DanC_84

Just wanted to say congrats to JM Del Potro. He just defeated Roger in the final of the US Open to take his first Slam. At just 20 this guy is a special player and could well be the next dominant force on the Men's tour after Federer.

I've read them Mac and even though I kind of liked them I would advise you to steer clear.

Read the first 50 odd pages of 'Love Lives' by Emlyn Rees and Josie Lloyd last night.

Cool, I'm looking for some more Murakami books to add to my wishlist.

Which one was that?

Hey Larry, welcome!

I finished 'Norwegian Wood' last night. Not sure what I'm going to start next. I'll take a look at my TBR pile later tonight.

Really? That should be pretty cool. I'll definately give that one a read.

Finally finished 'Norwegian Wood' by Haruki Murakami last night. I found my experience with this book to be really weird. Around 2/3 or 3/4 of the way through it I was kind of a little disappointed. Its not that I thought it was a bad story, or that it was poorly written, just that I didn't really seem to be identifying with any of the characters particularly well, and character identification is typically a pretty significant factor in my enjoyment of a book. Anyway, around this point I asked myself if I really cared about what happened to any of the characters in the book. The answer was no, which disappointed me a little. Having said that, the last 100 pages of the book might be the best I have ever read of any novel. Everything started to change, I started to really empathise with Watanabe and Midori and I really got involved in the story. I stayed up until after 1am last night to finish as I just couldn't put it down. Fantastic last 100 pages, loved them. One of the strangest things about the book, and something that I have read from accounts from others that have read it, is the sexual encounters in the book. THe way they are described in somewhat odd, almost as if the character becomes detached from the situation and just gives a straight out scientific account. Anyway, it was kind of cool and weird at the same time. I'm not sure I have ever read a book that treated sex in that fashion. Overall I really enjoyed it. I gave it 8.5/10. I couldn't really give it any higher than that as the first 2/3 of the book was a slight let down for me, but it definately made up for it in the last 100 pages. I will definately be reading more of Murakami. Not sure what is next up. I will peruse my TBR pile tonight after work before arriving at a decision I think.

Roger is just so good on this surface. So few can stay with him for more than half a set on it.

I've read that one Beth - I really, really enjoyed it. I live in Brisbane, where part of the book is set.

Hey there, welcome to the forum. I am currently reading 'Norwegian Wood' by Murakami.

Charmed for sure. Did not like the show but I love that song.

Cheers Mac and Sara. I am pretty pumped for this book, I just need some time to read it!

Hey Ben, things are pretty good. Unfortunately I have been mentally busy at work this month so the reading has slowed a bit. Hope everything is good at your end.

Finished 'The Coffin Dancer' - loved it, awesome book. 9/10. Will definately be reading more Deaver. I plan to start 'Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami' later tonight.

No, I haven't. I know my girlfriend has read that entire series and loved it. Perhaps one I should have a look at.

I have this book on my pile at home.

Books completed: 45 Gave up on: 0 Favourites this year: Twilight - Stephenie Meyer Noughts & Crosses - Malorie Blackman Check Mate - Malorie Blackman Testimony - Anita Shreve The Time Traveler's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger The Book Thief - Markus Zusak The Tea Rose - Jennifer Donnelly The Forgotten Garden - Kate Morton The Winter Rose - Jennifer Donnelly Plain Truth - Jodi Picoult Deal Breaker - Harlan Coben If I had to choose my absolute favourite for this year it would be 'The Tea Rose' by Jennifer Donnelly.

Yeah, that was a killer review of 'Testimony' Beth. I remember having several of those feelings myself after reading it. I really enjoyed it, but like you one or two aspects frustrated me a bit.

Cheers Mac, same to you.

Yeah, I don't think that would be a great move to be honest. Apparently the Oval is a great batting wicket, so I wouldn't be surprised to see a draw.

Ramprakash? Wow, that is a blast from the past!