I have Nomes of InkCrush and my local library to thank for introducing me to these fabulous books.
Nomes, because she wrote such a lovely review, calling these books ones curl up with on a Sunday. My library because the fabulous liberians always do such lovely displays.
These two things came together when I was dashing into the library to pick up some books (browsing is no longer an option with the toddler in tow) What My Mother Doesn’t Know was on display and I thought, yes I just fancy curling up with that. So I added it to the pile.
I opened it up that afternoon after putting my son down for his nap and suddenly it was time to get him up again. What My Mother Doesn’t Know is a book that effortlessly sucks you in. I wanted to read slowly to enjoy the words, but I also wanted to read very fast to know what happened.
When I finished later that evening I immediately downloaded What My Girlfriend Doesn’t Know on to my Kindle. When I finished that I went online and bought both books.
Why?
Because these are books I want to keep by my bedside and dip into.
So that probably tells you everything you need to know about how much I love these two books.
But
Here’s some more. Just in case.
Every single page contains a gem – the kind of sentence or phrase you want to roll around in your mouth because it sounds so lovely, or write down because it so perfectly encapsulates a feeling.
Sonya Sones makes you feel so much, and care so deeply, with so few words – it’s magical.
Like me you may have been scarred by having to study William Blake for a whole year (I mean seriously there were no other poets?) and therefore think verse novels are not for you. You would be so wrong, take a chance, trust me!
Nomes was right – these are perfect sunday afternoons. Think roaring fire, hot chocolate, hours gone in a flash afternoons.
Such lovely characters.
They’re funny.
And sad – you know I love that mix.
They made me remember being a teenager so well, all the little things and the big things. Like this –