Reflections On The Best Books Of 2011

As 2011 comes to an end I’m finding myself stuck in a reflective and thoughtful mood. It’s the time of year for tinsel and turkey but also the time of year to think of what we’ve achieved, what we’re disappointed we haven’t achieved and what we hope to get from the coming new year. As an avid reader who surrounds myself with books I have invariably ended up musing on the books that made 2011 for me. So I thought I would jot down my thoughts here and share them all with you. 

The first book that really blew me away this year was Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro, I was given the book for valentine’s day and the story of fated love set to the back drop of a speculative version of England made for an interesting and emotional parody to the traditional love story. I certainly had a book hugging moment when reading Never Let Me Go, how could I not?

The next book to really grip me was Room by Emma Donoghue. The hype of this book seemed to escape me and when I was handed a copy it was with little appreciation that I began reading it. But Donoghue’s magic didn’t fail me for long and I was soon exchanging sleep for stolen hours reading this book late into the night (that sounds almost like a love affair doesn’t it?). But I really did love this book and would highly recommend it to anyone who hasn’t read it.

One Day is another book that really made my 2011 reading experience. The story is simple enough but it’s told with such a frank and honest approach that I found the novel and it’s messages deeply moving and engaging; for me the perfect reading experience.

Another book to captivate my attention and stick with me this year turned out to be Grace Williams Says It loud by Emma Henderson. How could I not be blown away by this book? Henderson shines a light on a subject that is rarely explored and does this in such a candid manner that the book is a shocking but emotional page turner that’s hard to forget.

Carrying on with the Orange Prize theme I also read and loved the debut novel Annabel. Although I will admit that my interest in the book waned towards the end overall I loved this book, I found her voice powerful and inspiring; this book is simply one of the most pleasurable books I’ve read this year.

One of my favorite books this year and one I’m not likely to forget (or shut about anytime soon) is The Poison Tree by Erin Kelly. This novel epitomizes my ideal book, secrecy, scandal, mystery and complex relations; this book ticks all the boxes and had me gripped from day one. If you haven’t read this book I’d highly recommend you do.

Colette is a writer I discovered in 2011 and her novella Gigi is a book that really stands out for me and was a pleasure to read. The glimpse of life as a society girl for Gigi in late Paris was delectable and really made a sunny day spent in Spain an extra treat.

And lastly a book I had low expectations for but loved was The Girls by Lori Lansen. It’s a story about Conjoined Twins and it’s one of those rare novels that in one breath has you crying in sorrow and in another smiling and filled with joy at the beautiful outlook on life that Lansen possesses.

So there the books that I’m most thankful to have read this year and the one’s that I wont forget. I may at some point decide to reflect on the books that really didn’t do it for me and the one’s that let me down. But what about everyone else? What books did you love this year, what would you recommend, what can you not stop talking about?

Book to Film adaption’s – Do They Work?

After recently seeing Lone Scherfig’s movie adaption of David Nicholls One Day I got to thinking about the temperamental success of such endeavours. What is it with book to movie adaption’s? Sometimes they work brilliantly and sometimes they crash and burn so disastrously that we are forced to watch them through half closed eyes, inwardly cringing at the brutal injustice bestowed on a favorite novel.

I’m sure that every book lover out there that has received the news of plans to adapt an adored book to the big screen and have met this news with lots of indignation and plenty of trepidation. But why do some work and some…well just don’t?

Is it that with some books we love them so dearly that we can never fully shake of our protective and biased eyes for long enough to enjoy them? Or is it that some books should simply be left on the written page? Not tampered with, just left in their pure form? 

 I often have these thoughts when any cherished novel finds it’s way to Hollywood and I will admit a slightly selfish part of me doesn’t want my favorite books to be shared with the whole world in an hour and a half blockbuster movie. I want it to remain precious and untainted, safe in the realm of books. Am I the only one who feels like this? Or do you have similar feelings of not wanting to let go of a beloved book?

 So back to One Day and the big question did I like it? Well if you’ve read my review you will know that I absolutely loved the book. I despaired then when I heard that David Nicholls had allowed it to be turned into a Hollywood movie, why O why ruin something so amazing. Something that in my opinion truly belonged in the written word?

 I’ve watched so many novels that I loved dearly be turned into movies and there aren’t many that I can say weren’t butchered. Off course there are many exceptions and on a positive note I will discuss them…but firstly how was One day? Well actually I have to say it really wasn’t too bad. Now I’m not declaring my love for the film or anything, give me the paper back any day of the week! However I managed to put aside much of what I will admit were my prejudices and actually quite enjoyed the film.

Not much has been tampered with, the writer stays pretty congruent to the actual novel. I always find that a successful film adaption relies on the integral fact that the adaption is either very similar to the book or wildly different. Anything in the middle just makes for a murky, hazy movie.

 But back to One Day, as I said the director stays pretty true to Nicholls’s original story and for that reason the result is rewarding. I can’t really think of any moments where I rolled my eyes at a wildly unrealistic instant or a scene when a beloved experience was inappropriately changed. For this reason though the film was slightly predictable, I know what am I moaning for right? And it’s not really a complaint, more just that I knew everything that was coming so I was more open to distraction whilst watching it.

 I’m pleased that the storyline wasn’t changed and for those that haven’t read the book I think they will have a more enjoyable experience; Seeing it for the first time as it were. For anyone who has read it though you might be feeling like me that the film was just a parallel and therefore there was nothing new or greatly exciting to be gained from the film.

 Again I’m being very critical and I am a huge book fan, not really a movie lover. After a first very critical viewing perhaps I will enjoy it more the second time?

So the really important question, what did everyone else think of the film? Have you read the book or was the movie your first experience of One Day? Did you enjoy it? Think that is was a fair and true adaption or do you have any criticism’s? Please do tell.

 But whilst I’ve probably being quite hard on movie adaption’s thus far I think it only fair to mention some movies where I think the transition was successfully accomplished.

Surprisingly, given that I love Ian McEwan as much as I do, I thought the movie Atonement was brilliant. It’s been quite sometime since I read or watched the book/movie so it’s tricky to say how well the original plot line was adhered too but I loved both. Off course they are different, each stirring diverse emotions within me. They had varied after tastes and were overall just completely different experiences. But I was pleasantly surprised and I will just as happily slip on the movie as I will read the book.

Again I surprise myself in saying that I still enjoyed the movie adaption of Never Let Me Go, and sacrilege, I actually watched the movie first, which by my own standards is a cardinal sin. I actually found thankfully that far from spoiling the book for me it actually made it a little easier to understand, and yes there are a few changes but the director put his own stamp on the film and that is what’s most important. It allowed the film to work in it’s own rights and meant that both film and book are rewarding and touching to either read or watch.

Now I’m not saying this next adaption was perfect but I thought the movie version of The Time Traveler’s wife was again quite a decent transition. None of the romance and heartbreak of the novel were missed from the movie and in many ways watching it on the big screen was a little less confusing than reading the book. But off course films are never the same as books and for me my heart will always lie with the book.

But I haven’t yet been totally converted to films and there are still a shocking amount of poor adaptations that I can find myself reeling at. For example The Northern Lights Trilogy, Philip Pullman you are by far one of my all time writers but why let Hollywood get their hands on these amazing works of fiction I will never know. And Daniel Craig playing Lord Asriel, well I just couldn’t stand it I’m afraid. I turned the movie of not long after it started, some things just don’t work and for me this was a clear case of why movie adaption’s should just sometimes not happen.

But instead of reeling about all of the adaption’s that I have hated I will end this latest musing with a slightly more positive note, I’m very excited and highly anticipating the up and coming production of Before I Go To Sleep which I actually think will make a brilliant film. I’m half way through the book at the moment and I believe it will make for an excellent movie. There’s something about thrillers which means they actually work, for me anyway, really well when taken from the written page to the big screen.

 Perhaps this is one time when Hollywood getting their mitts on a great book is a good thing? Special effects, dramatic climax’s, these are ingredients integral to a thriller and things that are usually done well in movies.

So what does everyone else? Do you agree with my thoughts on adaption’s or do you have a different take on them? Which one’s have worked for you and which one’s sadly didn’t?

Help I’m having a book dilemma!

We all know the problem so many books such little time. We have bookshelves at home teeming with books, threatening to collapse under the sheer weight of such a tantalizing selection of reads. And yet there’s just not enough hours in the day to read them! So now that I have a summer holiday booked it seems only right that I gear myself up for some serious pool side reading. Bliss. Off course now that I have this imminent freedom I’m stuck – which books do I take?

 And that’s where you all come in, I’m desperate for suggestions and I would also love to hear what you have been reading this summer. Whether it’s on a beach, by the pool or just enjoying some sunshine in the park. Which books have been your summer companions this year? Or indeed in previous summers? Have you read anything that made the perfect partner for hot summer days, can you suggest a book that is perfect for willing away rare uninterrupted hours with?

 I’m going to Barcelona and Alicante and shamefully I’ve read very little Spanish literature so can anyone recommend any good books relating to the Spanish region or culture?

I’ve composed a short list of my most memorable summer reads and would like to hear yours. Please feel free to leave your comments or even better post your list on your blog and I will check it out.

 Here are my summer reads;

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton – I don’t know about you but when I’m on holiday I like to chill out. So I put aside my more heavy demanding books and indulge in something with a strong compelling story, something I can completely lose myself in. I read this book when travelling on a gap year and it made the perfect antidote to long car journeys in the Australian heat. The novel which is set primarily in England beautifully depicts our countryside in the setting of a vividly detailed country home. I loved the magic and enchantment of this book. My only criticism – the splendor of the English countryside is so strongly portrayed that occasionally I was left rather homesick. 

 One of my top summer reads this year is The Poison Tree by Erin Kelly. I bet people are sick of me singing this books praises but I really can’t stop. I read it on a rare day off from work, the sun was shining, the afternoon was mine and the book was the ideal company I craved. A book quite simple in it’s narration but with a story that is so gripping I could not put it down – isn’t that what summer reading is all about after all?

No Time For Goodbye by Linwood Barclay– I hardly ever read crime fiction books which is probably quite evident from my blog but when I read No Time for Goodbye I absolutely loved it. Sometimes I guess you just can’t beat the plot line of a really good crime or thriller story. Although I read this book in winter I kind of wish I had read it in summer as it would have being a great pool side read. A book guaranteed to help you wind down and relax whilst still captivating your attention from page one. His latest novel Never Look Away is out and I can’t think of a better place or time to read it than on holiday. It’s the only book I know I will be taking with me. Has anyone else read this book?

Cloth Girl by Marilyn Heward Mills – One of the great things I discovered when travelling is that books are given a whole new sense of freedom. There are so many travelers who have with them adored books but are unable to carry them about. Instead books get exchanged far more freely than they probably would under normal circumstances, you more often that not find yourself being given a wide array of books and all for nothing! One such book that’ sticks out for me is cloth girl a book that from blurb and cover alone probably wouldn’t have caught my eye but it came so highly recommended that I read and loved it. A top summer read and a truly touching story all rolled into one.

One Day by David Nicholls– If anyone asks me to recommend them a good summer read then I will straight away suggest One Day. A book that seems unparalleled in it’s power to captivate a universal audience, this book is the book that summer readers dream of. It has love, loss, sadness, elation and it is so achingly true to human life and love that it’s hard to find a reader not captivated by this book. If you want a book that will have you laughing and crying in abundance then I would definitely suggest this novel. It was certainly one of my top summer reads this year.

The Novel in the Viola by Natasha Solomons – Again another novel that brilliantly evokes the British country side in full summer bloom, this book works in perfect harmony with warm ( albeit rare) English summers day. Take this book to a secluded park and prepare to give up a summers afternoon to a book that once opened cannot be put down.

So that’s my list of perfect summer reading. What about everyone else? Any memorable books that you’ve read that perfected long, hazy summer days? Maybe you have a holiday planned and have a selection of books that you also can’t wait to read? And what do you look for in a summer book? I’d love to hear your thoughts and off course your much needed recommendations.

One Day by David Nicholls

Nicholls displays such a dazzling and intricate understanding of human relationships, it’s hard not to be swept away in this beautifully told story.

One Day seems to be one of those books that despite dividing opinions, and being around for a couple of years, is still hot on everyone’s lips. Just the other day I was in a lift when someone noticed me reading it and started professing just how wonderful it was and how much they loved it, that never happens! But why has this book caused such a stir? Why is it that bookoholic’s who normally struggle to find a book in common are suddenly praising the same book? I wasn’t sure I would find myself getting swept up in the One Day craze and even after the first few chapters I was still a little skeptical, but very soon I found myself under David Nicholls spell.

 
The book opens up on St Swithun’s Day in 1988, Emma and Dexter are experiencing, in the harsh light of day, the awkward moment of the morning after the night before. The night before at their graduation celebrations the two finally got together much to Emma’s pleasure as she has admired him from a far. Dexter on the other hand isn’t new to this situation and as the alcohol starts to wear off and self consciousness kicks in they are both left feeling awkward and unsure. Usually the ‘leave before she wakes up’ type, Dexter contemplates making his escape, and the defensive and cagey Emma is left torn between playing it cool and asking Dexter to meet up again. Their relationship seems precarious from the off set but some spark clearly ignites between them and from this uncertain start we then follow both characters as they grow up together and apart; and we the reader meet them on the same day each year for the next twenty years.
 
What happens on each of those days and the time in between is a rollercoaster of highs and lows, sometimes leaving us full of hope and other times leave us wringing our hands in despair. Nicholls explores and demonstrates with scarily accurate precision the unpredictable, surprising and sometimes ironic hand that life can deal us. He also captures perfectly that ‘how will my life pan out’ ‘what is my place in the world’ feeling that we all experience in our youth. His voices speaks loudly about the usually hushed up feelings of anxiety and uncertainty of what and who we will become, what life has in store for us.
 
Emma, an idealist with a need to change the world, or if not the world ‘the bit around her’, lives in a permanent state of these emotions. Determined to be something great, terrified that she wont, she lives her life in constant search of these answers. Dexter on the other hand silences his worries when he finds himself working successfully as a TV presenter, his charismatic, carefree and handsome demeanor propelling him to the popularity he enjoys.
 
But despite their seemingly different places in life and their uncertain start Dexter and Emma  forge together a friendship of strength and endurance and together they share both their exhilarations and the disappointments that life throws at them. But like any friendship there are times when life seems to pit them against each other and although I don’t want to give the story away, I must say there were times when Nicholls heartbreaking precision of their relationship was devastating to read.
Yet in the mist of Emma’s and Dexter’s friendship there always lingers that illustrious night they spent together way back when, and the glimmer of hope never quite dies; ‘one day’ will they get together?
 
Needless to say this novel will keep you gripped, and just when you might think you’ve figured it all out, like Emma and Dexter you will be shockingly reminded that life isn’t always that easy to predict. Even when you think your on a straight path you can turn a corner and end up somewhere completely different.
 
So why has this book touched so many people? What’s the reason behind it’s success? After all the story is quite simply told, there’s no poetic prose, fanciful imagery; it really is just a marvelously told story that is precisely true to life. And maybe that is the very reason for the books success? Nicholls refrains from bogging his work down with over complicated language, although the novel is written with plenty of wit and intelligence. Instead his simplistic style for me really allowed his characters to breathe, it allowed them the space to move, grow and really come to life.
 
And off course one of the most spell binding qualities of the book is the relationship between Emma and Dexter. There’s something about how intricately detailed and well thought out their characterization is that makes it so easy to engage with them. Within the first few chapters I felt I knew them intimately, their hopes, their fears, their family lives, their confused feelings for one another. And this was all done so subtly in such a simple and easy style that I was quite shocked when putting the book down for a break only to realize how well I felt connected to them. By the time I had reached the last page it seemed impossible that these two people didn’t really exists.
 
Towards the end of the book I was also struck by how keenly Nicholls understands human nature, relationships and life itself. I thought Nicholls masterfully captured that feeling of starting out life not knowing where it will take us and then detailing all of the emotions in between, then leading us to a retrospective ending of how we can never really predict or even control the panning out of our lives. How, if we are to look back like Emma and Dexter some twenty years on we might be just a little amused at lifes sense of humor.
 
I wish there were more books like this that told such a wonderful story whilst leaving me musing for quite sometime to come my own views on life and love. Now off course I must diligently seek out more David Nicholl’s books in the hope of capturing the same magic of One Day.  Have you read this book? What did you think? Were you as swept away as me or perhaps you didn’t enjoy? Also could you recommend any of other books by Nicholls given that I’m now a new convert?

10/10

Musing over May and my June book journey

Another month has passed and I again I find myself reflectively musing on the books I intended to read in May, the one’s I actually did and the ones I read quite spontaneously without intending to do so. I’ve also compiled a little list of the books that I have chosen to read in June. So here are all of my thoughts.

You may or may not have read my post Mays mission in which I outlined all of the books I wanted to read in May. These, to recap, were The Eyre Affair, The Report, Trespass, The Red Queen, Annabel and The Tigers wife. Maybe I set my sights a little high given that I knew I had a busy month planned in all respects, however this was my challenge and while I didn’t get through them all I did find great pleasure in the ones I did manage.

At the beginning of the month I read The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde. I loved the experience of reading this book; I found it engaging and entertaining throughout, although I also found that I quite quickly forget about this book. Nonetheless it was a great way to kick of my May reading mission and it’s a novel I’d highly recommend.

I also read The Report by Jessica Francis Kane, sadly after a hyped up start my connection to this book rapidly waned and I was left with quite a lack lustre reaction. That said the subject matter of the novel, which told the story of the worst civilian tragedy in WW2 was highly interesting and informative. For that reason I’m glad I read this novel.

The Other Side of the Bridge by Mary Lawson was up next. This novel was a little unplanned but loved all the same. And finally I finished of the month with Trespass, my review of which is scheduled for some time this week so you’ll have to wait for that I’m afraid.

I didn’t manage to read Annabel, The Red Queen or The Tigers Wife despite my good intentions. The time flew by this month, but their still firmly on my TBR pile and will get round to them, and all of the other tonnes of books currently crowding my room.

I’m going to try and mix up June a little though, which I really ought to do after moaning on my recent post book rut that I don’t read enough books by male authors. So in June I intend to read One day by David Nicholls which I’ve just started, and Solar by Ian McEwan. I was also given The Novel in the Viola by Natasha Solomons over the weekend and can’t wait to start that.

 And finally I will be reading The purple Hibiscus byChimamanda Ngozi Adichie as part of my new Manchester based book group. I’m particularly excited about this as not only does it mean getting together with some familiar faces to discuss the book, I will also be getting the chance to meet some of the lovely people who read my blog.

Fingers crossed this month wont be quite so hectic and I’ll finish all those books and hopefully some more. As for the ‘more’ is there any books you would recommend to me?

I have been given some great recommendation recently for some short stories that sound amazing so I’ll try and branch out into a style of writing I haven’t explored for too long.

So here’s to a great month of reading for everyone. Hope you all have some exciting books planned and you enjoy whatever it is you chose to read. As always I’d love to hear about what you’re planning to read this month and what you got through in May?

One Book, Two Book, Three Book, Four…and Five

I’ve decided to join in the fun with Simon at Stuck in a book and his wonderful recent post where he listed The book he was currently reading, the last book he finished, the next book he wanted to read, the last book he bought, and the last book he was given. Simon asked other bloggers to join in too and post the books they were reading, had received and wanted to read. I’ve had great fun reading everyone else’s post and have decided to share with you mine.

1, The book I’m currently reading

The Report by Jessica Francis Kane was kindly loaned to me by the lovely Simon at Savidge Reads. It’s a book I’ve been desperate to get my hands on and is part of my May Mission of books that I hope to read this month. I’ve heard great things about this book so my hopes are high. I’ve just started reading it so it’s far to early to say but so far the book has me very intrigued and seems (fingers crossed) like the sort of thing I usually relish.

 

 

2, The last book I finished

The last book I finished was The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde. This book was part of one of the book groups I take part in and I’m very much looking forward to sharing my thoughts with you regarding this one. As I said it’s part of a book group I’m currently in so I’ll wait for our catch up to discuss the book before I actually post anything on here. I really enjoyed the book though and am desperate to meet up with the other members of the book group to talk about it.

 

 

3, The next book I want to read

After recently acquiring a copy of One Day by David Nicholls at a steal of a price from my local charity shop it’s now top of my TBR list. The book was initially recommended to me by a friend with whom I share similar tastes. I’ve read and heard great things about this book so I’m really keen to start it. Plus I feel like lately I only read books by female writers so this should be a perfect way to get out of this habit. Lets hope it lives up to my high expectations.

 

 

4, The last book I bought

 Maybe a little ironically as I just moaned I don’t read enough books by male writers, the last book I bought was Solar by Ian Mcewan. Although it’s not so much my purchasing habits that’s being the problem and more the books I ‘ve being choosing to read lately. Anyway hopefully this will put an end to my recent rut. I’m a huge Ian Mcewan fan to say the least, Atonement being my all time favourite. I’ve being meaning to get round to reading this for a while and now that I finally have a copy I have no excuses.

 

 

5, The last book I was given

And finally the last book I was given was The Return by Victoria Hislop. I read her first novel ‘The Island’ years ago and although it wasn’t the usual thing I go for I did really enjoy it so I’m keen to see how I’ll feel about this book. It was my friend who loaned it to me and she actually read The Return first. She’s reading The Island very soon and I can’t wait to hear her thoughts on it. I can’t wait for us to both discuss The Island and The Return so I’d better get reading.

So that’s it, the books I’ve bought, being given, want to read, have just read and the last book I bought. Have you read any of these books? Are there only on here that you have any thoughts on? Perhaps you would like to tell me which books you recently bought, read, want to read etc… As always I’d love to hear your thoughts and if you’ve done your own list on your blog then please send me the link. Thanks again to Simon for the great idea.