May Bookshelf

May has been a gorgeous month, I've been out and about celebrating birthdays, catching up with pals and always seemed to have my diary full. This being said I still found time to settle down with a book and escape, relax and actually laugh aloud. Here's what I read in the month of May:

A Discovery Of Witches
by Deborah Harkness
After watching the series on Sky One last year, (and having a running commentary and added info from someone who read the book) I decided I wanted the read the books to find out what happens next and catch up on all the missed moments and details that weren't televised. I love this book, it may be on a supernatural, fantastical, witches, vampires and daemons storyline but it's by far the best one I've read. Diana Bishop a witch who has tried to suppress her magic and lead a normal human life studying History and Alchemy uncovers Ashmole 782 an alchemical manuscript unlike any other in the Bodleian Library. After she sends back the manuscript scared of its magic, creatures ascend onto the library waiting for her to recall the missing book, as each species wants to uncover its secrets. Mathew Clairmont a Professor and Scientist at the University of Oxford, in search of said manuscript aids in protecting Diana from the danger of the other creatures, oh and he's a vampire. (See I know you're thinking "oh just another Twilight" but I promise you it's on a completely different level.) There are twists and turns throughout the book, and characters from the human, witch, daemon and vampire species that you will fall in love with or in turn loathe. I found myself reading until I fell asleep, (aka 1am bedtimes because I couldn't put the book down). I was caught up in the magic, the romance and the intrigue of the story, and felt completely immersed into their world. From mystical yoga classes, living houses, science and literary references, the different relationships and families, different languages both old and new and so much more. I didn't want this book to end and I can't wait to read the next book.

In comparison to the TV series I enjoyed both equally, the book focuses mainly on Diana, Mathew and their families, whereas the series sets the scenes and gives us more background information on their friends, foes, and allies. I feel there is little description in the book for secondary characters and I liked that I had the series casting as a reference. This being said some of the TV episodes felt long whereas in the book something happened in every chapter if not every other chapter and kept me gripped throughout. Some of my favorite bits in the book (eg. the yoga class) didn't make it to the series. If you're a fan of the book I'd highly recommend watching the series and If you loved the show, you should definitely read the book!

Shadow of Night 
by Deborah Harkness
Surprise, surprise it took me all but a minute to decide to head straight into Shadow of Night (the second book of the All Souls Series; A Discovery of Witches, Shadow of Night and The Book of Life). I'm not sure how to reveal the storyline without giving away any spoilers. Diana and Mathew have to travel to different places in order to discover more about Diana's powers, their connection and the infamous manuscript Ashmole 782. They meet old friends/family and new on their travels and face different types of dangers everywhere. We are also transported back to their present-day friends and foes as they discover hidden clues about Diana and Mathews location and information on Ashmole 782.
Whilst I enjoyed this book,  I must admit I did prefer the first more. Shadow of the night is divided into six parts based on the locations that Matthew and Diana find themselves in. After getting to know the secondary characters in book one so well I was disappointed to find that there was little mention of them. This being said I have grown to love a few of the newer characters and am in turn sad to know we may not revisit them in the next. The use of historical references, numerous languages and clever plot twists make this a fabulous read. I'm both eager and sad to move onto the next book, I'm excited to get back to the lives of some of my favorite characters but don't want any more fatalities (clearly very attached to these characters, must remind myself that it is only fiction), and don't want the story to end. The phrase "Every end is a new beginning" comes to mind.

The Book of Life
by Deborah Harkness
The book of life is the last book in the All Souls trilogy, it follows the premise and most of the characters from the first two novels. Despite my initial reservations on the third book, I understood early on that certain characters from the past may still have a role to play in the story and may, in fact, reappear at the right moment.  The same in-depth and detailed references to antiques, works of art and manuscripts leaped from the page and revealed more about the characters lives and their place in history and time, helping the world of humans, our world, link in with that of the fantastical. Mathew and Diana's love and self-discovery go further than before as they defend themselves, their family and each other not only from foes but their own inflictions and fears. Secrets unfold and questions are answered not only on the mysterious Ashmole 782 but the relationship it has with Diana, Mathew and their family. The links between Vampires, Witches Daemons and Humans unwind in non-binary DNA (junk DNA), folklore tales and Ashmole 782 itself. The secondary characters develop more within the third book, backstories are told and questions answered.  There are more twists and turns as truths are revealed, enough action, intrigue, mystery, and romance to fill your boots. If you're a fan of the fantastical world I would highly recommend this spellbinding trilogy.

Never have I finished a book series with such satisfaction that I'm happy to leave the characters with their ending and start a completely new book/story, usually I have a sense of longing and wondering about the daily lives of the characters after their great story or adventure is told. I would be happy to revisit the characters and their lives, but for now, all the questions I had have been answered, and the ending I wanted/expected came to fruition. I presume it's the skills of an author/historian with a penchant for in-depth research and need, to find answers to her own questions that set the books up for this unexpected feeling of satisfaction.

How to be Champion
by Sarah Millican
As a long time fan of Sarah Millican, I knew from the first announcement I was going to read her book. As soon as I started reading I heard Sarah's voice narrating the words in my mind, (admittedly you could probably achieve the same/more realistic effect with an audiobook). I laughed at nearly every page, the book is set into chapters and then subsections of a paragraph or two, this gives an easy flow to the book and also creates the illusion that you're listening to a stand-up show (again probably more effective with an audiobook). When I say I laughed; I mean that this book is hilarious and actually made me laugh out loud on numerous occasions, apparently this doesn't happen often as I got some odd stares from people/inquiries as to what I was reading. Sarah is not only humorous but also relatable, I found myself nodding along, agreeing and empathising with so much,  she covers lots of life events, from dodgy haircuts to divorce and some of the more difficult subjects too. Her advice is legendary and comedy gold, and I honestly wish I had read this book sooner. I know I'll probably look back on it again when I need a friendly/comedic kick up the backside to get going on whatever project I have been putting off. If you like Sarah Millican you'll love this book, and if you don't like Sarah, well I'm not sure what has happened to you but I hope you find something funny soon (I was going to put that I don't have time for you, but felt that was a bit harsh, although as I've still included it, maybe it's not). Sarah's book was a bit like having a hug a cuppa and a natter with the lady herself (at least what I imagine it would be like), I'm more of a fan than I was before.

The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober: Discovering a happy, healthy, wealthy alcohol-free life
by Catherine Gray
I was intrigued by the title of this book and after reading a sample on my kindle and being satisfied it wasn't a preachy "this is why you shouldn't drink" book, I decided to buy it.
This book is an eye-opening account into the days of Catherine Gray's alcoholism and journey into sobriety, how and why she got into sober-bliss and the reactions from those around her. It's a brilliant insight into addiction (something I knew the bare-minimum about), how difficult it can be to go sober, and how our relationship with alcohol affects our lives and relationships. It's filled with stories about the descent into alcoholism, from free-alcohol parties and after-hours socialising to secretly hiding bottles in the bathroom. And stories about her journey into sobriety, from alcohol-free parties and socialising to enjoying life and appreciating those around her. There are tips, tricks, hacks and plenty of reasons why a sober-life is a brighter path, there are also quotations, psychology, sociology and neurology references, statistics and studies, and stories told by Catherine and her friends.
I respect Catherine's honesty throughout, she has not allowed herself to be portrayed as a victim and has bared her most embarrassing moments, for the world to see. It's difficult to admit you have made a mistake or have a problem and difficult to ask for help, and not one drop of that difficulty is spared, or glossed over. She's owning her sobriety and wearing it as a badge of honor in a fun and inspirational way.
Despite covering a difficult subject the witty humor and writing style makes it lighthearted and easy to read, in fact, I could hardly put it down. Catherine's personality leaps off the page in infectious bounds and intrigues you to find out what happens next on her journey. If you're already sober, this book will be the comforting hug you need in any moment of doubt.
No matter your relationship with alcohol I would urge to read this book, it's a fascinating insight into addiction and the refreshing benefits of being sober.
But whilst we're here would you go sober?

Hope you enjoyed this month's book reviews, have you read any of the books above? Or do you have any recommendations? Let me know in the comments below.
Thanks for Reading