I've Got Your Number - Sophie Kinsella - 2012 *****

I love Sophie Kinsella. She's such an easy, relatable author and I was enthralled by this novel.
Poppy loses her engagement ring soon before she is due to marry her partner Magnus. Her phone is then stolen and by chance she finds a replacement in a bin. The trouble is, this phone is still very much in use and Poppy finds out that it belongs to a businessman named Sam's ex PA. She doesn't see why she should give it up, besides, she needs a phone in case anyone tracks down her ring, and Sam desperately needs the phone back to access his emails and contacts. The only thing they can do is meet and try to come to some sort of arrangement. (I don't know why this initially reminded me so much of 'Pillow Talk' with Doris Day, but it did.)
As you can imagine, all sorts of things happen, but the ending was (of course) exactly what I wanted.

Started 8th June
Finished 20th June

Don't you Love Your Daddy? - Sally East & Toni Maguire 2010 ***

Another depressing misery memoir, this time backed up by Toni Maguire who is well known as a misery memoir writer. Sally East portrays a hideous story of sexual abuse at the hands of her own father who takes total control of her once her beloved mother dies of cancer when Sally is at a young age. She has no one there to help her, protect her, or save her, and this is her account of what happened. Well written and easy to follow, the one downside appeared to me to be the brushing over of her later life. For someone who goes into such detail over the sexual assaults she doesn't pay much attention to showing us her positive new life at the end of the book. It's glossed over on the last pages.

Started 7th June
Finished 8th June

Death in the Clouds - 1935 *** 1/2

Unlike the majority of the reviewers of this book I actually found it a bit slow during the middle. The pace at the beginning was wonderful, and the ending was superb but the middle was too fluid. Poirot is right in the centre of the action, taking a plane back from Paris with a group of other people. During the journey, one of the people is murdered on the plane in her seat (a wealthy old woman no less) but the problem is no one has actually seen the culprit, or the murder taking place.
Poirot's grey matter is working overtime to solve this case, as usual never knowing who to trust.

Started 31st May
Finished 7th June

Amsterdam - Ian McEwan 1998 **

One of the worst and most depressing books I have read in a long time. 'Amsterdam' means nothing, accomplishes nothing, and finishes like the author forgot to round it all off. It was sloppily written and completely uninteresting. Boring would be an understatement. The novel supposedly centres on the relationships between certain people when they gather at the funeral of an old friend, but within the first ten pages or so, we have left this story, and gone off into bizarre and dull segments surrounding each character and their awful lives. The book becomes nothing to do with the central character, and more just a random collection of 'snapshots' about some horrible people with no resolution whatsoever. Dreadful book.

Started 26th May
Finished 27th May

Wilt - Tom Sharpe 1976 ***

'Wilt' was a strange book. Some parts were very funny, but then others had me straight-faced.

Wilt is a bit of a pathetic human being. He's Head of 'Liberal Studies' at the local Tech, and finds his life a bit of a mess. His colossal wife Eva whines constantly at him leading him to fantasize about different ways of killing her, and when he finds himself in an awkward situation involving a giant inflatable doll at his neighbour's party, things get really sticky. When he decides in a drunken stupor to get rid of the doll down a man-hole, the police get the wrong idea and start to think it is his wife. Enter hilarity.

I like the plot for this, but as with other Tom Sharpe books, it trails off a bit towards the end. It obviously was a fairly popular book at the time of release as it spawned a number of other sequels so I might give the next novel a try. 

Started 23rd May

Finished 25th May

Porterhouse Blue - Tom Sharpe 1974 **** 1/2

As someone who works in one of the older Cambridge Colleges I can relate to this book in so many ways. It's witty, smart, and above all completely hits the nail on the head with regards to what goes on inside the Colleges. Porterhouse is obviously a 'subtle' nod towards Peterhouse, describing it almost to a tee with a satirical snigger. I just found this book very clever, and there were several parts (including a chapter about escaping contraceptives up a chimney) that had tears of laughter rolling down my face. Hilarious. Will be lending this to friends and recommending it to even more.

Started 21st May
Finished 22nd May

About a Boy - Nick Hornby 1998 **1/2

I think I might have to stop reading Nick Hornby now. Sure he's easy to read but I find his novels so depressing and full of despair that it takes a while to recover afterwards. I've seen the movie of this book so of course I already have pre-set notions of the characters but I must say overall I was disappointed with the general tone of the book. Hornby's characters are so unlikable that you struggle to find any sympathy for them or their personal situations. On this occasion it's safe to say that the film is much funnier.

The Murder at the Vicarage - Agatha Christie 1930 ***

Reading Agatha Christie seems to have become a bit of an obsession. But then again, her writing is so wonderful and unique that you really can read book after book of hers and be amazed at how she comes up with some of her stories. 'Murder at the Vicarage' is a curious book. It has the most red herrings that I have ever come across in an Agatha Christie novel as of now.
A man is murdered in his study whilst writing a letter to an anonymous person. Only a few hours ago, the local vicar was entertaining a group of people and said he thought that anyone who murdered the victim would be 'doing the world at large a service.' And now someone had! Soon after, a number of people confess, but it is up to Miss Marple to solve the case and find the real culprit, and as always, she is more on the ball than any of the other characters.
I prefer Poirot to Miss Marple, but this was still a good read. One more to tick of my list.

Started 9th May
Finished 17th May

The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald 1925 ***

For a start, the cover of this classic is meant to be one of the most iconic images in the world. Not sure why, but there it is. Regarding the story - I was expecting a fast-living and exciting glimpse into the flapper era written by someone who was actually there and while it was a good story, it was really nothing like I had expected. The characters didn't seem to flow as well as they should've, the general descriptions weren't as detailed as I had hoped, and I couldn't help feeling rather distanced from Gatsby, Daisy and Tom. It wasn't that they were unpleasant characters, it was more that they didn't seem to have any gripping or outstanding traits or qualities that landed them into these situations. Gatsby himself was a peculiar person, and Daisy was what I would call 'dippy.' I read a review of the 1970s movie adaptation of the book, where the person said that they couldn't understand what the fascination with Daisy was, and why so many men seemed to be squabbling over her. I agree completely. She wasn't a particularly strong character (when you think of someone like Elizabeth Bennett she doesn't really compare) and didn't really have much in the way of 'oomph'.
There was a bit of a shock towards the end of the book, but not enough that it would convince me this was any sort of masterpiece. Glad to have read it though, as am hoping to see 'Gatsby' at the cinema sometime soon.

Started 14th May
Finished 16th May

Twenties Girl - Sophie Kinsella 2009 ****1/2

After an embarrassing year of not having picked up a book I delved into this on a friend's recommendation and am delighted to report that my reading mojo is back with force. Sophie Kinsella is always fun, and always one of those reassuring authors that you know is going to make you laugh, regardless of what else is going on in your life. 'Twenties Girl' really nailed it for me, partly because it was hilarious and heartfelt, but also because one of it's main characters was from the flapper age which is my favourite decade. An award-winning combination in my opinion. Lara attends her great aunt Sadie's funeral, and almost immediately begins to think she is going mad, for Sadie has started appearing to Lara and Lara alone, in her former 1920s flapper body, as a rather disgruntled ghost. She has one last wish before she can 'move on', and that is to find her favourite dragonfly necklace which she became separated from during her life. It is up to Lara to track it down, without making a fool of herself, and that is easier said than done when you are the only one able to see your new companion.
Very funny, and very gentle. I love these sorts of books, almost like comfort food, you can pick them out at times of need and they will instantly rejuvenate you.

Started 20th April
Finished 5th May

The Pothunters - P.G. Wodehouse - 1902 ***

I've decided that the first fiction book of the year (although it's May!) has to be a Wodehouse. Usually I don't read them in any paricular order and just dive in to the nearest one to hand. However I decided that actually it might be good to start with the very first Wodehouse, all the way from 1902 where he was just a mere slip of a guy at 21 years old.
It's one of those books where you might praise it for being Wodehouse, but if it wasn't him you wouldn't give it a second thought. It was moderately funny, and reminded me a bit of Billy Bunter and 'old boy' stories with the lovely descriptions of a traditional school, and I love the dialogue from that long ago (although sometimes I must admit I can't undersand what he's actually talking about!). It wasn't anything special though and I actually found the story rather weak compared to some of his later ones. It seemed to me to have a somewhat 'darker' tone than others I have read which I didn't like.
However, as a big fan of Pelham Grenville I'm glad to say that I have read it and can tick it off my list.

Started 15th May
Finished 17th May

Houses of Death - Gordon Kerr 2011 ***

It's the middle of May and this is the first book I have read all year which is utterly shameful. I need to get my modjo back for reading, as it seems to slump when I have things on my mind and can't concentrate and I can go for months before I get it back.
Usually when I hit one of these slumps the first thing I reach for is something true crime related, usually because I am continually fascinated with stories like these and also because I can only deal with non-fiction if I am stressed out in other areas of my life.
Not a bad book (got it cheap for my kindle) but I felt the stories were rather rushed, and there wasn't really much here that I didn't already know from more in-depth books.
Good to get me back in the swing of things however, and a 'taster for true crime' for people who don't read this sort of stuff regularly.

Started 12th May
Finished 15th May

Working in London Through the Eyes of Chick Lit

I'm all of a sudden having a bit of a craving for reading chick lit. Christmas has just been and we all had a lovely time, and my step-sister got some fun looking chick lit as a pressie which she was thrilled about. I've always been into chick lit, mostly because I have always had a dream of living in London (although I despise the pollution, the people, the noise and the heat) and reading many of these types of books is brilliant, because it transports you to somewhere (normally London) walks you down the streets, takes you into the cafes and restaurants, and gives you the feeling of being there. Although London is busy and totally overcrowded it makes you feel totally calm reading about it in a novel. I also love the fact that if the heroine works in London i.e. an office or a quirky little business you get an insight of what goes on in there (I have always wanted to do the 9-5 in a London office, preferably in the West End and walk along the Thames at night) It sounds silly when I write it down, but reading these books is ideal for someone who wants to imagine they are living in the capital without actually having to live there. You simply live there through the pages of the book instead. I have felt that ever since I read my first Sophie Kinsella.
2012 is chick lit year.

Books, Books, Books?

Next year I am determined to make a proper dent in the list of books I want to read. So far I am reading one that takes my fancy and then perusing the next one to the extent that I am wasting precious time not knowing what I next want to read.
Next Year I am going to have a schedule for my reading. I know it's not very proper and it sounds like I'm going to take all the enjoyment out of it if I have a specific pattern, but actually I think it will help me tackle books that I have had on my TBR pile for god knows how many years. I will continue to try and read as much Wodehouse and Christie as I can, but will also aim to read a classic for every 3 or 4 easy/modern novels that I finish. I do love classics when I get in to them, but sometimes the idea of having to read something that doesn't jump right off the page at me is rather off-putting. I am also determined to read all (or at least half) of the Georgette Heyer detective novels (having only read one so far and thoroughly enjoyed it) along with a few of the Dorothy L Sayers 'Lord Peter Wimsey' books. Crime, crime crime is the word on my 2012 mouth. I will devour as much crime and detective fiction as I can eat. I may even get started on one of the Edmund Crispin or Ngaio Marsh novels if I dare... Does anyone know whether there are any other detective writers like the ones I've listed? I am starting to become obsessed with them..
So maybe this is completely ridiculous, having just started this rant by saying that I want to have order to my reading, and then going on to say I'm going to read a specific genre instead of particular novels, but at least having a good idea of which genre I want to make a big hole in is a bloomin' good start...

Pigs Have Wings - PG Wodehouse - 1952 ****1/2

I enjoy Wodehouse's work tremendously, however I do more times than not find myself in a right pickle as to what is going on with all the characters. Each character is perfectly formed, but sometimes the sheer volume of them can get a bit overwhelming. However I think I have very nearly cracked it in this one, and was able (most of the time, although there were a few hiccups) to keep track of exactly what was going on and who had a relationship with who etc.
The book centres around the miraculous and noble Empress of Blandings (who of course is a pig of giant proportions and geniality) and the difficulties that Lord Emsworth is having trying to get her fattened up for the annual Fat Pig Competition (57,000 calories are to be consumed daily if I remember correctly!). In training for the gold is another pig, The Queen of Matchingham, who has been purchased sneakily by Lord Emsworth's neighbour Sir Gregory Parsloe to make Lord Emsworth paraniod about the competition. Both owners are obsessed with their pigs winning (we know from past stories of Lord Emswroth's fondness for the Empress) resulting in pig pilfering and mix ups from both sides, (it must surely be a sight to find a pig in your kitchen!) along with the usual broken engagements, (including being engaged to two women at once) ridiculous conversations, suspicious diet products and general hilarity from all parties. You also end the book wanting very much to know about the future of the Empress of Blandings, with as much affinity and excitement as you can muster!)
Everything is always resolved in Wodehouse's books, and you have a bloomin' laugh along the way too. One of the funnier ones I have read of his, producing ugly snorts from me on every page (much to the amusement of other people).

Started 2nd November
Finished 8th November

Complicit - Nicci French 2011 ***

I can't really tell what I thought of this. I want to think highly of it because it's the Nicci French team, but it certainly wasn't as good as the last one I read by them and I found the constant 'before' and 'after' chapters totally confused me.

Plus, Bonnie, the main protagonist is one of the most annoying and deeply unpleasant characters to read, and her actions in finding a body in her friend's flat are completely ridiculous. She is also supposed to be irresistable to all men but from her description sounds fairly unattractive. I must say I did figure out who the murderer was before the end, partly because of the complete lack of depth into the character that it couldn't really be anyone else. And I was amazed that I got to the end and found that I was no closer to understanding what was going on then when I was at the beginning.

Not as strong as their other works. It was certainly full of suspense, but probably not in the way it was supposed to be.

Started 30th November

Finished 2nd December

Fiesta: The Sun Also Rises - Ernest Hemingway 1926 *****

I have for a long time now, also had this impression that Hemingway was ridiculously hard to read like James Joyce, and so have never given him much of a chance. The second I started this book I knew that I had completely the wrong opinion.

Hemingway is incredibly easy to read, and much like Guy de Maupassant (to my delight) writes in a refreshing, honest and thoroughly modern way. The author was only in his mid-twenties when he wrote his debut novel and you would never in a million years imagine it.
The novel follows Jake as he travels from Paris to Pamplona for the bull fights with an assortment of friends (and enemies), including Brett Ashley who he is totally besotted with, but unfortunately so are most of the other male characters.

The novel is so readable, and you can read it so quickly that I was surprised when I found I had finished it last night. It's one of those books where you are so desperate to find out what happens next that you have your finger on the next page in excitement. Hemingway is a master of descriptive narrative, and reading his work really can transport you to another world and another time, isn't that what books are all about??

Started 25th November

Finished 30th November

The Book of Illusions - Paul Auster 2002 ***

This book started off brilliantly. It followed a man who, after losing his sons and wife in a plane crash decided to research an almost forgotten Silent Screen Star named Hector Mann and write a book about him. Hector Mann disappeared over 40 years ago and everyone assurmed he had died. But then one day after finishing the book, the man receives a telegram from someone claiming that Hector Mann is still alive, and wants to meet him.

It sounds fascinating to write about, and as I said it started off so well, but I was so disappointed by the end that I did think about giving up many times. However I struggled on until the end and then let out a huge sigh of relief. 3 Stars for the brilliant beginning, but a very disappointed sad face from me to have wasted time on this.

Started 22nd November

Finished 27th November

The Mysterious Affair at Styles - Agatha Christie 1916 **** 1/2

I spent a long while believing that 'The Murder of Roger Ackroyd' was the first Agatha Christie book, and then I realised that it was the book that supposedly topped the last few beforehand. I must say I agree. I thought this, her truly first offering was great. Tense, exciting , and completely mesmerising with Poirot's first entrance into the world of detective fiction. However I don't think for one minute that it was anywhere near as good as TMORA. It did seen quite apparent to me through reading, that this was the first book from Christie; you could tell by her descriptions of characters and events which went on for a bit too long (although she managed to tone this down in later novels).

I liked the story however (a signed will that is destroyed the day before the writer is murdered, a missing tea cup, and various bizarre goings on at a lovely old country house 'Styles' which only Poirot can solve), and was satisfied with the ending. I will certainly continue my quest to read more Agatha Christie, there really is no one else who can 'do it better.'

Started 20th November

Finished 22nd November

High Fidelity -Nick Hornby 2000 ****

This book was ridiculously easy to read, something that I really needed after slogging away at 'Jane Eyre'. The main protagonist Rob guides us through his disastrous relationship history, explaining why he feels none of them worked out, along with introducing us to his somewhat unexciting job in a record shop where he and his two collegues spends days making lists of their top five tunes/artists/genres etc.

We also find out that he has recently split up with his girlfriend Laura, and ponder on the reasons why and whether he will ever be able to win her back again.

One of the things about this story is that Rob is a very selfish man, simply excusing his behaviour as though he has a good given right to act this way simply because he is a male. He can't find any fault in himself, prefering to pin the negative reasons of his break ups on the women. He occasionally lets us know that this is the way men think and therefore it's acceptable and that it's all just a hilarious male joke. We are also left with no resolution which annoyed me, as I was hoping that Rob would have matured by the end of the novel, but he just appears the same, still making excuses for himself and that's not even a spoiler, just a fact.

However although Rob's way of thinking got to me a bit, I do appreciate that men do act this way, and therefore it wasn't exactly off the mark, and so for that reason it gets a 4 star rating for me.

Started 15th November

Finished 19th November