The Trip of a Lifetime by Monica McInerney | BOOK REVIEW

A story that had me laughing out loud, becoming totally invested in the characters and speed-reading just to find out how it ends (not just because I was reading for review!)

Here's a little breakdown of the plot - 

The story follows a grandmother named Lola and her family as she slowly but unwillingly unravels her secrets of the past. Lola, who lives in a beautiful wine valley in Australia, must visit her birth town and face what she left behind 60 years ago.

The story is written from the point of view of a few of the characters: Lola, her journalist granddaughter Bett and other granddaughter, the dippy but fun-loving Carrie. As you may know already, I really like it when books are written this way because it helps you connect with many of the characters rather than just the protagonist. 

So what did I think?

At first, from looking at the cover, I was quick to dismiss it as being only for the 'older reader', however I was wrong to think that. From reading the first chapter, I was hooked. This is really rare for me as it often takes me a good few chapters to draw me in. I definitely will be more accepting of all of books from now on. 

Lola's humour is one of the aspects that had me reading on; for an 85-year-old, she's pretty funny. One of those grandmothers who don't care what people think, wears flamboyant clothing and is able to get you doing anything and everything! You know the kind!

I think I connected with the story well because my own Mother also emigrated to Australia with my brother when she was younger (before she had me), and my sister was born there. I'm definitely going to give this to her to read as I know she'll love it.

Who's it for?

The Trip of a Lifetime is for anyone who enjoys reading light-hearted stories packed with humorous and quick-witted grandma's! No, but really, if you're into women's fiction then you'll enjoy it. Also anyone who enjoys reading books from authors such as Jojo Moyes, Marian Keyes and Cathy Kelly. Monica's writing style is very similar. 

It's a great book to take away with you on holiday this Easter! 

The Trip of a Lifetime by Monica Mcinerney, published by Penguin, is available now. You can buy a paperback copy from Amazon UK* for £7.99.

*This is an affiliate link meaning I will receive a small profit if you buy from it.

I received this book from Penguin for review. All opinions are honest and my own.

Have any of your family members ever emigrated like Lola and my Mum? Let me know in the comments.

The Zanzibar Wife by Deborah Rodriguez | BOOK REVIEW

An intriguing tale of 3 very different women from very different backgrounds. The Zanzibar Wife is all about the difference between cultures but how in the end we are all the same.

Before I launch into the review, here's a little background info (no spoilers) -

The story is set in the Middle East, in Dubai, Zanzibar but mainly Oman where all three characters end up. The three women are all very different. You have - 

Rachel: An American women who previously worked as a war photographer and who ends up in Oman on a job very different to what she usually does.

Ariana: A Pakistani women living in Dubai who is too afraid to go back home to the UK as she is afraid her family will think of her as a failure. She's endlessly trying to keep up with her peers despite having little money and an unstable job, until she meets Rachel.

Miza: A women from Zanzibar who ends up in Oman, leaving the little family she has left back home, as the second wife of her Husband, Tariq.

I had partly read Deborah Rodriquez's previous book, The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul and really enjoyed what I had read, so I jumped at the chance of reading this book when I saw it. 

It usually takes me a while to get into books if I find the beginning to be quite slow, however I didn't find this title to be like that. I think this is due to it being written from the point of view of not only the 3 women but also Miza's younger sister Sabra; it really helps to break the story up and not get bored of certain characters. 

I love finding out about different cultures and despite already knowing quite a lot about the Middle Eastern culture, I found this book fascinating. It really does talk about the culture in truth of what it's really like and informs of things you might not have known, especially when it comes to Islam. 

The characters are all really interesting and have there own little story to follow. I really love it when stories are like this rather than following one character. I particularly liked how Miza was portrayed as the author has got it spot on when describing the troubles second wives go through in their culture. Having personally taught men and women from many countries out there, I have heard many things similar to what Miza goes through. 

I recommend this book if you're looking for a story you can get your teeth into but perhaps if you're wishing for a bit more mental stimulation. It's not as an 'easy read' as other women's fiction I've read due to some of the themes (violence) but I still found it a 'happy' read (it's not too sad).

The Zanzibar Wife by Deborah Rodriguez, published by Sphere, is available now. You can buy it on Amazon UK* for £3.99.

*this link is an affiliate link meaning I gain a small profit if you buy from it.

I received this book for review from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are unbiased and my own.

Have you read any of Deborah Rodgriquez's other titles? Do you prefer reading books to simply get away or do you like learning things at the same time?

Trying by Emily Philips | BOOK REVIEW

A story told with humour about the realities of trying for a baby in the 21st Century. I literally couldn't put it down! 

Quick plot run-down (no spoilers) - 

The story is about Felix and Olivia, two 30-somethings who make the conscious decision to try for a baby. Little do they know how much they want said baby until they start having difficulties. This book shows how they trundle through life, balancing work commitments and trying everything under the sun to conceive, whilst everyone around them is popping out babies like it's no tomorrow. Olivia and Felix just want their happily ever after, but then Olivia runs the risk of destroying everything, whilst Felix no longer seems the same person Olivia met at the beginning. 

I really, really enjoyed this book. Emily Philips writes in such a way that had me staying up late just to know what happens next. Apart from the baby-related chat, I could relate to some many things, especially when she speaks about her family (her Mum calling every hour etc). Her family are typically British and if you're British too, she'll have you stitches throughout the book. So many relatable moments!

I like the fact that the text is broken up into short chapters but also includes extra text, such as text messages and emails. It makes for easier reading.

Emily also writes in quite a graphic, honest way, which I expect most people who have been in her situation, will nod in agreement until their heads fall off! 

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who has or is currently trying for a baby, or anyone who enjoys a good laugh! 

Trying by Emily Philips, published by Hoddor & Stoughton, is available now. You can buy a hardcover edition on Amazon* for £10.49.

*this is an affiliate link, meaning I will receive a small profit if you purchase from it

*I received this book from Hoddor & Stoughton via Netgalley. All reviews by me are honest and unbiased.

What do you think about this new title? Would you buy it for yourself or a friend?