What other people are reading, and what I have not

Yesterday, like I said, I went to Oxford. It was a strange experience. Going without kids, travelling by train. I can't remember the last time I did that. And the thing that I like most about taking public transport, aside from all that extra reading time, is being nosey and checking out what other people are reading. Other people must do that too, surely? I've never gotten up the nerve to actually ASK such a person what they're reading, but I do try to walk by several times and glance surreptitiously. Who knows, maybe I'm not all that subtle about it like I think I am.

And yes, people were reading mostly newspapers and magazines (boring). But there were a few others like me, with their noses in their books. And as I was quite into my own novel, I wasn't able to check out many titles. I did see one lady with The Shack by William Young and another girl with a Tamora Pearce book. But at one point, I looked up to see if the train approaching was for me and realised I'd been standing next to this man reading who was so engrossed in his own book that he didn't even take a glance at the train. And he was reading in such a way that I could clearly see what book it was. Ninteen Eighty Four by George Orwell.

And I thought to myself, man, there's a book I should read. I've been meaning to for years, it keeps being short-listed as a book I'd like to read and I never get around to it. When I came home and had a look at my shelves, I found there were loads of books like that. Three Sarah Waters' books, On Beauty by Zadie Smith, all those Kate Atkinson books I'm hoarding.

So, I thought I'd try to keep better track of them. Write them all down and maybe by looking at them, things might change. Magically. It's interesting, the things that are on people's TBR shelves, right? I thought so, you can look at the list too. It's here. I tried to change the date so that it wouldn't show up in google reader and whatever, but it didn't quite work. Sorry. Here's the list.

You could make suggestions for me to read next? Which ones to avoid, maybe? You can tell me how great a certain title is and I'll feel guilty that I've had the book for more than a year (or more) and still haven't gotten around to it. I must read more of my own books! I must, I must. Or you can just tell me something nice, like how your TBR list is so much longer and makes mine look puny. Either way, I'll be happy!

How many books are on your TBR list anyway?

Sunday Salon, a break from my blogging break!

Can you believe it's been two weeks since I lasted posted on this poor neglected blog? What's that you say? You didn't miss me at all? To be honest, I didn't really miss the place either. It's been kind of nice without the pressure of writing reviews and posting regularly. I felt like I had more room to breathe. I may or may not be back today, but I did something very bookish today and thought I'd share.



Today, I went into Oxford to hear Philip Pullman speak about his new book, The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ. It's part of the Canongate Myths series, and it was quite fascinating to hear him talk about it. His reasons behind writing the book, some of the research that he did. He talked a bit about his writing process and the style in which he wrote it. I had a great time. Photos weren't allowed, but I kind of wish now I'd brought something along to write down notes of some of the funnier bits that he said. Oh well. I left the place with a big smile on my face. And a signed copy of the book. That'll be keeping me company tonight, I'm sure.

As for the last two weeks, it's been kind of slow. The main reason I wasn't around is that I had an assignment due for my university course that took up a great deal of time. Which only left the smallest amount of time left over to read. I did manage to finish a few books though.

Two weeks ago I was reading Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby. I mostly enjoyed that, except I hate it when books are left open-ended. That gets right on my nerves. It was nice to read a Nick Hornby book that I enjoyed: I didn't get very far with some of his latest titles. Then I read two e-books that were kindly sent to me. The first, Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson was really powerful and emotional. It brought back a lot of memories of my own experiences as a teenager with an eating disorder/self-harm. It was sort of a painful subject to return to, but I'm glad I did. I was able to see how far I'm come since my teen years. I need that every now and again. I went from that to The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan. And I found myself quite surprised by how much I enjoyed that. Zombies aren't a topic I've read a great deal about, but I managed to fly right through this book. Quite looking forward to Dead Tossed Waves now.

After that, I picked up Guitar Girl by Sarra Manning. Manning is one of my favourite YA authors, and Guitar Girl was very enjoyable, a nice combination of an interesting female main character, music and a bit of romance. Fun times. And then, because I'd booked my ticket to this Philip Pullman thing today, I read A Short History of Myth by Karen Armstrong which seems to be a companion book to the series? It was definitely interesting, if a little too short for my liking. I was sort of inspired to read a whole bunch of other books after reading it. Mostly fairy tales and other myths and things. (the Once Upon a Time challenge, anyone?)

Then, (!!) I picked up The Unnamed by Joshua Ferris. I finished it this morning on the train. I really loved it. I'm sure other bloggers have enjoyed this one, but I can't remember where I've seen the raves just now. But I did enjoy myself. I was wondering if I'd like his other book... we'll see, I guess. And, because of course I brought a spare book with me, I started Graceling by Kristin Cashore. Only about 25 pages into it so far, but I'm liking it.

And, if that's not enough, I keep making piles for the readathon! It'll be my first year participating and I'm super-excited about it. Here are some of the books I'm considering

Sorry for the poor photo quality, it was taken with my camera phone in the garage with poor lighting. (from top to bottom)

I Was Told There'd Be Cake by Sloane Crosley (short essays)
Child X by Lee Weatherley
What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know by Sonya Sones
Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson
The Body Artist by Don DeLillo
Girl Meets Boy by Ali Smith
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by JK Rowling
Quidditch Through the Ages by JK Rowling
Girl With Glasses by Marissa Walsh
The Thing With Finn by Tom Kelly
The Great American Mousical by Julie Andrews

What're you reading today? Have you been to many author events? Are you joining Dewey's 24 hour readathon?

Sunday Salon: Happy Mothers Day!

It is Mothers Day here in England, I hope everyone is having a nice relaxing day! N and the boys and I went for a walk in the park earlier and later N is making a nice dinner for us. It's been a lovely day, if only I were feeling better! Woke up with a bit of a cold, so I'm hoping a couple of hour's rest with my book will be just what I need right now.

Since last Sunday, I have managed to finish five books and write just the one review here on the blog. I've been feeling such writer's block lately when it comes to book reviews. I am slowly writing more reviews though and I should be back on schedule sometime this week. So even though I *will* review these books soon enough, here are some brief thoughts on what I've read this week.

Last Sunday, I'd just started Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman and was enjoyed it immensely. We took the boys to a tube and bus depot yesterday, and seeing some of the memorabilia about the tube made me sort of giggle remembering Neverwhere and how Gaiman had brought the names of the tube stations and things to life in his novel. I did feel a little sad finishing this book, because apart from his graphic novels, one short story collection and Good Omens, the novel he collaborated with Terry Pratchett with, I've read all of Neil Gaiman's work. It saddens me when that happens. I am however looking for a copy of the series, Neverwhere.

After Neverwhere, I picked up Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols. I'd read a review of it over at Books. Lists. Life. last year and Lisa convinced me to search the book out. I was not disappointed at all and even stayed up far too late trying to finish it. I really, really couldn't put this book down at all, and I couldn't wait to see how it all ended. I'm sure review will be gushy, I'm warning you now.

And because I seem to be on a YA roll at the moment, I then picked up Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan. I'd seen the movie with Michael Cera, but I much preferred the book. It felt like the book had more attitude and the sexual tension between Nick and Norah was far more evident in the book. I've put the other book written by Cohn and Levithan on my list, Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List.

And just when I thought my week couldn't get any better, I recieved a proof copy of Della Says OMG! by Keris Stainton in the post. I squealed, I really did. I was so excited to read Keris' first novel. I had really high expectations for it, and that always makes me nervous, but the book totally lived up to it. I found myself completely relating to Della and I actually started squirming from embarassment when her diary pages start making their way back to her because it felt like I was Della. Oh, it was a wonderful read.

And finally, N managed to find a copy of Ransom My Heart by Mia Thermopolis with Meg Cabot at the library and brought it home for me! It's the romance novel Princess Mia writes for her senior thesis. I really loved Finn and Hugo together. Everything about the book was so much fun to read, but with Meg Cabot writing it, how could it not be?

As for today, I've just started Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby. I'm only a couple of chapters in so far. I'm hoping that while Littlest is having his nap I'll have a few hours of uninterrupted time to myself. And if I fall asleep, that'll be OK too...

Happy reading everyone! What've you read recently and what're you reading today?

REVIEW: Flowers For Algernon by Daniel Keyes

I picked up Flowers For Algernon by Daniel Keyes on a whim. I'd gone into the sci-fi section of my library after reading Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card hoping to find one of sequels. Instead the glaring pink cover of (the copy of the library book I picked up of) Flowers For Algernon called to me. I remember in some class, high school maybe?, we'd looked at some extracts of the short story. Because it was a rather large extract, I'd always thought I'd read the whole story but it turns out that I didn't.

Either way, Flowers For Algernon was worth the time it took to read it. It was so sad and powerful. If you're not familiar with the story, I'll just briefly recap it: Charlie Gordon has an IQ of only 68 and works in a bakery doing menial jobs. He's approached by scientists at the local university who have been doing experiments on mice that increases intelligence. Charlie agrees to be the first human labrat, if you will. The novel is laid out in a series of progress reports written by Charlie leading up to the procedure and the months that follow.

But with the increase in intelligence comes other aspects that Charlie never expected. His eyes are open to the many mistreatments he has borne throughout his life, specifically by his friends and his family. Charlie goes for the idea of this operation in order to fit in with the people most important to him, to feel like he belongs and is able to hold a conversation with other people, as well as in that hopes that his mother will finally be proud of him. Instead, his super-intelligence leads him to be just as lonely and alone as he was before.

Flowers For Algernon really made me think. About the morality of research experiments in the name of science, the way in which the mentally disabled are treated, the relationship between intellectual and emotional development. It also made me feel. I didn't think of the book as being overly manipulative and I think it could have been. Charlie is a wonderful character and throughout he completely pulled at my heartstrings and made me care about him. I thought this book was brilliantly done and had me unable to put the book down. Even now, weeks after reading it, and I can't stop thinking of Charlie and Algernon...

Read for: 100+ challenge, Support Your Local Library

Cherishing these moments

Do you ever get that feeling? That wonderful feeling that you're both incredibly happy and incredibly lucky at the same time? I've been getting that feeling a lot lately. Just these little moments in my life, that I want to grab hold of and remember forever. Walking Oldest home from school as he's telling me stories about his day. Tucking the boys in at night, hearing Littlest joining in with the storytimes. Sitting in bed with my book, laughing with N and feeling calm and at peace.

I am both incredibly happy and incredibly lucky.

And I don't think that I realise it enough. I don't think that I say thank you enough to the wonderful people in my life. My gorgeous, clever, kind boys. N who is so thoughtful and hardworking. My mother-in-law who is generous with her time and her help. And you, my wonderful blog-readers, who constantly put a smile on my face. Thank you to you all.

I write this hoping that you too be appreciative of those wonderful little moments, the many joys in our lives. And I am sorry this turned out so sappy...

Sunday Salon: First week in March

It's kind of amazing how quickly time passes sometimes. It's already a week into March! This week, I went to one of my few tutorials for the university course I'm taking and the words 'exam preparation' were mentioned. My youngest son is turning *2* this month. This year will mark my ten year moving-to-the-UK anniversary AND my wedding anniversary. Anyway, I'm sure I'm not alone in freaking out at the passage of time.

Today was mostly spent in the company of trains. We took the boys to a Day Out With Thomas event at a local railway centre. It was a little too cold though, and we spent a lot of our time in the Thomas train, being shuttled to and from the stations, trying to stay out of the bitter wind. We left earlier than expected. On the way home, we picked up some newspapers that had the special World Book Day vouchers, which entitled us to get BOGOF on books. We stopped off at a Waterstone's and I picked up two books: The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien and a Paul Auster book I hadn't read before.

I'm looking forward to reading them both, but I've also had word that I should be getting a copy of a different book in the post soon (Della Says OMG! by Keris Stainton, which I'm DYING to read), so I don't think I'll be picking up anything that will take up too much of my time right now because I'll just cast it aside when Della arrives anyway.

As for my personal reading: I've read three books this week: Wonder Boys by Michael Chabon, Flowers For Algernon by Daniel Keyes and Boy by Roald Dahl. I loved them all. My review of Wonder Boys is already up. Flowers For Algernon was absolutely heartbreaking and I cried on several occasions. I'd read snippets of it before for a class but I didn't realise until recently that I hadn't read the whole thing. It was incredibly sad and I'm really glad that I've finally read it. As for Boy, I'm still surprised that I hadn't read it sooner. I'm sure I'd have loved it more if I'd read it around the same time I'd read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or Matilda or some of his others. It was still cute and enjoyable reading though, especially the bits that sort of explained some of his inspiration for his stories.

And the book I'm reading at the moment is Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman. I've had it for awhile, it's one of those books I always meant to read sooner. Whenever I'm trying to decide which book to read next, I generally select 4-5 books from my TBR shelves that I'm kind of excited to read or books that I think would fit the mood I'm in at the moment. And several times over the last few months Neverwhere has ended up in that collection of maybe-books and hadn't been chosen. I figured now is the time. I'm about 120 pages into it so far, and quite enjoying it. It's Neil Gaiman, of course I'm enjoying it! And when I'm finished with this post, I intend to switch the computer off and curl up in bed with it until my Littlest wakes up. It sounds like an excellent plan to me!

What're you reading?

REVIEW: Monsoon Summer by Mitali Perkins

Monsoon Summer by Mitali Perkins is the book that dragged me out of my all-consuming book-slump. I mentioned before that I'd not heard of Mitali Perkins until recently when without any real reason, I started following her on Twitter. She shares quite a few great links about books and reading for teens and children, and I love that. I managed to acquire a copy of her book based on those tweets. Is that sad? I don't regret it though. Monsoon Summer was a sweet, fun read.

Jazz Gardner is 15 and totally in love with her best friend and business partner, Steve. They are, however, just friends. And they look set to remain that way since Jazz and her family will be spending the summer in India during the monsoon season as her mother sets up a prenatal clinic at the orphanage where she lived before being adopted by an American family. While in India, Jazz becomes aware of the different cultural aspects between America and India. The poverty, the prejudices of the caste system, the possibility of marriage at very young ages. She's pretty firm on her resolve to stay out of it, especially her mother's 'do-good' activities at the orphanage. But the monsoon season is said to be a bit magical, and might soon work its wonders on Jazz...

I loved that Jazz is of mixed race. I don't find many great characters like her who are. And it's something I'd like to read more of, being mixed race myself. I'd like my kids to be able to read books of characters with a mixed race backround so that can have someone to relate to. Even without that though, I'd find Jazz to be quite a relateable character. She's funny and talented and doesn't yet see how being different isn't all bad. Her lack of self-esteem, both in her appearance and her abilities is quite believable. She tried once before to do something good for someone else and it didn't work out and the whole experience has left her with this extreme self-doubt. It really takes the entire summer, watching her family transform in different ways for her to realise that things are changing, and so is she.

I loved the friendship between Jazz and Danita. The relationship between Jazz and Steve is qutie cute as well. The little brother wasn't annoying. The overall themes of philanthropy, while obvious and apparent in the novel, weren't overbearing. I had quite a few tears at the end of this book, I enjoyed it that much. I'll be looking out for books by Mitali Perkins, and so should you.

Read for: 100+ book challenge, YA Reading challenge

REVIEW: Wonder Boys by Michael Chabon

Sorry for the lack of reviews around these parts, I'm in the middle of a writer's block and I'm hoping that writing reviews in a reverse order will help.

So, Wonder Boys by Michael Chabon. I didn't love it as much as I loved The Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, but that it isn't to say that I didn't love it all. Part of the reason is that I'd seen the film version with Michael Douglas (who I don't generally like) many years ago and was familiar with the storyline. I did start it thinking 'I've seen the film, it's very similar, why carry on?' but I'm glad I did. The characters (the male ones, at least) are more developed, the story is slightly more intricate, and once I got going, the experience was better with the book. What I loved about Wonder Boys is the combination of the very ordinary life occurrences seated right next to the very bizarre.

Grady Tripp is our narrator of Wonder Boys, a middle-aged, constantly stoned author/professor who is struggling to finish his follow-up novel after winning some literary award. It isn't writer's block he's facing, but quite the opposite. His manuscript is well over 2,000 pages and he just can't stop writing the thing. Then his friend and agent, Terry Crabtree comes into town and a series of bizarre events occur taking Tripp on this weird and wonderful weekend journey.

What I love most about Wonder Boys is how Chabon was able to juggle so many storylines and characters. We have Tripp, his friend Crabtree. Tripp's wife, Emily. His mistress, Sara. James Leer, a suicidal young student and writer. All with their own quirks and interesting backstories and habits. And we have this weird plot involving a dead dog, a boa constrictor, Marilyn Monroe's jacket, a Passover dinner involving three Korean Jews, and a tuba, of all things. And I love that the book isn't really about any of those things, but more about the interactions between the characters as well as the pitfalls and pressures of writerly life.

Even though the book really chronicles the many ways in which Grady Tripp's life is spinning out of control, I found it all to be hilarious. I couldn't stop snorting at the absolute weirdness of it all. I'd have loved to be at that Passover dinner with Tripp's wife and in-laws, but I'd also have liked it if some of the female characters had more depth to them that Tripp, Crabtree and Leer had. Still, overall a wonderful experience. I'd recommend Wonder Boys as a good stepping stone into Chabon's work.

Read for: TBR Challenge, 100+ reading challenge