The Comfort of Books
WORDS : CHYKA KEEBAUGH
BOOK DESCRIPTIONS : BOOKTOPIA BOOKS
One escape we can always rely upon when times are tough is a book.
This pandemic is hurting us all in so many ways, where our emotions are wreaking havoc every day. So what can we do? Unfortunately, I don’t have a cure-all for the times, but what I can do is share my daily comfort. And that is in the fantastic stories I have been reading in books. By turning off the news, silencing my phone and settling into bed with a book, I can feel the calm wash over me. It has become a reliable, most comfortable ritual and the luxury of doing this makes me feel so grateful.
Summer 2021’s favourite reads
Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton
Brisbane, 1983: A lost father, a mute brother, a mum in jail, a heroin dealer for a stepfather and a notorious crim for a babysitter. It's not as if Eli's life isn't complicated enough already. He's just trying to follow his heart, learning what it takes to be a good man, but life just keeps throwing obstacles in the way - not least of which is Tytus Broz, legendary Brisbane drug dealer. But Eli's life is about to get a whole lot more serious. He's about to fall in love. And, oh yeah, he has to break into Boggo Road Gaol on Christmas Day, to save his mum.
A story of brotherhood, true love and the most unlikely of friendships, Boy Swallows Universe will be the most heartbreaking, joyous and exhilarating novel you will read all year - an instant Australian classic.
Code Name Helene by Ariel Lawhon
In 1936 intrepid young Australian journalist Nancy Wake is living in Paris after witnessing firsthand the terror of Hitler’s rise in Europe, firing her resolve to fight against the Nazis. When Nancy falls in love with handsome French industrialist Henri Fiocca, no sooner has she become Mrs Fiocca than the Germans invade France and Nancy takes yet another name, a codename – the first of many. Based on the true story of an extraordinary woman who saved countless lives, Code Name Hélène is a thrilling tale of danger, intrigue, unfaltering courage, remarkable sacrifice – and love.
Enid by Robert Wainright
Enid Lindeman stood almost six feet tall, with silver hair and flashing turquoise eyes. The girl from Strathfield in Sydney stopped traffic in Manhattan, silenced gamblers in Monte Carlo and dared walk a pet cheetah on a diamond collar through Hyde Park in London.
In early twentieth-century society, when women were expected to be demure and obedient, the granddaughter of Hunter Valley wine pioneer Henry Lindeman waltzed through life to the beat of her own drum. Enid captivated men with her beauty, outlived four husbands-two shipping magnates, a war hero and a larger-than-life Irish earl-spent two great fortunes and earned the nickname 'Lady Killmore'. From Sydney to New York, London to Paris and Cairo to Kenya, Robert Wainwright tells the fascinating story of a life lived largely on the world stage.
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
On 21 June 1922 Count Alexander Rostov – recipient of the Order of Saint Andrew, member of the Jockey Club, Master of the Hunt – is escorted out of the Kremlin, across Red Square and through the elegant revolving doors of the Hotel Metropol.
But instead of being taken to his usual suite, he is led to an attic room with a window the size of a chessboard. Deemed an unrepentant aristocrat by a Bolshevik tribunal, the Count has been sentenced to house arrest indefinitely. While Russia undergoes decades of tumultuous upheaval, the Count, stripped of the trappings that defined his life, is forced to question what makes us who we are. And with the assistance of a glamorous actress, a cantankerous chef and a very serious child, Rostov unexpectedly discovers a new understanding of both pleasure and purpose.
FAVOURITE BOOKS I READ AS A CHILD...
Enid Blyton books - I loved being transported away to another place and still have the full collection. I was always given one as a treat and wanted to live in the magic faraway tree.
Beatrix Potter - I loved her books and particularly the drawings. I spent ages trying to copy the drawings on tracing paper. It was all just so magical to me.
Dr Seuss - I loved all the words and clever sayings in these books. So funny, quick-witted and right to the point. It's amazing that these books are still relevant and popular today.
MY FAVOURITE ROMANCE NOVELS...
The Bronzed Horseman Trilogy - I am obsessed with this amazing love story. I hope one day they make this series into a movie as it's such a beautiful story.
The Notebook - How could you not love this incredible story of love? I never get sick of this and love the movie just as much. Nicholas Sparks never fails to produce a gripping romance read.
Bridges of Madison County - I loved every page of this book, and it was the first time I read the name Francesca (we even named our daughter that after this book!). It's such a beautifully written book that makes you want to share in this couple's deep love.
FAVOURITE BIOGRAPHIES I HAVE READ...
A Princess Remembers - I love all books on India and this story about the last Maharaja of Jaipur is amazing. An incredible life led by an amazing woman who lived in the beautiful Rambagh Palace; A hotel I have stayed in many times. I love the history and the decadence of the era that she lived in.
A Child Called It - This extraordinary story is heartbreaking but at the same time so incredible because of this boy's determination. Beware, this is a real tear-jerker!
A Long Way Home - This book has been talked about a lot recently as it was made into a film called Lion. It is an emotional story that takes you on a journey of a young man from the streets of Calcutta to Tasmania. A story of determination at its best!
A COLLECTION OF MY FAVOURITE PAGE TURNERS...
Shantaram - Don't be put off by the sheer size of this book as it is a little overwhelming but a definite page-turner. This book keeps growing and growing in its largeness but is a fantastic holiday read.
A Fine Balance - This Indian author is incredible at capturing the heart and soul of India. This is one of my all-time favourite books as I love any story that shows courage, love and determination.
The Glass Castle - This book is an autobiography that will have you hooked after the first page. A woman is in a chauffeur-driven car down 5th Avenue, she looks out her window to see two people scavenging in a bin. They are her parents, and she looks the other way!!