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Original poster

I've read 2 fab books this week and thought I'd share

36 replies

stripeyknickersspottysocks · 06/03/2010 17:34

Honestly its been months since I last read a book that I couldn't put down and now I find 2 in a week! The housework has been seriously neglected.

First one is The Help, lovely story set in 1960s Missisippi and tells the stories of black housemaids from several different viewpoints.

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1905490437/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_i2?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2 &pfrdr=0P3R1EVBBPY0J43TNKR6&pfrdt=101&pfrdp=467128533&pfrdi=468294

Second one is called Onee Day and it starts on 15th July 1988 with 2 new graduates Emma and Dexter. Every chapter is about their lives on July 15th in the following years and tells the story of their lives, jobs, etc. The characters are so in depth and .......I don't know what else to say about it but its great. I feel a lot of empathy with Emma about graduating and not having a clue what to do with your life so avoiding do anything sensible career wise. I wish I could have read this book when I was 21.

www.amazon.co.uk/One-Day-David-Nicholls/dp/0340896981/ref=pd_sim_b_10

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Jajas · 18/04/2010 20:30

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oneofsuesylvesterscheerios · 18/04/2010 20:20

last two posts - bit of a shame you didn't say there were spoilers in your posts. hope it hasn't ruined it for anyone wanting to read it now

Jajas · 18/04/2010 20:14

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basildonbond · 18/04/2010 19:56

hmm just finished One Day ... I enjoyed it in a mild sort of way but then I graduated from Bristol in the mid 80s and half my friends graduated from Edinburgh at the same time .. we've then variously gone on to work in media/teaching/stand-up comedy, got married, had kids, had IVF - so far no-one's got killed, but other than that it was pretty much like looking in a mirror - as I suspect it was for most of the critics ..

dh (Australian - didn't move over here till late 20s) had no interest in it at all - would rather chew his own arm off .....

I have, however, thoroughly enjoyed Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman - slight, but beautifully bonkers

posey · 18/04/2010 18:37

Just finished One Day and really enjoyed it (and yes it is by the Starter for Ten author whoever asked further down the thread)
I really wasn't expecting it to end as it did (thought it would be more predictable than that)

Have to say though that several inaccuracies bugged me a bit, things about London, street names wrongly nicknamed, incorrect bus numbers on certain routes...little things that should have been researched properly imho [grumpy pedant emoticon]

whirlygig · 18/04/2010 17:58

I heard a dramatization of The Help on radio 4. Twas very good and you've reminded me that i want to read the novel. Cheers!

piratecat · 18/04/2010 17:51

oh i read 'One day' a lttle while back, really enjoyed it.

Jajas · 18/04/2010 17:49

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BitterAndTwistedChoreDodger · 09/04/2010 23:47

Hello, just wanted to thank you for the recommendatation of One Day.

I am about 75% through and really enjoying it.

If I find another book I enjoy as much, I will be sure to start a thread to let you know. Thanks again!

Bucharest · 26/03/2010 08:47

I finished it last night, (One Day) I thought it was superior chick lit, but I admit it lost its way a bit in the middle. I loved the beginning, and the end, but the middle could have been less cliched.

Please not Hugh Grant to play Dexter. He Is Now Too Old to play posh Brits.

deaddei · 26/03/2010 08:44

I loved The Help- but found One Day a bit twee.
I just kept thinking "they're going to turn it into a film". Not my kind of book- a bit chiclit but better IYSWIM. Ending a bit of a shocker.....

vanimal · 25/03/2010 22:02

Thanks for the Book Depository link - Just ordered One Day - can't wait to read it!

pollywollydoodle · 25/03/2010 21:26

pressed send before i wrote thanks for recommending it...

pollywollydoodle · 25/03/2010 21:24

the help is great, couldn't put it down (ending was a bit unbelievable though)

Divatheshopaholic · 24/03/2010 22:26

Hmmm, i think im off to tesco`s tomorrow.

neolara · 24/03/2010 22:20

Just finished One Day this evening. Absolutely loved it. Very odd to read a book that parallels my own life so closely.

ArcticRoll · 24/03/2010 14:39

Agree-One Day is a fantastic book.
I read somewhere it's the type of novel you think Nick Hornby should write but I always feel a bit disappointed with his last few novels.

Bucharest · 20/03/2010 11:14

I started One Day last night and I am loving it and making everyone buy it.....it's great, thanks for the heads up!

Original poster
stripeyknickersspottysocks · 14/03/2010 15:03

Melody Browne added to Amazon Wish List, thanks.

OP posts:
bluejeans · 14/03/2010 12:06

Also really liked One Day, and bought it in Tesco too (hardback for £7 last summer!)

Another surprise hit for me was Melody Browne, never having read anything by Lisa Jewell, you might like that too

muchchocolate · 14/03/2010 07:52

I bought One Day from tesco after seeing it recommended here - brilliant - so thanks!

I'm almost finished it and its the most I've enjoyed a book in ages.

The film is being made so that should be something to look out for too.

Think I'll check out The Times book club too.

Original poster
stripeyknickersspottysocks · 13/03/2010 13:05

Boo - thanks for the heads up re The Times book club, will check it out.

OP posts:
bran · 09/03/2010 15:16

The Book Depository has One Day for £3.78, I've ordered it but it will have to wait until I've read a book that I've been waiting for for nearly 2 decades (final book of a trilogy that didn't get published at the time of the first two).

BooToYouToo · 09/03/2010 15:04

If you want to chat about it, stripey, then the Times have selected One Day as the book to start their book club with. Haven't read it so didn't pay too much attention but should be details on Times Online. Does sound great, am putting on my birthday list for April.

menomena · 09/03/2010 00:43

David Nicholls sounds familiar... think it's the guy who wrote Starter For Ten but might be wrong there?

Anyway, One Day sounds quite good, will have a look for it.