Listmania!
Books I've Read From Easter 2008 List 1
Things My Girlfriend and I Have Argued AboutThings My Girlfriend and I Have Argued About by Mil Millington
Buy new: £5.99 / Used from: £0.65
7/10 Although the plot got a bit too far-fetched at times, I literally laughed out loud on numerous occasions and it reminded me of my own parents.
Dare, Truth or Promise (Livewire)Dare, Truth or Promise (Livewire) by Paula Boock
Buy used from: £0.99
7/10 This is aimed at LGBT teenagers, but I reread it recently as it was a lifesaver when I needed it. Three dimensional characters help craft a novel excellent for its target audience.
Kiss the GirlsKiss the Girls by James Patterson
Buy new: £4.96 / Used from: £0.01
9/10 I read Along Came a Spider (the first novel in this series) a while back and enjoyed it so gave this thriller a go. Absolutely adored it and could not put it down.
Wife in the Fast LaneWife in the Fast Lane by Karen Quinn
Buy new: £5.49 / Used from: £0.01
5/10 Readable but I found it difficult to like the characters and it was a bit too farfetched. Much preferred Quinn's first novel, The Ivy Chronicles.
Jack and JillJack and Jill by James Patterson
Buy new: £4.97 / Used from: £0.01
9/10 The third in the Alex Cross series and I loved this one too. James Patterson is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors.
Manhattan Transfer (Penguin Modern Classics)Manhattan Transfer (Penguin Modern Classics) by John Dos Passos
Buy new: £6.46 / Used from: £3.90
8/10 Read this for my American Lit module, and I enjoyed its social commentary of the beginning decades of the 20th century. Difficult to keep up with at times but worth perservering with.
CathedralCathedral by Raymond Carver
Buy new: £4.98 / Used from: £2.73
10/10 Absolutely adored this, really makes me want to read more short stories. "A Small, Good Thing" achieved more in a few pages than many novels do.
The Bluest EyeThe Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Buy new: £5.04 / Used from: £2.46
10/10 Another book that made me go WOW. I know this will stay with me for a long time and has made me crave more of Morrison's writing.
As I Lay DyingAs I Lay Dying by William Faulkner
Buy new: £5.17 / Used from: £3.08
6/10 This rating is a balanced one. I appreciate Faulkner's place in literature as a modernist author. However, I personally did not enjoy reading this particularly so decided to give it a 6.
Cat and Mouse (Alex Cross)Cat and Mouse (Alex Cross) by James Patterson
Buy used from: £0.01
8/10 Not quite as good as the first three books, still an excellent read with a cliffhanger leaving me gagging for more! Did pick up in the second half.
Notes from an ExhibitionNotes from an Exhibition by Patrick Gale
Buy new: £5.00 / Used from: £0.00
7/10 Interesting insight on bipolar disorder and Quakerism, and beautifully written. However, once some of the pieces had been put together I felt it was too predictable and left questions unanswered.
Digging to AmericaDigging to America by Anne Tyler
Buy new: £5.09 / Used from: £0.01
8.5/10 Amusing, heartwarming and lots of nice characterisation. Explores how immigrants "become American".
Rubyfruit JungleRubyfruit Jungle by Rita Mae Brown
Buy used from: £1.89
9/10 Uplifting, funny and inspirational story. Very quick to read, highly recommended.
The WoodsThe Woods by Harlan Coben
Buy used from: £0.01
7.5/10 Very good thriller - lots of twists that I didn't expect (although 1 or 2 I did). Would have got higher but the characters were hard to like.
Educating Rita (Methuen Modern Plays) (Modern Classics)Educating Rita (Methuen Modern Plays) (Modern Classics) by Willy Russell
Buy new: £6.93 / Used from: £2.80
7/10 Amusing and sweet play. Explores the themes of class and education in a fun, compact manner.
MiddlesexMiddlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
Buy new: £5.40 / Used from: £0.01
9.5/10 Interesting and absorbing premise, beautifully written, detailed description on the American backdrop. Amazing.
The Shadow Of The WindThe Shadow Of The Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Buy new: £4.08 / Used from: £0.01
9/10 Very well written, I enjoyed this very much. It seemed to cross several genres and was extremely absoring.
Hey Nostradamus!Hey Nostradamus! by Douglas Coupland
Buy new: £4.49 / Used from: £0.01
8/10 Very interesting topic to explore, and Coupland puts his characteristic unusual spin on relationships.
Calendar Girl (Five Star Title)Calendar Girl (Five Star Title) by Stella Duffy
Buy used from: £0.01
7.5/10 Lesbian detective story with unique characters. Somewhat predictable (as a detective story) but a great story.
Giovanni's Room (Penguin Modern Classics)Giovanni's Room (Penguin Modern Classics) by James Baldwin
Buy new: £5.30 / Used from: £1.90
9/10 Love Baldwin's style and found his portrayal of Giovanni utterly heartbreaking. Interesting commentary about the differences between the US and Europe too.
The Mermaid ChairThe Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd
Buy new: £5.96 / Used from: £0.01
6/10 Much preferred The Secret Life of Bees and I found this very slow, however there were a few twists that saved it and the imagery was beautiful.
Sleep With MeSleep With Me by Joanna Briscoe
Buy new: £5.98 / Used from: £0.01
7/10 Draws you in and an interesting study of obsession. However, the last third dragged as it was easy to guess any plot twists left.
Never Let Me GoNever Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Buy new: £4.79 / Used from: £0.01
10/10 Without a doubt one of the best books I've ever read. Moving, well written and really makes you think.
Mr StarlightMr Starlight by Laurie Graham
Buy used from: £0.00
7.5/10 This book is funny and endearing. It's a sweet little book with a big casts of characters you can't help caring about.
No Time For GoodbyeNo Time For Goodbye by Linwood Barclay
Buy new: £4.27 / Used from: £0.01
7/10 The first half really gripped me, but towards the end it fizzled out. Difficult to put down though!