Nebula21's 75 Books Challenge for 2015

Keskustelu75 Books Challenge for 2015

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Nebula21's 75 Books Challenge for 2015

Tämä viestiketju on "uinuva" —viimeisin viesti on vanhempi kuin 90 päivää. Ryhmä "virkoaa", kun lähetät vastauksen.

1nebula21
Muokkaaja: toukokuu 5, 2015, 8:49 pm







The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula Le Guin is my first book of the year to complete.

It was a good choice to start the year with. It is set on a planet known as Winter, so definitely the right season for this book.

This is an interesting book. It seeks to explore the concept of a genderless society. One has to remember that it was published in 1969, a time when things were changing for women. It is described as a work of feminist science fiction but as a women reading it today it didn't feel as such. It is about a man who visits a planet of hermaphrodites who are mostly referred to using masculine pronouns. The lack of women in the book made it almost impossible for me to think of it as feminist. However at the time when it was published society was very different and the concepts being explored must have been controversial. The Gethenians, as neuters, are not a male dominated society and war is non-existent. Le Guin ponders the effects of gender on relationships, war, patriotism, raising children, sex and even suicide.

I loved the way the book was structured as one story told by accounts of different characters interlaced with stories and legends of the different cultures of the planet. It was a creative yet efficient way of explaining and exploring the cultures of the planet and the motives behind the actions of the characters. I would definitely recommended this book.

My Rating: ★ ★ ★ ½

2amysisson
tammikuu 13, 2015, 8:42 am

I've read it twice. I wouldn't mind re-reading it again. Enjoy!

3nebula21
tammikuu 13, 2015, 7:03 pm

5drneutron
tammikuu 14, 2015, 12:22 pm

Welcome! I really liked the Stross books - hope you're enjoying The Atrocity Archives.

6nebula21
Muokkaaja: tammikuu 20, 2015, 6:13 pm

The Atrocity Archives by Charles Stross

The storyline was interesting however I found there was too much technobabble for me to enjoy it fully. The book is amusing and has some really good moments.

My rating: ★ ★ ★

7nebula21
tammikuu 22, 2015, 7:41 am

Another one done.

Broken Homes by Ben Aaronovitch

This is the fourth book in the PC Peter Grant series. I really enjoy these books. This instalment does not disappoint. Aaronovitch continues to develop the characters and gets the balance right between the new story and the ongoing subplots. Although Aaronovitch does explain some background in all the books, I strongly recommend starting at the beginning of the series (Rivers of London).

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

8nebula21
Muokkaaja: tammikuu 27, 2015, 2:34 pm

Farmer Giles of Ham by J.R.R. Tolkien

This was the 50th Anniversary Edition with the original manuscript and notes on the intended sequel. This is a entertaining children's story with giants, dragons and an unlikely hero. It was interesting to see how the story progressed from the first manuscript to the final published version.

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ½

9nebula21
tammikuu 22, 2015, 6:56 pm

Babalu Aye : Santeria and the Lord of Pestilence by Baba Raul Canizares and Aburo Eric Lerner

By brother bought me this book while in Cuba. It explains the worship of a god of illness (and healing) in Africa which spread to places like Cuba and Brazil due to the slave trade. This god has been built into Christian tradition as he is associated with the beggar St.Lazarus. It is an interesting read. The parables about Babalu are the best bit. The book collates information from different sources and describes how Babalu is viewed and honoured in different cultures. This helps the reader to gain an understanding of attitudes to illness in these regions.

My rating: ★ ★ ★

10scaifea
tammikuu 23, 2015, 7:08 am

>9 nebula21: Oh, that one *does* sound interesting! Thanks for the review!

11nebula21
Muokkaaja: tammikuu 27, 2015, 10:59 am

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

This is the first book in the Sookie Stackhouse series. I found the book entertaining even though I knew what was going to happen from watching the HBO TV series True Blood, which is based on the books.

A young telepath, Sookie Stackhouse, tells her story about meeting a vampire in a world where the undead have "come out". There are series of murders of young women and Sookie is one of the serial killer's targets because she consorts with vampires. The story is not as involved as the TV series, does not have as many key characters, and has some other differences. I enjoyed reading it and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a light, but exciting, read with plenty of action.

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ½

13nebula21
Muokkaaja: tammikuu 27, 2015, 2:34 pm

Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris

This is the second book in the Sookie Stackhouse Series. Sookie and Bill go to Dallas on a job for Eric Northman, Bill's boss. A vampire has been kidnapped and the Dallas vampires need Sookie's mind-reading powers to find him. In Bon Temps, one of Sookie's co-workers has been murdered and Sookie uses her powers to solve the crime and clear the name of local detective, Andy Bellefleur.

I did not think the book was quite as good as the first one, Dead Until Dark; although I did like it. There are interesting subplots formed, and continued, and I will definitely be reading the next book in the series, Club Dead.

My rating: ★ ★ ★

14nebula21
Muokkaaja: tammikuu 27, 2015, 2:35 pm

The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett

This the first book in the Discworld series. It just was not my cup of tea. It seemed disjointed and things seem to arbitrarily happen. I perhaps would have enjoyed this book as a teenager but nowadays I need a bit more structure. I was not enamored with any of the characters and I think in the future I will leave the Discworld to others.

My rating: ★ ★

15nebula21
Muokkaaja: helmikuu 18, 2015, 4:47 am

Club Dead by Charlaine Harris

The third book in the series. This is basically another adventure in the life of telepathic waitress, Sookie Stackhouse. Sookie goes undercover looking for Bill, who has been kidnapped. She is helped by Alcide the werewolf.

I found the story entertaining and I would recommend this book to others who enjoyed the first two in the series.

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ½

16nebula21
Muokkaaja: helmikuu 11, 2015, 8:39 am

Norse Myths by Kevin Crossley-Holland

A collection of Norse myths translated into English. I did not like the illustrations in the book. I did not enjoy the stories. They were told in such a way that they lacked excitement.

My rating: ★ ★

17nebula21
Muokkaaja: helmikuu 11, 2015, 8:37 am

The Farthest Shore by Ursula K. Me Guin

This is the third Earthsea novel. It is written so you don't have to read the ones before it but I think it is easier to relate to the story if you have.

The story is about Sparrowhawk's (Ged's) last adventure. He is now the Archmage and quite old. He takes a young Prince on his mission to discover why magic practioners are losing their abilities and people are losing faith in magic. The pair go on a quest to find the source of a great evil that is taking over the land and along the way they meet lost wizards, dragons and a tribe who live on the open seas.

I enjoyed the book and would recommend it.

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ½

18nebula21
Muokkaaja: helmikuu 17, 2015, 6:19 pm

A Journey to the Interior of the Earth by Jules Verne

A little is lost in translation and it's a bit dated. However this is still an entertaining story of a great adventure undertaken by two German geologists and their Icelandic guide. You just need to ignore certain scientific advances since it was written and make allowances for some attitudes of the time.

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ½

19nebula21
Muokkaaja: helmikuu 17, 2015, 8:05 pm

The Door in the Wall and Other Stories by H.G. Wells

An uninspiring collection of short stories. I was disappointed with this book after reading The War of the Worlds, which is brilliant. The stories were not very interesting and fell short somehow. The storytelling was somewhat lacking. H.G. Wells is not a master of the short story!

My rating: ★ ★

20nebula21
Muokkaaja: maaliskuu 18, 2015, 4:37 pm

Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life by Roald Dahl

Collection of short stories about a group of country characters. I didn't enjoy it as much as some of the other Roald Dahl short stories that I have read in the past. However it is a good collection and I would recommend it.

My rating: ★ ★ ★

21nebula21
Muokkaaja: helmikuu 25, 2015, 12:57 pm

His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The dragons are charming and the characters are interesting and well developed. Set during the Napoleonic wars this is a tale set in a world where dragons exist and are crucial in the war effort. The story revolves around Laurence, a Navy Captain, whose world is turned upside down by a seemingly cruel twist of fate when he is forced to leave his life after being coupled with a newly hatched dragon. Laurence and his new charge,Temaraire, join the Aerial Corps and become inseparable friends and an unbeatable team against the overwhelming French hoarde.

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ½

22nebula21
Muokkaaja: maaliskuu 3, 2015, 4:06 pm

The Time Machine by H.G. Wells

An interesting and thought provoking classic. I must admit, I didn't find it very enjoyable. The story presented the author's vision of what the human race may become in the very distant future. I found it hard to empathise with the main character and I expected the Morlocks to be more sinister.

My rating: ★ ★ ★

24nebula21
Muokkaaja: maaliskuu 30, 2015, 5:43 pm

Hyperion by Dan Simmons

An excellent read. This saga is set in the future after the destruction of Earth. A group of people who do not appear to have much in common are chosen to make the last pilgrimage to the time tombs of the planet, Hyperion, where they will face the deadly Shrike. Each one has visited the planet before and has a reason to return. The pilgrims tell their stories on the way to the tombs in the hope that it will help them to survive when they reach their destination.

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ½

25nebula21
Muokkaaja: maaliskuu 30, 2015, 5:39 pm

The Wolves of the Calla by Stephen King

This is the fifth book in the Dark Tower series. You need to start at the beginning and read all the books. It is well worth doing so as this is a compelling and entertaining saga.

The story continues and we meet new characters including Father Callahan from Salem's Lot. The gunslingers take a break from their quest to help a save the children of a small town but one of the ka-tet is in trouble.

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

26nebula21
Muokkaaja: maaliskuu 29, 2015, 7:35 am

Tehanu by Ursula K. Le Guin

The fourth book of the Earthsea series. This book brings the first three stories together nicely as we again meet Tenar from The Tombs of Atuan and Arren (now Lebannen) from The Farthest Shore. The story overlaps with The Farthest Shore and then they coalesce when Ged arrives back in Gont and we discover what happens to him after his return from his greatest battle where he lost his powers.

The book successfully wraps up the three stories as well as telling the compelling new story of Therru, a small child who has been the subject of the cruellest of abuse and been left scarred, both physically and mentally.

I loved the ending!

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

27nebula21
maaliskuu 25, 2015, 6:47 pm

The Woman on the Bus by Pauline McLynn

A nice piece of Chick Lit about a Dublin woman who escapes her tragic life by getting drunk and getting on a bus to Limerick. She gets off the bus at Kilbrody and reinvents herself finding a new job, new love and new perspective.

My rating: ★ ★ ★

28nebula21
Muokkaaja: maaliskuu 26, 2015, 7:21 pm

World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks

About halfway through this book I found myself getting very bored. The book is well written but I do not like the concept. It is a collection of eyewitness accounts from a war that did not happen and therefore I was left feeling that it was a waste of time reading it. Due to the nature of the book a lot of things were not explained but as the events did not happen there is no real mystery. The reader does not get the opportunity to get to know characters and therefore really empathise with the characters and what is happening to them. Many of the stories of countries were only part told. I did not find it an entertaining read.

My rating: ★ ★ ½

30nebula21
Muokkaaja: huhtikuu 3, 2015, 7:38 am

A Sword's Poem by Leah Cutter

This is an entertaining read. I have been to Japan and I must say the author has done a great job capturing the feel of the Japanese countryside and the spiritualism and mysticism associated with it. The story itself has a good mix of themes taking the reader on a journey with tragedy, hope, death and rebirth and enlightenment. These typical Japanese themes give the story great authencity and complement the setting perfectly.

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ½

31nebula21
Muokkaaja: huhtikuu 3, 2015, 7:20 am

La Cucina by Lily Prior

Readable but not very good. Set in Sicily, you can tell the author is not Italian. The characters are stereotypes rather than real people - there is more to the Italian people than sex, food and the Mafia. The sex scenes were flat and a little cringe worthy. There was a lot of detailed description of cooking that was not necessary and did not add to the story. I found it hard to identify with anyone but the main character and even she was not very well developed. I will not be recommending this book to anyone.

My rating: ★ ★ ½

32nebula21
Muokkaaja: toukokuu 31, 2015, 5:28 pm

33nebula21
Muokkaaja: huhtikuu 26, 2015, 5:29 pm

Song of Susannah by Stephen King

This is the sixth book in the Dark Tower series. It is a continuation of the epic tale and as the title alludes its main focus is the story of Susannah's pregnancy and the ka-tet's efforts to save her from the Crimson King's clutches. You need to have read the other books to appreciate and understand this book. I did not enjoy it as much as Wolves of the Calla but it was still a good read. The inclusion of the author in the book was interesting and quite amusing.

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ½

34nebula21
huhtikuu 27, 2015, 8:19 am

Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman

This is a nicely illustrated tale for children about a dad who goes out for some milk and comes back with an interesting, if not entirely believable, tale to tell.

My rating: ★ ★ ★

35nebula21
Muokkaaja: huhtikuu 27, 2015, 1:40 pm

Merchandise by Michael Wright

This is a self published short story. It is a good effort but needs some polishing. The end was a bit disappointing. The story reached its climax and then fell flat like a ruined souffle.

My rating: ★ ★

36nebula21
Muokkaaja: huhtikuu 29, 2015, 9:41 am

The Midnight Court and other poems by Brian Merriman

This book was translated to English by David Marcus.

The Midnight Court is a very amusing and entertaining poem. This translation is brilliant and I think everyone would appreciate Merriman's wit. The subject matter is still relevant today despite the fact the original poem was written in the 18th Century. I would even recommend this text to people who do not like poetry, as it has a strong story and is very accessible.

I did not enjoy the other poems. It felt like something was lost in translation, which was a shame.

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ½

37nebula21
toukokuu 5, 2015, 8:17 pm

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Pearl, and Sir Orfeo by J.R.R. Tolkien

The first two poems in this book are by an unknown author written around 1400.I liked Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. The translation had a great narrative and the quality of the original poetry was clear. I found Pearl incomprehensible in places and was put off by the amount of religious dialogue and dogma.Sir Orfeo is an earlier poem but like Sir Gawain it has a clear and compelling narrative.The rhyming nature of the poem is quite charming,as is the fairytale theme.

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ½

38scaifea
toukokuu 6, 2015, 6:44 am

Oh, yay for Sir Gawain! Great poem.

39nebula21
Muokkaaja: toukokuu 7, 2015, 7:24 pm

Northern Lights by Phillip Pullman

This is the first book in the His Dark Materials trilogy. It is a sinister tale set in an alternate dimension which is similar to ours in many ways but very different. In this world every human has a daemon that exists in animal form. Human and daemon are inseparable and one cannot exist without the other.

The heroine of the tale is a girl of noble birth called Lyra with a promising destiny. She ends up taking a perilous journey to the cold North to save her best friend and her father.

The book is suitable for adults and teenagers and I would highly recommend it.

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

40nebula21
Muokkaaja: kesäkuu 30, 2015, 7:32 am

I didn't read much in May. I was too busy. Hopefully, I will do better in June.

Reading List for June
32) Esio Trot by Roald Dahl
33) Switch Bitch by Roald Dahl
34) The Giraffe, the Pelly and Me by Roald Dahl
35) Tales of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
36) Throne of Jade by Naomi Novik
37) The Other Wind by Ursula K. Le Guin

41nebula21
Muokkaaja: toukokuu 31, 2015, 5:30 pm

Wookie the Chew "The House at Chew Corner" by James Hance and Max Michaels

This is an absolutely charming little book. If you love Winnie the Pooh and Star Wars - two things that I adore - then read this book.

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

42nebula21
Muokkaaja: kesäkuu 8, 2015, 10:26 am

A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller

I hate this book. I was determined to read the whole thing and see of it improved, but alas, it did not. If you like reading about monks, random Latin and huge time jumps then this is the book for you. If not, steer clear.

My rating: ★

43nebula21
Muokkaaja: kesäkuu 8, 2015, 10:26 am

Esio Trot by Roald Dahl

Morally dubious children's tale about how to win a woman's heart by stealing her tortoise and swapping it with another.

My rating: ★ ★ ★

44nebula21
Muokkaaja: kesäkuu 8, 2015, 12:54 pm

Switch Bitch by Roald Dahl

A collection of four short stories about sex. Roald Dahl is an excellent storyteller. This a good collection of tales that showcase his sharp wit and penchant for foolishness. Definitely not for children!

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ½

45nebula21
Muokkaaja: kesäkuu 15, 2015, 4:12 am

The Giraffe, the Pelly and Me by Roald Dahl

A lovely children's tale about a rather unconventional firm of window cleaners!

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

46nebula21
kesäkuu 21, 2015, 7:55 pm

Tales From Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin

The fifth book in the Earthsea series consists of five short stories and a description of Earthsea that details the history of the islands. If you liked the first four books I would recommend you read it. The stories are set on different islands in different times and help to shed light on the history and culture of the people of Earthsea. The last story "Dragonfly", is the prequel of the next book The Other Wind.

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

47nebula21
Muokkaaja: kesäkuu 30, 2015, 7:34 am

The Other Wind by Ursula K. Le Guin

The final book in the Earthsea series. It started off really well but I was a little disappointed by the end. The conclusion for all the characters happened very fast in a short space of time and I think that left me with a feeling that there was something missing from the story or at least the telling of it. Le Guin took the time to develop the characters well but in some cases the end of their stories was rushed and undetailed.

My rating: ★ ★ ★

48nebula21
Muokkaaja: kesäkuu 30, 2015, 2:34 pm

Throne of Jade by Naomi Novik

The second book in the series. I really liked it. Laurence and Temeraire are forced to take the long journey to China after the Emperor's brother arrives demanding the dragon's return. The characters are very well written and the story is fast paced and exciting.

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ½

50nebula21
Muokkaaja: heinäkuu 26, 2015, 8:17 am

Two is for You by Bobby Williams

I am in two minds about this book. Due to tense issues at times it felt like I was reading script directions rather than a novel which distracted me from the story.

I liked the way that the book shifted from the past to the present. It was a good way to develop the characters. However, I did not find the characters very believable or very likeable. Marco Salazar, the main character, seemed to have conflicting personality traits that did not leave me convinced he could be a real person. I felt that his background did not explain why he became a vacuous, vain, unfaithful, pretty boy. For me, Mark Salaznek was a person of strong character and the man he became, Marco Salazar, was a person of weak character rather than a man of strong character who had done wrong which he should have been. The story would have then had more of a point and I would have had more sympathy for the character.

The storytelling is good and the book held my interest throughout. The author confronts serious issues and deals with them well.

Despite its issues, it is clear that the author is very talented and I look forward to seeing more from this writer.

My rating: ★ ★ ½

51nebula21
heinäkuu 26, 2015, 8:22 am

The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy & Other Stories by Tim Burton

A darling, dark and sinister read! I chuckled a lot.

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

52nebula21
Muokkaaja: heinäkuu 26, 2015, 9:03 am

The Fat Black Woman's Poems by Grace Nichols

A good collection of poems from the perspective of a Guyanese woman living in London. This book gives the reader a great cultural insight that is a rare treat. I would definitely recommend this book.

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ½

53drneutron
heinäkuu 26, 2015, 9:36 pm

Tim Burton! Gotta check that one out...

54nebula21
heinäkuu 31, 2015, 7:04 am

A Bad Spell for the Worst Witch by Jill Murphy

The third book in the Worst Witch series. It is one of the older books being first published in 1982 but is still relevant and enjoyable for today's kids.

My rating: ★ ★ ★

55nebula21
heinäkuu 31, 2015, 7:16 am

Black Powder War by Naomi Novik

The third book in the series is as exciting and compelling as the last two. The adventures of Laurence and Temeraire continue as they receive orders to head to Istanbul to bring home three eggs that the British government have purchased. I have already started reading the next book Empire of Ivory! I love these books.

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

56nebula21
Muokkaaja: elokuu 11, 2015, 5:36 am

When the Tripods Came by John Christopher

This is the prequel to the Tripods Trilogy. The title is self-explanatory - a young boy tells his story about the coming of the Tripods and his family's attempts to escape their grasp. I have not yet read the trilogy, but I have seen the TV series and this book answered a lot of questions. It is a fast-paced and gripping read. I read it all in one go as I did not want to put it down.

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

57nebula21
elokuu 17, 2015, 2:31 pm

How to Learn Any Language in a Few Months While Enjoying Yourself: 45 Proven Tips for Language Learners by Nate Nicholson

This book offers some really good advice and has ideas for language learning that I would not have thought of. Although the concepts are simple, this proves to be a bonus. Nicholson concisely gets down to the nitty-gritty and takes a commonsense approach to language learning that anyone can follow. He offers plenty of motivation and draws from his own experiences. Nicholson is good at telling you what to do without it feeling like a lecture and breaks things down in a straightforward way that is easy to understand. I will certainly be following his advice and referring back to this book as I learn Spanish!

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

58nebula21
syyskuu 13, 2015, 2:10 pm

The White Mountains by John Christopher

I didn't like this book as much as the prequel, When the Tripods Came. This could, at least in part, be due to the fact that I have seen the TV series and so knew everything that was going to happen. The series sticks close to the storyline of the book. Nevertheless, I would highly recommend reading it. John Christopher excels in his imagining of a sinister future where aliens have taken over the planet. I am looking forward to reading the next instalment The City of Gold and Lead.

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ½

59nebula21
Muokkaaja: syyskuu 18, 2015, 12:35 pm

Ilse Witch by Terry Brooks

This the first instalment of the Voyage of Jerle Shannara trilogy. I will definitely continue with these books. It is the usual Tolkien inspired fantasy affair. A group of mismatched people in a pre-industrial style fantasy land go on a seemingly impossible quest. Old guy with magical powers insists young lad goes on quest even though he doesn't appear to have anything to offer but he turns out to be pivotal to the success of the mission. Good vs. Evil etc. It may be nothing new, but Brooks spins the tale well and it is not so predictable it is spoiled.

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ½

60nebula21
syyskuu 19, 2015, 9:32 am

Lulu and the Hamster in the Night by Hilary McKay

Charming children's book about a little girl who's hamster escapes when she visits her grandmother.

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ½

61nebula21
Muokkaaja: syyskuu 20, 2015, 6:18 am

Coastliners by Joanne Harris

A charming novel set on a dreary French island. This review is a bit harsh but it describes the book pretty well. The review is much more entertaining than the novel and I had a good laugh reading it! http://www.theguardian.com/books/2002/mar/09/fiction.reviews1

My rating: ★ ★ ★

62nebula21
Muokkaaja: syyskuu 23, 2015, 5:23 am

Dead to the World by Charlaine Harris

This is the fourth book in the series. It is easy to read and entertaining like the other books in the series. Readers who liked the other books will enjoy it. It is a bit annoying how Harris keeps explaining things for people who have not read the previous books, which she does quite often. However this means that you do not have to read the previous books to read this one, although I would recommend reading them in order.

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ½

64nebula21
syyskuu 28, 2015, 6:24 pm

Dead as a Doornail by Charlaine Harris

I am getting addicted to these novels!!! The saga that is the life of Sookie Stackhouse continues. This is the fifth book in the series and we find out more about the shifter communities as Sookie tries to find out who is behind a series of attacks against the other-worldly. This is an entertaining and amusing read and should not disappoint Sookie fans.

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

65nebula21
Muokkaaja: syyskuu 28, 2015, 7:04 pm

Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris

I just kept reading. The story continues and Sookie is summoned to New Orleans by the (Vampire) Queen of Lousiana. Yes, it sounds stupid. That is because it is!!! A vampire war breaks out and Sookie's dating a were-tiger. For Sookie fans, this book is a must read and you won't want to put it down!

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

66nebula21
syyskuu 29, 2015, 8:21 pm

Lulu and the Hedgehog in the Rain by Hilary McKay

A delightful book about a girl called Lulu and her cousin, Mellie. Lulu loves animals and has lots of pets. One rainy day she finds a hedgehog and gets all the neighbours on board to help provide it with a safe home.

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

67nebula21
syyskuu 29, 2015, 8:26 pm

Lulu and the Rabbit Next Door by Hilary McKay

This is a wonderful book. Lulu gets a new next door neighbour - a boy with a pet rabbit. Lulu and Mellie help their new friend to bond with his rabbit and learn to look after him properly. I love these books. They are fun as well as being educational.

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

69nebula21
lokakuu 11, 2015, 8:37 am

Lulu and the Cat in the Bag by Hilary McKay

Another good instalment from Hilary McKay. A Charming tale about a cat left on, seven year old, Lulu's doorstep. Her Nan is happy to see the back of it when it runs away but Lulu is determined to find it and give it a good home.

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ½

70nebula21
lokakuu 11, 2015, 8:42 am

Lulu and the Duck in the Park by Hilary McKay

When dogs cause havoc on a school trip, Lulu saves a duck egg. When it hatches Lulu must return the duckling to its mother. A more educational than fun instalment of this series but nevertheless children and adults will love it due to McKay's quirky sense of humour!

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ½

71nebula21
lokakuu 11, 2015, 8:45 am

The Magic Finger by Roald Dahl

I wish I had a magic finger!

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ½

72nebula21
Muokkaaja: lokakuu 11, 2015, 9:32 am

The Restaurant of Love Regained by Ito Ogawa

I think quite a lot was lost in translation with this novel. It did not flow very well and I think was due to the fact that it was not meant to be in English. The story is charming and the book will appeal to food porn enthusiasts, however, like much of this genre, it has little substance.

The plot is full of holes and is not very realistic. It is more of a fantasy with wonderful imagery and colourful characters, that should not be taken too literally.

I do not know why what it is about pig slaughtering that writers feel is romantic. I read La Cucina, in this genre, not long ago in which there is a detailed description of the main character killing and butchering a pig. This book has an even more involved, more detailed pig slaughtering storyline, which spoilt the book for me. It is horrible and seems a little sick and unnecessary.

The best thing about the novel is that it is short.

My rating: ★ ★ ½

73nebula21
lokakuu 18, 2015, 4:48 pm

The One-Legged Lady from Balmoral Road by Karen Stanley

It is refreshing to read a book squarely aimed at a British audience. Kaz is a mobile hairdresser who is subjected to a plethora of bad daytime TV by her colourful clients. Her on/off boyfriend is a creep and her mother is a hippie. Thank God for best friend, Mags, her perfect boyfriend and her helpful neighbour Jed.

The characters are realistic and identifiable and I found myself chuckling in many parts. This is a really enjoyable, entertaining book.

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

74nebula21
lokakuu 18, 2015, 5:31 pm

The Basilisk's Creed: Volume One by Eme Strife

At first I thought I wouldn't like this book but as the story progressed I found myself hooked. The story is rather quirky and unfolds, bit by bit, which some may find frustrating.

Sexy, supernatural Soul Reaper, Matthiel, meets sweet damsel, Eli, literally "in her dreams". The story switches between the points of view of Eli and Matthiel, two people from very different worlds.

I definitely want to know what happens next!

I received a review copy of this book.

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

75nebula21
lokakuu 25, 2015, 7:17 am

All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris

The seventh instalment of this series and still going strong. Sookie has to attend a vampire summit in Rhodes as an employee of the Queen of Louisiana, Sophie-Ann Leclerq. Trying to balance her everyday life with her role in the vampire world is not easy and the competing attentions of her vamp exes, Bill and Eric, and her new beau, weretiger Quinn, are not helping!

Harris cleverly builds in mystery into her books to keep it interesting making them addictive. I've already started the next book in the series, From Dead to Worse.

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

77nebula21
marraskuu 5, 2015, 5:17 pm

From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris

The eighth book in the series. Missing weretiger boyfriend, vampire coup, werewolf wars. What more could anyone ask for?

My rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

78nebula21
marraskuu 5, 2015, 5:21 pm

Doctor-Patient Confidentiality: Volume One by Eme Strife}

I was given this book to read in exchange for an honest review. This book is the first volume and it definitely leaves the reader wanting to find out what happens. The story starts with a graphic sex scene but then the rest of the book is just background. The "doctor" does not come back into the book until the end and so his story is not developed. It will be interesting to see if the story picks up in the further volumes.

My rating: ★ ★ ★

79nebula21
marraskuu 5, 2015, 5:33 pm

The Soul Thief by Leah Cutter

The terrible grammar ruined this book for me. The writer seems overly focussed on the colour of the characters showing a level of racial insensitively and ignorance that is quite disappointing in this day and age. The story is actually not too bad and so it is a shame that its flaws lets the book down so badly.

My rating: ★ ★

80nebula21
tammikuu 6, 2016, 12:18 pm

Ok. I got to 69. Couldn't quite reach 75. I don't know whether to try again next year as I will have even less time to read. I might go for the 50 Book Challenge!

81drneutron
tammikuu 6, 2016, 1:03 pm

Nah, stick with us! 69's just fine. :)