Nollaig

That's about 17 kinds of awesome.

I now have no idea what to do about his other titles. I've heard this one is nothing like his other books, but does that mean I would like them more, or less?

Most people liked it, but it's beyond me why they did. You might want to get other opinions too before dismissing it.

Celluloid Heroes - Steve Vai (because it's better than the original).

I'm going to be reading this in the next couple of days! *Dances*

A sandwich with tuna and a tomato and herb dressing on wholemeal bread. YUM! Think I might make a double choc mocha in a minute.

Yes! I agree! The Book Thief, the minute I saw it I HAD to have it.

It's Naoko's favourite song, and it gets a played few times throughout the novel. I don't actually know the song so I can't make any comparisons, but the explanation is never more in depth than that really.

The Coldfire Trilogy, by virtue of the cover art of the first book. This is it, in it's original form (the artist sells prints of his book covers).

I just finished it. As I've said also in my reading list thread yokey, if anyone can explain this X factor of Murakami's which I can audibly hear wooshing over my head, please feel free to do so.

I finished Norwegian Wood and I really did not like it at all. You can read everything I say without the spoilers and get the gist of what I didn't like, and the spoilers provide specific references to events in the book exemplifying my points. I'll point out some good things first - it was very easy to read, despite not really enjoying it. Certain parts made me laugh out loud, some parts were beautifully written and I actually enjoyed a scene or two. So it wasn't the worst thing I have ever read. Now, what I didn't like about it: 1. The characters. They had no substance WHATSOEVER. They had no personality or life, they were mere aspects of neurosis with names (the women) and one narratorial vehicle through which to unite all the women (Toru). There is nothing beyond this to the characters, no depth, no substance, nothing. Just a series of events related to sex and death. 2. The plot. What plot? There was a plot? As far as I could see, not only did the sex and death have no personalities to ground themselves in, nothing else actually happened. Since there's no emotional attachement in any of it, it's completely monotonous and boring. All that said, there was a brief moment towards the end when I felt for Midori. Overall: Boring. Monotonous. Repetitive. If anyone would like to have a go at explaining the 'X factor' about Murakami which clearly went over my head, please, PLEASE do so, you might make the last three days of reading this rubbish worthwhile.

I don't get what's good about it. Don't read the following if you're not up to around page 270.

Oh I have some nice books lined up I think, once I get through this I've that book that author sent me which should be good, as well as Kostova's new one, Glen Duncan's 'I, Lucifer' which I had reeeeally wanted and some Chevalier and Shreve who are two ladies I already know I enjoy the works of. And Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell in the background

Be glad you didn't. In the 'sex in books' thread I said I had never come across a book with enough sex to make me think, 'that was gratuitous'. Now I have. It's COMPLETELY pointless and ridiculously central to the non-story. And not only that, it's absolutely dire all round, the characters, the lack of a story, the complete lack of realism....

Trying to finish Norwegian Wood. I may die in the process. People actually like this stuff?!

I'm reading Norwegian Wood. I'm almost afraid to admit what I think because so many people seem to think Murakami is this amazing writer but.... man. This is terrible.

I know, I meant.... Ohh nevermind

I like the sound of this guy.... I think I'll give him a go if I see one of his books.

That was dripping with sarcasm.... do you think it's NOT a tad idiotic?

That is utterly sad

Space is becoming a serious issue for me. The shelf over my bed is overpacked - the books used to stand vertically, I've now had to stack them in rows on top of each other and I'm afraid it's going to collapse on me. While I'm asleep. Terrifying me before knocking me unconscious and suffocating me with books. I've also filled two shelves in the living room, and a shelf of a wooden unit in my room. When I moved in nearly a year and a half ago, just before I joined this forum, I had 35 books, including college books. By May, that had gone up to 71, and now I have 144 NOT INCLUDING college books OR old books, which brings the total to roughly 165.

My old 'Pokemon 2 B A Master' series soundtrack - it has all the songs from Pikachu's Jukebox (which played at the end of each episode) and man this brings back memories from 10 or 12 years ago!

Man. Second/third last episode, ish. That amazing song. Over that brilliant scene. One of my favourite scenes of all time.

*Sigh* I went to the charity shop. At least my haul only cost 5.50 euro. My euro sign isn't working? Oh well. I got: A December Wedding - Anita Shreve (Just because I loved the other one I read) The Lady & The Unicorn - Tracy Chevalier (As above) AND I, Lucifer - Glen Duncan (Which I am thrilled about because I just decided the other day I wanted it.)

Jump and hope for the best.