and kidnappings. 

Reservoir 13 by Jon McGregor

A teenage daughter of some tourists goes missing in an English village. This novel is not concerned with finding out what happened, but rather in how this effects each of the villagers over time. It has a rhythmic, seasonal structure.

The Salt Path by Raynor Winn

This has been one of those Marmite books, but I liked it. The true story of a couple in their fifties who lose their home and decide to walk the whole South West Coast Path. 

Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado-Perez

What an eye-opener! Without necessarily apportioning blame, Caroline highlights the problems that women face because of the gender data gap. For example, the benefits of clearing snow from pavements (not just roads) impacts women (who are more likely to walk, to school, to work) and would not only reduce the amount of accidents, it could prevent later problems of osteoporosis. Again and again, she presents compelling evidence. A truly interesting read.

Do Not Say We Have Nothing by Madeleine Thien

When Ai Ming moves from China to Canada at short notice into Marie's home, she becomes attached to her like a sister. She then seems to disappear and as an adult Marie tries to understand why. The narrative jumps between present and the time of the Cultural Revolution where the link between the girls lies. This initially really gripped me but I am sorry to say I found it a bit of a slog.

Love Mrs Jones x