The disappearance of children is investigated by 9 yr old Jai and two pals who live in a ‘basti’ (communal village) near a railway line in India. Beautiful descriptions of the ever changing weather and light, the noise and the smells, especially of food as the children are always hungry. Very funny despite the dangers the children face and the horrors that unfold. A brilliant debut novel long listed for the Women’s Prize 2020. I loved it.
View Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line
A tender story of the tenants and owner of a New York brownstone. Despite their frailties, life experiences and medical problems they evoke kindness to each other with words and actions which are extremely touching. It is a perfect example of karma: be kind to others and they will be kind to you. This novel highlights that there are things to be positive about in this world and if we were all a little kinder would this make it a better place?
View Infinite Home
This book sets off at pace and doesn't let up throughout as our reluctant hero desperately tries to stay one step ahead of some very nasty people. A clever and surprising tale told with warmth and humour even while an ever-present threat of violence clings to the main characters - and you won't be able to put it down!
View The Rabbit Factor
On the surface, this is the archetypal rags to riches, boy meets girl story, but it is also a vividly honest morality tale and social satire. Written in the second person and historical present, the author draws 'you', the reader, into the unfolding drama, with its pretence of being a motivational 'get-rich' guide. It has the effect of being totally involving, cleverly undermining any preconceptions about the 'otherness' of a foreign culture.
View How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia
This tongue-in-cheek view of the world of music is the tale of unconventional pop duo 'Down by law' and their search for notoriety. The surreal experiences and characters made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion. With Mickie James disabled by a hunchback, this rising pop sensation defies the stereotypical boy band mould. It’s their passion for their music, and for each other, which makes this such a heart-warming read.
View Me and Mickie James
A book after my own heart! Mukesh, a lonely, older man, and Aleisha, a young girl, meet in a small local library in Wembley. They share their reading experiences after finding a note with book recommendations left by a mysterious visitor and draw strength from the stories. A lovely and optimistic novel.
View The Reading List
If you still have bonds with childhood friends even though you've taken different directions, this book will resonate profoundly. Its easy and thoughtful evocation of two talented women making careers and relationships across decades and continents is quietly astonishing. Perceptive, vanity-puncturing and unexpectedly hopeful.
View Best of Friends
Ever wondered what happens to teenagers who don't fight vampires, zombies or soul-eaters? They fight battles of their own, over families, identity, friendship, love and their future. Mikey will make you laugh, cry and remember...
View The Rest of Us Just Live Here
Simple - fun - pacey and suspenseful with a fab ending! Reading this is like wondering if your Pavlova will come out of the oven like it's supposed to - a crisp crust, soft and light inside. A meringue describes Teagan Frost to a tee - a hardball quirky character with a heart of gold and telekinetic powers! Certainly not our usual heroine. Read and enjoy - I, for one, am so glad to learn there's a sequel.
View The Girl Who Could Move Sh*t With Her Mind
There's one question that runs through this book - what would you do if you could go back back in time, who would you meet? It's the question facing the four different characters and one that will undoubtedly cross the reader's mind. But this is not a time travelling adventure. It's a more a story where characters face up to their regrets, relationships and to things lost. A simply told, beautiful story of four parts, set in a Tokyo cafe.
View Before the Coffee Gets ColdYou won’t find the biggest bestsellers on Whichbook as everyone knows about them already. But you can use your enjoyment of a current bestseller to see titles with a similar mood that you might try next.
