Finished…

Well technically I have finished the spring reading thing challenge because I reached my goal of ten books. To read about the challenge see here. I chose 20 books and had to read 10 of them between March 21st and June 21st.

I ended up sticking to what I know and like pretty much throughout the whole challenge. In other words, authors I like and chick-lit. Even though I have finished the challenge now, the rest of the books that were originally on my list are now on my `To be read` list…for anytime. My original post, that included my list can be found here

I didn`t end up reading any classics as such…despite a couple being on my list. I will get around to them eventually!!!!

I am not a book reviewer. I don`t think I could do it…but I thought I should at least post up the books I ended up reading for the challenge and give a comment or two.

At First Sight by Nicholas Sparks

I usually always like Nicholas Sparks` books. This one was good too. I just don`t think I liked it as much as some of his others….That said the story was still really well written, and I always enjoy books that have a twist at the end, even If I could see this one coming from the beginning. It is good though because I don`t always read a lot of books by males and I really should read more of them.

The Memory Keeper`s Daughter by Kim Edwards

Fantastic. Anyone who hasn`t read this should go buy a copy now. It took me a little while to get into it, but once I was in I couldn`t stop. I can see why this has been a best seller. I am taking it back to Australia so my mum can read it because I know she will love it too.

It makes you think a lot, about how you would handle having a mentally handicapped child. People deal with this everyday.But I doubt I am the only person, who when they imagines what their children are going to like, imagine a child that has problems or is sick.

Something borrowed by Emily Giffin

Chick lit. It is pretty much what I read most of the time. The books that I read that are non chick lit have usually been best sellers or by authors I have read before and loved (For example Nicholas Sparks, Jeffrey Archer, Murakami and Jodi Piccolt)

This book was really good. And while it was about a girl who has an affair with her best friends fiancee you can`t help but want her to win the battle because her friend is a bit of a bitch. I am sure everyone has had a friendship that was slightly toxic. Someone that you got on with really well but when the friendship ended you look back and think `What was I thinking, that person was a real bitch`…One of those people that always had to be better than you, put you down etc etc. Well if you have ever had a friendship like this (or are in one and think it is time you move on) then you should read this book!! Easy read, but not just a normal chick-lit quick read.

Under the Duvet by Marian Keyes

I like Marian Keyes. I usually pick up her books as soon as they come out. I almost always enjoy books by British and Irish females as well!!! This is a book of short articles, most of which have already been published in newspapers in Ireland etc. There were also a couple of other never before published pieces. I think I enjoy reading these kind of short articles/stories more now since I keep a blog. It makes me jealous though that people can spin out a fantastically written piece and put into words the way I wish I could put stuff into words.

The best thing about these sorts of books too is that you can read one story, put the book down and come back to it anytime. You can mix and match and read it back to front if you want to also!

Mad River Road by Joy Fielding

I am not sure how I cam across Joy Fielding in the beginning. I have a feeling though it has only been in the last year or so that I have started reading her books. She is a suspense writer i guess you would say. Her books are usually fairly easy to read, quiet compulsive and usually have a twist at the end. I love the twists. I didn`t see this one coming either!!! Anyone who likes suspense/crime novels, but isn`t into all the blood and gore that sometimes come with them, should check this book out! Or other books by her.

The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan

I will definitely have to check out more books by this author. I have heard great things about her and am so glad i finally read this book. It is about four sets of mothers and daughters who are Chinese, and Chinese-American. It deals with cultural identity and the mother-daughter relationship that any female with a mother could relate too! I liked it…would love to hear a suggestion for the next Amy Tan novel I should try!!

Diary of a mad mum to be by Laura Wolf

I am always a sucker for books in diary form. I don`t know why. The first one I read as a kid was Zlata`s diary, I was about 10 or 11 and I couldn`t even contemplate how a girl my own age (at the time) could be living through what she was living through (A brilliant YA novel that everybody should read)

Anyway back to my love of diary form books, of course this one is not as thought provoking as Zlata`s diary it is still a good read. Fairly typical chick-lit book!!!! I liked her crazy friends!

Shopaholic and baby by Sophie Kinsella

Sophie Kinsella`s books are always good for an easy read, especially if you like chick-lit. I think I am just over the shopaholic series though. This one and the last one have been a bit too much…I still read them, and I wouldn`t say I didn`t enjoy them I guess I have just read a lot of other good books recently that it hasn`t rated really high on my good books list. I recommend the first two though!!!

The Botox Diaries by Janice Kaplan and Lynn Schnurnberger

It was just ok. I will read pretty much anything and this was ,like I said, Ok. I guess I am chick-litted out a bit though…Probably number 10 on the list of the books I have read.

Balzac and the Chinese Seamstress by Dai Sijie

Another great book. It is these types of books though that make me realize I really do not know enough about history. Anyone with an interest in history, especially Asian modern history should read this book. It makes you realize how lucky you are to have access to education, books, technology and freedom.

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I went on a little book shopping spree the other day with James too. He took me to Kinokuniya in Shinjuku. I have been to the one on the otherside of the station but never to the one connected to Takashimaya. I have no idea why I have never been before! I got new gossip mags (I am a sucker!) plus six new books. All of which are by authors I have read before….Two which I can not wait to read include Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult and Thinking of you by Jill Mansell. Have just started Thinking of you today….I want to read Nineteen Minutes so much but am saving it for the plane ride next week! I know If I start it now I will forget to pack, eat and possibly go to work!!!!

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