angerball

No, so I can't really comment. However, I have heard rave reviews about Cryptonomicon, and would eventually like to read it. Heard it's quite chunky and heavy going though.

Ok, I've finally finished this one. It's such a complex read, with so many layers that I'm quite stumped what to say about it. I loved the first story, was a wee bit confused by the next two stories, but absolutely loved the final story, which of course tied it all together. I think this is one that I would have to re-read to fully appreciate it, now that I know how it ends. I would like to go through the first three stories (knowing what I now know) and see what hints or clues (if any) were given about the true underlying facts. It's interesting how with every story, different views/sides of the various characters are revealed, and it's clear that not all is as straightforward as each individual character believes. Definitely full of surprises!

The Demon by Hubert Selby Jnr. It describes the descent into insanity of a seemingly ordinary man, with a pretty brutal climax. It is a good read, but very uncomfortable, as you can sense that the end result ain't gonna be pretty.

From my current book (which I am oh-so-close to finishing!): An Instance of the Fingerpost - Iain Pears "'And I cannot bring myself to doubt these manifestations, for I myself have seen one.' 'Really? When?' I replied. 'Only a few months ago,' he said."

Thought I'd finally fill this out. Birthday: 6th February Age: 31 Starsign: Aquarius Single/Married/Other? Married, for 2.5 months. Children? Nope Where do you live? Beautiful Devon, UK. Unfortunately the part I live in isn't as beautiful as the rest of the county. Do you work? Not at the moment, though I will be soon. I work as an Assistant Accountant or Accountant. Favourite author? Hmmm, Stephen King or Margaret Atwood Favourite book? The Stand by Stephen King, Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood, and Out by Natsuo Kirino. How did you get here? Everyone's favourite search engine.

I wouldn't necessarily say that I'd read a book simply because of the intriguing title, but it would make me pick it up to have a closer look. Like some other people here, I picked up The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time largely because the title was so odd that it stuck out. But if it weren't for good reviews, or an interesting blurb on the back cover, then I wouldn't read it regardless of how interesting the title is. However, two of my favourite books have duller-than-dull titles (The Stand, and Out), so a boring title definitely wouldn't put me off reading something.

Hi Cath, and to the forum.

You're welcome! Glad you are enjoying it. I too am not a fan of translations, and I hesitated before picking it up. But, boy was I glad I read it. It's an incredible book. I love the interactions between the lead women, following the . It's such a dark book, and one that I'll read again I'm sure.

This one sounds great. The more I hear about Michel Faber's books, the more fascinated I am. This one and The Crimson Petal and the White, I'm very keen to read.

I haven't read this trilogy, but I am planning to shortly (when I can find a copy in the library). I've heard only good things about this one, and it has constantly popped up on many popular book lists, so I'm quite eager to get it.

Present tense bugs me, and has put me off reading a book in the past (can't remember which one it was). I've read Flowers for Algernon, but I have to admit that I don't remember it being written in present tense. I'm not too bothered by first or third person perspective; I used to have a problem with books written in the first person perspective, but not anymore. If a book is well written, then I'll gladly read it, regardless of which perspective it is in. However, like I said before, I just can't get my head around present tense. I think it's down to the fact that I like to see a novel as a 'memoir' of sorts and to be written relating to past events. Books written in present tense just somehow make me think of those quest type computer games, full of short sentences that just state facts, rather than indepth thoughts and emotions.

I'm still reading An Instance of the Fingerpost (I seem to be reading alot of chunkers these days!). I've just started part two - the story told through John Prestcott's eyes. What a great concept for a story. Initally, when I heard that was how the book was written, I was a bit put off. I thought, "I don't want to read the same story four different times". However, it's not like that at all. It appears that each persons story - though centred around the same events - has a very different perspective, and is driven by a unique motive. What impressed me, is that after reading the Cola's story, I thought "Ah-ha, so that's what happened!"; then reading Prestcott's version, I see that's not the case at all! I'm very much looking forward to the end of this one, as I have a feeling that the ending will show a very different take on events than was first alluded to at the beginning of the book.

Same here, though I do feel guilty not finishing a book. If it doesn't grab me, and I know I can't stick with it, then I at least skim through to the end, so I can see how things turn out. I bought that book when it first came out, as there was such a fuss over it. I must have tried reading it 4 or 5 times, but I just couldn't get through it. I still have it lying around somewhere. It's one of those books that I'm convinced I will enjoy if I read it when I'm in the right mood.

Beauty and the Beast

Hiya and to the board, Laura!

American History X

I didn't notice that, Fiona.

Hiya, and to the board, Elbereth!

Hiya and to the board, Leona!

I loved The Secret History. It's one of those books that I definitely must re-read. It's a psychological thriller, but it's also so much more than that. It's not a quick and easy thriller, but one that is very rich in detail and story-telling. I say, go for it. I picked up The Little Friend, after having read The Secret History, and I have to say, I didn't enjoy it half as much. In fact, I gave up on it. However, I think it was probably down to the mood I was in, as the plot was very interesting. I'd like to give it another go sometime, however I suggest that you start off with The Secret History. It's generally thought of as the better of the two. OK, you've sold me on it, Fiona! I'll have a look for it next time I'm in the library. As a side note, they are making a movie of one of the books, called The Golden Compass (I think one of the books goes under two different names, depending whether you're in the UK or USA). You can find more info here. Hmmm, this is another one that I gave up on towards the end. I loved the first two-thirds of it, but then I just felt it dragged on too long, and I wanted it to be over.

Looks gorgeous! What a great concept!

Good idea for a thread! I'm interested in reading the His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman. I have read a lot of positive comments on it, and seen it frequently popping up on Top 100 book lists, but I'm not sure if it would be my kind of book. I'm not into fantasy books really, yet given the things I've heard about it, I'm thinking of giving it a try.

Non-fiction that I enjoy reading include science books, and true-crime. I'd like to read some history books (I have a huge one that sits on my bookshelf, taunting me! ), as my knowledge of history is quite atrocious. As I tend to read for relaxation, I stick more with fiction. Though I do like the non-fiction books that I read, sometimes they are quite hard to get through (especially the science ones), so I generally tend to put off reading them.

Love the chair, Fiona! Doesn't look all that comfy, but great storage capacity! That's unusual! I can't quite picture it!

Oh yeah, I like jigsaw puzzles too! Unfortunately I don't have large enough space to do one, but when hubby and I move into a new (and hopefully bigger) place, I have several jigsaw puzzles that I can't wait to sink my teeth into. The bigger the better, too!