The Reading List #49

It's time for the first reading list of the new year and I've gone for two non-fiction and two fiction reads, all of which were completely different...


One Day, One Night - Portraits of the South Pole, Dr John Bird and Jennifer McCallum

*copy kindly sent by a PR for review consideration

When Dr John Bird was offered a position working at the South Pole for a year, his wife Jennifer passed the tests to go out, too. This book is their story of that year. The pair take turns to narrate chapters, and I really enjoyed this dual perspective of their time out there, both as a couple and as two working individuals with different jobs to do. There are also black and white images throughout the book, captured whilst they were there, which added an extra touch of personality and familiarity to their story.

Possibly my favourite part was Jennifer's descriptions of the initial process of acclimatising to the new environment, and I enjoyed the level of detail throughout. Despite the fact a lot of the scientific work went straight over my head, it was an interesting glimpse into a world so far removed from my own. The 'Restropective' section at the end was short but beautifully written, and the final line of the book has stayed fixed in my mind: 'Beckoned, we faced the eyes of God'.


Some Kind of Wonderful, Giovanna Fletcher


Lizzy and Ian have spent ten years together, but there's been no proposal... and then Ian says there will never be one. This ending is where the novel begins, as Lizzy sets out to find out who she is without this relationship which has been a huge part of her life for so long.

This was equal parts cheesy and delicious. Giovanna Fletcher has a very distinctive style of writing - warm, friendly and readable. It's a cosy, heartwarming read about family, friendship and being true to yourself.


Dead Zone - Where the Wild Things Were, Philip Lymbery


If you've got any interest in the planet, the environment, the effect humans are having on it or anything similar, this book is a must-read. It looks at the legacy we want to leave behind and the actions we're taking that are destroying those hopes. In exploring the effect humans are having on the planet, it discusses what needs to change and why those changes should matter to every one of us.

The chapters are arranged by different animals, with each looking at the particular conditions and plight of creatures that may usually be ignored. It dives into their habitats, feeding habits and the necessity of their role and function within their particular environment. Within each of those contexts, Lymbery makes clear why the changes to our environment are heading towards devastating consequences. I learned so much from this book, and it's just full of solid, factual, interesting studies of the world we live in and should be trying to protect.


Maggie's Kitchen, Caroline Beecham


*copy kindly sent by a PR for review consideration

In London during World War Two, the Ministry of Food encourages the opening of restaurants to feed the tired and hungry. When Maggie's restaurant becomes too popular, she has to find new ways to feed the amount of people that need her help. The novel comes complete with some of Maggie's recipes in the back, which is a nice touch, and the chapters open with quotes from food-related documents of the period.

I really enjoyed the character of Maggie and her relationship with Robbie. She was a great balance of having the head of a dreamer whilst being gutsy and proactive which I think was what made the book easy to read. I also really enjoyed the context, as all I really knew of food at the time was the rationing you learn about at school.


It feels good to be back to a routine of posting and to getting these mini reviews back on the blog. More will be on the way soon!

Sophie x

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