I have decided I need a new challenge. While I may have read more widely, I have also managed to buy a lot more books and then gotten distracted with work and so on and not actually read them!! So I have bookshelves full of new books that I forget to read...
Introducing the challenge!
25 Books to be read before Christmas (that's December 25th 2011 for anyone who doesn't know)
The books:
Classics:
Rachel Ray - Anthony Trollope
The Scarlet Letter - Nathaniel Hawthorne
Moby Dick - Herman Melville
Non-fiction:
The Virago Book of Women Travellers
The Duchess - Amanda Foreman
How to be a Woman - Caitlin Moran
The Junior Officer's Reading Club - Patrick Hennessey
In Cold Blood - Truman Capote
Fiction:
Daughter of Smoke & Bone - Laini Taylor
What a Carve Up - Jonathan Coe
Housekeeping - Marilynne Robinson
The Distant Hours - Kate Morton
The Whisperer - Donato Carrisi
The Small Hand - Susan Hill
Behind the Scenes at the Museum - Kate Atkinson
Mad World - Paula Byrne
The Yacoubian Building - Alla Al Aswany
White Cat - Holly Black
Flowers for Algernon - Daniel Keyes
The Night Circus - Erin Morgenstern
Stardust - Neil Gaiman
The Edible Woman - Margaret Atwood
Fingersmith - Sarah Waters
Death At Intervals - Jose Saramago
Wolf Hall - Hilary Mantel
Scoop - Evelyn Waugh
Palo Alto - James Franco
Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy - John Le Carre
Book of Lost Things - John Connolly
Damned - Chuck Palahniuk
Graphic novels:
Burma Chronicles - Guy Delisle
When the Wind Blows - Raymond Briggs
Bonus books:
The Girl with Glass Feet - Ali Shaw
The Peach Keeper - Sarah Addison Allen
Arabella - Georgette Heyer
The Dating Detox - Gemma Burgess
The Love Verb - Jane Green
Kathy Reichs - 206 Bones
Here come the rules:
At the start of the month four books will be chosen. They must be read that month, but once they are read I can choose any other bonus book!
Even if it is 11.59 on the 25st of the month and I just finish book four, I am still allowed to pick a bonus book!
4 swaps if I hate a book within the first 100 pages
2 vetoes if I get more than 100 pages in, but just can't keep going.
So, simple right? Please don't mention that there are loads more than 25 books on the list, its pedantic and also I need options people, not all of those books will be chosen...but many will!
So wish me luck!
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Sparks
So, I liked this. It was short, but perfect.
The 'Brodie set' are the bane of the upper school, but the headmistress cannot get rid of Jean Brodie, their creator and leader. This story weaves around the threat of Miss Brodie being fired, presenting all the facts, history and characters of the suspects. Who 'betrayed' Miss Brodie?
I loved the intense look at inter-personal relationships between a set of girls chosen for their differences. Miss Jean Brodie picked the little girls in her class she believed were trustworthy. The girls had very little in common other than their 'thrustworthiness' in Miss Jean Brodie's eyes. They were never allowed to grow and become individuals...one reason why Miss Jean Brodie can be viewed as a villain, she never let these girls experience things for themselves. They were almost shaped by Miss Brodie to become the girls she thought they should be.
I would recommend this book, one reason is because I got it for free from the World Book Night stall at London Book Fair. It was amazing, I felt very spoilt. If you get handed a free copy of this book, seriously read it!!
The 'Brodie set' are the bane of the upper school, but the headmistress cannot get rid of Jean Brodie, their creator and leader. This story weaves around the threat of Miss Brodie being fired, presenting all the facts, history and characters of the suspects. Who 'betrayed' Miss Brodie?
I loved the intense look at inter-personal relationships between a set of girls chosen for their differences. Miss Jean Brodie picked the little girls in her class she believed were trustworthy. The girls had very little in common other than their 'thrustworthiness' in Miss Jean Brodie's eyes. They were never allowed to grow and become individuals...one reason why Miss Jean Brodie can be viewed as a villain, she never let these girls experience things for themselves. They were almost shaped by Miss Brodie to become the girls she thought they should be.
I would recommend this book, one reason is because I got it for free from the World Book Night stall at London Book Fair. It was amazing, I felt very spoilt. If you get handed a free copy of this book, seriously read it!!
Three Chick Lit books to pass summer days!
A Girl Like You by Gemma Burgess
Fantastic book (published by the increasingly famous Avon Books imprint of HarperCollins), I really enjoyed following Abigail Wood on her single journey. While I don't remember singledom being that fun, maybe it was because I didn't have a best friend who could walk me through it. It's funny, touching and full of friendship and laughter. A wonderful book, especially if you live in London, you'll notice all the streets, parks and areas. I loved it.
Meet Me At The Cupcake Cafe by Jenny Colgan
Now I have never read a single book by Jenny Colgan, neither do I have any desire to anymore, but I really liked this. It was fun to read, not so well written, but it passed the time. I liked reading about a woman following her dream, while she seemed a little pathetic after the wonderful Abigail, but enjoyable all the same.
She Went All the Way by Meggin Cabot
Meg is one of the best writers, especially when your talking about chick lit. This story follows Lou Calabrese, famous screenwriter and Jack Townsend a world famous (hunky) film star, who have ended up crashed in the middle of nowhere. Chased by men with guns on snowmobiles, Lou and Jack have to find a way to survive the freezing temperatures in the Alaskan mountains, and their sparking relationship!!! It is a fantastic story, I re-read it because I lost my copy. Everyone should read it if they like chick lit (come on it's summer, you need something fun and light to carry around).
So that's three booksI've read recently. But now I am stuck. I'm too busy for something serious and too busy for something boring...hmmm decisions, decisions!!!
Fantastic book (published by the increasingly famous Avon Books imprint of HarperCollins), I really enjoyed following Abigail Wood on her single journey. While I don't remember singledom being that fun, maybe it was because I didn't have a best friend who could walk me through it. It's funny, touching and full of friendship and laughter. A wonderful book, especially if you live in London, you'll notice all the streets, parks and areas. I loved it.
Meet Me At The Cupcake Cafe by Jenny Colgan
Now I have never read a single book by Jenny Colgan, neither do I have any desire to anymore, but I really liked this. It was fun to read, not so well written, but it passed the time. I liked reading about a woman following her dream, while she seemed a little pathetic after the wonderful Abigail, but enjoyable all the same.
She Went All the Way by Meggin Cabot
Meg is one of the best writers, especially when your talking about chick lit. This story follows Lou Calabrese, famous screenwriter and Jack Townsend a world famous (hunky) film star, who have ended up crashed in the middle of nowhere. Chased by men with guns on snowmobiles, Lou and Jack have to find a way to survive the freezing temperatures in the Alaskan mountains, and their sparking relationship!!! It is a fantastic story, I re-read it because I lost my copy. Everyone should read it if they like chick lit (come on it's summer, you need something fun and light to carry around).
So that's three booksI've read recently. But now I am stuck. I'm too busy for something serious and too busy for something boring...hmmm decisions, decisions!!!
Completely unrelated...
But I wanted to write in here that one of my favourite authors is having to do the whole chemo thing right now. Sarah Addison Allen has 4 published titles: Garden Spells, The Sugar Queen, The Girl Who Chased the Moon and the soon to be published (October 2011 in the UK, already out in US 22 March) The Peach Keeper.
I found this out only because I finally signed up to Twitter, I'm still not entirely sure how to use it, but I cannot believe how much information I have learnt from joining.
However, all I wanted to say was I hope Sarah gets better so she can write more lovely books!
I found this out only because I finally signed up to Twitter, I'm still not entirely sure how to use it, but I cannot believe how much information I have learnt from joining.
However, all I wanted to say was I hope Sarah gets better so she can write more lovely books!
The Red House Mystery by A. A. Milne
Yes, I know AA Milne is the guy who wrote Winnie the Pooh, but he also wrote this book! It is a classic mystery novel based on the Sherlock Holmes titles with witty references to Watson and Holmes. The characters are vivid and surprisingly fresh, I enjoyed this mystery because AA Milne believed that no one wanted to read a mystery or detective novel with a love story:
'A reader, all agog to know whether the white substance on the muffins was arsenic or face-powder, cannot be held up while Roland clasps Angela's hand "a moment longer than the customary usages of society dictate." Much might have happened in that moment, properly spent; foot-prints made or discovered; cigarette-ends picked up and put in envelopes. By all means let Roland have a book to himself in which he clasps anything he likes, but in a detective story he must attend strictly to business.'
(sorry if anything is mis-spelt I was typing with one hand)
He wrote this in 1926 and I wish someone else would listen to it. It is the most perfect detective novel because it is fast-paced, witty, full of quick thinking and clues, the detective is an amateur and we can all pretend to be as astute as he.
For lovers of The Moving Toyshop and Sherlock Holmes this is a gem. Other readers should pick it up, just so they can see what AA Milne was capable of, not just Tigger's and Piglet's but complex murder mystery plots! A perfect companion to your Hundred Acre Wood collection!!!
'A reader, all agog to know whether the white substance on the muffins was arsenic or face-powder, cannot be held up while Roland clasps Angela's hand "a moment longer than the customary usages of society dictate." Much might have happened in that moment, properly spent; foot-prints made or discovered; cigarette-ends picked up and put in envelopes. By all means let Roland have a book to himself in which he clasps anything he likes, but in a detective story he must attend strictly to business.'
(sorry if anything is mis-spelt I was typing with one hand)
He wrote this in 1926 and I wish someone else would listen to it. It is the most perfect detective novel because it is fast-paced, witty, full of quick thinking and clues, the detective is an amateur and we can all pretend to be as astute as he.
For lovers of The Moving Toyshop and Sherlock Holmes this is a gem. Other readers should pick it up, just so they can see what AA Milne was capable of, not just Tigger's and Piglet's but complex murder mystery plots! A perfect companion to your Hundred Acre Wood collection!!!
A Quiet Belief in Angels by RJ Ellory
Okay, so we all probably know my taste by now and you might think 'STOP! This book is NOT for you!' All I can say is, I completely agreed with you when asking in my local (and lovely) library a few weeks ago for this title. It was in the crime section, a place I'm not too scared of or anything, but a place I don't really wander into. The back cover blurb also made me cringe, as it is about little girls getting raped and murdered and the Richard & Judy sign on the front cover. I know, this is a very successful move that got loads of people reading, but I honestly cannot stand the idea of reading something picked out for the Richard & Judy fan club. (However, and I do cringe writing this, my all time favourite book was also a R&J pick! But I did not know this when I first read it.)
So as you can see all signs were pointing to, NO, you will dislike this book, put it down. Instead I got it out of the library, using their new-fangaled machines and left the building to begin reading on the bus the next day. From the first few pages I kept looking for the scary crime-writer speak, the sign posts that all is not well inside this dwelling, or that the main character is some psycho - but instead it is narrated by a young boy who is sensitive and kind. We get to learn of the horrible occurrences through his own thoughts and fears, we see the way his life changed due to these murders and unless you are an uncaring person you cannot help but feel deeply for him.
I say now that the story is about little girls being raped and killed by an older man, a man they must have trusted. It is a horrific story to tell, but RJ Ellory does it in such an eloquent way I sometimes forgot the subject matter. His prose is pure poetry, I know this because I couldn't help but show it to many people I know who hate crime novels and they loved his writing. Even claiming they would read this book despite the subject matter. A feat for someone who loves poems and movies with subtitles.
The ending is a complete and utter twist, as RJ Ellory himself stated, he didn't know until the end who was the murderer. This way the story keeps you on tender hooks until the very last page. This is a must read even for those who hate crime novels, because it is so beautifully written and such a moving story I think you, dear readers, will love it.
On a more personal note, with only a few pages left of this book I felt the need to buy another of RJ Ellory. Having learnt from my last experience I didn't read the back, I chose one that I liked the cover of and that was that. I know no matter what, that I will love this new book. I am waiting for the glorious sunshine and maybe a holiday before I start reading it. But feel I must confess something, this book did give me nightmares, which meant I have been reading Meg Cabot's 'Boy' series before sleeping, just to make sure no horrible thoughts wake me up in the middle of the night.
So as you can see all signs were pointing to, NO, you will dislike this book, put it down. Instead I got it out of the library, using their new-fangaled machines and left the building to begin reading on the bus the next day. From the first few pages I kept looking for the scary crime-writer speak, the sign posts that all is not well inside this dwelling, or that the main character is some psycho - but instead it is narrated by a young boy who is sensitive and kind. We get to learn of the horrible occurrences through his own thoughts and fears, we see the way his life changed due to these murders and unless you are an uncaring person you cannot help but feel deeply for him.
I say now that the story is about little girls being raped and killed by an older man, a man they must have trusted. It is a horrific story to tell, but RJ Ellory does it in such an eloquent way I sometimes forgot the subject matter. His prose is pure poetry, I know this because I couldn't help but show it to many people I know who hate crime novels and they loved his writing. Even claiming they would read this book despite the subject matter. A feat for someone who loves poems and movies with subtitles.
The ending is a complete and utter twist, as RJ Ellory himself stated, he didn't know until the end who was the murderer. This way the story keeps you on tender hooks until the very last page. This is a must read even for those who hate crime novels, because it is so beautifully written and such a moving story I think you, dear readers, will love it.
On a more personal note, with only a few pages left of this book I felt the need to buy another of RJ Ellory. Having learnt from my last experience I didn't read the back, I chose one that I liked the cover of and that was that. I know no matter what, that I will love this new book. I am waiting for the glorious sunshine and maybe a holiday before I start reading it. But feel I must confess something, this book did give me nightmares, which meant I have been reading Meg Cabot's 'Boy' series before sleeping, just to make sure no horrible thoughts wake me up in the middle of the night.
The Sign of Seven Trilogy by Nora Roberts
So, I know I'm supposed to be reading very good books that stretch my own reading habits and your thinking: Hmmmm, well this isn't very impressive. I don't even want to read Nora Roberts, neither do I care and I categorically wish she would stop reading them and give us some proper books!
But, this is my blog and not yours so I am allowed to talk about Nora and the trilogy I just read! So there.
Yes, I know it is very childish to behave this way, but I have been a little bit stressed, what with everything going on and the upcoming London Book Fair, that I had to read something to calm me down. However, I was actually quite impressed with this series, it is scary and atmospheric and of course lots of love and happiness is involved too! Sorry.
But I won't take up too much space with this post, only to say if you like romance books and scary stories (do not read if you think this will be a horror story!!!) then give this series a go. It's pretty recent and therefore shows you how Nora is developing as a writer (quite nicely in my opinion). The story is about 3 boys who happen to be born on the same day and on their 10th birthday they climb up to the Pagan's Stone and happen to decide to become blood brothers, this unfortunately unleashes a demon into the world that terrorises their town every seven years, causing havoc, destruction and truly horrific consequences. Good thing these boys are now bullet proof. Well that's the story, it involves some girls as well and all 6 of them have to battle the demon together.
Not for the young or faint of heart, this is a fantastic trilogy.
and now I'm done! Reading R.J. Ellory's A Quiet Belief in Angels now, so never fear a proper review will soon be here!
But, this is my blog and not yours so I am allowed to talk about Nora and the trilogy I just read! So there.
Yes, I know it is very childish to behave this way, but I have been a little bit stressed, what with everything going on and the upcoming London Book Fair, that I had to read something to calm me down. However, I was actually quite impressed with this series, it is scary and atmospheric and of course lots of love and happiness is involved too! Sorry.
But I won't take up too much space with this post, only to say if you like romance books and scary stories (do not read if you think this will be a horror story!!!) then give this series a go. It's pretty recent and therefore shows you how Nora is developing as a writer (quite nicely in my opinion). The story is about 3 boys who happen to be born on the same day and on their 10th birthday they climb up to the Pagan's Stone and happen to decide to become blood brothers, this unfortunately unleashes a demon into the world that terrorises their town every seven years, causing havoc, destruction and truly horrific consequences. Good thing these boys are now bullet proof. Well that's the story, it involves some girls as well and all 6 of them have to battle the demon together.
Not for the young or faint of heart, this is a fantastic trilogy.
and now I'm done! Reading R.J. Ellory's A Quiet Belief in Angels now, so never fear a proper review will soon be here!
The Moving Toyshop by Edmund Crispin
Now, once again I warn you, do not confuse this book with Angela Carter's The Magic Toyshop. This book is a comic crime novel, or a pastiche or a satirical comment on crime novels of the 1930s (as it is set in 1938, though was published, and I guess written, in 1945), etc. Anyway, this book is hilarious, not only is it exciting, rich in interesting and vivid characters, but also very very funny. The image of an Oxford Don and famous British poet racing around Oxford town, chasing a young woman, drinking at all hours, waking up in cupboards, being tied up by thugs and in general acting as if they are James Bond when they aren't. If none of these scenarios appeal to you, then this book probably isn't for you, but if you at all like books and have read a few you might enjoy my favourite part: the literary games. Richard Cadogen (the poet) and Gervase Fen (the Don) play ridiculous games, but I won't ruin it for anyone.
Here is the plot, and I am so sorry to have previously been remiss in stating it:
Cadogen is a poet, he even has a publisher and this is where we first meet our indefatigable hero, talking his publisher into lending him some money (50 pounds!!!!!), so he can go on holiday and have an adventure. Being middle aged and a little tired, Cadogen feels he needs some excitement in his life, so he can be inspired to write more poems. He decides to go to Oxford, his old university city and jumps straight on the train (by the way, I am not ruining the story for you, this all happens in the first chapter!). He has to hitch a ride to the outskirts of Oxford, because of train confusions (nice to know they happened back then too) and ends up walking into Oxford when he spots a Toyshop with the door slightly ajar...
Now I will stop, the rest of the story involves a dead woman and getting knocked unconscious, police stations, running away, a car that backfires, moving shops and the wonderful Fen and Cadogen looking for clues and chasing up leads.
Absolutely brilliant to the last page, this book is a classic. I've also heard P.D. James named it as one of her favourite books too, so I guess I have some good company.
As a little plug, if you do happen to buy the Magic Toyshop instead, never fear that book is absolutely genius, though not terribly funny.
Here is the plot, and I am so sorry to have previously been remiss in stating it:
Cadogen is a poet, he even has a publisher and this is where we first meet our indefatigable hero, talking his publisher into lending him some money (50 pounds!!!!!), so he can go on holiday and have an adventure. Being middle aged and a little tired, Cadogen feels he needs some excitement in his life, so he can be inspired to write more poems. He decides to go to Oxford, his old university city and jumps straight on the train (by the way, I am not ruining the story for you, this all happens in the first chapter!). He has to hitch a ride to the outskirts of Oxford, because of train confusions (nice to know they happened back then too) and ends up walking into Oxford when he spots a Toyshop with the door slightly ajar...
Now I will stop, the rest of the story involves a dead woman and getting knocked unconscious, police stations, running away, a car that backfires, moving shops and the wonderful Fen and Cadogen looking for clues and chasing up leads.
Absolutely brilliant to the last page, this book is a classic. I've also heard P.D. James named it as one of her favourite books too, so I guess I have some good company.
As a little plug, if you do happen to buy the Magic Toyshop instead, never fear that book is absolutely genius, though not terribly funny.
Tender is the Night
Hold on to your hats boys and girls, this book is a wonderful and exciting ride into the difficult and compelling relationship of Nicole and Dick Driver. Not to spoil the story or anything but the book is set into 3 parts, the first shows Dick and Nicole's relationship from outsiders eyes (though we do get to see their inner thoughts and feelings as well), the second goes a bit back in time to explain some of the queries the first part raised and the third is a conclusion of sorts. It is a powerful story and exploration into one of the big questions - is love ever enough. Relationships erode as we all know, but it is this underlying belief that some people have that love is all conquering, all powerful when really it isn't. Outside pressures and the true self (as Dick discovers) is more powerful than love, love is not something constant for the Driver's it is a battle sometimes.
I hope I don't ruin this for anyone, but the story is about Nicole who is schizophrenic and Dick is her doctor, or at least he was for a while and now he has married her, he is her full time carer. When understood in this light it is easy to understand Dick's own feelings and constant need to find amusement, a break from reality as well as his constant need for approval.
Well I'm not explaining this very well but I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in Fitzgerald and his works. It is a fantastic piece of literature that is not pretentious but is honest and true to life's little truths. On finishing this novel I decided however, to take a break from Fitzy boy because one cannot read too many books of this nature, you would begin to loose faith in the human condition. Instead I am now reading a lovely hilarious books called The Moving Toyshop not to be confused with The Magic Toyshop by Angela Carter which is brilliant too, but not quite the same. I shall write about that one when I finish it, but for now good-bye I am off to the races (or well to do something else).
I hope I don't ruin this for anyone, but the story is about Nicole who is schizophrenic and Dick is her doctor, or at least he was for a while and now he has married her, he is her full time carer. When understood in this light it is easy to understand Dick's own feelings and constant need to find amusement, a break from reality as well as his constant need for approval.
Well I'm not explaining this very well but I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in Fitzgerald and his works. It is a fantastic piece of literature that is not pretentious but is honest and true to life's little truths. On finishing this novel I decided however, to take a break from Fitzy boy because one cannot read too many books of this nature, you would begin to loose faith in the human condition. Instead I am now reading a lovely hilarious books called The Moving Toyshop not to be confused with The Magic Toyshop by Angela Carter which is brilliant too, but not quite the same. I shall write about that one when I finish it, but for now good-bye I am off to the races (or well to do something else).
The Great Gastby
So my first Fitzgerald has come and gone, quick read to be honest and a rather heavy one after so many romance novels and easy reading. I liked it a lot though, while I may inherently dislike Daisy (even from the beginning) and her husband (ugh!) I enjoyed the narrators tone and the exploration of characters during a specific setting and time. Gastby himself is a mystery and I felt at the end that his death was a sad coincidence after all he had to deal with and I really wanted to hear more about his life. But that is what great literature can do. It can prolong out interest in a character after his death, after the end of the novel. Still I wonder about him in a haunting way. (if you hadn't noticed I seem to enjoy rather haunting characters and books that stay with you - its a flaw).
It has inspired me to read Tender is the Night (a book I am informed that is loosely based on Fitzgerald's own relationship with Zelda his wife) next. I have a very battered copy of it that has a creepy woman depicted twice as if she is reflected in a mirror or something, however her eyes and face look different in both images. Spooky!!!! I hope it is as good as Great Gastby, as I really enjoyed it.
It has inspired me to read Tender is the Night (a book I am informed that is loosely based on Fitzgerald's own relationship with Zelda his wife) next. I have a very battered copy of it that has a creepy woman depicted twice as if she is reflected in a mirror or something, however her eyes and face look different in both images. Spooky!!!! I hope it is as good as Great Gastby, as I really enjoyed it.
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