The Book thread

[valda]

Like Andrews, I'm a Jack Reacher fan. (Think these would make great films - trying to think who could play Jack Reacher....). Sarahjc78 - enjoy them!!

And like Ms Thrifty, I just finished Zoe Heller's The Believers, but.... it was brilliantly written, but for me, it was not as 'strong' and compelling as Notes on a Scandal, and so I was a bit disappointed. Maybe I am just too used to family squabbles! :)

I b*ght the Handmaid's Tale many years ago, but never read it. Must go and explore and see if I can find it after Lucky_charm's review.

In the meantime, I am reading a Harlan Coben book, which I am enjoying already!

I like Harlan's books very much

[Demerara]

I like Harlan's books very much

I read a few of his but after a while they all seem to have the same storyline. IMO, his best is Tell No One.

[lucky_charm]

I picked up four books in Asda the other day that were only 1 pound each, and which looked to be interesting and not just the sort of cheap romancy things you'd normally get for that price. I've read the first already, 'Girl, Missing', which was a 'teenage' book but tackling the rather adult topics of abduction, adoption and baby-selling (caught my interest as it considered from a different angle the 'children as a commodity' issue that is considered in "The Handmaid's Tale".) The issues are not necessarily explored very deeply, with the storyline being a mix of family drama and thriller as the protagonist by turns runs from the 'bad guys' and tries to decide what matters more, her blood relatives or those who raised her. While it's relatively forgettable, it was interesting enough while it lasted and I can probably even make a profit on it by selling it on Amazon!

[Cortone]

I've picked up some books in Asda's £1 pile before, and they have been by well-known authors, and they have been a good read. Equally "The Works" often has good bargains on well-known authors. (Can't remember how much - 3 or 4 books for a fiver?) I know some books will be overstocks, but I think maybe sometimes these are added in when they are changing editions (covers).

Whatever, these cheap books are great for a journey - if you accidentally leave them behind, you do not worry too much!

[large marge]

Whatever, these cheap books are great for a journey - if you accidentally leave them behind, you do not worry too much!

Yes, but if you haven't finished it, you end up p*ying full price for a new copy becouse you've got to see how it ends!

[Cortone]

Yes, but if you haven't finished it, you end up p*ying full price for a new copy becouse you've got to see how it ends!

LM, it sounds like you have done this too!

If I put a book in the pocket with the in-flight magazine, I always leave it behind. I have three times left "The Leopard" on a plane, having pa*d full price for each copy. I've given up trying to read it. I now realise I just need a 'ripping good yarn' to hold my attention!

The other advantage of cheap books is that when you have too much luggage on the way back, you don't feel too bad at leaving the books behind, and it is a lot cheaper than excess baggage allowances.

[Ms Thrifty]

Just finished Curtis Sittenfeld's bumper (565 pages) "American Wife", which was really engrossing. Her 3rd, but the 1st I'd read, so now I shall look out for the others, though they're not on this scale. Even in paperback it was v heavy - too weighty to carry with me when out, which was frustrating, as I wanted to keep reading it. And several times I fell asleep reading it, only to be woken when it crashed to the floor. People think the fictional heroine is based on Laura Bush, of whom I know too little to tell, but the author herself says her research reading included books about LB.

[moondance]

Can't remember if this was mentioned on the old site but just read 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' by Khaled Hosseini. It was superb and I would highly recommend it - his style of narrative is compelling and you get an insight into the time-line of events about the occupations and different fighting factions in Afghanistan. It also leaves you with something to think about...........

[Allsinging]

I've just starting reading Look who it is? By Alan Carr and have to say it un-put-down-able! For some strange reason when I’m reading the book I can hear his camp/old pensioner voice (his words), I can see his head turn in mock scorn and that alone makes me laugh. I've been hiding upstairs away from the children and OH to catch 10 mins, fastly turning into an hour (LOL) on the ruse that I’ve got a dippy tummy (I’m sorry, no really I am... its the only time I’m left alone in our house ) stifling my giggles...I’m half way though already and I picked it up over breakfast this morning

What I love about Alan is that he doesn't take himself seriously and constantly sends himself up. From his man boobs to his bottle opening teeth. He was destined to come together with Justin Lee Collins who are a fantastic double act in their own rights. Alan I think you are brilliant, may you continue to make us laugh, the world needs more people like you!

[lkpearson1]

Although a kids book i reccomend
Inkheart
its such a gripping story and can be enjoyed by adults and kids alike.