Alexi

I'm in a non fiction phase at the moment, and have jumped from Las Vegas gambling to Irish politics.

Hi itsmeagain, thanks for all the comments I have read some really harrowing books for this challenge looking back! Probably doesn't say much for global history....! Completed my 26th book for the challenge now - just 198 to go! Loved loved loved this one - review copied from my book log; SPAIN The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon Synopsis: Hidden in the heart of the old city of Barcelona is the 'cemetery of lost books', a labyrinthine library of obscure and forgotten titles that have long gone out of print. To this library, a man brings his 10-year-old son Daniel one cold morning in 1945. Daniel is allowed to choose one book from the shelves and pulls out 'La Sombra del Viento' by Julian Carax. But as he grows up, several people seem inordinately interested in his find. Then, one night, as he is wandering the old streets once more, Daniel is approached by a figure who reminds him of a character from La Sombra del Viento, a character who turns out to be the devil. This man is tracking down every last copy of Carax's work in order to burn them. What begins as a case of literary curiosity turns into a race to find out the truth behind the life and death of Julian Carax and to save those he left behind. A page-turning exploration of obsession in literature and love, and the places that obsession can lead.(From Amazon) Thoughts: Wow. Easily my favourite book read this year. I downloaded this to kindle based on the recommendations of many on here - but without knowing really what the book was about except it was set in Barcelona! The Cemetery of Forgotten Books was an easy early hook for the reader (how I would love to spend an hour or year or two there!) but it just gets better and better. The gorgeous prose is backed up with a thrilling plot centred around a book and author, but plenty of death, intrigue and danger thrown in too. The backdrop of Spain under Franco, still reeling from the Civil War, was perfect to add drama and the real frightening element of a Crime Squad with plenty of power and no morals. Scary stuff. I didn't see the twist coming, and raced through desperate to find out what happened to the characters I really cared about. Just fantastic, and I'm now off to get my hands on everything Zafon has ever written!! 5/5

A couple more reviews so I am now fully updated! #19 Dear John by Nicolas Sparks Synopsis: Is duty enough reason to live a lie? When John meets Savannah, he realises he is ready to make some changes. Always the angry rebel at school, he has enlisted in the Army, not knowing what else to do with his life. Now he's ready to turn over a new leaf for the woman who has captured his heart. What neither realises is that the events of 9/11 will change everything. John is prompted to re-enlist and fulfil what he feels is his duty to his country. But the lovers are young and their separation is long. Can they survive the distance?(from Amazon) Thoughts: This is far more chick lit than I would normally attempt, but I received it as a gift and am seeing the giver next week so I brought it up the pile! I enjoyed it more than I thought I would - it has some substance to it, and the angle of John's father having suspected autism made for an interesting plot thread. I found the character of John easy to root for, and his relationship with his father was well plotted and written. The characters both had their flaws but were people you could identify with to a certain degree. As for Savannah - ugh. What a dreadful brat! She's a clever college student so feels superior to everyone else. She chooses to go to church and not have casual relationships - which is all fine and commendable - but the level of sneering judgement on those who don't choose the same is awful. These aren't bad people - they just have the occasional beer and spend Sundays hungover - which at 21 isn't the heinous crime she seems to think. She did get better as she got older (thank god), and although the ending seems a tad far fetched I enjoyed the story. 3/5 #20 The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon Synopsis: Hidden in the heart of the old city of Barcelona is the 'cemetery of lost books', a labyrinthine library of obscure and forgotten titles that have long gone out of print. To this library, a man brings his 10-year-old son Daniel one cold morning in 1945. Daniel is allowed to choose one book from the shelves and pulls out 'La Sombra del Viento' by Julian Carax. But as he grows up, several people seem inordinately interested in his find. Then, one night, as he is wandering the old streets once more, Daniel is approached by a figure who reminds him of a character from La Sombra del Viento, a character who turns out to be the devil. This man is tracking down every last copy of Carax's work in order to burn them. What begins as a case of literary curiosity turns into a race to find out the truth behind the life and death of Julian Carax and to save those he left behind. A page-turning exploration of obsession in literature and love, and the places that obsession can lead.(From Amazon) Thoughts: Wow. Easily my favourite read this year. I downloaded this to kindle based on the recommendations of many on here - but without knowing really what the book was about except it was set in Barcelona! The Cemetery of Forgotten Books was an easy early hook for the reader (how I would love to spend an hour or year or two there!) but it just gets better and better. The gorgeous prose is backed up with a thrilling plot centred around a book and author, but plenty of death, intrigue and danger thrown in too. The backdrop of Spain under Franco, still reeling from the Civil War, was perfect to add drama and the real frightening element of a Crime Squad with plenty of power and no morals. Scary stuff. I didn't see the twist coming, and raced through desperate to find out what happened to the characters I really cared about. Just fantastic, and I'm now off to get my hands on everything Zafon has ever written!! 5/5

Hi Lauren, I have a lot of the classics on your list languishing somewhere on my TBR also - desperately trying to get through more of them! lots of books you have are unfamiliar though, so I will be watching with interest hoping you've uncovered some gems.

Thanks VF Hope you enjoy them when you get to them - with your love of reading about Victorian era I suspected The Crimson Petal and the White would tickle your fancy at some point

I work shifts so could be working on the day you decide, but if I'm not would love to join!

I would love to join a book group, but I don't have a clue how to go about joining one! I use the library in the next county, so it wouldn't be particularly convenient to go there, but that might change when I move in September - I hope they have one... *googles*

Hope you enjoy it if/when you get your hands on it Devi! I would suspect that would have had an effect on it Chesil I often refuse to see a film of a book until I've read the book first, which drives my movie buff friends up the wall...

Oh that's interesting! I haven't seen it but will definitely look out for it! Did you see the film before reading the book? Sorry for the late reply, I haven't checked this thread in ages, and once more am behind on reviews! #18 Snowing in Bali by Kathryn Bonella Synopsis: Among the island's drug dealers 'It's snowing in Bali' is code that the south-east Asian paradise is full of cocaine. For the men who run the country's drug empires, it's time to get rich and party hard. Snowing in Bali is the story of the drug trafficking and dealing scene that's made Bali one of the world's most important destinations in the global distribution of narcotics. Kathryn Bonella, bestselling author of Hotel K, has been given extraordinary access into the lives of some of the biggest players in Bali's drug world. She charts their rise to incredible wealth and power, and their drug-fuelled lifestyles: filled with orgies, outrageous extravagance and surfing. From the highs of multi-million dollar deals to the desperate lows of death row in an Indonesian high security jail, Snowing in Bali is a unique, uncensored insight into a hidden world.(From Amazon) Thoughts: I haven't read much non-fiction recently, and after this arrived in the post recently from Brian it jumped out at me from the bookshelf. I wasn't disappointed - I raced through it. It's an odd book that can bring out your sympathies for drug dealers but this one did, through a combination of the authors account and direct quotes from those involved. By the end, I was desperate for Rafael, the main character, to evade capture and justice! The author has obviously worked hard to gain the trust of the major players and this was vital, they have given her an incredible level of detail and without this book would have had far less impact. The style was also excellent - it felt like the characters were telling the story themselves through the pen of the author. I will definitely hunt out Bonella's other two books about the Bali drug trade - and the descriptions of the jail at the end of this book made me eager to get to Hotel K sooner rather than later! 4/5

Hi Athena, I used to love the Babysitters Club books as a kid, I've noticed the first is available for 76p on kindle so I "accidentally" downloaded it. Oops! I'd love to read them all again in order, but at 2.29 a book that would get expensive!

I didn't realise there was a sequel to Shadow of the Wind (scrolled frantically in case the synopsis gave away spoilers!) but already excited about it, given how much I'm enjoying it. Crime and Punishment is another book I've always meant to read (am tackling about three classics a year ATM so making very slow progress!) so will be interested to see how you get on.

I agree again! I raced through to get to the ending, and then it all finished rather suddenly! I really liked the character of Caroline - I would have liked to have stuck with her for a little longer at the start and I was glad she rejoined us later.

1. The book is a pretty massive volume. Did you find it difficult or easy to read? Indeed, was the length inherently important to the impact of the book? Personally, I really enjoyed the book, and I got through it in about two weeks, despite having no reading time at all at the moment! (It will be better come June and the summer holidays). I found it really easy to pick the book up and I was keen to keep reading. The length didn't feel prohibitive, but I did feel it dragged a little after the halfway mark (specifically once Sugar move into the Rackham household, and I felt that bit could have been shortened). On the whole though, Faber takes us on a whirlwind journey with plenty packed into 900 pages (my kindle edition!) and I don't think the book would have had the same effect if it had been markedly shorter. 2. The book is a classic example of a story told by an omniscient narrator, one who makes it perfectly clear that they are directing what the reader 'sees' and 'hears'. What, if any, impact did this deliberately intrusive style have on your reading? I didn't find any issues with the style at all, although I know others did. It felt like a nice quirk, although occasionally it did "pull me out of" the world into which I had sunk almost to be reminded that it was fiction! If that makes any sense... 3. The depth of historical research is worn very clearly on the author's sleeve, with extensive detail in places. Did you enjoy this, did it enhance your reading, or did you find it intrusive? To what extent did it affect the story? I love historical detail - but then I did a history degree and love reading non fiction! Personally, I find it more irritating if the research hasn't been done, and mistakes are obvious. 4. The theme for this month was 'The Great Wen' - books that included London as a character in its own right. Did Faber achieve this. If so, in what way(s), and if not, what prevented London fulfilling this role? How has your impression of Victorian London been influenced, if at all? I thought Faber achieved this - he really made the city come alive for me (and I'm not keen on the modern day version but love reading about past years there!). The descriptions were vivid without feeling like they were hampering the plot. 5. What did you think of the characters? Well, I found William Rackham a bit of a turd to be honest I loved the character of Sugar initially but went off her as the story progressed, although that didn't affect my enjoyment. As for Agnes, I thought she needed a big hug, but I found it a bit of a stretch that a woman could get to that age, give birth, and be unaware of periods! 6. What are your feelings/views on the (at least to me!) very surprising ending? Really surprising for me too. I would have liked to know what happened next - and whether anyone ever found Agnes (including herself).

I'm about 100 pages into the Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, and It's definitely living up to all the recommendations

Hope you're enjoying it Athena! I'm really looking forward to seeing what everyone else thought #17 The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark Synopsis: 'Give me a girl at an impressionable age, and she is mine for life . . .' Passionate, free-thinking and unconventional, Miss Brodie is a teacher who exerts a powerful influence over her group of 'special girls' at Marcia Blaine School. They are the Brodie set, the crème de la crème, each famous for something - Monica for mathematics, Eunice for swimming, Rose for sex - who are initiated into a world of adult games and extracurricular activities they will never forget. But the price they pay is their undivided loyalty . . . The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie is a brilliantly comic novel featuring one of the most unforgettable characters in all literature. Thoughts: This is very short novel (130 pages in my edition) but packs in a fantastic character and plenty of plot. The six girls of Miss Brodie's "set" are 10 in 1931, although the novel jumps around in time periods and we actually first meet the girls when they're 16, as well as getting occasional glimpses of their lives as adults. Miss Brodie is dramatic, inspirational, influential and larger than life. I don't think she is particularly sly or cruel, but she does try and influence the girls' lives to incredibly alarming degrees, considering she starts off as their primary school teacher. We find out very early on which of the girls "betrayed" her to the school authorities, but exactly why and how takes a little longer. It's well-woven together and never feels confusing despite the constant jumping time periods. A really good read this one. 4/5

Hi Brian, I read an awful lot of football books (generic and team specific, not all specific to my own!) but steered clear of this one because I'm not really a fan of Benitez (although I think he gets a ridiculously rough ride by some Chelsea fans). Maybe one to try and get hold of though if it goes into analytical detail. I read Brian Reade's book (title escapes me) of the ownership confusion of that period and its fascinating (if for all the wrong reasons).

Estates went onto my wishlist but you've inspired me to move it onto the TBR now J... Whoops!!

Finished the Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber and made a start on The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark, which is so far good but odd!

#16 The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber Synopsis: Although it's billed as "the first great 19th-century novel of the 21st century," The Crimson Petal and the White is anything but Victorian. It's the story of a well-read London prostitute named Sugar, who spends her free hours composing a violent, pornographic screed against men. Michel Faber's dazzling second novel dares to go where George Eliot's The Mill on the Floss and the works of Charles Dickens could not. We learn about the positions and orifices that Sugar and her clients favour, about her lingering skin condition, and about the suspect ingredients of her prophylactic douches. Still, Sugar believes she can make a better life for herself. When she is taken up by a wealthy man, the perfumer William Rackham, her wings are clipped and she must balance financial security against the obvious servitude of her position. The physical risks and hardships of Sugar's life (and the even harder "honest" life she would have led as a factory worker) contrast--yet not entirely--with the medical mistreatment of her benefactor's wife, Agnes, and beautifully underscore Faber's emphasis on class and sexual politics. (from Amazon) Thoughts: I'll save most of them for May's Reading Circle, which is why I picked up this book. I do love reading about Victorian England, and this was the second book set in that time period I've recently read. Others have complained about the style but I didn't find that an issue at all. I dived straight into this book and the first half flew by for me, event though I've had very limited reading time this month because of work things. Then it seemed to slow a little. It took more of an effort for me to pick up and read it. I was more interested in Sugar's life on the poorer streets of London than I was interested in the Rackham household, which may have been the reason. The last 20% though I raced through to find out what would happen in the end! The character of Sugar was excellent, combining her lower class status with a love of reading and knowledge. Then, as her fortunes went up the added layer of her not seeing after her old crowd as she once did and hating herself for it, added to her childhood experiences with Mrs Castaway. It was wonderfully done. I did think it could have been shortened without losing any of its style or story, but it didn't feel like a chore to tackle the length of it as a whole. 3.5/5

Sounds like we need more people like Andy in youth coaching Inver Some of the things you see coaches (and indeed parents) screaming at these kids is disgraceful, especially when they're not in professional academies so not expected to turn out for Barcelona any time soon! Having said that, in professional academies it seems to be a win win win attitude, and while obviously winning is nice, enjoyment, learning and improving, seem far more important to me. /soapbox

This sounds absolutely excellent. Gone on to my wishlist.

I'm not doing brilliantly at keeping this updated!! Books I have read and need to review: The Yard by Alex Grecian Madame Verona Comes Down the Hill by Dimitri Verhulst I'm also close to finishing The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber at long last! Books I have acquired since last updating: Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer Reef by Romesh Gunesekera Hillsborough: The Truth by Phil Scraton The Long Bridge out of the Gulags by Urszula Muskus Finding Emma by Steena Holmes These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf The Great Railway Revolution by Christian Wolmar I've had extreme limited reading time this month but it seems I've found some time to browse and buy! Fail.

I've been hunting for an inexpensive copy of Going Solo for ages - my library stocks one copy! I might just bite the bullet and reserve it. Estates sounds really interesting! I counted my TBR pile (tree and kindle) and it comes in at 170. (It must be 172 now because my bf bought me some book presents this week). Sometimes I feel bad about it then I realise how much joy they give me (and how many Kylie must have )

Lack of reading time means I'm making slow but steady progress through The Crimson Petal and the White. That's not a reflection on the book at all though - I'm really enjoying it and would thoroughly recommend it.

Interesting - I've never tried The Hobbit because I didn't particularly get on with The Lord of the Rings although I did finish it! It's fairly comforting that I did find the films worse though, which is usual.