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1.The Unbearable Lightness of Scones: A New 44 Scotland Street Novel (44 Scotland Street 5): A New 44 Scotland Street Novel (44 Scotland Street 5) by: Alexander McCall Smith
July 01, 2008
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This instalment of the series is just as good as its predecessors. Matthew embarks on married life; Bertie continues to ask awkward questions about his little brother's parentage; Domenica wonders what Antonia is up to and Angus Lordie and Cyril have a close encounter with some puppies. Each short chapter is complete in itself and many are highly amusing. What can you do with 6 puppies in an Edinburgh flat? Big Lou is still serving coffee and sympathy to all who need it and still reading through her eclectic library. Old friends make an appearance and some problems are sorted. I loved it for its gentle humour and the knowledge of human nature in all its forms which this author displays. I can't wait for the next one.

2.The Catcher in the Rye by: J.D. Salinger
August 04, 1994
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I first read this book way back in the late 70's. More luck then judgement I used to play a game where I would go to my local library in South Ockendon and just go over to the fiction section and take any book off the shelve and read it. Worked quite well as I would never have selected this title and at that time, when I was in my early 20's I had never heard of it.

I read the book over the week initially determined to finish it, but after a few chapters keen to see where the book would lead. I loved it and felt compelled to read other J.D. Salinger titles. I don't think I found any however.

The book is now infamous due to Mark Chapman's association with it. I suppose any publicity to get people to read a classic however ... Read More:

3.The Great Gatsby (Penguin Popular Classics) by: F.Scott Fitzgerald
January 13, 1994
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One of my resolutions for 2008 is to broaden my literary horizens. After studying English Lit to A-Level, my interest has fallen to the wayside. So on my quest to better myself through literature, I read "The Old Man and the Sea", which I just couldn't relate to. So imagine my relief when I started reading "The Great Gatsby". I'm so glad I perservered with classic books!

TGG is a great read. It's fast-paced from the outset, and gripping towards the end - I couldn't put it down. I even tried to convince family and friends to read it afterwards; but to no avail - so if I manage to get even ONE person to read it from writing this review, then good! Definitely recommended.

4.The World According to Bertie (44 Scotland Street 4) by: Alexander McCall Smith
April 24, 2008
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This is like coming home to old friends and listening to their tales of what they have been doing for the last few months. I am biased of course as I live in Edinburgh and know that area extremely well, so a lot of the fun is picking out the places the characters go to and imagining them walking up and down the streets of Edinburgh. Alexander McCall Smith writes in a fairly ponderous, careful way, but he draws the characters so delightfully that you really feel about them and what they go through. All the old characters are there, Pat, Matthew, Big Lou, Bertie and his dreadful mum, Angus and Domenica - along with all their problems and joys. The book is completely charming and thoughtful in turn, with flashes of humour and fun showing through as well. The ... Read More:

5.The Handmaid's Tale (Contemporary Classics) by: Margaret Atwood
January 03, 1998
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A truly great book, particular for those who have cold feet about Speculative Fiction (aka Sci Fi). A post-apocalyptic take on loss, resistance, feminism and social order of the patriarchal kind, The Handmaid's Tale avoids both cliche and the pretensions that can often plague even the best of novels with political undertows. I can think of few books which so well capture the sense of radical transformation and dislocation that must come with what someone once called the 'orgasms of history', those decisive events that change utterly social structures and somehow drag individuals along with them, even though people remain dominated by much the same loves and hopes they always were. The evocations of ritual, ceremony and punishment are particularly disturbing and ... Read More:

6.Of Mice and Men (Penguin Red Classics) by: John Steinbeck
January 26, 2006
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I've just finished reading Of Mice and Men as part of a novel-reading challenge and despite its short length, I've got to say it's a monumental piece of literature, with a story as powerful as anything I have, or am probably ever likely to read.

The story centres around George Milton and Lennie Small, two migrant workers who are scouring the Californian countryside in search of work. Again, as was other Steinbeck novels, I have been mesmerised by Mr. Steinbeck's profound ability to create characters that are wholly `stick in the head' memorable. Lennie, despite being a bit of a `man mountain' and a `hell of a good worker' suffers from a high level of mental disability. His only motivation seem to be that one day he's going to own a farm with George, solely ... Read More:

7.Heart of Darkness by: Joseph Conrad
April 28, 1994
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I originally read this novel as a first year undergraduate in 1988. I found it dull and very hard work. I still remember having to force myself to read a page or two each night just to get through it. The horror indeed. I recently thought I would try reading it again as, after so long and with more mature tastes I might enjoy it. But no. I gave it my best shot - and then gave up. Maybe I'll have another go in 2028...

8.A Fine Balance by: Rohinton Mistry
October 19, 2006
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As another reviewer has already said, Rohinton Mistry has echoed Dickens in this book. It is a social commentary about how well-meaning political decisions have a huge impact on the ordinary people. I read this after being badgered to by my godmother, and I am really glad that she kept on at me until i did.
It is at times an uncomfortable read - it highlights caste violence, government-backed brutality and extreme poverty, without ever sensationalising any of it. It is also, believe it or not, humourous, gentle and touching at the same time as being absolutely tragic and harrowing. the characters are beautifully fleshed-out, and the sights, smells and tastes of India are there as you read. I was so engrossed in the characters that I desperately wanted a happy ending for them ... Read More:

9.The Outsider (Penguin Modern Classics) by: Albert Camus
February 24, 2000
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More of a novella this is regularly featured on such lists of books to read before you die. I personally prefer The Plague by Camus, but this is still a stunning literary work, and definitely worthy of a read.

Meursalt, the 'outsider' of the novel, tells us his brief tale. A man oddly disconnected from the rest of humanity, living on the edges of understanding in terms of social interaction, he comes across as almost autistic in his views of the world. The story takes us from the death of his mother through to his arrest for murder and the trial that ensues.

There is a letter from Camus in which he describe Meursalt as a redeemer figure and a hero whose only sin is to speak the truth of his existence. I don't think this is 100% honest, as despite his alienation ... Read More:

10.The Color Purple by: Alice Walker
August 05, 2004
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Books : The Color Purple
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This was actually the first 'adult' book I read as a child - much to the shock of my grandparents!! I loved it and reading it again as an adult (understanding it that much more)has assured it as a favourite. I would recommend anyone to read this. It covers issues of race, sexuality, family, friendships and gender fantastically. The film version is very good and the book is a must to read.

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