Inver Reading List(s)

[Inver]

:reading: My Reading List 2005 :reading:

'The Baby Trail' by Sinead Moriarty
'Round Robin' by Jennifer Chiaverini (I just love these stories)
'Homestead' by Rosina Lippi
'White' by Rosie Thomas (read in 2 days couldn't put it down)
'Hunting Unicorns' by Bella Pollen
'Only Dad' by Alan Titchmarsh
'My Sister's Keeper' by Jodi Picoult
'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time' by Mark Haddon
'The Secret Life of Bees' by Sue Monk Kidd
'Scuba Dancing' by Nicola Slade
'Girl from the South by Joanna Trollope'
'The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
'A Family Man' by Amanda Brookfield
'Coastliners by Joanne Harris'
'Revenge of A Middle Aged Woman' by Elizabeth Buchan
'A Gathering Light' by Jennifer Donnelly
'Flowers Won't Fax' by Sarah Harrison
'Lucia, Lucia' by Adriana Trigiani
'Tuesday's With Morrie' by Mitch Albom
'Five People You Meet In Heaven' by Mitch Albom

[Inver]

:reading: My Reading List so far 2006 :reading:

'Mother Country' by Libby Purves
'44 Scotland Street' by Alexander McCall Smith
'Cold Granite' by Stuart MacBride(gruesome but fun!)
'To Kill A Mockingbird' by Harper Lee(classic, should have read years ago)
'The Shop On Blossom Street' by Debbi Macomber
'All He Ever Wanted' by Anita Shreve
'The Good Wife' by Elizabeth Buchan (didn't finish)
'The Blue Diary' by Alice Hoffman (excellent)
'Last Tango In Toulouse' by Mary Moody
'It Could Happen To You' by Isla Dewar
'The Starter Marriage' by Kate Harrison
'Heaven's On Hold' by Sarah Harrison
'The Hundred Secret Senses' by Amy Tan
'Charlotte's Web' by E B White
'The Return Journey' by Maeve Binchy (short stories)
'PS I Love You' by Cecilia Ahern
'The Olive Harvest' by Carol Drinkwater (loved it, as good as the others)

[Kell]

Ooh, I've read a few of those myself - good stuff. Welcome aboard - I loko forward to hearing more about your reads! :)

[Sugar]

I've only read one of the books you have read this year, but have read 6 of last years - all of which I enjoyed. I'm also looking forward to your opinions on others so that I can be persuaded to enjoy them too!!!

[Inver]

'The School Run' by Sophie King

OK read for holiday but nothing too exciting. Story of a group of people who do the same school run and how and eventual event brings them together.

[Sugar]

[u]
'Cold Granite' by Stuart MacBride(gruesome but fun!)[/color]

Isn't it just!

[Inver]

[u]
'Cold Granite' by Stuart MacBride(gruesome but fun!)[/color]

Isn't it just!

Loved the sweetie eating boss :mrgreen:

[Kell]

I'm looking forward to Cold Granite later this month - it's the Posh Club read for August, so we'll be discussing it in a nice pub on te last Tuesday of the month. For july we went tp The Hogshead on Little Belmont Street - t'was a great laugh. :)

[Inver]

Another three for the list.

'Thy Neighbour's Wife' by Ann Purser
'The Jane Austen Book Club' by Karen Joy Fowler (didn't finish though)
'Breakfast At Tiffany's' by Truman Capote

[Inver]

'The Two of Us-My Life with John Thaw' by Sheila Hancock

[Inver]

'Plain Truth' by Jodi Picoult 2nd Jodi Picoult I have read and enjoyed as much at My Sister's Keeper.

[Inver]

Another 3, I'm getting impressed by how many books:readingtwo: I have actually read this year.....thanks to Bookcrossing and joining so many bookrings it really makes you read books quicker and get them passed on.:)


'Local Girls' by Alice Hoffman
'Island of Blue Dolphins' by Scott O'Dell
'Dangerous Sports Euthanasia Society' by Christine Coleman (this one was a lot of fun, check out Transita books)

[Inver]

'Heaven On Earth' by Alice Hoffman

:readingtwo: Another Alice Hoffman I have read, my 3rd this year.:readingtwo:

[Inver]

'The Bookshop' by Penelope Fitzgerald

Another bookring from Bookcrossing

[Purple Poppy]

Hi Diane. What was the book about John Thaw like? I have fancied it, but not sure if it would be too sad.

Susanna.

[Inver]

'The Jigsaw Maker' by Adrienne Dines (bookring on Bookcrossing)
'The Mermaid Chair' by Sue Monk Kidd (as good as Secret Life of Bees)

Both good reads and thoroughly enjoyed them.

[Inver]

'A Redbird Christmas' by Fannie Flagg

A feel good book for a Christmas read. A friend leant it to me. It is a bit goody goody in parts, but a nice easy read. Makes you feel like is this place too good to be true.

Amazon blurb

Oswald T. Campbell, aged fifty-two, down-and-out in a Chicago winter, is given only months to live unless he moves South. He finds himself in the small town of Lost River, Alabama, where the residents are friendly if feud-prone and eccentric to a fault. One of them, Roy, keeps a red cardinal, a once wounded bird called Jack, in the village store. Patsy, a sad, sweet little kid with a crippled leg, from the trailer park up in the woods, takes to dropping by the store - and falls in love with Jack. Flagg takes us on an emotional roller-coaster ride through the lives and hearts of an engaging crew of misfits, fixers and ordinary good-hearted folk, set against the vivid natural backdrop of a mellow Alabama winter, along the riverside where birds and fish abound. Her enchanting story culminates at Christmas time with surprises and a magical 'redbird' moment.

[Inver]

:readingtwo: My Reading List So Far 2007:readingtwo:

'The Joy Luck Club' by Amy Tan

'Emotional Geology' by Linda Gillard (really good read Transita book) based on Skye

Both bookrings on bookcrossing.

[Inver]

'Size Matters' by Judy Astley

This was hysterical...I laughed out loud so many times. Can really relate to a lot of what she wrote....not sure if that is good or bad?!?!

[Inver]

'Lucky' by Alice Sebold
'The Scent of Water' by Alison Hoblyn (another Transita book)

Recommend them both. Lucky was a harrowing but compelling read.Again both were bookrings I joined on bookcrossing. 'The Scent of Water' was a lovely gentle read, based a lot of the time in Tuscany.

[Inver]

'Turtle Moon' by Alice Hoffman

[happyanddandy]

'Lucky' by Alice Sebold
'The Scent of Water' by Alison Hoblyn (another Transita book)

Recommend them both. Lucky was a harrowing but compelling read.Again both were bookrings I joined on bookcrossing. 'The Scent of Water' was a lovely gentle read, based a lot of the time in Tuscany.


I was hovering over 'Lucky' in the hospice shop last week. Not sure I could get through it from reading the flyer so I didn't buy it.

;)

[Inver]

'We Need To Talk About Kevin' by Lionel Shriver

Not sure how I would describe this book, very well written but another harrowing read. Description of the actual event was a bit gruesome and made my stomach churn! Hope my son never gets involved in anything like Kevin!!!:blush:

[Inver]

'After Michael' by Betty O'Rourke
"Fiona’s eyes turned to the other people in this small, select group, then paused. Who was that young woman standing behind and slightly to Colin’s right? She knew everyone else gathered here; close friends and neighbours of Michael and herself, but she was quite sure she’d never seen this young woman before."
When Fiona Latimer learns that her husband Michael has died of a sudden heart attack alone in his London flat, she is shocked but not devastated. She and Michael had led increasingly separate lives in their last few years. At the funeral, two people arrive unexpectedly, each of whom will have a great deal of influence on future events. There is Anthea, a girl who knows more about Michael than she will admit, and Simon, a man from Fiona’s past whom she now realises she should have married instead. Gradually, the secrets of Michael’s past are uncovered, and when the final, shocking betrayals are at last revealed Fiona discovers her life with him was not at all what it had seemed

Simply written and easily read, but not my favourite Transita read I'm afraid. Most of the story was fine but I found the last couple of chapters a bit like the author couldn't think of an ending and wanted to finish it quickly. I had figured out quite a bit of the plot but not the ending completely. Almost like it could have been an amateur dramatics production..lol.

[Inver]

'Felicity Fights Back' by Stella Sykes (Transita book, very funny)
'Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons' by Lorna Landvik (bookgroup of woman who have their ups and downs)
'The Weight of Water' by Anita Shreve (not my favourite of hers)

All bookrings/rays on my bookcrossing shelf.

[Inver]

'The Butterfly House' by Marcia Preston

Recommend this one

'Roberta and Cynthia are destined to be good friends forever. When both your fathers are missing you have a lot in common. Unable to cope with her alcoholic mother, Roberta finds Cynthia's house the perfect carefree refuge.
Cynthia's mother keeps beautiful rare butterflies in her sunporch and she's everything Roberta wishes her own mother could be. But just like the delicate creatures they nurture, the women are living in a hothouse.
Years later, a hauntingly familiar stranger knocks on Roberta's door'

Read as part of a bookring on bookcrossing my review.

Loved the book. Liked the way it was written. So wanted to see where the butterflies lived in Lenora''s house. Nearly needed tissues towards the end though. Liked all the characters. Would have finished it sooner on my hols but was only finding time to read it at night and kepts falling asleep, but was nothing to do with it not holding my interest. Must put Marcia Preston on my wish list. Anyone else read others by her?

[Michelle]

That one sounds really good.. I've added it to my wish list. :)

[Inver]

'The One You Really Want' by Jill Mansell

Very chic lit. Not my usual kind of read, but very easy read and they all lived happily ever after.

[Inver]

'The Tea House on Mulberry Street' by Sharon Owens

What a lovely easy read. Based around 'The Tea House' it tells the story of the lives of those who use the tea house. Offered and running as bookring on Bookcrossing.

[Inver]

'The Empty House' by Rosamunde Pilcher

The usual Cornwall based story and involving living in cottages and walks on the cliffs, beaches etc.

[Inver]

'Woman Talking Dirty' by Isla Dewar

Not a bad read, but my they did consume quite a lot of alcohol during the book...lol !

[Inver]

'The Gardener' by Prue Leith

Another 'Transita' book. Seems they are taking over my reading pile at the moment. :readingtwo:

[Kenny]

(Wow) thats a lot of books my mum has read :readingtwo:

[Inver]

'Say When' by Elizabeth Berg

Bit boring, but was a bookring on bookcrossing so read it and passed it on. First of this author I had read but won't put me off reading another of hers. Relationship turmoil of will they divorce or not....all turned out for the best in the end.

[Inver]

'Snow Flower & the Secret Fan' - Lisa See (Bookring by Kell)
'A Wedding in December'-Anita Shreve

[happyanddandy]

'A Wedding in December'-Anita Shreve

I read 'A Wedding in December' quite recently. Gentle and enjoyable :smile2:

[Inver]

:readingtwo:My Reading List 2008:readingtwo:

'Gang of Four' by Liz Byrski (Transita/bookring on Bookcrossing)

Finished at last. Another Transita book ticked of the list. I really enjoyed the book and should have gotten stuck in to it sooner. Four woman who name themselves the Gang of Four. They all reach a part of their lives they want to change and go about doing so. Loved all the characters and their outlook on life. I can appreciate how some of them felt stuck in a rut and wanting to make changes to their lives, but having the determination to do something about it is another matter. It is lovely to hear of a bunch of friends who see each other through the good and bads times (I know I have these kind of friends). The end of the book was very moving but lovely.

[Michelle]

Sounds good Inver - I'll have to look out for it. :)

[Inver]

'Toppling Miss April' by Adrienne Dines (Transita)
'Playing with the Moon' by Eliza Graham
(both bookcrossing bookrings)

Gave up with 'Miss April' characters were irritating me, was a bit of a comedy, but just wasn't in the mood for reading that time of book.

'Playing with the Moon' is well worth reading. Intriguing story that starts off with a skeleton being found on a beach!

[Inver]

'A Friend of the Family by Titia Sutherland


Easy read relationship type story.It was a trial separation, and for Kate it hadn't really worked - she still loved Matt, and she was lonely. If it hadn't been for a friend of the family she didn't think she could have coped.

[Inver]

'Elissa's Castle' (Transita) by Juliet Greenwood

Boring! Thank goodness it was on a bookring and doesn't have to lounge around on my bookshelf....yawn!

[Inver]

'Can't Wait to Get to Heaven ' by Fannie Flagg

Anyone who has read any of her books will love this one. Elner has a fall from a tree while collecting figs, it then transpires that she has died!!! Or has she? Amusing and touching well worth a read. The news spreads of her death and there follows the story and how it affects everyone who knew/knows her.

[Inver]

'The Almost Moon' by Alice Sebold

Not my favourite one but joined a bookring to read it.

[Kenny]

wow!
how many is that you've read now 60, 64, 67 am I getting warmer. lol.:mrgreen:

[Inver]

'Tuesday Night at the Kazbah' by Patricia Kitchin (Transita)

Easy read about a group of woman who attend a belly dancing class. Their lives intermingle in more ways than one. A wide range of characters, some you like, others you aren't quite sure about.

[Inver]

'Animal Dreams' by Barbara Kingsolver

Maybe I just took too long to read this, but I found myself losing interest and not finishing it, which I hate doing. Was skimming over the story and eventually lost what it was about. I'm sure it was a good read though had I read it in one and not stop/started.

[Inver]

'Neptune's Daughter' by Beryl Kingston (Transita)

Another bookring from Bookcrossing I joined. Easy enough read, non taxing family saga, widowed mother buys property, two daughters come to terms with her doing her own thing, eldest daughter assumes her mother will look after her baby while she goes back to work, or will she! A bit twee in places.

[Inver]

'Redemption' by Kay Langdale (Transita)

I joined this as a part of a bookring on Bookcrossing and glad I did. Was a lovely read. Six women, six different but interconnected relationships and they all come together beautifully at the end.

[Inver]

'After You'd Gone' by Maggie O'Farrell

Wonderful, compelling read. Recommended. This is the first of Maggie O'Farrell I have read, but don't think it will be the last.

[Michelle]

That's where I started too, and I've read all the rest since, and enjoyed them all! :)

[Inver]

'The Private Lives of Pippa Lee' by Rebecca Miller

Joined in the bookring for this one run by Esiotrot. Thanks for letting me join in. Interesting life Pippa Lee lead!!

[Inver]

'Before I Die' by Jenny Downham


Recommended (even although sad). Another bookring I joined via Bookcrossing.


My Review (http://www.bookclubforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=5658)

[Inver]

'The House at Riverton' by Kate Morton

Not an overly taxing read, but was part of the Reading Circle, so thought I would give it a go. Maybe I just took longer to read it than I should have to keep my interest going.

[Inver]

'Mums @ Home' by Sophie King (Signed copy)

Same author as 'The School Run'. Easy read about a group of people who find themselves logging on to 'Mums @ Home' website. They share the ups and downs over the net, and share their problems giving each other advice. (Bit like here :D)
Review (http://www.bookclubforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=5864)

[Inver]

'A Lifetime Burning' by Linda Gillard

It is a book of controversial themes, which I don't think will appeal to everyone, but you will have to read it to make up your own mind about that! I can appreciate how some readers wouldn't/won't like it and others will love it. I found it a compelling read and would recommend giving it a go.

Review (http://www.bookclubforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=5446)

[nursenblack]

Wow A Lifetime Burning sounds like it would be really interesting. I usually try to steer away from books that are too sexually graphic, but the review sounded good. I think I'll add it to my TBR pile.

[Inver]

'The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox' by Maggie O'Farrell

Click here for proof I did read it! (http://www.bookclubforum.co.uk/forum/album.php?albumid=91&pictureid=686)

Wonderful, page turning read. Second one of this author I have read and is now on my list of favourites. On the odd occasion I got confused with who was narrating in the story, but once I got used to the way it was written I was hooked. I found the ending a bit open ended too, a bit like her last one I read (although I think I know what happened!) Recommend.

[Kylie]

Nice pic, Inver! I have this one on my TBR pile. Looking forward to reading it.

[Inver]

'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince' by J K Rowling

Great read as always. The continuing saga of Harry Potter v Voldermort. Turned up a few surprises!! Those who have read it will know what I mean. Off to start the final book now to tie it altogether, hopefully. Don't know why it took me so long to read these.

[Kylie]

Ooh, you're in for a treat, Inver! Have fun! :mrgreen:

[kb.marsh]

I love the Harry Potter books, I highly recommend them :)

[Inver]

'Blood Ties' by Sam Hayes

This is a bookring run by Michelle. Great, page turning read. Found it a bit confusing at times keeping track of the characters and a few twists and turns along the way, just when you thought you had it worked out but enjoyed it.

[Inver]

'Helpless' by Barbara Gowdy.

Bookring run by supergran71. This was a page turner. I found myself trying to read quicker to find out what was going to happen at the end. A suspense story, but given the storyline of abduction of a young girl and what you think the outcome was going to be, getting so far with it you think you know what the ending is etc....well you will have to read it to find out won't you :D Thanks Ann for putting this one up for reading.

[lopeanha]

You really read a lot!
I've got the Barbara Gowdy book on my 'want to read list'

[Inver]

'The Birth House' by Ami McKay

This was a great read. The title says it all really. Based in the era of WW1 in Nova Scotia.

My Review (http://bookclubforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?p=173133#post173133)

[Inver]

'The Welsh Girl' by Peter Ho Davies

Set in Wales 1944, WW11. After struggling a bit to pick up this storyline, once a third of the way in I was enjoying it more. A Jewish refugee, Captain Rotheram, working for British Intelligence, sent to help with the intterogation of Rudolf Hess. Karsten, a POW who ends up in the local POW camp. Esther Evans, the local girl.

My Review (http://www.bookclubforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=6808)

[supergran71]

You really read a lot!
I've got the Barbara Gowdy book on my 'want to read list'
I am running a bookring on here for "Helpless" by Barbara Goudy. If you wish to join it you can by adding your name to the list in the Bookring section.

[Inver]

' The Outcast' by Sadie Jones

I think I enjoyed this one although parts of it I found a bit distressing (the self harming) although understand why it was part of the book. Thanks for doing this a bookring Kate.

[lopeanha]

Hey Inver, I made a reading list!
All the books I've read since I'm in Australia.

[Gyre]

I enjoyed 'The Outcast' too Inver, the self harming was upsetting but being a self harmer myself, Sadie Jones did a great job of exploring it, reasons, the feelings, etc

[Inver]

'The Friday Night Knitting Club' by Kate Jacobs

Simple enough story of a single mum who sets up and runs her own Wool Shop in New York. As the name suggests a knitting club is started. The usual mixture of characters attend with their own tales to tell etc.

[Inver]

'When the Heart Cries' by Cindy Woodsmall

Joined a bookring via Bookcrossing for this one. Well written story about Hannah and her life within the Amish community. A traumatic encounter with a complet stranger one night changes her life and those around her within her family and friends. Coming to terms with what happened to her makes for a major decision about how her life must go on, but she has to sacrifice the love of her beloved Paul. This is the first in a trilogy.