Books reviews

It took me two years to prepare for this book and twelve days to read it. You need to find the right time and space to dive deep into the tales of psychotherapy. I was surprised by how many moments from a book I found similar to my life.

Irvin D. Yalom shares stories from his career as a psychotherapist and psychiatrist. They show us how difficult this work is and how dedicated one must be to helping others. I didn't know what to expect from this book, but from the first page, I forgot about everything, and I wanted to know more about the older woman's obsession from the first story. Eight years ago, she spent twenty lovely days [...]

When did I last read a book and cried before The Goodbye Cat? It has to be a long time ago because I don't remember. But I don't regret it. These tears helped me find acceptance, even if it was difficult to move to the following sentence, knowing what would happen.

It was my first book by Hiro Arikawa. Could I imagine a better start with a new author? I don't think so. In this book, there's a set of seven stories. And I love stories, it's my favourite form. The next amazing thing about it is cats. Since I had a chance to live with a cat for two years, I understand these mysterious animals much better. Reading about [...]

I initially read the book "Of Mice and Men" in Polish and was intrigued by the work of John Steinbeck. After a failed first attempt at "The Grapes of Wrath," this short novella seemed like a fitting second chance.

I didn't know what to expect. Living in Poland required more effort to understand the context of this story and its times. I must admit that I didn't do my homework when I initially read this book in Polish.

After living in England for a few years, I read it again, this time in English. My homework was done by living in this country with a long history, in many aspects similar to the history of the United States.

First and [...]

This is the first book I've read in English, and I couldn't stop reading it. Usually, it was easy to take a break when I couldn't understand a plot without checking certain words in a dictionary. This time, I didn't need it.

I think I've read some of Harlan Coben's books in Polish before. Perhaps that's why I decided to buy "I Will Find You" when I was just about to catch my coach on my way home. I don't regret it.

Firstly, being innocently sentenced is probably a big fear for everyone. We know the system is imperfect, and that's a polite way of describing reality. This aspect of the idea for a book reminds me of "The Process," one of my favourite books.

Harlan Coben knows how to keep us in suspense. When I started reading it, and the main character, David, was in prison, I expected the story would be based on this. I was so wrong! It has new strong characters, dynamic plot twists, surprises, and mysteries; it's a roller coaster!

The author of this book touches on a lot of important topics. One of them is the problem of amazingly rich people who can buy everyone and everything. But this situation is not hopeless. I won't go into any details not to spoil this story.

I enjoyed every moment of reading this book. I wanted the main character to discover the truth. I was his biggest fan and couldn't wait for the whole story. I highly recommend this book.

Jo Nesbø takes us on a journey from sunny Los Angeles, where the story begins, to the somewhat milder climate of Oslo, where gruesome things unfold.

This isn't my first encounter with this author. In theory, I knew what to expect, but some moments sent shivers down my spine.

The book is substantial, but the action's brisk pace, the dialogues' lightness, and the gripping story make it a quick read. I recommend it to those with strong nerves. What intrigued me the most was the biological aspect of the story - numerous theories and speculations. I'm not sure how plausible what the author writes is, but he skillfully and logically builds tension around his characters.

I enjoyed the duality of the narrative - apart from the standard narrator, we also have the killer's stream of thoughts. I'm reading "The Leopard," and I feel that J. Nesbø employed a similar effect there.

The book has its poignant moments as well. One of the more exciting and favourite characters bids us farewell... unless the author finds a clever way for his spirit to remain with us. I've always liked the parts with his involvement and interactions with Harry.

The final rating is 4/5 for personal reasons I won't disclose here. I recommend giving this read a go, even though it's as bloody as its title! :-)