Ben

Day 08 – Most overrated book Didn't even have to think for a moment when answering this question as without a doubt the Twilight series is one of the most over-rated series', ever. In essence, I believe so many more books deserve the world-wide attention that these novels have gained. There are many more much better novels, in terms of plot and of written quality also. I read these books before they went viral, and although I enjoyed them as light-hearted reads, they were nothing more. Yes, they're easy to pass away a few hours, but the atteniton they have gained is entirely overrated. No disrespect to any Twilight fans but I believe they don't deserve the attention they recieve.

Murdoch and Brooks deserve prison sentences for their pathetic attempt at 'journalism', and as an aspiring journalist this kind of shady business, rotten to the core, upsets me greatly. They're showing no remorse for what they have done, deflecting all blame, just like the rich do to get out of trouble. Full credit to The Guardian who have stuck at this story for a good couple of years and have revealed the dodgy dealings behind this sorry excuse for a newspaper; it makes me happy to say I'm a daily Guardian reader.

Hey, welcome to the forum. I'm sure you'll find many suggestions around the boards from this friendly bunch, and I hope to see you amongst discussion soon.

Why does this sound familiar? I have so many favourites my number one can change with the weather around these parts, which is arbitrary to say the least.

I noticed that there was on fantastic fiction, and I want it to read it now. I also have Zafón's The Prince of Mist that I believe, if I'm not mistaken, was mentioned in The Shadow of the Wind as one of Julián's novels. My grandma read it and said she struggled to connect with it, believing that it seemed a little childish and not very well written. I was shocked because this contrasts with the novel I have read, so will be interested to see if this is the case.

Hey Martin welcome to the forum. I'm sure you'll enjoy it on here and I can't wait to see you in discussion.

Day 07 – Most underrated book I have to say, one of the most underrated books - well series, I'm cheating a little - I've ever had the pleasure of coming across, is Jonathan Stroud's Bartimaeus series, which are fantastic. The Amulet of Samarkand is the first, if anyone's interested. It's a story about a young magician called Nathaniel and a 5000-year-old djinn called Bartimaeus. They are funny and witty, and are great light-hearted reads to pass away the hours. On reflection, these aren't 'underrated' as such, as those I know who have read them enjoy them immensely. They are more unrecognised than they should be though, so that's the reason I'm having them as the answer to today's question.

Two gifts, not purchases, just use that as your excuse.

Oooh well done. I've never read it, but it's been on the to-be-read pile for as long as I can remember; might be time to push it up the pile a little.

Sounds like there's a few of interest there Kell, some good recommendations. Have you ever read Animal Farm? That was the novel that sprang to the front of my mind when I read your post, and although I've never read it, I will someday. I enjoyed 1984 and I've always wanted to explore some more of Orwell's work; Animal Farm seems to fit nicely in with your post.

Finished The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón last night, and thought it was a fantastic read that I'd recommend to everyone.

In any case, I had a troubled night of sleep last night and didn't sleep a wink before around seven in the morning. This gave me the opportunity to finish The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Záfon. I only started this a couple of days ago, but have flown through what is a fantastically written novel, not pausing for breath on the way. Full review here if anyone's interested. The Shadow of the Wind. - Carlos Ruiz Zafón. Thoughts: Well, it's safe to say I will have endless thanks to Kylie for plucking this one out of hundreds of choices, otherwise it could have been left unread on my shelves for years; a tragic waste for sure. This novel was fantastic; a wonderfully written plot integrated with brilliant characters that each stood out individually for me. The story is an ambiguous one; unanswered questions lead to sub-plots, which lead to further seemingly endless mysterious that have the readers guessing and wondering throughout. The way Zafón weaves the parallels into the different characters' journeys is clever, and often I found myself surprised at revelations that I was definitely not expecting. The observant readers may guess some twists, but it seems that these turns will not stop right until the very last page, and the fast-paced action will carry you to that destination before you even realise the hours have past. I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a good fast-paced mystery novel that ultimately has you questioning everything, and everyone. 5/5.

Missed this yesterday.. Day 06 – A book that makes you sad At first I couldn't think of any books at all that made me sad, but on reflection a couple spring to mind. Firstly, The Kite Runner was one of the first books that really hit me. I'm sure those of you have read it will agree that there's sadness throughout. Another novel that makes me sad, even though I haven't read it in a while, is Noughts and Crosses. Without wanting to ruin it for anyone, the ending of that novel is so tragic, and I was frustrated and somewhat sad that it ended in that way.

Not sure what it is, because it's not like I'm not touched by books; on the contrary, if they resonate with me a lot of books can be emotional.

I'll bare them in mind Ruth, thanks for the recommendations.

Was struggling because reading in general makes me happy, so was hard to find a specific book that does it; this seemed to fit the bill though.

I have them occasionally. Okay, that synopsis has me sold, I'm so intrigued; definitely going to have to pick this one up, thanks for the recommendation Kylie.

Hey, welcome to BCF.

I've always felt I should get started on some good Stephen King books, but I never seem to get around to it; perhaps because I feel there's so much choice in front of me, and it becomes a struggle with where to begin. You obviously rated The Green Mile very highly, though, so I'll have a look out for that one in the future.

I missed this, thanks Chesil, it really does catch the eye.

This one sounds fascinating, the 'novelist who lost his mind' idea is one which intrigues me, as I'm surprised you don't hear about a lot more authors that lose their minds. Surely such creative people are some of the most tortured souls when something isn't going successfully for them.

I don't think it was ever in doubt. As for always wanting to start numerous books at once, I do get that, but only when I'm already reading one. When it comes to picking one to start when I'm not reading any, I think I just get overwhelmed by the fact there's far too many choices.

Day 05 – A book that makes you happy Oh gee, not sure about this one; I tend to never really stumble across a book that has a happy ending, really. Thinking back, perhaps maybe not because of the ending or anything like that, and maybe it's not even a book that makes me happy as such, I think I should mention Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, as it is a book that definitely couldn't fail to make me smile. Not a very good answer, but maybe I'll find a book that actually makes me 'happy' in the future.