Michelle

That looks like a very cool version!

I really would not consider them childish. They have some strong characters, and they explore lots of issues.

Is there a reason why you're asking about these two in particular.. have they been recommended to you? There are reviews for both on amazon.co.uk, and there's no mention of violence or adult language.

Please use this thread to share user names: http://www.bookclubforum.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/5921-book-sites-user-names/

I've finished Fallen Grace by Mary Hooper - it's an historical fiction book set in Victorian London, the setting and background is good, but the plot is a bit predictable. I'm about to start Pure by Julianna Baggott, which I'm quite excited about. Audio-wise, I have 11.22.63 by Stephen King... I think I'm about 8 hours in, and I've enjoyed it so far. It's a long book, and on audio I'm able to get lost in the story.

I'm torn.. I find it very unfair that she enters the contest now, when others have already been kicked off. However, it was a really good performance! I also enjoyed Marcus and Craig, and I was disappointed in Kitty, as I've liked her up 'til now. Janet, I have to say, really annoys me!

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern I have to admit that at first this book just didn’t appeal to me, especially with the hype of it being set to be ‘the publishing sensation of 2011′. However, my reviewing instinct kicked in, and when I saw it offered on vine, I decided I should give it a go. And I have to say I was glad I did. The main storyline is about a ‘competition’ between two magicians, which is played out through two young people, Celia and Marco. It’s the setting, however, which makes this book come alive. The Night Circus is a magical circus like no other, and it’s so well described that you find yourself wishing to experience it. The circus arrives in 1886, but the storyline is also set before and after this time. I understand some have found it a little confusing, but I managed to follow ok. I found myself really drawn into the book, enjoying the various characters, and loving the setting. I especially fell in love with the Murray twins. This is most certainly a fantasy book, but if that’s something you enjoy, it has a rather magical feeling to it. From not appealing to me at all, it has become one of my favourite books of the year. BloodMining by Laura Wilkinson Megan Evens appears to have it all: brains, beauty, a successful career as a foreign correspondent. But deep down she is lonely and rootless. Pregnant, craving love but unable to trust after the destructive affair with her baby’s father she returns to the security of her birthplace in Wales. When Megan’s son is later diagnosed with a terminal condition, a degenerative, hereditary disease, everything she believed to be true about her origins is thrown into question. To save her son Megan must unearth the truth; she must excavate family history and memory. Enlisting the help of former colleague Jack North, a man with a secret of his own, Megan embarks on a journey of self discovery and into the heart of what it means to be a parent. I was offered a review copy of the book by the author, and I wasn’t really sure what to expect. It’s published by a very small publisher, but it very much deserves a larger publisher who can get it on the high street shelves. The heart of this story is about the relationships between mother and daughter, questioning what it means to be a parent. Megan and Elizabeth provide the central characters, and as we find out more about them, we also watch their relationship grow and evolve. It’s a story any mother or daughter will take something from. The timing and setting of the story adds a fascinating layer. The story starts in 2048, where things are recognisable, whilst slightly different. It’s not the technological driven future of sci-fi books, nor is it instantly recognisable as a dystopia. There are, however, hints of something which has happened to change life completely for many people. The second part of the story brings us back to 2015, where these events are explored in more detail. Whereas the first part tells us Megan’s story, with her journey into parenthood, and the pain of having an ill child, this second part belongs to Elizabeth, her mother. It allows us to explore her character more, set to the background of the events which changed her life. Finally we return to Megan’s story, as she continues the fight for her son, and her own personal struggle to understand her past. This is an interesting and emotional début, and is highly recommended.

Finally I have some reviews written.. Crippen by John Boyne In this book, John Boyne takes a rather infamous murderer, and tells a story which is part fiction, and part fact. And I’ll be honest, I’m still undecided exactly how I feel about it. Firstly, the story… there are two tales to be told, one being Crippen’s life, and the events leading to his wife’s murder, and the other his attempted escape, and eventual capture. The book jumps between different times, but they are easy to follow. The attempted escape takes place on the SS Montrose, where some of the other passengers become a part of the story. As a story, told on it’s own, it would make an interesting enough book. Crippen’s early life helps to build up his character, and Ethel Le Neve makes a rather fascinating mistress, as someone who appears to be rather sweet, and yet also very cunning. My uncertainly comes from the issue of writing a fictional account of a well known murder. Having reflected, I think I would rather know that the character and events are based on known facts, not a fictional account of what may have happened. If reading fiction, I would rather all characters and events are made up. In addition, Crippen is portrayed very differently to how I would expect, which affected the way I read the book. I’m not sure exactly what I expected, but I got the impression that the author felt sorry for him, and was presenting a man pushed to murder by his hard life, and relationships. However, it did make me realise that I actually knew very little – my only real memory is of the Chamber of Horrors in Madam Tussauds, and vague memories of a film. Reading the book has lead me to read more about the case, and has made me realise he probably was a strange quiet man, rather than the cold bloodied killer I always imagine. Reviews are rather mixed about this book, so it’s probably one to try for yourself. Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey Set in Victorian England, this is a mixture of paranormal and a murder mystery. Violet's mother is a fake medium, fooling her upper class clients, and I enjoyed reading about some of the methods employed. It makes for an interesting setting, and background for the story. Violet unexpectedly starts to see ghosts, with one in particular who really wants to get her attention. This isn't a 'gift' she likes, but she feels that she wants to help this particular ghost. Unfortunately the murder mystery part was for me the least enjoyable. I wasn't convinced by the motive of the eventual murderer, and I've certainly read better. The romance was, however, more enjoyable. Violet was caught up in society, with a potential suitor.. but it's obvious who she should be with. I did feel that the cover was a little misleading, as the character appears younger that the one portrayed on the cover. Recommended for teen readers and above - it's not perfect, but a decent enough read.

Megan Evens appears to have it all: brains, beauty, a successful career as a foreign correspondent. But deep down she is lonely and rootless. Pregnant, craving love but unable to trust after the destructive affair with her baby’s father she returns to the security of her birthplace in Wales. When Megan’s son is later diagnosed with a terminal condition, a degenerative, hereditary disease, everything she believed to be true about her origins is thrown into question. To save her son Megan must unearth the truth; she must excavate family history and memory. Enlisting the help of former colleague Jack North, a man with a secret of his own, Megan embarks on a journey of self discovery and into the heart of what it means to be a parent. I was offered a review copy of the book by the author, and I wasn’t really sure what to expect. It’s published by a very small publisher, but it very much deserves a larger publisher who can get it on the high street shelves. The heart of this story is about the relationships between mother and daughter, questioning what it means to be a parent. Megan and Elizabeth provide the central characters, and as we find out more about them, we also watch their relationship grow and evolve. It’s a story any mother or daughter will take something from. The timing and setting of the story adds a fascinating layer. The story starts in 2048, where things are recognisable, whilst slightly different. It’s not the technological driven future of sci-fi books, nor is it instantly recognisable as a dystopia. There are, however, hints of something which has happened to change life completely for many people. The second part of the story brings us back to 2015, where these events are explored in more detail. Whereas the first part tells us Megan’s story, with her journey into parenthood, and the pain of having an ill child, this second part belongs to Elizabeth, her mother. It allows us to explore her character more, set to the background of the events which changed her life. Finally we return to Megan’s story, as she continues the fight for her son, and her own personal struggle to understand her past. This is an interesting and emotional début, and is highly recommended.

I've finally reviewed Crippen. It's not a very good review, as I'm so unsure of how I feel about it. Reviews are very mixed on amazon.

I actually really liked Bag of Bones, but most people don't! I'm a bigger fan of his older books in general - I think the size of his new one would have put me off as a 'proper' book, but as long as like it, long is good as an audiobook!

I've just started the audio version.. I am of course aware of the Kennedy assassination, but I don't know details about US history. I'm interested in how he handles time travel, and his general writing. I'll let you know how I get on.

I've got the audio version from audible.. I've enjoyed the beginning.

And this when you have problems with your mojo...?!

You punched the nurse? Charming!

Kat, everywhere does it differently. Most GPs hold flu clinincs, some are walk in, some you need to book a time. If the clinics don't fit in with your work hours, ask for a normal appt with the nurse, explaining your situation.

I quite liked Cell, and it does pick up. My favourite is The Shining, and although I quite liked The Stand, it is a bit of a long read! I also liked Full Dark, No Stars.. it's a recent book of 4 'short stories' and it felt much more like his earlier stuff.

I am so behind with my reviews! I have to review Crippen for the Transworld Book Challenge, plus Haunting Violet and The Night Circus for Vine. At present I'm reading Blood Mining by Laura Wilkinson, sent to me by the author (rather good so far!) and Heroes of Olympus: Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan - my guilty pleasure! Audio.. I have listened to The Death of Grass by John Christopher, which was pretty good, and Bedbugs by Ben Winter which was sow building, but excellent - it had a classic psychological horror feel to it. Have now moved on to The Waiting Room by FG Cottam, which seems to have mixed reviews on amazon!

Kell, if you get a problem straight afterwards, it's more likely you get a reaction.