Book therapy
Whenever I have some spare time on my hands or if I am not too tired, I will usually plan a trip to the nearest library. I love reading and am one of those weirdos who still read the book when the movie comes out. Reading is a way to have a break from the daily grind and be lost in the stories. So recently I've found some really good reads that really left an impression on me and some of my thoughts are below...
1. The way back home by Freya North
This novel is about a young woman (in her thirties) returning to her hometown after spending nearly two decades working and studying in a foreign country. When she is back she meets her childhood playmates, friends and their histories unfold, together with all the complexities and intricacies of their relationships.
I first saw this book in a bookstore and I was really intrigued after reading the blurb. So I made a note to lookout for it at my next trip to the library. From the moment I started reading, I just couldn't put down the book. I guess most people can identify with the characters. Everyone has a past, their own skeletons that we each need to face. And here, it shows that when people find the courage to look at their past in the eye, forgiveness and a deeper understanding follows. It also reminds us that family (not just blood relations) will always be there for us.
2. Brooklyn by Colm Toibin
Yes. This is the story that the movie Brooklyn (starring Saoirse Ronan) is based on. The story is set in the 1950s, about a young lady leaving her hometown in Ireland to go to live in Brooklyn, New York in America. I would think this story is believable and similar for many people of that time, migrating to a new country.
The book, compared to the movie, describes in more detail the nuances of the culture in Eilis' (the main character) Irish hometown. Also, it shows, when Eilis returns to her hometown after spending two years in America, how the familiar surroundings and people made it difficult to imagine a life in America and her struggle to return and continue her new life in a foreign land. The movie keeps rather closely to the book, but with an additional bit for the ending. Having seen the movie first, I thought that the ending was quite fitting and a well-rounded conclusion. And yes, I really loved this movie and when I came across this book in the library, I wanted to read it even though I already know 80% of the story.
3. Little beach street bakery by Jenny Colgan
This is the story of Polly, a city girl who goes to the countryside / seaside to live after losing her job and breaking up with her boyfriend, and how she met Neil the Puffin. Yes, which became her pet, eventually. This is the first book by Jenny Colgan that I read and led me to read almost all her other books. (Yes it's that good).
I would say that this story is a very busy one, there are lots of things happening. Most importantly, it's about baking and how therapeutic it can be. It describes how doing something she loves helps bring Polly back to life (in the metaphorical way) again after being down and out. Also, the warmth and friendliness (and unfriendliness) of the people at the seaside village where her new home is. And of course, Neil the Puffin. And the charming beekeeper. (I was almost inspired to start a bee farm!) I love stories that talk about cooking, baking... food, essentially. It also has little recipes at the back.
4. The undomestic goddess by Sophie Kinsella
I've been reading Sophie Kinsella's books since the longest time ever, starting from the very successful and famous Shopaholic series. In this novel, Samantha Sweeting is a lawyer, who makes a major work blunder and believes she is done for. So in her depressed stupor she boards a train from London to nowhere and ends up in the suburbs. She ends up being hired (mistakenly) as a housekeeper. The thing is she knows nuts about housework and can barely cook. However, knowing that she cannot go back, she tries her best to cope.. with some help from her new friend.
This story is hilarious, romantic and heartwarming. Again, it brings up how cooking can be relaxing and mind-opening at the same time.
As you can see, I'm a sucker for stories with food, about food and chick lit. I hope you enjoy the novels as much as I do!
Check out the Public Libraries Facebook Page!
1. The way back home by Freya North
This novel is about a young woman (in her thirties) returning to her hometown after spending nearly two decades working and studying in a foreign country. When she is back she meets her childhood playmates, friends and their histories unfold, together with all the complexities and intricacies of their relationships.
I first saw this book in a bookstore and I was really intrigued after reading the blurb. So I made a note to lookout for it at my next trip to the library. From the moment I started reading, I just couldn't put down the book. I guess most people can identify with the characters. Everyone has a past, their own skeletons that we each need to face. And here, it shows that when people find the courage to look at their past in the eye, forgiveness and a deeper understanding follows. It also reminds us that family (not just blood relations) will always be there for us.
2. Brooklyn by Colm Toibin
Yes. This is the story that the movie Brooklyn (starring Saoirse Ronan) is based on. The story is set in the 1950s, about a young lady leaving her hometown in Ireland to go to live in Brooklyn, New York in America. I would think this story is believable and similar for many people of that time, migrating to a new country.
The book, compared to the movie, describes in more detail the nuances of the culture in Eilis' (the main character) Irish hometown. Also, it shows, when Eilis returns to her hometown after spending two years in America, how the familiar surroundings and people made it difficult to imagine a life in America and her struggle to return and continue her new life in a foreign land. The movie keeps rather closely to the book, but with an additional bit for the ending. Having seen the movie first, I thought that the ending was quite fitting and a well-rounded conclusion. And yes, I really loved this movie and when I came across this book in the library, I wanted to read it even though I already know 80% of the story.
3. Little beach street bakery by Jenny Colgan
This is the story of Polly, a city girl who goes to the countryside / seaside to live after losing her job and breaking up with her boyfriend, and how she met Neil the Puffin. Yes, which became her pet, eventually. This is the first book by Jenny Colgan that I read and led me to read almost all her other books. (Yes it's that good).
I would say that this story is a very busy one, there are lots of things happening. Most importantly, it's about baking and how therapeutic it can be. It describes how doing something she loves helps bring Polly back to life (in the metaphorical way) again after being down and out. Also, the warmth and friendliness (and unfriendliness) of the people at the seaside village where her new home is. And of course, Neil the Puffin. And the charming beekeeper. (I was almost inspired to start a bee farm!) I love stories that talk about cooking, baking... food, essentially. It also has little recipes at the back.
4. The undomestic goddess by Sophie Kinsella
I've been reading Sophie Kinsella's books since the longest time ever, starting from the very successful and famous Shopaholic series. In this novel, Samantha Sweeting is a lawyer, who makes a major work blunder and believes she is done for. So in her depressed stupor she boards a train from London to nowhere and ends up in the suburbs. She ends up being hired (mistakenly) as a housekeeper. The thing is she knows nuts about housework and can barely cook. However, knowing that she cannot go back, she tries her best to cope.. with some help from her new friend.
This story is hilarious, romantic and heartwarming. Again, it brings up how cooking can be relaxing and mind-opening at the same time.
As you can see, I'm a sucker for stories with food, about food and chick lit. I hope you enjoy the novels as much as I do!
Check out the Public Libraries Facebook Page!
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