ladymacbeth

GENERATION DEAD by Daniel Waters Generation Dead is a young adult supernatural romance novel by Daniel Waters. The book is a modern reworking of the zombie genre of fiction. It follows a girl named Phoebe and her best friends, Margi and Adam, whose world has been left baffled by a strange phenomenon - dead teenagers not staying dead. For reasons unknown, a small number of the teenaged dead are returning to 'life'. They lack a heartbeat and all other traditional life-signs (respiration, digestion, etc) but are capable of thought, movement and speech (to varying extents). They are widely feared by the living, but Phoebe finds herself attracted to Tommy Williams, one of the "living impaired" teens at her school. Blurb from Amazon I picked this book up on a whim from the local library as I thought I remembered a good review about it somewhere. Luckily it is sensational! Over the last few years newly deceased teenagers in the US have been coming back to life. Nobody understands the phenomenon and most of the population are repulsed or frightened by the undead. A small group of people are trying to work towards getting legal rights for zombies but are up against a tidal wave of discrimation, hatred and violence. Zombies are now allowed to attend Phoebe's secondary school and she finds herself fascinated by one of the zombie boys. He seems more able than most zombies (able to talk and walk somewhat faster) and has joined the school football team to much opposition. As Phoebe and her living friends become more and more friendly with the zombie kids it sparks some harsh reactions from other students and adults. I have never been a big horror genre fan so have not read alot of zombie fiction in the past. Rather than a gore fest this book is mainly about discrimination. The zombies' situation reminds me of how black people were treated in the USA before the civil rights movement and also how AIDS victims were shunned when the disease first became an epidemic in the 1980s - when everyone was terrified of catching the disease. There was an air of disquiet about the novel which horror fans might like. The zombies are mysterious and frightening characters although as the novel develops and Phoebe gets to know them they become easier to sympathise with. It is completely different from Twilight-style vampire romance where the vampires are still pretty tame. Zombies are yuck by definition. The great thing about this is that usually reading fiction or non-fiction about past discrimination eg slavery, apartheid etc, it is very difficult for me to understand the viewpoint of the persecutors. Now in 2011 it seems so obvious that we shouldn't discriminate against other races, sexualities etc. However when I consider what my own response would be to zombie students turning up at school I think I would have been scared at best. I can put myself in the place of the zombie persecutors. I won't reveal any more of the books plot but the ending is fabulous and I'm popping down to the library tomorrow to get the sequel. 5 out of 5 stars.

The rest of the series is not as good I think. It turns into a bit of a romance series in book two when Ayla meets a man. Book3 The Mammoth hunters was good if you enjoy relationship dramas. Books 4 and 5 were pretty good but the last book I found too full of descriptions, light on plot and a major disappointment. It had been one of my favourite series when I was a teenager but a couple decades later I don't appreciate it as much.

Finished A Cavern of Black Ice by JV Jones. It had a really good ending which made up for the fact that I felt it was limping a bit in the last 200 pages. Started Generation Dead - not usually a zombie book fan but this looked interesting. I'm sure I have seen a good review of it somewhere. It's by Daniel Waters I think.

Oh yay! Yep that sounds terrific. Good luck - hope you get the job.

A CAVERN OF BLACK ICE by JV Jones When Raif and Drey Sevrance return home to their clan as the only survivors of a vicious attack in which both their father and the clan chief were killed, everything changes for Raif. Uneasy with the new chief's reign of brutality and his brother's acceptance of it, Raif welcomes his uncle Angus Lok's invitation to accompany him to Spire Vanis. Asarhiah March, Ash for short, is the beautiful ward of Penthero Iss, Overlord of Spire Vanis. Suspicious of Penthero's increasing interest in her developing body, when Ash overhears him planning to imprison her she flees, only to be cornered at the city gate by a band of the Overlord's elite guards. But as they close in on her, a stranger comes to the rescue - observed by a bemused Raif, Angus Lok plunges into the midst of the guards and snatches her to safety. And so begins an epic journey which will change their lives ... and maybe the world. Blurb from Fantastic Fiction. This is fairly classic fantasy novel fare with a young hero, a journey, fate of the world at stake etc. Seeing as I like that sort of thing I really enjoyed it. I didn't come across as cliched as even though it fits solidly into the fantasy mould as there were some new ideas and the author never reveals the whole backstory to the land. The characters are in the dark about the implications of their actions and so is the reader. This book for me felt like travelling back in time about 10 years as I initially read it in 2000. I couldn't remember enough to be able to understand the sequel so embarked on a re-read. It was all vaguely familiar but I really enjoyed some of the sideplots that I hadn't recalled. Great characters as well particularly the women and girls. My favourite was Effie Sevrance, the main character Raif's sister. She only a little girl left at home in the clanhold when Raif leaves but she has a sixth sense for when bad things are going to happen and this helps keep her out of harm's way. My only criticism of the book was that it was a little bit long at 800 pages and started to drag. However the ending had several cliffhangers so I felt really satisfied by it and eager to read the next installment. 4 out of 5 stars

Pickle you are a machine. You remind me of my step mother before she died - she would read 3 books at once and so quickly. Just an amazing skill!

Absolutely agree on the Lord of the Flies, Poppy. I hated it too and yet it didn't stop me learning the lessons within. I think it really is an important read and I'm glad we studied it at school even though the feeling it left me with was horror.

Right, I can see I'm going to have to read the Sally Lockhart series. Great Teaser Tuesday Kell.

Librarian Kylie - it's meant to be! Anyway you can change careers?

I'm at a really annoying stage in my current book A Cavern of Black Ice by JV Jones. I'm over 3/4 of the way through with only 150 pages to go. But it is starting to drag. If I switch and read something else I will feel like I have unfinished business. And yet I'm finding it hard to get the motivation up to finish it. The book is actually pretty good and I have the sequel waiting to go after a short rest but my mojo is non existent!

I got sick of this series because it seemed to become quite preachy and based around some Eastern religious type ideas (the characters were trying to reach enlightenment or Nirvana or something). I presume I wouldn't like this installment? I thought about trying it just to have reached a conclusion but may not after your comments. Thanks - you've saved me an annoying read.

Just wondering - with the Janet Evanovich books - do you need to read them in order or can you start mid series? I have thought about trying them but can never find the first one in the library.

I think I enjoyed the second one more than the first. I have got Passion set aside to read but I started it and couldn't remember what an earth had happened in the last 2 books - so now I need to reread. But I can't really be bothered at the mo. I'm sure I will get around to it.

I've just ordered Mindhunter from the local library.

Yes Jean Auel is pretty heavy on the description - I would find myself skipping paragraphs and sometimes skim reading whole pages but have now read the whole series of her books.

Kylie what about using usegoodbooks.com. It looks like they are upgrading at the moment so site not available but will be soon. It's a New Zealand site (formerly goodbooks.co.nz) - 100% of profits go to Oxfam and I used to find the prices reasonably competitive.

I have read the above books (or started them). I loved all the Austen ones and read them one after the other in the complete works. I got really into the groove. Persuasion and Pride and Prejudice are the best. I do recommend the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth as well. Mmmmmm. I loved Tess of the dUrbervilles although couldn't tell you the plot as read it when I was 14. The Last of the Mohicans unfortunately was extremely dry despite the exciting subject matter and I couldn't get through Robinson Crusoe, Gulliver's Travels or Great Expectations (the first part of Great Expectations I loved though but then it got boring). Oliver Twist was pretty good. So a mixed bag. Looks like I like classic chick lit!! Good luck with your reading.

I tried to read Sybil many years ago and couldn't make it through it. I don't remember why. Was it written by Sybil herself - I vaguely remember it seeming quite chaotic and therefore I couldn't keep track. Actually maybe I ma confusing it with another book on multiple personalilty which was called When Rabbit Howls.

Regarding Little, Big. Sadly I didn't enjoy it although I could see how other people found it charming. I think I like my books a bit more plot driven whereas this was quite slow moving. I'm now reading A Cavern of Black Ice by JV Jones. It's 800 pages long which I'm thinking may have been a poor choice for my lack of mojo but will see how I go.

Yay. Finished Little, Big. I feel so relieved. Can now move on to new things.

LITTLE, BIG by John Crowley Little, Big tells the epic story of Smoky Barnable -- an anonymous young man who meets and falls in love with Daily Alice Drinkwater, and goes to live with her in Edgewood, a place not found on any map. In an impossible mansion full of her relatives, who all seem to have ties to another world not far away, Smoky fathers a family and tries to learn what tale he has found himself in -- and how it is to end. From Google Books Extremely slow-paced book about an unusual family who believe in fairies. I just couldn't get into this at all. It took me a long time to read. I was hoping for a great ending and was underwhelmed. It's a cult classic but not in my house. 2 out of 5 stars

Hi Bobblybear. Mindhunter sounds really interesting. I'm assuming it is non fiction?? I normally don't enjoy fictional crime stories as they seem to drag on a bit when I could just watch an episode of CSI in a hour! but the real life stuff is fascinating.

I've been putting off writing about recent reads for a while. Just lacking in energy really and overworked. Am approaching third trimester of pregnancy and have not been in my usual reading mode. All I've felt like have been easy reads lately. But here are my latest reads starting with what I finished last. THE CITY AND THE CITY by China Mieville When the body of a murdered woman is found in the extraordinary, decaying city of Bes el, somewhere at the edge of Europe, it looks like a routine case for Inspector Tyador Borlu of the Extreme Crime Squad. But as he probes, the evidence begins to point to conspiracies far stranger, and more deadly, than anything he could have imagined. Soon his work puts him and those he cares for in danger. Borlu must travel to the only metropolis on Earth as strange as his own, across a border like no other. With shades of Kafka and Philip K. Dick, Raymond Chandler and 1984 , "The City & The City" is a murder mystery taken to dazzling metaphysical and artistic heights. It's unusual that the setting proves to be the most interesting part of a novel. However in this book, a murder mystery is set in one of the most original, unique places that I have ever read about. The book describes two cities occupying the same land where occupants have learned to "unsee" those buildings, people, events occurring in the other city. The way it works is incredibly intricate and yet so well done it becomes believable. As the murder mystery is worked out we learn more and more about the two co-existing cities and how they interact. It's a truly incredible idea and I can't wait to read some more China Mieville. 5 out of 5 stars!!! BE MY BABY by Zoe Barnes Lorna has everything she's ever wanted. And then one day, her beloved husband Ed dies - leaving her widowed and pregnant at 29. Eighteen months later, Lorna misses Ed as much as ever, but knows she must get out and make a new life for herself and her kids. When her mum and dad suddenly find themselves desperate for somewhere to live, what could be more natural than for them to come and live with Lorna? It'll be a great opportunity for her to go back to her job as a midwife, while they get to know their grandchildren. But that's before the mishaps, the arguments over childcare, or the rows that break out when Lorna announces that she's met a hunky doctor and is ready to start dating again. From Fantastic Fiction This is a shockingly predictable chick-lit offering from Zoe Barnes. I found a large part of it annoying as the main character Lorna dated such a hideous character that I couldn't really understand her motivations at all. Luckily, all I really wanted to read at this point in time was mindless twaddle or I would have given up on it. Not recommended though unless you're really desperate for some comfort reading like I was. 2.5 out of 5 stars. TWENTIES GIRL by Sophie Kinsella Lara has always had an overactive imagination. Now she wonders if she is losing her mind. Normal twenty-something girls just don't get visited by ghosts! But inexplicably, the spirit of Lara's great aunt Sadie - in the form of a bold, demanding Charleston-dancing girl - has appeared to make one last request: Lara must track down a missing necklace Sadie simply can't rest without. Lara's got enough problems of her own. Her start-up company is floundering, her best friend and business partner has run off to Goa, and she's just been dumped by the love of her life. But as Lara spends time with Sadie, life becomes more glamorous and their treasure hunt turns into something intriguing and romantic. Could Sadie's ghost be the answer to Lara's problems and can two girls from different times end up learning something special from each other? From Fantastic Fiction Another chick-lit novel but with some fairly likeable characters and a good little come-uppance for one of the villains. I enjoyed it and it fitted in with wanting to read something simple and entertaining. 3 out of 5 stars. DOLCE DI LOVE by Sarah-Kate Lynch When childless Lily Turner finds out her perfect husband has a secret family in Tuscany she goes there to find him but gets tangled up with an underground league of Italian widows hell-bent on mending broken hearts - including hers. From website of Sarah-Kate Lynch Sarah-Kate is a New Zealand author, and one of my favourites. Her books are always funny, they do fit into the chick-lit genre, but there is usually a little bit of magic in them and they also deal with some serious issues without ever making the reader uncomfortable. In this case, the issues of infertility and adultery are addressed and the magic comes in the form of a league of Italian widows who when their leader smells orange blossom start looking for a broken heart to mend. I didn't think this was Sarah-Kate's best book but I still enjoyed it and will keep being a loyal fan and read everything she produces. 3 out of 5 stars. HARRY POTTER AND THE ..... by JK Rowling Yep, I reread the entire series after get thoroughly sick of Great Expectations and needing a break. As always this is such an entertaining, clever, funny set of books. The way everyhting comes together in the final installment is brilliant and I remain in awe of JK Rowling. Harry Potter has always been 5 out of 5 - I'm proud to have the books on my shelf. GREAT EXPECTATIONS by Charles Dickens I wanted to read this book before starting Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones and I have only ever read one Dickens book before (Oliver Twist). Whilst I really enjoyed the first part of the book where Pip lives with his sister and her husband, I got completely mired down once Pip moved to the city and started spending money like water. I tried to have a break and get back into it but just haven't been able to and have now put the book into my abandoned pile. Sad really. If anyone can indicate to me that the book takes a turn for the better I may get the energy to give it another shot so please comment if you have enjoyed the book yourself. THE SHORT SECOND LIFE OF BREE TANNER by Stephenie Meyer A novella by the author of Twilight filling in the backstory of a very minor character in her novel Eclipse. I bought this on special at the local book shop and found it pretty disapppointing really. I didn't add much to my experience of the Twilight saga which I actually really enjoyed. Worth a read once I suppose but nothing to get excited about. Midnight Sun on the other hand - I hope Stephenie decide to finish this.

My favourite book was Perfume: The story of a murderer but I can't remember who wrote it now.

I have got 100 pages left of Little, Big. It has taken me over 2 weeks which is a long time for me. Have never really gotten in to it and still not sure I understand the point. But I am determined to finish it!!!!