BOOKSHELF

The latest reads

Bestselling novelist Clare Mackintosh spent 12 years in the police force before becoming a thriller writer. Her latest book is Let Me Lie.

◆ THE LAST BOOK THAT MADE ME LAUGH A group of strangers arrive at an exclusive health resort, each with a different reason for being there. NINE PERFECT STRANGERS by Liane Moriarty is a rare thing: a suspenseful novel that makes you laugh out loud. Brilliantly drawn characters make this a compelling read. ◆ THE LAST BOOK THAT MADE ME CRY Riley is seven, and she wants to be a boy. Her parents can’t agree on how to handle this, and have to navigate the reactions of friends and family. THIS CHILD OF OURS by Sadie Pearse is an important story that will prompt discussion. ◆ THE BOOK THAT GOT ME THROUGH A DIFFICULT TIME Irina has a choice. Cheat on her partner, or stay faithful. In Lionel Shriver’s THE POSTBIRTHDAY WORLD, she does both, and the story unfolds with each alternate future mapping out the consequences of her decision. The characters are painfully flawed, but this is a clever, thoughtprovoking novel. ◆ THE BOOK THAT CHANGED THE WAY I THINK If you’ve never read any George Orwell, DOWN AND OUT IN PARIS AND LONDON is a great place to start. It charts Orwell’s time living hand-to-mouth in the late 20s and early 30s. It’s fascinating, with parallels to modern times of austerity. ◆ THE BOOK I GIVE MOST OFTEN TO OTHERS THE DEATH OF MRS WESTAWAY is classic Ruth Ware: full of gothic intrigue, and perfect for fans of Agatha Christie.