The best authors are those who read extensively. Here is what I’ve been reading lately.

If you're interested in learning more about the non-fiction books I've read and the insights gained from them, be sure to listen to the Two Booked Up podcast.

May was another full month with a lot of family time and some travel. As a result, my reading pace has slowed a little.

Additionally, I’ve also started thinking about and making notes for my next book. When I’m in creative writing mode, nonfiction books are less distracting for me, as they help me stay focused on my characters and story without confusing my ideas. That said, I still read some brilliant fiction!

Fiction Reads

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

I’d wanted to read this since it came out in August 2023, but I kept putting it off. Maybe because everyone was talking about it, or perhaps I thought it might be heavy-going since it’s set during the summer of the pandemic shelter-at-home orders. That said, I also believe that sometimes, we read books exactly when we need them, and maybe I was meant to read Tom Lake this month. As with all of Ann’s writing, it has a compelling narrative arc, relatable characters, and depth that stays with you long after you’ve finished the book. Beautiful.

The Murder Rule by Dervla McTiernan

One of the prompts in the fiction reading challenge I am doing this year is “Legal Thriller”; I chose this book for that purpose. I’d not read a legal thriller before, and have to say, aside from the heart palpitations, I enjoyed it! This one had twists and turns, and nothing was as it seemed. With a young twenty-something female law student as the main character, it was utterly compelling, and I couldn’t put it down.

The Party Crasher by Sophie Kinsella

Another of the prompts in the fiction reading challenge is to read something “written under a pseudonym”. Sophie Kinsella is her pen name; Madeleine Sophie Wickham is her real name. I listened to the audiobook version, and it was very funny! Effie is struggling with her parents' separation. They plan a house cooling and don’t invite her, so she decides to sneak into the family home to retrieve her beloved Russian dolls. During the search, she discovers unexpected truths about her family and herself. Covering family relationships, secrets and love, this story is a rom-com with some terrific situational comedy, too. Great fun.

Dirty Thirty by Janet Evanovich

This is another murder mystery from a series I’ve enjoyed for many years. Last month, I mentioned I was playing catch-up in this series, hence the appearance of another Stephanie Plum Bounty Hunter book in quick succession. As with all the Stephanie Plum mysteries, there were many laugh-out-loud moments (mostly courtesy of Lula, Grandma and Morelli’s dog Bob), as well as a fast-paced plot and genuine tension. It's always good fun to read!

The Other Bridget by Rachael Johns

Named after a famous fictional character, librarian Bridget Jones is a hopeless romantic. She also believes that anyone who doesn’t like reading just hasn’t found the right book yet and that connecting books to their readers is her superpower. With two very different love interests, a group of amazing friends, colourful characters who visit the library, and an adorable dog named John Brown, I loved this book, especially because it’s all about books and is a testament to the fun of romance novels.

Catching Teller Crow by Ambelin Kwaymullina and Ezekiel Kwaymullina

An audiobook selection, Catching Teller Crow, an award-winning YA (Young Adult) novel, was written by Australian Indigenous siblings Ambelin and Ezekiel and read by actor Miranda Tapsell. It’s a hybrid story, mixing prose and verse, thriller, ghost story, and crime story while dealing with themes of grief, colonial history, violence, love, and family. It was a very different book for me, but it was so compelling; I wanted to binge-listen, as it hooked me from the beginning. And listening to Miranda Tapsell was brilliant.

Friends in Napa by Sheila Yasmin Marikar

Another of the prompts for the fiction reading challenge is to read a book “With a place name in the title”. I had this one on my Kindle App, so I read it next. Six old friends descend on Napa Valley for a luxurious weekend of fine wine and good times, but old tensions are never far from the surface. Written from multiple points of view, this book delves into privilege, greed, friendships, and relationships, revealing that appearances can be deceiving—a compelling and dark read.

Non-Fiction Reads

Ikigai by Hector García and Francesc Miralles

This book, subtitled ‘The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life,’ was a best-seller in 2017, but I had not read it. Stuck at an airport with a three-hour delay, I decided to purchase it and start reading. We all have an ikigai, the Japanese word for 'a reason to live' or 'a reason to jump out of bed in the morning'. It's where your needs, desires, ambitions, and satisfaction meet; a place of balance. And, finding your ikigai is linked to living longer. An easy, quick read but one I very much enjoyed.

I’d Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel

Another challenge book! This one fits perfectly with the prompt to read a “Book about books”. For Anne Bogel, like me and as with many people, reading isn't just a hobby or a way to pass the time--it's a lifestyle. Books shape, define, enchant, and sometimes infuriate us. Anne Bogel captures this duality beautifully. It’s a slim volume, an easy read and very entertaining! It’s the perfect snack-sized delight for any keen reader and a cute gift for reading friends.

Life Skills for a Broken World by Dr Ahona Guha

Another challenge selection, this time part of the Two Booked Up 24 in 2024, is to read a nonfiction book released this year. Based on the title, I had hoped that this book would be interesting, but it didn't captivate me. That said, it is a practical guide that offers useful techniques from various therapeutic modalities to help build essential psychological skills for a more tranquil and joyful life.

What have you been reading lately? Do you have a recommendation for a book you read and loved?

*Please note that while I enjoy supporting local bookstores and libraries, I also recognise and appreciate the convenience of purchasing books online. This post includes affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you decide to purchase using one of these links.