The last book that wowed you (take two!)

[CurlewKate]

I have to provide a book each for 6 people. Has to be fiction. All are readers. Aged 23 to 65. All have varied interests-except one, who is a history nut who likes "war" stuff. Two like feminist literature. One like spies.

Not too heavy or too long because they are for reading over Christmas. But not too light either. What's the last book you loved? Oh, and paperback, please...

I am wowed by every Emma Donoghue novel I read. Very well written; easy to read page turners but also thought provoking; not too long.

Most recent reads by her were Slammerkin and The Wonder.

We read that for my book club last year. Most people loved it but it dud nothing for me. I remember finding it really irritating but can't remember why so not very helpful.

As a nearly 65 year old my favourite authority is Elizabeth Strout. It is a series though as the same characters turn up in each book while focusing on one of them. It could get the 65 started on a year of bliss if they haven't started.

Author not authority!!

Leonard and Hungry Paul by Ronan Hession....a gentle and uplifting story about two quiet living friends. Filled with warmth and Irish wit. I couldn't put it down.

For war/spy, have a look at Rory Clements or Ben Macintyre.

My favourite book recently that I couldn't see mentioned was The Women by Kristin Hannah.

Or for something lighter, anything at all by Emily Henry.

I’m a newcomer to Douglas Adams and am kicking myself for not discovering him sooner. I had a friend who loved the hitchhiker books at school, but I never got around to reading them. Now I’m a convert and want to read everything Adams wrote.