Harlequin By Bernard Cornwell

I read this April 2012
Why: I have somehow been given this book as my World Book Night Book this year, I didn't chose it (I wanted The Book Theif) but as I have 24 copies to give out I thought I should read it
Plot: It is set at teh start of the Hundred Years War, a period in history I didn't know much about, about a religuos relic - The Lance of st george that gets stolen on a French radi to the English coast and the adventures of the soldier trying to gain it back.
What I thought: I wasn;t looking forward to reading this I have to say, not really my cuppa, but having read it I must admit it is a really weel researched and written book. By the end I actually can say I did enjoy it.  Unlike some historical novels I wasn't thinking is that right? It all seemed very authentic.
Have you read this or any of his others (there are loads)?
I give this 9/10
Tell me what you think...
Helen
http://myworldbooknight.blogspot.com

The Black Cat by Edgar Allen Poe

I read this March 2012
A short story about a man and his relation with his cat.
A chilling tale

I love EAP
9/10
Have you read any, do tell me what you think of him
Helen

Ulysses by James Joyce (Spoken Word)

I listened to this in March 2012
Why: I have tried (and failed) to read this over many years, I keep having a go, but just can't get on with it.  So when the opportunity came to borrow this (abridged version) on CD - all 5 hours worth of it.  I thought it would be a good idea.  Many times if I listen to a book I am tempted to read it, but I think this has laid the spectre of reading Ulyssess to rest for me.  I can't say at all why I didn't really enjoy it.  I have read other Joyce and enjoyed them, but not this.

5/10 from me, just didn't really get into it - but I did try.  I appreciate it's a classic, but it just didn't do it for me....

Have you read it or listened to it?
Please let me know what you think of it
Helen

The Thing Around Your Neck by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

I read this March 2012

This is by the author of Half of a Yellow Sun, which I gave out on World Book Night 2011.
A book of well written, diverse short stories, written in the first, second and third person.  I really enjoyed these and feel I have also learnt a lot about the art of short story writing.
10/10
Have you read this or any of her others, tell me what you think
Helen

A Star Called Henry by Roddy Doyle (Spoken Word)

I got this tape a while ago (over a year in fact) and just hadn't had the time to listen to it. But eventually it came to the fore and I'm glad it did.  It is read by the author and he hardly draws breath!!!
Plot a story of a young man's life during the troubles  - from childhood to manhood.
I don't know if I would have liked this as a book, but I did enjoy it being read to me, it really came to life.
8/10
Have you read this?
Let me know what you think
Helen

Blue Eyed Boy by Joanne Harris

I read this March 2012
I had put it up as a suggestion for bookclub as it looked good. I then found Chocolat in a charity shop and read that first.
Plot: written as a series of webjournal posts, a mixture of facts and fiction by the posters/bloggers.Accidents, murder, family problems
I like the style very much,easy to read but I must say at 524 pages it was too long in my opinion  It could have been shortened.
Twists and turns in the plot kept it interesting but I still had the feeling of it being overlong.
I would still recommend it as a good read
7/10
Have you read this one? or any of her others?
Do let me know what you thought of it
Helen

Quatum of Tweed by Conn Iggulden

 I read this : March 2012
I was lent this by Fiona Hall who thought I mught like it
I read this on teh bus home form work and it took about 1 1/4 hours
It is part of the Quick Reads series
I think I must have heard this on Radio 4 or somewhere because as I read it the story seemed very familiar.
A Gentlemen's clothier runs over a man about to be assassinated, then manages also to rum over the assassin.  He then enters into a life of the assassin.
Funny, witty and a good quick read
I liked it
8/10
Have you read it? or any of the other Quick Reads? if so what did you think?
Helen