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Original poster

What is everyone reading just now?

251 replies

MrsSpoon · 23/03/2006 21:22

I am almost finished 26a by Diana Evans and finding it so-so, don't know if I just don't have the concentration for it at the moment as parts of it seem excellent and other parts don't seem to even register with me. It could be me rather than the book though.

Just being nosey and looking for future recommendations or titles to avoid. Smile

OP posts:
clerkKent · 23/05/2006 12:35

Just finished The Colour of Magic (Pratchett). Bought it for DS(12) who loved it and wrote a review of it in English. Quick, easy, amusing read.

I have now started Untold Stories, Alan Bennett.

nikkie · 23/05/2006 19:39

H is for homicide by Sue Grafton

merlotmama · 23/05/2006 23:06

White Ghost Girls by Alice Greenway - and before that, Ghosting by Jenni Erdal.

MarsLady · 23/05/2006 23:11

The Accidental by Ali Smith (and Twelfth Night and lots of other Shakespeare plays)

christie1 · 24/05/2006 00:43

I am reading 1000 acres by Jane Smiley. Excellent book. I have no idea how it ends but it has me hooked. Also reading "teacher Man" by Frank McCourt (wrote Anglea's ashes) about his 30 year teaching career in New York City. It's very good too.

sarahinphuket · 24/05/2006 16:06

I've just started Empress Orchid by Anchee Min (I think) and also The Sewing Circles of Herat by Christina Lamb...

Rhubarb · 24/05/2006 16:10

Demon and Angels - utter shite! On the 5th page I was composing emails in my head to Mr Dan Brown with a few writing tips in it for him! Stereotypical characters, thin and laughable plot, DominiConnor will love it as it's very anti-catholic (jealousy!), but as a whole this book was really very very shite and I'm ashamed I ever picked it up to read!

The Time Travellers Missus is a good read, I'd recommend that one. They'll probably turn it into a film. Once in a House on Fire by Andrea Ashworth is also very good. Very moving, non-fictional that never fails to keep you hooked and gives you real characters that you care for.

Oh and The Rotters Club by Jonathan Coe is also a pile of shite. Teenagers in 1973 philosophising? I don't think so! Up it's own arse!

foxinsocks · 24/05/2006 16:12

I liked the Rotter's Club but have to agree with you re Dan Brown and anything he writes!

mythumbelinas · 24/05/2006 16:28

i read Empress Orchid last yr which got me reading The Last Emperor after .. then Red Azalea .. all good reads
have just finished reading The Kid, by Kevin Lewis which made me cry so many times

saadia · 24/05/2006 16:35

The Little Friend by Donna Tartt.

B8 · 25/05/2006 21:33

I've just finnished The Shadow of The Wind, which was okay. Agree re Demons and Angels, although I confess I did originally like the Davinci Code. Little Friend I didn't think was as good as Secret History. Time Traveller's Wife was good! One of my favourite's has to be True Tales of American Life, edited by Paul Auster- they do say life is stranger than fiction!

B8 · 25/05/2006 21:33

I've just finnished The Shadow of The Wind, which was okay. Agree re Demons and Angels, although I confess I did originally like the Davinci Code. Little Friend I didn't think was as good as Secret History. Time Traveller's Wife was good! One of my favourite's has to be True Tales of American Life, edited by Paul Auster- they do say life is stranger than fiction!

scienceteacher · 29/05/2006 15:22

Not proud, but currently reading the latest Jilly Cooper blockbuster - Wicked. It has many of the same characters from Riders, Rivals, Polo - but now parents with secondary aged children. The setting is a small Cotswald town with a sinking comprehensive school and a rah-rah public school.

Lilymaid · 29/05/2006 16:13

Loved Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian but not everyone in my book group did.
Now about to read Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky - not yet in paperback so a major investment.

moondog · 29/05/2006 16:17

I read a review of SF.
Sounds amazing.

Lilymaid · 29/05/2006 16:18

The translator is coming to my book group so should get some interesting insights into it.

ggglimpopo · 29/05/2006 16:31

Lilymaid, I am deeply jealous. Ask her if she wants to come to Bordeaux.

nikkie · 29/05/2006 19:27

O is for Outlaw- Sue Grafton

moondog · 29/05/2006 19:45

Blimey Lily.
That is one high powered book group!

AdelaideS · 29/05/2006 20:06

Shame you didn't like The Rotters Club Rhubarb, Jonathan Coe is one of my favourites but maybe that's not his best. House of Sleep by him is pretty hilarious I thought.Currently reading Secret Life of Bees by Celia someone (can't be bothered to go upstairs and get it!).Much better than the cover would suggest.

clerkKent · 01/06/2006 20:16

I have put Untold Stories aside and I am now on The All-true Adventures of Lidie Newton by Jane Smiley. It is passing the time nicely while I while away the hours waiting for a plane in Aberdeen airport.

blueamema · 01/06/2006 20:57

I'm finally reading the last Harry Potter...Blood Prince...

...as i was about ready to pop with dd when it came out and this is the first chance ive had to get into it!!!
about half way through now and not really getting into it?? but dh has said it does get better!!
love the others though, great fun and cant wait till dd is old enough to get into them to

singersgirl · 01/06/2006 20:58

Just read a book from the library called "Ursula, Under" by someone called Ingrid Hill who apparently has 12 children, including 2 sets of twins. (That's not relevant, but fascinating...) I really enjoyed it, though didn't find it all that well written at times. It tells a present day story interspersed with stories from the characters' ancestors' lives.

KateF · 01/06/2006 21:18

Just read "The Curious Incident......." after all the mentions on here and found it fascinating. Now reading "The Joys of Motherhood" by Buchi Emecheta, great for anyone who likes African writing. Am jotting down all your suggestions as this thread is as near as I get to a book group these days Grin.

charliecat · 01/06/2006 21:19

Im reading Flowers In the Attic