'Tis - Frank McCourt

Sequel to Angela's Ashes. I wasted no time reading this after I finished Angela's Ashes. It continues on in America in his adult life, and the writing continues to be engaging, wryly funny and a great read! Which is amazing when the subject matter is not always uplifting, but the author always uplifts with his writing. He's a late bloomer who wrote his first bestseller in his 60s, surprising himself as he'd only hoped it'd be a modest seller, a little memoir for his grandchildren. I guess everyone knows Frank McCourt by now.

Angela's Ashes - Frank McCourt

It's not new I know, but that's how long I've taken to read it. It's been sitting on my bookshelf for years because I thought it'd be too dismal a subject - the poverty-stricken Irish Catholic childhood. But how wrong I was. The writing is wonderful, a great read, and Kurt even looked askance at me when I giggled to myself often at the wry humour. I've now got the other books 'Tis and Teacher Man.

Playing Away - Adele Parks

My occasional foray into chick lit. I classify them into too light or reasonably insightful. This one was good fun, but was on the border between light & insightful, for me. Maybe because I can't relate to the heavy drinking & partying 20 to 30 somethings in here? A good read nevertheless.

Blink - Malcolm Gladwell

I'm still in the middle of this - it's fascinating and well written. I heard someone criticising it on a pocast book review for devaluing rational thinking; I think that's not what Blink is about - it's so much more. Something interesting to learn about & possibly shock yourself, visit my other blog here I'm going to be reading Malcolm Gladwell's The Tipping Point next, as I like Blink so much. Reading in reverse order, as Blink is the later book.

Songs of the Humpback Whale - Jodi Picoult

Another of Jodi Picoult's recent offerings which reads well but somehow leaves me untouched. I don't really like the recent style which is more complex & clever, but less engaging. I prefer the older novels - Keeping Faith, The Pact, Second Glance etc

Vanishing Acts - Jodi Picoult

About a woman who finds out the truth about herself and her father, and her emotional journey through the past. I am a fan of Jodi Picoult but her later novels, while increasing in complexity are decreasing in emotional impact. I find myself enjoying the story and its emotional motifs, but I am not emotionally involved myself.

Second Glance - Jodi Picoult

A great read about ghosts and ghost hunters in the context of an ancient murder and a second chance at love. In words of a reviewer "Second Glance is an intricate and suspenseful ghost story that enchants and illuminates all the way to its powerful conclusion."

April Witch - Majgull Axelsson

Translated from Swedish, this unusual story is about Desiree, a totally disabled woman given up at birth by a mother who goes on to raise 3 foster daughters. A witch with paranormal powers, Desiree sets out to find out which one of her sisters is living the life which should have been hers. Unaware of her existence, her sisters' lives change when Desiree sets in motion events and confrontatins between her sisters as they are beset by memories and regrets. Sad, poignant and sometimes a little bleak, but rich characters and a hopeful end.

The Way the Crow Flies - Ann-Marie MacDonald

800+ pages of a poignant, emotionally wrenching and deeply satisfying story of a little girl growing up in the early sixties, and the web of intrigue that surrounds a local murder and the repercussions on her and her family. It took me 200 pages before I got into the book, initially it seemed a bit wordy and overly detailed describing the minutiae of a little girl's and her family's life. But after that it just grabbed me and pulled me along in an intense grip of emotion and feeling. Very interesting detail about Project Paperclip the hush-hush project about importing Nazi war criminals into USA.

Mr Golightly's Holiday - Salley Vickers

This is the second book I've read by Salley Vickers, the first being Miss Garnet's Angel. I find it hard to describe the books, although the reviews use words like "artfully wrought... superbly crafted..." I think the review which says "fun, reflective and quietly jubilant" is closer to my view. Her subject matter is lightly mystical or ethereal, her writing style lucid. It's very obvious from the beginning who Mr Golightly is, although I wasn't sure if the author meant it to be obvious or not. Or was being ironic. I prefer my books to be more involving, but I would read her books again. Instances of the Number 3 is waiting on my bookshelf to be read.

Good Faith - Jane Smiley

Absorbing read about relationships, money, real estate and deception. I got quickly drawn into the life of Joe who is a reasonably successful real estate salesperson, intrigued by a new friend Marcus who draws him into a high risk real estate scheme. The relationships are interesting - there were hints of disturbing undercurrents whilst the surface appeared gratifying and reassuring.

Fleur De Leigh's Life of Crime - Diane Leslie

Coincidence that I read this right after Maybe the Moon. Both set in the movie world. As the only child of a self-absorbed mother who's an ex-actress and star of a radio show, and a distant TV producer father, Fleur is subjected to a procession of nannies and in her droll yet innocent way learns from the passing parade of people in her life what real love is. Funny and touching.

Maybe the Moon - Armistead Maupin

The heroine is 31 inches high, a has-been in the movie world still looking for a break, in her optimistic, funny and sassy style. It's not the sort of book I'm normally drawn to, but it was poignant. And a little bleak for me. But enjoyable.