I could quite possibly open up a library with the pile of books on my bedside table that are on my “to read” list! What is it about buying new books when I have so many already that need to be read? I call it being a sucker for a sale (whether it’s clothes or a book I’m all about that deal) and justify it by actually saving money in the long run, right?

This month I was lagging behind in my Goodreads challenge (so much for boasting about smashing my goal last month) as I was reading a behemoth of a book, but managed to rein it back in and once again I’m back on target to hit 36 books by December 31st.

The Brain That Changes Itself, Norman Doidge MD

Goodreads says… An astonishing new science called neuroplasticity is overthrowing the centuries-old notion that the human brain is immutable. Psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, Norman Doidge, M.D., travelled the country to meet both the brilliant scientists championing neuroplasticity and the people whose lives they’ve transformed people whose mental limitations or brain damage were seen as unalterable. We see a woman born with half a brain that rewired itself to work as a whole, blind people who learn to see, learning disorders cured, IQ’s raised, ageing brains rejuvenated, stroke patients learning to speak, children with cerebral palsy learning to move with more grace, depression and anxiety disorders successfully treated, and lifelong character traits changed. Using these marvellous stories to probe mysteries of the body, emotion, love, sex, culture, and education, Dr. Doidge has written an immensely moving, inspiring book that will permanently alter the way we look at our brains, human nature, and human potential.

Rosie says… Ever since my dad had his stroke 10 years ago I’ve been fascinated with how the brain heals itself and manages to be resilient. This was a really interesting read on how people have managed to retrain their brain after a major setback. At times I found it very medical-jargon heavy and had to lay it aside and pick up another book to read in the interim but only because it took a lot for MY brain to take in so much information.

Sleeping Beauties, Stephen King + Own King

Goodreads says… In a future so real and near it might be now, something happens when women go to sleep; they become shrouded in a cocoon-like gauze. If they are awakened, if the gauze wrapping their bodies is disturbed or violated, the women become feral and spectacularly violent; and while they sleep they go to another place. The men of our world are abandoned, left to their increasingly primal devices. One woman, however, the mysterious Evie, is immune to the blessing or curse of the sleeping disease. Is Evie a medical anomaly to be studied, or is she a demon who must be slain?

Rosie says… Aaaah Stephen King! As a massive fan he can never write a dud in my eyes. I absolutely loved this freaky tale about what would happen if all the women of the world suddenly just didn’t wake up.

Written with his son, Owen, I couldn’t tell who wrote which bits as the narrative and style was seamless. If you’re a fan of horror stories you’ll love this.

The Silent Sister, Diane Chamberlain

Goodreads says… In The Silent Sister, Riley MacPherson has spent her entire life believing that her older sister Lisa committed suicide as a teenager. Now, over twenty years later, her father has passed away and she’s in New Bern, North Carolina cleaning out his house when she finds evidence to the contrary. Lisa is alive. Alive and living under a new identity. But why exactly was she on the run all those years ago, and what secrets are being kept now? As Riley works to uncover the truth, her discoveries will put into question everything she thought she knew about her family. Riley must decide what the past means for her present, and what she will do with her newfound reality, in this engrossing mystery from international bestselling author Diane Chamberlain.

Rosie says… I started this book thinking it was going to be a pretty crappy read… oh how I was wrong. Yes, the writing isn’t super strong and at times the story line was so obvious but I bloody loved it. There are more twists and turns than a rally car race!