Vodkafan's 2011 reading list

[Weave]

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

 

I enjoyed this book. I haven't read anything else in the vampire genre to compare it with, but I liked the way it did not take itself too seriously, I felt the author was having fun with us and with the story. The vampires were menacing and quite traditional. Eric in particular was someone you feel it is best Sooky does not get noticed by. (Unfortunately for her, she does.) It reinforced (to me)my theory that this genre is a female sexual fantasy; there is quite a lot of sex in the book. As with everything else, the author unashamedly has fun with this idea of human/vampire interaction.

Some things were very funny, even more so for being totally unexpected

Sooky in the bar asking the vampires what flavour blood they wanted, "O" or "A" Negative ; and Elvis Presley turning up as a half-wit vampire called Bubba

 

I probably won't read another one but you never know.

It was a quick (one day) read, and it entertained me and made me forget my troubles for a few hours, so good for Ms Harris.

 

*Gasp* I love Bubba! Interesting review VF, I hope you read the rest of the books, they are fun reads, you might like the Harper Connelly series, also by Charlaine Harris.

[vodkafan]

*Gasp* I love Bubba! Interesting review VF, I hope you read the rest of the books, they are fun reads, you might like the Harper Connelly series, also by Charlaine Harris.

 

Thanks Paula, that was a quick reply! I may read another, but I feel that I might get fed up quickly with the basic "vampire boyfriend" scenario, so might like to remember it best as a stand alone book. What are the Harper Connelly books about? Any reviews on here?

[Weave]

Thanks Paula, that was a quick reply! I may read another, but I feel that I might get fed up quickly with the basic "vampire boyfriend" scenario, so might like to remember it best as a stand alone book. What are the Harper Connelly books about? Any reviews on here?

 

Sorry VF, I can't find my reviews The Harper Connelly books are about a girl called Harper Connelly who was struck by lightening when she was 15 (I think) and since then she has been able to find dead bodies, part of the story is also Harper and her step~brother, Tolliver searching for their sister/step~sister who went missing, Harper is always waiting for the day when she 'feels' where her sister might be buried, there is plenty of twists 'n' turns with Harper's investigations.

 

Book 1 ~ Grave Sight

Book 2 ~ Grave Surprise

Book 3 ~ An Ice Cold Grave*

Book 4 ~ Grave Secret

 

*Is my favourite book of the series

 

Sorry for rambling on, I was really disappointed that CH stopped at four books (when there is so many Sookie and her other series books) but who knows, she may write more, I think Harper has a lot more stories to tell.

Edited July 24, 2011 by Weave

[vodkafan]

They sound interesting Paula. I knew a guy who was struck by lightning. It hit his belt buckle when he was on a golf course. He didn't get any special powers though, he was the same boring bloke both before and afterwards.

[vodkafan]

I finished The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest a few minutes ago. I have also downloaded another 13 books onto my kindle, about half of those are ones recommended by friends on here.

Updated my TBR list.

And I also ordered two real paper YA books from amazon for my 14 year old which I think she might like, they will broaden her horizons I hope from vampires. We had a good look together through Amazon and she wrote a list of books she is interested in.

I suppose I should start reading the August Book Circle choice but I am not too keen about it right now...I will just read a few pages and see how it goes.

Edited July 25, 2011 by vodkafan

[lopeanha]

And I also ordered two real paper YA books from amazon for my 14 year old which I think she might like, they will broaden her horizons I hope from vampires. We had a good look together through Amazon and she wrote a list of books she is interested in.

Which ones did you buy for her? I just love YA books

[Kidsmum]

You're certainly getting through your books VF. Dead Until Dark I enjoyed but having read the first 3 Sookie books I've decided that I like the TV series better as I think they've fleshed out the storyline & characters more. I've still got The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest on my TBR pile so I'd be interested to hear what you thought of it

[Brida]

Hi there, vodkafan, how goes it?

 

You sure seem to be doing a lot of reading, I guess the kindle is a blessing in that sense

 

I liked your review for Never Let Me Go, though my impression of it was entirely different - I liked all of the things you didn't

Like Ooshie (I think) said, the 'emptiness' is actually a great characteristic of the book imo, cos it makes the kids seem more like things/instruments, rather than complete human beings, and that's exactly the way they were treated (despite the 'artsy' attempt to keep them human, and by that I mean the poems, drawings etc...). Great review, though!

 

Happy reading!

[vodkafan]

Which ones did you buy for her? I just love YA books

 

Hi lopeanha,

 

I bought Across The Universe and Generation Dead. Later she got me to order Fallen also but I am not sure that is a YA book.

 

You're certainly getting through your books VF. Dead Until Dark I enjoyed but having read the first 3 Sookie books I've decided that I like the TV series better as I think they've fleshed out the storyline & characters more. I've still got The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest on my TBR pile so I'd be interested to hear what you thought of it

 

Hi kidsmum always good to hear from you. I will review TGWKTHN pretty soon.

 

Hi there, vodkafan, how goes it?

 

You sure seem to be doing a lot of reading, I guess the kindle is a blessing in that sense

 

I liked your review for Never Let Me Go, though my impression of it was entirely different - I liked all of the things you didn't

Like Ooshie (I think) said, the 'emptiness' is actually a great characteristic of the book imo, cos it makes the kids seem more like things/instruments, rather than complete human beings, and that's exactly the way they were treated (despite the 'artsy' attempt to keep them human, and by that I mean the poems, drawings etc...). Great review, though!

 

Happy reading!

 

Hi Brida , I am glad you enjoyed my review. Yes my kindle is my constant companion at the moment.

[lopeanha]

I only know Generation Dead of those three, but this one is very good! The second book of the series is even better.

[pickle]

Hi VF I would say Fallen is very much a YA book, I read it and the second part of the trilogy earlier this year, I have to say for me it wasn't the best YA book I have ever read but that is probably because its been so long since I was a YA that the emotional bits just made me want to tell them to get over it. Saying that the concept of the book was good and there were flashes of a good story. I am still debating whether to read the third part and I probably will if I can get it free from the library.

[Charm]

Hey VF!

 

I just have to say (sorry to interrupt ) if you are looking for a good series for your daughter, you have to try The Morganville Vampire series, I think there are about 10 books in all now. The series is by Rachel Caine and starts with Glass Houses. It is full of action, well thought out with a bit of teen romance thrown in ...ooops just realised - more vamps.

 

Another great series (which is not just vamps) is The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare. It starts off with City Of Bones, set in the supernatural world complete with angels, demons, faerys, vampires and werewolves. It is currently being cast and developed for a movie and is tipped to be as big as Twilight!

[lopeanha]

Or try something different > anything by Kai Meyer

He's my favourite german author and a few of his YA books have benn translated in english. Have a look here at the Flowing Queen trilogy and the Wave Runners trilogy.

The first book of another trilogy will be out in english aswell: Arcadia awakens

Edited July 27, 2011 by lopeanha

[Weave]

I hope your daughter enjoys 'Across the Universe' VF, she might like 'The Wolves of Mercy Falls' series by Maggie Stiefvater, 'Shiver', 'Linger' and 'Forever', its about wolves but its definitely a different kind of read.

[lopeanha]

I hope your daughter enjoys 'Across the Universe' VF, she might like 'The Wolves of Mercy Falls' series by Maggie Stiefvater, 'Shiver', 'Linger' and 'Forever', its about wolves but its definitely a different kind of read.

I would second this recommendation I've only read the first book so far but I loved it!

[vodkafan]

Thanks for all the hints ladies. I will faithfully check them all out. She is an insatiable reader and it is hard to keep in front of what she is ingesting. My daughter has already read all the Morganville series, I got her a couple at Christmas, she had read them by boxing day, I got her some more then she bought the rest with her own money. Luckily they were on 3 for £5 at the Works.

 

As for me, I read The Graveyard Book by Mr Gaiman yesterday and passed it straight onto her afterwards, I will review that too very soon. Half way into Handling The Undead now.

Edited July 27, 2011 by vodkafan

[Weave]

Half way into Handling The Undead now.

 

What do you think of it so far YF?

[chesilbeach]

Can I make a YA recommendation for your daughter as well? Particularly if you want to get her away from the fantasy side of things for a few day, try Stolen by Lucy Christopher - it is told in the style of a letter from a girl who has been kidnapped to her captor, and it's just a great book. Here's a link to it on amazon if you're interested --> http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stolen-Lucy-Christopher/dp/1906427135/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1. I would say it's for mid-late teens, probably 15 upwards. Nothing graphic, just the based on the storyline of a teenager being kidnapped and the traumatic experience.

Edited July 27, 2011 by chesilbeach

[Weave]

Can I make a YA recommendation for your daughter as well? Particularly if you want to get her away from the fantasy side of things for a few day, try Stolen by Lucy Christopher - it is told in the style of a letter from a girl who has been kidnapped to her captor, and it's just a great book. Here's a link to it on amazon if you're interested --> http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stolen-Lucy-Christopher/dp/1906427135/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1. I would say it's for mid-late teens, probably 15 upwards. Nothing graphic, just the based on the storyline of a teenager being kidnapped and the traumatic experience.

 

'Stolen' sounds a great read, brilliant suggestion Chesil

[vodkafan]

What do you think of it so far YF?

 

Re Handling The Undead : I made the mistake of reading the bit where Mahler was bathing his mouldy undead grandson when I was eating dinner

 

Can I make a YA recommendation for your daughter as well? Particularly if you want to get her away from the fantasy side of things for a few day, try Stolen by Lucy Christopher - it is told in the style of a letter from a girl who has been kidnapped to her captor, and it's just a great book. Here's a link to it on amazon if you're interested --> http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stolen-Lucy-Christopher/dp/1906427135/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1. I would say it's for mid-late teens, probably 15 upwards. Nothing graphic, just the based on the storyline of a teenager being kidnapped and the traumatic experience.

 

Hi Chesilbeach, at first glance the subject matter seems really horrible- I haven't checked out the link yet though.

[chesilbeach]

I probably haven't sold it very well! It's not a sexually or violently motivated crime, and it makes you question the motives of the kidnapper, and it's based a lot of the time in the Australian outback, which completely comes alive under Christopher's writing. There's the question of whether the heroine is succumbing to Stockholm Syndrome, without that ever being specifically mentioned, but because you only ever hear the story from her point of view, it makes for a fascinating read that really makes you think.

[vodkafan]

I probably haven't sold it very well! It's not a sexually or violently motivated crime, and it makes you question the motives of the kidnapper, and it's based a lot of the time in the Australian outback, which completely comes alive under Christopher's writing. There's the question of whether the heroine is succumbing to Stockholm Syndrome, without that ever being specifically mentioned, but because you only ever hear the story from her point of view, it makes for a fascinating read that really makes you think.

 

Hi Chesil, I read some of the reviews on amazon. The thing that niggles me is that if my daughter would get the idea that to be kidnapped is an adventure . The book sounds sort of ambiguous. At 14 I want her to have a black-and white view that an abduction can ONLY be bad news. To keep her alert and safe. Do you get what I mean?

Obviously I haven't read the book though.

[chesilbeach]

Totally understand. I'll put my thinking cap on for some others to recommend!

[vodkafan]

Just finished Handling The Undead. Will review all my last few books in a couple of days, my brain is all exhausted from reading so much at the moment

[vodkafan]

Started packing up books ready for when I leave. I am only allowing myself one small box of books. These are favourite books I cannot get on kindle. Most of them are Jack Vance paperbacks. One of them is Cecilia Holland's The Firedrake. The rest (2) are books that I haven't actually read yet, but feel I will never be able to find again. One is a scholarly book about magic: The Golden Bough . The other is The Occult a non-fiction book by Colin Wilson. After I placed it in the box I realised it was taking up the space of 3 normal size paperbacks. So I decided I will read this through August and then decide whether to keep it or not.