The Perfect World of Miwako Sumida - Clarissa Goenawan

 

Description

A bewitching novel set in contemporary Japan about the mysterious suicide of a young woman.

Miwako Sumida is dead.

Now those closest to her try to piece together the fragments of her life. Ryusei, who has always loved her, follows Miwako’s trail to a remote Japanese village. Chie, Miwako’s best friend, was the only person to know her true identity ― but is now the time to reveal it? Meanwhile, Fumi, Ryusei’s sister, is harbouring her own haunting secret.

Together, they realise that the young woman they thought they knew had more going on behind her seemingly perfect façade than they could ever have dreamed.

Review

I'm not sure how, but the beautiful writing of this book perfectly evokes the sense and being of Japan. The phrasing and gestures described throughout the book spoke to me of Japan, and reminded me of my visit there. Although the author is from Singapore she has spent a lot of time in Japan.

I was drawn to this book because it was set in Japan and wasn't sure what to expect, what could be mysterious about a suicide? The book delves into the past of the characters and also shows us the story from the different perspectives of those who met and interacted with Miwako before her death. Her friends discovering themselves as they go in search of who Miwako truly was and what it meant to be her. As the book progressed there were several unexpected turns of events that I had not encountered within a book before. So many questions were left unanswered driving you onto to want to read more and find out what it all meant.

Whilst the subject of suicide could be seen as dark for a novel, the writing never lets you feel that way. The spirit of Miwako is alive through the book and all you want to do is to discover her character. I am not totally sure I understood all of the book, especially the ending - obviously it is open to personal interpretation. Having read the book with Pigeonhole and the author, I think that is how she intended it to be. 

I'm giving this book 4 out of 5 stars and my thanks to Pigeonhole for the staves to read. 

Stick A Flag In It - Arran Lomas

 

So pleased to be on the Blog Tour for this book today.

Description

From the Norman Invasion in 1066 to the eve of the First World War, Stick a Flag in It is a thousand-year jocular journey through the history of Britain and its global empire.

The British people have always been eccentric, occasionally ingenious and, sure, sometimes unhinged from mad monarchs to mass-murdering lepers. Here, Arran Lomas shows us how they harnessed those traits to forge the British nation, and indeed the world, we know today.

Follow history s greatest adventurers from the swashbuckling waters of the Caribbean to the vast white wasteland of the Antarctic wilderness, like the British spy who infiltrated a top-secret Indian brothel and the priest who hid inside a wall but forgot to bring a packed lunch. At the very least you'll discover Henry VIII's favourite a***-wipe, whether the flying alchemist ever made it from Scotland to France, and the connection between Victorian coffee houses and dildos.

Forget what you were taught in school this is history like you've never heard it before, full of captivating historical quirks that will make you laugh out loud and scratch your head in disbelief.

Review

My problem is I was never taught history in school! We were part of a revolutionary new way of learning to detect things and then apply it to understand history. As a consequence I am always on the hunt for history, but in an accessible way, this is just the book to do it. I don't want to learn by rote and this is as far from that as you can get. Within pages of starting the book I had learnt about Matilda (who I had never heard of) and her role post 1066. Even I have heard of 1066 however not the down to earth telling of the tale within the pages of this book.

With the unique witty writing of the author you will find yourself racing through history in an enjoyable way.  At the end of the book is a wonderful index of every character you might wish to look up in the book from history. Including the Cromwell's - all three of them, which I realise over the years I had mixed up in my head as being one person or maybe two but not three. Thankfully I've got a handle on them all now because of this book.

So for me this has been more than just a comedic journey through 1,000 years of history, it's actually been a history lesson too. If you're already well versed in the line of the throne and such like, then you will definitely enjoy the escapades that previous history books (or school) didn't tell you about. 

I'm giving this book five out of five stars. My thanks to Random Things tours, Unbounded and the author for a copy of the book to review.

About the Author

Arran Lomas is the man behind the hit YouTube channel Thoughty2. Since 2012 he has created videos on every topic from space, crime and medicine to conspiracy theories, food and social issues – and, of course, history. He was raised in Lancashire – the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution – and has always been captivated by the world around him, driving him to uncover its history and secrets.

When in Doubt: Applying the Programmer’s Debugging Mindset to Your Everyday Life - Émile Perron @cunrakes @lovebooksgroup #lovebookstours

 

It's great to be on the Book Tour for this book today.

Description

If a simple change of mindset could help you improve the quality of your relationships, your work and your day-to-day life... would you try it?

In When in Doubt, the reader is encouraged to turn self-doubt into a tool that can be used to their advantage to create a better life for themselves. There are no magic tricks in this book, just a simple mindset: “when in doubt, assume you’re wrong”.

The key principle behind everything this book teaches is a mindset observed in almost every great leader and entrepreneur this world has seen. When in Doubt offers a fresh point of view on this ancient principle, allowing people to better relate to it in today’s fast-paced and technology-centred society.

Value-packed and straight-to-the-point with a sprinkle of playfulness, this short 60-page book is a great tool for any goal-oriented person with a desire for improvement.

Review

If you've ever lost something, looked for it for days and then found it somewhere you thought it would never be, or shouted at a machine telling it that it is useless; then this is probably the book for you.

The author is here to help us solve problems, improve ourselves and our relationships, all with the help of the mindset of a programmer. The premise of this book is "when in doubt, assume you're wrong". It's not easy, because why would you doubt yourself? But if you begin from this view point you will find yourself getting answers so much faster.

You don't need to know how to code to understand this book, just come with an open mind to try a new way of looking at the world. In a very short time (it's not a long book) you will be equipped with a different mindset to help you.

Author

The principle behind this book is not going to make you rich, successful or popular overnight. However, if applied correctly, this simple change of mindset can help you to improve your relationships. It can help you to get that raise that you are hoping for. It can help you increase your quality of life on a day to day basis.

Although the contents of the book are derived from the programmer's mindset, I did my best to explain the more technical concepts in plain English for everyone to easily understand. Whether you are a high school student, an executive, an artist, a retired fisherman or anything in between, you can take advantage of this book's lessons.

https://www.whenindoubtbook.com/

Buy Link 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0881D5BDV/?ref=exp_kellysloveofbooks_dp_vv_d

Love, On The Rocks - Elsie McArthur

Description

Escaping a difficult childhood, unhappy marriage and dead-end job, Rachel McIntyre has escaped to the tiny Hebridean island of Inniscreag in search of a new beginning.

Taking a job as the manager of the local distillery, she's just settling into her new life when the elderly, eccentric owner dies, unexpectedly leaving her two hundred year old family legacy in Rachel's inexperienced hands.

Can she keep the small, community business alive in the face of a takeover attempt from a major multinational corporation? And can she resist the charms of the flirtatious, attractive company lawyer who arrives on the island to persuade her to sell up?

Join Rachel and the quirky inhabitants of Inniscreag - along with a couple of unexpected arrivals - in this funny, heartwarming tale about love, loss and having the courage to start over.

Review

This is the second book of Elsie's that I have read and reviewed. You can read about her first book The Back up Plan here.

It was just lovely to sit down and escape to the Western Scottish Isles. Beautifully described scenery, tales of island life and some wonderful dialect.  I immediately warmed to Rachel and her new life and the job at the distillery that she's settling into on Inniscreag. It's only pages before we meet Duncan who you can tell is going to feature prominently in this story. 

I also loved Duncan! I think it might be the first time I have ever actually fallen for a character in a book. He's described so well and I could just hear his gentle Edinburgh lilt and see his sparkling green eyes. Rachel's ex Graham was another matter entirely and I felt my hackles rise every time he stepped onto the page. 

There are quite a few backstories of the different characters in the book, so it never gets boring and the depth of the writing brings it all to life. So many difficult subjects are dealt with sympathetically such as mental health, divorce and miscarriage. As the book progresses we begin to realise that all is not what it might have first seemed with more than one of the characters. As secrets begin to be uncovered the book takes a whole new twist and is certainly more than just a romantic tale. 

Will Rachel be able to maintain the distillery and keep it from the Multinational corporation? Is Duncan only interested in Rachel because of the distillery? Settle down and find out. You might want a wee dram too, as every time someone has one in the book it made me wish I had one at hand also.

I'm giving this book five out of five stars. My thanks to Elsie for a copy of her book to review.

Eudora Honeysett is Quite Well, Thank You - Annie Lyons

 

Description

‘An exquisitely poignant tale of life, friendship and facing death… Everyone should read this book’ Ruth Hogan, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Keeper of Lost Things

If I can choose how to live my own life, why can’t I choose how to die my own death?

Eudora Honeysett is done – with all of it. Having seen first-hand what a prolonged illness can create, the eighty-five-year-old has no intention of leaving things to chance. With one call to a clinic in Switzerland she takes her life into her own hands.

But then ten-year-old Rose arrives in a riot of colour on her doorstep. Now, as precocious Rose takes Eudora on adventures she’d never imagined she reflects on the trying times of her past and soon finds herself wondering – is she ready for death when she’s only just experienced what it’s like to truly live?

A heartfelt story of life, death, friendship and family perfect for fans of Gail Honeyman

Review

Trigger warning - assisted dying.

I really enjoyed this book. It swept me in from the first pages and it was nice to read a book from an older viewpoint for a change, as the story is told through the eyes of 85 year old Eudora. 

In the present day Eudora is contemplating assisted dying in Switzerland. She has used logic to decide that she would prefer to end her days at her own convenience rather than end up in hospital alone as her Mother did.

Then 10 year old Rose moves next door with her family and Eudora's life is not the same anymore. With Rose keeping tabs on her every move and introducing her to Pointless and Richard Osman. Joining forces with another new friend she also learns about Pop Master on Radio 2! All very current and relateable.

Maybe now Eudora has new found friends she won't be making that trip to Switzerland afterall...

The story also flips back every so often to Eudora's younger days and we learn about how she got to where she is today. The events in her life right back to her childhood. A sad and poignant read but also some fun moments. The voice of Rose is a great one and she is certainly entertaining. 

I'm giving this book five out five stars. My thanks to netgalley for a ARC to review.

The Philosopher Queens - edited by Rebecca Buxton and Lisa Whiting

I'm on the blog tour today for this wonderful book.

Description

Where are the women philosophers? The answer is right here.

The history of philosophy has not done women justice: you've probably heard the names Plato, Kant, Nietzsche and Locke but what about Hypatia, Arendt, Oluwole and Young?

The Philosopher Queens is a long-awaited book about the lives and works of women in philosophy by women in philosophy. This collection brings to centre stage twenty prominent women whose ideas have had a profound but for the most part uncredited impact on the world.

You'll learn about Ban Zhao, the first woman historian in ancient Chinese history; Angela Davis, perhaps the most iconic symbol of the American Black Power Movement; Azizah Y. al-Hibri, known for examining the intersection of Islamic law and gender equality; and many more.

For anyone who has wondered where the women philosophers are, or anyone curious about the history of ideas it's time to meet the philosopher queens.

Review

This is a beautifully illustrated book and just to have and hold it is an experience in itself. Inside are larger versions of the cover illustrations.  I certainly never knew of the existence of the majority of these women philosophers or their work. It was a real eye opener to discover that some of them hail from many centuries ago. If you think this book is a complete guide, think again as there is a list of many more inside. But for now this is a very decent start.

I had intended to read a "Queen" a day but once I got started I found that I wanted to read more and so I did far many more than that in one sitting. I've never studied philosophy although I have read a few books on the subject over the years.  What I liked about this (apart from spotlighting unsung women) is that each philosopher has their life span shown and some background about their life is given as well as the basic concept of their take on philosophy. If you want to read more you can easily research using the information given. Also at the back of the book is a handy section about the individual authors who contributed to this book.

Two of the philosophers stood out for me. One was Mary Midgley who had a late start in life but wrote over 200 hundred books, articles and chapters between the ages of 59 and 99. She passed away in 2018. The other was Elizabeth Anscombe who wrote a ground breaking work entitled "Intention". This was mainly in response to the decision President Truman made to drop the atomic bomb in 1945. I found myself thinking of a parallel in the decisions made by world leaders during the pandemic times of 2020. There's certainly plenty of food for thought in this collection. 

I'm giving this book 5 out of 5 stars and my thanks to Random Things Tours for a copy of the book to review.

In SatNav We Trust - A Travelogue by Jack Barrow

Happy to be on the blog tour today for this amusing book.

Summary

The book takes the form of a journey through one English county a day. Rather than having a plan, other than a rough anticlockwise direction of travel, the trip was largely spontaneous. This unplanned nature is what drives the narrative, similar to the way a MacGuffin drives a story, and opens the possibility of stumbling across unintended experiences.

The journey is taken in a fifteen-year-old 4x4 referred to throughout as The Truck, along with a sat nav referred to as Kathy (actually the voice of Kathy Clugston from Radio 4). Rather than paying for hotels this was a camping trip to keep the costs down. The logistics of finding somewhere to camp each night provided further challenges. All of these inconveniences, and the unexpected solutions that followed, provided useful metaphors for concepts that arose in the philosophical exploration.

The result of this unplanned approach is that the story only covers the areas of the counties passed through. There are no descriptions of the obvious locations in each county because the journey simply didn’t pass that way. However, this means that there were unplanned encounters with places such as a village falling into the sea, the wonderfully mad Tees Transporter Bridge, or accidentally driving a speedboat with two drunk blokes without any consideration about how to get ashore.

Review

This is a book about one man's journey around England with his truck and a Khyam igloo. At first I thought that was a non de plume for Omar Khyyam, but it turns out to be type of tent! His quest is to visit the 39 historic counties of England such as Westmorland and Cumberland (yes, it's not just a type of sausage).

In the tradition of Three Men in a Boat and more recently Bill Bryson books, Jack digresses throughout the journey he tells in the book. There will always be a side story, which probably has a tenuous link with where he is and I felt an excuse for him to regale us with the amusing tales he's amassed over the years.

To begin with there was too much "well I cheated" for my liking. I am a bit black and white when it comes to tasks and so started off on the wrong foot so to speak with this tale. However, as I read on I began to get this author. A bit like meeting a new acquaintance who you need time to get to know their ways and little nuances. So, after a while when he rocked up at a new campsite and compared it to others he'd already visited, I sat there either nodding in agreement with him or dissent whichever was the road he had led me down.

It turned out that the book is not just a tale of his drive around England as the author began to talk about rational and non-rational behaviour and Maslow's heirachy of needs, and a few other soul searching ideas. Don't worry if that isn't your thing though. In the main it is his thoughts and findings of his journey, and sometimes a rant about something which may or may not have happened and just be included for comedic effect.

The more I read I began to sense familiar scenarios unfolding. Like when he went to the library and couldn't have encountered a more unhelpful person (I had a similar experience in a Local Tourist Office). It's just not what you expect, and you find yourself thinking "is it me?" - or maybe it's an age thing which again I began to realise was something else I had in common with the author. Although the SatNav does obviously make an appearance I was expecting more tales of wrong turnings, roads that don't exist and annoyance with the SatNav.

In the present times of being more restricted with travel than usual, this book was a welcome journey to visit through someone else's eyes places I have also been to, and see what they made of it. A bit like reading Pevsner, as a lot of the places I visited many years ago. Although when he got to Rutland and bemoaned the bypass, I knew exactly where he was! One thing I learnt is that Middlesex isn't a county! I thought maybe it disappeared in the 90s as I have definitely written in on an envelope, but on consulting Google it was apparently in 1965!!!

I'm giving this book 3 out of 5 stars. My thanks to Random Things Tours and the author for a copy of the book to review together with a jolly nice tote bag. If you want to know more about the author or buy some nice merchandise visit Jack-Barrow.com

About Jack

Jack Barrow is a writer of books and blogs about ideas based on popular philosophy in modern life. He is a critical thinker but not a pedant. He has an interest in spiritual perspectives having been brought up as both a Mormon and a Jehovah's Witness. He’s not sure, but he believes this particular  ecclesifringical upbringing makes him a member of a pretty exclusive club. He is also fascinated by science. At the same age as his parents were taking him to church services, he was also watching Horizon documentaries and Tomorrow’s World, becoming fascinated about science and technology. Perhaps around the time of the moon landings, when he was six or seven, he came to the conclusion that, sooner or later, people would realise that the sky was full of planets and stars, science explained the universe, and that there was no God looking down. He really thought that religion’s days were numbered. Declining congregations seemed to back that up, but since then there has been a growth in grass roots movements that seem to indicate people are looking for something to fill the void left by organised religion. He now has a particular interest in the way people are creating their own spiritual perspectives (whatever spiritual means) from the bottom up using ideas sourced from history, folkloric sources and imagination. Rather ironically it was members of the Jehovah's Witnesses who first introduced him to the landscape of Wiltshire, with its stone circles and ancient monuments, which later kindled his interest in spiritual beliefs taken from more ancient perspectives.

He has also written a novel; The Hidden Masters and the Unspeakable Evil is a story of a group of magicians who discover a plot to build casinos in Blackpool and so turn the resort into a seedy, tacky, and depraved town. During this hard-drinking occult adventure, with gambling and frivolous trousers, Nigel, Wayne and Clint travel north on Friday night but they need to save the world by Sunday evening because they have to be back at work on Monday morning.

Jack lives in Hertfordshire, England, where he earns a living writing about things in engineering; this usually means photocopiers and bits of aeroplanes. He shares his home with R2D2 and C3PO, occasionally mentioned in his blog posts. People used to say he should get out more. At the time of writing he is currently shielding from the apocalypse, having been of a sickly disposition as a child, and wondering if he will be able to go to a live music pub ever again.