What's the last brilliant book you read?

[HoggleHoggle]

I'm very excited to be going to an actual bookshop on Sunday rather than buying online but I'm all out of inspiration! I read a lot and am running out of stuff I'm aware of.

Can anyone tell me the last book they read that they absolutely loved?

Mine was The Light Years by Elizabeth Jane Howard. Picked up solely because it has an outrageously beautiful cover I'd never heard of it before but it was AMAZING. And the first of a five volume series so that's how I've been spending the last month of my life!

Am interested in novels mostly but also happy to hear about non-fiction. Thank you!

Also, another two books that hit me quite hard and stayed with me for a while after were Afterwards by Rosamund Lupton and Every Last One by Anna Quindlen. Both quite harrowing but great reads, in case anyone is still looking for recommendations.

Another vote for A God in Ruins - it made me really properly weep (although there are funny parts too.)

I also very much enjoyed The Anchoress by Robyn Cadwallader. It's set in the 13th century, and about a young woman who becomes an anchorite, shut away in a cell adjoined to a church for the rest of her life, only allowed contact with her maids, her confessor and female villagers through a little curtained window if they come for counsel. It's fascinating, finding out what would make her choose that life, and the whole story of the village that you learn from brief glimpses as the women interact with her.

Another vote for Moving by Jenny Eclair. Going to definitely get some more of her books.

Also loved The Other Son by Nick Alexander. I enjoyed seeing both how the main character saw herself and how others saw her.

Another vote for I Am Pilgrim here. The best book I've read in many years. I loved The Goldfinch as well. I've got some great suggestions for my next book from this thread. Thanks everyone.

I've just finished Home by Marilynne Robinson which is the best thing I've read since the Goldfinch which I loved and recommend to everyone.

I'm shamelessly placemarking because I haven't been able to read a book for ages, my attention span is out the window. But I will come back to this thread when I am ready.

'The Spy Who Came In From The Cold' - just finished it and now want to read all of le Carre's stuff. 50/50 cross/happy that it's taken me so long to discover him v I've got lots of books to look forward to.

Here we go again. Opens Wordery bookmark...

And 'The Art of Asking', an autobiography by Amanda Palmer, was the last brilliant book I read.

Night film by Marisha Pessl. Stunning.

I've just finished The Teacher by Katerina Diamond. It's a remarkably gruesome thriller but I loved it. 99p on Amazon. I got really involved with all the characters and it was, for me, a satisfying ending.

I never, ever read a book in one sitting, but if you're a fan of fast-paced, psychological thrillers try 'The. quiet Ones'. read the whole book this afternoon!

Everything by Sarah Waters (I have read them all except The Paying Guest which is in my To Read pile, very excited about it seeing how many votes it got on here!

Also everything by Zadie Smith - I love her and wish she would bring out a new novel, it's been too long since NW. Think On Beauty is my favourite of hers though.

Recently read:
paying guests
kite runner
thousand splendid suns
and enjoyed them all.

I've just finished the Grapes of Wrath and can't stop thinking about it. I read it for book group otherwise I probably wouldn't have. It's just phenomenal. Only book I've read that's made me cry.

The other hand by Chris Cleave. Really good. Also loved Matt Haig The Humans. About to start in Elizabeth is missing

Brighton Rock. I'm kicking myself it's taken me so long to get round to it.

Asking For It and Only Ever Yours by Louise O'Neill. They are both rather dark and upsetting but they are worth reading!

Asking For It revolves around Irish rape culture and victim-blaming whereas Only Ever Yours' themes include: eating disorders, body dysmorphia, homophobia, anti-breastfeeding (I'm not kidding), addiction etc. So no dystopian outlook here!

A man called Ove. It was just such a lovely book that made me both laugh out loud and cry . A rarity for me.

I'm currently reading the versions of us by Laura Barnett. Beautifully written

Girl on a train is good,
Love all of Dorothy koomson's books
All of Simon kernicks
Currently on Jill mandala newest which is good too

I am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes was so gripping, sat up all night to finish it.

Currently reading and loving Kim by Rudyard kipling.

redannie118...I have just ordered Witch Light on the strength of your review!

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
Fantastic books

I just cannot get going with The Book Thief.

I have had to put it in the pile with Middlemarch and Captain Corelli's Mandolin. All started many times and failed to finish.