Two Lipsticks and a Lover - Helena Frith Powell

A book I read months ago and forgot to list. A lightly diverting book exploring the secret of the French woman's style, by a young English woman who moved to South of France with her husband for a lifestyle change. I only remember fragments now - of the French woman's obsession with expensive lingerie, of eating well but lightly, of the importance of dressing well both in and out of the home, etc.

Excursion to Tindari - Andrea Camilleri

My introduction to the Inspector Montalbano series, translated from Italian, set in Sicily. Wry and dark humour, with a funny and interesting protagonist who loves food and is a deep thinker. Entertaining.

A Thousand Splendid Suns - Khaled Hosseini

Finally I get around to reading this much talked about book, whilst the author's previous "The Kite Runner" still sits on my shelves unread. I didn't cry the buckets of tears that my friends did, but it's certainly a heart-tuggingly sad story set in Afghanistan's war-torn history. Often, reading such books, I just get angry at the senseless human cost of war and subjugation of women. Ah well.

An Instinct for the Kill - Antonella Gambotto

A series of interviews from this Australian journalist. Uncompromisingly revealing, no punches pulled, riveting interviews of various famous and infamous personalities. She is merciless in shining her spotlight and digging out intimate details - I would be rather nervous of being her interview subject. She is equally ruthless, affectionate, respectful, personal, intimate. A great read.

Picture Perfect - Jodi Picoult

An earlier book by this author. A woman loses her memory and is claimed by her husband, a famous handsome film star whom she doesn't remember, bringing her back to a larger than life existence of luxury. Interesting storyline which drew me to read the book, but not as compelling as Jodi Picoult's later books.

Man of My Dreams - Curtis Sittenfeld

Another great recommendation by Nancy Pearl of Book Lust. I thought it might be just chick lit, but a few pages in I realized it is a very special book with depth, honesty and defintely no glib lines. Such perceptive, honest, unvarnished writing with incredibly sharp observations of human behaviour and nature, in this young girl's journey in love and life. I wished I'd bought the book instead of borrowing it from the library.

The Interpretation of Murder - Jed Rubenfeld

I almost always prefer Australian cover art to the US ones - the latter doesn't do justice to the tone of the book. The Australian cover for this book is more representative of the atmospheric style of the book, set in 1909 when Dr Freud & Dr Jung visit New York. It weaves a murder of a young socialite in with psychological intricacies during a time when psychology was new and viewed with awe and suspicion. It's very well written and I thoroughly enjoyed the literary and philosophical style and the historical detail.

Pomegranate Soup - Marsha Mehran

A heartwarming story of 3 sisters from Iran who make a new life in a provincial Irish town, escaping ghosts of the past and cooking up a magical treat of exotic food. It was a light read, not engrossing but gently nurturing.

Mr Perfect - Linda Howard

An unusual combination of hot romance and murder thriller with equal weight to both -deliciously raunchy in one, and chillingly thrilling in the other. A light but engaging read.

Shantaram - Gregory David Roberts

Overwhelming, enveloping, fascinating, amazing - I never wanted its 900+ pages to end. True story of an Australian ex criminal, jail escapee; who goes on to even more amazing adventures in richly textured India and Bombay's underworld; who falls in love with a woman, with a country and its people. There is so much passion and humanity in this person, I felt that Australia couldn't contain him once he'd experienced India like this. The book's blurb does say he's now living in India. After this immersive mind-blowing book, other books I'm now reading seem insipid...

A Place Called Here - Cecilia Ahern

Something a little different - about a place where lost things end up, and a heroine whose childhood obsession with finding lost things becomes a career and which takes her to the one place she finds her answers. Put like this it doesn't sound that enticing, but once I allowed myself to suspend my idea of "reality" and let this whimsical story pull me in, it was quite magical and in a way a personal journey. Lost things have always bugged me. I could so relate to the heroine's childhood self who overturned her house and refused to rest until she found the missing object.

Hotel Heaven - Matthew Brace

Some fascinating peeks into how the select few are accomodated. While the writing was informative and reasonably entertaining, I found it rather choppy, as if it was written in short interrupted bursts. Only once, running over several pages, did the flow carry me from luxury safari in Africa to luxury desert in South America. Took me months to complete this, whilst I read other books in tandem. Still, worth a read.

Discovering the Body - Mary Howard

Two years on, after the day she discovered the murdered body of her friend, Linda re-explores her memory of what happened and starts to see what she missed the first time round. Deftly and almost sparsely written, it draws one in to final illumination of the mystery and of the relationships.

Special Topics in Calamity Physics - Marisha Pessl

What a trip! In the voice of a hugely well read and brainy teenage prodigy, this story is a thriller, murder mystery and exploration of the special relationship between a teenage girl and her father. It took me a few pages to get into the rather erudite habit of the protaganist in quoting book titles to illustrate various situations. Soon I started to laugh at the droll wit. The relationships are complex and engaging - between father and daughter, between protagonist and her mentor, between protaganist and friends; the end of the book haunted me for days. I started reading it in Melbourne, finished it in Singapore. Couldn't leave it behind.

Suspect - Michael Robotham

On a Michael Robotham library book binge, read The Night Ferry (see earlier entry), Suspect and Lost. My favourite is Suspect, his first one. I enjoy Robotham's characters who are deep and real, and emotionally complex. His first book Suspect features Joe McLoughlin the psychologist who becomes a major suspect in the murder of a woman who turns out to have once been his client, the second book features Detective Inspector Vincent Ruiz whom we met in the first book. The third book features Alisha Barba, Inspector Ruiz's protegee whom we met in the second book. This device creates a sort of continuity between the books without it being a series.

Marley & Me - John Grogan

Such a well written, funny, heartwarming book without a dull moment. I laughed out loud, and cried lots of tears, and still find myself thinking about Marley, that goofy irrepressible dog which the author has described so well, faults and all. This book was a surprise to me; it was more than just a dog story, it was about love, commitment, family, and unconditional love, told in a touching and engaging style that lingers in my heart.

The Night Ferry - Michael Robotham

An easy entertaining read about international human trafficking, with enough emotional content to lift it beyond a run of the mill thriller. For me, a new author - an interview of him in Good Reading Magazine interested me enough to read his books.

Three Dog Night - Peter Goldsworthy

I've read one other book by this author called Honk if you're Jesus, but in this one his style has acquired depth and angst. Martin and wife Lucy,both psychiatrists,who have come back from England after Martin's long absence from Australia, meet Martin's long time friend -a once brilliant surgeon who has changed from the person he knew. A complex relationship triangle develops. It's disturbing, mysterious, in a setting of Aboriginal initiations and dreamtime, a journey back to the desert, obsession, jealousy. I found the writing captivating, with phrases like "Early afternoon now, the air hazy with dust and pollen, air plankton stirred from the bottom of the deep, blue sky."

False Green Promise - Ron Hedleysmith

This detailed and moving book based on a true life story, chronicles the protagonist's journey as a teenager from 1950s England to Australia, as a young hopeful going to work on the land with the ultimate goal of owning his own farm. It alternates between first person and third person narrative, which effectively creates a moving account of the protagonist's physical and emotional journey, his trials, hopes, disappointments, and understandings about the way his life evolves. It's also fascinating for the historical perspective of what Australia was like from an individual's point of view. The evocative narration and the optimism and philosophical depth of the narrator touched me deeply, set within the bleakness of his early Australian experiences and later tragedies. It wasn't a book I could read quickly, like I normally do, it is dense with detail which is often interesting and engaging. There was only one section where I got bogged down a little by the detail, but throughout I felt a strong empathy for the protagonist's travails and his lost dreams. It ends up being incredibly uplifting and redemptive as he reaches some profound realisations about what his life has led up to.

Hotel Babylon - Imogen Edwards-Jones, Anonymous

More inside peeks - this time into the hotel industry. 24 hours at a fictional 5-star hotel, based on true events. Lots of little scandalous bits of gossip, intrigue, and petty bits. I "read" this in audiobook - the narrator was skilled in his characterisations and accents, which made for an enjoyable listen. But I thought Fashion Babylon more interesting. Hotel Babylon seemed more gossipy and frivolous. Still, interesting enough as light reading.

Fashion Babylon - Imogen Edwards-Jones, Anonymous

Great peek into the fashion world, how a designer range goes from concept to catwalk to store; the big names, the gossip, the fashion influencers. The wrong person seen wearing your label can be fashion suicide; the hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of freebies given to the top influencers like Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Moss, Madonna etc. "Cabbage" - the excess stock the contract factories sell via the backdoor which end up in the local market - some lucky person gets to buy an original designer label at a fraction of the price. The independent designer's dream of being bought up by a large name group like LVMH. The dramas of who gets to sit where at fashion shows, the who's who of the reviewers. All fascinating stuff.

The Birth of Venus - Sarah Dunant

Set in 15th century Renaissance Florence, it's evocative, colourful, thrilling and rich. This is my first time with Sarah Dunant, in fact I was looking for her latest book In the Company of the Courtesan but found this first. The story of Alessandra Cecchi, a young, precociously intelligent girl from one of the wealthy families in Florence - her talents, loves and fascination with the arts and a particular painter. I was beguiled from the first page with the mystery and exoticism in the writing and settings. Feeling melancholy & in bed with the flu, I was transported to another world.

Set Yourself Free - Shirley Smith

This book came to me as a gift from a stranger, someone who met Kurt at a course and gave this book to me. Thanks Robert! How serendipitous! I'm not unfamiliar with Codependency, having read John Bradshaw & Melody Beattie etc, but that was a long time ago. Codependency originates from the denial of the true self in order to survive within a dysfunctional system - as adults co-dependents are either attracted to addictive types or have an addictive personality. It's good to revisit with fresh eyes.

We need to talk about Kevin - Lionel Shriver

I expected much, with all the glowing reviews. I don't know where I got the idea from but I had thought it was based on a true story, but I realised once I started that it was fiction. I struggled at first with the verbose writing style - I found myself starting on a half dozen other books (diversion?) during the early part. The pace quickens to a horrific climax, but I thought that Kevin was too out and out evil to be believable - hard to imagine a 4 yr old child with such malice and cunning, who's so consistently evil as he grows up, and on the other hand, hard to imagine a more stupid father who so blindly sees only the best in his malignant son. Still, I did enjoy this book overall for its dense emotionality and complexity.

Almost French - Sarah Turnbull

Resisted reading this for awhile, for some vague reason like maybe it was just another bandwagon book. But when I finally read it, I found it quite engaging partly because of its Australian perspective. Funny to read of the writer's gradual transition from wearing baggy trackpants to becoming more stylish by osmosis as the environment began to have its effect. It provides insight into some common stereotypes of the French, and destroys some myths, clarifies others. Because she's with a French partner, it gives her more of an inside view, while her Australian origin provides an outsider's view. Still, threading through the narrative are the dilemnas of someone who's between 2 cultures. Finally at the end, she says she can now resonate with "Once you leave your homeland, nothing is ever the same" - said to her by a Greek man who felt Australian in Greece and Greek in Australia. So true.

Skin Revolution - Leslie Kenton

Haven't read Leslie Kenton for decades, though I own a few of her previous books. I read this one in bits & pieces over the last couple of months. A few nuggets of good info, especially about the Living Matrix skin spray, mineral-based makeup, and a couple of other things. Found the writing patchy, and whilst there is some leading edge info about skin care, it's still geared towards the mainstream and big brands. Nothing that stands out as particularly innovative.

The Time Traveler's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger

I just realised that I left out a whole lot of audiobooks I've "read". Rather than go back & list all of them - eeek, a daunting thought - I'll just list a few noteables now & then. I "read" this 3.5 years ago - the feelings it evoked still stay with me. Henry is prone to spontaneous time travel, a genetic problem. He first meets Clare on a time travel trip when she's 6 and he's 35. Starting in his mid thirties, he travels chaotically back & forth in time, but Clare travels forward steadily in time. So in "real time" when she accidentally meets him for the first time, he's only 28 and she's in her early 20s. At 28, he hasn't started time travelling yet, but she has known & loved him since she was 6! He doesn't recognise her! Confusing? It's a gorgeous book, so inventive, heart-wrenching, and bittersweet.

The Manny - Holly Peterson

Noted this new release when it was promoted in bookshops, then bought it on special. I was pleasantly surprised. Not your average chick lit; set in punchy, edgy, tough-talking New York in which Jamie lives and works, married to one of the rich set and living in "The Grid" bordered by 70th & 79th Streets and Park Ave & 5th Avenue. She hires a Manny (a nanny of the male persuasion)- a life changing decision with many repercussions. Great characters - my favourite is Ingrid. And of course Peter the manny is wonderfully depicted. A great, satisfying read!

Fragile Things - Neil Gaiman

I'm a Neil Gaiman virgin, so my first time has been captivating! I love the weirdness, the unexpectedness, the exotic-ness. I normally dislike short stories, preferring full length novels for the proper development of depth, character, etc. But this collection, apart from a couple of maybes, is full of mysterious and disturbing and compelling people, situations, and concepts. Couldn't put it down! And after finishing it, I went back to the intro where he gives the background of each story - more interesting after having read the stories.

Midnight in Manhattan - Francesca Delbanco

Different to Bergdorf Blondes and Debutante Divorcee, it's realistic rather than escapist, and I was looking for more of the latter, but I enjoyed it anyway. About Rosalie an aspiring actress whose day job as advice columnist for a teenage girlie magazine provides her with some identity angst. And her affair with the very attractive and wealthy father of her friend, and her eventual finding of true love.

The Debutante Divorcee - Plum Sykes

Wonderful and totally enjoyable escapism for me, like the author's Bergdorf Blondes - mixing with flakey socialites, the glitterati and elite of NY society in a glut of divorce showers, power christenings, memorable memorials, divorce honeymoons and carelessly decadent holidays, while the newly married protagonist starts wondering if she's due for her own divorce honeymoon soon when her gorgeous husband behaves suspiciously, and her society friends rally around her. Witty and never vacuous, the tone is wicked and tongue-in-cheek.

The Book Thief - Markus Zusak

Pity the cover art here is different from the Australian version which I think is more dramatic. Interesting prose, reminded me of a children's book style, with colourful and startling metaphors. Slow buildup - engaging, sad. Set in the wartime in Germany, about Liesel, a young girl who's fostered by a German couple, the deep relationships she forms with her foster dad Hans, her friend Rudy, a Jewish refugee they harbour, the mayor's wife, and Books. Narrated by Death him(her?)self, kept busy in this war, who holds a soft spot for Liesel.

Goodnight Nobody - Jennifer Weiner

An absorbing chick-lit mystery with humour and wit. I thoroughly enjoyed peeking into the lives of stylish wealthy suburban NY housewives while the heroine attempts to solve a murder amongst them, assuaging her own sense of isolation and boredom.

The Princessa - Harriet Rubin

Best summed up in the Amazon review: "Harriet Rubin urges women to triumph by turning their enemies into allies and their fear into power; by enlarging their sphere rather than defending it; and by learning to best instead of win." It's different from your usual self improvement tome, a bit mysterious with its Machiavellian-NOT style, oblique and long-winded, but with good sentiments and principles.

Dragonkeeper - Carole Wilkinson

Coincidentally, this was lent me by Joanne just as I was finishing The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, so this became my second children's book in a row, and I read it virtually in one sitting, because it's a charming heartwarming story about a young slave girl who becomes the companion of the last remaining dragon in China. In the company of Danzi the dragon, she realises her own true power and changes from a frightened shy slave girl into a strong and resourceful girl, as they journey across China to the Ocean, pitting their wits against dangers and enemies.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon

Finally got around to reading this much talked about young fiction. It's a very engaging book and the author manages to get inside the head of a teenaged autistic boy very convincingly, as the latter investigates the death of his neighbour's dog and starts to find out more and more things which had been kept from him. This teenage savant loves his mathematics and one gets to read a lot of fascinating info about everything from mathematical puzzles to the constellations. The protagonist's narration is bare-faced and honest,describing everything as he sees them, including the adults' swearing and misbehaviours.

Eat Pray Love - Elizabeth Gilbert

A book I read with anticipation, having read reviews and heard the author interviewed on a podcast. I liked her voice, and that goes a long way towards my perception of someone! The sensuous Italian delights of food, mellowness and good company, while the author learns Italian and recovers from the emotional backlash of her divorce & heartbreak of a broken relationship, was a journey I willingly travelled with her. She writes with a wry humour, and though sometimes her grieving is almost maudlin, overall the book is quite enjoyable. After the first 4 months, we move on to India and her emotional and spiritual journey in an ashram where she meets a few interesting characters. The identity of the ashram and guru are deliberately not divulged, but there's no attempt to disguise the details so it's obvious to me which guru & ashram it is. The last 4 months is in Bali, captivating in a different way, where we meet a new cast of characters - the medicine man who was her reason for being there, the locals, the expatriate community, the herbalist woman friend whom she helps to obtain a much needed home. And a lovely ending, but best left to readers to find out for themselves!

The Brief History of the Dead - Kevin Brockmeier

I finally got around to reading this book which Nancy Pearl reviewed so glowingly for its unusual premise, ie that we all exist as long as someone remembers us in the world -- so the multitudes who die go into this parallel world where they live amongst others who are still remembered by someone, and they work and play pretty much like what they do in the "real" world, and only when the last remaining person who remembers them, however vaguely, has died will they then disappear into the great hereafter. The chapters alternate between this parallel world and the "real" world where a viral epidemic has wiped out pretty much most of the population, except for a few people on an expedition in the Arctic or Antarctic (can't remember which). I found it rather melancholy to read about a world whose people have been wiped out, and the seemingly pointless lives of those in the parallel world. It was quite an engaging read in the first half or so, when the suspense of wondering what happened to the others on the expedition and what would happen to Laura kept the pages turning, then I found myself skimming past the long winded mental perambulations of the parallel world characters.

The Hills of Tuscany - Ferenc Mate

Another Italy book as "research" for our dream of living there. The author evokes a familiar environment of good food, wonderful people, great culture. Settling in a farmhouse near Montepulciano, he wrote that he didn't want to do the same old gorgeous food type book, but it's hard to not talk about food in a setting like this where the seasons and lives are so intertwined with good food and good company, so we get drawn into the mushroom hunting season, the home-made wines and prosciutto and green aromatic olive oils and truffles. I found the writing styles of Under the Tuscan Sun and Extra Virgin more engaging, but still I enjoyed this story and there were a few laughs too. What a pity for our dream that it seems one should either be financially independent and/or a writer to support one's life there.

Journey of Souls - Michael Newton

Borrowed this book from Moni, read it all, then discovered that I have my own copy waiting on the bookshelves to be read. That's what happens when I buy too many books and can't catch up with reading them all! It's the type of book I read by the dozen long long ago, and though I feel I've read enough of them, this one was riveting enough to be read in one or two sittings. If true, it provides a fascinating look into what we get up to between lives, and how we've planned for our life lessons, however hard & unfair it appears once the veil of forgetfulness shields our between-life memories.