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Moral Injuries by Christie Watson

Oct16

Life & Death, Truth & Lies

Moral Injuries by Christie Watson is a powerful dual timeline novel that consumed me from the start. It is a medical psychological tale dealing with life and death; truth and lies.

The novel is set in 1999 and present day. It is written through three alternating points of view as well as alternating time periods. It is a read that has you on the edge of your seat as we watch the action unfold.

We witness three friends who are bound by one terrible secret. Lies are maintained until the day when the present threatens to repeat the past. Gradually, lies and lives unravel.

The three lead characters are medical students for a variety of different reasons. One student wants to please her parents, but they love her unconditionally, saying, “Your character is not based on what you do, it is who you are.” This gives her freedom to finally be herself.

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Always Remember by Charlie Mackesy

Oct12

So Very Beautiful

Always Remember by Charlie Mackesy is the most beautiful book. It is the long-awaited sequel to The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse.

Once again, the reader is treated to the most beautiful illustrations and heartfelt words by the author. Every page invites the reader in. It is a book to be savoured and enjoyed again and again, as we long to step inside the pages.

There is the message of being kind to ourselves. “I worry I’m not very good at anything’, said the boy. ‘You are kind,’ said the mole, ‘which is everything,” Kindness is a much under-rated quality. It is powerful and it is attractive. “One of the kindest things you can do is be gentle with yourself.”

When the world around us seems harsh, we need to remember that the storms will pass.

The horse is very wise. “When the storm comes remember who you are,’ said the horse. ‘Who am I?’ ‘You are loved.” To be loved is all that we want.

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The Old Gals’ Bucket List by Karen King

Oct11

Grab Life By The Horns

The Old Gals’ Bucket List by Karen King is a perfectly charming contemporary novel that I read in just one sitting.

This is a light-hearted and fun read about learning to live again. The leading characters are all about seventy and prove that you are never too old to have fun.

The leading lady had been widowed earlier. Life has been on hold until she bumps into an old friend who is a cancer survivor and determined to now make her life count. “I promised myself that if I survived, I’d live life to the full, no fear, no excuses, I want to make every single day count.” This is a turning point as the pair decide to make a bucket list and then work through it.

As the novel progresses, we see that growing older can still be exciting as the pair grab life by the horns.

We see the ladies get their first tattoo, learn to swim and conquer many fears. “Feel the fear but do it anyway.” Life is for living and new experiences can be fun.

A grown-up son tries to limit his mum, believing she is ready for a retirement home! “I’m ready to live again and you need to step back and let me do that.” Her son’s stance comes from the viewpoint of love.

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A New Life In Amsterdam by Helga Jensen

Oct10

New Beginnings

A New Life In Amsterdam by Helga Jensen is the most delightful novel that I read in just one sitting.

You are never too old to have a new beginning. The fifty-nine-year-old proves that as she moves from a house in England to a houseboat in Amsterdam after the empty nester syndrome kicks in.

Isolated in England, Amsterdam offers a community feel and friendly, feel-good vibes as she is welcomed with open arms by the houseboat community.

In England, loneliness had been temporarily alleviated by becoming a shopaholic. “All these material goods only serve as a temporary comfort blanket. It is loneliness at home that is the problem.” Each shopping high was following by a crashing low.

In contrast, we see the community and care that life in Amsterdam gives. “Kindness, compassion and being helpful are more important than material things.” The lead character finds herself cocooned by the new community.

Characters bond over food and community activities, such as knitting and a book club. All the characters are warm and welcoming. Their love and care reach beyond the book, to envelop the reader.

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