bobblybear

Pets In A Pickle - Malcolm Westerman I like animals, and generally I like stories about animals – providing they are not too sad. This was a Kindle cheapie with good reviews, so onto my Kindle it went (as so many before it ). I was confused when I first read this, as the main character’s name is Paul Mitchell, and I originally thought it was an autobiography. The author draws on his own experiences as a vet, but I’m assuming a fair bit of it is fictionalised (perhaps not the parts relating to the animals, but the storyline around his personal relationship). There is personal drama in there alongside his veterinary experiences, which wasn't my favorite part of the book as my interest was in the animals. I liked reading about the animal regulars, and the stories were quite interesting, but it’s a generally forgettable book and has been done better before (ie. James Herriot). 3/6

I just went through my recent orders to update my 'Purchased' list. Thought there would only be one or two books to add (because that's all I could remember buying), but I've bought 7 this month. Dearie me.

Great review of The World Without Us. I've nearly finished it and I agree that it is very thought provoking. I always knew (as everyone does) that humans have changed our planet's ecosystem greatly, but didn't realise to what extent and the many ways we have impacted things. I know what you mean about the plant names - as I've been reading it, I've wondered if the author has some background in botany as he is constantly naming plants and trees that I have never heard of. It's a very detailed book, but at the same time it's quite easy to read and understand.

I can't wait to read Mr Mercedes. It's my next read.

Nearly finished with The World Without Us. It's been very interesting so far. I also bought I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes. It caught my eye and seems interesting. Anyone read it?

Ooshie, I ended up reading a synopsis online for the remaining 20%. Put it this way.....I think I made the right decision in giving up.

Thanks, Karen - will do.

You finished Judas Unchained so quickly! Glad you enjoyed it, and nice review - I think the excessive descriptions would bother me too, as my favorite parts (of the first book) were the fast paced sections. Hopefully I will get to it this year.

No, not seen the film though I have it on DVD. I haven't watched it because I would rather read the book first. One day I shall get to it, though my TBR pile is seriously overflowing!

Great review. I've heard loads about Cloud Atlas but I have always hesitated to pick it up. Have you seen the movie?

I have The Ocean At The End of the Lane on my TBR list, and I read Instructions for a Heatwave (and enjoyed it) last year. Enjoy your new purchases, Janet.

My parents didn't monitor what I read, as neither of them have any interest in books (though my mum now reads some non-fiction). As they weren't interested in reading, I don't think they ever considered the possibility that books could be 'subversive' or damaging or inappropriate in any way, and so just let me get on with it. I have memories of going to the library and picking up the maximum number of books allowed (I think it was 8), but I don't ever recall my parents going through them to see what I was borrowing.

I'm glad I gave it a go, as it's one of those books I've always wondered about. Shame I didn't enjoy it, but nevermind.

I think I have another QI book on my Kindle. They are very good for picking up when you only have a few minutes to spare. Can you watch it via the BBC website, or is it blocked?

I must have been reading it for the best part of June. I got through 82%, so it was a shame to give up but I really couldn't read any more of it.

After giving up on Midnight's Children, I've started The World Without Us for next months reading circle discussion. Enjoying it so far, which is a relief!

I have, and I've just given up as it was seriously destroying my mojo.

Unfortunately, I've had to give up on this book. I'm very close to the end (82%), but I am just struggling with it so much, and reading it in dribs and drabs and just not taking it in. I'm actually in danger of destroying my mojo for a long time - that's how much I'm not enjoying it. 1. Did you like the book? What was it that you enjoyed? If you didn't like the book, what were your reasons for disliking it? No, I didn't like it. I disliked the meandering style of the story - I suppose it is the mystical elements I struggled with. I had a hard time recalling the different characters and what their storylines were. I wouldn't say I hated all of it. There were some parts that I found easier to read and grasp, but on the whole, it was a struggle. My mind kept wandering as I was reading, and I actually began to dread picking it up. I just seemed to go all over the place, rather than follow a coherent story. I know the narrator was constant, but it just felt like there was no focus to it. 2. Did you have any expectations about the book before you started reading it, and if so, were they correct? My only expectations were that I was fairly certain that I would enjoy it, and certainly that I would be able to finish it. Clearly my expectations were wrong. Just before I bought it, I read some of the Amazon reviews, and I was a bit worried as so many people struggled with the flow, but I still figured I would give it a go. 3. Who was your favourite character...? I didn't really like any of them. They all seemed quite petulant and stroppy, and that really annoys me. 4. ...and your least favourite? I'd probably say I disliked them all equally. To me, they just weren't memorable, and they had very childish and bratty characteristics. 5. Was there a particular part you enjoyed more than the rest? Aside from the first 20 pages, I enjoyed more the first part of the book. Actually the only part that really sticks out (and this is so silly), is when Mr Methwold whips his perfectly parted hair, to reveal his bald head. 6. Was this the first book you've read in this genre / by this author, has it encouraged you to read more? Yes, first of the genre (I keep hearing it referred to as Mystical Realism) and first by the author, and it has discouraged me from reading more. One Hundred Years of Solitude will remain on my shelf unread for a while longer I think! 7. Were there any parts/ideas you struggled with? All of it, in a nutshell. From the very start - with the lengthy introduction of Tai - I had trouble staying focused. I think it was the sheer number of characters and that for me, they were very indistinguishable. There was hardly any storyline concerning the midnight's children.....it was just Saleem's story (unless something happened at the end - I must read a synopsis online) 8. Overall, was reading the book an enjoyable experience? Nope. 9. Would you recommend the book and if so to whom? Although I didn't like it, I wouldn't not recommend it, as I can see why some people have enjoyed it, but it is definitely a marmite book and someone would have to try it for themselves. 10. If you were born at the stroke of midnight on the independence of your country what supernatural power would you like to be granted? The power to be invisible. I could have so much fun with that.

I haven't read it yet, but will do very shortly. I just need to finish Midnight's Children, then it's on to World Without Us (for July's Reading Circle), and then I'll be reading Mr Mercedes. I would have read it sooner if only Midnight's Children hadn't been such a slog. I've avoided Amazon reviews, aside from checking to see how many stars it has received. I'm a big King fan and I have enjoyed his recent books, so hopefully I will like this one.

60% through Midnight's Children. It's a bit of a struggle, and I will be glad when it's over. Dying to read the Reading Circle thread to see if others feel the same way, but I dare not read it for fear of spoilers.

1,227 QI Facts To Blow Your Socks Off - John Lloyd, John Mitchinson This is based on the long-running TV series, which I've never actually seen so can't comment on. However, I like trivia books, and this fit the bill perfectly, with it's list of short snappy facts - usually only a line or so long - which makes it perfect for picking up when you have only a few minutes to read. At the conclusion of the book, the authors give the website which contains references to support each fact, and it's interesting to read up on a few of the more dubious ones (ie. 'The centre of the galaxy tastes like raspberries'). Unfortunately there are so many facts, covering all topics you can imagine, that I can't really remember many (though I highlighted quite a few on my Kindle). It's the kind of book that leads you on to reading up more on a whichever topic piques your interest. A fun read, and recommended for those who like trivia. I bought it when it was on offer - £0.20 for Kindle version - but it looks like it has gone up to £3.99. 4/6

Thanks, Weave. The Rosie Project is a great read - hope you enjoy it as much as I (and others) have.

Thank you - I'm enjoying it a bit too much! I will try to get around to reading it this year - don't want to leave it too long in case I forget the storyline - but this year is going so fast, and I have so many books that I want to read.

The Dummy Line - Bobby Cole Jake is an avid hunter and loves the outdoors. He has instilled a similar enthusiasm in his 9 year old daughter Katy. He decides to take them both away on a hunting trip in some remote woodlands. However, they soon are attacked by a local gang, out to make trouble. Taking refuge in the woods, it becomes a game of cat-and-mouse, with Jake trying to stay one step ahead of the gang. At the same time, a young teenage couple run into the same local gang. The girl - Elizabeth - makes a run for it, and ends up running into Jake and Katy. Together they need to plan a way to escape from the woods and get help. Well, there's not much to say. This wasn’t very original or particularly well-written. It was readable, but there wasn't any sense of excitement or tension, given the storyline. I just didn't particularly care for the characters and it was all written in way that there wasn't much below the surface. I know it wasn't meant to be a 'deep and meaningful' book, and was clearly a fast-paced thriller, but it just lacked any kind of 'oomphf'. It's part of a series based around the main character, but I won't be reading any more of them. 2/6

Great reviews! I know what you mean about Pandora's Star, when you say that sometimes there is too much detail and you want the story to move on. I preferred the first half, to the second half, and I struggled with Aside from that, it was very addictive to read.