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The Eyre Affair10/10
 
 The Eyre Affair
Author: Jasper Fforde
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
If you're a Douglas Adams fan, and you're looking for a light read that reminds you of what it was like reading books as a child, this one's for you. The characters are fun, and it's comedy, adventure, suspense, sci-fi, all rolled up into one series! Definitely a British sensibility, with silly names to boot...

The heroine is Thursday Next, a bright and fearless Literary Detective who is called upon to protect England's literary masterpieces from a futuristic wave of super-villains!
Suspend your disbelief, don't take too seriously, and enjoy!
Reviewed: November 09 2006
Average Rating: 9/10 - 2 reviews

Flapper: The notorious life and scandalous times of the first thoroughly modern woman10/10
 
 Flapper: The notorious life and scandalous times of the first thoroughly modern woman
Author: Joshua Zeitz
Genre: Social and Cultural Studies
Wow! Although it was a bit of a slow read for me (not being used to nonfiction outside my textbooks), I loved this book!

I thought it was incredibly interesting reading about these women -who seem to be a bit idolized nowadays without consideration of the negatives (such as unhealthly life-styles, rampant materialistism, etc.). J. Zeitz presents all the history in a nonjudgmental, but highly evocative and thought-provoking way. I was really impressed.
Reviewed: September 20 2006
Rating: 10/10 - 1 review

The Piano Man's Daughter10/10
 
 The Piano Man's Daughter
Author: Timothy Findley
Genre: General Fiction
Timothy Findley was one of Canada's finest authors, in my opinion. If you haven't read any of his books, give this one a try. It's a bit long, and the style may take some getting used to, but once you get involved in the characters, you can't help but want to find out what happens to them.

This one is a period piece (extrememly well-done) that offers an alternative perspective on 'madness'. Also for anyone familiar with Toronto, it is interesting to find out about the history of the area (major landmarks, events such as the fire, etc.). It's a really great summer read.
Reviewed: August 02 2006
Rating: 10/10 - 1 review

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy10/10
 
 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Author: Douglas Adams
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
I loved, loved, loved this series when I read it many years ago. It was laugh-out-loud funny (but only those who appreciate British humour may find this). I will fully admit that I'm a Hitchhiker's geek (i.e., re-read them and quote them with like-minded friends). It is so sad that Douglas Adams died so young.
Reviewed: July 31 2006
Average Rating: 7.2/10 - 4 reviews

In Cold Blood10/10
 
 In Cold Blood
Author: Truman Capote
Genre: True Crime
As someone with a more than passing interest in psychology, I found this book fascinating. It is very well-written (reads like fiction, even though it's not), and emotionally gripping. My advice is to read the book before you see the movie Capote.

The book outlines the 'major' crime committed by two men, including the outcome, and psychological profile and history of what led these two to act as they did. By the end of the book, I so thoroughly empathized with one of them, that I cried in the movie when I saw it play out. Capote is one interesting, and self-interested dude.
Reviewed: June 21 2006
Average Rating: 8.5/10 - 2 reviews

The Well of Lost Plots9/10
 
 The Well of Lost Plots
Author: Jasper Fforde
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
whoops - I forgot to review this book after I finished it! It was, as usual, a great read. I particularly enjoyed seeing Ibb and Obb develop as characters. Apparently, the novel that Thursday resides in for the majority of the book is actually another published book by Jasper Fforde (The Big Over Easy)! If you like the books, you may also enjoy a visit to the author's webpage: www.jasperfforde.com
Reviewed: April 05 2007
Average Rating: 9/10 - 2 reviews

Lost in a Good Book9/10
 
 Lost in a Good Book
Author: Jasper Fforde
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
The second installment in the series following the trials and tribulations of Thursday Next, a 'literary' detective. Things get personal for Thursday in this one, and the pace matches the equally funny and exciting first of the series (The Eyre Affair). If you're a fan of sci-fi comedy, in a Douglas Adams-ish style, you'll probably enjoy this series as much as I have!
Reviewed: January 08 2007
Average Rating: 9/10 - 2 reviews

Espresso Tales9/10
 
 Espresso Tales
Author: Alexander McCall Smith
Genre: General Fiction
This is the second in the 44 Scotland Street Series which takes place in Edinburgh, Scotland. Having travelled to Edinburgh last year, I really enjoyed reading about the fictional characters living there. As in 44 scotland street, the same characters appear and the chapters follow their little adventures and pieces of their lives. My favourite character is Bertie, of course, but there are many other memorable characters in addition to him.

I suppose you could call the book a social satire, but its tone is so light and pleasant, that it's a thoroughly enjoyable read. I had a great time reading it on my vacation and recommend the series to others (although I enjoyed the 2nd book more than the 1st).
Reviewed: August 17 2006
Rating: 9/10 - 1 review

Atonement9/10
 
 Atonement
Author: Ian McEwan
Genre: General Fiction
Faith warned me that I better have a review up before she gets back, so here goes...

I read this last year and it is still resonating in my mind. The major warning is that the book moves very slowly through the first half. If you make it to this point, you will be rewarded because the last half is unbelievably moving. I'm not ashamed to say that I cried my eyes out...

I'm currently part-way through the latest book by this author, so I will post when I finish it.
Reviewed: May 29 2006
Average Rating: 7.5/10 - 2 reviews

The Wreckage8/10
 
 The Wreckage
Author: Michael Crummey
Genre: Historical Fiction
This was an interesting look at what can happen to people who are witnesses to inhuman treatment and behaviour, and guilt and loyalty are main themes. I'm not sure whether this is a love story per se, because it's a bit unconventional.

Basically the story follows two central characters and their relationship, during WWII and in 1994. I think it also examines the motives behind cruelty, and there are parts that ain't pretty. I enjoyed reading it, and it was beautifully written.
Reviewed: October 04 2006
Rating: 8/10 - 1 review

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