You might want to recommend it but not necessarily re-read it..... ;)

Bear in mind that in general, for my reading, I'm looking for escapism and the ability to relax into a story. I'm not looking to stretch my mind, be depressed or solve the world's problems - I just want to enjoy myself!

If you're looking for a certain kind of book, then ask! If you want to recommend something you just read, then recommend! (I give this thread about 4 posts before it veers wildly off-topic and becomes a thread about squirrels ;) )

Ok this week I have been mostly reading:

The Dexter series by Jeff Lindsay
A very different premise on the standard whodunnit. Because the lead protagonist is a serial killer. But he only kills other serial killers......... well worth a read!

The Septimus Heap series by Angie Sage
Another fantasy saga sprouts from childrens' literature! As always, pretty derivative stuff but still very well written, engaging characters and definitely worth a browse.

The Abby and Ophelia Mysteries
More supernatural chicklit - this time with witches. If you are into this type of stuff (Kelley Armstrong, Charlaine Harris, early Laurell K Hamilton), then you'll enjoy these.

The Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
Beautifully written gentle books that you can snuggle down into!

The Last Witchfinder (thanks for that one Evil!)

Last Witchfinder? By who? What's it about? Enquiring minds need to know! :)

James Morrow.

I actually got a bit teary towards the end, which is very strange for me.

Although admittedly, it had a lot to do with things other than the book.

Just finished The House at Riverton by Kate Morton. Excellent read, very well crafted, I kept thinking I knew where the plot was going and it didn't! Very atmospheric.

I'll repost my recommendations from the Announcement thread:

Three books I've read recently that are pretty well off the beaten track:

Silverlock, by John Myers Myers
Time and Again, by Jack Finney
It Came from Schenectady, by Barry Longyear

I like Boris Akunin's detective series - The Winter Queen is the first one - apparently very popular in Russia for a long time now - I know at least 5 have been translated but there may be more (I haven't checked lately)...

Just recently read The Bonesetter's Daughter, by Amy Tan, which was very good. Not read any of her other books, mostly due to time. But I've heard good things about her.

"Alice in Sunderland" by Bryan Talbot takes the idea of a 'graphic novel' to a new level; a masterpiece.

OOOH! And it has a punny title. That does it, I'm getting that one.

Finished Ender's Game and Deadhouse Gates.

The Malazan Books of the Fallen are amazing btw (Deadhouse Gates is book 2).

Also read the Sandman Companion by Hy Bender. Was interesting.

__________________________________
'We're all mad here. I'm mad, you're mad." [said the Cat.]
"How do you know I'm mad?" said Alice.
"You must be," said the Cat, "Or you wouldn't have come here."
- Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures In Wonderland

Juat read Keeping it Real by Julia Robson I think, I actually quite enjoyed it for a bit of sci-fi fantasy magicy escapism, would like to hear anyone else's thought if they have read it?
It's girl agent gets blown apart by magic, rebuilt as a multi billion dollar cyborg has to protect an elfin rock star - alternate future with funny music references.
I really enjoyoyed the Septimus Heap books and would highly recomend Sabriel by garth Nix!

I'd also recommend Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrel, by Susanna Clarke. It's long and sometimes slow-moving, but quite excellent especially towards the climax. I'm about to start rereading it.

Sabriel is awesome.

__________________________________
'We're all mad here. I'm mad, you're mad." [said the Cat.]
"How do you know I'm mad?" said Alice.
"You must be," said the Cat, "Or you wouldn't have come here."
- Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures In Wonderland

Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrel is one of my FAVOURITE books...I know others that didn't fancy it at all though...couldn't put it down.

Read an interesting one recently called "The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters" by GW Dahlquist; some annoying overtones of Standard Male Fantasy (lots of women running around in white dresses being victims) but quite fascinating nonetheless!!

Another fave is "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver.

On a completely different tack, for an action-packed adventure I love Lee Child's "Jack Reacher" novels - he's totally buff, and a genius to boot!! (The blurb on the back of one book reads "Men want to be him - women want to be with him." Ha! Ha! Ha!). I'd like to see him turn up in the Fforde universe...he'd give Heathcliff a run for his money...

Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell is the best book ever! (apart from Jasper's) I have been in love with the book since 2004! I have re read it a fair bit as well. Try her collection of short stories titled "the ladies of grace adieu" if you think it is slow, I think her writing is stunning! I fear for the film they are supposed to be making.... I get very sad how fantastic or unconventional novels get turned into fashionable hollywood-type trash.
I'm waiting for her next book desperately!!!!

In regard to James Morrow, if I remember correctly I may have sniffled a little!
I have this dreadful habit of getting so emotionally involved with characters that I cry over my books. Very hard to not drip on quality!
^_^

My frustration with JS&MN are well documented here, so I won't re-hash them.

A friend gave me "The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters" as a Christmas present last year. It arrived as 10 separate volumes, one per week before Christmas.
(Thanks Pete!)

Now that sounds good...

Although a bit of a busman's holiday for you isn't it?

Christopher Moore - anything of his. Imagine Jasper as an American, with a much fouler vocabulary.

Alexander McCall Smith - No. 1 Ladies series, and the Isabel Dalhousie series. Very cozy.

Chris D'Lacey - Fire Within series. Great for older kids and teens but with some decidedly grown-up themes.