Oh dear, where to begin? Actually, the first author that comes to mind is someone you know very well: Joanne Harris. Anything by her is a fabulous, pleasurable read, except for Blueeyedboy, which was one of the most frustrating reading experiences I've ever had. For the more thriller oriented readers I would recommend Grisham, whose prose drags you in and doesn't let go before you finish. Another book I couldn't let go of was "The Shakespeare Secret", probably inspired by Dan Brown's output, (which I haven't read), but very entertaining and smart. For fantasy (+FUN) books go for Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman of course (nothing new to you Marysia again). As for more classic authors, my first summer choice is always Jane Austen. And as for something a bit more challenging (in terms of English and otherwise), I would recommend Zadie Smith, Margaret Atwood, Henry James and Philip Roth (I really don't have enough time to say why). A really dark, mysterious and gripping book is "Beloved" by Toni Morrison. Stop me now!!! I need to get back to work! ;) Enjoy your reading holiday!
One more: the psychological thriller Before I Go to Sleep, a debut novel by SJ Watson. It has been made into a movie with Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth and Mark Strong, but I haven't seen it yet. The book is phenomenal, one of the most successful debuts ever (it has sold 5 million copies in over 42 languages around the world).
Wow, that's a great list, thank you very much! I like going back to old favourites during the summer holidays as well, and Jane Austen is one of them for sure. As for Neil Gaiman, I've only read 2 of his books so far ("Stardust" and "Neverwhere") and I really like them. I am seriously looking forward to beginning my adventure with Terry Pratchett. I used to own "The Shakespeare Secret" in English, but I suppose I gave it away after a while, because I hate it when books just SIT there on my shelf with the unbearable TBR status... So I normally give them away to - possibly - more attentive owners. What a shame, now I regret having done that :(
Also, anything in which Colin Firth participated has my immediate attention. Don't judge. ;) I have to admit I've watched "Pride & Prejudice" (the BBC series) about 15 times. I think Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth completely NAILED the caracters. What a delight for a viewer to watch them perform!
Coming back to the topic - I was starting to get a bit dreamy here - I am really astound that Joanne Harris would have written a frustrating piece of writing. I have the "Blueyed Boy" on my Kindle, and I was hoping to like it, although I must say, I've read some really mixed reviews on that one... Then again, even the best authors may have a slip - like J. K. Rowling with "The Casual Vacancy" (which I haven't read, discouraged by a friend's review).
I have had a hard time with having enough patience to actually finish a book, or maybe it's because I've been chosing books poorly lately. I hope this will change as soon as the holiday starts!
That's a great appeal. Any books you recommend as summer reads?
ReplyDeleteOh dear, where to begin? Actually, the first author that comes to mind is someone you know very well: Joanne Harris. Anything by her is a fabulous, pleasurable read, except for Blueeyedboy, which was one of the most frustrating reading experiences I've ever had. For the more thriller oriented readers I would recommend Grisham, whose prose drags you in and doesn't let go before you finish. Another book I couldn't let go of was "The Shakespeare Secret", probably inspired by Dan Brown's output, (which I haven't read), but very entertaining and smart. For fantasy (+FUN) books go for Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman of course (nothing new to you Marysia again). As for more classic authors, my first summer choice is always Jane Austen. And as for something a bit more challenging (in terms of English and otherwise), I would recommend Zadie Smith, Margaret Atwood, Henry James and Philip Roth (I really don't have enough time to say why). A really dark, mysterious and gripping book is "Beloved" by Toni Morrison. Stop me now!!! I need to get back to work! ;) Enjoy your reading holiday!
DeleteOne more: the psychological thriller Before I Go to Sleep, a debut novel by SJ Watson. It has been made into a movie with Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth and Mark Strong, but I haven't seen it yet. The book is phenomenal, one of the most successful debuts ever (it has sold 5 million copies in over 42 languages around the world).
DeleteWow, that's a great list, thank you very much! I like going back to old favourites during the summer holidays as well, and Jane Austen is one of them for sure. As for Neil Gaiman, I've only read 2 of his books so far ("Stardust" and "Neverwhere") and I really like them. I am seriously looking forward to beginning my adventure with Terry Pratchett. I used to own "The Shakespeare Secret" in English, but I suppose I gave it away after a while, because I hate it when books just SIT there on my shelf with the unbearable TBR status... So I normally give them away to - possibly - more attentive owners. What a shame, now I regret having done that :(
ReplyDeleteAlso, anything in which Colin Firth participated has my immediate attention. Don't judge. ;) I have to admit I've watched "Pride & Prejudice" (the BBC series) about 15 times. I think Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth completely NAILED the caracters. What a delight for a viewer to watch them perform!
Coming back to the topic - I was starting to get a bit dreamy here - I am really astound that Joanne Harris would have written a frustrating piece of writing. I have the "Blueyed Boy" on my Kindle, and I was hoping to like it, although I must say, I've read some really mixed reviews on that one... Then again, even the best authors may have a slip - like J. K. Rowling with "The Casual Vacancy" (which I haven't read, discouraged by a friend's review).
I have had a hard time with having enough patience to actually finish a book, or maybe it's because I've been chosing books poorly lately. I hope this will change as soon as the holiday starts!