Loses its way after a while

I think this book is like marmite - you either love it or hate it. <br /><br />I, like so many other reviewers, fell for the hype surrounding The Lovely Bones. At first, it is a gripping story and really pulls the reader in. My heart went out to the family who try to come to terms with the devastating loss of their child and I found myself wiping tears away as I was reading. <br /><br />However, the story starts to lose its way after a few chapters and unfortunately I found it so depressing that I just could not complete it. Every page just made me feel even more bleak and I found myself avoiding the book which is a shame as I am an avid reader. As I didn't finish it, I can't comment on the end and I may be missing out on what could be a wonderful ending but for the sake of my mental health, I'll give it a miss for now! <br /><br />If you choose to read this, I hope that you enjoy it but don't automatically expect it to be a 5 star read due to all the rave reviews because you may be left disappointed.

Loved it!

I loved it. Reading the last part late at night did make it difficult to sleep: the subject matter is rather unpleasant. But I still loved it!

Breaking Dawn

<br />Great book and have enjoyed the whole series can't wait for the film to be released.

Absorbing and enlightening

This book perfectly presents Mantel's ability to portray historical characters in a context that makes the reader see, hear, smell, and taste history. Every word works to transport you into Thomas Cromwell's world of intrigue,hubris, triumph, and betrayal.

True to life

I hate having to give reviews a title and this is a really corny title! Ok, gripe over. I loved this book. I really enjoyed Starter for Ten which made me laugh out loud in a way that this novel didn't but I think this is probably the better book. Emma and Dexter meet on their graduation day, having spent four years at Edinburgh University. Emma had fancied the very handsome Dexter from afar but didn't manage to get off with him as we Scots say until they were about to go their separate ways. They agree to stay in touch and the book then revisits them on the same day over the course of twenty years. Nichols is devastingly honest about a certain type of commitment phobic male and for the first half of the novel it is difficult to like Dexter with his alcohol and drug problems and his promiscuity. Emma is a more sympathetic and mature character throughout. Nichols brings in the social and political background of the twenty years in an effortless way and this adds a depth to the novel, making it more than a romance. Certain things stand out: the difference in weddings over the years which is written about very humorously; Emma's realisation that perhaps she may have left it too late to have children; the breakdown of the various relationships which are written about with gut wrenching honesty. What's best though is the way the characters develop over the years. They change, just as real people do and I was devastated by the ending which made me cry out loud in shock. I agree with some of the more negative views that at times it was a little slow and that Dexter is very irritating at times but stick with it. It's worth it.

Fantastic Book

This is one of my favourite books. The book is much better than the film!

A bit disappointing

Overall a good read but annoying. It's the typical"Let me stay and look after you". "Oh no I'm fine, you go home I'll be ok" .......and of course she's not fine and it's not ok! What a surprise.

Delightful.

I thought the book was lovely and delightful. True, it is a little fairy story (albeit with a social conscience), but sometimes that is very welcome. I also thought the end was a bit of a let down - mainly due to the change in approach (no longer in"letter" form, but in"diary" form) - but overall the book was still a breath of fresh air. Easy reading without being facile.

went yesterday!

This is the fourth bad book in a row for Lee Child. Less action, less interesting and more bragging of all the useless information Reacher knows that in no way helps him solve the mystery he's dealing with. Where are the fantastic characters like in 'Tripwire'? or the story line like 'persuader'? or the action of 'killing floor'? Reacher as a character has stunted growth, needing much development as at the moment he is as flat as a bottle of Liddles own cola pop. Please write something worth reading again Lee!

Catcher in the Rye

After reading rave reviews for this book I must say that I was extremely disappointed with the content. To me it read like the diary entries of a seven - year old that had been put into book-form .I shall certainly not be purchasing any further reading from this author .

Dead and Gone

This book is an exciting continuation of the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris. She maybe isn't the greatest literary writer of the century! but she tells a great story - you just have to suspend all belief and accept that vampires and all other 'supes' exist - please writer faster, Ms Harris - can't wait for your next episode in Sookie's life

Another excellent story

If you are 'into' reading Alexanda McAll Smith you will know what to expect, but as ever this gentle story of Mma Ramotswe and Botswana is full of excellent human observation and wisdom and humour. You will enjoy it!

The Time Traveler's Wife audio book

Glad I listened to the audio book as I found the book hard going. Enjoyed the story. Brought it to life just listening to it.

twenties girl by sophie kinsella

This book was ordered for my wife to take away on holiday.<br />It arrived well packaged and in time for our holiday.<br />We were both impressed.

me likeey

i am on my 4th book and i can really say i am enjoying it. gets a little fairytaillly but i guess thats what its all about:)

THE HOST

This book was excellent ,Ithoughtit was as good as the Twilight Series ;cant wait for futher books from this auther .

wonderfully evocative

This is class. The detail is incredible. The story is rich and multi-layered, as are the characters. It evokes the time beautifully. This is a fantastic book and I most definitely recommend this. Wonderful.

A delight

How wonderful that a book written so long ago can tell me so much that I did not really grasp about the lives of Germans during the 2nd WW.<br />I think that the translation is so good that it feels as if it could have been written in original English.<br />The story roams over many different characters in the disaster that was Nazi Germany and we learn how some managed to cope and thrive as others failed to do so.<br />So captivated was I that I finished this book in three days, which for me is akin to speed reading!<br />I hope to discover more writing from this era if the standard is as high.

Gripping - but you must get passed chapter three!

I loved this story and could hardly wait for the end whilst not wanting to get to the end! I must travel to Ethiopia for my next leave. I fell in love with Ghosh and cried real tears at one point. I have listed it for my choice in our lawyers book club next month. I highly reccommed it if you want something that has twists and turns, is easy to read but challeging at the same time. One would easily be convinced it is a true story and it has a satisfying ending to boot. Read it!