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Before I Go to Sleep
Before I Go to Sleep
S.J. Watson | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
6
8.3 (24 Ratings)
Book Rating
I generally find thrillers slightly disappointing and somewhat predictable but I found Before I Go To Sleep an enjoyable exception.

It is a creative, innovative plot and you are really drawn into Christine's world living day by day with her.

I found the ending built in suspense spectacularly and found the novel as a whole compelling.

 A good page-turner, intelligently written with a good twist at the end.
  
All Russians Love Birch Trees
All Russians Love Birch Trees
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Despite what I read about this book from the publisher's blurb, I didn't find this story to have much humor or irony in it. In fact, I found it to be a very harsh and difficult tale, which was at the same time an extremely compelling read. You can read my full review of this book here. https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2013/12/12/not-seeing-the-trees-for-the-forest/
  
Call the Midwife (The Midwife Trilogy #1)
Call the Midwife (The Midwife Trilogy #1)
Jennifer Worth | 2015 | History & Politics
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
True stories about real life in 1950's (3 more)
Compelling story
A real eye opener
A warts and all insight into pregnancy and life in the 1950's
Not sure I have any bad points to raise (0 more)
A compelling read
This book made me laugh, cry, retch and stayed with me for some time after I finished it.
It gives you a real insight into the gruesome stories and life that the women (and men) of the 1950's endured and how nursing and midwives played a part in that.
I must admit that parts of the book will require a strong stomach to read, but I assume that if you are willing to read about childbirth in this era, then you expect some grueling details.
I did truly enjoy this book, and the authors interpretation of her past. Even if you have not experienced childbirth or pregnancy, I think that you would enjoy this book.
  
Normally, I love journalists writing non-fiction, but this was awful. I was completely annoyed reading this book, thank god it was a short one. It tells the story of the 'last hermit', and the guy was just not likeable nor compelling. By midway, I didn't care why he decided to be a hermit. That's when I should have stopped reading. But, I didn't. Overall: woof. I'm never reading anything by Finkel ever again.
  
Swimming Lessons
Swimming Lessons
Claire Fuller | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
10
6.8 (9 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is definitely a book you can read in one day. The writing was beautiful and story was absolutely compelling! I woke up in the middle of the night after reading this novel and began analyzing the characters. I seriously can't express how much this novel stuck with me. This is a beautiful portrayal of a family and how past events have shaped each of them into who they are in present day.