DebJpole Hello all,
Whilst I’m well aware that January 2020 is well under way and drawing to a close, Chinese New Year is just around the corner so I thought I’d take the opportunity to write about my top reads from 2019! I know I splurged a lot of stats in the 2019 review but this time it’s all about the books!
This is first of two Michael Jackson themed books that I read in 2019. Now call me weird, but I find death fascinating in the sense that, how did they die. I will happily watch Autopsy which is a programme about discovering cause of death, particularly in celebrities. As a Registered Veterinary Nurse in the UK, this also really appeals to me and my nerdy knowledge.
In particular this book looks at the role Dr Conrad Murray played but also how events that happened long before he met Murray meant he was already under the influence of drugs and close to the time of his death, his need for drugs heightened. It looks at how Dr Murray tried to cover up his death in court and more importantly how he left Michael Jackson for 83 minutes without oxygen BEFORE phoning for an ambulance. This is the tale of Michael Jackson, the before/ the beginning, the during and the after. The tale of a victim, used and abused by the people closest to him, the people who had a responsibility to look after him. Not just Dr Murray but his family, his friends, his therapists and promoters. Michael Jackson was a human, it saddens me that he is treated like an object.
Remember The Time: Protecting Michael Jackson in his Final Days
The second Michael Jackson themed book that I read in 2019. This is a very personal Michael Jackson book, written by two of his former bodyguards. They travelled everywhere with Michael Jackson and so saw first hand the scrutiny he was placed under during his life.
This book depicts a loyalty as it wasn’t always easy working for the King of Pop. Not getting paid, being away from their own families for long periods of time and not being able to tell them where they were or who they were with. They didn’t stay for the money or the name, rather they stayed because they wanted too. Not only did they form a bond with Michael Jackson, they also formed a bond with his kids and in return, they were treated as part of his family. It’s a book to reveal the truth, not to sell stories to make a quick buck. They wanted to show the true Michael Jackson, the man behind the music. This is a book about MJ the human.
SeaBiscuit: The True Story of Three Men and a Racehorse
SeaBiscuit was the first animal themed book of 2019 that I read. I’ve watched the film Secretariat and the book is on my TBR list and his tale is remarkable. In all honesty, I had never heard of SeaBiscuit. This is the true story of a real underdog. Mistreated and mishandled, nobody even gave him a second glance…until three men joined force to take him on.
And so a star was born. This is a heartwarming book, it proves that when all the odds are stacked against you, all you need is one person to believe in you. I find it absolutely fascinating the extent that jockeys used to go too and the risks they’d take. It’s a heart warmer and a tear jerker but it’s a wonderful book and I would apply read it again and if I ever visit the Santa Anita racetrack, I’ll be sure to find his statue.
One of my last reads of the year which was very apt considering this was a Christmas book! I absolutely loved The Cosy Teashop in the Castle and when I realised there was a sequel and it was Christmas themed, well I couldn’t wait to read it!
At a time of year when family and your nearest and dearest are the most important than ever, Caroline Roberts draws you in and makes you feel like one of the Castle family. Whilst the majority of us are feeling the chill, this book is like a warm toasty fire that brings a smile to your face and warms you up. This book is perfect with a cup of tea and snuggled under a blanket, a perfect winter warmer.
These are the 4 books that I loved the most and I hope that I’ve explained well enough why I did love them so much! Obviously you may read other reviews of mine (not of these books) and think why didn’t I choose them? Well I hope the above article justifies that. Some people may disagree and that’s okay too! We’re entitled to an opinion!
Until next time where hopefully it’ll be a less 2019 orientated post and a post looking forward through 2020!
Keep reading,
D x
I haven’t read any of these.
Well if any of them sound like your cup of tea then you can add them to your TBR list.
There might be one or two – thanks!