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The Kite Runner

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by: Khaled Hosseini

June 07, 2004
Although this book had been on my shelf for a while I had not got around to reading it..........I have no idea why. I don't really believe hype about books because I think that everyone's opinion should be unique to them, however this story does measure up to some of the justly praises it received. It must be agreed that being set in Afghanistan would induce some to buy or avoid the book, but I don't think anyone could be so heartless that they couldn't be drawn into the story. Reading the story drew me into the lives of the 2 boys, Hassan and Amir, and by the end of the book I felt disappointed, and unusually for me, willing the story to go on. Don't see the film, read the book! an excellant short and easy read that will leave you thinking.

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Artemis Fowl and the Time Paradox: 6 (Artemis Fowl)

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by: Eoin Colfer

August 07, 2008
A few people said this was one of Eoin Colfer's "weaker" books, I say they couldn't be more wrong. In my opinion this is by far the best Artemis Fowl so far. Considering I'm not exactly the target audience, at 19 years old, just adds further credit to how riveting, consuming and exhilarating this book is.

It is good that the style is slightly different with more in depth character development. We don't want the first book repeated again but in different words.

Well done Eoin!!

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Twilight (Twilight Saga)

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by: Stephenie Meyer

September 01, 2006
I thought I'd never say this about any book, but this is as good as Harry Potter! However, only really for the girls.

Twilight is an incredibly intense love story between plain, 17 year old Bella and irresistable vampire, Edward. The writing is very intricate and draws you into their world and emotions in a way I have never experienced with a book before. You will want the story never to end. The intensity of the writing will draw you in and hold you ransom. You will find yourself refusing all your favourite things (for me it was food, TV and sleep) just so you can carry on reading this book. It's a unique reading experience.

Most teenage girls will be able to indentify with Bella, though she is no bimbo air head and not your ... Read More:

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Devil Bones

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by: Kathy Reichs

August 21, 2008
As ever, I was looking forward to the latest Tempe Brennan story. Ahead of Cornwell in the forensic anthropologist stakes, in my view but now I'm beginning to wonder. At first, I thought I'd somehow missed out a book. I don't remember Ryan leaving her in the lurch, I don't remember the dog leaving home but maybe I'm wrong.

Anyway, this book doesn't flow like the others. There's plenty of forensic detail, several bodies to be explained and a few more currently taken care of by the killer.

What I don't quite get is how an anthropologist becomes the number one detective. As though the police hardly make a difference for without Brennan, the case would not be solved. Which, of course, means her life is threatened once again. But this ... Read More:

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The Secret

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by: Rhonda Byrne

December 04, 2006
If you read this book with an open mind and actually take action and DO some of the things it suggests... you cannot fail to see the difference in your life. I've created my own sucessful company and what I learned in this book has been crucial to it's growth and sucess. Beyond Chocolate: How to Stop Yo-yo Dieting and Lose Weight for Good

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The Outcast

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by: Sadie Jones

June 16, 2008
You can't not get totally absorbed in this story about 1950's middle class prejudice and hypocrisy. The story kept me completely hooked and I read it in just 2 evenings (and nights!!!). Lewis's (main character) journey takes you through all emotions possible, from sadness and despair to anger and even complacency. An excellant read that portrays the real bare bones of human nature and relationships. You ceratinly won't regret this read! Enjoy.

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New Moon (Twilight Saga)

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by: Stephenie Meyer

January 17, 2008
An enjoyable read but follows a very similar pattern to the first book which makes it far too predictable and slightly repetitive. Having said that, I think the relationship between Bella and Jacob was far superior than Edward and Bella - how many people will shoot me down for that? :). I think this is because it's much more natural, the latter's relationship always seemed a bit superficial, what with Bella always being dazed by Edward's beauty. Then again, perhaps Jacob is too good for the likes of Bella. Her constant references to her metaphorical holes did irk me quite a bit. Also, the comparisons to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet were just a tad too corny.

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Eclipse (Twilight Saga)

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by: Stephenie Meyer

October 02, 2008
I've finish reading Twilight and New Moon. Eclipse... hmmm... I can't really give a thought of reading without skipping it. Everytime I read the part, where Bella and Jacob is so very passionate and over friendship sort of relationship, this is where I freak out and skip the page or chapter where I can enjoy Edward/Bella moment is.. I am not a type of reader who is into this sort of theme. Bella is not my cup of tea when it comes to love, she is so immature. Why can't she treat Jacob as her brother, just like brotherly love, not a freaking deep love that you felt the same way as your vampire boyfriend... Well I still like some part of the book. It's not my kind of story but it's worth to try reading it.

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The Book Thief

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by: Markus Zusak

January 01, 2008
i thought that the book thief was better then amazing, it was written so orignally and narrated quite light-heartedly even though the narratee is always percieved as a somewhat depressive character. I am usually a hard critic when it comes to books, but this book blew me away, not only did it make me smile at some points but also provoked tears at the end (this rarely ever happens to me). The Book Thief also enlightened me on the point of view from the German side in the Second World War, and made me realise that it wasnt just the Allies side that suffered.

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The Other Queen

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by: Philippa Gregory

August 21, 2008
I was so looking forward to this book, but I found it sadly lacking in... well, passion, I suppose. Mary Queen of Scots is a fascinating historical character, but she comes across as a bit of a wet blanket in this.

While the three voices thing worked well in "The Boleyn Inheritance", it is a bit repetitive here. We get the message early on that Bess is only interested in hanging onto her wealth. We really don't need to be told time after time how worried she is about losing the church silver again.

George and his honour become fairly wearing after the first hundred pages. The only interesting bits for me were the invented dialogues between the characters. But yeah, nice dust jacket and I always like a ribbon thing to keep my place!