Michelle

Despite reading and watching a lot of horror, I’ve always avoided Zombies, as they were the one thing which really made me, well, scared. Having gotten into The Walking Dead recently, I seem to have overcome that fear, and now seem to be making up for lost time! Zombie Apocalypse was one of my recent purchases, along with World War Z, which I haven’t yet read. Both of these books seem to be made up of various accounts of events, using transcripts etc, but I have a feeling they are rather different in their approach. Obviously I can’t say for sure until I read it, but I get the impression that World War Z is meant to be more serious, whereas Zombie Apocalypse has a rather dark humour running through. I’ve seen reviews comparing them, but they really need to be assessed in their own strengths. Zombie Apocalypse is a ‘mosaic’ book, made of various accounts, taking us from before the zombies, to it’s outcome. There are news reports, diary entries, police reports etc, but it’s been bought up to date with twitter conversations, emails and blog entries. Although it follows a rough timeline, the stories don’t connect – it does read like a collection which has been pulled together. These accounts have different authors, and that does show. It also means that the different styles will be liked or disliked by various readers. I for one found the blog entries caused me the most amusement (people really will blog about anything!) and the diary entries from a 13 year old girl were my overall favourites. I also enjoyed the setting, which is mainly London – it’s always good for us UK readers to see something set where we know. Reviews appear mixed for this one, and I guess I can see why. Personally speaking, I found it highly enjoyable, and loved the unusual style. It’s not to be taken seriously, and you’re bound to have sections which you prefer over others. There’s a lot to recommend it though, and I shall be looking out for the second book, Zombie Apocalypse Fightback.

I can't beat Chrissy's story, but I would say it's The Hobbit for me too - we read it during my first year at secondary school, and I have lovely memories of it.

Not at all Mac - I quite often come across new or unknown authors, by following twitter, receiving proofs etc

I came very late to this show - last week I was off work, I felt ill, and the weather was crap, so I watched all 3 seasons! I do prefer the 1st season, because I think they started to lengthen it too much for the longer seasons. I did get annoyed with The Gov and Rick, as it seemed like a massive ego fight for them, but the former is certainly a twisted, nasty character. I did have a few nights where I thought a bit too much about zombies, as I avoid zombie films etc, but I loved the show enough to put up with that! It'll be a long wait until season 4.

Hmm.. I'm not sure I'd class Among Others as YA (I appreciate you said 'loosely' ). I also don't class The Hunger Games as strictly YA, and most people love it. It probably depends on why you didn't like LotR - I gave up with that half way through the middle book, and yet I love The Hobbit. It's much more to the point, and I believe he wrote it for a younger audience?

Remember YA has a massive range, with lots of subgenres - don't write them all off.

Time to look at my wishlist, and see if my views have changed. Before I edit it, any comments on it? Feedback - Robison Wells Witness - Cath Staincliffe The Kindest Thing - Cath Staincliffe The Forsaken -Lisa Stasse Perception - Kim Harrington Between Shades of Gray - Ruta Sepetys 1.4 - Mike Lancaster Fearless - Cornelia Funke The Pirate's Wish by Cassandra Rose Clarke Control by Kim Curran Hunger by Melvin Burgess Shadowlands by Kate Brian Crash by Lisa McMann Splintered - AG Howard Across the Universe by Beth Revis The Essence by Kimberly Derting The Phenomenals: A Game of Ghouls - FE Higgins Breathe bk 2 - Sarah Crossan Teri Terry bk3 Between Two Thorns by Emma Newman Boy Meets Girl by Ali Smith Battle Royale by Koushun Takami In Cold Blood by Truman Capote Doctor Sleep by Stephen King Lockwood & Co by Jonathan Stroud

Thanks for the help - Beth has decided on Peter Pan and The Hunger Games. She's also reading the latest Wimpy Kid book (well, it's a book!) and What's Up With Jody Barton.

That's 3 to go on my wishlist, Boy Meets Girl, In Cold Blood and Battle Royale!

Bumping up an old thread to get some up to date opinions. Beth has had a few attempts at rolls, and she's gotten rather good. However, the process is quite time consuming, and she's been asking about bread makers. Does anyone use them, and are the cheaper ones ok?

There's a choice between a yearly account, and a lifetime one. I think they've realised that if people want to try them, they might want to import their books from GR - so effectively they've removed the 200 books barrier for these people. After a year, you can then choose to continue yearly, or pay the lifetime one. I chose a lifetime one soon after I started, and I much prefer it to GR.

Have just written my review of Fractured:

Andrea, I can only hope!

Thanks Hayley - she said today she would prefer The Hunger Games, because she's seen the film (I despair!) but whether she'll stick to that, I don't know. Have you read Divergent? I loved it! Insurgent wasn't so good, apart from the ending, which was brill - hurry up part 3!

Thanks - I shall look at those ones. She seems to like the idea of The Hunger Games for the modern book.

Away from my own reading, Beth has to read and review 2 books for school - which she's really not impressed with as she doesn't like reading! I'm grabbing the opportunity, and am trying to find her 2 she will love! However, the problem at the moment is actually getting her to choose the books, and get on with them... it's really hard getting from her just what interests her. One has to be pre-1914, which is a bit of a struggle. I can think of some which I enjoyed at her age, such as Little Women, but she'll be put off by anything too wordy or slow. She likes the idea of Alice in Wonderland, and I've also suggested Peter Pan and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (although I can't remember how wordy or readable that one is). For a modern choice, I've suggested: The Body Finder by Kimberley Derting (she likes crime on the TV) Divergent by Veronica Roth (she likes the Hunger Games film at least) The Hunger Games (she might find it easier if she's seen the film) Shift by Kim Curran The Perks of Being a Wallflower (might be difficult to write a review though) Ketchup Clouds by Annabel Pitcher (I've just started this, and it's just won a Waterstones award) She asked about The Boy in the Striped Pjyamas Would love ideas and or opinions - remember this is a 14 year old VERY reluctant reader who needs something which will hold her attention.

That's 15 books finished, so I'm on track for 60 books again this year. I had seriously considered stopping reviewing, and focusing on my neglected book shelves, but I've had so many good ones offered to me, I've not been able to say no! Am hoping to write a couple of reviews this afternoon. Added: I just wanted to add that I'm aware that most of my reviews are very positive. However, if you take a look at my review list this year, there are some I haven't crossed out yet - this is because I've started them, and for whatever reason, I'm not getting on very well with them. I will at some point write a little about why I didn't persevere, but they point is, I tend to only write reviews for the books I've enjoyed.

More info here, using an 'interactive cover' http://www.facebook.com/stephenkingbooks?sk=app_483032265078723&app_data

This is so sad, it seems rather young. I'm sure many have read his books.

I do think Esme remains my favourite, to me it was so different. I think she's a brilliant writer.

I'm also curious as to how you contacted an author 3 months before his book was published, and received an ARC, if you're not connected to them in some way? And yes, unfortunately we are suspicious, considering the amount of people who come on here to deceive.

This was only published a few days ago, you found it today, and yet you've already read it. I'm afraid it sounds rather promotional - are you connected to it at all?

This was only published 1 month ago, and it's your first post - I therefore have to ask whether you are connected in any way to the book?

Janet, try Divergent, which is generally really liked by Hunger Games fans. Slated is also really good, and Unremembered is fast paced, so good for reluctant readers.

That's rather insulting! YA are not 'easy reads', in fact it's a rapidly growing genre, covering all sorts of topics and issues. Just because it's not for you, don't put down those who do read them.