read 10 books in 2007

My final book for this goal was a French Classic called Bonjour Tristesse which translates into “Hello Unhappiness”. It was written by Francoise Sagan when she was 18 and published in 1954.

I truly adored this book. Although thin and easy to read, it conveyed so much emotion and expression in one small book than so many overwritten books of today. I can’t begin to describe it, other than to say that if someone said it was a “coming of age” story they would be way off the mark.

Being a French book, this story is intellectual and based on the lead characters introspection and interactions with others rather than any sexual overtones. Yes she is young, hence the possible “coming of age” reference, but it’s more in a way of learning about the world and how ones actions have consequences, rather than just lovemaking, which gets a sideline mention to suit the story, not for any other reason.

My only fault with this book was that it ended too soon. I would love to have read more.

I have been blessed with not only a great life, but also a life in which I am free to read books. Imagine living in a world where such a general pastime is taken away from you? Hard to imagine isn’t it?

This year, I have been fortunate enough to have read some amazingly written and insightful novels that I truly do believe have touched me deeply. One such novel is Khaled Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns.

This book reflects on modern day life and up to date topics, but with a gentle prose that is easy to read. The story is straight to follow and contains all that we humans love to read – relationships, love, family, loss – it’s all there. Honestly, something for everyone. The history buff, the war fan, the romantic… and there isn’t really a hollywood ending.

He is a very clever writer and before you know it his hooks have you reading and saying to yourself “Yes I must do that… but I’ll just read another chapter…”

I give it a thousand splendid stars!

8. Two lipsticks and a Lover by Helena Frith, was a book designed to get to know all about the French woman. Instead you got a good insight into how badly the author wanted to be a French woman.

There was nothing new and insightful let alone amusing in this book. Well I found HER to be amusing.. (but in that let me laugh at YOU way…) She is obsessed with sex and lingerie leaving the impression that every French woman is out there having affairs, starving themselves to be thin, wearing matching lingerie (Isn’t that why lingerie is sold in matching sets?) and shopping only in expensive boutiques. The tiny chapter on intelligence even ended up about sex appeal.

No wonder the French think outsiders lack culture. I think the only culture this author had been exposed to has either grown in her shower or been in a yoghurt carton.

Besides the above mentioned, which took up the majority of the book, it did leave me with the urge to read more about France, keep learning the language, buy more lingerie (matching of course – is there any other kind?) and wanting to go live there for myself. I can only conclude that the author did something right for me to feel this way… but I just can’t work out what since she annoyed the crap out of me. I won’t be reading anymore of her books and I don’t recommend this one!

It is wishy washy at best.

7. The Quickie by James Patterson
I kept joking with my family that this book was so named due to the speed of which it could be read. I am pretty sure it was just knocked out during NaNoWriMo ;)
This was my first Patterson novel and I guess I was expecting something bigger and better, but it passed the time, had an ok but rather silly female lead. Honestly if she were as smart as she was made out to be she wouldn’t be in the situation he wrote about. The story contained a reasonable twist but nothing new, nothing compelling and certainly nothing brilliant.
A bit wishy washy…

6. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
This book is beautifully written and envelops you, transporting you into their world. Although it could be said to be a females book, I disagree as there is much to learn for everyone who is interested in history. Set in remote 19th-century China, this tale is of Lily and Snow Flower, and their imprisonment by rigid codes of conduct for women and their betrayal by pride and love. There is plenty of historical background in graceful prose. Her in-depth research into women’s ceremonies and duties in China’s rural interior discusses arranged marriages, women’s inferior status in both their natal and married homes, and the Confucian proverbs and myriad superstitions that informed daily life. Beginning with a detailed and heartbreaking description of Lily and her sisters’ foot binding the story widens to a vivid portrait of family and village life. I learnt a lot from reading this novel.
Worth Consuming!

5. I Want To Watch
This book started off with a bang, then went no where. It was very disappointing as you waited the rest of the book for something to actually happen.
Not worth consuming

4. The Bride Stripped Bare
On the cover of my copy it is said to be written by “Anonymous” which is always intriguing. It is also not written in the first person, it uses “you” instead of “I” and it works! The Independent describes it as ””Wonderfully sensuous…witty in its construction…a subtle portrait of a modern marriage.” All of which I agree with but would add in friendship and betrayal. It’s also very bold and sexy.
Worth Consuming!

I’ve just finished reading The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. It’s only a small book, cleverly written from a 9 year olds view point but it packs a punch. The simplicity with which this book is written is brilliant and makes for a very easy read and a hard to put down novel.

If I can read 10 this year, I’ll raise it next year. So far though I’ve only finished two that I’ve jotted down on the allconsuming website. Pretty terrible really considering I love to read.

Completed thus far:
1. Almost French
2. From Baghdad, With Love: A Marine, the War, and a Dog Named Lava

Both Worth Consuming! and recommendations for future reads are welcome! :)