50 Book Challenge 2015 Part 4

[southeastdweller]

Thread four of the 50 Book Challenge for this year.

The challenge is to read fifty books (or more!) in 2015, though reading fifty isn't mandatory. It's still not too late to join, any type of book can count, and please try to let us all know your thoughts on what you've read.

First thread of the year here, second thread here, and third thread here.

Happy reading

How long ago was the book first published?

I think his writing spanned from the 30s to the 50s. I really rate him - if you hate him, we can no longer be friends.

Yy to Chandler being all man :) and starting with The Big Sleep.

Uh-oh. Maybe I won't read it, just in case! I'd hate to see this vales friendship that has stood the test of conflicting opinions on so many books

I'm not a big fan of old school lit. On The Beach was the last I read from 1950s and we all know how that turned out

It's not old school - it still feels really quite fresh and modern (well, imho anyway). Do read it - I'll try not to hate you if you don't like it.

70. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey. I was always nervous about reading this because the film is so amazing I thought the book might disappoint me. I needn't have worried. Chief Bromden was always my favourite character in the film and he narrates the book. Highly recommended.

71. Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind by Ann B. Ross. A wealthy widow living in North Carolina finds herself in charge of her husband's son, which comes as a shock as she didn't know her husband had a second family. Hi-jinks ensue. A nice, funny, gentle read.

72. Brick Lane by Monica Ali. I don't think I ever read a book that dealt with such serious topics in such a readable, humourous, heartbreaking way. 18 year old Nazneem moves from her village in Bangladesh to an arranged marriage with an older man in the Tower Hamlets. The book follows her though the birth of her children, 9/11, a secret love affair and the rise of fundamentalism. Everyone should read this.

Cote - there are so many of us who like The Big Sleep that if you truely hate it, it might be better not to say so... I think you will like it.

I've finally finished another book without abandoning it!!! I don't know what's been going on, most have been a bit shit, but also I've really struggled to concentrate recently (of course this could be linked to 2yo DD being in a 'big girl bed' this summer and as it's gone cold the last couple of weeks she's been waking up at 3am because "my bed fell down" - her duvet falling off her, she was in a sleeping bag all last winter and had been sleeping through, not sure I like his development.).

Anyway:

44. Dead Water - Ann Cleeves - yet another of her Shetland series, this one was a bit more 'open' with list of suspects, lots of bits intertwinned histories between the different people/families on the island, not clear what is relivant and what is just "small community history" - I didn't guess who'd done it at all. Well written, also covering the grief of one of the main characters, wouldn't read unless you've read the book before (which is set 6 or so months before this one) so it's clear what's going on.

Ioved Brick Lane when I read it a few years ago - the story haunted me for a long time afterwards.

Finished 46 - The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver after a reading fest yesterday and today as I just wanted it finished. Afraid it didn't do it for me. I preferred by far The Poisonwood Bible.

Have started another 'easy listen' on Audible - Rack,Ruin and Murder by Ann Grainger.

Not sure what to read next - I am putting off my book group read... So off to peruse my book shelf..

Feeling tempted by a Raymond Chandler now, please stop recommending books though as my shelves are groaning with books waiting to be read

33. My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrente (translated from Italian). I bought this for 99p on kindle a few weeks ago and what a bargain. I really loved this story of two girls growing up in Naples in the 50s and 60s. It's the first in a trilogy, this one finishes with them in their late teens. Definitely NOT for those of you who dislike "women's" fiction

Fahrenheit 451 99p on kindle today. One of those books I've always meant to read.....

Thank you for all the congrats everyone

So, I started I Let You Go and am finding it a bit slow....please, someone tell me it picks up!!

It definitely does tessie...I would stick with at least until the half-way stage.

LadyDepp 'Fahrenheit 451' is well worth a read.

Book 112 - 'I Am The Messenger' by Markus Zusak (of, 'The Book Thief' fame)
I know that lots of people on here didn't rate, 'The Book Thief' but I really loved it. Sadly, this one is nowhere near as good. It's just a pretty bog-standard YA novel, although it does have aspirations to being something more than that. It's okay and there's nothing really wrong with it, but it didn't really do much for me.

Has anybody read, 'Heroes and Villains' by Angela Carter? I got it from the library and have been ignoring it because it just doesn't seem to be calling to me yet.

Oh I've just purchased "Fahrenheit 451" as well, hope it's good!

Just bought Fahrenheit 451 and Brick Lane - thanks all!

Btw Remus I loved The Book Thief too. Have you seen the film? It's good too - although not as good as the book.

Not seen the film, but read some really scathing reviews! It's got Ben Schnetzer in though, who is absolutely stunning in, 'Pride' so might be worth it for him?

Yes he is very nice!

:) I meant 'stunning' in terms of his acting, but he is rather beautiful too.

Shallow, me?!

I loved The book thief so disappointed to hear you didn't rate I am the Messenger Remus.
I have not read heroes and villains but have Wise Children by Angela Carter unread on my bookshelf for a while now (unhelpful )
My Brilliant friend sounds interesting Ladydepp

I started book 47 - The Lifeboat by
Charlotte Rogan last night which is another charity shop pick up!.

89. The Demon Dentist by David Walliams. I'd say this was my favourite Walliams book so far. There are a couple I haven't read yet though. This was edge of seat stuff even for me :o. DS loves to be scared but not too much. This fitted the bill exactly.

90. Supercat vs the Chip Thief by Jeanne Willis. Not bad but felt a bit flat after the Demon Dentist.

And finally, one for me - 91. Treachery by S J Parris. Brilliant. Loved it from start to finish. This one, the fourth in the series, is set in Plymouth where there has been a murder on board Sir Francis Drake's ship which was about to sail for the Spanish coast. Giordano Bruno and Sir Philip Sydney are instructed by Sir Francis Drake to investigate. It was fast paced and well plotted and very well written. Have got to wait until next year until the next one in the series is out though :(

Currently reading Horrid Henry Rocks by Francesca Simon and also about to start The Bookshop Book by Jen Campbell.

ooh, a rainy bank holiday and I've read another short book - back into being able to concentrate!

45. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie - Muriel Sparks - a short book set in the interwar period at a girls school in Edinburgh, a teacher with rather alternative methods shapes a group of 'favourites', one of whom ultimately betrays her by handing the excuse to get rid of her. As I read it, I went from thinking Brodie was a strong, heartwarming character, to something a bit sinister, to someone to pity.

It's a long time since I read, 'Miss Brodie' but I remember really enjoying it. Might have to be time for a re-read soon!