Gorgeous, dark, sinister - I loved this book! A kiss Before Dying is a classic 1950's noir that kept me entertained from beginning to end. If you likeGorgeous, dark, sinister - I loved this book! A kiss Before Dying is a classic 1950's noir that kept me entertained from beginning to end. If you like thrillers at their finest I highly recommend!...more
If The Martian isn't a million dollar blockbuster in the next 5 years, Hollywood have missed a treat. I read the entire thing in one sitting, making iIf The Martian isn't a million dollar blockbuster in the next 5 years, Hollywood have missed a treat. I read the entire thing in one sitting, making it probably the best way to pass 8 hours that I can think of. Maybe it helps that I came to the book with no expectations, except the hope that I might get my next 'fix' for my inner space geek.
Well, what a fix! The story is a fast-paced, compelling adventure across Mars and offered everything I wanted and more. I was behind Mark Watney the whole way, from the moment he wakes up alone with his crew gone, to his eventual rescue attempt. It helps that Mark is a great character with a hilarious internal dialogue, I warmed to him quickly and found myself rooting for him as I turned the pages.
Yes, this book is sciency, but it needed to be. That's what makes it feel so authentic. It's the kind of book I'd like my future children to read, to help them understand the importance of science. It offers a perfect demonstration of how something seemingly dry and theoretical can have practical applications, and even save your life.
This book isn't for everyone, there are no little green people roaming the surface of Mars or any Roland Emmerich style hi-jinx, so leave your fantasy head at home. But if you like your sci-fi realistic and plausible then you're in for a real treat.
I'm not in the habit of giving 5 star reviews out often, The Martian really is something special....more
You'll laugh at this but I accidentally downloaded this book thinking it was about the struggles of a trans-gender child! In actual fact this is a booYou'll laugh at this but I accidentally downloaded this book thinking it was about the struggles of a trans-gender child! In actual fact this is a book about bullying, and one bully in particular, Bradley Chalkers.
I think we all knew a Bradley Chalkers when we were at school. You know, that kid with the tall tales that was always topping whatever you'd done. The bully that really wanted to be good and have friends. The kid that was too scared of failure to try.
There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom is a story of hope, it leaves you feeling like no matter how shitty your actions may have been in the past, you still can turn your life around with a little bit of help from your friends. Yeah, this is a kids book, but who hasn't messed up from time to time? Who hasn't wanted a new start? It's just as relevant for adults.
Quite simply, The Snow Child is the most gorgeous piece of fiction I've read in ages. It's everything a fairy tale should be - complete escapism into Quite simply, The Snow Child is the most gorgeous piece of fiction I've read in ages. It's everything a fairy tale should be - complete escapism into a vivid fantasy world that feels so real it's almost tangible. Very rarely does a book allow me to completely shut out the world and escape, but The Snow Child did just that.
If you're stressed and could do with some time out this is the perfect antidote. Ooh, and it could be quite an expensive read for me too as it's seriously made me want to go to Alaska.
Eowyn Ivey is definitely an author to watch and I can't wait to read her next book. Incredibly this is her début novel, what a talented lady!...more
I started mourning the loss of Gone with the Wind well before the end. After whizzing through 700+ pages of pure escapist joy the thought of life withI started mourning the loss of Gone with the Wind well before the end. After whizzing through 700+ pages of pure escapist joy the thought of life without the capricious Scarlett, sweet Melly and dashing Rhett was almost too much to bear. So I started taking my time, re-reading each paragraph and savouring each word. Sadly time can't stand still forever and eventually, despite my best efforts I finally finished the last 300 pages... And now 2 days later I have the book hangover to end all book hangovers!
The last 50 pages broke my heart! Tragedy piled onto tragedy until I had tears running down my face. And lets get this straight, I don't cry at books. Well, with the exception of The Fault in Our Stars I don't cry at books, and that's got kids with terminal cancer in it, so if I didn't cry at that I'd be kinda heartless.
I've read the reviews on here with interest and generally people either love Gone with the Wind or hate it. Don't get me wrong this book isn't perfect, but neither are people and neither is life. Yeah Scarlett is flawed, incredibly flawed, but at the bottom of all that she's got a good heart, she's a survivor and she's incredibly readable. Oh, and she's racist too, but considering the time period any other attitude would seem fake, although the idea of African Americans being like children made for pretty uncomfortable reading at times.
I know the history of the deep South isn't 100% accurate, but for a reader from the UK who previously knew nothing about the US civil war I found it fascinating. It's definitely given me the push I need to learn more about US history.
There's so much I could say about GWTW and not enough time or space to capture all my feelings. It's the ultimate tale, one i'm confident i'll come back to time and time again throughout my life. I already loved the movie, but it pales in comparison with the book (as do most film versions for me due to my preference for the written word). Although I finished this 2 days ago it'll take a long time for me to stop reeling. This is one of the most upsetting books I've ever read, yet also one of the best. Guess I'm a masochist when it comes to books.
Don't read this if you want a cosy bedtime yarn, it isn't cute and it isn't pretty. If you're ready for a roller-coaster and don't mind being emotionally challenged, this is the book for you....more
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