Tag: Best Books

2009 – Chapter Three

Chapter three, or otherwise known as the spot between the intro and the rest of the story, when things can stall, when reader investment is at the make or break point. Yes it’s all or nothing from this point on. Luckily we’re all in the… Continue Reading “2009 – Chapter Three”

2008 – End Of Year Thoughts

At the end of the year we again headed out for a meal to discuss the year’s readings. This time to Bouterey’s Restaurant. So engrossed were we in our literary discussions we did not notice the restaurateur performing the heimlich manoeuvre on a fellow… Continue Reading “2008 – End Of Year Thoughts”

The Plague – Albert Camus

READ FOR BOOKCLUB Chosen by Rachel The story of an Algerian city swept by a plague. The plague begins as a series of portents, unheeded by the people, and gradually becomes an omnipresent reality, obliterating all traces of the past and driving its victims… Continue Reading “The Plague – Albert Camus”

And Then There Were None – Agatha Christie

READ FOR BOOKCLUB Chosen by Suzy Considered Agatha Christie’s masterpiece, this whodunnit is set on an island where the invitees of a party must work out who is killing off the guests. ♥ “An interesting assortment of strangers are summoned as weekend guests to… Continue Reading “And Then There Were None – Agatha Christie”

2008 – Bookerthon

The anticipation levels for Bookerthon 2008 has fluctuated for us both. Our love of Bookerthon has increased due to our Back Bookers but our inability to pick the winner last year has frayed our nerves. Plus, the couple of massive tomes shortlisted this year… Continue Reading “2008 – Bookerthon”

The Secret Scripture – Sebastian Barry

READ FOR BOOKERTHON Nearing her 100th birthday, Roseanne McNulty faces an uncertain future, as the Roscommon Regional Mental hospital, where she’s spent the best part of her adult life, prepares for closure. ♥ “Set in an Ireland besieged by conflict, The Secret Scripture is… Continue Reading “The Secret Scripture – Sebastian Barry”

The White Tiger – Aravind Adiga

READ FOR BOOKERTHON  Born in the dark heart of India, the protagonist Balram gets a break when he is hired as a driver for his village’s wealthiest man. From behind the wheel of their Honda City, Balram observes his employers bribe foreign ministers, barter… Continue Reading “The White Tiger – Aravind Adiga”

The Northern Clemency – Philip Hensher

READ FOR BOOKERTHON Covering 1974 to 1996, The Northern Clemency is a portrait of an era, a novel concerned with the lives of two ordinary Sheffield families, the Glovers and the Sellers, and history on the move. ♥ This book encapsulates an era and… Continue Reading “The Northern Clemency – Philip Hensher”

The Clothes On Their Backs – Linda Grant

READ FOR BOOKERTHON Vivien Kovacs is on a search to reveal the truth to the secrets kept from her by her timid Hungarian refugee parents ♥ “Two Jewish brothers are at the heart of this novel. One escapes Hungary prior to the war, marries… Continue Reading “The Clothes On Their Backs – Linda Grant”

A Fraction Of The Whole – Steve Toltz

READ FOR BOOKERTHON From his prison cell, Jasper Dean tells the unlikely story of how he, his scheming father Martin and his crazy Uncle Terry upset an entire continent ♥ “For most of his life, Jasper Dean couldn’t decide whether to pity, hate, love,… Continue Reading “A Fraction Of The Whole – Steve Toltz”