Thanks for the Memories - Cecelia Ahern

I just finished this book today and I must say that my opinion is a bit mixed. The premise of the story is: Justin donates blood and begins to run into a woman with whom he has an intense connection and suddenly he begins to receive gifts on his doorstep (basket of muffins, his dry cleaning, etc). Joyce has tragic accident and receives blood transfusion and wakes up to find herself capable of recalling memories that do not belong to her, along with a fluency in Latin, Italian and architectural history. Will Joyce ever meet the previous owner of her new memories and does Justin ever get to know the sender of his gifts? That is the what the book is about and well, let's just say that there were some moments where I was happy to be reading the book, but the rest of the time I couldn't wait for the story to end. The writing was a bit flat this time round and the characters were not really all that likeable (well, except for Joyce's dad). Overall, it was mediocre and I don't really have anything to say about it. Oh well.

As for my day, it has been a long one. Work was work (which means that it was boring and I was secretly checking my email, facebook, goodreads and grad schools online). Oh, but I did get an advance copy of Monica Ali's latest book, In The Kitchen. I am excited about this book, as I really did enjoy Brick Lane. Although I have not read Alentejo Blue yet, so I might read that one first and then In The Kitchen. Hmmm. Either way, they are both now on my TBR list. However, before I dive into any of Ali's books, I will be starting The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. I've read such great reviews of this book that I am going to skip reading Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult (was next on my TBR list) and start this one now!

Ta for now!

Tea Time For The Traditionally Built

Tea Time For The Traditionally Built by Alexander McCall Smith

This is my first blog post ever, so I am really hoping that this reads well. Here goes.

I read this book in snippets over lunch every day because I did not want it to end. I wanted to savour it and keep the story going because I knew that once I finished reading the book that would be it. I have no idea if Alexander McCall Smith will write another No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency book, but I really do hope that he does. I read an article a few years back stating that the series had an end date and so, each time a new book comes out, I whoop for joy.

This book was no exception - as soon as I saw it on the bookshelf at the shop I snatched it up and ran to the checkout. Opening the book and diving into the world of Precious Ramotswe instantly cheered me up. This time round, Mma Ramotswe had to contend with the demise of her tiny white van, a football team's losing streak, and Mma Makutsi's insecurities over her fiance's new employee. Set in the beautiful country of Botswana and filled with cups of red bush tea, this book was a brilliant way for me to escape from the mundane trivialities that make up my work day. I was swept away by the vivid descriptions, characters and language of the text and just found myelf smiling, cheering and reflecting on these character's concerns, dreams, thoughts. When Mma Ramotswe worries about her husband Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni's late night drives back from a friend's garage, or when she ponders what the future holds for her two foster children Motholeli and Puso, I found myself empathizing with her concerns, because who hasn't worried about their loved ones' futures and the unknown of dark deserted streets. When Mma Makutsi treated herself to a pair of mock-crocodile shoes I cheered her on, because what hard working woman doesn't deserve to treat herself every now and again. As the story progressed and cases were solved, I braced myself for the end when I would have to say goodbye to Mma Ramotswe and her friends. Nonetheless, when I finished the book, I was left with a smile on my face and a touch of sadness in my heart, because now I will have to wait and hope that Alexander McCall Smith is working on a new mystery for The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency to solve. My fingers are crossed.