This Spring, I have been reading…

Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi

Gifty is a PhD student in the science department at Stanford University researching ‘reward-seeking behaviour.’ She makes mice become addicted to an energy drink and keeps them in chambers that regulates either the energy drink, or electric shocks sent at random. Her interest stems from the loss of her brother, Nana, who died from an overdose of opioid drugs, first prescribed to him in hospital while he was recovering from a serious leg injury. He was a basketball star, set fora great future as a top athlete. We learn about Gifty as she herself does. A brilliant story, powerfully told.

Another Life by Jodie Chapman

Nick and Anna have had an on-off relationship for years. The book begins with tragedy which forces Nick to address his past, his behaviour, how he has treated others. As he tries to comprehend his feelings, he starts to open up. But will Anna and Nick get together? Fans of ‘One Day’ by David Nicholls will enjoy this book as much as I did!

The Motion of the Body Through Space by Lionel Shriver

Satire at its finest. When Remington Alabaster suddenly takes up running, his wife Serenata cannot help but feel betrayed. Exercise was always her thing, not his. Unfortunately, his interest in sport has coincided with Serenata slowing down on account of her terrible osteoarthritis of the knees. But Remington is not  just doing a bit of light running. He is training for a marathon, against his wife’s advice. Darkly funny with brilliant character observations, I loved this book. Out in paperback now (and 99p on Apple Books at the moment!)

The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin

Such a moving story. Jake is a student when he is badly injured falling from a balcony and he is confined to a wheelchair. But he does not let this hold him back. He meets Alice, a woman in her mid-forties, single, with only bees for company. She can see something in him that no one else can and he finds his passion for beekeeping, and life. A very heartwarming book.