I haven't done a Thursday book day post for ages. Not sure why. And today's Friday. I'm nothing if not flexible. Or slack. You choose.
A friend put me on to Jodie Picoult. I hadn't read any of hers before as being a bit of a book snob I dismissed them as being too chick lit-ish for my highbrow tastes (;p says she typing this in trackie pants and Explorer socks).
I was drawn to Plain Truth by the fact that it is set in Lancaster County and I do have a passing interest in the Amish people. There's a few topics that are guaranteed to get me reading a book and the Amish is one of them, along with Tudor England, World War II and anything set in Melbourne.
Having previously been so dismissive of her work, I have to say I stand corrected and chewed through this in about three days and it's not a slim book. Is Jodie Picoult is the Cathy Kelly or Maeve Binchy for people who don't like romance, sex or Ireland?.jpg)
Continuing the theme of must reads, I just finished The White Queen by Phillipa Gregory. Having read all her Tudor England books I had to read this one. I think this is her poorest historical one yet. You know how in Finding Nemo they used used slow witted Dory as a vehicle to keep restating the story line to toddlers? I think Ms Gregory wrote this with a dopey fish in mind. There is a lot of characters to keep up with in this book, but sheesh, please don't reiterate who they are every few pages.
Like my question about the re-routing of St Kilda Road, where our Australian accent comes from and why it is so uniform across the country is a question that has long puzzled me. Thanks to Speaking our Language by Bruce Moore I may have my answer. If you have any interest at all in the English Language as spoken here in Australia, I suggest you read this book. Better still, first read The Adventure of English by Melvyn Bragg, then Speaking Our Language. Fascinating!
Finally, the best book I've read this year. Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides won the Pulizer Prize for Fiction in 2003 and deservedly so. Read it. Really, you must.
Next Up on the reading pile:
- The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, John Boyne
- The Story of Edgar Sawtell, David Wroblewski
- The Road Less Travelled, M Scott Peck
8 comments:
Too chick-lit-ish for you???
I take it then you have never read any Janet Evanovich novels? Sometimes books can be good just for a good damn laugh - you don't know what you're missing out on.
You know, book for every occassion/mood and all that?
I've heard that about Middlesex. I'm sure my sister has recommended it down the line somewhere...
I'm currently reading a fab book called 'In the Woods' by Tana French. That is set in Ireland in modern times so I wonder if you'd enjoy it? *heehee* I'm reading it ever so slowly (due to lack of time/tired/you understand) but I am savouring it at the same time.
Ooh, snap! I like Plain Turth too, found nealry all of her books at an op shop, so ave read heaps and like them. And loved Middlesex, after being recommended by my sister.
I LOVED the Other Boylen Girl by Phillipa Gregory, but another book fan told me not to bother with her other ones, as that was her best!! Now you've seconded that!
Ooh, snap! I like Plain Turth too, found nealry all of her books at an op shop, so ave read heaps and like them. And loved Middlesex, after being recommended by my sister.
I LOVED the Other Boylen Girl by Phillipa Gregory, but another book fan told me not to bother with her other ones, as that was her best!! Now you've seconded that!
Middlesex is in my bookshelf so perhaps I should pick that up sooner rather than later.
I've just read the Millenium Trilogy (you know The girl with the dragon tattoo/played with fire/kicked hornets nest). Loved them.
Perhaps I'll take a look at Plain Truth too.
I have about 6 Jodi Piccoults over here if you want to borrow them - was thinking of selling them on eBay. thought they were low-brow too, but made for easy reading in hospital. However, once you've read, say 6, you've read them all. Very 'formula'. What did you ever think of that dreadful Twilight book I gave you ? Oppie?
And I too, have also stopped reading the Tudor novels for the same reasons as you. I am not stupid, thanks Phillippa.
ATM, I am v. slowly reading the Time Traveller's Wife, whcih I am enjoying v. much, but no time for reading ATM as i'm hitting the hay at 1am every night, and although i'm sure I could fit in another hour's reading at the that time, I know it would wear me down.. :)
xx
I like all the Philippa Gregorys, so am disappointed to hear the new one is not up to her usual standard. I've got The Other Boleyn Girl on my bedside table and Son #3 just came and asked if the other balloon girl is a good read.
Will definitely follow up on the Bruce Moore book but I think I have to disagree with you - I think our regional accents are becoming more and more marked. An Adelaide accent is quite different from a Melbourne one, and both different from NSW and Qld ones etc. I love all that stuff though, and ADORED Melvyn Bragg's book. Thanks :)
Have you read the Bill Bryson book on the History of English? Mother Tongue. It is such a good read. The chapters on children's language and swearing were my faves
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