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James Koppert (2698 KP) rated The Other Half of Augusta Hope in Books

Oct 25, 2019 (Updated Oct 25, 2019)  
The Other Half of Augusta Hope
The Other Half of Augusta Hope
Joanna Glen | 2019 | Contemporary
8
8.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
The binding is quite beautiful (0 more)
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The Other Half of Augusta Hope
I read this book completely unbiased, I realised I didn't even read the blerb on the back, I just adored the shiny dragonflies on the cover and dived in. Some books are thrill rides, adventures, chilling or mysterious while some others give you characters who you adore and open your hearts to and never want to let go. This is the latter. I fell in love with Augusta Hope and felt her love and her pain. I am sad, now finished, I have left her behind. This is about a child turning to an adult, but it's not s coming of age, it has death without being mournful and love without ever being a romance. I think this is a book about the beauty of life and learning life and learning the lives of others. I know this review doesn't do much to explain the book to you so let me maybe just say this. This is one of those books that is a beautiful rare gem, that deserves to be read and kept and cherished and thought about for years after you have finished. I fell in love with Augusta Hope and the people in her life. I know you will too.
  
We All Want Impossible Things
We All Want Impossible Things
Catherine Newman | 2022 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
What a wonderful book this is! I started reading with trepidation, but as I read, I realised that this isn’t just a book about dying, it’s about the living right up until you die. It’s a book about life - and about having a good death. It’s incredibly moving, I wouldn’t say it’s depressing or morose at all, in fact I would say that it’s life affirming.

Edi and Ash have been best friends since childhood. When Edi is diagnosed with terminal cancer, Ash offers to take her home to where she lives, so that her young son doesn’t have to watch her final weeks.

The hospice that Edi stays in is full of interesting characters: from the patient who plays Fiddler on the Roof at full glorious volume, to the doctor who reminds Ash of one of the Sopranos, and a musician who can play any song you request.

This is a book of laughter and sadness, of letting go and moving on. Ash is a wonderful friend with a rather messy, frankly hilarious, sex life. Ash and Eli’s relationship is truly special.

We All Want Impossible Things is a touching novel that had me laughing and crying in equal measure, as well as bringing back memories of my own experiences.

This book really is worth reading. Utterly beautiful.