Book recommendations

[dinahsmum]

As we are totally incapable of getting it together to do the cyber book club thing :roll: (did someone say it's like trying to herd cats?), I thought that an alternative might be to just have a thread where we comment on recent reads and put recommendations (or the alternative) for other members.

So, my holiday reads (I'm going to cheat and put the Amazon link to the description of the books, with added personal comments from me)

Narrow Dog to Carcassone
Link (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Narrow-Dog-Carcassonne-Terry-Darlington/dp/0553816691/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1247124618&sr=1-1) This book was in the 'library' at the holiday apartment. I had heard of it before and been recommended to read it. I loved the very dry, very English, writing style, the story/adventure told, the French link and the star of the book - Jim the Whippet.

Guernica
Link (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Guernica-Dave-Boling/dp/0330460668/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1247124796&sr=1-1)
Set in the Spanish Civil War and WW2 and in Basque Spain (which we passed through, hence my interest). It has been compared to Captain Corelli's Mandolin and there are similarities, though I think Bolling's style is a little easier than de Bernieres'. There are some tough passages, as you would expect, the loss of characters one had grown fond of, and maybe a little too much 'saccharine'. However, it was a reasonable read and kept me hooked till the end

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Link (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Guernsey-Literary-Potato-Peel-Society/dp/0747596689/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1247125116&sr=1-1)
I loved this one (how could you not love a book with a title like that?). Based on Guernsey during the Nazi occupation it is a charming and cleverly written book, with a story told totally in 'letters' - there is no narrative or conversation.

The Overlook
Link (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Overlook-Michael-Connelly/dp/0752882732/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1247125349&sr=1-1)
I hadn't come across this author before, though he is obviously a well known and well regarded crime author. This story is not thought to be his best but I enjoyed it - it's fast moving (the whole book only covers a few days) and the characters seem plausible. There is a story twist which completely fooled me, though maybe I would have expected it had I known Connely's work.

The Unbearable Lightness of Scones
Link (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Unbearable-Lightness-Scones-Scotland-Street/dp/0349121141/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1247125608&sr=1-1)
I'm not sure about this one. Liked the Edinburgh-ness, and enjoyed some of the eccentric characters and situations but I'm not sure that the whole thing hung together terribly well. I may read it again to make my mind up about it and see if I will look at the other 44 Scotland Street novels.

Angels and Demons
Link (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Angels-Demons-Dan-Brown/dp/0552150738/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1247125750&sr=1-1%5BB)
Mr DM says Don't Go There - Life's too short! He did get to the end but spent most of his reading time snorting in derision. The book is left in the apartment, so I won't get the opportunity to waste any of my time on it. I didn't mind The Da Vinci Code, as a holiday read, but apparently the follow up has no merit at all; no lieterary merit and a totally ludicrous story.

[Kazz]

DM you first sentence made me laugh outloud...yet honest...take up writing yourself. :)
Anyhow I can't get as technical as you with the links however can give the title a brief outline and if I enjoyed it or not.
My holiday (Cornwall and Somerset as well as Spain) were
1. Under the Paw (Tom Cox)
Confessions of a Cat Man, I thought being a cat person I would enjoy this but it was hard work to get through and not my cup of tea at all I think I was expecting something like "the cat that came from Christas" sort of thing which this is not...although a friend has since read it and enjoyed it so each to their own.
2. The Lady Elizabeth (Alison Weir)
An historicaly based book on Elizabeth I before she became Queen thoroughly readable and enjoyable so much so I intend to buy the other books by this author and read this week. If you like historical based books this is for you with the element of writers imagination thrown in.
3.Moab Is My Washpot (Stephen Fry)
I like Stephen Fry and thought his autobiography first 20 years would be a good read but I just could not wade my way through....although parts captured me I could not make myself want to get to the end...one of the few books I have left in the middle maybe its my fault...and I will be able to return I hope so as I was looking forward to the book.
4. Full Hearts & Empty Bellies (Winifred Foley)
A 1920's childhood fom the Forest of Dean to the streets of London. I enjoyed this a book showing the rise of a young girl from poverty in an almost vanished world a miners daughter. Who went into service and her story...enjoyable read.
5. Spilling the Beans (Clarissa Dickson Wright)
Simply the autobiography of the above mentioned author. The woman has led a "life and half already" daughter to an Australian heiress and a brilliant surgeon who was sadly also a tyrannical and violent drunk. She was called to the bar at 21....no mean feat, the youngest woman to do so. When her mother died she drank and partied away her enormous inheritance. Which brought her to cookery and Television. A very very good read and one I would say read even f like me all you knew of her was she was one of the two fat ladies.


IF ANYONE WANTS ANY OF THE ABOVE HAPPY TO POST OUT....I NEVER READ A BOOK TWICE.

[angieh]

Just have to say about Angels and Demons - if you read it as a horror story, IMO it is scary and fast moving. Leave out the anti-matter stuff and the plot is OK. The RC church obviously thought people would swallow it complete and that's why they got their ecclesiastical knickers in a twist!

A Wild Sheep Chase - Haruki Murakami
Link (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wild-Sheep-Chase-Haruki-Murakami/dp/0099448777/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1247136305&sr=1-1)

Just about to finish this - and have so far enjoyed it. Not sure how it's going to end. The most interesting part to me is that I have never read anything by a Japanese author before and IMO there is a difference in perception which is very interesting. Whether that is general or not, I don't know, but Murakami is very well thought of as "Franz Kafka's successor" and there certainly is something a couple of degrees off centre in this entertaining book. I have recommended it to Calismum a couple of times!

[Kazz]

DM You have captured my imagination with your book The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society...let you know what I think...when I've read it.

[dandysmom]

I was thinking of doing this also DM, as the Book Club seems to be dead in the water now; glad you started the thread. I'll list a few of my recent reads after lunch ......

[calismum]

I was thinking of doing this also DM, as the Book Club seems to be dead in the water now; glad you started the thread. I'll list a few of my recent reads after lunch ......

I agree - this might work and encourage a few more people to participate and recommend

DM You have captured my imagination with your book The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society...let you know what I think...when I've read it.

Me too - the title is intruiging.

Just have to say about Angels and Demons - if you read it as a horror story, IMO it is scary and fast moving. Leave out the anti-matter stuff and the plot is OK. The RC church obviously thought people would swallow it complete and that's why they got their ecclesiastical knickers in a twist!

A Wild Sheep Chase - Haruki Murakami
Link (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wild-Sheep-Chase-Haruki-Murakami/dp/0099448777/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1247136305&sr=1-1)

Just about to finish this - and have so far enjoyed it. Not sure how it's going to end. The most interesting part to me is that I have never read anything by a Japanese author before and IMO there is a difference in perception which is very interesting. Whether that is general or not, I don't know, but Murakami is very well thought of as "Franz Kafka's successor" and there certainly is something a couple of degrees off centre in this entertaining book. I have recommended it to Calismum a couple of times!

......and she is going to read it at some point. Read a few reviews and it sounds like I may enjoy it.



I'll add to this thread later with some that I have got through recently.

[dandysmom]

Recent reads:

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane

A graduate history student staying in her long closed family home over the Summer while she's trying to decide on a dissertation theme becomes involved in looking for a book...flashbacks between the Salem witch trials in 1631 and the present. Interesting characters, good read, alhough the presence of actual witchcraft at the conclusion was a bit off-putting . When reading fantasy or sci-fi I expect something like that, but slightly startling in a regular novel. ***

The Pact - Jodi Picault

I know, potboiler chick lit, but a good Summer beach read. Take one middle class family or single parent, throw in a horrendous medical/ethical/moral situation, shake well and serve! This one is about a teenage suicide pact ....or is it? The courtroom scenes were excellent. Didn't like the ending. **

Medusa - Clive Cussler

He, with his associates, really writes the same book over and over also. An upcoming deadly threat to the US or the world; only the brilliant minds at NUMA can save us! This time it's an ancient virus, the Chinese are the villians, and the usual swashbuckling derring-do above and below the sea! That said, an enjoyable read, passed the time. **

Year of Wonder - Gealdine Brooks

Give this one 4 stars! A fictional retelling of a true story: a small mining village in 1666, the year of the Plague. The inhabitants voluntarily closed themselves off from the outside world when the plague struck. It's told from the viewpoint of a young widow overeducated for her social class who works for the Vicar. It can be a bit graphic in spots of you're squeamish, but a very well written story of what can happen to people's faith, relationships and the social order in such circumstances.

[angieh]

Just finished A Wild Sheep Chase as mentioned previously. A satisfactory ending, although not satisfying - bit of a did he/didn't he????

Now about to start The Lollipop Shoes by Joanne Harris. I am a fan of her books, this one had mixed reviews. I'll let you know.

[angieh]

The Lollipop Shoes by Joanne Harris
A two day book this one. Got me over a sickly weekend, and I did enjoy it. "Chocolat" it isn't as it doesn't have the several strong plot elements - there really is only one. It was scary by implication that never came to fruition really but I did hope that the character who turned out to be evil would be redeemed as she was painted interestingly. There was almost a sort of "catholicism" to her - she was bad and interesting but had to be unmasked ...... no end though, so she may come back in a later book. I felt the Mexican Pantheon sat uneasily ...........

Have to say that I have tried one of Vianne's charms and it has worked every time I have used it!!!

I may now finally move on to Suite Francaise!

[dinahsmum]

Was Chocolat her first book? I loved it - thought that is had quite a bit of depth, as well as being a supremely easy read (hated the film, btw, but that's nothing new)
Since that I've read the beachy book, whose title I can't remember, and Blackberry Wine, both of which I found unsatisfying and twee.
Did I tell you I mer Joanne Harris - she seemed very nice.

I see the buses are carrying adverts for the film of The Time Traveler's Wife, which opens here on 14 August. I can't see that being a successful film.

[yola]

Oh dear. TTW out as a film? I can't see how on earth that will transfer to film and if done by Hollywood will probably be interpreted crassly. I shall wait to see the reviews.

I LOVE reading these threads but am not really in a position to comment as I just haven't got reading time. I liked Johanna Harris' Blackberry Wine and Chocolat however her Five Quarters of the Orange is a truly superb and haunting book which we have and I've re-read several times.

I have just started reading 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being' by Milan Kundera. I saw the film many years ago with Daniel Day Lewis and it was such a touching, yet troubled love story . . . quite raunchy in places too as I remember. However from what I can see so far, the book delves much more deeply into the philosophy of opposites and contradictions that are suggested during the film.

I shall take this and Suite Francaise to Italy with me and maybe pick up some fluffy chick lit at the airport. Any recommendations for a feel-good girlie read anyone??

[angieh]

I too liked Blackberry Wine - I loved the idea of the old man and his packets of rare seeds and the talking bottles! Also liked Five Quarters which was totally different. Did not like Holy Fools and haven't read Coastliners. I think her first book was Sleep, Pale Sister. Lucky you to have met her, DM.

Yola - not sure I'd call it chick lit, but I loved Miss Garnet's Angel by Salley Vickers (whom I have met!)

[yola]

Oh you celebrity hobnobbing pair you LOL :lol:

Angie, that looks like a reflective book which might just fit the mood of my hols . . . thanks :)

[dandysmom]

I cannot imagine TTW as a film!

Recent reads:

The Color of Magic - Terry Pratchett

Very funny! If you enjoy fantasy, especially sword and sorcery, do read this hysterical spoof of the genre, It had me ROTFL in some scenes, particularly Hrun the Barbarian's description of his job as a Hero! ***

Shanghai Girls - Lisa See

A serious book, two sisters in China at the time of the Japanese invasion in 1935 are forced into arranged marriages. Their struggles t escape the invasion and get to San Francisco are horrendous and a bit graphic. And their consequent lives in Gold Mountain (The US) taught me a lot I never knew about the Chinese Exclusion Act and the open blatant prejudice that was rife at the time. A bit embarrassing to this American. The interactions between the characters are well writen; must say I did not like the ending. ***


Yola: chick lit? The latest Jodi Picault?

[calismum]

Recent reads:

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane

A graduate history student staying in her long closed family home over the Summer while she's trying to decide on a dissertation theme becomes involved in looking for a book...flashbacks between the Salem witch trials in 1631 and the present. Interesting characters, good read, alhough the presence of actual witchcraft at the conclusion was a bit off-putting . When reading fantasy or sci-fi I expect something like that, but slightly startling in a regular novel. ***

The Pact - Jodi Picault

I know, potboiler chick lit, but a good Summer beach read. Take one middle class family or single parent, throw in a horrendous medical/ethical/moral situation, shake well and serve! This one is about a teenage suicide pact ....or is it? The courtroom scenes were excellent. Didn't like the ending. **

Medusa - Clive Cussler

He, with his associates, really writes the same book over and over also. An upcoming deadly threat to the US or the world; only the brilliant minds at NUMA can save us! This time it's an ancient virus, the Chinese are the villians, and the usual swashbuckling derring-do above and below the sea! That said, an enjoyable read, passed the time. **

Year of Wonder - Gealdine Brooks

Give this one 4 stars! A fictional retelling of a true story: a small mining village in 1666, the year of the Plague. The inhabitants voluntarily closed themselves off from the outside world when the plague struck. It's told from the viewpoint of a young widow overeducated for her social class who works for the Vicar. It can be a bit graphic in spots of you're squeamish, but a very well written story of what can happen to people's faith, relationships and the social order in such circumstances.

Have to agree - great book

[angieh]

I cannot imagine TTW as a film!

Recent reads:

The Color of Magic - Terry Pratchett

Very funny! If you enjoy fantasy, especially sword and sorcery, do read this hysterical spoof of the genre, It had me ROTFL in some scenes, particularly Hrun the Barbarian's description of his job as a Hero! ***

I love Terry Pratchett's books. Have only actually read a couple - though listened to several on the radio. Always have me in stitches. I must read some more! Thanks for reminding me Eileen - always a good read to bring on the laughter.

[dandysmom]

Onekidney, who doesn't post much, recommended this author ...I've read the one about the gang of cats (name escapes me), very funny; and The Color of Magic. apparently he's not as popular here in the States, unfortunately, as the library doesn't have many titles. Will give Amazon a look-see for cheap used copies.

[angieh]

I don't know why TP isn't more popular in USA - he has written a huge number of books - there is a bibliography on this site (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/p/terry-pratchett/) that will amaze you!

[dandysmom]

You may know this, but there is a new Kathy Reichs out, "206 Bones". Just got it at the library this morning. Is anyone going to read Dan Brown's latest? It's set here in my home town.

[alexgirl73]

Didn't know there was a new Kathy Reichs out :D Thanks DM, and I'll probably get round to reading Dan Browns new one at some point lol.

I have just finished reading 'The five people you meet in Heaven' by Mitch Albom. Quite a simple book but I found it a very good read. My 12 year old is now reading it lol, after I got her hooked on 'adult' books by giving her 'The Lovely Bones' to read and 'The curious incident of the dog in the night time' by Mark Haddon (which incidentally has become a favourite of mine, written in a very different way from the norm).

[angieh]

I have still got a backlog of Kathy Reichs to read, luckily, but will add her new one - thanks Eileen!

I shall definitely be reading the new Dan Brown - I really like the pace of his books - a bit like 24 on the TV.

I have also got Margaret Atwood's (http://margaretatwood.ca/) newey The Year of the Flood on my must read list .............. busy, busy - one good thing about the winter months.

[dandysmom]

Oh, thanks for the info on Atwood; didn't know there was one out. I enjoy her, will check the library and put on hold if they have it.

[EmmaG]

I am reading books by Jeffrey Deaver at the moment - I just love his books!! and also Peter James - another of my favs.

[dandysmom]

I enjoy Deaver also; not familiar with Peter James but will look him out, thanks! Don't suppose he's P.D. James :mrgreen: , whom I love.

[EmmaG]

Hi Eileen, no not P D James, but if you like Deaver I am sure you will like Peter James

[calismum]

Just finished Karin Slaughter - fractured - really enjoyed. Murder who dunnit type book but kept me reading for a good while before I guessed who it might be.

Halfway through Kathy Reichs - Devil Bones, must look out for the nextone.

[dandysmom]

Library doesn't have the new Atwood yet; have put in a request for order. Got a Peter James on hold now. "Fractured" was good, IMO.

[dandysmom]

Thanks for the Peter James recommendation! Just finished his "Host"; excellent; have two more of his on hold now, "Possession" and "Twilight". I really do enjoy finding a previously unknown author that I like. Also the new Atwood is finally in the library system, I'm 12th on the hold list, so will be a while for that one. But not as long as for Dan Brown...I was 102nd on the waiting list, but have moved up to 44th now! :mrgreen:

[dandysmom]

Two new authors I've recently found and enjoy:Peter James and Ariana Franklin. The latter has a very good series about a female physician (very rare in those days) in England at the time of Henry II; she's sort of a medieval detective/forensic specialist. If you like the Brother Cadfael books think you'll like these. The Serpent's Tale is the one I'm currently reading. Well written and a lot of fascinating detail about life in those days.

[EmmaG]

I am reading a Karen Rose book at the moment, last one I read was very good.

[dandysmom]

Library countdown on the new Dan Brown: I'm third on the waiting list, may have it with luck by next weekend! Only sixth on the Atwood ....

[dandysmom]

Loved them both! I think maybe I liked The Lost Symbol more than the Da Vinci Code possibly because it was set right here in my home town. A page turner.

Have a new one by another favorite author, Susan Hill: The Vows of Silence. She does a psychological suspense/crime series featuring Inspector Serrallier in an English cathedral town .... well written. Give her a look if you haven't read any of hers.

[angieh]

Glad you liked both Brown and Atwood Eileen! Still on my "must read" list .................. never enough time in the day!

[dandysmom]

Lol, one of the advantages of dial-up: I always keep a book or magazine next to the computer to read when pages are slow loading, especially lots of pics!

[dandysmom]

Any Terry Pratchett fans out there? Splitting my sides laughing at his latest, Unseen Academicals.

[angieh]

I have just finished The Lost Symbol and found it quite upbeat ...... did you find that Eileen? I had quite a job separating fact and fiction, especially in relation to the DC buildings because I don't know any of them!

I'm now reading The Year of the Flood (had both books for Christmas). Can't call it post-apocalypse now as I learned that "apocalypse" actually means unveiled or revealed rather than the chaos and disaster it is usually meant to mean. I'll let you know what I feel about it when I've finished.

Terry Pratchett is next on the list - I do love his humour.

[Shelley123]

Has anyone read any of Derek Longdens books. I have read all of them and find them very funny, funny enough to make me laugh out loud much to my husbands annoyance.
They are about his life and family and always feature Cats prominently.
Sometimes the subject matter is very sad like in Lost for words which is about his mum who becomes senile, yet the book is actualy hilarious and you realy get a sense of his mums larger than life personality. Other books include, Dianas' story, Paws in the proceedings, Enough to make a Cat laugh, I'm a stranger here my self, The Cat who came in from the cold.
Amazon is a good source as they can sometimes be difficult to find in book shops. Also the prices are pretty good

[dandysmom]

Thanks for that tip, Shelley, I'll check my library. They sound good.

[EmmaG]

Reading Stephen Kings - The Stand - very large book and a very good read so far.

Ordered 5 more books from Amazon this week as I am running out of books to read.

Looking Good Dead" - Peter James
Under the Dome - Stephen King - New release
Shadowfires - Dean Koontz
Count to Ten - Karen Rose
You Can't hide - Karen Rose

[EmmaG]

Angie - Last book I read was the Lost Symbol - really enjoyed it.

[dandysmom]

I loved The Stand! Also The Lost Symbol, will look at the library for the new James.

[lizziejayne66]

i love all books by james patterson and dick francis

[Shelley123]

I like James Patterson, also Robin Cook and Richard Layman