Listmania!
Books read - 2009!
SaturdaySaturday by Ian McEwan
Buy new: £4.98 / Used from: £0.01
McEwan's first-rate writing is impressive but the plot is quite average that I'm afraid it's not the type of book that would linger on in my mind for long.
Oryx and CrakeOryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood
Buy new: £6.63 / Used from: £1.81
This is an enjoyable read. But can't say much other than this.
The White TigerThe White Tiger by Aravind Adiga
Buy new: £3.84 / Used from: £0.27
I like the satirical tone that uncovers the 'darkness' of modern India. Brilliant in particular considering that it's a debut.
The Secret ScriptureThe Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry
Buy new: £3.99 / Used from: £0.88
A moving story that captures my attention right from the start.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-timeThe Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon
Buy new: £4.79 / Used from: £0.01
Impressive, funny, moving, though in parts sad. Completely lives up to the hype, not to be missed!
Remember Me?Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella
Buy new: £11.49 / Used from: £0.01
Sophie Kinsella has become famous because of the shopaholic series, but I always like her other works much more, such as 'can you keep a secret', 'the undomestic goddess', and this one.
The Magic Toyshop (Virago modern classics)The Magic Toyshop (Virago modern classics) by Angela Carter
Buy new: £4.98 / Used from: £0.01
My opinion: the ending completely spoils an otherwise well-written story about a young girl entering womanhood.
The Color Purple (25th Anniversary Edition)The Color Purple (25th Anniversary Edition) by Alice Walker
Buy new: £11.69 / Used from: £1.99
A touching tale of how an abused and silenced Afo-American girl turns into a strong and independent articulate woman. No wonder a classic.
Anybody Out There?Anybody Out There? by Marian Keyes
Buy new: £16.14 / Used from: £0.01
This is my first Marian Keyes. I did expect myself to laugh my head off but it is not that funny because it deals with grief and loss. I still like it though.
Sacred CountrySacred Country by Rose Tremain
Buy new: £5.96 / Used from: £3.33
I was tempted to give it up when I was around 100 pages into the book . Lucky that I didn't. It emerges to be a moving tale of people struggling to pursue their own happiness. Good work.
The Thirteenth TaleThe Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
Buy new: £4.71 / Used from: £0.01
A real page-turner, though the twist isn't unexpected. A good choice for leisure reading. Despite some occasional awkward writings and boring scenes, I have enjoyed it.
The Other HandThe Other Hand by Chris Cleave
Buy new: £3.96 / Used from: £0.01
It's OK-ish. The beginning is good but the book starts to drag on in the middle. I had expected more from it and I don't think it lives up to the hype.
Rumour Has itRumour Has it by Jill Mansell
Buy new: £3.99 / Used from: £0.01
The problem lies in the plot and characterisation. The two main characters are unlikeable (my opinion). I simply don't care what's going to happen to them. Completely forgetful.
Twenties GirlTwenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella
Buy new: £9.00 / Used from: £9.00
Of all chick-lit queens, she's still my favourite. This is a hilarious while at the same time moving book. At one point, you might shed a tear and the next moment, you're laughing your head off!
The Piano TeacherThe Piano Teacher by Janice Y. K. Lee
Buy new: £4.55 / Used from: £0.01
A love story at the backdrop of World War 2 in Hong Kong, but it is neither successful as a haunting war story nor a moving love tale. That leaves me unsatisfied. I had expected more.
A Short History of Tractors in UkrainianA Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka
Buy new: £4.42 / Used from: £0.01
It is a funny read, light in tone, with comic characters; but the subject matter is heavy deep down: the predicaments of immigrants, the plights of world war, the haunting memories ...
The Other Boleyn GirlThe Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
Buy new: £4.97 / Used from: £0.01
I don't always read historical fictions. Obviously can't take everything as historical truth but it's an enjoyable and engaging read.
GileadGilead by Marilynne Robinson
Buy new: £5.00 / Used from: £2.53
Don't know what to say about this book. I skimmed through a lot of it because it is very slow and boring.
Never Let Me GoNever Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Buy new: £4.79 / Used from: £0.01
This is a very sad book about human clones. The middle is a bit tedious but overall it's good. I always love the way Ishiguro writes.
FingersmithFingersmith by Sarah Waters
Buy new: £4.49 / Used from: £0.01
A book full of dramas and twists (though some not unexpected). But I don't like the characters and don't really care what happened to them.