read any good books lately?

[Candy]

Hi everyone!
I was wondering what you are currently reading or have read recently and enjoyed? Having just read several by Joanne Harris (Chocolat and Blackberry Wine) and two history books by Giles Milton (Nathaniel's Nutmeg and Big Chief Elizabeth) I'm stuck for what to read next. Any suggestions much appreciated!

Haven't managed to read all this board so apologies if these have already been mentioned -
just read Michele Roberts - Daughters of the House - set in post-war France - very intriguing and moving (Booker shortlisted in 1992). Also recommend Sarah Waters - Fingersmiths - bit Dickensian in style. If I enjoy a book I can get it read in less than a week; if not it can take 6 months to a year - eg. recently finished Roddy Doyle - Paddy Clarke ha ha ha (Booker winner forget when) - it took me 8 months to get it read, whereas Daughters of the House (see above) took 4 days. Didn't enjoy Captain Correlli much either despite struggling all the way to the end.

tallgirl - I loved the pursuit of happiness as well. It is one of my favourites.

I've just finished reading "Counting Sheep" by Paul Martin. Its not a novel but a factual book about sleep - not my usual type of book but it was very interesting and well written. Found getting towards the end a bit dry however.

Before that I read Falling Leaves by Adeline Yen Meh (recommended by ladyP) which is the sad true story of an unwanted chinese daughter. It was a harrowing book but well worth the read.

Just finished one of the best books I have ever read. 'The Siege' by Helen Dunmore. I love her books but this is by far the best one I've read. I cried and cried.

Judetheobscure you reminded me that I also cried when I read Roddy Doyle's 'The Woman Who Walked Into Doors'. I sound like the spout on a watering can but I promise I'm not!

Beetroot, I also think very highly of Barbara Kingsolver - but she seems to have a very low profile, don't you think?

Janstar, I have never cried so much at a book. I had to stop reading it (I was in Starbucks), go home, put my 3 baby to bed, get a box of tissues and then read it. I thought it was amazing.

Anyone read Mill on the Floss? I have 15 days until my book club, I don't rate my chances. So can anyone help with intelligent things to say?

Read Lovely Bones on holiday - very affecting, cried a lot when I finished it. Also got round to reazing Atomised - not sure what I think, funny, clever. Anyone else read it?

Am now reading Tom Lott's '...Hurricane ' one - Can't remember the full title now! Am enjoying this one very much.

just read Misconceptions ~Naomi Wolf - all about the pregnancy 'industry' - illuminating.
and
I Don't Know How She Does It ~ Allison Pearson - about a woman who juggles family and career - funny read

I read lovely bones too. i am now reading her other book Lucky. it is actually about her rape experience. very well written, but moving. not finished it yet.

ScoobySnax, I've just finished Life Of pi. I'm not sure what to make of it, it certaintly made a differenc to the usual boring rubbish that I have read. I really wasn't expecting the ending at all. I had just resigned myself to the fact that I was reading the most sereal book imaginable. but saying that I did actually believe everything that the writer was telling me at one point. It seems so stupid now, it sounds like a joke....a tiger, a zebra, an orangutan, an hyena and a a boy are on a life boat....but I believed it, I don't know if that gives credit to the writer or to my own stupidity. I will definatley read some more of his work now.

Bekki - I think I would have preferred that the alternative story wasn't included! What an amazing imagination though...

I have just had a fab book for my birthday.
Who's who in Enid Blyton by Eva Rice.

it lists characters from enid blytons books & tells you abit about them.

very good for reminiscing over characters you had forgotten about.

I also have got Life of Pi to read. lets hope for some spare time now!