bobblybear

Gone Girl - Gillian Flynn Nick Dunne’s wife, Amy, goes missing on the day of their 5th wedding anniversary. The events following the days after her disappearance are told via Nick’s point of view. These chapters are alternated by Amy’s diary entries in the years preceding her disappearance, each giving an (incomplete) insight into their feelings towards each other. Nick soon becomes the key suspect. He maintains his innocence, but her diary and her friends reveal a few things about her true feelings towards him. Well, I absolutely loved it. It really keeps the reader guessing, as each narrative tells conflicting things, and it’s difficult to decipher who is telling the truth. I can’t reveal too much or it will give key parts away but I thought the The only thing I had mixed feelings about was the ending. It seemed too far-fetched and I wish I know a lot of people who read it had mixed reviews. But for me, it's one of the best thrillers I have ever read, and the characterisation of Nick and Amy is so brilliant, especially considering how complex they are. Not one to be missed; I shall be recommending it to others. 5/6

Finished Case Histories by Kate Atkinson. I really enjoyed it. It's my first book by this author, but certainly won't be my last. I noticed that my library has Started Early, Took My Dog so I shall pick that up next time I'm there. But I really need to get going on the books I own, rather than borrowing more from the library. I've also just started NW by Zadie Smith.

While We're Far Apart - Lynn Austin Set in the middle of WW2, widower Eddie signs up to the Army leaving his two young children – Esther and Peter – in the shared care of his grandmother and her neighbour Penny (who has always had a crush on him). Penny looks after them in Eddie’s apartment, and befriends his Jewish neighbour, Jacob. Jacob's son is in Hungary and appears to be missing, although he receives occasional letters from his (Jacob's son) wife. Meanwhile, Penny has always felt at odds with her elderly parents who criticise her every action, and she sees this new situation as an opportunity to break free from them and forge a life of her own, believing that once Eddie returns from the war he will fall in love with her and marry her. Religion features quite heavily in this, with the constant message about leaving thing in God’s hands. Towards the end, I felt it was shoved quite hard down my throat with chunks of scripture quotes. Needless to say, I skipped those bits and the additional preaching that went alongside. This as well as the author’s overuse of ‘conniption fit’ (which once you notice, you can’t ignore can you?), irritated me. It’s a slow story and for about the first 3/4s nothing really seems to happen, and I found it a bit frustrating. I thought the ending was too saccharine sweet and utterly predictable. Every thing worked out a bit too nicely for everyone and so the story lacked a real dramatic impact. A lot of people give it 4 and 5 star reviews. For me, it was readable, but not compellingly so. 3/6

That's ok, I'm rubbish at understanding politics too. It has received so many mixed reviews, it's a definite Marmite book. Who knows - you may be one of those who love it rather than loathe it. Yeah, I know! Oh well, it was a good theory while it lasted! According to Wikipedia, the film rights have been sold to John C Reilly's film company so hopefully one will soon be in the making (as long as it's done 'right'). I've never been a big fan of Western films, but this is one I would definitely be interested in. Thanks, Karsa! It certainly was a good one!

Great reviews! I've added Newes from the Dead to my wishlist. It sounds like the kind of book I'd enjoy.

Me too. I'm up to the second last episode. This and Homeland are my favorite TV shows.

Hello Denise, welcome to the forum!

Hello and welcome to the forum!

Hello and welcome to the forum!

Interesting. It's one of those books that has always been touted as a must-read classic. I've had it on my wishlist forever and it's been one of those books that I keep thinking 'I must read that one day', but maybe I won't bother. Goodness knows, I have enough books on my wishlist that I'm far more keen about.

I'm about a third through Case Histories. Pretty good so far, but I'm reading the Large Print version and I find it harder to read. Popped into the local library today, and nearly borrowed The Twelve by Justin Cronin and Where Late The Sweet Birds Sang by Kate Wilhelm, but I really do have enough books on my Kindle to get through. Aren't I disciplined?

I've just finished this and loved it. I really couldn't put it down after the initial chapters. The first section really had me wondering whether Still, thought it was a brilliant read - one of the best for this year.

Oooh, I didn't know they were planning on a movie. It will be interesting to see how they translate the interchanging chapters into a screenplay. I just finished it this evening. I absolutely loved it and would have finished it earlier if not for pesky work getting in the way. I thought the characters were described and played out superbly. Mixed feelings about the end though, but on the whole I'm so glad I read this one. Next up is Case Histories by Kate Atkinson which has received some positive comments on here.

I wish we heard a bit more about the people from the mountain. I know it was described in a bit more detail towards the end when Charity went back there, but I think the 'mountain people' would have interesting stories to tell!, and I would have like to have seen more of a contrast between the 'haves' and 'have-nots'. Yeah, that was a bit grim, and at first I wasn't sure I was reading it correctly. I mean he had raised Charity since she was 5 years old, and in my mind that makes her his daughter (whether biological or not). And then marrying her as well..... I know he did it to protect her honor, but it is quite gross! She definitely seemed as naive at the end as she was in the beginning. I found it strange that she wasn't bitter or angry about what happened; she seemed just so carefree towards Harney after he moved away. Thanks, Ooshie - I will keep an eye out for her short stories. I think I would prefer to try them before tackling a full length novel, only because I know my reading tastes, and that I tend to struggle with classics. Like I said, she was my least favorite character too. What a vile, witch of a woman! I would have expected some compassion, but there was none whatsoever. She didn't hesitate to take full advantage for her own gain. I'm sure she would take advantage of him whenever she could to provide for herself and her child, but I also think he knew what he would be getting himself into. By the way, did everyone not think she had the ideal job at the library? I know she hated it, and neglected the books but I would have loved spending time in a small community library like that!!

Just over the halfway mark of Gone Girl. I'm really, really liking it.

I love tomato and raw onion on toast, with salt and pepper. It's so divine.

Tea.

Nothing yet, but I'm about the cook up some scrambled eggs.

I'm reading Gone Girl now, and I have to say, I find Amy's tone in her diary entries really annoying. Aside from that, it's ok...too soon to judge really.

I haven't watched the TV show as well, but if I enjoy the book I may try to get hold of it. I think it's always best to read the book first.

Who was your favourite character? I don't think I had a favorite character. I found Charity to be a bit bratty, though I think she came good in the end, but I didn't really like her much. She just seemed like a child always wanting her way. Who was your least favourite character? I hated Dr Merkle - what a vile woman! All throughout Charity's dealings with her, I could really feel my blood boil. What a subhuman cowbag! And of course, Harney goes without saying. I thought he was pathetic and weak. Was there a particular part you enjoyed more than the rest? I liked the parts where 'the Mountain' was referred to. Not quite sure why, but I think I was intrigued what it would be like and how much of a contrast it would be to North Dormer. North Dormer was a bit too pretty and perfect, while 'the Mountain' would have been a great contrast. Was this the first book you've read in this genre/ by this author, has it encouraged you to read more? Well, it's the first book I've read by the author; not exactly sure what the genre is - classic fiction? It could hardly be called a romance for everything that happened. I would certainly give other books by Edith Wharton a try, but part of me felt I enjoyed it because it wasn't overlong. Were there any parts/ideas you struggled with? It took me a while to figure Lawyer Royall out. When he tried to get into Charity's bedroom at night, I wondered if I was missing something as she was his adoptive daughter. Of course, the idea that he ended up marrying her.....well surely that would be just as scandalous to the townsfolk as her having a baby? Overall, was reading the book an enjoyable experience? Yes, it was much better than I thought it would be. I struggle with classics, due to the language and style used, but this one felt like it was quite a contemporary novel (aside from the setting). How has Charity changed (come of age) throughout the novel? I don't think she seems any 'older and wiser' at the end of the book, judging by her last letter to Harney ('I will always remember you.') It seems like she has given him a fond farewell, instead of the 'what for' she should have done. She actually doesn't seem too much changed or devastated by her situation; she came across as far too practical rather than emotional, I think. What were Harley's intentions? Did he have feelings for Charity, or was he simply using her? I don't think he initially intended to be devious or use her, or maybe I'm just thinking that because I think of using a woman for sex as a more modern theme. I don't know... I was puzzled by it when I finished the book. I think he was a pathetic and weak character but part of me thinks he really loved Charity but couldn't break off his engagement to Annabel for fear of losing face. Were Royall's intentions purely honorable? I think towards the end they were, when he offered to marry her. I do think he did it to protect her, rather than to have her as his wife. However, his actions before (trying to enter her bedroom and when she met him on her outing with Harney) suggest he was quite enamored with her and wanted a romantic/sexual relationship. Eww. How do you feel about the ending? Did Charity make the right decision? I think she made the right decision for her unborn child, but personally I wish she had stayed up in the Mountains because it would have been a more interesting ending.

I saw Zombie Apocalypse in the library today, and had a flick through it. I could see it was a series of transcripts, letters, articles, etc, so I didn't borrow it because I thought it would be too much like World War Z. I might have a closer look at it the next time I'm in the library though...still undecided.

The Sisters Brothers – Patrick DeWitt Charlie and Eli Sisters are notorious hired guns, operating during the 1850’s Gold Rush. They work for the Commodore and are sent west to San Francisco to find and kill a man who is believed to be a thief. The book is narrated by Eli, the marginally more considerate of the brothers, who is slowly getting fed up with their way of life, and would prefer a quieter and less adventurous existence. Each chapter is almost like a little mini-story, with tales from the adventures they have in various stops along the way. The story is told in a very dry, matter-of-fact fashion which suits it well. There is very little elaboration or dressing up – what happens is told in a most basic manner, which derives from their rather detatched view of things. It has a few humourous, wry moments which fit in really well. I loved reading about Eli’s relationship with his ailing horse, Tub. I think this part was important to give him a bit of humanity and make the reader a bit fond and more forgiving of his actions. It has to be one of the best reads of the year for me. It’s quite short, but it's just the right length considering it has no 'filler material' whatsoever. 5/6

Have to add a few to my wishlist as I went to the library today: While We're Far Apart - Lynn Austin - currently reading Origin - Randolph Lalonde Chicken, Mules, and Two Old Fools - Victoria Twead The Tommyknockers – Stephen King The Crime of Julian Wells - Thomas H Cook A Long Way Down - Nick Hornby The Snow Child - Eowyn Ivey The Thoughts and Happenings of Wilfred Price, Purveyor of Superior Funerals - Wendy Jones The Etymologicon: A Circular Scroll through the Hidden Connections of the English Language - Mark Forsyth Where'd You Go, Bernadette - Maria Semple Walden on Wheels: On The Open Road From Debt To Freedom - Ken Ilgunas The World's Greatest Idea - John Farndon - currently reading Megacatastrophes! - David Darling & Dirk Schulze-Makuch - currently reading Born Liars: Why We Can't Live Without Deceit - Ian Leslie Gone Girl - Gillian Flynn Case Histories - Kate Atkinson NW - Zadie Smith

Just come back from the library and so thrilled with my haul: Gone Girl - Gillian Flynn Case Histories - Kate Atkinson NW - Zadie Smith These are all very high on my wishlist so I'm very happy I got them all! I just need to finish While We're Far Apart, then I can make a start on them. It means deviating from my reading plan, but these things can't be helped!