Ghost Hunter by Michelle Paver

I read this: January 2012
The last in the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness of which I have read all but the first 2.
A children's book, I think aimed at tenns, a very good, enjoyable read and this adventure sees Renn and Torak in their late teens battling demons and spirits.
Well written and beautifully illustrated.

8/10
Have you read this or any of her others? what did you think of them?
Let me know
Helen

Outcast by Michelle Paver

I read this: January 2012
I have read some others in this series (see other Michelle Paver posts) this one sees Torak outcast from the clans. A tale of friendship and the need to belong.
A good read - aimed at teens, but enjoyable for adults
8/10
Have you read this? or any of her others?
let me know what you think
Helen

Soul Eater by Michelle Paver

I read this: January 2012
Why: I had read the Oath Breaker and dark Matter by the same author and enjoyed them
Synopsis: The third in the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series (I'm not reading them in order!) Set in the Ice Age, they track a young girl and boy and wolf.
What I thought: As with Oath Breaker I really enjoyed the style of the book, even though they are aimed at young teenagers they are still a good read. I like the story itself as well as the way they are told. I especially like the why we hear form Wolf who called the hero and heroine Pack-brother and pack sister and humans as tall tailless.
8/10
Have you read this? or any of her others?
What did you think of them
let me know
Helen

How It All Began by Penelope Lively

I read this: January 2012
Why: recommended and lent to me by Rosie P at Creative Writing Group
Synopsis:
A tale of how one event leads onto another, a story of coincidences, families, affairs and how things all interact with one another.
What I thought of it: I must say if I saw this book in a shop I would not have bought it, the cover shouts 'nothing for you here, Helen' but Rosie made such a good job explaining the plot, how it all worked together and how much she had enjoyed it, I thought I would give it a go. How pleased I was, a delightful book, full of plot twists, but in a very real setting. Full of characters I didn't like, but came to over the course of the reading.
I sometimes 'hear' a narrators voice in my head and this one was most definitely, Sheila Hancock, her voice and style suited it perfectly. I did get a but bogged down in the middle, but that often happens to me (one of the reasons I read lots of books at once) but overall a good, enjoyable read to start off the New Year
8/10
Have you read it? or any others of her's? What did you think of it?
let me know
Helen

Dr Zhivago by Boris Pasternak (Spoken Word)

I Listened to this : January etc (finished in Jan/listened over several months in the kitchen)
Why: I bought this on tape as I knew I would never get round to reading it.
I found this a good story but even as spoken word I had trouble getting through it.
A Classic, but I found it over long
7/10
Have you read this or listened to it?
what did you think of it?
Let me know
Helen

Death in the Latin Quarter by Raphael Cardetti

I read this: January 2012
Why: I borrowed this from the bookshelves at work
An easy read, a detective story, Quite like The De Vinci Code - well along those lines. Am Academic commits suicide, a restorer is asked to restore an antique text, murder, intrigue etc.
An OK read, light and easy

5/10

Have you read it?
let me know what you think
Helen

When God was a Rabbit by Sarah Winman

I read this January 2012
Why: Because this had come up as a suggested read at book club a few times and I quite fancied reading it.
I received an Amazon voucher form Lynn at Christmas, so this was my first purchase via amazon onto my phone. I must say I enjoy reading on my phone, it's so convenient.

What I thought of it: I enjoyed this book, a story of family love, friendships, loss and regain. I liked the way it was written, very modern with a modern setting. Historical events set it in time and place. Very good, but one very small thing - I felt it was all a bit to 'tidy' at the end, life isn't tidy...
But I liked it - a good read

7/10

Have you read it?
What did you think of it?
let me know
Helen