What I'm reading ...

I have started Dead Man’s Grip by Peter James. Time for some “normal” fiction and PJ is an author I turn to when I want a good story to get lost in. Here’s the blurb:

Carly Chase is still traumatised after being in a fatal traffic accident which kills a teenage student from Brighton University. Then she receives news that turns her entire world into a living nightmare.
The drivers of the other two vehicles involved have been found tortured and murdered. Now Detective Superintendant Roy Grace of the Sussex Police force issues a stark and urgent warning to Carly: She could be next.
The police advise Carly her only option is to go into hiding and change her identity. The terrified woman disagrees - she knows these people have ways of hunting you down anywhere. If the police are unable to stop them, she has to find a way to do it herself. But already the killer is one step ahead of her, watching, waiting, and ready. . .

Over the Top - by Jonathan Van Ness

This was an enjoyable read. I always wonder with autobiographies whether they are ghost written or not. I this case the “voice” sounded quite genuine. I learnt quite a lot about the life of a queer person in small town America. Also, I am fully up to date with what being HIV positive means nowadays. I will look at JVN in a new light next time I watch Queer Eye. He had a long road to get there ...

What I'm reading ...

I have started Over the Top by Jonathan Van Ness. It was time for some non-fiction and this seemed a light option. Although I strongly dislike reality TV, Queer Eye is a favourite programme of mine. I am not sure why it appeals so much, but it always has an emotional impact. I am interested to read the back story to one of the team. Here’s the blurb:

Who gave Jonathan Van Ness permission to be the radiant human he is today? No one, honey.
The truth is, it hasn’t always been gorgeous for this beacon of positivity and joy.
Before he stole our hearts as the grooming and self-care expert on Netflix’s hit show Queer Eye, Jonathan was growing up in a small Midwestern town that didn’t understand why he was so…over the top. From choreographed carpet figure skating routines to the unavoidable fact that he was Just. So. Gay., Jonathan was an easy target and endured years of judgement, ridicule and trauma - yet none of it crushed his uniquely effervescent spirit.
Over the Top uncovers the pain and passion it took to end up becoming the model of self-love and acceptance that Jonathan is today. In this revelatory, raw, and rambunctious memoir, Jonathan shares never-before-told secrets and reveals sides of himself that the public has never seen. JVN fans may think they know the man behind the stiletto heels, the crop tops, and the iconic sayings, but there’s much more to him than meets the Queer Eye.

His Dark Materials: The Complete Collection - by Philip Pullman

This book took a while, which is unsurprising as it was probably the longest book I have ever read! However, the pace and quality of the writing kept me on track and I was always keen to get on to the next chapter.
I am not normally a fan of the fantasy genre, as I have trouble suspending belief. But, in this case, the author does not demand that I take on too much weird stuff. There are aspects of the physics that trouble me, but I decided not to think about them and just enjoy the story.
Really it’s a great read and I’m glad I devoted the time to it.
I now need to re-read The Secret Commonwealth, having been reminded of the starting point. However, I think I will wait until the final volume of The Book of Dust is, at least, in sight.