5 Minute Read
As the first month of 2020 yawns to a close, I thought this would be a good opportunity to discuss a few of the titles I read in a collective January book review. It could also be useful if you’re stuck for a book to read and are looking for some pointers! This year I’ve set myself the challenge of reading at least 50 books. I’m aiming for one a week (hopefully more). I’ve got off to a good start with 7 books this month – let’s hope it continues!
- Between Here and the Yellow Sea – Nic Pizzolatto – ★★★★
- Jaws – Peter Benchley – ★★★★
- The Penguin Guide to Punctuation – R.L. Trask – ★★★
- On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft – Stephen King – ★★★★★
- Men Without Women – Ernest Hemingway – ★★★
- Slaughterhouse Five – Kurt Vonnegut – ★★
- Pet Semetary – Stephen King – ★★★★★
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1. Between Here and the Yellow Sea – Nic Pizzolatto
Anyone who knows me knows I love the HBO crime drama True Detective. It’s no secret that it’s my favourite TV drama of all time. It showcases the best selection of acting, directing, cinematography, and music. But the real stand out is the incredible, brooding plot and razor-sharp writing. Pizzolatto’s creation has been a huge inspiration behind why I want to write. It was logical, therefore, to read his written work prior to True Detective.
It’s a short list composed of the noir detective novel Galveston, and the selection of short stories posted here. In these pages, it’s easy to see how he developed his style; morally corrupt characters, a world filled with decay, and a heady Deep South backdrop. Classic Pizzolatto. The characters are well rounded and intriguing in their dark philosophical perspectives. His grip on the art of the short story is truly impressive, I just hope he releases more. Stand out stories include: Between Here and the Yellow Sea, Wanted Man, Amy’s Watch.
2. Jaws – Peter Benchley
This has to be the biggest surprise of the month. I’d know for quite some time there was a book acting as a basis for the Steven Spielberg film adaption, but I’d always assumed it wouldn’t be particularly good. How wrong I was. The story revolves predominantly around the characters of Chief Brody, his wife Ellen, and the marine biologist Matt Hooper. The plot is actually much closer to a family drama than a thriller about a murderous shark. Yet in the book, you get the best of both! I always felt the film implied the shark was killing with intent yet in the book that is quite the opposite impression I got. Either way, the scenes when the giant fish does appear are gripping and the imagery flashing through your mind hysterical. An easily accessible and exciting novel.
3. The Penguin Guide to Punctuation – R.L. Trask
This is probably a review most readers are less interested in. There is little reason to pick this book up unless you are determined to improve your writing in an educational or work setting. In that respect, the book is extremely useful and should be on the reading list of anyone who writes regularly! In any case, it’s surprisingly engaging considering the fantastically dull subject matter. It’s an easy read and I came away with a good refresher on the topics I’d not learnt since my school days. I also found some new tips on areas I was entirely oblivious to.
4. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft – Stephen King
This is the best book on writing I’ve ever read. It’s stark with honesty and utterly absent of gimmicky advice and pandering tones. The “writing advice” is scant but very beneficial. Ultimately you could say it amounts to little more than read more, write more. It feels personal, as though King has sat you down by a roaring fire with a cup of tea and is speaking to you directly. He doesn’t shy away from many difficult parts of his life and you get a real chance to learn about who he is and how he got to where he is today. A great book, even for non-writers who are just looking for an interesting biography of a great figure. I can’t recommend it enough.
5. Men Without Women – Ernest Hemingway
A tricky one. I’ve read many of Hemingway’s novels and this was the first short story collection of his I’ve sampled. There were moments in the stories with lucid descriptions and powerful prose. But, I would have to say it’s my least favourite of his work I’ve read so far. I usually find his blunt and dry style pays off when given the appropriate time to get to know the characters – but not this time. Most stories didn’t engage me and others I sat there scratching my head wondering what was the point? Although, I did often find myself wanting more which was undoubtedly Hemingway’s intention so I can’t criticise it too much. My favourites were The Undefeated and In Another Country.
6. Slaughterhouse Five – Kurt Vonnegut
I kept thinking whilst I was reading this “I don’t get it. I don’t understand”. My bemusement was due to the exceptional ratings this book so often receives, and how regularly I see it on books to read before you die lists. I disliked the narrative structure and the writing style, but my biggest problem was with the sci-fi subplot. It detracted from the most interesting parts of the story and I found it didn’t develop the character’s mental state any more than merely being irritating. There were periods of taut writing where I found myself being drawn into the horrors of war but not enough to keep my attention for long.
7. Pet Semetary – Stephen King
People say reading a book before bed helps you sleep – not this one. This is the book that finally allowed me to see that King really is the literary genius everyone says he is. I already knew he was an exceptional storyteller having watched many of the films adapted from his work, but I was always a little unsure of his books. For example, The Stand – which is supposedly his masterpiece – I found to be overrated.
This book, however, my god. It’s the scariest book I’ve ever read. I can’t think of a time I’ve had such a physical reaction of pure fear to written words. Through each page, I felt my arms riddle with goosebumps and my hairs stand on end. A deep sense of dread sat in my stomach, gradually building. Reading it in bed at night I often sat up and looked around into the creeping shadows to ensure I was still alone. The essence of the book is death and how people handle it. Not only is this theme explored in a mature and contemplative attitude, but King also manages to weave in the most skin-crawling tale to accompany it. A brilliant story, writing as it should be.
Last Words
I hope you enjoyed that round-up January book review. I am trying to vary my content to find out what my readers enjoy, so let me know and comment below if you are looking to hear more reading reviews or tips and I’ll be sure to keep them going.
For this month, I’m planning on tackling the ominous Moby Dick by Herman Melville. Due to its length and language, the book has eluded me for the past two years and I think it’s high time I conquered it! Stay tuned for my February review to hear what it’s like. In the meantime check out my blog post on how to achieve your reading goals in 2020!
