On the first Wednesday of every month, GWL team members and volunteers share what we’ve read recently at our Book Picnic:
Wild by Kristin Hannah
This book was recommended by Elaine, who is in the process of reading it, and is really enjoying it so far. In the Pacific Northwest of the United States, a 6 year old girl appears in a small town. She doesn’t seem to be able to speak, and can’t provide any clues as to who she is, or where she came from. In order to help the child, and discover the truth, child psychiatrist Dr. Julia Cates must return to the hometown she left after a scandal ruined her career.
Triflers Need Not Apply by Camilla Bruce
TW/CW: graphic content/sexual assault/trafficking
This very graphic historical fiction book was recommended by Anna, who is still reading it and commented on the very interesting characters. It loosely takes inspiration from real-life serial killer Belle Gunness, who was active between 1884 and 1908. The story is told from from two points of view, that of Belle and her older sister Nellie. Belle has experienced horrific trauma by men in her past. She never recovers from this violence, and her anger and mental anguish leads her to murder every man that she meets.
Shrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson
This historical fiction mystery is recommended by Pauline, who enjoyed it (and the author’s trademark sprinkling of humor) immensely. In the dark underbelly of 1920s London, women have begun disappearing. Notorious nightclub empire matriarch Nellie Coker operates in a cutthroat “man’s world” and faces threats at every corner. She is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure her businesses and family remain intact. DCI John Frobisher wants her to face justice, and hires unlikely spy Gewndolen Kelling, a librarian who is in London searching for two young women who have run away.
Yinka, Where is Your Huzband? by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn
This book was also recommended by Pauline, who described it as very Bridget Jones-style story. Yinka is a 30-something British Nigerian woman with a successful career, a great group of friends…and a family who won’t stop asking her when she will marry. She is troubled by her mother and aunties who keep pestering her, and she sets out to find a date for her cousin’s wedding, which is in 6 months time. Pauline found it to be a very funny, quick read with a good underlying message: love yourself for who you are.
The Mad Women’s Ball by Victoria Mas
Recommended by Gaby, this historical fiction book was previously mentioned in our June 2022 book picnic. You can read about it here. Gaby found it to be a quick, easy read with a good setting, but wasn’t entirely sold on the supernatural elements.
Carrie Kills a Man by Carrie Marshall
This memoir was recommended by Ren, who was thrilled to find a memoir by a Scottish transgender woman. Through snippets and essays, Carrie Marshall recounts a chronological narrative of her life, including how she came out in her forties and thereby “killed” a depressed suburban dad. Ren really enjoyed the representation in the book, and found it to have quick, accessible chapters.
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