Controversial Notes, Libraries And Nannies (Books 20 - 22) in Book Challenge 2016 (52 books to be read in 52 weeks)

So, The Library of Unrequited Love by Sophie Divry (96 pages, including reading group guide) was an interesting monologue to read. One morning, a librarian finds a library patron, fast asleep in her section of the library. She then chats to him whilst setting up. Love, life as a librarian, books…all get touched upon in this quick read. Absolutely loved this book. Date Read: 9 - 10 March 2016

A Sheltered Woman by Yiyun Li (52 pages in length, including a bit about the author) is one of those stories that, page wise, is just right. Any longer would just ruin the story. Auntie Mei has looked after (one cannot use the phrase “raised”, as she only stays for the first month of the child’s life) 131 babies, touching the lives of 126 families. However, it is family 127 (baby 132) that causes problems for Auntie Mei’s well-ordered, detached life. I did want to find out what happened to Auntie Mei next, I wanted to find out how she dealt with the other babies…but then I didn’t. Would have spoilt the book. Worth keeping and re-reading at some point. The story felt sparse in terms of language, but still a bit layered if that makes sense? Date Read: 10 March 2016

Notes On A Scandal by Zoe Heller (otherwise called What Was She Thinking? 245 pages, with acknowledgements) became a film a while back with Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett in the lead roles. Sheba Hart starts working as a pottery teacher at a London school and finds herself making friends with the older history teacher, Barbara Covett. It is through Barbara’s notes that we find out about Sheba, her inappropriate relationship with a student and the aftermath over an eighteen month period. This book was apparently nominated for the Booker Prize..and worth reading. Controversial. Date Read: 10 - 12 March 2016.

Total Books Read So Far This Year: 22/52. Pages Read: 5404