 | The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Buy new: £6.99 / Used from: £0.01 This book was unbeaten for some 15 years as the best novel I'd ever read. The most compelling story and characterization, combined with flawless writing. 'Little Friend' was nothing compared to this.
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 | We Need to Talk About Kevin (Five Star Paperback) by Lionel Shriver
Buy new: £4.29 / Used from: £0.01 A near-perfect read that deserves all the acclaim it gets. I could not put this book down.
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 | Mother Tongue: The English Language by Bill Bryson
Buy new: £6.69 / Used from: £2.60 Forget Bryson's sledge-hammer humour travel writing. This is seriously clever and seriously interesting for anyone with intrigued by our language and its history.
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 | The Post-birthday World by Lionel Shriver
Buy new: £5.00 / Used from: £0.93 Widely found disappointing after 'Kevin', I must defend this book. It's breathtakingly clever at observing the reality of long-term relationships, and really makes you evaluate your own life choices.
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 | A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth
Buy new: £6.89 / Used from: £0.01 When I finished this book I actually grieved. You know the characters so well, you miss them. A major undertaking but majorly worth it.
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 | Empire Falls by Richard Russo
Buy new: £5.99 / Used from: £0.87 I love all Russo's novels, for sheer characterization, and page-turning readability. Every one is a beautifully observed depiction of small-town US life. Start with this one, but read them all.
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 | The Liar by Stephen Fry
Buy new: £5.94 / Used from: £2.00 Stephen Fry is a genius. Every sentence is either breathtakingly clever, or laugh-out-loud hilarious, or both. And the story's compelling too.
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 | The Crimson Petal And The White by Michel Faber
Buy new: £4.99 / Used from: £0.01 Continuing my fondness for historical fiction, I have to recommend this one too. Enter the gripping world of Victorian prostitute Sugar, stunningly written and infinitely engaging.
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 | The First Casualty by Ben Elton
Buy new: £5.59 / Used from: £0.01 A jaw-droppingly clever and gripping story designed to bring home the lunacy of war. I hate Ben Elton the comedian, but have to love his books (and scriptwriting!)!
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 | Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
Buy new: £13.49 / Used from: £0.01 I wish Jodi Picoult wouldn't churn out so many samey novels, as it puts people off buying this fantastic book. Page-turning and surprisingly well written. Buy this Picoult if no other.
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 | The Observations by Jane Harris
Buy new: £5.99 / Used from: £0.01 This rip-roaring historical novel has got one of the most distinctive and loveable female voices I have ever experienced. I defy you not to fall in love with Bessy!
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Listmania!
