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Gordon Gano recommended track All Along the Watchtower by Bob Dylan in Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 - 3 by Bob Dylan in Music (curated)
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Becoming Ottomans: Sephardi Jews and Imperial Citizenship in the Modern Era
Book
The Ottoman-Jewish story has long been told as a romance between Jews and the empire. The prevailing...
Dumfries House: An Architectural Story
Book
On 18 July 1754, William Crichton Dalrymple, the 5th Earl of Dumfries, laid the foundation stone of...
Eyes All Over the Sky: Aerial Reconnaissance in the First World War
Book
After the first successful flight by the Wright brothers in 1903, the age of aviation was born, and...
ClareR (5879 KP) rated The Chalet in Books
Nov 8, 2020
The Chalet was a twisty, turny thriller that had me guessing all the way through. I couldn’t for the life of me work out who had been responsible for the death (and at one point I wasn’t even convinced that he was dead!), and I had a list of pretty much everyone in the chalet. My main reason for their guilt was that they just weren’t very nice (I know, I’ll never make a great detective!).
This story is split between two timelines to begin with - the present day and twenty years before. In the present day, two couples are sharing a chalet for a holiday mixed with business. I’ll say this again: these are not particularly nice people. They’re rich, entitled and generally insensitive.
Interspersed with this timeline is that of two couples twenty years earlier. Two brothers and their girlfriends are on a skiing holiday. They’re all Oxford University students: three come from affluent upper class families, and one, Louisa, comes from a working class, single parent family. She is made to feel different at all times - whether this is her own insecurities is never quite clear. Her boyfriends brother certainly doesn’t do much to make her feel welcome. At some point during this holiday, there’s a terrible accident that has an equally terrible effect on characters in the present day timeline.
I won’t say any more about the storyline - I don’t want to be the one to spoil someone’s reading enjoyment! What I WILL say, is that I thoroughly enjoyed this and looked forward to reading it every morning on the Pigeonhole app. It’s a tense, exciting, addictive read - and I loved it!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this and helping me once more, to read my NetGalley books! And also thanks to the author, Catherine Cooper for reading along with us.
This story is split between two timelines to begin with - the present day and twenty years before. In the present day, two couples are sharing a chalet for a holiday mixed with business. I’ll say this again: these are not particularly nice people. They’re rich, entitled and generally insensitive.
Interspersed with this timeline is that of two couples twenty years earlier. Two brothers and their girlfriends are on a skiing holiday. They’re all Oxford University students: three come from affluent upper class families, and one, Louisa, comes from a working class, single parent family. She is made to feel different at all times - whether this is her own insecurities is never quite clear. Her boyfriends brother certainly doesn’t do much to make her feel welcome. At some point during this holiday, there’s a terrible accident that has an equally terrible effect on characters in the present day timeline.
I won’t say any more about the storyline - I don’t want to be the one to spoil someone’s reading enjoyment! What I WILL say, is that I thoroughly enjoyed this and looked forward to reading it every morning on the Pigeonhole app. It’s a tense, exciting, addictive read - and I loved it!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this and helping me once more, to read my NetGalley books! And also thanks to the author, Catherine Cooper for reading along with us.
ClareR (5879 KP) rated The Sanatorium in Books
Feb 14, 2021
The Sanatorium is a chilling, atmospheric thriller, set in the Swiss Alps. Elin has been invited to her brothers engagement party in a 5* mountain retreat - a hotel in a converted sanatorium. Understandably (I think), I was creeped out by this whole scenario, and the opening chapter didn’t do much to put me at my ease - but it’s OK, I like being scared witless by a book! Frankly, if a book sells itself as being unnerving or potentially scary, and you can still go up to bed with the landing light off, then it won’t have fulfilled the brief. I sent my husband upstairs first to switch the lights on whilst I was reading this...
Elin is a troubled character, and clearly needs some help with past trauma. This makes her a nervy person who doesn’t have any self-confidence. She shuts her boyfriend out - and can I just say here that he seemed to be an incredibly patient person? I liked his character a lot. Most of the other characters are pretty unpleasant people if I’m honest, and I think any of them could have been the murderer. Some of the people reading along with me on the Pigeonhole worked out who the murderer was, but as usual, I merrily read on without a clue (this is OK by me - I’m in it for the ride and don’t feel the need to try and work it out).
I can’t quite believe that this is a debut, and I really enjoyed it. I would most definitely recommend it!
Many thanks to the Pigeonhole for serialising this. It was a great experience, as always, made all the better by sharing my thoughts with my fellow Pigeonholers! Oh, and thanks again for helping me read another book off my NetGalley list!
Elin is a troubled character, and clearly needs some help with past trauma. This makes her a nervy person who doesn’t have any self-confidence. She shuts her boyfriend out - and can I just say here that he seemed to be an incredibly patient person? I liked his character a lot. Most of the other characters are pretty unpleasant people if I’m honest, and I think any of them could have been the murderer. Some of the people reading along with me on the Pigeonhole worked out who the murderer was, but as usual, I merrily read on without a clue (this is OK by me - I’m in it for the ride and don’t feel the need to try and work it out).
I can’t quite believe that this is a debut, and I really enjoyed it. I would most definitely recommend it!
Many thanks to the Pigeonhole for serialising this. It was a great experience, as always, made all the better by sharing my thoughts with my fellow Pigeonholers! Oh, and thanks again for helping me read another book off my NetGalley list!
Debbiereadsbook (1444 KP) rated Breakaway in Books
Feb 18, 2021
A much needed fix, this really was a warm and fuzzies book.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Its been a long, LONG time since I had my Kindle Alexander fix, and this was a very welcome fix indeed.
Dallas and his brothers need a cash injection to their fitness app, and Greer has the cash and the business knowledge to help. The attraction is instant and powerful from both men to each other, but Dallas hides, remembering what happened the last time he was caught with a man. But once Greer sets his sights on him, Dallas doesn't stand a chance. He just gotta deal with his dad and his brother.
Slow burn is what Alexander does so well, and here is a prime example of that skill. The attraction bubbles and simmers along til they cannot deny each other any longer. I loved that.
The father and big brother were a nasty piece of work and I wanted so badly to punch the pair of them! Mum, however, surprised me when she does what she does, and I have a huge amount of pride in her for doing what she should have done a long time ago!
Apart from the dad/brother, it's relatively low angst, and it was just what I needed to read.
I loved the appearences of Dylan and Tristan from Secret, and the part they play here.
I would love a story for Ducky, Dallas' younger brother, he seems like a character who would write a great story!
A much needed fix, this really was a warm and fuzzies book.
4.5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Its been a long, LONG time since I had my Kindle Alexander fix, and this was a very welcome fix indeed.
Dallas and his brothers need a cash injection to their fitness app, and Greer has the cash and the business knowledge to help. The attraction is instant and powerful from both men to each other, but Dallas hides, remembering what happened the last time he was caught with a man. But once Greer sets his sights on him, Dallas doesn't stand a chance. He just gotta deal with his dad and his brother.
Slow burn is what Alexander does so well, and here is a prime example of that skill. The attraction bubbles and simmers along til they cannot deny each other any longer. I loved that.
The father and big brother were a nasty piece of work and I wanted so badly to punch the pair of them! Mum, however, surprised me when she does what she does, and I have a huge amount of pride in her for doing what she should have done a long time ago!
Apart from the dad/brother, it's relatively low angst, and it was just what I needed to read.
I loved the appearences of Dylan and Tristan from Secret, and the part they play here.
I would love a story for Ducky, Dallas' younger brother, he seems like a character who would write a great story!
A much needed fix, this really was a warm and fuzzies book.
4.5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
ClareR (5879 KP) rated The Snakes in Books
Jun 19, 2021
Firstly, I’d like to make it clear that I really enjoyed The Snakes. A lot.
Secondly, I’m sorry for being so predictable, but I pretty much hated every single character in this novel, apart from Alex and Dan. Bea had moments where I felt that I could like her, but then she just didn’t seem to help herself or anyone else.
So, short summary of the plot: Bea and Dan live in a tiny flat in London and decide to drive through Europe on a shoestring budget, financed by renting their flat out. Their first stop is at Bea’s brothers hotel in Burgundy. Alex runs the hotel, which was bought for him by their ridiculously rich parents. I think they’re hoping that the responsibility will keep him busy and off drugs.
Shortly after Bea and Daniel’s arrival, Bea’s parents turn up, and they realise that the hotel is basically a dump. This is the point at which Dan learns that his in-laws are rich enough to own a private jet, and his and Bea’s financial struggles could easily be solved if they would just take their offered money. But Bea has her reasons and principles. And they’re good ones.
Some pretty awful things happen in this book. It’s a stark example of the “haves” and “have nots”, and how those with money (and I’m talking about Griff here) have no comprehension what living in poverty or with little money is like. I could understand Dan’s wish to take Griff’s money, but at the same time, I could understand Bea’s motivation for NOT taking it.
And the ending is a real kick in the guts, let me tell you!!
This is a firm five star read from me - it’s well worth the read (or the listen, in my case!)
Secondly, I’m sorry for being so predictable, but I pretty much hated every single character in this novel, apart from Alex and Dan. Bea had moments where I felt that I could like her, but then she just didn’t seem to help herself or anyone else.
So, short summary of the plot: Bea and Dan live in a tiny flat in London and decide to drive through Europe on a shoestring budget, financed by renting their flat out. Their first stop is at Bea’s brothers hotel in Burgundy. Alex runs the hotel, which was bought for him by their ridiculously rich parents. I think they’re hoping that the responsibility will keep him busy and off drugs.
Shortly after Bea and Daniel’s arrival, Bea’s parents turn up, and they realise that the hotel is basically a dump. This is the point at which Dan learns that his in-laws are rich enough to own a private jet, and his and Bea’s financial struggles could easily be solved if they would just take their offered money. But Bea has her reasons and principles. And they’re good ones.
Some pretty awful things happen in this book. It’s a stark example of the “haves” and “have nots”, and how those with money (and I’m talking about Griff here) have no comprehension what living in poverty or with little money is like. I could understand Dan’s wish to take Griff’s money, but at the same time, I could understand Bea’s motivation for NOT taking it.
And the ending is a real kick in the guts, let me tell you!!
This is a firm five star read from me - it’s well worth the read (or the listen, in my case!)
Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated Girl in the Walls in Books
Jul 1, 2021
Such a different concept for a book.
We follow a girl who is living in the walls of a house, that a family of no relation to her now own. She thinks that they don’t know that she’s there, but soon the two sons of the family, Eddie and Marshall, start to become suspicious. At first Marshall starts to blame Eddie and forever saying he’s weird and asking why he does things in the middle of the night. Eddie knows that there is someone else that is doing the things he is being blamed for, but can’t say for fear of being called weird and a child. It seems as though Eddie thinks that the girl in the walls is actually an imaginary friend or a ghost, and not a real person. It’s only after a while when the brothers talk to each other that they decide to team up and try to find out who or what is living in their walls that they can hear at the quietest moments in the house.
This book was thrilling from the start to the end, one that I didn’t want to finish but at the same time just knew I had to find out what was going to happen next. I spent most of my time reading the book trying to decide if the girl was real or a ghost, and it wasn’t until the last part of the book that I was finally decided.
I would recommend this book to anyone, due to the fact that I have never read anything similar and it genuinely had the hairs on the back of my neck standing up both when reading some parts and when discussing it with others.
Thank you to A.J. Gnuse and Pigeonhole for allowing me to read this! A definite 5 stars from me!
This book was thrilling from the start to the end, one that I didn’t want to finish but at the same time just knew I had to find out what was going to happen next. I spent most of my time reading the book trying to decide if the girl was real or a ghost, and it wasn’t until the last part of the book that I was finally decided.
I would recommend this book to anyone, due to the fact that I have never read anything similar and it genuinely had the hairs on the back of my neck standing up both when reading some parts and when discussing it with others.
Thank you to A.J. Gnuse and Pigeonhole for allowing me to read this! A definite 5 stars from me!
Mayflies is a book of two halves, and I really enjoyed both.
The first half, set in 1986, follows a group of friends who travel down to Manchester from their small Scottish town. Manchester is the epicentre of everything they believe to be cool. Best friends James and Tully decide that weekend to make something of their lives, and not to compromise. This part of the novel is full of nostalgia - even for me, and I was 13 in 1986, so nowhere near as independent as Tully, Jimmy and their friends. But I could empathise with their new-found freedom, their enthusiasm of good music, films and books, and their feelings about politics.
2017, and Jimmy gets a phone call from Tully asking him to come home from London and see him. Tully has terminal cancer and needs Jimmy to help him - this is the true test of their friendship.
I loved how this was written, and how it really brought home the power of friendship and the memories that you share with those friends. Tully and Jimmy are more brothers than friends, and this felt like a really genuine relationship. So much so, that I was close to tears on several occasions. This is NOT a book to read in your lunch break (I did - but just the once!), because once I started reading it, half an hour wasn’t enough. And walking in to a room full of three year olds after a particularly emotional part wasn’t my finest moment!
So would I recommend this? Yes, I most certainly would. And I listened to parts of this on Audible, read so well by the author, so I’d recommend this too!
The first half, set in 1986, follows a group of friends who travel down to Manchester from their small Scottish town. Manchester is the epicentre of everything they believe to be cool. Best friends James and Tully decide that weekend to make something of their lives, and not to compromise. This part of the novel is full of nostalgia - even for me, and I was 13 in 1986, so nowhere near as independent as Tully, Jimmy and their friends. But I could empathise with their new-found freedom, their enthusiasm of good music, films and books, and their feelings about politics.
2017, and Jimmy gets a phone call from Tully asking him to come home from London and see him. Tully has terminal cancer and needs Jimmy to help him - this is the true test of their friendship.
I loved how this was written, and how it really brought home the power of friendship and the memories that you share with those friends. Tully and Jimmy are more brothers than friends, and this felt like a really genuine relationship. So much so, that I was close to tears on several occasions. This is NOT a book to read in your lunch break (I did - but just the once!), because once I started reading it, half an hour wasn’t enough. And walking in to a room full of three year olds after a particularly emotional part wasn’t my finest moment!
So would I recommend this? Yes, I most certainly would. And I listened to parts of this on Audible, read so well by the author, so I’d recommend this too!