It’s time for the monthly What’s On your Bookshelf? link up . I’m looking forward to you sharing what you’ve read at our monthly link up co-hosted with my friends Deb from Deb’s World, Donna from Retirement Reflections and Jo from And Anyways. Remember to check out what has been on their bookshelves as well.
My reviews cover books read and listened to over the last month.
What’s On Your Bookshelf? – October 2024
Finishing the 52 Book Club Reading Challenge with a very special book
I slotted in the last couple of books to complete my 52 Book Club Reading Challenge and certainly finished with I book that may just be one of my top reads for 2024. It is actually good to have finished the challenge and whilst I do enjoy the concept, there are many times I just want to do my ‘own thing’ without having to think if the book fits in with a prompt.
In saying that, I have read some books this year and genres that I normally wouldn’t have taken time to read. The challenge certainly offers something for everyone and also takes us out of our reading comfort zone.
My last book for the 52 Book Club Reading Challenge – Run, don’t walk to get yourself a copy. – 6 stars from me.
My last prompt to complete the challenge was #42 – Author debut in second half of 2024. I selected The Instrumentalist by Harriet Constable and what a way to finish the challenge!
Harriet Constable is an award-winning journalist and filmmaker living in London. Her work has been featured by the New York Times, the Economist, and the BBC, and she is a grantee of the Pulitzer Center. Raised in a musical family, The Instrumentalist is her first novel. It has been selected as one of the Top 10 Debuts of 2024 by the Guardian.
I couldn’t find the book in the library but did find it on Audible which I thoroughly enjoyed. Narrated by Emilia Clarke who does a magnificent job of bringing the book to life. I was hooked from the first paragraph as I was transported to Venice in 1704. Having visited Venice several times I could actually picture myself in the book there in this beautiful City.
This book is based on true events of the life of Anna Maria della Pietà an orphan born in Venice 1696 who became an international celebrity and one of the greatest violinists of the 18th century. Anna Maria studied under the famous Vivaldi.
If you enjoyed books such as The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder you will definitely enjoy The Instrumentalist.
The Goodreads Summary
Venice. 1704. In this city of glittering splendour, desperation and destitution are never far away. At the Ospedale della Pietà, abandoned orphan girls are posted every through a tiny gap in the wall every day.
Eight-year-old Anna Maria is just one of the three hundred girls growing up within the Pietà’s walls – but she already knows she is different. Obsessive and gifted, she is on a mission to become Venice’s greatest violinist and composer, and in her remarkable world of colour and sound, it seems like nothing with stop her.
But the odds are stacked against an orphan girl – so when the maestro selects her as his star pupil, Anna Maria knows she must do everything in power to please this difficult, brilliant man. But as Anna Maria’s star rises, threatening to eclipse that of her mentor, the dream she has so single-mindedly pursued is thrown into peril…
From the jewelled palaces of Venice to its mud-licked canals, this is a story of one woman’s irrepressible ambition and rise to the top, of loss and triumph, and of who we choose to remember and leave behind on the path to success.
Other reads this month which I highly recommend
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow and Tomorrow – Gabrielle Zevin – 4 stars
This contemporary read about the world of ‘gaming’ was a book I might not have considered. My daughter had suggested the book to me and I had it on the back burner. When I found it could fit into one of the prompts for the reading challenge I decided to read it. When I read the book I found it was so much more than just producing computer games. Relationships, disability, love, friendships and also genius – the book covered it all. A surprisingly good read which I rated 4 stars.
The Painting – Alison Booth – 4 stars
Another prompt for my reading challenge – a book set in a landlocked country. I found The Painting by Alison Booth as a recommendation from fellow WOYBS? co-host and friend, Deb from Deb’s World. This story is set in both Australia and Hungary and revolves around a painting. Anika Molnar flees Hungary and the Soviet regime and as she leaves her parents give her a painting which belonged to her uncle, killed in a protest years before. Staying with her aunt in Sydney, the painting is treasured by Anika. When her aunt suggests she have the painting valued and then it is stolen, a world of uncertainty and intrigue open up to Anika. Returning to Hungary with questions for her parents and grandmother, Anika is determined to learn the true story of the painting.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend as a 4 star read. If you enjoy Historical fiction and intrigue then this is one for your bookshelf?
Murder in the Scottish Highlands – Dee McDonald – 4 stars
I do enjoy a cozy crime as you know and again discovered a new series set in the Scottish Highlands. As we will be visiting Scotland next year I thought I would get in the mood. This is the first book in the Alley McKinley series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Alley has recently moved from London to the tiny village of Locharran to start a new life running a guesthouse. When one of the guests is murdered in her back garden, Alley decides to take on her own investigation.
Lovers of cozy crime and in particular set in the U.K. will enjoy Murder in the Scottish Highlands.
Exciting news from my friend and author Joanne Tracey
My friend and author, Joanne Tracey gave me the honour of sending me her soon-to-be-published book to read as a Advanced Reader Copy. I have enjoyed all of Jo’s books and her latest is one I highly recommend you order a copy when you can. It is due out later this year.
Christmas at Fountains Hall and is a follow on from Escape to Curlew Cottage and all the favourite characters are back. I will definitely be writing a full review when the book is published and here’s a hint, I’ll be giving it a 5+ star rating.
Jo’s writing just gets better so if you haven’t read any of her books look out for some. I decided to revisit one of my favourites of Jo’s books – Escape to Curlew Cottage and it wrapped me up like a warm blanket. Jo never disappoints.
Non-Fiction
My Midlife Story has been included in a new book!
Reinvention in midlife sounds daunting, whether done by choice or necessity. Mary Eisenhauer interviewed dozens of women (including me!) to hear how they did it—and what they learned as they went back to school, embraced their passions, or reclaimed their true identities. Socioeconomic, cultural, interpersonal, and health-related factors have shaped these women and ultimately prepared them for reinvention in midlife. Each story is different, and each is inspiring. Available on Amazon Reimagining Midlife: Women Who Reinvented Themselves For Their Second Act : Eisenhauer, Mary: Amazon.com.au: Books
I was asked to review Budge Right: Eliminate debt and improve your financial and mental well-being by Carrie-Ann McLean. I recently met Carrie and learned her story. Carrie has been in the depths of debt and despair so knows what is is like as well as the depression and poor mental health that usually accompanies this lifestyle.
Her book based on her experience is a guide to help others out of debt with practical exercises and tips.
Even if you are financially sound we can all do with some reminders and tips on keeping our finances in good health. Life can turn on a pin.
Stunners Classic Book Club
It was my turn to select the book for our Stunners Classic Book Club read. My fellow readers wanted something ‘juicy’ – no pressure. I’ve chosen Anna Karenina by Tolstoy and I’m looking forward to our November book club discussion. Watch this space.
Well, these are the books that have been on my bookshelf during the month, What’s been on yours? I would love you to share with me your recommendations.
Dates for the Diary
The What’s On Your Bookshelf? Link Up dates for 2024 are listed below. Make a note in your diary as a reminder as we would love to have you join us.
The link for What’s On Your Bookshelf (WOYBS) is open on the third Friday of each month at 8 am (AEST) – that makes it sometime on the third Thursday of each month if you’re in the northern hemisphere…
• October 17/18,
• November 21/22
• December 19/20.
Happy reading and remember to pop over to read what books have been on my co-hosts shelves.
The next #WOYBS will be Thursday November 21/Friday November 22. I’m looking forward to seeing and reading What’s Been on your Bookshelf? during the month.
33 Comments
Well done on finishing the 52 books challenge – and for featuring in the book… I can’t think of a more inspirational person to illustrate a reimagining of midlife. Thanks for the shout out and the recommendations. I have The Instrumentalist and The Painting on reserve… and am heading to Amazon now in search of murder in the highlands…
I thoroughly enjoyed Christmas at Fountains Hall and revisiting Escape to Curlew Cottage. I’m sure you will enjoy both The Instrumentalist and The Painting so will be interested to hear your thoughts. Take care and thanks for the encouraging words. xx
I picked up Zevin’s Tomorrow book in the library, then put it down in favour of something else. Sounds like I should make the effort to actually read it.
It is ‘different’ Cathy but after finishing it I realised I did enjoy it. x
Hi, Sue – Awesome, captivating reviews. I am now adding The Ibstrunentalist and Reimaging Midlife to my reading list. Congratulations on completing the 52 Week Reading Challenge. Very, very impressive!
Hi Donna, I really enjoyed The Instrumentalist but then I had enjoyed Hamnet, Dictionary of Lost Words etc. I’m very humbled to have been included in the Reimaging Midlife book to share my story. x
I haven’t read any of your books this month Sue. I have the instrumentalist on my list Sue, as it seems all my friends have read or are reading it. I’ve just put Murder in the Scottish Highlands on my list, after your recommendation. I do love a cosy murder mystery, but don’t read them often. Also, I tend to really enjoy any book set in the Scottish Highlands as I have family history there. Thanks for a great #WOYBS this month and congratulations on completing the challenge. I love that your last book was a stand out.
Yes I have family history in Scotland. Apparently a Scottish Lord on Dad’s side I believe but lots in England and Scotland. It is a light read but as I’ve visiting Scotland next year it was interesting to ‘be there’ in the book. x
Oh, the book abut the murder in the Scottish Highlands sounds good as I was just there! And, congratulations for being included in a book and for completing your 52 book challenge!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Murder in the Scottish Highlands is a fun and cozy crime read Marsha. I like to intersperse these types of books between our ‘heavier content’ Book Club books x
I really enjoyed ‘Tomorrow, and Tomorrow and Tomorrow’. I might try and find that cosy crime.
Yes, Barbara, surprisingly I did enjoy the book too, and my daughter recommended it to me. I love a cosy crime x
I liked Tomorrow & Tomorrow – more to it than I expected from the initial start. You have read so many!! I’ve not heard of the Instrumentalist. Good work seeking it out if only just come out.
Yes I agree re Tomorrow and Tomorrow and in the end I really got into the story. The Instrumentalist is a lovely story and well written, especially for a debut novel. x
Fantastic reviews, Sue
Thanks, Toni x
What a great post Sue. Congratulations on being featured in Reimagining Midlife, and on finishing the 52 Challenge. The final book sounds right up my street, as does The Painting. Have a good weekend
Hi Gail thank you for your good wishes and it was an honour to be included in Reimagining Midlife. The 52 Challenge is good as it stretches me in my choice of genres but I think if I do it next year I will have a different attitude going into it and not worry if I don’t actually finish it. x
I just downloaded the audio version of The Instrumentalist. Thanks for the recommendation.
Hi Darlene, I hope you enjoy it. I loved listening to the story and the narrator was excellent. For me, the narrator can make or break a story. Have a lovely week. Sue x
You summed up how I feel about the challenge exactly! Sometimes I just want to read what I want to read and not have to think about it at all and other times I am so thankful that it pushes me to read books I would not have bothered reading otherwise. Congrats on finishing the challenge. I too was surprised to have enjoyed Tomorrow, Tomorrow, & Tomorrow so much.
Hi Joanne, I do enjoy the challenge but I think I will definitely take a different approach next year and get back to just enjoying reading rather than having to. x
Just reading this and also to get your link. I have one of the same books on my post! Coming soon
Hi Alison, thanks for joining us and yes, we both read Tomorrow, Tomorrow & Tomorrow x
https://travelswithali.com/2024/10/20/whats-on-your-bookshelf-october/
Congrats 🎉 on finishing the challenge! 🙌👏📚👊 one of those years I need to attempt it!
Hi Carol, I’ve taken the challenge for two years and enjoyed reading new genres. However, sometimes I felt pressure to read a book that matched a prompt rather than just the enjoyment of reading. x
Congratulations on finishing your book challenge.
Your book choices this month have all just been added to my book wish list. Hopefully Santa might bring a few!
Hi Janine, the book challenge was good for reading different genres but the downside is being tied to prompts and feeling the pressure to tick off a few prompts each month. It won’t be long until Santa is here! x
Great job on your 52 book challenge. Whoo hoo. OOOhh a Christmas book by Jo!! I’ll have to put that on my list. The reimagining midlife sounds good too.
Yes, I enjoyed the challenge, Kirstin although as I mentioned next year if I take the challenge I will not allow it to totally rule my reading selections. x You will love, Jo’s next book. x
Hi Sue, I’m finally catching up with all our book posts for the linkup and now I have so many more books to add to my list! The Murder in the Scottish Highlands sounds great so I’ll read that soon. I enjoyed Tomorrow more than I expected to like you say it was more than just about gaming. Jo’s new book was a fabulous read wasn’t it? She’s so talented. Congrats on being interviewed in the book, you are the perfect choice for that topic. Also well done on finishing the 52 book challenge too, I’m not far away but have put it on the back burner while I’m away. Thanks for being a great co-host, I always get heaps of books I want to read from you! I’m glad to hear you enjoyed The Painting one too. Fab post 🙂
Hi Deb, Jo just gets better with each book, doesn’t she? I feel like the characters are all friends and to me that is the mark of a good author. x