bobblybear

Thanks Alexi. It's a very good read.

The Death and Life of Charlie St Cloud sounds interesting, but I'm not keen on saccharine books. Might watch the film instead, if it ever appears on Netflix.

I don't think I've read any Le Carre. I've heard of him (probably everyone has) but never felt inspired to pick up any of his books. Maybe I'll watch the movie first, see if it interests me.

Go on! You know you want to.....! I really enjoyed Instructions for a Heatwave. I wouldn't say it was my favourite O'Farrell, but it's up near the top.

I loved The Forgotten Garden, but I can't remember a lot of it.

Thanks, Pont.

I for one, loved the ending, but I can see why some people reacted the way your husband did.

Elizabeth Is Missing - Emma Healey Maud is an elderly lady, living on her own, who is starting to suffer from dementia. Her daughter Helen and occasional carers come by to help her out with daily tasks, and the remaining time Maud relies on many notes that she makes to help her remember things. Although her memory is failing fast, she can recall her best friend Elizabeth, who she knows she hasn't seen in a while. Various notes that she has left around the house also confirm that Elizabeth is missing, and unable to get a clear answer from Helen or Elizabeth's son, she begins her own investigation into what has happened to Elizabeth. Intertwined with this story, is another missing person from Maud's past – her older sister Sukey. Sukey disappeared many years ago (must be about 50 years prior) and that has remained an unsolved mystery. The story jumps between the past and the present, with the past being recalled usually to reference something happening in the present time. I was very impressed with this novel, especially that it is a first novel by Emma Healey. It's very well told, and also sympathetically as obviously dementia is a delicate subject. There is some wry and gentle humour, but we are never made to laugh at Maud's expense. The confusion is captured and described very well, and can be quite painful to read. However, it is not told in a heavy handed manner, so there is always a certain 'lightness' to the story telling. It's outstanding for a debut novel, and will most definitely be looking out for the authors other work. 5/6

Life of Pi was brilliant. Glad you enjoyed it. What did you think of the ending?

I've picked up a book to read alongside Guns, Germs and Steel, and have gone with Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. Whoa.....what a brilliant opening couple of chapters. I'm hooked!!

Cheese and marmite on toast.

Oh wow, you've read loads of Picoult! I've only read two, Nineteen Minutes and My Sister's Keeper but I enjoyed them both a lot. I own The Pact and The Storyteller, so they would be the logical place for me to start.

I just went back to my review, and I gave it 5/5 and said that I was shocked by the twist. Clearly my memory is a bit faulty. No idea it was made into a film. I must keep an eye out for it.

I must read more Jodi Picoult. I've liked what I've read so far, but her books never seem to find the way to the top of my TBR pile.

Ouch! Sounds like a contender for Duffer of the Year.

Hi Luv2read. Welcome to the forum!

Hi Miranda. Welcome to the forum.

I think I enjoyed Before I Go To Sleep a bit more than you did. I remember the twist but I don't think I was too surprised by it.

I finished The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society this morning, and have picked up Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond. This was a book jar selection, which I have been kind of dreading. But I managed to do a bit of reading at the beach this afternoon and I think it's going to be a very interesting read.

Baked potato with butter, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese.

The Shawshank Redemption. I've seen it many times and never get sick of it.

Very true! I didn't think of that!

I really must read some of her books. I've heard so many good things about her.

Nice review of The Silence. I have yet to review it. What was the plot point which turned up at the end of the novel, that you didn't find credible? And which part of the ending did you not like?