Things What I Have Been Reading - January 2012 #fridayreads, #readingchallenge

I know! A blog entry that isn't writing related! Nobody faint now...

I thought it would be interesting to blog about the books I've been reading (other than books in given to review I mean) this year. So here goes

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender

I loved this book but having tried and failed twice to explain it to friends I fear I won't be able to do it justice. This was a little bit slower to get started than I'd expected but it certainly packed a punch. It really reminded me of The Time Travellers Wife but more in the feel of the book than the plot. Even when I was sure I knew what was happening it still surprised me. Absolutely brilliant.

Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami

I listened to the audiobook of this. I could probably have read the book quicker but I do like an audiobook now and then. It's good for background listening as I knit or have a sort out. And it's very relaxing so good when I want to rest but not sleep.

I chose this because it is one of the 1001 books to read before you die and I've been using that list for inspiration over the past few years. Its not something that would have been on my radar if not for that. Pretty much as soon as I started listening I was hooked. As I was getting towards the end I was really hoping there was a sequel but I didn't want to look it up because I'd be really disappointed if there wasn't. I did guess one of the big twists but it didn't ruin the book for me as I didn't guess the when or how. The characters were very, very real in a way that surprised me especially as mental health issues are involved.

Casino Royale by Ian Fleming

This is another of the 1001 books. It's also my first ever Bond (nor have I seen any of the films). I spotted it when I was killing time in the library. It took me a few weeks to read it as I kept putting it down and reading other stuff, it just didn't hold my attention well. I did like how gritty it was but was very surprised by the characterisation of Bond. Totally different to what I expected based on what I know of the films. Not sure I'll be reading more!

Star Trek: DTI - Watching The Clock by Christopher L Bennett

A birthday present from my sister. This is Star Trek. Really, really good Star Trek. I loved it. Enough said.

The Trick is to Keep Breathing by Janice Galloway

Another 1001 book. I read this on my Kindle in less than 24 hours, absolutely blew through it. It's a very different style of book but the style really helps to draw you in and portray the mental health problems the main character, Joy, has and which are the central part of the plot. It was very intriguing and I liked the way that even when the book ended it still had you guessing.