The Book thread

[a_person]

I can't remember who created this thread on the last site....

The thread to recommend any books, the last one you read, your review on it, any ratings etc. Absolutely anything about the last book you read or I guess any book in general which you want to talk about.

Mention any books you are currently reading or about to start reading too and perharps other FMUKer's can discuss their views with you if they've read it.

This thread is to do with anything about fiction and non fiction books! Go for it!

[a_person]

I have the following books that I'm just about to read (well actually will take :

- Wives and Lovers
- Husband and Lovers
- The Senator's Wife
- Girls of Riyadh

If anyone has read them, would love to know what your views are!

[Ms Thrifty]

Just read Zoe Heller's 3rd novel, "The Believers", which was strangely compelling despite the fact that so many of the characters (but crucially, not all) were unsympathetic. Reading the synopsis in reviews didn't make it sound a very attractive proposition, but it's how she writes that grips, grotesque as the subject matter may be. She's superb on family conflicts, especially the way in which people never deal with the issues that divide them. It reminded me of Charlotte Mendelson's "When We Were Bad". As her 2nd book became a successful film, I wonder if this will also be adapted? Some great parts in prospect!

[destresserai]

The Business by Martina Cole

Hard-hitting and not the easiest of reads so a typical Martina Cole. Events evolve around a lie that has major impact including murder. The story runs from the late 1970's to the present day and takes place in the East End. A basic story of drugs, prostitution and a need to survive. Some characters are more likeable than others and you do feel some sympathy for some and can understand their actions whether you agree with them is another matter!

If you liked other Martina Cole books you won't be disappointed and if you've never read one but like reads of gangsters and underworld take a look.

[Allsinging]

Hi Guys, books books love them..especially new ones, such a treat...

Well I've just finished Journeys in the Dead Season by Spencer Jordan very chilling, but both disturbing and intriguing. This is the story of a man who narrator's his story of befriending a teenage murderer before he starts his wave of violence. Told from his cell in a high security prison.

[spoiler]Although not directly committing the appalling crimes, he does stand by and witness the events leading up to and during the terrible crimes...told it was chilling....but he does not acknowledge the crime or his part in it. He believes himself to be an intellectual and distances himself from his fellow prison inmates and his warders.[/spoiler]

The book also contains letters written by a First World War soldier who is suffering from shell shock. The soldier has written a book which he narrator's during the story....so the story switches from prison in present time to the soldier in 1922.

I enjoyed the book,
[spoiler]but a little disappointing as the two sections of the book never actually link together. So although the book is mostly very readable the ending seems abrupt and unfinished. I even re read the last couple of chapters to see if i misunderstood.[/spoiler]

I would give this book 8/10

[sarahjc78]

I have just started reading Lee Childs books with the Character "Jack Reacher" by influence from my boyfriend. Currently coming to the end of the first book (think there is about 8 in the series). They are really easy reads and the Character Jack is tough as nails and Lee Child is very descriptive... sometimes rather gory. Well worth a read.

[andrews]

I have just started reading Lee Childs books with the Character "Jack Reacher" by influence from my boyfriend. Currently coming to the end of the first book (think there is about 8 in the series). They are really easy reads and the Character Jack is tough as nails and Lee Child is very descriptive... sometimes rather gory. Well worth a read.

I've read every one of these books, sarahjc78, and I am waiting for them to be made into films or a TV series! Excellent reads

[lucky_charm]

Just finished reading 'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood, an interesting, if very sad, comment on surrogacy and the position of women and gender roles within society. The story is of a fictional new regime in North America, where women have been stripped of all the rights that have been hard-earned over the past couple of centuries, including the right to work, own property, vote, have any freedom of expression, and crucially, some have even lost their names and the right to have control over their own bodies. Despite the implication that these changes have been made to subvert the anarchy that came before and to increase the population count by making it mandatory to breed, as you see this new world through the eyes of one who is being treated as a 'brood bitch' to supply babies to those in power, you cannot help but feel that the regime has got things very wrong. It is a difficult book to read, but the hope and likability of the narrator are just enough to keep the novel from descending into despair. Very thought-provoking and well worth it.

[Cortone]

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!

[valda]

I have just started reading Lee Childs books with the Character "Jack Reacher" by influence from my boyfriend. Currently coming to the end of the first book (think there is about 8 in the series). They are really easy reads and the Character Jack is tough as nails and Lee Child is very descriptive... sometimes rather gory. Well worth a read.

I've just finished the last one. Although a good read I'm finding as with some authors I read, that I enjoy them less and less. FAmiliarity breeds comtempt perhaps? Lee Childs first books were a breath of fresh air to me and I couldn't wait for the next book. STill having said that I still get the hardbacks rather than wait for paperbacks. I