Lib
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Reged: 07/04/2007
Posts: 228
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The Diana Chronicles by Tina Brown (published by Century)
This book is unputdownable! Not only is it a gripping account of the life and death of a modern icon, it's also a social commentary and a psychological examination of a beautiful but flawed princess. Diana has entered into a Faustian pact with the media which she cannot break. Charles, who turned away from his wife in life, fights his corner for her after her death. These two unhappy people can only be together when apart. This modern Greek tragedy, beautifully written by someone who knew Diana personally, gives us a fascinating insight into the aristocracy in our media-driven world.
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Foxie
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Reged: 09/08/2007
Posts: 7980
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The City Lawyer by John Grisham
Michael Brock thought he had everything required for a perfect life - an upward career in a law firm with a five figure salary, a wife with a fast track medical career, a luxurious apartment in the 'right' part of the city and his and hers sports cars until one fateful morning. Michael and eight work colleagues are held hostage by a homeless man who is eventually shot dead by police marksman. Unravelling the reasons why he was taken hostage leads Michael to re-evaluate his life in his quest to achieve justice for the dead man.
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I've learnt that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Maya Angelou.
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Helen_Holmes
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Reged: 17/08/2007
Posts: 3
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The Tenderness of Wolves, by Stef Penney
Don’t miss this breathtakingly beautiful novel, set in Canada in 1867, and combining elements of murder mystery, psychological thriller and historical narrative. A mother sets off on an epic journey into snowy wastes to find her 17-year-old son, who is suspected of a brutal murder. On the way, she bumps up against others' lives, and eventually discovers herself through the redemptive power of love. The labyrinthine threads of the story are inextricably intertwined around a complex cast and the dialogue is gritty and realistic. The descriptive language is poetic, and conjures up the icy landscape so evocatively that your own bones ache!
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paulagalvin
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Reged: 20/07/2007
Posts: 170
Loc: leixlip
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Yes ,I loved this book too,I think it is her best yet,very fluid and movingly written.Am looking forward to her next already,have also submitted a review.Happy reading... 
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paulagalvin
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Reged: 20/07/2007
Posts: 170
Loc: leixlip
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Although I thoroughly enjoyed this book,there was something irritating about the tone,something vaguely do-gooderish about it.It ticked all the right boxes,the wife trying to "find herself",the well-meaning but misunderstood husband,the hard-working Al and Caroline and Caroline`s struggle to bring up Phoebe,the rebbellious son etc.
It seemed to me as if the author had done a lot of creative writing courses,learned what you need to include in a book,to make it appeal to women of a certain age and then went for it.Does anyone else feel that about it?
Having said that,it is very skilfully written but appears to lack passion.
Someone once said to me that when you say a book is not good...what you are really saying is "I could do better"
and I am certainly not saying that...it is just my observation,whatdyathink? 
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paulagalvin
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Reged: 20/07/2007
Posts: 170
Loc: leixlip
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If you liked this you will love "The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox" by Maggie O`Farrell.Cannot recommend it highly enough....brilliant!!!
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Sealover
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Reged: 31/08/2006
Posts: 1271
Loc: Devon
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Paula, I do agree with you about "The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox". It is a truly remarkable book. I don't often read books more than once, but I have already read this one twice and enjoyed it just as much the second time and will probably read it again and again. Oh how I wish I could write like her!
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paulagalvin
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Reged: 20/07/2007
Posts: 170
Loc: leixlip
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So do I!!!!!!!!!!!She writes so smoothly and seemingly effortlessly.Who else would you rate up there with her?
I am always trying to "discover" new authors-I tend to fixate on one,read all of hers(because I tend to read women authors,no particular reason or prejudice,just seems to work that way...
Happy reading!!And with the weather here in Ireland all grey and gloomy,there is nothing better than curling up with a good book under the duvet!!!!!!!
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Sealover
member
Reged: 31/08/2006
Posts: 1271
Loc: Devon
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I've only got one more Maggie O'Farrell book left to read now, so I'm torturing myself by saving it in the hope that she'll get a move on a write another one soon!
I also like Anne Tyler and I see that you have read some of hers, too, Paula. Have also read one Jodi Picoult, which I enjoyed, and have another to read. She may become a favourite. I've almost finished Half of a Yellow Sun, but won't comment on that as I see it's the Eyes Down book and don't want to spoil it for those still reading it.
Also enjoy Sebastian Faulkes, especially Human Traces and have Birdsong to read. And Marian Keyes always has me giggling, which can't be bad on a dreary day! I particularly like Rachel's Holiday.
But my all time favourite author (well, at the moment at least!) is Ian McEwan. I think his style is just perfection, his stories are intelligent and believable and I swear that I've met some of his characters! I loved Saturday and Atonement in particular and see that the latter has been made into a film. Not sure if I'll go to see it as I'll be very, very cross if they've got it wrong!
Would love to know what others think of my favourites and also any recommendations - I've only got 25 books left to read in my own personal library and couldn't bear to run out!
Paula, I've seen your other message about prioritising and leaving the housework - couldn't agree more! Weather here in the southwest has been wet and miserable today, so I've had a "duvet day" - the dust will still be there tomorrow!
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paulagalvin
member
Reged: 20/07/2007
Posts: 170
Loc: leixlip
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oh what a joy!!a woman after my own heart...i am amazed at the number of messages I post and people do not even bother to respond,i just think it is rude,rude,rude!!!!!!!!!!!Rant over(for now)
Yes,Sebastian Faulks is a dream..have you read "Human Traces"..truly marvellous.
What about Niall Williams? Books that are almost transcendent,spiritually uplifting.."As It Is In Heaven" and "Four Letters of Love"
Marian Keyes I have never read but hear great things and on the subject of Irish authors,try Anne Enright and Aidan Higgins.
After three layers of dust,no more will settle!!!!!!!!!!! 
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Sealover
member
Reged: 31/08/2006
Posts: 1271
Loc: Devon
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And I see we are both night owls as well, Paula!
Human Traces was marvellous. Don't know Niall Williams, but will put on my wish list - which gets longer every day! Will also try the two Irish authors, too and let you know what I think. You see, that's my problem - someone mentions a new book and I'm off to get it! It's as if I think that the bookshops will run out if I don't get it NOW!
Well, I suppose I'd better get some sleep - but I'll have to have a little read first! Night night!
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jantrigano
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Reged: 05/08/2007
Posts: 340
Loc: Scottish Highlands
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Hi Paula and Sealover - wow you really are both night owls , aren't you ? Loved your suggestions re books and authors and you have certainly given me a few different ones to think about. I love Joanne Harris, and although not very fashionable now, I still enjoy Agatha Christie for a bit of old fashioned charm - just love Poirot and Miss Marple ! I also have really enjoyed Alexander Mccall Smiths series of 44 Scotland Street, Espresso Tales etc - not so keen on the Ladies Detective stories. Hope you are tucked up in bed now. Byeeee - Jan
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Sealover
member
Reged: 31/08/2006
Posts: 1271
Loc: Devon
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Hi Jantrigano - I suspect that Paula is like me in that she feels its a waste of good reading time to go to sleep! Glad you liked the suggestions. Do let us know if you try any and whether you love 'em or loathe 'em! I haven't read any Joanne Harris yet, but she is on my Wish List. I've read a few of the Ladies Detective stories and rather liked them, especially if the book I've read just before was a bit manic! They are so gentle and really nothing happens, so I just let the nice words roll over me and pretend I'm in the Botswana sunshine instead of the Torbay rain! I will have a go at some of AMS's other books, though. Agatha Christie, I must admit, has never been up my street. However, having said that I have stayed in the hotel in Aswan on the banks of the Nile where she apparently got her inspiration for Death on the Nile. Lovely hotel and a stunning spot. I've also enrolled for an Agatha Christie murder/mystery creative writing event which the local adult education college is putting on in September as part of AC week (she lived round here so she's quite a local heroine!). The idea is that we have a sort of writing workshop on the Tuesday, discussing ideas and how to write murder/mystery short stories. Then we go home and write a story which we read to the group on the Friday evening, over a glass of wine. Should be fun!
So, as you can see, if I'm not reading a book, I'm trying to write one! I just love words! Nothing published yet, but I have high hopes!
Perhaps I'll just slope off and have a little read now!
Bye for now.
Steph (aka Sealover)
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jayra
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Reged: 20/05/2007
Posts: 198
Loc: Scotland
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Hi book lovers! I love reading too but I'm not a night owl - as I work full time and up at 6.30 every morning,I save my reading for bed but I'm a bath at 9 girl and in bed by 9.30, hoping to get an hour to hour and a half to read before dropping off! Otherwise it's holidays.
I really enjoy reading books by Anne Tyler, Margaret Atwood, Anita Shreve (most of them), Rosie Thomas (try 'Iris and Ruby'- a lovely, well written novel), Jodie Picoult (easy reading but, often a surprising twist at the end)- to name but a few.
John Grisham, Patricia Cornwell, Lionel Shriver and (when looking for something more gruesome)James Patterson can also 'float my boat'!
'The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini was a wonderful recent read, also 'The Time Traveller's Wife' by Audrey Niffeneger - you either love or hate it.
Presently reading the Book Club choice - ' Half of a Yellow Sun' and looking forward to starting the Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards.
Happy Reading - I'll think about you as I nod off tonight. 
Jenni x
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Sealover
member
Reged: 31/08/2006
Posts: 1271
Loc: Devon
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Hope you're having a lovely sleep, Jenni! OK, so now I have to add Iris & Ruby and the Memory Keeper's Daughter to my wish list! I can't for some reason, get on with Margaret Atwood. Tried three of her books and none of them did it for me, although everyone tells me how great she is. I do agree that The Kite Runner is a great read. It's a really haunting story and difficult to get out of your brain, isn't it? John Grisham I like sometimes - loved A Painted House and if all else fails I just dribble over his photo! If you like a bit of gruesome, I wonder if you've tried Nicci French or Tess Gerritsen? Both are full of enough blood and gore to keep you awake at night!
Sweet dreams!
Steph
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jayra
member
Reged: 20/05/2007
Posts: 198
Loc: Scotland
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I forgot - I also enjoy Nicci French - Killing Me Softly (such a clever title) was unputdownable; if there's not such a word, there ought to be!
Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood was my favourite of hers and one of my very favourite books but I agree, some are hard and I haven't enjoyed all of her books - found The Blind Assassin impossible to follow, comprehend or like, despite persevering.
I'll look out for Tess Gerritsen.
Happy Reading, Jenni x
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Sealover
member
Reged: 31/08/2006
Posts: 1271
Loc: Devon
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Quite agree, Jenni, Killing Me Softly is great! I've tried Alias Grace, The Robber Bride and Oryx & Crake by Margaret Atwood - all highly recommended by three different people. The Robber Bride I just managed to get through, gave up half way on Alias Grace and as for Oryx and Crake - don't think I got beyond page 4! It's always great to hear of new authors, isn't it? The anticipation of starting a new book is wonderful! And no matter how often I go in to a bookshop "just to look" I always come out with at least one book and usually three!
I will probably finish Half of a Yellow Sun tonight and then have to choose the next one! Life is just full of choices!
Steph
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Frailty
member
Reged: 19/11/2006
Posts: 2
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The Secret River - Kate Grenville
A London waterman, William Thornhill, is deported to Australia with his wife and child, who he loves dearly.
There are matter of fact descriptions of lives ruled by poverty in both countries, and of what people will do to carry on living, England too had a kind of caste system.
Slowly, William makes a place for himself, but the new migrants and the aborigines have different ideas on how to live life and eventually Wiliam has to make a decision.
A thought provoking book, which shows that you can never say 'I would never do that'
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NancyMoo
member
Reged: 29/08/2007
Posts: 3
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A Smoker's and Dog's Guide to the Gal-Alexy (Bess Macpherson)
This book is not a novel, but an exquisite insight into the mind of Bess: a middle aged woman going through her second divorce.
A compilation of her random thoughts gives her take on the everyday and the not-so everyday and follows her journey "from insanity to sanity and back again".
Funny, sad, intelligent and a little bit wacky, this book is an essential read for all women and has an uncanny ability to reach out and touch you whatever page you open it and whichever mood you happen to be in.
A real coffee table must-have.
Edited by NancyMoo (29/08/2007 14:41)
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sallyj
member
Reged: 10/12/2006
Posts: 71
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Plain Truth – Jodi Picoult
A newborn is found dead in a barn. Amish girl, Katie, denies the murder and her pregnancy, despite having obviously just given birth. She is bailed on condition that her attorney, Ellie Hathaway, lives with Katie and her family until the trial.
Ellie is forced to live the Amish way, without telephones, electricity or cars. Katie is forced to face the fact that American justice does not forgive in the Amish way.
Picoult’s depth of research makes this book compulsive on two levels – as a courtroom drama and a fascinating ‘through the keyhole’ look at the Amish way of life.
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