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Original poster

Last book of 2013, first book of 2014

63 replies

Cheboludo · 31/12/2013 22:18

What is the last book you read in 2013 and what will be the first one you read in 2014? Are they connected?

My last was How to be a Heroine by Samantha Ellis. It's a wonderful memoir told through the authors favourite books and heroines. One of the books she writes about is Pride and Prejudice which reminded me that I have Longbourn in my TBR pile so that's going to be the first book I finish in 2014.

OP posts:
Thurlow · 31/12/2013 22:23

I'm 2/3rd of the way through All Hell Let Loose, which is a single volume on WWII. It was sitting on the shelf for over a year but I'm glad I finally started it, it's incredibly well written and readable and an excellent overview. It's making me realise how much we don't get taught about WWII when we study it at school. Did you know that pretty much all 3 years of war (1941-1944) in north Africa and the Far East only happened to kill time and make a show of some momentum until D-Day? Shock

Not sure what to start in 2014. Something light, I imagine!

Have you read Sebastian Faulks' On Fiction? It's summaries of books and characters i.e. he talks about 4 important romantic heroes, 4 important villains etc. Really enjoyed it.

Original poster
Cheboludo · 31/12/2013 22:28

I have a blind spot for WWII literature, unfortunately. I don't know why, but I just find it too difficult to read. That sounds really interesting, if tough going.

Thanks for reminding me about the Sebastian Faulkes - I remember watching the accompanying programme and always intended to check out the book but forgot.

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TodaysAGoodDay · 31/12/2013 22:33

I'm halfway through John Grisham 'The Associate' so it counts as 2013 and 2014 right? Very easy reading, not looking forward to it ending...

ItsAWonderfulCervix · 31/12/2013 22:36

About to finish About the boy, Helen Fielding. Next to read is The Goldfinch, Donna Tart

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 31/12/2013 22:38

I'm re-reading The Dark Tower series. Will prob finish 5 tomorrow and start 6 immediately!

After they're done, I'll read some history books for a couple of weeks.

PeteCampbellsRecedingHairline · 31/12/2013 22:39

Just finished Citadel by Kate Mosse.

Not sure on the next one but will be something light and easy. Probably Dan Brown.

Thurlow · 31/12/2013 22:39

I love The Dark Tower so much. Though I always struggled with book 6, nothing happens! Book 2 was my favourite.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 31/12/2013 22:44

Book 2 is my favourite too! Then 5 and 7. Dislike 4, and agree that 6 is weaker. The Mia stuff bores me, but I love Pere C in the Dixie Pig.

Original poster
Cheboludo · 31/12/2013 22:48

Ah, Today, I'm cheating - I've already started Longbourn but I know I won't finish it until next year so it's being counted as my first of 2014.

OP posts:
Thurlow · 31/12/2013 22:49

I think I got lost in a lot of book 6 and 7! Then there's that whole random thing in book 7 that sort of helps them to win (trying not to spoil it for anyone else) but hasn't been mentioned before. That annoyed me.

Do you read any other Stephen King? 11.22.63 was great.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 31/12/2013 22:50

Have read em all, Thurlow!

AlaskaNebraska · 31/12/2013 22:51

reading Savage Continent atm - About post ww2 chaos.

about to look at Orange is the NEw black

PeteCampbellsRecedingHairline · 31/12/2013 22:53

Glad to see 11.22.63 recommended. Will add it to my list. Smile

eveylikesv · 31/12/2013 23:01

Halfway through 'The beautiful and the damned' by F. Scott Fitzgerald, not yet sure what l will read next, have few other books in the queue.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 31/12/2013 23:04

I failed with that. And with, 'Tender is the Night.'

bisjo · 31/12/2013 23:11

Just finished Apple Tree Yard and started The Silent Wife.

Original poster
Cheboludo · 01/01/2014 00:06

What did you think of Apple Tree Yard? It's on my TBR.

OP posts:
TheNightIsDark · 01/01/2014 00:10

Just finished Ballet Shoes Grin

Not a clue what to start 2014 with. Possibly something grown up like the railway children or Pollyanna.

Original poster
Cheboludo · 01/01/2014 00:27

If you've been re-reading Ballet Shoes you might enjoy The book I ended 2013 with- How to be a Heroine...she talks about it and some other Noel Streatfeild novels, as well as Anne of Green Gables, What Katie Did, Little Women and many more classic books

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RustyBear · 01/01/2014 00:30

My book queue is so long, I'm currently reading three just to keep up! My current kindle book is PG Wodehouse's letters, my main book is Lucy Lethbridge's Servants and my bedtime book is Longbourn.

TheFunStopsHere · 01/01/2014 00:32

Last book of 2013 - May we be Forgiven by a.m.homes. I liked it a lot. I had been put off her a little by some of her other books, but this was very funny as well as dark.
First book of 2014 - Beautiful Ruins, by Jess Walter.

MimsyBorogroves · 01/01/2014 01:23

I'm a third of the way through The Secret History. Will read either The goldfinch or Bridget Jones next, thanks to kindle reductions.

SuperScribbler · 01/01/2014 07:40

I'm three quarters of the way through Instructions for a Heatwave. Loving it. Not sure what's next as I have about 600 books in my to-read pile!

Lizzabadger · 01/01/2014 07:49

85% through The Goldfinch. Big Brother next.

DuchessofMalfi · 01/01/2014 08:45

I read Big Brother a couple of weeks ago. Really enjoyed it. Have The Goldfinch lined up to read shortly :)

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