Brochettes must try harder in 2013!

2012 was a new low for me in terms of the number of books read. I don't feel too terrible about this, as it's been a busy year for me in other areas. However, there's always room for improvement, and while I don't want to put too much pressure on myself, I believe I can do better than the measly 37 that I managed to read in 2012!

So, my goal this year is 40+, with 5+ from the 1001- list, and 5+ non-fiction. Hopefully, by wasting less time procrastinating online, I'll manage to fit in a little more reading time in 2013- here's to a productive New Year!




1001- books:
1. The Picture of Dorian Gray
2. The Bell Jar
3. The Shining
4. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
5. Possession: a Romance

Non-fiction:
1. When You Are Engulfed in Flames
2. Buying a Home on a Budget for Dummies
3. How to Buy Your First Home
4. Quiet
5. Gulp
6. Who Betrays Elizabeth Bennet?
7. Divorced, Beheaded, Survived
8. The Medici- Godfathers of the Renaissance

Early Review:
1. Red Dragon- White Dragon
2. Dixon Grace: 1.9.7 Hamburg

Other:
1. 4.50 from Paddington
2. A Game of Thrones
3. The Body in the Library
4. Last Scene Alive
5. Poppy Done to Death
6. Mordsfreunde
7. Bite Me
8. Schneewittchen Muss Sterben
9. Fahrenheit 451
10. Neverwhere
11. Lucifer: A Dalliance with the Damned
12. A Series of Unfortunate Events 1: The Bad Beginning
13. Grave Surprise
14. Angel & Faith: Family Reunion
15. Human Croquet
16. Wolf Hall
17. The Help
18. Dead Ever After
19. The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side
20. The Murder at the Vicarage
21. Bring Up The Bodies
22. The Ocean at the End of the Lane
23. The Thackery T. Lambshead Pocket Guide to Eccentric & Discredited Diseases
24. A Clash of Kings
25. The Good Terrorist
26. Stormbird
27. Gone Girl
28. The Thirteen Problems
29. Angel & Faith: Death and Consequences
30. At Bertram's Hotel
31. A Murder is Announced
32. The Casual Vacancy
33. The Year of the Ladybird

may all your wishes come true, good luck with your new challenge and happy reading :-)

Good luck and I hope you have a productive year!!!

#1: 4.50 from Paddington by Agatha Christie

This is my first Agatha Christie novel- I can't believe it's taken me so long to get round to reading one of her books! Lovely fluffy escapism, and I now know what to turn to when I'm in need of a short undemanding read- a huge list of unread detective stories.

I love all her cosy mysteries. This one was my first one too but I've read it some 30 years back ;-)

#2: A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin

It took me very long time to get through this, but I certainly enjoyed it. Unfortunately, my lack of time last year meant that I could only read this in short increments, which meant I had trouble really getting into the story until about the last third of the book, when I finally had a longer stretch of time to sit down and read. Hopefully, I'll manage to tackle the second installment in the series a little more enthusiastically.

#3: The Body In the Library by Agatha Christie

Short, sweet and enjoyable, albeit a little too twisted. Comfort reading.

#4: When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris

Amusing little anecdotes, sometimes poignant, sometimes a little mean. Generally enjoyed it.

#5: Last Scene Alive by Charlaine Harris

Fluff.

#6: Poppy Done to Death by Charlaine Harris

More fluff, ad a little underwhelming at that. May need to add a little more grit and substance to my current diet of comfort reading.

#7: Buying a Home on a Budget for Dummies by Melanie Bien

Looks like a pretty useful guide to refer back to while I'm in the process of house-hunting- which will hopefully be soon.

#8: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

For some strange reason I have never read this before, despite having read my way through the majority of Oscar Wilde's work in my late teens- just happened to leave the most famous one out! In a way I am glad, as it means I got to enjoy it now- a wonderful book!

#9: Mordsfreunde by Nele Neuhaus

While I think this story went one or two plot twists too far, it was a gripping and entertaining read- especially the final third of the book kept me glued to the pages. Sad back story, nice local colour, and a generous amount of nasty people with selfish motives to pick from.

#10 How to Buy Your First Home (and How to Sell It Too) by Phil Spencer

Useful in conjunction with the other book I read, Buying a Home on a Budget for Dummies- the first book look like it may be easier to go back to for quick reference, but this one covers a few areas the first one didn't, and more importantly is a little more up to date.

#11 Bite Me: A Love Story by Christopher Moore

Very funny. I actually enjoyed this more than You Suck, which I thought wasn't on par with Bloodsucking Fiends. A real shame that this particular edition has a clichéd, paranormal romance, Charlaine Harris- rip off cover, which may put off readers (I am thinking of some of my male friends) who'd probably really enjoy Christopher Moore's writing.

#12 Schneewittchen Muss Sterben by Nele Neuhaus

Very entertaining and despite its length gripping throughout. Once again a few (or quite a lot really) of plot twists too far to be believable, but not enough to spoil the fun.

#13 Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Rather depressing and disturbing, but rightfully a modern classic and a worthwhile read. Still I need something to cheer me up now.

#14 Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman

Wonderful. Loved every little bit; probably my favourite book of the year so far. And managed to finish it just before the radio program as well- excellent timing! I am really looking forward to Saturday now.

#15 Lucifer: A Dalliance with the Damned by Mike Carey

Liked the first parts, the end bit was so-so. Good enough for me to put the next instalment on my wish list.

# 16 A Series of Unfortunate Events 1: The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket

Cute little piece of fluff.

#17 Grave Surprise by Charlaine Harris

Meh.

# Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain

As a raging (quietly, on the inside) introvert, I found this book comforting and reassuring. I recognised many of the scenarios from personal experience, including attempts at faking extroversion; and the statistics that a third to possibly half of the people in any given group are in fact introverts does make me feel less alone in my feelings of awkwardness in the face of shouty sociability. So, in terms of making introverts feel better about themselves and pointing out the value of their different ways of approaching things, this is a nice book. If I have a big job interview or major nerve-racking life decision coming up, I may even reread this to help calm myself and bolster my self-esteem.

However, I don't really see our western society ready to abandon its extrovert ideal just yet, or even making any major concessions. In fact, I can't really see all that many extroverts reading this book or taking many of the insights on board, certainly not the type of extrovert who gets to decide what noisy, open-plan office the majority of people get to work in , or who gets promoted for socialising better or tagging along on rowdy drinking sprees.

Still, should I ever want to engage in an introverts v extroverts stand-off, I now have a handy list of names and examples of virtuous, successful introverts, and calamities we can blame on extrovert behaviours. Lovely.

19. Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal by Mary Roach

As someone who reads mostly for entertainment and to escape the pressures of real life, but who doesn't mind learning something in the process, this book struck the right balance between fun and enlightening. I already knew from previous books that I enjoy Mary Roach's writing style and gleeful footnotes; and the subject matter was also one that interested me greatly, so it's unsurprising that I loved this.

The cackle-out-loud moments were nicely balanced by "oh-how-interesting-never-really-considered-this" moments across a broad range of digestion- related subjects. I also feel that in some of her past books, Mary's observations of her scientist researchers could, while entertaining, be a little on the mean side, and I feel she has dialled this down a little in this book, which makes me feel less guilty at laughing at the researcher's names.

All in all a really interesting and enjoyable read that manages to remain understandable to the lay person without getting the feeling of dumbing down or being patronised.

20. Angel & Faith: Family Reunion by Christos Gage

Not quite as good as the previous two volumes, but still very enjoyable. Still much better than Buffy season 8.

21. Human Croquet by Kate Atkinson

While readable, I didn't feel this was her strongest- a little too weird and disjointed even for me, and I like a healthy dose of strange with my reading.

22. Who Betrays Elizabeth Bennet? by John Sutherland

Entertaining, although there were quite a number of novels used which I haven't yet read, in which case the puzzles are always a little less interesting. Still, enjoyable as the preceding volumes.

23. Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel

Loved it. Don't really have anything to say about this book that hasn't been said already, but for once, something that lived up to the hype. Looking forward to reading the sequel.

24. The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Hmm. It was okay. I expected to hate it, as I had come across reviews that described it as "Racism is bad; but don't worry, the nice white lady has fixed it for you- you're welcome."
It wasn't quite that trite, but nevertheless problematic on so many levels. I did however give it three stars for being a fast paced, easy to read book, which doesn't require much thought- it's perfectly clear how you are supposed to feel about which character, and you can feel bad about terrible injustices without having to question things too deeply. Well- intentioned, didn't quite pull it off. Still, perfect book club and Hollywood material (obviously).

25. Divorced, Beheaded, Survived by Karen Lindsey

Refreshing to read about the Tudors from the wives' perspective. There are parts it is very obvious the writer is a feminist rather than a historian (although you can certainly be both), but it didn't detract from my enjoyment. Could have been a little more nuanced, but certainly entertaining.

26. Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris

An okay ending to the series. I can't say I'm terribly surprised about who Sookie ended up with, and how she got there feels a little forced, but it was okay. I'm glad to be moving on though, thirteen books was more than enough.

27. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

Probably a book I should have read in my twenties at the latest, I would have appreciated it more. Still, very poignant and sad, and an excellent realistic portrayal of someone's descent into depression.

28. The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side by Agatha Christie

Lovely, soothing piece of fluff- just what I was looking for as a little pick me up.

29. The Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie

Another delightful piece of inconsequential reading matter to combat stress- very soothing.

30. Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel

I don't really have anything to add that I haven't already said about Wolf Hall - wonderful, must- read, complex and rich. Deserves the prizes it has won, and both should be on the next edition of the 1001 list as far as I'm concerned.

31. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

Lovely. Probably one that will make it to the reread pile for specific occasions.

32. The Thackery T. Lambshead Pocket Guide to Eccentric & Discredited Diseases by Mark Roberts et al.

Some parts are quite funny, some weird and disconcerting, and some just dull- I guess what is to be expected form a collaboration of many different writers. Generally I was hoping for more, although I'm not quite sure what I was expecting.

33. Red Dragon- White Dragon by Gary Dolman

This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
I was expecting to enjoy this book, as it ticks quite a few of my boxes- a Victorian setting, a detective story, and Arthurian legend, all in one neat little package.
And mostly, I did enjoy this, although the story/ nature of the crimes was a little gruesome for my liking, and as mentioned in other reviews, the story could have done with a decent editor.
The pacing in general feels a little off, and this is not helped by the slightly clumsy punctuation and style. For some reason, probably to increase the tension, the author suddenly switches from past to present tense in the final climactic scene, which is a guarantee to annoy me and pull me right out of a story. It also ended rather abruptly.

What I did like was the mixing of genres into what turned out a fun little romp; and I also found the two protagonist likeable. The few red herrings as to the suspect were enough to keep me interested, and if the author could put his thesaurus aside for a moment and accept that the word "say" is OK to use every once in a while, I'd be quite happy to read another instalment of the adventures of this rather modern Victorian crime solving couple.

34. A Clash of Kings by George R. R. Martin

Apart from the fact that I mostly enjoyed this book, especially with the pace really picking up towards the end, I also feel a sense of achievement that I have made it through this brick. Having quite a lot on my plate at the moment, my attention span is not what it might otherwise be, so I say yay me for making it through this one relatively quickly. Now I can watch season two of the tv series without fear of spoilers, bonus.

#35 The Good Terrorist by Doris Lessing

Not really a book that I particularly enjoyed, but quite a gripping read nevertheless. The lack of enjoyment stems from the thoroughly unlikeable characters throughout, but Lessing's writing makes it worthwhile despite the cringe-worthy personalities. A chilling look at the mundane side of fanaticism.

#36 Stormbird by Conn Iggulden

The first in a series about the Wars of the Roses. This volume looks at the consequences of the weak reign of Henry VI, and the focuses on characters both real and fictional who had direct involvement in the marriage of Henry to Margaret of Anjou, and the issues that arose due to the trade off of Maine and Anjou for twenty years of peace with France.

I did enjoy parts of this book. It started off really well paced, with properly villainous antagonists and properly helpless pawns of history, and I was settling myself in for a cracking good read. Unfortunately, this is no Game of Thrones, and the at times graphic and gruesome battle scenes got lost in the details of gore and brutality, without the redemption of pathos or brevity.

This is also no Wolf Hall, as I didn't really feel empathy towards most of the characters. The only one I felt for was Margaret; and her story faded into the background after the first third of the book.

Still, apart from the overly long and dreary battle scenes, it was a quick and fairly entertaining read. It has given me an introduction into a subject I wasn't particularly familiar with, and I may look into the sequel when it comes out. Definitely a recommend for those who like their historical fiction with a hefty dose of gory battle action.

#37 Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

A gripping book. A fast read; nasty, mean and thoroughly enjoyable, although the ending didn't leave me particularly satisfied. I'm not really sure how much else I can say without giving too much away, but recommended for a beach read.

#38 The Thirteen Problems by Agatha Christie

Nice, fluffy filler, perfect with a cup of tea.

#39 Angel & Faith Volume 4: Death and Consequences by Christos Gage

Really enjoyed this. Can't wait for the conclusion.

#40 At Bertram's Hotel by Agatha Christie

Mildly entertaining piece of fluff.

And with this I have hit my admittedly low goal for this year. I'm hoping to get to 50 by the end of the year, but as I know that the next three months are going to be very very busy for me, I am just glad I have hit my target this early and will take everything else I manage as a bonus.

#41 The Medici- Godfathers of the Renaissance by Paul Strathern

Insightful and entertaining- perfect introduction both to the Medici and Renaissance history and its artists. I think a trip to Florence in the not too far future may be in the cards as well.

#42 A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie

Cosy. I do realise that saying this was a bit far-fetched is like calling a romance novel unrealistic, but yes, fun but stretching it a bit even for a whodunnit.

#43 The Casual Vacancy by J. K. Rowling

Liked this a lot more than I thought I would. I wasn't really that convinced by the blurp, as the subject matter seemed a little dull to me, but I am glad to say that I was proved wrong. And of course Rowling's style is very readable, which didn't hurt.

#44 The Year of the Ladybird by Graham Joyce

This book was received as part of the Goodreads giveaway program.
In the summer of 1976, a young man takes a summer job in a holiday camp in Skegness and ends up being haunted both by his own past and the results of his current actions. This is subtitled as "a ghost story", but the supernatural parts are kept to a minimum and open to interpretation, and in my opinion the book is the better for it.
I found this a very enjoyable read, a coming of age story combined with mild suspense. I hadn't heard of this author before but will definitely look up his other works.

#45 The Shining by Stephen King

I'd been meaning to read this for a very long time, but despite having seen the movie many many years ago and enjoying it, it had somehow always bypassed me when shopping for new books. As I want to be able to read and discuss Dr Sleep, I decided to finally make myself read this, and I am glad I did.
I was surprised by two things: first of all, how some of the most iconic moments of the movie don't appear in the book as such, and second, how I was less scared by the book (usually it's the other way round for me) despite the fact that the supernatural side of things seems to be a much stronger element vs Jack's progressive insanity. This did not make me enjoy it any lees though, and I am glad about one specific difference in the ending, which made it a little happier.

For once, while I think that the book and the movie are quite different in mood and detail, neither is superior to the other-I quite happily give a thumbs up to both.

#46 The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

I can see why this book is considered a classic among detective novels, due to a plot twist that would have been ground breaking at the time of publication. Despite the fact that I had been spoiled as to the identity of the killer some time ago, and although I had forgotten it did come back to me thanks to clues I wouldn't have picked up on without having the plot twist at the back of my mind, I still enjoyed the story. Had I gone into the book unspoiled, I would most certainly been caught out. This is my introduction to Poirot, and I am looking forward to exploring the rest of the stories.

#47 Possession: a Romance by A. S. Byatt

Dense. Didn't love it, didn't hate it. Liked the general story, got sucked in at the beginning, some bits in the middle and the very end, but was also rather bored over long stretches, and got very frustrated by the very long and overwrought Victorian poems.

Obviously I am an uncultured pleb, but instead of adding to the story, I felt it pulled me out and made the whole thing less enjoyable as a reading experience. I feel shorter "extracts" of the poems would have sufficed to add a feeling of scholarly authenticity, and would have made the whole feel less like homework. Major points to the author for an intimidating amount of effort put into it though.

Mostly I am feeling relieved right now that I have managed to slog my way through this.

#48: Dixon Grace: 1.9.7 Hamburg by Alexa Camouro

I received this as part of the LibraryThing Early Reviewers programme.

I mostly enjoyed this book, but have to say that the constant shifts both in perspective and timeline was a bit much for me.

It was great getting the view of so many characters whose motivations were thus fairly well explained, and all of whom were well rounded. On the other hand, the shifting between dates left me a little confused as to what happened when, as I found it difficult to keep track. Still I guess this was intentional?

My favourite character was probably Sara- I'm intrigued and would like to know more about her. Sadly, I'm not sure I'm quite as enthralled by Dixon, who struck me as the least believable character in the book.

Still I'd definitely give the next instalment a go.

I was well on track to finish with 50 books read this year, but then moving house and having family come to visit and Christmas all managed to happen at the same time. Thus, the only reading I managed to do were a page or so before passing out with exhaustion before bedtime, and an IKEA manual or two. Still, 48 is a perfectly respectable number, especially compared to last year, and I consider 2013 a reading success. Now back to rearranging my bookshelves.