Michelle

Sam Hayes is already on my list of favourite authors, so although I was excited to get hold of an early copy of her latest book, I was nervous as to whether it would live up to expectations. Thankfully it did. Sam’s books are probably best described as emotional thrillers – she says herself that she takes her characters and puts them in terrifying circumstances, and Someone Else’s Son certainly lives up to this. Carrie Kent has built an extremely successful career hosting a morning chat show which puts people under the microscope, and under pressure. All the dysfunctional families she looks down on are on her show, as well as victims of crime. What she doesn’t expect though, is that instead of someone else, it becomes her experiencing tragedy. Max and Dayna are two teenagers who don’t fit in. They live in a world of bullying and knife crime, and on Friday 29th April, Carrie’s world falls apart, as she’s informed her son, Max, has been stabbed, and is dead. Throughout the course of the book, we are taken back and forth, experiencing life both before and after the stabbing. Max and Dayna’s relationship is explored, as well as the harsh world they live in. We also find out about the relationship Max’s parents had, and how it fell apart, as well as the lives they live now. At the heart is the issue of the stabbing, how it happened, and who was involved. But surrounding this is the depth of the book – the various relationships and issues involved. It is a book of suspense, with the expected twists, but the key is the way Sam builds her characters. They are so believable, and I cared about each and every one by the end – which makes the suspense and thriller aspects mean more. The first half of this book may be a little slower than thriller readers might expect, but it’s an important part as it allows Sam to introduce and explore her characters. It kept me reading because I wanted to know what would happen next, and by the end it was hard to put down. Another highly recommended book from someone who remains on my favourite author list.

Ooh, I really must get my review of the Titanic book done.. it's a good book to compliment existing knowledge, rather than an introduction. My other review books went on hold, as I decided to treat myself to Reckless by Cornelia Funke, which I've not been able to put down. Audio-wise, I'm now listening to The Painted Man by Peter V Brett. It has some mixed reviews on amazon, and I agree with some of the criticism, but it's another one which is really holding me, and I'm keen to see where it goes. Has anyone else read it?

I am now completely addicted to Angry Birds! I've also just downloaded the kindle software on my ipod touch, and am going to try reading Little Women. I'm not sure how I'll get on though, as it's a small screen. Does anyone have a spare iPad they can pass my way instead?!

My mum is interested in getting one, so we were looking at them yesterday. Amazon.co.uk has some really good prices on best sellers at the moment- as long as that lasts, it's looking more attractive.

I did go for The Help, and indeed it was very good. My second choice was actually something completely different. I think I'll get Rebecca this month.

I've finished The Help on audio - it is a really good book, but it's more character driven than plot. There are various story lines running through, but I must admit I expected something a little more dramatic. However, I would still recommend it, as the characters are brilliantly done. The narrators used for the audio were excellent, which brought the characters to life even more. I was truly sad to finish it, and I'd be quite interested in a sequel, to see what happens to them. I've now started listening to Spiderlight by Sarah Rayne.. I'm not quite sure yet what I think, it's too early to tell. Book wise, I had some review books turn up, so I've started them. I'm reading Speaking of Love by Angela Young, which has certainly started well, and I've already read 101 things you thought you knew about the Titanic.. but didn't. The title says it all really - a good read!

I finished Mockingjay last night, and I'm so sad to leave it all behind. I've written a little more in the Hunger Games thread. I'd HIGHLY recommend this series. I've bought a few books recently (naughty, I know!) and I'm not entirely sure where to go next! I may try Ravens by George Dawes Green (which looked good in the shop, but is getting poor reviews on amazon ) and Remarkable Creatures by Tracey Chevalier (which looks more promising on amazon!).

Get ready to order the next two pretty quickly, which is what I did!

Well, I finished Mockingjay last night, and I can't believe how much I enjoyed this trilogy. Katniss is such a great flawed character, and so many of the supporting characters highly memorable. I really miss them all already, and am tempted to go right back to the first book and start again! I think these books need to be added to the recommended list of books at secondary school, and I'm certainly going to push them Beth's way at some point. I think this trilogy has been the highlight of my 2010 reading!

You can judge a book from one page?!

I was wondering about a film the other day. If it's done well, it could be an excellent film. But, if they make too many changes, it could be disappointing.

Simon van Booy is a beautiful writer. We have a thread about one of his books here - http://www.bookclubforum.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/4215-love-begins-in-winter-by-simon-van-booy/page__p__111635__hl__booy__fromsearch__1#entry111635

I finished Catching Fire last night, and it's a great follow up to Hunger Games. As I said over in the thread, I would have loved it as a teen, and it's just as good as an adult, so I'd recommend it to most people. I'm excited about reading Mockingjay. I'm also over half way through The Help, and it is a really good book. It gives an insight into segregation in the 60s, and the characters are very well written - I will be sad to leave them once finished. Mind you, the audio version may be helping with that, as they have great narrators. I have a feeling it's building up to something at the end.

I have enjoyed some of his books, but it was a while ago, and I can't remember much! I'd recommend them to thriller fans.

I finished Catching Fire last night, and I found it just as gripping as the first book. It really brings out the evil of the President, and the naivety of the people of the Capitol. I would have loved reading this as a teen, and am enjoying it just as much as an adult - I think I'd recommend it to anyone who like dystopian future books. I'm now excited to read Mockingjay, as thankfully I haven't seen any spoilers yet.

Are you actually going to recommend a book?

Good to know, thanks.