August 2004 Archives
Set in the Deep South of the U S of A, this reads like a modern day take on To Kill A Mockingbird, with a cast of likeable and unlikeable characters meeting out justice, southern style.
I was interested enough in the two main protagonists, 11 year old Harriet (good) and 20-something Danny (bad), and their related kith and kin, to read on to the end - but I certainly didn't race there.
Buy it: Amazon link
I admit defeat. I just can't face another chapter of this part sci-fi / part recent history novel covering the lives of 3 generations of an Indian family.
Buy it: Amazon link
Another rollicking good read from William Gibson. I'm glad Phil's bookshelves led me back to sci fi, and introduced me to this author.
The Amazon synopsis says it all really:
"Set in futuristic Tokyo, rebuilt after an earthquake, this is the story of a rock star who decides to marry a non-existent, virtual reality girl; the bemused American security consultant who has been sent to take care of him; and a teenage fan."
Buy it: Amazon link
Another Western Australian novel by Tim Winton. A slimmer volume than Cloudstreet, but with a narrower focus. It's set in the waning days of the fictional whaling town of Angelus, casting glances back over the area's 150 years since the first white whalers arrived. Not so much of the mythical here, but a candid telling of the old clashing with the new.
I suspect that it's based on the real South Western town of Albany, where Hazel and I spent a solemn afternoon at the whaling museum, and a more uplifting few hours visiting the geographical marvels along the coast, which the book mentions too.
Buy it: Amazon link
A beautiful, passionate, heartbreaking novel on love and loss.
One of the best books I've read this year.
Buy it: Amazon link
An impulse purchase from Fopp, which turned out to be an OK kinda read. Not amazing, and probably only worth reading if, like me (and Andrew Collins!), you did your growing up in the 70s.
Buy it: Amazon link
Another chick lit gem (uh oh - I think I'm becoming addicted to trashy fiction for the 20/30something market)
As the blurb says, "Easy reading and lots of romping", with a strong female lead and a bad boy with the X-factor as her will they/won't they perfect match.
Courtesy of a couple of late nights, and avid reading on the bus to and from work, I got through this blockbuster in 3 days, and I'm all set to dig out another Fiona Walker when I next visit the Barbican library.
But what do I read now ..... ?
Buy it: Amazon link