Catching up on the posts here after 10 days away with limited wifi (one result of which was a somewhat eclectic reading list as I could only read books which were pre-downloaded onto my kindle).
26. Flowers for Algernon, Daniel Keyes
Liked but didn't love. It's a fascinating concept, and well-drawn, but there's a lot of what seems like padding - and rather dated padding at that. I understand that this started life as a short story rather than the novel version that I read, so perhaps that would explain it. A shame as other aspects of the story were timeless.
27. Unf!ck Your Habitat: You're Better Than Your Mess, Rachel Hoffman
A book on how not to be a slob or live in a mess. Refreshing in that it's been written for people who don't know how to look after their homes, or who struggle because of physical or mental illness, disability etc. I liked the positive, non-judgemental tone but found it rather short on actual useful advice.
28. Ready Player One, Ernest Cline
Much reviewed here. Good fun escapist read, although as a non-gamer I did get a wee bit bored of some of the looong descriptions of the computer games. The plot was a bit flaccid - I kept expecting a big betrayal or plot twist, neither of which came - but it had a lovely sweetness at its core. I can recommend Philip Reeve's Railhead as a similar book except with trains instead of 80s computer games.
29. Everywoman: One Woman's Truth About Speaking the Truth, Jess Phillips
I think I like Jess Phillips. She's passionate about equality and protecting the vulnerable, and she uses her voice to speak up for people who need protection. She can be annoying - and if you think she's self-congratulatory and a bit of a self-publicist then this book won't change your mind (although I think that she's right to point out that she gets huge criticism for being in the public eye in a way that would not happen to a male politician). What I took from this book though is that she is an overwhelmingly positive person - yes, she thinks she's doing a great job and is a wonderful MP but she spends a lot of time wishing that others would realise how wonderful they are and join her in the limelight. Her message is believe in yourself and get off your arse and do something. Annoying, yes, but inspirational too.
30. The Risk of Darkness, Susan Hill
Simon Serrailer no 3 (for the MNer who read no 2 further up the thread - this resolves quite a few of the loose threads from the last book). In which we go further into disturbing territory while surrounded by good food, music, wine, comfortable houses etc. It's like lowering yourself into a warm bath only to realise that there's a piranha swimming in it. Hill's awfulness at portraying working class characters is starting to grate.
My Name is Leon, Kit de Waal
I thought this was lovely. Reviewed a little way further up the thread so I won't rehash the plot here. Her portrait of the young boy seemed utterly realistic to me, and her portrait of time and place was skilful. Looking forward to reading her new one.