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Original poster

I would like a recommendation please.

41 replies

Lonelymum · 21/10/2005 17:58

Now don't dismiss me as an airhead, but I recently really enjoyed reading the Harry Potter books (against expectations!) and would like to read something similar. I am not talking children's books, or school stories, and preferably not fantasy books either although if you know one that really fits the bill, you could mention it. What appealed to me about HP was the mentor/protege relationship between Dumbledore and Harry, and the fight for good over evil.

Anything to recommend?

OP posts:
Original poster
Lonelymum · 22/10/2005 21:36

I couldn't get past the endless descriptions. Was there a plot?

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moondog · 22/10/2005 21:25

Oh!!
Not my usual material but I did quite enjoy it and it seemed to be vaguely on your theme.

Original poster
Lonelymum · 22/10/2005 21:19

Oh God Moondog, the end of a beautiful friendship! How could you like that book? Get off and read How Green Is My Valley girl-o.

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Original poster
Lonelymum · 22/10/2005 21:18

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MOOOOOOOOOOOOONDOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The world's most BORING book ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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moondog · 22/10/2005 21:10

Miss Smilla's feeling for snow

Original poster
Lonelymum · 22/10/2005 21:07

Oh sorry MrsSpoon, I get you now! It has very mixed reviews I see, but it is described as HP for adults.

Laligo, yes, looking at the reviews, i can see why you suggested it. It is not too young though is it?

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MrsSpoon · 22/10/2005 21:05

Sorry (believe it or not I've not been drinking tonight, yet ), I mean I've seen a review that described it as Harry Potter-ish (esque?), I don't think the review went as far as to say it was the next Harry Potter but there must be some sort of similarity (I haven't read Harry Potter or Jonathon Strange so can't comment).

laligo · 22/10/2005 21:02

if you haven't read, i think you'd like A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin.

Original poster
Lonelymum · 22/10/2005 21:01

Saw Jonathan Strange and Mr Norris while i was out today. Didn't buy it, but I can't remember why not now!

Sorry, what does "hailed to be Harry Potter esq" mean?

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MrsSpoon · 22/10/2005 20:58

Haven't read it but Jonathon Strange & Dr Norrell (or whatever it's called) is hailed to be Harry Potter esq, it's now out in paperback and I saw it in ASDA so can be bought cheaply.

I am reading The Secret History by Donna Tartt and so far can recommend it.

Original poster
Lonelymum · 22/10/2005 10:22

I am investigating all your recommendations. Thank you very much.

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janeite · 21/10/2005 23:21

I wouldn't recommend Eragon. It was written by a very young man and is really very juvenile in terms of style. The Philip Pullman books are MUCH better imho. Also, a series beginning with "Across The Nightingale Floor" by Leanne somebody - excellent - Japanese warrior saga with love story - really good. There's also a series beginning with a book called "Mortal Engines" can't remember the author but they are fantasy/futuristic - none of these are as funny as HP though but all are better written I believe.

Jackstini · 21/10/2005 20:57

My Mum was in same position as you - thoroughly enjoyed Harry Potter - she read & then recommended me to try the Northern Lights/The Subtle Knife/The Amber Spyglass Trilogy by Philip Pullman. The boy is supposed to have an interesting relationship with a girl called Lyra, helping each other throughout the series. Only just got it so not read it yet myself but might be worth looking at the reviews to see if you fancy it?

Aimsmum · 21/10/2005 20:50

Message withdrawn

Original poster
Lonelymum · 21/10/2005 19:15

Eragon by Christopher Paolini? It has good reviews but doesn't seem to touch on the mentor/protege relationship I am interested in. I shall look out for it though, thanks.

Any others?

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dabihp · 21/10/2005 18:46

Eragon... Dunno who it is by, google it. but supposed to be fab and of the same genre, kinda,,, but better and more original

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