BABBLING BOOKS

katey · Last edited by katey on Wed Feb 25, 2009 4:31 pm; edited 10 times in total

Not finished yet but currently reading-

Cold Comfort Farm-Stella Gibbons-Not overly impressed by this, I don't really get how it was meant to be humour?
Around the World in 80 dates-Jennifer Cox-Good fun, easy read
When Zachary Beaver came to Town-Kimberly Holt Willis (I think that is the author)-Read this as it is very close to my sons name! It was quite uplifting and yet left me with a bit of a sombre feeling at the end of it too
The Catcher in the Rye- JD Salinger-I can't even remember much of this and I only read it a week ago! It hasn't left much of an impression!
New Moon-Stephenie Meyer-Not as good as Twilight, but still readable
Elsewhere-Gabrielle Zevin-Really enjoyed this one, about what happens when you die
Pay it Forward- Catherine Ryan Hyde-My fave of teh month so far and has made me think I should be doing more to help others
A Clockwork Orange-Anthony Burgess-not a big fan of this-so distressing! But can see why it is on so many 'must read'lists as it really is on on it's own.
Through teh Looking Glass and What Alice Found There-Lewis Carroll-Not a patch on Alice in Wonderland!
ways to Live Forever-Sally Nicholls-Not quite finished this yet, but it has certainly made me think
The Alchemist-Paulo Coehlo-I loved the simplicity of this book, I thought it was really beautiful-possibly a 'keeper' for me
Vernon God Little- DMC Pierre- Just started this because of Glynis's recommendation!GAVE UP ON IT!!!
On The Road-Jack Kerouac-GAVE UP ON IT!
The Ice Qeen-Alice Hoffman- Really enjoying this, how have I not read any of her books before?!

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Katey
xxx

Books 01.09- 18 (5)
Books 02.09- 12 (4)
Books 03.09- 9 (1)
Books 04.09- 3 (0)
Books 05.09- 3(0)
Books 06.09- 8(1)
Books 07.09- 9(0)
Books 08.09- 10(1)
Books 09.09- 3(1)
Books 10.09- 9(1)

Target for 2009- 100 (15)- 16(2) to go!

Lauzc

sirg1006 · Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2009 5:13 am Post subject:

Firecracker - Sean Stewart 4/5 - story about ghosts. I quite liked it.
Falling Leaves Return to Their Roots: The True Story of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter - Adeline Yen Mah - loved it!
The Earth Hums in B Flat - Mari Strachan - wasn't as good as I'd hoped

Hopefully get a few more in!

D

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I'm an auntie! Kelvin

jobar · Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2009 12:08 pm Post subject:

These are my February Reads..

The Reader ~ Bernhard Schlink... 8/10
Blindsighted ~Karin Slaughter ...8/10
The Gathering ~ Ann Enright...8/10
Number the Stars ~ Lois Lowry...9/10
Angels Rest ~ Charles Davis...10/10 Book of the Month
The Immigrant ~Marju Kapur...8/10
I am The Messenger ~ Marcus Zusack...7/10
Black Mulberries ~ Caitlin Davies...7/10
Consequencies ~ Anna Dillon...9/10
The House at Midnight ~ Lucie Whitehouse..9/10
An Offer you can't Refuse ~ Jill Mansell..8/10
The Road ~ Cormac McCarthy (Audio)..9/10
Meeting Point ~ Roisin McAuley..8/10

Currently reading Twilight ~Stephenie Meyer

zanthewitch · Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 10:17 am Post subject:

RonnieJacobs · Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2009 9:36 pm Post subject:

Feb So Far
Angel - Marian Keyes
Anybody out there Marian Keyes
Second Chance - Jane Green
Twilight - stephenie meyer
Digging to America
Currently reading - New Moon stephenie meyer
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too many books so little time

katey · Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2009 1:21 pm Post subject:

smiler07 · Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2009 4:33 pm Post subject:

I have had a really good month reading wise...here goes!!!

Twilight – Stephanie Meyer (9.5/10)
I devoured this and enjoyed every moment of it. Ok it is very cheesy and mushy, chick lit for teenagers really with a vampire twist – however it definitely tapped into the girly-romantic in me and I am still finding myself waiting for a vampire to come along and sweep me off my feet. Don't read this if you are looking for a Vampire story, I don’t think it really fits into that category.

Breakfast at Tiffany's – Truman Capote (6/10)
All the points for this book go to Capote's creation of Holly Golightly, she is fantastic – although I'm not quite sure she's meant to be. However, I really wish I had read this before watching the film.

Artemis Fowl and the Time Paradox – Eoin Colfer (7/10)
I always enjoy the Artemis Fowl books and I wish Colfer had been around when I was younger. The only criticism I have is that they are starting to get quite samey but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

Second Chance - Jane Green (7/10)
A group of friends are reunited after 20 years following an unexpected tragedy which makes the group face up to the difficulties and issues in their own lives and re-forge old friendships. I found this less frivolous than some of Jane Green's other novels and it was quite sad in parts. Other than that however it was typical Green, easy to read escapism.

Mudbound – Hilary Jordan (8/10)
Set in rural Mississippi following the end of the Second World War. This book is told from the perspectives of different characters which I found easy to read and liked to be able to see the situation from each persons point of view. However I would have liked an insight into Pappy's thoughts as well. I did enjoy this although I was expecting more, probably as I'd heard it was very good and so my expectations were too high.

Ways to Live Forever – Sally Nicholls (6.5/10)
This was an interesting book about a little boy who is dying of leukaemia. It is very sad but also funny. Unfortunately I didn’t find it as moving as it could have been and also found the writing a little inconsistent at times.

The Cellist of Sarajevo – Steven Galloway (9/10)
This book was not what I expected at all, however it is very well written and gives an insight into a war torn country. You will enjoy this if you enjoyed the Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns.
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Challenge books read in 2009: 3

ejb76 · Babblers First Words Joined: 28 Dec 2008 Posts: 46

Only managed 4 this month (well 3 and a half actually still only half way through the last one!)

My Sister's Keeper - Jodi Picoult - this was the first book of hers i have read and has inspired me to try the others. I thought it was a fabulous story and raised ethical questions which have me thinking even after i finished the book - i also wasn't expecting the twist at the end!

Mudbound - Hillary Jordan I liked this book and thought it was a very well written and easy read but it didn't blow me away like i expected it to do. It didn't really bring anything new to other stories set in the same place and time, but maybe i was expecting too much after all the hype!

The Blue Zone - Andrew Gross a thriller very much like his James Patterson and i beleive that he has been a co-writer on some of Patterson's books. A fast paced story of a young woman who's family have been placed in the witness protection programme because of her father's bad business deals. When people involved start dying she realises that her father has never been the family man she thought she grew up with.

Keeping Faith - Jodi Picoult - still reading this but after a slow start i now love it. Its the story of a young girl who starts seeing God and being able to heal and develops a stigmata. As i haven't got to the end i don't know whether it is all real or not but having never been sure of the whole religious question myself i find all the religious discussions fascinating. I also love the character of the grandmother who keeps making me laugh when she pops up!

well i'm not doing too well on the challenge to read 50 books this year - only 7 so far!

Tigerlily · Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2009 10:37 am Post subject:

I haven't finished any books I started this month. Still reading Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson. It's taken me a while to get into it as I wasn't entirely sure what was going on, why, who etc., but I'm starting to get to grips with it now I'm over halfway through. Have the film to watch afterwards. It's ok. And if anyone can explain Gonzo journalism to me, I'd be very grateful!!

Tried to get into Midwives by Chris Bohjalian, but gave up. Found the writing a bit too flowery after finishing VGL. Haven't given up on it totally though. Will wait til I'm in the mood for it.
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Reading: Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow by Peter Hoeg
Reading Challenge 2009: 8
2008: 4
2007: 10

Lauzc · Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2009 10:54 am Post subject:

I haven't finished any books either this month! Still going with The Book Thief and started The Friday Night Knitting Club too.
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handmade by Laura Croxson

lovely treez · Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2009 8:14 pm Post subject:

The Blind Assassin - Margaret Attwood 7/10 - I was a bit disappointed in this one as I really loved The Handmaid's Tale but I felt like this one was written by a different author. I found it too self-centred and a bit of a showing off exercise style-wise with characters I didn't really warm to at all. Yes she's a good writer but this one just didn't work for me.

First Among Sequels - Jasper Fforde 8/10 - Another great piece of writing from Mr Fforde but he is not everyone's cup of tea, probably too silly for some! The Eyre Affair was my favourite but this one still managed to make me laugh out loud .

The Birthing House - Christopher Ransom 0.5/10 Absolutely dire.....

The Guernesy Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrow 9/10 The perfect antidote to the Birthing House, a delightful and charming read with lots of information about the German occupation of which I was previously ignorant.

Affinity - Sarah Waters 9.5/10 I just love her books and this one didn't disappoint. I was intrigued by all the information about spiritualism and was so engaged by Selina and Margaret. Ms Waters is such a consummate storyteller. I would have given it 10/10 but Fingersmith just has the edge for me. I can't wait for her new book out soon!

Bleeding Heart Square - Andrew Taylor 9.5/10 Another really gripping read for me, this time set in London in the 1930s. A great atmospheric thriller with a vivid tapestry of memorable characters and some very interesting info re Fascism in Britain. Even better than the American Boy for me.

The Tea Rose - Jennifer Donnelly 7.5/10 After the brilliance of the Waters and Taylor novels, this one seemed to drag a little and could have been vigorously pruned in order to produce a much tighter, engrossing tale. A bit formulaic for me - I just wanted the author to get on with it and reunite the star crossed lovers 200 pages before she did...
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Currently reading - The Italian Boy - Murder and Grave Robbery in 1830s London - Sarah Wise

annecater · Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2009 6:10 pm Post subject:

My February reads:

The Giver by Lois Lowry: A fabulous young adult's novel set in the future - one that really makes you think about humans and our perception of an ideal world.

Angel's Rest by Charles Davis: An excellent novel and one that sat on TBR for far too long.

Harris's List of Covent Garden Lardies by Hallie Rubenfold : This is an intriguing little book - the Harris list was compiled in Victorian times and details all the ladies of the night working out of Covent Garden - really interesting and amusing in parts.

A Time Of Angels by Patricia Schonstein : A wonderful tale of food and love - magical, I'm looking forward to reading more of her work.

Helpless by Barbara Gowdy : At times very emotional and quite dark, but a rewarding read, again I'm hoping to read more by her.

When The Emporer Was Divine by Julie Otsuka: A book that opened my eyes to the sins of the Allies during World War II, very sparse writing style but shocking, yet beautiful at the same time.

The Brutal Art by Jesse Kellerman: A wonderfully written thriller - I was entranced by this and the writing style reminded me of my favourite crime writer - Roger Ellory.

Broken Biscuits by Liz Kettle: Inside the minds of the mentally ill - and so very well done too. I really enjoyed this and hope that the author writes some more.

Keeping Faith by Jodi Picoult : Not my favourite Jodi P novel, but still a great story - I'd have liked more of her trademark twist in the end though.

Comfort Food by Kate Jacobs : A light read encompassing a bit of love and a lot of food - enjoyable

Fly In The Ointment by Anne Fine: My first Anne Fine read, and very very well done - dark yet funny - I loved it.

The Chocolate Cat Caper by Joanne Carl : A typical American cozy mystery. Cats, chocolate - a perfect Sunday afternoon read

Border Crossing by Pat Barker : Another book that was on TBR for ages - and another that I really enjoyed - throws up a lot of questions for such a short novel.

I gave up on The Birthing House after one chapter - life is just too short!
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Currently reading: The Tent The Bucket and Me by Emma Kennedy and Granny The Pag by Nina Bawden

1001 Challenge Books read in 2009 - 3
1001 Challenge Books read in 2008 - 8
1001 Challenge Books read in 2007 - 13

blueflower · Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2009 7:28 pm Post subject:

Finished Wild Swans 8/10 Quite an eye opener.
The Outlander – Gil Adamson 5/10. First time author of fiction. Read good things about it but I was rather bored by it.
The Cellist of Sarajevo – 7/10 .This was interesting as a history lesson on a subject I didn’t know anything about but didn’t really enjoy it as a novel.

heathera · Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2009 9:02 pm Post subject:

My February books are:

All Balls and Glitter, My Life - Craig Revel Horwood 6.5/10
I didn't enjoy this as much as I thought I would. I liked all the behind the scenes stuff at Strictly Come Dancing and some of his background was interesting, however I wasn't overly bothered by all the celebrity name dropping.

The Comfort of Saturdays - Alexander McCall Smith 9/10
This is the 5th book in his Isabel Dalhousie series and I loved it! A lovely style of writing and lyical use of language. Fabulous engaging characters and a great moral tale to tell.

The Clockwork Orange - Anthony Burgess 8/10
Read for the 1001 book challenge. It's disturbing and takes a while to understand the teenage "gang" language used. It's horrific throughout the 1st part but becomes an interesting social study after that. I'm glad I've read it but I'm also glad it's a short book!

Confessions of an Eco Shopper - Kate Lock 9/10
This is an insight into one womans misson to go green. It's full of interesting facts and the trials and tribulations of things she's tried. It doesn't go into great detail but manages to cross a broad range of subjects from local produce to composting to making your own facial cream. Very insightful.
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Currently Reading:

The Moonlit Cage - Linda Holeman

1001 Book Challenge:
2009 - 4
2008 - 14
Books Available for Swapping on RISI

chimushroom · Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2009 11:05 pm Post subject: Books read in February

Suspicions of Mr Whicher- Kate Summerscale 6/10

For some reason I thought this was a fiction book based on a true story, so it wasn't what I was expecting, but to be honest I found it quite interesting but felt she padded out a lot of the text.

Boy in the Stripped Pyjamas - John Boyne 7.5/10

I did enjoy this book, I know it's a childrens book but I think he over simplified it. And found some of the repitition a little irratating. It did make me think however and it was interesting to view this subject matter from the viewpoint of a german child.

The Reader - Bernard Schlink 6/10

I didn't enjoy this much to be honest. I didn't think there was an awful lot of story there. The first half of the book when he is younger I really didn't enjoy and felt that he waffled on in some parts. The second half during the trial I was more interested and the end was good.
Overall not my cup of tea.

A Vintage Affair - Isabel Wolff 8.5/10

Really enjoyed this, I wanted something quite light after the last two but turns out the underlining story also related to the war! I really felt I could become absorbed in this book and liked the character a lot. I can def recommend this one

Once - Morris Gleitzman 8/10

Haven't quite finished this yet but have read almost half in one sitting. I think this is much better than boy in the stripped pyjamas, he handles the boys nieavity of the situation much better. And I cared more about the character. Would recomend this.

The Book Thief - Makus Zusak ----currently reading---

Have only just started this but I'm enjoying it so far, will see how it goes
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Currently reading 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak

Tigerlily · Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2009 3:43 pm Post subject:

Hi Chi - welcome to BB! Hope you enjoy the site

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Reading: Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow by Peter Hoeg
Reading Challenge 2009: 8
2008: 4
2007: 10

eightlegs · Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2009 9:23 pm Post subject:

Girl from the South – Joanna Trollope 6/10 What you would expect from her, a pleasant easy read.

The Giant’s House – Elizabeth McCracken 9/10 Loved this quirky book that I think I chose in a swap.

Shadows and Strongholds – Elizabeth Chadwick 8/10 I enjoyed this, a historical novel set in the 12th century of knights and their squires. It was loosely based on fact too, as passed down in a ballad! I passed it on in the RISI Southampton meet book dip.

The Cradle Will Fall – Mary Higgins Clark 8/10 Am enjoying these easy mystery/thrillers but fear they may become a bit alike!

Choke – Chuck Palahnuik 8/10 Still not sure what to say about this, a satirical novel about dysfunctional lives in modern day america. But apart from one bit where the gratuitous sex seemed overdone, the rest was really enjoyable, despite the subject matter. My 1001 read for the month.

La Cucina – Lily Prior (gave up) I almost never give up on a book but I did with this, I just didn't like it, the main character seemed to jarr.

Time of Arrival - Susan Sallis 6/10 Not one of her best I don't think, somewhat predictable but a comfort read, easy and light.

charlottestar · Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2009 11:20 pm Post subject:

Frost in May - Antonia White 10/10
Love it love it!

Mudbound - Hillary Jordan 5/10

Daddy's Gone a Hunting - Penelope Mortimer 8/10
Beautifully written. Melancholy.

In God We Doubt - John Humphrys 7/10
Pretty much expresses my beliefs (or doubts) so was interesting but didn't always hold my attention.

What Was Lost - Catherine O'flynn 6/10

The Last Chronicle of Barset - Anthony Trollope 10/10
I love Trollope

The Squire's Daughter - FM Mayor 8/10
Not as good as The Rector's Daughter but still good all the same.

lovely treez · Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 9:50 am Post subject:

Welcome to Babbling Books, Guest. We Hope You Enjoy Your Stay and Wish You a Merry Christmas!