There’s nothing better on a winter weekend than snuggling up under a blanket with a good book.
Our QBD Carindale team have some great suggestions to add to your winter reading list!
The House of Silk by Anthony Horowitz: The House of Silk is for those who have read all of the Sherlock Holmes there is to read and still want more! Anthony Horowitz takes up the Sherlock Holmes mantle and does a fantastic job of it. He has captured the character and the spirit of the adventures well and gives us a bit of extra insight into the thoughts of Dr John Watson. A compelling read that I would definitely recommend for any Sherlock Holmes fans. – Laura (Store 2IC)
The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton: “Love makes us such fools.” This book is by far my favourite that I’ve read this year. It was, as the title suggests, strange and yet so beautiful. It is everything you wish for when you pick up a book hoping it will be a great read. It was magical, enchanting, alluring, unusual and cheerful. The Roux family has a history of tragic love stories. The story tells us of Ava Lavender’s family. First her grandmother, then her mother and then Ava herself and the loves of their lives. Ava is also strangely born with a pair of mesmerising wings. I warned you it is strange! Do yourself a favour and allow yourself to be lost in this amazingly written book. – Haylee
Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet: First having read “Pillars” when it was published in 1989 and being in my top 5 books, I decided to re-read it (something I never do with a book). I still found it as engaging as the first time. The reader quickly finds oneself being drawn into this historical fiction epic tale set in mid 12th century, of the building of a gothic cathedral and the lives of the characters entwined in the daily living in the medieval community of Knightsbridge. Follet writes in fine detail which offers action, intrigue, passion and violence with the characters as well as giving detailed descriptions of the building of the cathedral which was Philip’s dream, he being the abbott of the monastry. Oh well, I’ll just have to find a nice sunny spot and re-read the sequel, World Without End. Another weekend of fine reading coming up! – Gina
Stasiland by Anna Funder: This non-fiction book follows Funder’s research into the East German police, the Stasi. Funder presents stories of citizens whose lives were impacted in a variety of ways for mysterious reasons, but also interviews those who worked for the Stasi themselves. Funder’s talent and skill as a storyteller is showcased here, as this non-fiction book reads as fluidly as a novel. An intriguing and beautifully written read, this book is perfect for anyone looking to get started in non-fiction reading, who enjoys reading drama or biographies, or as a gift! – Belinda
Cinder by Marissa Meyer: As you follow Cinder throughout the novel, you feel as though you’re witnessing everything that’s happening and part of Cinder’s life with every detail of New Beijing and the characters that Meyer has created. It’s realistic and beautiful at the same time. This story grabs onto you after reading just a few paragraphs. It’s a Cinderella story as you know it but with its own unique twists and turns that readers would want to experience. – Cassandra
The Passage by Justin Cronin: A sprawling novel that spans countries and generations, Cronin turns the overworked concept of vampires into something completely different. Beware, this is no Twilight; The Passage is incredibly entertaining and devastatingly creepy at the same time. A military experiment gone wrong leaves the world in the throes of vampire-like beings. This new, meolancholic and desolate world will have you thinking about love, loss, and what it means to be human. Perfect for fans of dystopian fiction authors such as Stephen King and George Orwell. – Cara
