It’s time for #6degrees. This month, start with the book you finished with in July. Add six books, and see where you end up.
This month, I’m beginning with The Aftermath by Rhidian Brook (review to come but know that I loved this book).
I usually have two or three books on the go at any one time. While reading The Aftermath, I was also reading Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng.
Little Fires Everywhere focuses on Mia and her daughter Pearl, which links directly to Angela Savage’s new novel, Mother of Pearl (feeling quite pleased with this link!).
Without spoilers, the themes around babies, their parents and their heritage link both Little Fires Everywhere and Mother of Pearl to the book that I am currently engrossed in – A Perfect Explanation by Eleanor Anstruther. It is both heartbreaking and absolutely bananas – a stunning debut.
The central character in A Perfect Explanation suffers from post-natal depression, as does a character in Anna Hope’s latest release, Expectation.
I started reading Expectation despite having an ARC of Hope’s The Ballroom still in my TBR stack…!
The Ballroom is set in an asylum, as is Sara Stridsberg’s beautifully written story, The Gravity of Love (and for bonus points, the covers are similar as well).
My chain has focused very much on mothering. If by some chance you’ve read the first three books I’ve selected, you’ll know that they link very, very closely indeed.
Where will other chains go? Link up below or post your link in the comments section.
Next month (September 7, 2019), we’ll begin with A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles.
Despite the summer break Muse & Views Bookclub take, we still participate in Six Degrees, from Family Matters to Call the Midwife.
https://bookclub9.blogspot.com/2019/08/six-degrees-of-separation-from-family.html
Smart set of links! Lots of people whose opinion I trust seem to love The Aftermath, Time to add it to my list.
There’s obviously no shortage of WWII stories but this one offers a different perspective. More importantly, it offers perspectives from both ‘sides’, which I always find interesting.
The reviews I’ve read that haven’t been as enthusiastic as mine will be, I think miss the subtleties in the themes of the book (about grief, forgiveness, second chances).
Yes, do add it, and read it before you see the film: I was very impressed. And guess what, Kate, I managed it get it into my #6Degrees without starting with it! Yes, it surprised me too, I never know where my books will take me and this was a classic example of that: https://anzlitlovers.com/2019/08/03/six-degrees-of-separation-from-deadly-d-and-justice-jones-to/
You’ve both persuaded me. Thanks!
I have my eye on the Rhidian Brook (ashamed to say he’s another Welsh author I have yet to read)
It was my first Brook and I loved it. Will seek more.
I’ve had The Gravity of Love on my TBR for ages!
I’ve used the Mister Linky this time. Not sure how it works but I trust you can see it on your side?
I loved it but I think it was one that divided readers.
I bought it after Monica McInerny recommended it, but my cover is different.
Yes, can see you on Linky. Can you not see your name?
Ahh, I can see it if I look at this post in the internet browser. It doesn’t show up in the app.
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Ahh, I can see it if I look at this post in the internet browser. It doesn’t show up in the app.
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So many good books, so little time – every time I read your 6 Degrees, I find more books I need to read!
I’ve heard good things about the Anstruther – one to check out.
I haven’t read any of the books in your chain, but I look forward to your review of A Perfect Explanation. My chain here:
https://stargazer-online.com/2019/08/03/six-degrees-of-separation-from-a-gentleman-in-moscow-to-faceless-killers/
Thanks for the reminder about The Aftermath and I am pleased to hear you enjoyed it. I need to look at it before watching the film (like you, I am an obssessive ‘book before film’ person!). 😀
I’m adding The Aftermath to my ever-growing TBR list!
I’ve used Mr Linky too, but am giving the link here too as I don’t know how Mr Linky works really: https://whisperinggums.com/2019/08/03/six-degrees-of-separation-from-where-the-wild-things-are-to-2/
I have Mother of Pearl and look forward to reading it as I remember when Angela Savage started researching that book.
I am thrilled that the next choice is the Towles – well, I’m thrilled because it’s another thant I’ve read, but I haven’t any idea where I’ll take it. Wherever it is, though, I know it will be fun to do.
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Oh my, I am still in recovery mode after reading Valerie, by Stridsberg, so I have a hard time imagining the word beautiful with her writing. I do hope she can, though. My chain is here: https://wordsandpeace.com/2019/08/03/six-degrees-of-separation-from-versailles-to-hacking/
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Interesting titles as always Kate 🙂
Like the links to motherhood and all sound interesting especially The Aftermath and Gravity of Love
Nice chain!
Here is mine: https://luvtoread.com/2019/08/03/six-degrees-strange-the-dreamer/
Looking forward to next month’s chain, A Gentleman in Moscow!
oooh I’ve really wanted to read Little Fires Everywhere! It’s a topic close to my heart so now I need to look up all of these others that are so closely linked to motherhood!! ❤️ I love this meme so much (even though I forgot about it for a time.)
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Ah, holiday mood for the start of the link (as in ‘everyone gets to choose their starting point’), but a mixed bag in your actual links. They all sound quite dramatic and moving.
I can’t believe its 6 degrees time again already – I feel like its only been a week or so! I do enjoy everyone’s chains so its a good thing it comes around so quickly 🙂
I’ve also been meaning to read The Ballroom for ages, I really liked Wake. I’m adding The Aftermath to the list too, given your recommendation and all the positive comments!
I always enjoy reading other peoples’ 6 Degrees. Here’s mine for August: http://www.notesinthemargin.org/weblog/2019/08/03/6-degrees-of-separation/
I could easily add every one of these books to my wish list. In fact, I probably shall! Adding mine to Mr Linky 🙂
Fun list! I had a very fantasy-heavy list this week.
My August #6Degrees post is here.
Enjoyed linking my books! And I just started Little Fires Everywhere, which I got on CD at the library but am not wondering if it would have been better to read than to listen.
A lot of these seem really closely linked, though I’ve personally never read any of them. Maybe I’ll have the check them out!