happyanddandy

Finished Black Swan Green - really good read. Hard to select something to follow but settled on Barbara Trapido - I have read several of her books in the past. 'Frankie and Stankie' was the last one which I loved. Noah's Ark is an earlier book. The Blurb - Noah's Ark is a wry and sparkling account of a marriage; an apparently incompatible union between Noah Glazer, a solid man of science perenially abreast of his in-tray material and Alison Bobrow, a palely captivating eccentric. For both parties the marriage - after a memorably sexy and precipitous courtship - implies a serious departure from type. Noah walks undaunted into the overpopulated labyrinth of Alison's previous life, coolly issuing forth the unspeakable maxim that 'Charity begins at home'. Gradually he builds fences for her and her life takes on a degree of serenity and order which she never thought to enjoy. Until one day, when Noah is away at a medical conference, she is drawn towards exploring certain avenues in her past. The consequences are as hectic as they are illuminating and near-disasterous...

I loved this book! Written from a 12 year old boy perspective it comes alive. Mitchell's descriptions are spot on. For example when he likens bus diesel fumes to a newly sharpened pencil smell it is exactly what a schoolboy would use as a referenc point. I particularly liked how the author dealt with Jason's stammering via the 'Hangman' squeezing his throat so that he could not get his words out. The bullying made me feel quite emotional too. Do read this if you can. Literature of the best kind. For me the references to the Falklands war, Maggie Thatcher and the music of the early 80s provided added value. Definitely the best I have read this year so far.

I missed it a t the cinema - I will endeavour at some point to get the DVD

Read Lilac Bus a long time ago and can't remember a lot about it - is it different people's stories who have moved to Dublin?

Hello and welcome

Sounds good! Will look out for it.

Yes! That's just how I read it to myself but that is also his writing style.

Loved this book - as a watcher of X Factor - it made it even better!!

Crikey - I did it but didn't do all books - thanks Kylie

Thanks Kylie - will have a go and let you know how I get on

I think I picked up a second hand copy recently of that book - I will have to check at home later - sadly at work now

I have read most of PD James books, the Adam Dalgleish ones and Cordelia Grey ones. I have read some more than once - I really enjoyed them. I haven't read the later ones. I loved the character of Adam Dalgleish, a thoughtful poet as well as a detective. It's a very long time since I picked up PDJ - must add to TBR

I had to look up my LT!! 'A Wedding In December' is a fairly recent one. Slow moving but something missing - not sure what - depth maybe.

I read 2 of Anita Shreve's books earlier this year - I enjoyed them but not sure I would pick up another of hers. 'White Teeth' I read maybe 2 years ago and for the life of me I could not see what all the fuss was about. Other reviews said it was funny, hilarious, fresh etc etc - left me cold and I struggled to the end. Be interesting to hear what you think when u get there!!

I wouldn't have a clue how to import my LT to Shelfari. Are there any simple instructions anywhere - thanks

I feel the same!! There are 3 piles of books on my window ledge waiting for me and I am not a fast reader - I do so envy those who can read a book in a few days.

The Lovely Bones is a good read and 'On Beauty' is certainly interesting.

I also registered and haven't done anything else! Very similar to LT.

PDR - A great review thank you very much - daughter still keen to have a go so I will invest in a second hand copy from Amazon. Sorry I missed your copy!!

Has anyone read 'Wicked' by Gregory Maguire? Daughter keen to read as we have seen the show (see how desperate I am to get her reading). Reviews on Amazon mixed saying that story is quite different and difficult to get into. Many thanks

Cloud Atlas will have to wait - will pick up on my travels and apply to Mt TBR

I haven't read Cloud Atlas but BSW was well recommended on this site - things a can only get better for me then!!

It's taken me a while to think about this - Kate Atkinson - 'One Good Turn' stands out for me because it is a well written book which kept me engrossed. I haven't read a lot else since xmas that I can say matches up to KA.

Finished Brown Owl's Guide to Life - now moving on to Black Swan green by David Mitchell

Meaning?