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I love to read all sorts of genres but my favourites are thrillers, fantasy, sci-fi, travel stories and dramas. I read mostly fiction but I do enjoy reading true stories.

Zombie Sugar

Warm Bodies: A Novel - Isaac Marion

For a zombie novel, this isn't as gruesome as you'd expect. Yes, it has sections that are a bit cringe-worthy, but nothing major. This is more a story of love; a zombie's love for a human, and how he must rise above his natural urges to kill, if he wants to save the woman he has fallen for.
It is a sweet and entertaining book, although a little bit trippy at times as the zombies point of view changes from his own to those of his victims. I particularly enjoyed the way the book ended as I wasn't sure where it was heading. I give it three stars.

Predictable Chick-lit

Odd One Out - Monica McInerney

If you like predictable romance/family drama books then you might like this one. It is a quick read about a modern day Cinderella, Sylvie, who needs to change her life and make it on her own without her family controlling her every move.
Although it is a sweet tale, I found that there was too much telling and not enough showing. It was like reading a diary, at times e.g. He said this, then we did this etc.
I did like the character, Aunt Mill. I got more of a sense of who she was by the messages left on Sylvie's answering machine.
I didn't hate this book, but it didn't hold any surprises for me. If you are into writer's like Nicholas Sparks, then you might like this.

A Better Story-line Needed

I Take You -

I love the way Nikki Gemmell writes, but this is not her best book. The first half was all sex with barely a story-line. It did improve in the second half, but still, the story-line was weak. Having said that, if you are into 'Fifty Shades of Grey' then read this. It is written better and I didn't want to throw this book at the wall. 

Reality T.V. Goes Crazy!

24/7 - Jim  Brown

A cross between Big Brother, Surviver and a horror film. 24/7 is about a group of 12 contestants who enter a game show on an island to win 2 million dollars, but as the show begins, the crew suddenly die, and the contestants are forced to play a game of life and death.
I enjoyed the non-stop action and the edge-of-your-seat suspense, but there were a few flaws in the book that made me think it was a bit far fetched. If you can look past that, the book raises some interesting questions about human nature and reality television. I would recommend Ben Elton's 'Dead Famous' over this, as a better book with a similar theme, but this is certainly entertaining.

Poetry to Get You Thinking...

The Bee Hut - Dorothy Porter

I enjoyed the poetry in this book. Some sections I preferred more than others. I particularly enjoyed 'The Enchanted Ass' section. Dorothy Porter's poetry can be a little too complex at times but it is worth the read. I'm a big fan of her work. She is a master of words. I give this book 3 and a half stars.

A Fantasy You Can't Help But Love!

Gregor and the Code of Claw  - Suzanne  Collins

The best book was saved until last in this Underland series. Gregor, family and friends are at war with the rats, and it is up to Gregor to take down their leader. Many lives are lost including some favourites...
I enjoyed the complexity of the final novel. Collins knows how to engage the reader in the action and make them care about her characters. I must say, I felt sad a few times, especially when the book ended and thus did the series. It was like going on a rollercoaster with a group of friends. I give the final book four stars from me and an extra half for kids.

Book 4 - Full of Danger

Gregor and the Marks of Secret - Suzanne  Collins

Book 4 in the Underland Chronicles sees Gregor and friends attempt to save the nibblers (mice) from an unseen death. 

Kids will love this story. One more book to go...

Three and a half stars from me and half for kids.

A 'Must Read'!

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time - Mark Haddon

This book is brilliant! It takes you into the mind of Christopher, a special needs child, who doesn't like to be touched, doesn't like the colours yellow and brown, and only understands logic.
When his neighbour's dog is murdered, Christopher decides to find out who the killer is (because he likes dogs). This means stepping outside of his comfort zone and talking to strangers, but what he finds out is a lot more than he anticipated...
I loved this book from the beginning. It opened my mind to a different way of thinking and showed how one person's reaction to, or perception of, something simple can be extremely different to that of a special needs child.
A 'must read' for anyone who wants a better understanding of aspergers syndrome or autism, or just wants to read a fantastic book. Beautiful, funny, quirky and heart-breaking!

The Underland Chronicles Continues...

Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods - Suzanne  Collins

The third book in the Underland Chronicles sees Gregor and Boots help find a cure to save the Underlanders from a plague that is wiping out many of the humans and animals. To do this, Gregor must bring friends and foes together in order to unravel 'The Prophesy of Blood', the key to their survival. But will they survive the dangers on their next journey, let alone the plague?
Three and a half stars from me and an extra half for kids, for another thrilling and dangerous adventure.

The Adventure Continues...

Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane (The Underland Chronicles, Book 2) - Suzanne  Collins

The second book in the Underland Chronicles was just as action-packed as the first. It did leave some unanswered questions but I assume they will be answered in the following books. It was easy to read and full of danger, yet again, as Gregor and friends unravel the Prophesy of Bane. Although it wasn't quite as good as the first, I still give it three and a half stars plus a half for kids. Teens will love this fantasy.

The Start of a Great Fantasy Series for Kids and Teens

Gregor the Overlander  - Suzanne  Collins

This story is like a cross between Alice in Wonderland and Lord of the Rings. 
When Gregor and his Sister, Boots, fall into the Underland, it will take all their courage and strength to find their way home. With colourful character's including rats and cockroaches, as well as the Underlander's who fly on rats, this is a great story for kids and young teens. I enjoy the way Collins jumps into the action and no character is completely safe. I never thought I'd be fond of cockroaches but they are lovely in this book. I give it 3 and a half stars from me, and an extra half for kids.

One For Teenagers

Tomorrow, When the War Began - John Marsden

This book is definitely for teenagers. I had a different idea of what the book was going to be like, so I was a bit disappointed. The story, itself, was okay, but the teenager waffling on about love in the time of war was a bit annoying. It was written from a teenagers point of view, so I can see why Marsden wrote certain things, but I found some parts unnecessary. The character would say something then explain what she meant as if the reader wouldn't get it the first time.
'Tomorrow When the War Began' is about a group of kids who go camping in the bush and come back to find the town has been taken over. The concept was okay, but I think it lacked substance. Maybe that's why it is for teenagers to read. I did enjoy their trips to 'Hell' and some of the action scenes in the book. I give it 2 and a half stars.

Gruen Doesn't Disappoint!

Ape House: A Novel - Sara Gruen

Another brilliant novel from the author of 'Water For Elephants'.
'Ape House' is about a group of Bonobos who can understand and sign English to scientist, Isabel. When their home/research facility is bombed by terrorists and they are sold to a secret buyer, it is up to the injured, Isabel, with the help of reporter, John, to find these magnificent creatures and return them to safety, whatever it costs.
Gruen is a wonderful story-teller. She brings the bonobos to life and also touches on a topic (animal cruelty) that makes you think.
I give 'Ape House' 4 and a half stars.

The Best Book I Have Read All Year!

The Descendants - Kaui Hart Hemmings

I don't give 5 star reviews very often but I knew from the beginning that I was going to love this book, and it didn't disappoint. I had already seen the movie, which was also great, and surprisingly, it stayed extremely close to the novel (apart from a tiny bit at the end).

 

After an accident that leaves his wife in a coma, Matt King struggles to come to terms with the fact that he will be left as a single parent, raising two slightly-messed-up daughters (each with their own issues). And when he discovers he didn't know his wife as well as he thought he did, this is the start of a journey, with his girls (and his eldest daughter's quirky boyfriend) to discover his wife's secrets and give everybody a chance to say one last goodbye.

 

'The Descendants' is a brilliantly-written story about family disfunction. I laughed out loud, I felt sad, and I absolutely loved the different character's in the novel. I couldn't put the book down. FANTASTIC! 

The Best Book I Have Read All Year!

The Descendants - Kaui Hart Hemmings

I don't give 5 star reviews very often but I knew from the beginning that I was going to love this book, and it didn't disappoint. I had already seen the movie, which was also great, and surprisingly, it stayed extremely close to the novel (apart from a tiny bit at the end).

 

After an accident that leaves his wife in a coma, Matt King struggles to come to terms with the fact that he will be left as a single parent, raising two slightly-messed-up daughters (each with their own issues). And when he discovers he didn't know his wife as well as he thought he did, this is the start of a journey, with his girls (and his eldest daughter's quirky boyfriend) to discover his wife's secrets and give everybody a chance to say one last goodbye.

 

'The Descendants' is a brilliantly-written story about family disfunction. I laughed out loud, I felt sad, and I absolutely loved the different character's in the novel. I couldn't put the book down. FANTASTIC! 

Horror in a Small Town

Needful Things - Stephen King

For the most part, I really enjoyed this book. A strange shop opens up in a small town, and everything that is bought comes at not just a dollar price...
I wanted to keep reading and reading this book. King kept building the story and characters so that the reader knew something big was about to happen; it was only a matter of time. Although, as I read, there seemed to be too much detail and too many character's, which made the book begin to drag a little so that it took too long to reach its climax. Oh, and sometimes King over-used cliches, but apart from that, I really enjoyed the crazy ending. King certainly knows how to go over-the-top when he writes. I love his warped imagination. There were parts where I cringed at the horror. I give Needful Things 4 stars.

Currently reading

Under the Tuscan Sun
Frances Mayes