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Original poster

What can I read next please?

94 replies

janeite · 27/03/2009 23:21

Have just read a fictionalised version of Scott's bid for the pole - fab;
'A Study In Scarlet' - good but I realised after a few pages that I'd already read it;
Terry Pratchett's 'Nation' - ok;
The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn - didn't like it much;
The Gargoyle - quite liked this one.

I have just abandoned:
The Glass Book Of The Dream Eaters - over written and tedious;
Shakespeare's Wife by Germaine Greer - too much like very hard, not very satisfing work.

I have a Peter Carey waiting, something about Troy but can't remember what it's called and then I will be bookless again.

I am not a happy bunny when I am bookless!

Tia

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happytraveller · 31/03/2009 19:19

I just finished "A Spot of Bother " by Mark Haddon. Loved it, easy to read but interesting enough to keep my brain alert. It gave me a glimpse as to what my family life could be like in 20 year's time.

Also I have to give a plug to my all-time favorite author, T C Boyle. American fiction, very refreshing subject matter, will definitely leave an impression on you. I started with "The Tortilla Curtain" and now I have read everything of his. My personal favs. are "A Friend of the Earth" and "East is East". He also has several collections of short stories which are perfect for busy (and tired) parents.

snice · 31/03/2009 19:25

Kate Atkinson- The Jackson Brodie series. Have just read the most recent "When will there be good news"

snice · 31/03/2009 19:27

Sebastian Faulks? You've probably read Engleby but what about Charlotte Gray or On Green Dolphin Street.

Original poster
janeite · 31/03/2009 20:13

Ooh more recs thanks!

Have read 'A Spot Of Bother' but was v disappointed as loved 'Curious Incident' - have also read and liked the Kate Atkinson series (although don't like her others much).

Never heard of Boyle but sounds a possibility.

Didn't get on much with Faulks (Birdsong?) but maybe need to give him another try?

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kaxter · 31/03/2009 22:13

Janeite, whar about william boyd - in particular Any Human Heart? Is wonderful, even my dh read it in 3 days and he doesn't read at all at all.
I also strongly second A Fine Balance by R Mistry. Another book that will stay with me forever I think.
Wally Lamb also great - 'She's come Undone' or else 'I Know This Much is True'
I could keep going but will wait and see if you think you would like the above.

snice · 31/03/2009 22:21

I would def. recommend giving Engleby a go then.

thumbbunny · 01/04/2009 05:11

biccy - thanks for the heads up on The Cellist - I might wait until I find it in a charity shop then, rather than spending lots on it and being disappointed (like I was with the Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian)

I liked William Boyd's Any Human Heart.

Have you tried Nathaniel's Nutmeg? True, historical, disturbing but very gripping.

Original poster
janeite · 01/04/2009 16:44

Nathaniel's Nutmeg - loved it! Loved his others too. Will have a look at the others.

Thanks all.

Any more? Handful Of Dust is my book for this evening.

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SamsMama · 01/04/2009 16:53

Rebecca by DeMaurier? (No idea if I spelled that right) I think it has the most beautiful first line in the English language: "Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again." Just saying it is like eating chocolate to me! I really liked "The Namesake." It's by an Indian woman and I'm not going to embarrass myself by trying to remember how her name is spelled. She has a new one out that is supposed to be tremendous as well.

Original poster
janeite · 01/04/2009 16:55

Read 'Rebecca' but will look up t'other 'un. Thanks!

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LurkerOfTheUniverse · 01/04/2009 17:17

I've just finished 'The 19th Wife', enjoyed the historical aspect of it more than the actual story

Patrick McGrath very good, esp. Asylum

snice · 01/04/2009 17:51

How about Patrick Gale?

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janeite · 01/04/2009 19:06

Did he write 'Notes from An Exhibition'? I liked that!

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minesacheeseandpicklesandwich · 01/04/2009 19:11

Ditto on thoughts of Nathaniel's Nutmeg for anyone else on here wanting some historical stuff. I don't usually read factual books but that one worked for me.

Janeite, thinking about fact stuff, Bryson? Dawkins? If you like Pratchett, have you tried The Science of Discworld and The Globe, that he co-wrote with a couple of scientist types?

Ooh, just thought, Heller's God Knows - loved it (though wasn't strictly speaking an atheist when I first read it - suppose now I could read it again with tongue firmly in cheek?)

mehdismummy · 01/04/2009 19:18

karen rose is very good, as is jack kerley

oregonianabroad · 01/04/2009 19:26

We have (mostly) similar tastes.

I think you'll really like The 19th Wife.

Try: Alice Munro, Anne Tyler, Joyce Carol Oates, Carol Shields, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Isabelle Allende (only The House of the Spirits and Paula, tho), ...

I'll think of more later.

Original poster
janeite · 01/04/2009 19:31

Have read everything by Allende except her latest autobiographical one, which I'm waiting for the paperback version of. Have read a couple of Marquez's. Don't like Ann Tyler or Carol Shields.

Still googling some of the others!

What I would really, really like is a Jane Austen crossed with Stephen King, crossed with Isabel Allende featuring Matthew Shardlake and possibly Mr Rochester. Anybody fancy writing it?!

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oregonianabroad · 01/04/2009 19:37

gasp, really???

Not even Breathing Lessons???

Or Unless???

OK, How about Shields' The Gravedigger's Daughter. Doesn't meet oyur requirements, but I reckon you'll like it.

What about Dickens?

snice · 01/04/2009 19:45

"What I would really, really like is a Jane Austen crossed with Stephen King, crossed with Isabel Allende featuring Matthew Shardlake and possibly Mr Rochester. Anybody fancy writing it?!"

You want "The Meaning of Night by Michael Cox

psych101 · 01/04/2009 19:46

My fave books of all time...

"Memoirs of a Geisha"
by Arthur Golden, very poetic writing.. it's almost like you are right there in JAPAN.

"Eat, Pray, Love," by Elizabeth Gilbert.... oh my gosh, best book EVER!

"The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz,
This isn't Fiction though, it's more of a 'better yourself book', but really, really well done! My friends and I swear by this book... just have to get past the beginning and into the actual agreements.. such as;

  1. don't take anything personally
  2. Be Impeccable with your word..

I won't give away the rest.
Anyways, hope that helps!!!

Original poster
janeite · 01/04/2009 20:08

Thank you. Have read and loved 'Memoirs Of A Geisha' but I absolutely don't 'do' 'better yourself books'. Will look at the other suggestions.

Tell me more about the Michael Cox one please Snice!

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Original poster
janeite · 01/04/2009 20:09

I have nearly finished marking 105 coursework essays, so after tomorrow I will have plenty more reading time!

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snice · 01/04/2009 20:13

The Meaning of Night

"After killing the red-haired man, I took myself off to Quinn?s for an oyster supper . . ."

One of my favourite opening lines of all time.

snice · 01/04/2009 20:16

Actually I'm not sure it does fulfil your brief but I just love it

Original poster
janeite · 01/04/2009 20:18

Oh that sounds interesting actually - could be a contender!

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