Ben

Tell you what, this sounds right up my street. The title rings a bell, so I've probably seen it mentioned before; time to get my hands on this one.

*does weird excited dance.* American Gods is amazing; I love it. It was one of my favourite books of last year, and probably would have been my favourite if it wasn't for The Picture of Dorian Gray. Anyway, how did you find it? I'd love to hear your thoughts. The different characters and their connections to old mythology are just fantastic, and Gaiman's writing style is utterly brilliant. In any case, enough of my rambling, let me know how you found it.

Aww Kylie, thank you very much. Excellent idea by the way, I know a lot of people feel a bit down on this forum when posts go unrecognised; after all it would be impossible to reply to everyone's. Hugs and appreciation for anyone that's feeling down at the minute, cheer up. Last of all thanks once more to Michelle for running what is one of the best forums I have ever had the pleasure of being apart of; the community spirit around here is like nothing I've ever experienced online, and it's meant a lot to me in previous moments of sadness. Same to all the Moderators that help keep things pleasant and organised. Lastly, to all you members, some of which I've grown to know and trust more than people in real life; without all you lovely people that frequent the forum, it wouldn't be the same.

Of course they do, and that is my favourite book of all time. My favourite so far would probably have to be The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón which was recommended by Kylie and which I really enjoyed. I have had some good reads this year, though; The Rembrandt Secret by Alex Connor was also fantastic, as was Love In The Time Of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez. All in all, even if I haven't read that many novels this year, I have had some brilliant reads.

That's good, it's started interestingly, so we'll have to see where it goes.

Strictly from TBR.. three random, quick picks; a decent mix I feel. Crime and Punishment. - Dostoyevsky. The Fry Chronicles. - Stephen Fry. Hell Gate. - Linda Fairstein. I'd cheat and take my Kindle though.

Day 11 – A book you hated I've been thinking about this one a lot, and with a lot of reflection I still can't find a book that I genuinely hated. I've always been lucky enough to read books that I've enjoyed, or if I've enjoyed them less than others it hasn't been to the extent that I hated them. I find it strange to find a book that I really don't like, but like I've said in previous answers, there's a long time of reading in front of me where I'm sure I'll eventually find one that disagrees with me.

I decided my next read is going to be The Blasphemer by Nigel Farndale. Not sure if any of you have read this but I spotted it in store a couple of months back now, on the 'bestsellers' list, and apparently it was shortlisted for the 2010 Costa Novel Award. Synopsis: He had always been scared of flying. Now, the fear is real. A plane crash. The water is rising over his mouth. In his nostrils. Lungs. As Daniel gasps, he swallows; and punches at his seat-belt. Nancy, the woman he loves, is trapped in her seat. He clambers over her, pushing her face into the headrest. It is a reflex, visceral action made without rational thought... but Daniel Kennedy did it. And already we have judged him from the comfort of our own lives. Almost a hundred years earlier, Daniel's great-grandfather goes over the top at Passchendaele. A shell explodes, and he wakes up alone and lost in the hell of no-man's-land. Where are the others? Has he been left behind? And if he doesn't find his unit, is he a deserter? Love; cowardice; trust; forgiveness. How will any of us behave when we are pushed to extremes? Anyone read this? I think it sounds quite good, but we'll see.

Ooh I'm jealous you got to do Wilde for A Level, to be honest; I might have to check this one out, thanks.

Finished Deal Breaker by Harlan Coben late last night; always seem to absolutely fly through his novels in a couple of days or less. Anyway, thoughts and review coming up later when I'm a little bit more awake; been up nearly three hours and two cups of coffee haven't been able to wake me up yet. Review here if anyone's interested. Deal Breaker. - Harlan Coben. Thoughts: Another Harlan Coben novel, and another fun, fast-paced read. After reading and enjoying Caught earlier this year, I thought I would get my hands on another one of his novels, and I haven't been disappointed; when reading Coben, the hours just fly by in enjoyment. This was a typical plot; girl disappeared, presumed dead, multiple suspects, different threads and sub-plots going off on tangents. Characters with their own agendas, keeping secrets from others; the reader doesn't know who to trust. This has everything you could want from a novel like this nice, easy read; a gripping, engaging plot that twists and turns, leaving the reader guessing throughout. 4/5.

I might just do that Delilah, thanks.

Day 10 – Favourite classic book Without a doubt The Picture of Dorian Gray by Mr Oscar Wilde. I read this last year on holiday and fell in love with it instantly. Not only is each sentence wonderfully crafted, poetry to my ears, I enjoyed watching the story develop. I honestly fell in love with Wilde's beautiful writing style, and I hope that soon enough I will get around to reading more of his work. In any case, wasn't a difficult choice for me thus far, even if I do hope to read many more good classics in the future.

That's an incredible amount of books read in just half a year, I'm envious to say the least.

Good good, might have to check it out.

What you reading at the moment, Weave, anything good?

Like I said, it's not that I don't like them, just prefer some others.

Moved on to my next read, Deal Breaker by Harlan Coben, but haven't had much chance to get started just yet. Synopsis: When a woman who everyone, including the police, believes is dead makes a phone call to a young sportsman about to hit the big time, it seems that more than just his career is on the line. Myron Bolitar investigates and is plunged into a baffling mystery of sex and blackmail. Trying to unravel the truth about a family's tragedy, a woman's secret and a man's lies, Myron soon realises that image and talent might make you rich, but the truth can get you killed. Looks good this one; I read Coben's Caught earlier this year, and definitely enjoyed that, so here's hoping for the same.

You wish Michelle. Haha in all honesty I think I'm just too nice to not bother thinking about the price of how much something like that costs, especially if I don't know what I'd use it for.

I'm a student, not so sure about mature. Seems we're both creative people; you learn towards the arts, and I enjoy the creative writing side of things. I've enjoyed reading from a very young age and can't associate with the stop-start type of reading personality, but it's interesting to hear the thoughts of someone dyslexic. As for the coffee shop with lots of bookshelves, if that ever becomes a thing let me know, it sounds wonderful. In any case, welcome to the forum, I'm sure you'll love it.

I'm going to have to go with the Lord of the Rings series; it was brilliantly well done, and I'm looking forward to the adaptation of The Hobbit as well.

I have my Kindle for reading though, and my iTouch I play most my games on - when I play games that is. I'm not sure what I'd actually use an iPad for if I'm honest.

Need some advice. My mum has bought me a new laptop for my birthday, but my grandparents have sent them an email saying they want to buy me an iPad 2. I know I'm spoiled, right? Anyway, is there really any point in having both? I can't think of anything I can do easier on one rather than the other. Help please.

That's interesting, have you read The Shadow of the Wind? I haven't seen many disappointed with that.

Hey Weave, I'm surviving, and yourself? Oh of course, each to their own, and I would never cut across anyone for saying they enjoyed them at all. I admit they are easy, light-hearted reads, which in some cases are just what the doctor has ordered. I think my main issue is just that I haven't become caught up in the frenzy as much as some others have, and although my view that some other books may deserve more recognition could come across as controversial to some, I feel it's justified.