Your recommended books?

[Indadhanu]

Hi everyone,

Well, I've neglected my recreational reading lately... it's been mostly textbooks and journal articles for the last 18 months (last book I read was Harry Potter, aside from the pregnancy/birth books) and I'd like to get back into reading some novels again.

In 2005/2006 I was reading my way through the Angus and Robertson Top 100 list, and I read quite a lot... But it missed a lot of classics I thought... classics I had heard about but the names escape me right now

So I'd love to know what you recommend. I don't actaully have a favourite genre, I love everything as long as it has a good storyline, so tell me your favourites and must read books!

ETA: Also, with the A&R list, is the updated (2007) any better in the classics section?

[Phteven]

Anything by Jane Austen
The Count of Monte Christo
Vanity Fair
Most of Philipa Gregory's books
The Devil Wears Prada
19 Minutes or My Sister's Keeper both Jpdi Piccoult (but keep some tissues nearby)

They're the ones that spring to mind today but tomorrow I'd probably write you a totally differant list lol.

[fionas]

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote (not a pleasant story line but pioneered a new genre of journalism combined with fiction) based on the murder of the Clutter family in America, finding of the killers and how the author got to know them.

A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry - not one I would have ordinarily read but 'had to' for my book club. Amazing book, set in India. Good kick in the bum when we feel sorry for ourselves.

Just finished The Gathering by Ann Enright - think it won this year's Booker Prize. Easy-to-read but good.

Currently reading Middlemarch by George Eliot - good so far.

I tend to read a lot of biographies rather than fiction. A fave would be one about Katherine Graham - American 'society' figure who had to take over as editor/publisher (can't remember which) of the New York Times and how she did so successfully despite being very shy and being thrust into a man's position in the 60s.

Also just finished Misconceptions by Naomi Wolf - about modern-day pregnancy, childbirth and childrearing. Interesting read.

And when I just want an easy, chick lit read, Marian Keyes never fails to make me laugh.

Happy reading!

[Hollybolly]

Hi Leash,

I read a lot of books in the literature section rather than the fiction - a lot of the ones I can recommend are on the A&R list, and on the Dymocks Top 100 to read before you die...

Shantaram (Gregory David Roberts) - I think you'll either love it or hate it, I LOVED it, don't be put off by the size though - almost 1000 pgs

We Need To Talk About Kevin (Lionel Shriver)

Running With Scissors (Augusten Burrows) - This one definately is an aquired taste, but the sarcasm was brilliant - and its a bio, not that you'll believe some of the things that happened to him!

The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold) - Have your tissues handy

My Sisters Keeper (Jodi Piccoult)

The Green Mile (Stephen King)

Hmmm - Will check out the lists and let you know what other ones I've read that are great - there's a few on the lists that makes me wonder how they got there!

[BhoysGirl]

WOW - reading. Sigh. I remember the days. Once upon a time, I enjoyed Ian McEwan books - Amsterdam, Atonement, Saturday & Enduring Love. And Iris Murdoch's The Word Child. I was given One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson a couple of years ago, which is a crime fiction, not what I'd normally choose, but I found it really drew me in & I couldn't put it down. Also, for light reading the Alexander McCall Smith books can be a bit of fun.

But, (and I know this is completely off the point) I'm really really good at kids books - Where is the Green Sheep (Mem Fox) is a must read in our house, Liam loves it. Every night. And for older kids/toddlers, there's a book called All Afloat on Noah's boat by Tony Mitton, Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae (but both illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees) These are gorgeous to read aloud and beautifully illustrated. Also, my newest fav is a brand new book called Cork on the Ocean, by Mark Somerset - again, gorgeous to read aloud and a beautiful happy story. Sorry, I get really excited about books, but these days I don't get much grown-up reading done, but I love to share the good kids books that I've come across.

[Lulu]

I second The Lovely Bones and My sisters keeper. Couldn't put them down!

I tried to get through Crime and Punishment before DS came, but I ran out of time.....

[Ginger]

i'll second 'we need to talk about kevin' by lionel shriver. it's brilliant.