85: The God of Small Things, Arundhati Roy

Date Finished: 03/05/2011
Rating: 5/5

Oh my, do I love this book. I read it in my first attempt at completing the BBC Big Read, but all that I could remember about it was that I hadn't heard of it beforehand, wasn't sure whether I'd like it, had then been gripped by the story telling and finished it thinking it was one of the best books I had ever read. This time round, I knew what to expect and it didn't disappoint.

Roy has a wonderful way with words, using prompts to remind the reader of how the personalities of the two central characters, 'two-egg' twins Estha and Rahel, have built up. She uses an innocence of language that betrays the complexity of the story, and moves between the present, set in the early 1990s, and the past, about 23 years previously, without leaving the reader (i.e. me!) confused.

The God of Small Things is the story of a family in India and the events and tragedy that affect their lives. The undercurrent of the story is love. But particularly loving too much, and in the wrong way. So, don't expect to feel all warm and fuzzy inside after reading this book, although the last chapter is particularly beautiful and poignant. Bits of this book are utterly heart wrenching, and I felt like I was reading from behind the sofa for some of it. I definitely cried.

So, who should read this book? Pretty much everyone I think. A brilliant first novel from Roy, a Booker prize winner, and an exceptional piece of writing. My first 5/5 rating, and well deserved.

Next Book: Gormenghast, Mervyn Peake

86: Vicky Angel, Jacqueline Wilson

Date Finished: 15/04/2011
My Rating 4/5

The second Jacqueline Wilson book on the list, and a welcome change of pace after Brave New World and Cold Comfort Farm, although it did make me cry on the bus again. A lot. In fact, I had to have a wee sit down and a quiet sob when I got home.

This is the story of how a young girl, Jade, comes to terms with the tragic death of her best friend Vicky (don't worry, I haven't spoilt this for you, it happens at the end of the first chapter and is written on the back of the book). Throughout the book, Vicky appears to Jade, influencing her behaviour and attitude. Now, I read this as though it was Jade's imagination and her method of coping with the loss of her friend that made Vicky appear so life like when she needed her. However, Wilson completely leaves it up to the reader to decide whether this is the case, or whether in fact Vicky is a ghost that is staying with Jade while she needs her. Whichever the reader decides, the book explores grief in a sensitive, considerate and compassionate way.

I really love reading kid's books, and got through this in a day. Having now read a couple of Jacqueline Wilson's books, I have found them to be consistently well written, and would have absolutely loved them as a child. She has a lovely style of writing that is sensitive to the characters, and whisks the reader along with them, providing laughs and tears aplenty.

So, who should read this book? Another one for the girls (although I'm not discriminating, I'm sure it would be equally enjoyed by the boys!).

Next Book: The God of Small Things, Arundhati Roy

87: Brave New World, Aldous Huxley

Date Finished: 14/04/2011
My Rating: 4/5

I have been struggling to decide what to write about Brave New World. I have now read the book twice, and without doubt have enjoyed it both times, however I just haven't been able to think of anything to say about it.

Set in a future where humans are not born, but genetically engineered to fit perfectly into their 'caste', be it the high performing Alphas or the 'semi-moron' Epsilons. They are conditioned from birth (although 'birth' is probably not the right word... er, conditioned from detachment from the machines, I guess), fear and unhappiness are pretty much a thing of the past. People don't question their lot in life, and if things do get too much they can always take a 'soma holiday', a drug-induced state without the come-down.

Introduce to this a 'savage', one actually born in the Indian reservation to a mother who got lost on a trip there. She has tried to condition her son as best she can, and with his arrival in the 'utopian' society you get the expected conflict between having an engineered, yet content(ish), society and a desire, and in fact need, for art, beauty, creativity and individualism.

Brave New World is definitely a 'thinker'. The style of writing flowed well for me, and I found it an easy read, although not so easy on my emotions, particularly with that ending!

So, who should read this book? Definitely one for those who like stories of a dystopian society, but I think it's a great book to read for anyone. It would be interesting to have read it when it was first published, not that this will help anyone that didn't, and then go back to it now and see just how the world has changed and what Huxley got right. In fact, it's a very interesting read anyway just to see exactly what he did get right.

Oh look. I did think of something to write about this book.

Next book: Vicky Angel, Jacqueline Wilson

88: Cold Comfort Farm, Stella Gibbons

Date Finished: 10/04/2011
My Rating: 2/5

This was the second time that I've read this book, and I wasn't particularly looking forward to having to re-read it. But a challenge is a challenge, and it would be a sad thing to admit defeat before even reaching Gormenghast just because I remember a book boring me.

Nevertheless, I actually enjoyed it a little bit more this time round. I think I'd missed the fact that it was supposed to be a parody, and therefore funny. Now I don't really like to advertise a possible lack of sense of humour, obviously, but I was pleased to find that this time round there were some parts that made me smile. Not laugh necessarily, just smile.

Understanding that this book parodies the fiction of the time it was published (early 1930s if I recall correctly) probably helps, but I just found Flora annoying and unwelcome. In fact, there wasn't a single character that I even liked a little bit.

So, who should read this book? I think this is one for people who appreciate subtle humour, but who also enjoy the rural-life, romanticised novels that it pokes fun at. It is a pleasant read, just not particularly for me.

Next book: Brave New World, Aldous Huxley

89: Magician, Raymond E Feist

Date Finished: 06/04/2011
My Rating: 4/5

I have an odd relationship with fantasy books (and films). I would never describe myself as a fantasy or science fiction fan. I'm very fussy about the genre, however if I find a fantasy book that I like, then I really, really like it, and this is the case for Magician.

Magician is a chunky novel that, despite its size, is very easy to read. As you would expect in a book that size there are a number of characters, each with names that aren't quite familiar (you know, take an English name and change a letter, fantasy standards), however Feist introduces them in such a way that you don't get confused between them.

The plot is reasonably complicated, with two different worlds brought together by a magical rift. There are fantasy staples like the big battles, dwarves, elves, dragons, spellbound armour etc, however despite all this, or probably because of Feist's skill in using all this, I found it an exciting and gripping novel, that swept me along with it and provided me with characters to care about and people to cheer for and all sorts.

This is the first of three books in Feist's Riftwar Saga, and when I have finished this challenge I will more than likely re-read this book, and then move on to the two sequels.

So, who should read this book? Well, if you're a fantasy fan and haven't already read it, then shame on you! And if you're not a fantasy fan, but enjoy a well-told story then definitely pick it up and give it a go. It might just open up a whole new genre for you.

Next book: Cold Comfort Farm, Stella Gibbons

90: On the Road, Jack Kerouac

Date Finished: 16/03/2011
My Rating: 1/5

I had been really looking forward to reading this book. I'd heard people say things like 'it was an instant classic' and 'it changed my life' and all sorts of exciting things like that. Oh, how my bubble was burst! What I am about to write may be controversial, but I really didn't like this book. I found it an absolute drag to get through, I hated the characters, and found very little of interest about the story at all.

Now, part of this may not exactly be the fault of the book. To me, it reads like a bit of cliche, but I think this is due to the style of writing being copied so many times since On the Road was published that the book has suffered as a consequence. I'm sure that when it was first published it would have been exciting to pick up and read something so new and different, but personally I had to force myself to get through it to the end.

I cared little for the characters. Dean Moriarty sounded like a total pain, and the way he treated his women was just saddening. In fact, the way I interpreted all the characters was that if they had walked into a pub that I was in, it would have annoyed me. They'd be that bunch of people that talk too loudly because they think that they are the only ones in the pub with anything interesting to say, and that everybody else should just know that they are cool. You know, because they were all about the 'beat' or whatever. If you then left the pub, giving them a dirty look because they were acting like dicks, they would feel sorry for you because you just don't get 'it', and would never understand them or what they were about. Oof, my worst nightmare.

This book must be loved by lots of people, and I kind of wish I was one of them. But I'm not.

So, who should read this book? I'm not quite sure how to answer this question. People that I have spoken to that remembered enjoying it, said they read it in their late teens, so maybe that's the way forward. Or if you have a list of classics that you want to get through and this is on it!!

Next book: Magician, Raymond E. Feist

91: The Godfather, Mario Puzo

Date Finished: 05/03/2011
My Rating: 4/5

I have been thinking about what to say about this book for the last couple of days. It is one of those books that I wouldn't necessarily have picked up unless it was on this list. I read it during my first attempt at the Big Read and immediately found myself sucked in and unable to put it down, and had a similar experience second time round.

I can't entirely put my finger on why I liked this book so much. Don Corleone, and his son Michael, command respect throughout the book, not only from the other characters, but from the reader. The Don has strong family values, is intelligent, calm and calculating. So what if his family business is mafia? Does that matter if he is very, very good at it?? In this intriguing, well-constructed tale of corruption and power you understand the workings of the Family, without the frills and glamour of many other mafia stories (or so I'm led to believe, I have to be honest and say that I haven't read that many mafia-type books... just seen a few mafia-type films!)

On the subject of the films, I watched the Godfather trilogy shortly after finishing the book the first time round. If my memory serves me right, the first two films followed the book quite closely, and having read the book, I had a greater depth of understanding of the characters. I have absolutely no recollection of watching the third film, except that I have a sneaking suspicion that it has little to do with the book. Maybe someone could fill me in on that one???

So, who should read this book? I can't think of a reason why anybody wouldn't enjoy it.

Next Book: On the Road, Jack Kerouac

92: The Clan of the Cave Bear, Jean M Auel

Date Finished: 25/02/2011
My Rating: 4.5/5

This was my second time round reading this book, and I loved it as much this time as I had the first time. Set approximately 30 - 35,000 years ago, the central character is Ayla who, at the start of the book is orphaned by an earthquake. Alone at 5 years old , and unwilling to stay at the site of the quake, she runs. She is eventually found, having survived on water alone, injured and unconscious by a group of Neanderthals, the Clan, who are looking for a new home after the same earthquake destroyed theirs. Their medicine woman is granted permission to help the child, and carries her with them. She is accepted into the Clan, although not necessarily by each individual member, and the resulting story is simply fantastic.

It is clear that Auel has researched this book thoroughly. The descriptions of the scenery are beautiful, and Auel's knowledge of the medicinal use of plants of the time shines through. Based on what evidence is available, and making certain assumptions to fill in the gaps, Auel has built a story of survival, power and love. Ayla seems to have a different kind of intelligence, and her use of logic enables her to adapt her own abilities to benefit the clan. Her differences, both physical and in her mental ability, prove contentious throughout the story as she battles to behave in the manner expected of her.

This is a gripping novel, that I couldn't put down, and there were more tears in public I'm afraid. Just brilliant.

So, who should read this book? EVERYONE!!! I genuinely can't recommend this highly enough.

Next Book: The Godfather, Mario Puzo

93: The Colour of Magic, Terry Pratchett

Date Finished: 14/02/2011
My Rating: 3/5

I have history with this book. When I was in my early teens my dad tried to get me to read it, being pretty sure that I would like Terry Pratchett. I just couldn't get started with it at all. Then, a few years later the amateur dramatic company I was in at the time staged a production of Pratchett's 'Wyrd Sisters'. I read that book and absolutely loved it, and so began my love affair with Terry Pratchett. I caught up with all his other books that he'd written and then went back to the Colour of Magic, determined not to leave any unread. I managed to get through it, but even after getting used to Pratchett's style of writing and the characters and such like, I found it tough going. Even when I read it for a second time during my first attempt at the Big Read, I found it tough going.

When Sky did their production of it with David Jason, I watched it and thought it was pretty good actually. My favourite of the discworld books are the ones that focus on the guards or the witches, and the wizard ones are my least favourite, so that may have been why I struggled with it each time I tried to read it.

Nevertheless, I settled down with it this time round and got through it relatively quickly. For me, the Colour of Magic doesn't read as well as the other discworld books. It is almost as if Pratchett hasn't quite got into the flow of the characters and the language of his subsequent stories. I don't know whether it is because I'm a bit older this time round, or because I haven't read any other Pratchett books for a while, but I definitely enjoyed it more than I was expecting, and laughed out loud at parts. I wonder if my fellow bus users are getting used to my outbursts yet...

So, who should read this book? Anyone that has read some Pratchett before. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to first-time Pratchetters. It might put you off the rest of them, and that would never do!

Next Book: The Clan of the Cave Bear, Jean M Auel

94: The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho

Date Finished: 08/02/2011
My Rating: 4.5/5

I have actually read this book at least twice before, and recommended it to, or just bought it for, friends. It is such a lovely read, beautifully written with an enchanting tale of a young shepherd in Andalucia who has a dream one night that sets him on a different path through life. Understanding the signs that are shown to him along his way, he experiences people and places that conspire to help him achieve his goal.

I think this is truly an inspiring book, and each time I have read it it has left me with such a feeling of calm. It always makes me feel reflective of the choices that I have made in my own life, and also positive about the choices that I will make in the future. There is a real message of not being afraid to follow your dreams.

So, who should read this book? Anyone looking for some inspiration to achieve their dreams. It really doesn't take long to read. I would suggest a picnic blanket, some sandwiches and a sunny afternoon in a park as the perfect accompaniments.

Next Book: The Colour of Magic, Terry Pratchett

95: Katherine, Anya Seton

Date Finished: 04/02/2011
My Rating: 4/5

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is the love story of Katherine de Roet and John of Gaunt. Based on records from the 14th Century, Seton has constructed the tale of a great romance between these two that spanned many years, eventually leading to their marriage. At the front of the book is a family tree showing how the royal lines of England (and in the case of John, of Spain) descended from them.

Seton has taken the information known about the time and extrapolated a feasible story of how their relationship developed and the type of people that they were. Obviously there has been some artistic licence used in the details, and there is some dispute about the existence of Katherine's eldest daughter from her first marriage, 'Blanchette', however the end result is an easy-to-read, beautifully descriptive account of history. From the excitement of Katherine as she left the convent where she had been placed for her education prior to joining her elder sister in the Queen's court, to her marriage to the rather gruff Sir Swynford, to the developing relationship with John, this book engages the reader throughout.

So, who should read this book? I know that I would have loved this book as a teenager, but anyone really with an interest in history and a love of romance.

Next Book: The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho

96: Kane and Abel, Jeffrey Archer

Date Finished: Unrecorded
My Rating: 2/5

DISCLAIMER: I think Jeffrey Archer is a knob.

Right then, with that disclaimer out of the way, I can safely say that I wasn't particularly looking forward to reading this book.

However, it was an easy read for a lengthy book. I read the 30th anniversary edition, which I realised afterwards isn't exactly the same as the original, but I assume it's similar enough. I ain't reading it again! I didn't like the main characters particularly, although the story of Abel would have made for an interesting book in itself. This is the story of two people from very different starts in life, who were born on the same day; one into privilege and the other into poverty. Anyways, as luck should have it, their paths cross and the story becomes one of misunderstandings and revenge and all sorts of exciting things like that. I found it quite predictable, and it relies heavily on coincidence, but at the end of the day I read it quickly so couldn't have hated it. Archer is clever enough to make neither character worse nor better than the other. For very different reasons they were both ambitious to the point of ruthlessness, and I think Archer was probably aiming for empathy with both characters, but actually I didn't really care about either of them.

So, who should read this book? This would probably make quite a good holiday novel if you see it at an airport, but generally I'd say those who are impressed by people with power and money. Or bankers.

Next book: Katherine, Anya Seton

97: Love in the Time of Cholera, Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Date Finished: Unrecorded
My Rating: 3/5

OK, so this was a book that, despite not particularly liking the main characters, I enjoyed. I found the first couple of chapters incredibly frustrating. You read the first chapter and think that the book is going to be about Dr Juvenal Urbino. Then, at the end of the chapter he falls off a ladder while trying to rescue his parrot and dies. Don't worry, this is not a spoiler... it is actually written on the back cover, I'd just forgotten. So then it felt kind of like the book started again and was about somebody else. And then at the start of the third chapter, it started again and was about yet another character. OK, so it took me a while to realise that actually the book is about all 3, the doctor, his wife Fermina Daza, and 'hopeless romantic' Florentino Arizo, and it isn't a straight timeline and all the rest of it. (Honestly, I'm more intelligent than this blog may make out at times!). This is a book about love, with rich descriptions that help keep what is quite a slow-paced story interesting. It is not a typical love story though, but includes the worries and woes, trials and tribulations that accompany human relationships.
As always with a book translated from another language there were times when I found the reading quite tough going, but generally it was an enjoyable read. The different aspects of the story linked together well. I lied a little at the start of this entry, the character that I didn't like was Arizo. He just made me feel a little uncomfortable (plus I'm sure he'd be poorly... if you read the book, you'll understand why).
So, who should read this book? This is definitely one for those who like contemporary fiction. No tricks, just good story-telling.

Next book: Kane and Abel, Jeffrey Archer

98. Girls in Love, Jacqueline Wilson

Date Finished: Unrecorded
My Rating: 3.5/5

Another kid's book, this one aimed at 11 - 16 year old girls, and I read it in a day. Jacqueline Wilson books pop up a couple of times on this list, and I was pleased to discover that she writes an incredibly easy-to-read story. Written in the first person, with Ellie as the narrator, this book explores the friendship and experience of three Year 9 (age 14ish I think) best friends. Ellie is the slightly dumpy one, lacking in self-confidence, and constantly comparing herself, negatively, to her two friends. I think almost everyone will be able to relate to that!
On the back of the book is a list 'written' by Ellie, of 9 reasons why you should read this book. Two of those reasons are (and these, in my opinion, are good enough reasons to read any book) 'you can have lots of laughs', and 'you might even cry a bit too'. I did both of those things, and again read most of this on the bus. Public displays of exaggerated emotion are embarrassing enough, but when you are 31 years old, on the number 52 in Sheffield, reading a book aimed at 11 year olds, and going from laughing out loud to crying actual tears, it's probably time to get a grip.
So, who should read this book? Again, girls. Probably young girls, but I don't think you'd think it was a waste of an afternoon even if you're a grown-up, responsible adult.

Next book: Love in the Time of Cholera, Gabriel Garcia Marquez

99: The Princess Diaries, Meg Cabot

Date Finished: Unrecorded
My Rating: 3.5/5

I expected nothing from this book. Absolutely nothing. Don't get me wrong, I love reading kid's books, and after the rather grown-up Midnight's Children I was actually quite pleased to have an 'easy' read as my second book. I am not, however, a 'girly' girl. I had seen the trailer for the film of this book, and expected the book (and film) to be twee and predictable and a little bit naff.
It was all of those things, and yet I read it cover to cover in about 2 days, a tear escaped my eye (the first Big Read related embarrassing tears on the bus... there are many more to come!), and I found myself remembering that I was in fact a 'girly' girl, had wanted to find out I was a princess when I was a kid, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I liked the fact that Mia, the Princess in question (I want to say eponymous... am I tapping into English terms from my Highers???), didn't immediately rejoice in her discovery. In fact it totally freaked her out, as I'm sure it would you and me. I also rather liked the cantankerous old grandmother in it.
So, who should read this book? GIRLS! Girly girls. Girls who have forgotten that they are girly girls. And girls that completely deny that they have ever been girly girls. You might surprise yourself. (or you might completely hate it, but it won't take up too much of your life, so why not give it a go!).

100: Midnight's Children, Salman Rushdie

Date Finished: Unrecorded
My Rating: 3/5

I felt rather intimidated picking up the first book of my challenge and it being quite a big one, and written by Salman Rushdie no less. Fortunately however, I spent a lot of time reading as a child and teenager, and had a couple of years with no TV in my early 20s, so am no stranger to picking up a chunky novel and settling down with it. I was somewhat out of practice, or habit maybe, and this book took me a long time to read, as I literally only read it on the half-hour bus journeys to and from work a couple of times a week and the occasional lunch break too.
Weirdly, what I remember most about the first half of the book (remember that I'm back-blogging this), is that I kept forgetting that it wasn't a true story. Now, this is weird because the 'Midnight Children' are more than just a little bit magic. Think characters out of Heroes for an idea of some of their 'powers'. The True Story thing is down to Rushdie's style of writing, as it is told from the viewpoint of the main character looking back over his rather eventful life.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book right up until the last chapter, and then remember feeling a little bit disappointed with the way that it ended. Without going back and re-reading the whole book, I'm afraid I won't be able to tell you exactly what made me feel like that, but do not let that put you off reading it.
So, who would enjoy reading this book? This is not a trashy airport novel, and is definitely a bit of a 'thinker'. I would probably recommend investing more time into reading it than I did so that you don't lose the fluidity of the story. There are a few twists and turns in there that you will do well to keep abreast of.
Anyways, apologies that this is not more in-depth. As I have mentioned, I finished this probably about 6 months ago, so am going on memories. Not the best start to my blog, I know, but I wouldn't feel like it was complete if I didn't mention something about the first 15 books I have read.