Sample Saturday is when I wade through the eleventy billion samples I have downloaded on my Kindle. I’m slowly chipping away and deciding whether it’s buy or bye.

Martin John by Anakana Schofield

Why I have it: Read Naomi’s great review.

Summary: Martin John is a lurker. But he keeps his mind busy, just so you don’t have to worry he might be beside you or following you or thinking about your body parts.

I’m thinking: Yes – the writing style is something else and I need more.

True Blue: The Oxford Boat Race Mutiny by Daniel Topolski and Patrick Robinson

Why I have it: Shameful confession: was watching Below Deck when chef Ben revealed his dad is author Patrick Robinson. So I had to look at his titles and one was about rowing, so…

Summary: In 1987, Oxford University Boat Club was reeling following a clash of egos and a mass exodus. Weeks before the Club’s most important race, the coach was forced to form a crew from reserves – one that featured the tallest, heaviest, youngest and oldest crew members in the event’s history.

I’m thinking: Maybe – it didn’t hook me immediately but it’s about rowing, so…

Everyone Brave is Forgiven by Chris Cleave

Why I have it: Was reminded of Cleave when an ABC The Book Club panelist mentioned his favourite book, The Other Hand (Little Bee).

Summary: It’s 1939 and Mary, a young socialite, is determined to shock her blueblood political family by volunteering for the war effort. There are men and love involved in Mary’s story – it gets complicated.

I’m thinking: Yes – I loved Mary from the very first sentence.

“War was declared at 11.15 and Mary North signed up at noon. She did it at lunch, before telegrams came, in case her mother said no. She left finishing school unfinished.”