Book 1: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
I am re-reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I’ve only read Harry Potter twice but seen the movies so many times I’ve lost count. My goal for this year is to re-read less and read brand new series and read more from the book chart. Every time I start a book series, I always have to start from book 1 and even when re-reading I have to start at book 1.
Out of all the books my favourite is Goblet of Fire however upon re-reading the series I have found more appreciation for Prisoner of Askerban. As this one is my less favourite out of the Harry Potter books. J.K. Rowling’s writing is immersive and jumps off the page especially in the action scenes.
I signed up on BBC maestro last year and watched Jojo Meyles, Ken Folett, Alan Moore and Lee Child for their insights into writing and the craft of writing. The advice from Alan Moore and Ken Folett was to not show regional accents as it does not come across well or authentic, I disagree with this as I think J.K. Rowling captures the character of Hagrid with a regional accent very well, by using repeated vowels and dropped letters. A lot of writing advice can be contradicting such as further advice from Ken Folett was to stay within your chosen genre as other genres are not a very good fit.
I think there is some truth in what Ken has stated but I do feel as writers they want to experiment, but too much experimenting will result in a more diluted writing portfolio rather than strong one, but I do think writers can write in other genres but maybe just one or two genres. Stephen King writes horror but he has published a couple of young adult books recently, so it can be done.
Book 2: Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
The first book of the song of ice and fire. The story runs parallel to the TV show of the same name as the novel. I was so surprised about this as other GOT fans, I spoke to online had said the show was a lot different to the novel. As the story continues you can see how the narrative on the TV show shifts versus the book.
The story plods along in the middle of the book with little to no action scenes. There are subtle differences with the main narrative following Jon Snow where the TV show followed Ned and Robb Stark. This particular kind of book is not what I usually read. I tend to read romance, period, ghost and light fantasy books. Not fantasy will lots of violence.
Book 3: Magpie Murders book 1 of 3 by Anthony Horrowitz
I first heard about the book from the TV show that I found by chance when I was looking for something to watch on my day off from work. All the boring housework was done, husband was at work, and our daughter was at nursery. Nothing else to do but relax with a good show. Magpie murders have two stories running parallel with each other; story 1 – modern day whodunit / mystery investigated by Susan Ryeland and she is an editor for Alan Conway’s books. The story follows Susan as she receives Alan’s manuscript unfinished and goes to see him unravelling a series of events that put Susan in danger. When the dead bodies start adding up, she does not know who to trust, she leans Alan’s creation Atticus Pund.
Story 2 – period (after World War 2) 1950 whodunit / mystery featuring Alan Conway’s story told from the perspective of the main character Atticus Pund, the famous detective. There has been a murder at Pye Hall, the murder is unusual, so Atticus Pund takes on the case. See interview with Anthony Horrowitz talking to Penguin books about his writing process for Magpie Murders .
Book 4: Trevennor’s Will by Gloria Cook
The next book is definitely more in line of my usual reads. The book is called Trevennor’s Will by Gloria Cook. It is about a heiress Isabell Hampton to the Trevennor fortune however her identity needs to be kept secret for her own safety.
The extended family want the fortune for themselves, with the help of brooding Nick Nancarrow, Isabel needs to keep a low profile. He needs to get her to her fiancée and then she’ll be safe. However, things to not go to plan. They story is Cornwall in the 18th century, and Cook’s writing highlight the plight of 18th century women against the working class of Cornwall. The plight to find a good husband.
Book 5: A Love Letter to Paris by Rebecca Raisin
I took a break from re-reading pride and prejudice and picked up another book whilst out shopping with my family in Lincoln. A Love Letter to Paris by Rebecca Raisin. I’ve not bought any of her books before and the cover jumped out at me. The beautiful colours with the Eiffel Tower I the background and the subtle pinks against the cool blue tone are definitely associated with romance books.
The writeup reminds me of Jane Austen Emma with Emma playing matchmaker and almost running out on love herself. However, in comparison Lilou the main character received a mysterious love letter just for her – she needs to find out who it’s from. She has been so busy running her stall where she sells old lover letters and also running her matchmaking service online ‘Paris Cupid’. She has let her love life go to ruin.A Lover Letter to Paris has short chapters and it a short book only 250 pages. It is an easy read, and I would recommend for lazy summer days and holidays.
That is all the books that I currently reading, check back next week for more on what I have been reading.
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