Selections from the Decameron by Boccaccio (Spoken Word)

I Listened to this : February 2012
Why: I found this in a gift shop, when I had been given some birthday cash sept 2010
What I listen to tapes and CD's while in the kitchen (especially if Gardener's Question time is on the radio)
I think I had heard/read most of these stories at one time or another, but it was good to hear them all at once.
very bawdy, very enjoyable
9/10
Have you read these stories/heard these tales?
What did you think of them?
Helen

War Horse By Michael Morpurgo

I read this: February 2012
Why: I have fancied reading this for a while and was going to see the film so thought I'd read it first
What I thought of it: This is an excellent teenagers book, I would have enjoyed it when I was younger (c. 10 -11) and still enjoyed it as an adult. I love the device of telling the story from the horses view point. I like the way the horses worked for both sides of teh conflict and experienced good and bad equally.
A bit nostalgic at the end, but I think for the age group it is aimed at that was perfectly acceptable.
I don't know if I will go to see the film (might be over sentimental for my taste) but a good read

8/10
Have you read this book?
What did you think of it?
Helen

The Giant, O'Brien By Hilary Mantel

I read this: February 2012
Why: This is the March book for Waterstone's Arc, Bury St Edmunds Book Club
What I thought of it: I was looking forward to reading this as I have had Wolfe Hall on my bookshelf now for sometime waiting to be taken down and read. I'm sorry to say it might stay there for a while yet as I can't say I enjoyed this one at all. It is. I'm sure, very well written. I don't know what it is about this book I didn't get on with. The subject matter is a bit dire, but that doesn't usually bother me in fact the darker the better for me. I just couldn't find and empathy with or sympathy for any of the characters at all.
I read this as an ebook mainly waiting for and on the bus home from work. I am goiung to read it through again and reserve my score until I have done that.

Have you read this book?
What did you think of it?
Helen

Chocolat By Joanne Harris

I read this: February 2012
Why: I found this in a charity shop, I already had Blue Eyed Boy to read and thought this might be good to read first
What I thought of it: I had expected this to be a light fluffy piece of chick - lit I was very wrong and glad. It is beautifully written, a cracking story and I thoroghy enjoyed it - even though I don't particularly even like Chocolate!
Full of tension, angst and tender moments.
9/10
Have you read this book?
What did you think of it?
Helen