Weekend read: A Whole Life (Robert Seethaler)

My partner and I decided to have a "blind book date" this weekend. The idea being that you visit a bookshop with somebody, and pick out a book for the other that they've never read before. It should also preferably be something they wouldn't usually pick out; expanding horizons and all that. Don't show it to them before you buy it so they can't weasel out of it!

The book chosen for me on this occasion was something I certainly would not have ordinarily picked for myself, and I'm very glad I read it. A cliché perhaps, but stepping outside of my usual choices really paid off this time.

Warning: bring your tissues.

Quite a tragic book for me in places. A man with such potential and a gentle temperament should have had better cards dealt to him. Certainly tugs at the heartstrings. He's happy with his lot though, and that's life really.

This is one introvert's way to battle through some of the great hardships that can affect us. It makes us value more and more the relationships we have with our family and friends, and why it's important to keep them strong.

Not one to read if you're a tad melancholy to begin with. But excellent nonetheless.

For my partner I chose H.G Wells' classic sci-fi The Invisible Man. Something I've been meaning to read myself but have not got around to!

Bonus points for having a good chat about the books afterwards. I will hopefully report back when we're both finished!