REALLY need a good book, what do you recommend??

[deanychip]

Just read "a short history" by Trollope, was tripe, utter UTTER tripe. Slogged to the end.

Am reading all of my old Bill Brysons, and have picked up Angelas Ashes again (for the 300th time!)

But need something really good, whats the best book you have read in ages??

Am desperate got to keep my mind occupies waiting for bloody scans etc.

Notes from an Exhibition by Patrick Gale

Hi Fidelity by......oh god can't remember!! young man's memoir of growing into an adult and relationship stuff - great to read from the 'other side' of things.

Currently reading The Count of Monte Cristo which is a bit of a long haul but very very good if you like a nice revenge story.

That sounds good, will google for the author

any more??

Nick Hornby
..in a similar vein try John O'Farrell

Think i have read a Nick Hornby, what has he written...name some bookes, i have i have i am sure i have

Wild Swans by ...... oh gawd.

High Fidelity by Nick Hornby - got it....

'Where did it all go right?' by Andrew Collins - about a boy growing up in the 70's and having a very normal life - very amusing...

'The best a man can get' by John O Farrell - which is a really funny story about a dad who leads a double life as a bachelor in a flat. Classic reading for any mother!

Margaret - hello!

how funny you mention John O Farrell.

hello ! try Jonathan Coe - esp Rotters Club for a bit of 70s retro

oh I loved Notes on an Exhibition

I would recommend The Finest Type of English Womanhood by Rachel Heath. It's a fabulous story and a romping read.

Wild Swans - is that Jung Chan ?? never read it..
A Town Like Alice - Neville Shute - I would love to read that again
If you want a seventies (not sure why I'm thinking you might but I'm on a roll) theme pick up Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City series...that'll keep you going

Margaret - you have THE best name on here ever

oh you are sweet ! I only have it during The Apprentice though,as an homage

Got to be really good.....

short history was recommeneded by about 5 people on here and honestly, it was dire.

Sorry i am a fussy old bugger, i cant stand anything Jackie collins fiction tripey crap.

Gotta be good, factual, funny or just a damed good read.

hijack - I just love her style though - not so many words as just a raised eyebrow, something to aspire to huh?

think you'd love the rotters club if you've not read it

NO NO to Jackie Collins - totally agree!

rotters club it is then, will search ebay for a cheepy.
thanks,
deany x

Don't know about the book but have recently watched Atonement which was really good.

I'm currently reading John Grisham

I really enjoyed 'Northern Clemency' by Philip Hensher. Follows 2 families in sheffield from 70s to 90s...

Not fiction but I just finished 'Imperial Life in the Emerald City' about the Americans in Iraq. V v funny but also interesting.

I'd second 'Notes from an Exhibition'.
have recently read 'The Poisonwood Bible'by barbara Kingsolver. A wonderful book.
'Atonement' was a great book, but then I like Ian Mc Ewan. Lots of people don't though and find him 'overwritten' (whatever that may mean!

For more 70s related nostalgia I really recommend Black Swan Green by David Mitchell. He also wrote Cloud Atlas, another fantastic read.

Just finished Notes from an Exhibition and also recommend that.

Also The Time Travellers Wife.

A Long Way Down is another good one by Nick Hornby.

The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy is my favourite book ever, also The Salmon of Doubt for die hard Douglas Adams fans.

Definatly 'Notes from an Exhibition'. I've just finished 'December' by someone. It's in top 100 in WHsmiths so should be easy to find.

Have you read 26a by Dianna Evans? It is amazing.