So it is time again for a review of the month’s reading, a post to contribute to the what’s on your bookshelf challenge is hosted by fellow bloggers Deb, Sue, Donna and Jo. The idea is to share what you’re reading, what you’ve enjoyed lately share – why they resonated with you, how they made you feel, who are your favourite authors and what you recommend.
First up, the new book from Tom Hanks – yes that Tom Hanks. A couple of years ago I read his book of short stories which I enjoyed so was looking forward to reading his first novel. The Making of Another Motion Picture Masterpiece spans, as the blurb says, 80 years of a changing America and culminating in the opening of the film, we meet a colourful cast of characters including a troubled soldier returning from war, a young boy with an artistic gift, an inspired and eccentric director, a pompous film star on the rise, a tireless production assistant and countless film crew members that together create Hollywood magic.
I have to say that I enjoyed this book, with its connections, strong characters and at times poking fun at the industry. There were also some lovely moments such as referring to a four year old as ‘having age-appropriate illiteracy’. If you have read the short stories, you will remember the references to typewriters in each one, and yes there are typewriters in this book too.
A very different book, Hisashi Kashiwai The Kamogawa Food Detectives. The book centres on what appears to be an ordinary, even dull, looking restaurant in a quiet Kyoto backstreet. Run by Koishi Kamogawa and her father Nagare, the Kamogawa Diner not only serves delicious food, but also acts as the headquarters of, as the title states, food detectives. If there is a special dish you have always wanted to eat again, but the restaurant is no longer there or the chef has gone, then visit the Kamogawa Diner and ask them to recreate it. This is a little gem of a book, perfect for food lovers.
I finally got around to reading a couple of books by fellow blogger Joanne Tracey of And Anyways… – Philly Barker Investigates and Philly Barker is on the Case. These cosy crimes, set in Yorkshire, are just the thing for a Sunday afternoon on the sofa or when you just want to escape. Philly buys and sells antiques, and her adventures involve stolen silver and paintings, a police detective friend and her dog. Even better, there are recipes at the end. Great fun!
And so to food….starting with this year’s edition of The Best American Food Writing. The pieces as usual are very mixed, with some interesting and some so American that they are hard to identify with or even sometimes understand. I still read this series every year as regardless of the subject, the pieces are all well written.
Finally, Tilly Pamment’s wonderful baking book The Plain Cake Appreciation Society. At the time of writing, I have only made one cake from the book, the Earl Grey and sultana cake which was excellent, but I have bookmarked lots more to try. They all look so good!
This month’s rating out of 5, based on the book club I am part of:
- Tom Hanks The Making of Another Major Motion Picture 5 movies
- Mark Bellman (Ed) The Best American Food Writing 2023 3 baskets of fruit
- Joanne Tracey Philly Barker Investigates 5 antique shops
- Joanne Tracey Philly Barker is on the Case 5 good scones
- Hisashi Kashiwai The Kamogawa Food Detectives 5 bowls of udon noodles
- Tilly Pamment The Plain Cake Appreciation Society 5 cakes
What did you read this month?
Thistles and Kiwis is a Wellington, New Zealand based blog written by Barbara, who likes cats, summer, good food and pretends to garden.
You can find Thistles and Kiwis on Facebook, and also on Instagram @thistlesandkiwis. If you want to get in touch, email me on thistlesandkiwis@gmail.com or lofgren@thistlesandkiwis.com
Thistles and Kiwis 
You obviously have hit the jackpot this month! I finished David Baldacci’s “Split Second” last night, thoroughly enjoyed “” Nine Perfect Strangers” by Liane Moriarty, “Mr Lynch’s Holiday” by Catherine O’Flynn and “Cry Wolf” by Hans Rosenfeldt.
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Oh I like David Baldacci – but haven’t read one n ages. What did you think of the Liane Moriarty?
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I found it intriguing and enjoyed it to the end. Something about it makes me wonder about some of these ‘wellness’ getaways 🙂 🙂
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High praise indeed for most of these books. I read all sorts of books. Last night I finished romantic suspense, Night Work by Nora Roberts, and I’m almost done with a post WW2 story The Drau River Flows to Siberia: The Victims of Victory. It is set in Russia and is quite a dark read.
I like the sound of the Tom Hanks book, I may add it to my Christmas wish list.
Enjoy this month’s reading.
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Sounds like a great mix of books – the Tom Hanks would make a good holiday read.
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I’ll have to look for the Hanks book, I really enjoyed his short stories.
Great minds! I just finished reading the first Philly Barker mystery and I liked that it featured an older woman. I also recently picked up the Bittman book, but haven’t read it yet.
I’m currently reading the fourth in the Elly Griffith series featuring forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway. Good reads.
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I have read a couple of the Elly Griffith books too – but unfortunately not in the right order! Good reads I agree.
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Hi, Barbara – This is a fabulous list of reads and each of them very much appeals to my personal reading style. I am off to look for the Tom Hanks book now. Thank you for the recommendation and thank you for joining us for What’s On Your Bookshelf!
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Thanks Donna!
BTW I moved ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ from my bookshelf to my TBR pile so will definitely get around to re-reading it now!
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Awesome news about TKAM. Let me know what you think once you’ve read it!
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I like the look of that cake book.
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It is a lovely book to read…and dream of cake.
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The Kamogawa Food Detectives looks so interesting! I may have to add that one to my TBR list!
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It is a fun read!
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I nearly picked up that Tom Hanks book yesterday at the library. I do seem to like anything he does but thought I might try and see if I could find it on Libby and listen to him instead.
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If he is reading it, it should be a good listen.
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Firstly, thanks for the shout-out. I’m currently position no. 16 on the reservation list for The Plain Cake Appreciation Society, but have also placed it on my Christmas list. I’;ve also reserved the Kamogawa Food Detectives. Thanks for linking up!
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You will enjoy The Plain Cake Appreciation Society – made another one from the book today and ahve planned my next one….think you should definitely ask for the book for Christmas. I enjoyed your books!
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I think I won’t be leaving it to chance & my reliable pooch can buy it for me for Christmas.
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Sounds like a good idea!
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Some great books here Barbara, and I love your rating for Jo’s books – 5 good scones and 5 antique shops – brilliant! Thanks for joining us for WOYBS, you always have so much to offer and I appreciate your reviews.
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Thanks Debbie!
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There are so many books in my home and this is one my granddaughter handed me the title is( wall street journal best seller by Donald miller) called building a story brand) this is a powerful book just to name the first chapter that really caught my attention the key is being seen heard, and understood ,wow I see why this was a best seller and the rest of book still reading up to chapter 5 it’s the kind of book the more you read the better its gets, how cool love this for helping me write better blogs, hopefully soon. Sometimes you miss something right in front of your face and in my case, I did thanks to my granddaughter knowing how much I like to blog she was on this and gave me the right book I had look over for months,
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Lovely post! I think I’ll write a post about the book I’m currently reading but haven’t finished yet.
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