Cassandra Complex / Cassandra in Reverse by Holly Smale

These are the things I didn't know before I started writing this blog:

1. "Cassandra Complex" and "Cassandra in Reverse" by Holly Smale are the same book. I was hoping it was a series, but nope.
2. Holly Smale, the author of said Cassandra books, is not the authour of "The Rosie Project" trilogy - that's Graeme Simsion. My mistake, but a fortuitous one.
3. "Cassandra Complex" is a Reese's Book Club Pick.

These are the things I already knew:

1. "Cassandra Complex" is a bloody good book.
2. Yeah, the protagonist is on the spectrum.
3. It's about time travel.
4. Everyone should read it.

Eye of the Needle by Ken Follett

"Eye of the Needle" by Ken Follett is one of the best spy thrillers I've ever read. It's right up the with The Day of the Jackal" by Frederick Forsyth - which, okay, stricktly speaking doesn't feature spies. What's interesting in both these books is that the plot hinges on events that have already happened, and yet the books manage to keep you biting your nails through the night as you read "just one more chapter".

I almost didn't read "Eye of the Needle" on principle, because I actively avoid World War Two fiction, having been exposed to it way too much as a child. I'm glad I bent on this one - it's exceptionally well written.

Christmas Presents by Lisa Unger

I love Lisa Unger's fiction, and her novella "Christmas Presents" was no exception. I read it just before Christmas (apologies I'm only blogging it now, but it's been a wonderful and busy holiday season), and can I just say to my favourite authors out there that writing an annual Christmas novella is an excellent idea....

This one has a podcaster, a cold case, and beautiful Christmas presents that may or may not be from a serial killer. Christmas fiction the way I like it! (And yes, along the same line of thought, "Die Hard" is a Christmas movie.)

A Stroke of the Pen by Terry Pratchett

"A Stroke of the Pen" by Terry Pratchett is a collection of his early stories published under a pen name in various newspapers and magazines. They are full of magic trees and dragons, and while the style may not be as polished as in "Night Watch", the author's voice is definitely him.

Speaking of voices, what makes the audio book extra special is that the stories are read by people like David Tennant, Nigel Planer, Stephen Briggs, AND Rhianna Pratchett.

The foreword is - of course -  by Neil Gaiman. 

This is more of a cult book, so if you've never heard of Terry Pratchett, start with... hmmm - "Going postal"? "Mort"? "Hogfather"? "Guards Guards"? "Good Omens"? - and circle back to this one once you're a fan.

Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult

"Leaving Time" by Jodi Picoult is a novel about mourning, memories, mothers and - yes - elephants. Beautifully written and meticulously researched, it will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

Is it sad in parts? Yes. 

Is it uplifting? Yes.

Is it enjoyable? Immensely.