55 books update
I'm definitely well overdue for an update here! Below is a list of what I've read since the last update, oldest first:
'Jingo' by Terry Pratchett
What's not to like? It's Terry Pratchett, always a good bet. Based around Commander Vimes and the City Watch (my third favourite set of characters), this time they have to stop a war.
'The Final Problem and Other Stories' by Arthur Conan Doyle
A collection of Sherlock Holmes short stories. I've read a few of these now, and I must say I prefer the TV show and films (I know! Sacrilege!). In the writing, Sherlock comes off as a pompous know-it-all (which yes, I know he is), but Robert Downey Jr and Benedict Cumberbatch seem to be able to temper this and make him likeable anyway - funny, almost. Having said that, this was still likeable enough and its fun trying to work out what the clues might be as you read through.
'The Thread' by Victoria Hislop
Set in Greece during the Second World War, this book follows three women and how their lives change as the world changes around them. It's difficult to describe, but this is one that's worth the hype. Richly described, with well-thought out characters and an interesting plot - what more can you ask for? I was lucky enough to see Victoria Hislop speak at this year's Hay festival, and I would recommend it if you get a chance - she's eloquent, interesting and amusing. The best speaker I saw there this year, hands down.
'Smile or Die: How Positive Thinking fooled America and the World' by Barbara Ehrenreich
I really enjoyed 'Dancing in the Streets' by the same author, so actually bought this full-price at the bookshop (unusual for me anyway, but unheard of with non-fiction). Unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to my expectations. Having said that, there were interesting sections on corporate positive thinking and how and when it all came about - as a reaction to Calvinism, it seems. It was also thought-provoking in that it connected this wave of positive thinking to the subsequent crash of the banks - and yet, people seem to be embracing positive thinking even more. A decent read, but I would have been happy to borrow it.
'The Novel in the Viola' by Natasha Solomons
Set in WW2 again, this time the action follows Elise, a young Jewish girl whose rich Austrian parents pack her off to England to work as a maid in a big house - a place she will be safe. The novel has some interesting comments to make about class - how Elise doesn't fit in anywhere, being upper-class but also a Jewish maid (once she wears her mother's pearls under her uniform). There's also a love interest, as well as the ever present threat of her parents stranded in Austria - antoher good read, I gave it 5 stars.
'Kid' by Simon Armitage
A collection of poetry, including the title poem 'Kid' which is in the words of Robin (of Batman). I like Armitage's style - wordy and quick paced; humourous, but over a whole collection it couldn't really keep me interested. Just not really a poetry person, I guess, although I do keep trying!
'The Dead of Summer' by Camilla Way - three children in London during a heatwave - how things can go so wrong - murder, being one...
'The Woman who Went to Bed for a Year' by Sue Townsend - sounds nice, right? Actually, there are certain things to consider - how do you go to the toilet? (lay a bedsheet on the floor leading to the ensuite, as an 'extension' of the bed). A very quick read, but not as funny as it was billed.
'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats' by T.S. Eliot - now the hit musical Cats, this is the collection of original poems. I actually thought the rhythm was off on a few...
'The Uncommon Reader' by Alan Bennett - the Queen of England discovers reading, and suddenly her other duties don't seem as vital... Funny but pretty short.
'The Talent Code: Greatness isn't Born. It's Grown.' by Daniel Coyle - argues that talent is not inborn, but can be created through 'ignition' and 'deep practice' - it takes around 10,000 hours to make a talent.
'R.S.V.P' by Helen Warner - My first chick-lit in a while (I was drawn in by the pretty cover!). Follows 4 girls around one wedding.
'Witch's Canyon (Supernatural #2)' by Jeff Mariotte - A TV tie in novel - ok, but I won't be seeking out any more, no matter how much I like the show!
Total: 37/55
'Jingo' by Terry Pratchett
What's not to like? It's Terry Pratchett, always a good bet. Based around Commander Vimes and the City Watch (my third favourite set of characters), this time they have to stop a war.
'The Final Problem and Other Stories' by Arthur Conan Doyle
A collection of Sherlock Holmes short stories. I've read a few of these now, and I must say I prefer the TV show and films (I know! Sacrilege!). In the writing, Sherlock comes off as a pompous know-it-all (which yes, I know he is), but Robert Downey Jr and Benedict Cumberbatch seem to be able to temper this and make him likeable anyway - funny, almost. Having said that, this was still likeable enough and its fun trying to work out what the clues might be as you read through.
'The Thread' by Victoria Hislop
Set in Greece during the Second World War, this book follows three women and how their lives change as the world changes around them. It's difficult to describe, but this is one that's worth the hype. Richly described, with well-thought out characters and an interesting plot - what more can you ask for? I was lucky enough to see Victoria Hislop speak at this year's Hay festival, and I would recommend it if you get a chance - she's eloquent, interesting and amusing. The best speaker I saw there this year, hands down.
'Smile or Die: How Positive Thinking fooled America and the World' by Barbara Ehrenreich
I really enjoyed 'Dancing in the Streets' by the same author, so actually bought this full-price at the bookshop (unusual for me anyway, but unheard of with non-fiction). Unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to my expectations. Having said that, there were interesting sections on corporate positive thinking and how and when it all came about - as a reaction to Calvinism, it seems. It was also thought-provoking in that it connected this wave of positive thinking to the subsequent crash of the banks - and yet, people seem to be embracing positive thinking even more. A decent read, but I would have been happy to borrow it.
'The Novel in the Viola' by Natasha Solomons
Set in WW2 again, this time the action follows Elise, a young Jewish girl whose rich Austrian parents pack her off to England to work as a maid in a big house - a place she will be safe. The novel has some interesting comments to make about class - how Elise doesn't fit in anywhere, being upper-class but also a Jewish maid (once she wears her mother's pearls under her uniform). There's also a love interest, as well as the ever present threat of her parents stranded in Austria - antoher good read, I gave it 5 stars.
'Kid' by Simon Armitage
A collection of poetry, including the title poem 'Kid' which is in the words of Robin (of Batman). I like Armitage's style - wordy and quick paced; humourous, but over a whole collection it couldn't really keep me interested. Just not really a poetry person, I guess, although I do keep trying!
'The Dead of Summer' by Camilla Way - three children in London during a heatwave - how things can go so wrong - murder, being one...
'The Woman who Went to Bed for a Year' by Sue Townsend - sounds nice, right? Actually, there are certain things to consider - how do you go to the toilet? (lay a bedsheet on the floor leading to the ensuite, as an 'extension' of the bed). A very quick read, but not as funny as it was billed.
'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats' by T.S. Eliot - now the hit musical Cats, this is the collection of original poems. I actually thought the rhythm was off on a few...
'The Uncommon Reader' by Alan Bennett - the Queen of England discovers reading, and suddenly her other duties don't seem as vital... Funny but pretty short.
'The Talent Code: Greatness isn't Born. It's Grown.' by Daniel Coyle - argues that talent is not inborn, but can be created through 'ignition' and 'deep practice' - it takes around 10,000 hours to make a talent.
'R.S.V.P' by Helen Warner - My first chick-lit in a while (I was drawn in by the pretty cover!). Follows 4 girls around one wedding.
'Witch's Canyon (Supernatural #2)' by Jeff Mariotte - A TV tie in novel - ok, but I won't be seeking out any more, no matter how much I like the show!
Total: 37/55