Book Review :The Last Bookshop in London

Let me begin this book review by saying I know my last book review was last April of the year. But from those months apart, I can say this book I am about to share is beyond worthy for everyone to read. From beginning to end, the novel is pure escapism. No matter what age you are in life or where you are in the world ;each time the book was opened , the world around would disappeared and I was in London during World War Two hearing that world come alive.

I never read any book by Madeline Martin before I am glad I picked up The Last Bookshop in London to start with. Her way of writing historical fiction is nothing I have read before or have anything to compare it to . Her creative way of writing this novel feels as if you are physically in the shoes of the world between the pages. From the moment Grace Bennet and her best friend Viv made it to Farringdon station the novel took off. I wish Viv was my best friend, her vibe seemed just fun to be around.

She saved Mr. Evans when he didn't want her help in the slightest. She saved her mother's bestfriend, Mrs.Weatherford. Grace fell in love with George Anderson the moment he turned her a book lover with The Count of Monte Cristo. And during the darkest days and the distance between them making a relationship work despite the world. And all I am going to say there should be more George Andersons in the world, that's all you are getting romantics. Also we can't forget Colin Mrs.Weatherford son, he was that type of character that has the gentle soul with animals and would bring them home. We can all admit we all had that friend that did that or have done that to. I have know to that and my defense the animals tend to find me not the other way around.

Each time I sat down with the novel, in any chair ,couch or bed I was transported to the world before Grace Bennet. The time of prosperity at her fingertips change as quickly as the Second World War brewing to begin. The beauty of Grace bennet changed ,saved so many lives by just being herself through think and thin. Losing certainly of the world, losing people, experience love another level in her life. Lifting up a city by hearing her own words and protecting what she could of other lives from air raids in the morning or dragging on through the night the next day.

I loved reading how Grace was falling in love the with books she read along the way like Jane Eyre. I can appreciate how she fell in love with each story. And going from not reading a single book in her life to read every book in a bookshop. She built a community of people without setting out to make one happen. Naturally making one in a tube station or from the footsteps of Primrose Hill. I do also think Grace was meant to be a ARP warden, it was perfect for not only her character to do but the Title suited her because she is helpful person. And it only made her stronger inside and out and taught her many lessons for life beyond the war.

I have a few favorite moments from the novel but each one I want to pick gives away to much information about the story. I can say that Mr. Evans carried more Grace then he ever thought and he thought he couldn't be saved by anyone or anything until Grace. And same for Grace Mr. Evans, Primrose Hill was more important to Grace then any recommendation she needed in the first place. Once you get into the novel you will understand Mr. Evans has a tough exterior but inside he is a teddy bear with excellent taste in novels. And the caretaker of the most important novels in world when they were taken by Germans to be destroyed.

Okay I can't help it one of my favorite moments is when people gathered in the Tube station listening to the novel being read to comfort them. Its one of the most beautiful parts of the novel through all the darkness. And to think before television and the radios they did have at the time Books and newspapers were the talk of the town, worldwide. Books were and are fundamental of life at least in my opinion. To add my favorite chapter of the whole novel was twenty-one of the most powerful chapter and I love every word of it.

I didn't want to read this book to fast , it deserved to be a slow burned read. Not actually burning it to clarity. That would be against rule of law in my book. This Book deserves to read many times over, it feels just timeless. Every character in the novel that was either in there briefly or stayed till the end is relatable to the time of 1939 to 2021 and further beyond that timeframe. Once you have a copy in your hands you will understand why it feels timeless and relatable in any age.

I do hope you all have great day and enjoy the fall season fast approaching upon us. I do have a new monthly post coming up after this one goes up in a few days. I do hope you buy this book in a physical copy or in digital format. I secretly hope you buy the physical copy, I can't help it I love books and I never full love books digitally; never felt right.

Anyway.

Best regards ,

Misread

The link for the book is down below:

October 2020 The beauty of fall

We are officially in the middle of fall and two more months away from 2021 if you can believe that one already !

Where do I even begin is the question I ask myself before I start these monthly posts. I am sitting here at my desk with Music Travel Love Playing in the background while snacking on trail mix , daydreaming of hiking mountains to be honest.And if you never heard of that band before, look it up on youtube, I highly recommend them and I just discovered them. Well I guess I start my sharing I have my ups and down days about whatever the source of my pains and other things but I still have faith things will work out eventually. I just came back from another xray and this time it was sinius. Let me tell you , I never had to stretch my neck in different angles for a few shots. And the lovely tech I had was very much a photographer in his own way , very gentle moving me in the positions and also a romantic experience minuis no meal had. You had to be there to understand how funny that was when I said to the tech and yes I did say, "This almost a romantic date with the meal involved", made us both laugh in the most awkward situation.

Mr. Maverick has gotten bit better since that last time I mentioned him and he eating again but being semi difficult about being picky about what he wants to eat some days. But I will take that improvement and put his weight back on him is a win -win my opinion even if I have stand next to him for thirty minutes to get to finish is meals each time. And to sad to mention that Max has been having seizures lately and there's no cause or a reason why he has been having them besides it's become less frequently and I only hope they would only stop for him. He has been through so much in his life but he's one stubborn just like his brothers in that way. And Mr. Mason is just a puppy handful that just wants attention and someway is just my bodyguard even if I am just in the bathroom! To add on that note, I discovered Mason doesn't like scarecrows while I was putting them out as decorations..He rather eat them and bark at them when the wind moves them outside, I am still laughing at the fact he grabbed one right out my hand a few weeks ago.

I don't know about you all out there, this my favorite time of the season for many reasons besides the one pumpkin spice latte I get every year. It's the smell of the countryside air in the mornings, the changing of the leaves turning gorgeous autumn colors and being allowed to wear cardigans , boots everyday. Usually during this month you could find me in the Eastern Sierra's chasing autumn colors, waterfalls and getting fresh baked goods. And every year that I make a trip out there, each time it still surprises me what I would find among the crisp leaves. To note sometimes I forget to either bring a jacket or gloves on most trips, I get too excited about packing each time. This year that might not happen but don't worry I still have tons of unedited albums from last few years that I started but never finished. So in turn this year you will find me editing those might share a gallery or two from those files. I also enjoy this season because it seems that the world around feels calmer, quieter than previous months like being at peace with the energy around, the wind moves like music in the air. I challenge you everyday to just sit outside with a cup of something warm either in the morning or at dusk and listen to the world. Take it in the world , forget everything else and listen to what's around you, I promise you will feel calmer than anything else for a few moments. Please let me know about your thoughts about that experience. And I want to know what are your favorite things about the autumn season to you.

To what you will find on here this month besides a monthly update post. You will find a new book review for one. And yes, before you shout to the screen ," About time " I have been a bit busy and side track to finished one but good news I already started another! And this month's book review will be posted October 16th, so if you haven't subscribed yet, you should to be notified before it gets posted on my other Socials. And a little insider information, I enjoyed this month's book more than I thought I would, it's definitely a must read! As far has posting a brand new story on here goes.. let me share that my current notebook that was full of stories , has been missing in Action! I think one of the bodyguards either sneaky hide it away or it got accidently thrown away when I was decluttering my office on evening. But before I get another messaging saying, "you haven't posted a story in months" and I know what's why mainly you all come here for. I promise I am working on few just need a dog free moment to finish them. I will share there is one particular piece that has been on my heart and mind for a while now. And if you know me as a writer if I am thinking about a certain concept or idea to the point where you can find sticky notes all over desk and computer that there will be a piece coming sooner than later. Yes, there is sticky notes all over the place currently , so it only a matter of time the story will be written, edited and posted.

I will leave you with this, the next few days, weeks things will be changing , more breaking news will happen worldwide. And then it will be November before we know it to. But I will say try to keep things normal as possible wherever you are in this beautiful. Plan moments to just be you, be free enjoy this time as preciously as possible , no matter what time is precious and time only moves forward not backwards unfortunately unless you have a time machine then you and I need to chat, asap. Remember to take time for yourself, take that little challenge if you want and let me know how it goes. And stay safe, love more and spread kindness when you can because when we share gratitude in this world , gratitude will come back to us in unexpected ways.

That's my catch up of the month , hope you are all doing well.

Love always,

Misread 💕