I just haven't been in the mood for reading much lately. I think it is just the state of my personal life: too busy - not a problem. I tend to go to bed too late to read. Also, I have been doing much less business travel, which was always good reading time.
I'll get back to it ...
5 Aug 2007
My Sister's Keeper - by Jodi Picoult
The concept of this book was intriguing: A family has a child with a form of leukaemia. They have another child, genetically selected to be a good donor match to her sister. The story centers around the younger sister's rebellion against her role.
The story is written in an interesting way - each chapter from a different person's perspective - which I liked. For me, perhaps it was the wrong time to read this book. The subject matter is still rather "close to home".
The story has a twist at the end that you don't see coming.
The story is written in an interesting way - each chapter from a different person's perspective - which I liked. For me, perhaps it was the wrong time to read this book. The subject matter is still rather "close to home".
The story has a twist at the end that you don't see coming.
11 May 2007
What I'm reading ...
I have started What a Carve Up! by Jonathan Coe.
Another belated Bookclub selection. A complex story, with lots of characters and time streams, which keeps me on my toes.
Another belated Bookclub selection. A complex story, with lots of characters and time streams, which keeps me on my toes.
The Mermaids Singing - by Val McDermid
Another rather belated Bookclub selection.
This is a thriller, which keeps you guessing. A serial killer is at work and everyone seems to be baffled. I did figure "who done it" well before the end, but the story is none the less gripping.
This is a thriller, which keeps you guessing. A serial killer is at work and everyone seems to be baffled. I did figure "who done it" well before the end, but the story is none the less gripping.
Never Have Your Dog Stuffed - by Alan Alda
I often think that well written autobiography is my favourite reading matter. Alan Alda has been in my life since I was in my early teens, so to hear his story just makes sense. It's not a trivial story, even though there are some funny moments - he had his breaks, but also his set-backs, the last of which gave him a new perspective on life. We can all do with that.
4 Mar 2007
The Corrections - by Jonathan Franzen
This was January's Bookclub selection - I am still very behind.
At first, I was daunted by this book, being over 650 pages - quite a tome. But, once I got started, I found it quite easy to read.
The story is about a family - an elderly couple and their three grown up children. It is really a study of how their original family life was somewhat dysfunctional and the way that this had knock-on effects. There are numerous interleaving stories, some of which are looked at from the multiple viewpoints of the various characters. This sounds confusing, but it wasn't. The style kept me turning the pages. Although basically a serious book, it is not without its comic moments and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
At first, I was daunted by this book, being over 650 pages - quite a tome. But, once I got started, I found it quite easy to read.
The story is about a family - an elderly couple and their three grown up children. It is really a study of how their original family life was somewhat dysfunctional and the way that this had knock-on effects. There are numerous interleaving stories, some of which are looked at from the multiple viewpoints of the various characters. This sounds confusing, but it wasn't. The style kept me turning the pages. Although basically a serious book, it is not without its comic moments and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
24 Jan 2007
The Book of General Ignorance - by John Lloyd & John Mitchinson
I bought this book as I enjoy the "QI" TV programme.
It is a collection of little known facts, with many examples of misconceptions that it puts right. It is mostly just fun, with possible conversation pieces, but a few things actually sound useful.
It was an easy read that I completed during an airplane flight.
It is a collection of little known facts, with many examples of misconceptions that it puts right. It is mostly just fun, with possible conversation pieces, but a few things actually sound useful.
It was an easy read that I completed during an airplane flight.
Miss Garnet's Angel - by Salley Vickers
This was a recent Bookclub selection - I have got very behind with these.
The story is about Julia Garnet, who has retired and after the death of her companion set off to spend an extended holiday in Venice. What she gets there is, in effect, a new life. There is no complex story line or subtexts [unless I completely missed them!]. But there is lots of description of the places and the people and references to history - in particular the history of a picture that she becomes attached to.
Overall it was an enjoyable and not too taxing read.
The story is about Julia Garnet, who has retired and after the death of her companion set off to spend an extended holiday in Venice. What she gets there is, in effect, a new life. There is no complex story line or subtexts [unless I completely missed them!]. But there is lots of description of the places and the people and references to history - in particular the history of a picture that she becomes attached to.
Overall it was an enjoyable and not too taxing read.
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