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An honest reading diary

Reading is wonderfully, gloriously messy.

Honest reviews, cosy reading lists and all the bookish feelings, from one bibliophile to another.

Open Alison's library Surprise me with a review
Cover of The Satsuma Complex On the nightstand right now The Satsuma Complex by Bob Mortimer
81books read
79honest reviews
28,201pages turned
3waiting on the TBR

The latest review

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Cover of Summer Island
Fresh from Alison's bookshelf

A love letter to healing

Summer Island by Kristin Hannah

“Before getting into this review, I feel like I need to offer a full disclosure: I am obsessed with Kristin Hannah books. I didn't think that they would be my cup of tea, but I'm so happy to have been wrong. She is quickly turning into one of my favourite…”
messyreaderAlison Rated 4.5 out of 5 Reviewed 10 August 2026 Spoiler free
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From Alison's reading desk

Cover of The Satsuma Complex
Currently reading
“When one book closes, another opens! Can anyone else not live in reality too long, so they start a new book immediately after finishing one?! I've had The Satsuma Complex on my shelf for a few years now, and it wasn't what I was going to go for, but I was inspired after laughing at Bob Mortimer on the television tonight. I'll keep you updated!”

The Satsuma Complex by Bob Mortimer

Mood: After something lighthearted and fun! Reading spot: In bed!

Earlier updates

More notes from the current chapter and the ever-changing TBR.

Thinking of reading next
“Thinking of going for non-fiction for my next read... I am clearly very easily influenced because I'm desperate to read Salt: A World History. Is this middle age?!”

Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlansky

While reading Now finished
“Four chapters in and I am, naturally, loving this book! I wish the chapters were shorter, purely from a "one more before bed" perspective, but Kristin Hannah's writing style is engaging and impeccable.”

Summer Island by Kristin Hannah

At this update: Page 68 of 392 · 17% read

Mood: Hooked Reading spot: In bed, cosy and relaxed!

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Recently shelved

The whole shelf
Cover of The Satsuma ComplexReadingThe Satsuma ComplexBob MortimerCover of Six YearsSix YearsHarlan CobenRated 2.5 out of 5ReviewedCover of Table For OneTable For OneEmma GannonRated 3 out of 5ReviewedCover of The Only One LeftTBRThe Only One LeftRiley SagerCover of Salt: A World HistoryReadingSalt: A World HistoryMark KurlanskyCover of Summer IslandSummer IslandKristin HannahRated 4.5 out of 5Reviewed
Cover of My Friends
From the review archive

A beautifully understated masterpiece

“Sometimes we just need a book in our lives that quietly changes our brain chemistry. No fuss, no fanfare, no over-the-top drama. For me, My Friends (Fredrick Backman) was exactly this. It's difficult to believe that My…”
messyreaderAlison My Friends by Fredrik Backman Rated 5 out of 5 Reviewed August 2026
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On this day in 2025 I reviewed There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak.

Shelf spotlight: Mystery

My highest-rated mystery reads. A different corner of the shelf gets the spotlight each week.

Browse the genre

Cover of The Night She DisappearedThe Night She DisappearedLisa JewellRated 5 out of 5ReviewedCover of The Thursday Murder ClubThe Thursday Murder ClubRichard OsmanRated 4 out of 5ReviewedCover of The Big Man UpstairsThe Big Man UpstairsJD KirkRated 4 out of 5ReviewedCover of The Murder After the Night BeforeThe Murder After the Night BeforeKaty BrentRated 4 out of 5ReviewedCover of The Truth About Melody BrowneThe Truth About Melody BrowneLisa JewellRated 4 out of 5Reviewed

Pick my next read?

There are 3 books waiting patiently on my TBR pile. Spin the shelf and see what fate suggests.

This month in books

4books reviewed
1,578pages
3.8average rating
Contemporarymost-read genre

From the journal

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Featured image for Liverpool Appreciation Post
messyreaderAlison
Bookish Thoughts

Liverpool Appreciation Post

Long before the almighty Reds took hold of my heart (as painful as that is right now), I loved so much about the culture of Liverpool. From being brought up listening to The Beatles to discovering Willy Russell, one of…

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Portrait of Alison, the Messy Reader

Hi, I'm Alison. The messy reader.

A bookworm in Cumbria with an ever-growing TBR pile and a habit of starting new books before finishing the last one. I read across all genres, with a soft spot for contemporary fiction, gripping thrillers and anything that makes me cry on public transport. Honest reviews, real reactions, no pretension.

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