Michelle's 2006 Reading Blog (July - Dec)

[Michelle]

Dorothy Koomson - My Best Friend's Girl
Very enjoyable page-turner, looking at lots of different emotions and relationships.
Bram Stoker - Dracula
I'm glad I finally picked this one up, however, it did drag towards the end.
Jonathan Stroud - The Golem's Eye
A fun read, keen to get the third part now. :)
Philippa Gregory - The Little House
Excellent little offering from Philippa, very different to her usual, but gets you involved in her characters.
Val McDermid - The Mermaids Singing
This one is hyped up on the back, and doesn't quite live up. Some bits I wasn't keen on, but overall a pretty good 'serial killer' crime book.
Jonathan Stroud - Ptolemy's Gate
An excellent finish to the trilogy.. I will miss Bartimaeus, and will definitely be looking out for more from this author. :)
Anchee Min - Empress Orchid
An absorbing book, which has stayed with me since finishing.
Mitch Albom - The Five People You Meet in Heaven
A very sweet book, which does make you think about the impact that we all have one others.
Arthur Golden - Memoirs of a Geisha
Another great read.. a good story, well told.
Nora Roberts - Blue Dahlia
First part of a trilogy, so not everything rounded up at the end. great characters.
Raven Hart - The Vampire's Seduction
This wasn't what I was expecting! In my opinion, a great vampire book, showing 2 sides to them.
Arthur C Clarke / Stephen Baxter - The Light Of Other Days
Interesting ideas and issues, easy read, gripping.
Julie Myerson - Something Might Happen
Unusual format, but still a gripping (if sad) book.
Dawn Annadale - Call Me Elizabeth
Interesting insight into many issues.
Armetis Fowl
Enjoyable, but not a series I'll be carrying on with.
Julian Clary Autobiography
Very honest book, insightful.
Sharon Osbourne Extreme
Been put aside for a while.. the early days are interesting, but need a rest from it.
Rosemary's Baby - Simple story, but great. Not sure about the ending though.
Jodi Picoult - Vanishing Acts
Fairly good, interesting themes.
Stephen King - The Shining
I really enjoyed re-reading this one. Nice and creepy, good ending for a 'horror' book.
Katherine Warwick - Dancing With His Heart
A sizzling romance, gripping and insightful.
Katherine Warwick - Noon
Another romance, but wrapped around a great story, with interesting characters.
JM Warwick - An Open Vein
Dark 'Young Adult' book that's just as enjoyable for adults. Good ending.
Lynsay Sands - Single White Vampire
Funny and sexy book.. I shall be looking out for the rest.
Jodi Picoult - Nineteen Minutes
Ah.. one of her best!
Terry Pratchett - Hogfather
Whilst I enjoyed this, I still preferred Mort and Reaper Man.
Celia Rees - Witch Child
Again, enjoyable, and quite gripping.
Jonathan Stroud - Buried Fire
Interesting ideas, gripping book towards the end. Lacking the humour I enjoy from Stroud.

[Michelle]

I'm determined to get Dracula finished, I'm not sure if Emma is grabbing me enough, but I finally decided I had to start The Golem's Eye. I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed the humour in the first one.. I'm settling into this one already.

[Michelle]

I did skim the end of Dracula a little.. the best part of the book for me was the first part, in Dracula's castle. It was interesting the way it was written completely in the form of diaries and manuscripts.

The Golem's Eye was great fun, and I still love the character of Bartimaeus. I've requested the third part of the trilogy at the library, and I'm keen to read more of his books, even if they are classed as 'childrens'. ;)

I'm afraid the beginning of Emma didn't capture me enough to carry on.

I'm now moving on to Val McDermid's The Mermaids Singing (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0006493580/202-1586594-7386240?v=glance&n=266239).

[Michelle]

I'm undecided by The Mermaid's Singing at the moment.. it just seems to be an average serial killer / crime story.. not the mastermind it's portrayed as! Maybe things will pick up.

I also picked up Philippa Gregory's The Little House, and I'm hooked on that one.. very different to her usual. :)

[Janet]

I also picked up Philippa Gregory's The Little House, and I'm hooked on that one.. very different to her usual. :)
That's the only book of hers that I've read, but I seem to remember it being a good yarn. :D

[Michelle]

The Little House was certainly a good read.. it's a page turner, and the characters are so believable. I laughed at the ending though.. not sure what that says about me! ;) (I'll do a proper review later.)

[Lilywhite]

I laughed at the ending though.. not sure what that says about me! ;)

I was rooting for her too :)

[Michelle]

I had started Ptolemy's Gate, but then decided I should start Empress Orchid because it's a library book. In fact, they're both library books, but the latter has kinda grabbed me. When I get a moment, I shall go and start sharing my thoughts in the RC. :)

[Michelle]

I can't make my mind up about The Mermaid's Singing.. I think if I'd picked it up at random, I may have really enjoyed it. However, it's hyped on the back of the book, and I'd read someone saying it had really scared them.. and so to a certain extent it did disappoint.

If you like crime books about serial killers, and you ignore the hype, you'll probably really like it. In fact, it had excellent reviews at Amazon, so maybe I was just missing something...?

[Michelle]

Empress Orchid was a really enjoyable book.. easy to read, and yet quite absorbing. It's also one of those books that has stayed with me since, so the impact it has is probably deeper than I realised. :)

[Michelle]

As for The Bartimaeus Triology, I was sad to see this one end. Jonathan Storud provides an easy to read fantasy format, and personally, I think he's funnier than Pratchett! I'll be looking out for more of his!

[Michelle]

Picked up a few at a bootfair this morning...

Mitch Albom - The Five People You Meet in Heaven, which I'm looking forward to.
Philippa Gregory - Perfectly Correct.. I wouldn't have picked this up if I didn;t know the authors name. Not sure what to expect, but will give it a try.
Dorothy Koomson - The Cupid Effect.. again, not sure if I would have picked this up, but I really enjoyed her writing in 'My Best Friend's Girl', so will give it a try.
David Gemmel - Winter Warriors.. this looks like a 'stand-alone', but on further investiagtion, may be in a series? Never mind, it was cheap! lol
I also picked up Jayne Eyre and Wuthering Heights. :)

[Lilywhite]

what a great selection :)

Have to wait until Tue of Thur for bootfair here, gives me something to look forward to though

[Michelle]

The nice thing about bootfair books is that they can be sooo cheap (the 2 classics, for example, are in lovely condition, and cost me 10p each!), so I don't mind taking a chance with books. :)

[Maureen]

I can't make my mind up about The Mermaid's Singing.....?

I enjoyed that. Read it a while back though, so cannot remember it so thoroughly

[Michelle]

The Five People You Meet In Heaven was indeed a good read, and one that makes you think about everyone's interaction.

Memoirs of a Geisha was my holiday read, and a perfect choice. An interesting, involving story, easy enough to read in small chunks, whilst holding my interest.

I did attempt Peter Jame's Dreamer, but couldnt really get into it. I can see the potential, but it wasn't holding me.

I'm enjoying Maggie O'Farrell's My Lovers Lover. I loved her debut book, After You'd Gone, and so decided to start this, despite some poor reviews in Amazon. Half way through, and it has me intrigued. It's a shame it didn't turn out to be a traditional ghost story.. I think she could do it very well.

Then I got a very nice surprise, when I found out there was a copy of Born In Death waiting for me at the library! I didn't even think it was published yet! :D

[Michelle]

My Lover's Lover did turn out to be a good book.. I found myself reading it super fast, because I wanted to know what the big 'secret' was! This author has quite a distinctive way of writing.. I think you'd either like it or hate it.

Born In Death was a disappointment. In a way I enjoy them, because it's like sitting down with an old friend, but my feeling here is that Nora is churning books out too quickly. :(

[Michelle]

For some reason I'm fed up looking at my TBR pile, and trying to make a decision, so I picked up a couple at the library instead. I decided to give Nora Robert's 'Blue Dahlia' a try, and also a Graham Masterton one.. 'Touchy and Feely'

[Sugar]

For some reason I'm fed up looking at my TBR pile, and trying to make a decision,

My trick for solving this problem is to get the 5 or so that I know I want to read most but can't decide, and then show them to someone else (usually my boyf, but sometimes a friend) and get them to say which one they think I shoulod read first and second. Then I do it! It helps make your mind up, and can sometimes be really interesting if they can offer an opinion on some of them.

[Michelle]

Thanks for the suggestion!

I was pleasantly surprised with Blue Dahlia.. it helps that there's a ghost story in it, but the characters were good. I'll be reading the rest of the trilogy, and then picking up a few more of hers. :)

Mamacita sent me some books from her conference, so I have even more of the TBR pile now!

[Michelle]

I've just read The Vampire's Seduction, and it's a fabulous book. I will be awaiting the next one!

Just about to start Eragon.

[Michelle]

I'm afraid I did badly with this month's RC, and gave up on both books. I seem to have trouble enjoying fantasy books these days.

Have just read The Light Of Other Days and Something Might Happen, and have added a small review for each.. both gripping books! :)

[Michelle]

Call Me Elizabeth (Dawn Annadale) - I picked this up only because it's set in an area I know.. but it was an interesting book, to say the least! For those who missed it mentioned before, it's about a lady who gets herself in so much debt, that she decides to become an excort.

It's a fascinating look at how a certain upbringing can affect your views and values.. how people can fall into a situation such as debt, and how she made her choices over her 'career' choice!

On a personal note, I strugged, as I have different values and views to the author. Her goals in life are different to mine, and so the sympathy was lacking a little. However, it still remains a very interesting insight, and read.

[Michelle]

Artemis Fowl - I chose this one, as I'd heard alot about it on here. Whilst it was enjoyable enough, it didn't really impress me. There were some amusing characters and moments, but I don't think I'll be going on with the series.

[Kell]

Was it just the 1st one, Michelle? If so, consider peresvering, as the first one really spends most of the time introducing all the characters - the series is pretty good once you get into it. I have all of them, so if you fancy giving them a try, i can always lend you them. And I'd be willing to bet the little'uns would love to have these books read to them at night... ;)

[Louiseog]

They are great and they do get better.
Haved you tired the Supernaturalists by the same author I really liked that

[Kell]

Yes, i liked that one too. in fact, the only one of his I haven' enjoyed quite as much as the others was The Wish List. I still enjoyed it though.

[Louiseog]

Yes, i liked that one too. in fact, the only one of his I haven' enjoyed quite as much as the others was The Wish List. I still enjoyed it though.
Haven't read that one. Did see him on television talking to a group of children and he was very funny. Asked what his next book would be called he said AF and the Philosophers Goblet!! (or something like that and they roared!)

[Kell]

LOL! I would have LOVED to have seen that! Especially since he's the reason I didn't read the HP books for so long - I'm a HUGE AF fan & didn't think the HP books could possibly measure up to them. Of course, I was wrong - they're every bit as good & I was kicking myself for waiting so long to read them - now I love both series & find myself avidly awaiting the next installment...:readingtwo:

[Sugar]

Yes, i liked that one too. in fact, the only one of his I haven' enjoyed quite as much as the others was The Wish List. I still enjoyed it though.

That was my favourite! Once again showing how we all differ!

[Kell]

I'm starting Artemis Fowl & the Lost Colony today - I think I may well enjoy this... ;)

[Michelle]

I've just finished Julian Clary's autobiography, which was rather interesting. He's led a 'colourful' lifestyle, but is very open and candid about it. There is some humour, but not as much as you'd expect. A very honest book.

I'm now moving on to Rosemary's Baby - I saw it in the library, and thought I'd give it a try. I know I've seen the film a long time ago, but I can't remember much about it.

[Louiseog]

I loved the book, really spooky!

[Michelle]

I forgot to add 'Vanishing Acts' (Jodi Picoult) - whilst it was a fairly good book, none of Jodi's books have grabbed me in quite the same way that 'My Sister's Keeper' did.

'Rosemary's Baby' was good.. a simple story really, but well told, and creepy in it's own way.

In between all this, I'm plodding on with 'The Glassbooks of the Dream Eaters'.. I'll update that review thread later.

I now have a bunch of books from Amazon that have just arrived, incl Frankenstein and The Shining. :D

[Michelle]

The Shining was great.. I'm glad I reread it. :)
Frankenstein.. the intention was there, but I'm not sure when I'll get around to it.

Lynsay Sands - Single White Vampire.. funny and sexy book, almost finished, and I shall be looking out for the rest.

Had a wonderful parcel arrive today from Hodder.. I was expecting a proof of the latest Stephen King, but it's a normal hardback. Also is a proof of Jodi Picoult's book due for release in April.. watch out for my review. :D

Argh... which one to read first?!!!

[Michelle]

I went for Jodi's book, which I really liked.. review to follow. Moving on to Stephen King now.

[Michelle]

I'm now in the middle of 3 books.. Stephen King's, the Hogfather, and one of KW's. :D The last 2 are certainly winning over the 1st!

[Michelle]

Jst finished Dancing With His Heart by Katherine Warwick (KW on here), and very good it was too. :) Review to follow.

[Michelle]

Surprisingly, Lisey's story is still sitting there, waiting for me to pick it up again! I will make the effort, but I keep getting side-tracked.

Hogfather is great, because I can pick it up whenever and jump straight back in.

As well as that, I'm reading another of KW's, which is very different.. An Open Vein (http://anopenvein.com/). So far, it's proving to be very gripping. :)

[KW]

Jst finished Dancing With His Heart by Katherine Warwick (KW on here), and very good it was too. :) Review to follow.

I'll be interested to see your comparison between DWHH and Noon...thanks for reading BTW

[KW]

As well as that, I'm reading another of KW's, which is very different.. An Open Vein (http://anopenvein.com/). So far, it's proving to be very gripping. :)

And leave you wondering...;)

[Gyre]

Michelle,

A impressive list I must say, I just bought 'Lisey's Story' last week, so I am looking forward to hearing your point of view...

:mrgreen:

[Michelle]

I'm sure I've missed some along the way...

I enjoyed all of KW's, Hogfather was good just before Christmas, and I dinally read Witch Child. Whilst that one was quite gripping, it does have the feel of a 'teen' book. Soceress looks like it's a longer book.

[Kell]

Sorceress was definitely aimed a little higher, age-wise, than Witch Child - I hope you enjoy it. It's written in a completely different style, but the story, I thought, was rather good.

[Michelle]

I enjoyed the story behind Witch Child, but I would have liked to have seen it with more depth. I'm looking forward to Soceress, but I do have some other books jumping up and down, and shouting a bit louder! hehe

[Michelle]

Finished 'Buried Fire', which was pretty good. Started 'Little Face', but I'll have to come back to that one. I now have 'Woman in Black' from the library, plus my manuscript for 'The Vampire's Secret', which I'm rather excited about!

[KW]

I'm astounded at the speed with which you read, woman!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Does your brain ever go on overload and buzz out????

KW

[Michelle]

There are people on here who read far more than me!! :lol:

[Michelle]

Tallying up, I've read around 56 books this year, which is more than I thought. :)