Help me choose please

[Sootgremlin]

I have recently started to get back into reading post baby-fog (thanks to a thread on here), I've downloaded a couple from the Booker list to get me going while they're still current, and polished off 'We're all completely beside ourselves' yesterday. I quite enjoyed it, found it easy reading but also the right amount of thought provoking and worthwhile so wondering what to jump into next, while the iron's hot.

My problem is putting a book down then forgetting to pick it up so want something easyish to get into while I warm up, I'm a quick reader once I get going though so don't mind it being long. I can handle a bit of shade but can't deal with unbearably sad or bleak

I've got:

The Signature of All Things
the Rosie Project
The Goldfinch
Life after Life
The Secret History
State of Wonder

Which should I go for? Anyone loved any of these? Thanks.

My vote is for the Rosie Project. Put Mn down and read it now

yy to The Rosie Project. I loved it - it's funny, clever, and thoroughly enjoyable. Follow that with The Signature of All Things. It's long but I raced through it, devouring each page, desperate to find out what happened next. You won't want to put either of these down

Sorry to go against the grain but I found the Rosie project quite tedious really, I finished it but had to force myself - my choice would be Life after Life - leave the goldfinch until you've got time to invest as it's loooooong

The Secret History is my favourite ever book, read it twice back to back. The Goldfinch just OK. Others are still on my to do list...

Rosie project. Sequels out soon.

Hi thanks for suggestions - I'm a few chapters in to the Rosie Project did as I was told wasn't sure at first, but finding it funny and easy to read so pleased with the choice.

Looking forward to Signature and Life after Life next too.

internetforever I've had Secret History in waiting for a while now, as it always seems to be well-loved so I keep leaving it until I have some time to really get my teeth into it.

I wasn't sure at first with the Rosie Project either but it is an easy read and I did enjoy it too. It just seemed to fit your criteria well

FWIW I absolutely LOVED The Secret History. It is brilliant.

You may also like to consider one of Michael Chabon's book, my personal favourite is The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay.

Weird stevie, I've never read any Michael Chabon, but have had Kavalier and Clay on my to read pile for about a year! Will move it forward in the queue.

Yy jilted it does meet the criteria! very easy to pick up when I've got five minutes.

It is truly wonderful! I love everything by Chabon, you're in for a treat.

Finished Rosie Project, really enjoyable, happy read. It is not one I would have normally chosen, but found it quite moving in lots of ways. Got DH to take charge of bath time so I could race through the ending!

Thinking of Signature of All Things next as per duchessofmalfi's advice as it's on my kindle and easier to read around bfing etc. I've missed that feeling of having a book on the go it's so good to get it back.

Do you have to read one of these much-talked-about books that are at the peak of their 15 minutes of fame? There are many fantastic books out there.

Not at all, cotedazur I'm open to suggestions. Feel to recommend something fantastic if you must

Your comment has amused me, as this is the first time I've ever actually tried to keep up with any current popular literature!

I've got badly out of the habit of reading for pleasure after years of studying it, followed by difficult pregnancies and depression where I just couldn't seem to concentrate any more.

My to-read pile was starting to get me down so thought I'd just make a list of anything I've heard mentioned recently that I could download to get my hand back in. I do get your point, though.

Well I think there is something to be said for reading current books. It's part of our current culture surely. Like music, it's good to keep up with new stuff. In five years time they will still be decent reads surely? Maybe not all I suppose but I wouldn't rule them out because they are in.

The Rosie Project is fun - a good read, and quite light.

The Secret History is an absolute page turner - most people can't put it down. (That's apart from the few who hate it of course.)

The Goldfinch is long and slightly more difficult. The plot takes a while to get going. I found it one of the most absorbing books I'd read in years but there are plenty of people on this forum who say the were bored rigid by it.

Life after Life - a great read. Cleverly done, but also funny and sad in parts. Am a big Kate Atkinson fan.

Haven't read the other two...

I've only read one of those books and can't recommend it - The Rosie Project.

Lots of recommendations from myself and others on the 50 Book Challenge for 2014 threads, current and otherwise.

Yy clara. After months of not settling to anything I just wanted the decision made for me, and there's more chance of getting recommendations for the books that everyone is currently reading. And you get to join the conversation a bit rather than saying 'have I read x? No, but I've heard of it'.

Thanks southeastdweller, I'll take a look, I might just try and join in for 2015. I read 6 last year, and, er, 2 so far this year, but might be up for it by December.

Oh and thanks hackmum for reviews

Read Life after Life, feel like I'm just coming up for air, was lost in the depths of it. Going to let it fade a little before plunging into another. Loved it, so well written.

Am re reading Life after Life for a Book Club . Definitely getting more out of it. Perhaps complicated books are worth it ....

Life after Life - is a great book, and probably good for baby brain as bits keep repeating.
The Rosie Project - was very annoying, okay but really annoyed me at the end! I wouldn't recommend it.