1bryanoz
Hi, I am Bryan and have been reading a hundred books a year or more for the last 15 years.
Last year I managed 132 books, an average of 440 pages and would like a repeat this year.
I read mainly modern fiction, classics and fantasy.
Good luck to all of us this year !
Last year I managed 132 books, an average of 440 pages and would like a repeat this year.
I read mainly modern fiction, classics and fantasy.
Good luck to all of us this year !
2Tess_W
>1 bryanoz: May you enjoy your 2026 reading!
7bryanoz
1 A Tangle of Time, Josiah Bancroft.
Just published, this is the second in his Hexologists series, as we follow the busy lives of Isolde and Warren Wilby as they tackle magical cases. Steampunkish and fun, recommended.
Just published, this is the second in his Hexologists series, as we follow the busy lives of Isolde and Warren Wilby as they tackle magical cases. Steampunkish and fun, recommended.
8bryanoz
2. The Book Club for Troublesome Women, Marie Bostwick.
Set in 1960s US, four housewives get together to start a book club, and their first book is The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan. This book encourages them to question their traditional roles and look to new opportunities. This is also a story of women's friendships and support through difficult times, a good read.
Set in 1960s US, four housewives get together to start a book club, and their first book is The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan. This book encourages them to question their traditional roles and look to new opportunities. This is also a story of women's friendships and support through difficult times, a good read.
9Eyejaybee
Hi Bryan.
A belated happy New Year, with best wishes for some entertaining reading during 2026.
A belated happy New Year, with best wishes for some entertaining reading during 2026.
10bryanoz
3. My Brilliant Friend, Elena Ferrante.
A novel set in Naples, Italy in the 1950s, it is the story of friends Lila and Elena as they traverse adolescence and early adulthood. It was an engaging narrative but it didn't grab me quite as much as some reviewers so I won't be in arush to find the three following books.
A novel set in Naples, Italy in the 1950s, it is the story of friends Lila and Elena as they traverse adolescence and early adulthood. It was an engaging narrative but it didn't grab me quite as much as some reviewers so I won't be in arush to find the three following books.
11Tess_W
>10 bryanoz: Completed that one last year for an "Italian author" prompt. It didn't grab me either.
12bryanoz
4. The Bazaar of Bad Dreams, Stephen King.
Collection of short stories published in 2015, I enjoyed Ur, where an mysterious pink iPad enables the user to access an alternative universe of fiction.
Collection of short stories published in 2015, I enjoyed Ur, where an mysterious pink iPad enables the user to access an alternative universe of fiction.
13bryanoz
5. Otherland, Tad Williams.
I loved Tad Williams' fantasy series Memory, Sorrow and Thorn, so had to try this four book series.
Otherland is more sci-fi/virtual reality which at first I wasn't sure but Tad writes great characters and intriguing plots so of course I am invested in continuing the series.
I loved Tad Williams' fantasy series Memory, Sorrow and Thorn, so had to try this four book series.
Otherland is more sci-fi/virtual reality which at first I wasn't sure but Tad writes great characters and intriguing plots so of course I am invested in continuing the series.
14bryanoz
6. Guards, Guards, Terry Pratchett.
I am one of a group who are reading the City Watch books in the Discworld universe. This is a reread for me but it was still great to be reaquainted with Sam Vimes, Colon, Nobby, Carrot, Cut-Me-Own Throat, the Librarian, and Sybil!
We will be reading Men at Arms in March and I am really looking forward to it.
I am one of a group who are reading the City Watch books in the Discworld universe. This is a reread for me but it was still great to be reaquainted with Sam Vimes, Colon, Nobby, Carrot, Cut-Me-Own Throat, the Librarian, and Sybil!
We will be reading Men at Arms in March and I am really looking forward to it.
15bryanoz
7. Agnes Grey, Anne Bronte.
An autobiographical novel highlighting Anne's work as a governess with difficult children.
Her first novel and though not to the status of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, still an engaging read.
An autobiographical novel highlighting Anne's work as a governess with difficult children.
Her first novel and though not to the status of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, still an engaging read.
16bryanoz
8. A Tidy Ending, Joanna Cannon.
Joanna's most recent novel published in 2022 and like her earlier two novels I really enjoyed the quirkiness of the characters and the author's humourous observations on life.
'A delightfully sinister novel about a married woman living a nice, quiet suburban life-but things aren't always what they seem...' sums this mystery novel up nicely.
Joanna's most recent novel published in 2022 and like her earlier two novels I really enjoyed the quirkiness of the characters and the author's humourous observations on life.
'A delightfully sinister novel about a married woman living a nice, quiet suburban life-but things aren't always what they seem...' sums this mystery novel up nicely.
17bryanoz
9. Sensitive, Jenn Granneman.
Came across this book in John's thread and as a sensitive person I found it affirming.
10. Kitchen, Banana Yoshimoto, sparely written and engaging.
11. Bookshops & Bonedust, Travis Baldree, prequel to Legends & Lattes and just as engaging as a younger Viv whilst recovering from serious injury spends her time helping in a book shop.
Came across this book in John's thread and as a sensitive person I found it affirming.
10. Kitchen, Banana Yoshimoto, sparely written and engaging.
11. Bookshops & Bonedust, Travis Baldree, prequel to Legends & Lattes and just as engaging as a younger Viv whilst recovering from serious injury spends her time helping in a book shop.
18bryanoz
12. The Desert Knows Her Name, Lia Hills.
A book club book set in the Wimmera desert in Victoria. A barefoot girl walks into a homestead where she is looked after by the single woman living there. She is nonverbal and the longer the mystery of who she is and where she has come from the more the local town's population is unsettled and tension builds.
I enjoyed the descriptions of the natural environment but wasn't particularly taken by the plot or characters.
A book club book set in the Wimmera desert in Victoria. A barefoot girl walks into a homestead where she is looked after by the single woman living there. She is nonverbal and the longer the mystery of who she is and where she has come from the more the local town's population is unsettled and tension builds.
I enjoyed the descriptions of the natural environment but wasn't particularly taken by the plot or characters.
19bryanoz
13. The Angry Women's Choir, Meg Bignell.
Another book club read that is set in Hobart, in Tasmania. Freycinet Barnes seems to have the perfect life but that is about to come crashing down. She accidentally meets the local women's choir and finds music, friendship and acceptance. A warm-hearted fun read.
Another book club read that is set in Hobart, in Tasmania. Freycinet Barnes seems to have the perfect life but that is about to come crashing down. She accidentally meets the local women's choir and finds music, friendship and acceptance. A warm-hearted fun read.
20bryanoz
14. Sleeping Beauties, Stephen King, Owen King.
'In a future so real and near it might be now, something happens when women go to sleep; they become shrouded in a cocoon-like gauze.
If they are awakened, and the gauze wrapping their bodies is disturbed or violated, the women become feral and spectacularly violent; and while they sleep they go to another place.
The men of our world are abandoned, left to their increasingly primal devices. One woman, however, the mysterious Evie, is immune to the blessing or curse of the sleeping disease.
Is Evie a medical anomaly to be studied, or is she a demon who must be slain?'
Borrowed the official blurb which is a good summary, enjoyed the story and as usual with a King novel I was keen to see how the plot would resolve, with a satisfactory ending!
'In a future so real and near it might be now, something happens when women go to sleep; they become shrouded in a cocoon-like gauze.
If they are awakened, and the gauze wrapping their bodies is disturbed or violated, the women become feral and spectacularly violent; and while they sleep they go to another place.
The men of our world are abandoned, left to their increasingly primal devices. One woman, however, the mysterious Evie, is immune to the blessing or curse of the sleeping disease.
Is Evie a medical anomaly to be studied, or is she a demon who must be slain?'
Borrowed the official blurb which is a good summary, enjoyed the story and as usual with a King novel I was keen to see how the plot would resolve, with a satisfactory ending!
21bryanoz
15. River of Blue Fire, Tad Williams.
Second book in his Otherland series, a virtual reality sci-fi story. Haven't met a Tad Williams book that I didn't enjoy so I will read on.
Second book in his Otherland series, a virtual reality sci-fi story. Haven't met a Tad Williams book that I didn't enjoy so I will read on.
22bryanoz
16. The Trouble with Mrs Montgomery Hurst, Katie Lumsden.
Her second novel and just as much fun! This is a Victorian age novel inspired by Jane Austen with solid storytelling and characters and humour. Recommended and her first novel The Secrets of Hartwood Hall is also great!
Her second novel and just as much fun! This is a Victorian age novel inspired by Jane Austen with solid storytelling and characters and humour. Recommended and her first novel The Secrets of Hartwood Hall is also great!
23bryanoz
17. The Midnight Library, Matt Haig.
This story about a depressed woman who gets to revisit each regret in her life and see how it would have played out. An obvious self-helpish message that was ok.
This story about a depressed woman who gets to revisit each regret in her life and see how it would have played out. An obvious self-helpish message that was ok.
24bryanoz
18. Dark Emu, Bruce Pascoe.
An important book that provides evidence that many Aboriginal people of Australia practised agriculture, aquaculture, built permanent dwellings and maintained a spiritual relationship with the land. This contradicts the established view of the Aboriginal people being nomadic wanderers with no claim to land, hence the Europeans asserting that the land was vacant and available for settling.
Australians should read this book.
An important book that provides evidence that many Aboriginal people of Australia practised agriculture, aquaculture, built permanent dwellings and maintained a spiritual relationship with the land. This contradicts the established view of the Aboriginal people being nomadic wanderers with no claim to land, hence the Europeans asserting that the land was vacant and available for settling.
Australians should read this book.
25bryanoz
19. The Bright Years, Sarah Damoff.
'One family. Four generations. A secret son. A devastating addiction. A Texas family is met with losses and surprises of inheritance, but they’re unable to shake the pull back toward each other in this big-hearted family saga...'
Borrowed the generic review but enjoyed this heart-felt story of love, addiction and redemption, recommended.
'One family. Four generations. A secret son. A devastating addiction. A Texas family is met with losses and surprises of inheritance, but they’re unable to shake the pull back toward each other in this big-hearted family saga...'
Borrowed the generic review but enjoyed this heart-felt story of love, addiction and redemption, recommended.
26bryanoz
20. The Land of Sweet Forever, Harper Lee.
Recently published , this is a collection of Harper's early short stories, and later nonfiction written through her life. Great to read this book, especially in the early stories where a young Scout Finch appears.
Recently published , this is a collection of Harper's early short stories, and later nonfiction written through her life. Great to read this book, especially in the early stories where a young Scout Finch appears.
27pamelad
>24 bryanoz: Last year I visited the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape to see the remnants of the eel farms that are over 6,000 years old and are among the oldest aquaculture systems in the world. They're between Port Fairy and Hamilton, and you can do a tour with an Aboriginal guide.
29bryanoz
>27 pamelad: Thanks Pam, we'll check that out next time we are travelling to Melbourne.
>28 mabith: Meredith I'm looking forward to your thoughts on the topic.
>28 mabith: Meredith I'm looking forward to your thoughts on the topic.
30bryanoz
21. Sketches by Boz, Charles Dickens.
This is a collection of Dickens' earlier writings, described as 'a funny and touching collection of observation, fancy and fiction showing the London he knew in all it's complexity...', not to the depth of his later novels but still interesting.
This is a collection of Dickens' earlier writings, described as 'a funny and touching collection of observation, fancy and fiction showing the London he knew in all it's complexity...', not to the depth of his later novels but still interesting.
31bryanoz
22. The Thirteenth Tale, Diane Setterfield.
An historical novel where a young woman is commissioned to interview and write the biography of a reclusive, mysterious older author.
'The Thirteenth Tale is a love letter to reading, a book for the feral reader in all of us, a return to that rich vein of storytelling...' A gothic story with twins, twists and ghosts that I enjoyed.
An historical novel where a young woman is commissioned to interview and write the biography of a reclusive, mysterious older author.
'The Thirteenth Tale is a love letter to reading, a book for the feral reader in all of us, a return to that rich vein of storytelling...' A gothic story with twins, twists and ghosts that I enjoyed.
32nrmay
>31 bryanoz:
Ok, I’ll bite. That book’s been on my shelf for years. I think the time has come to dive into it at last, thanks to your remarks!
Ok, I’ll bite. That book’s been on my shelf for years. I think the time has come to dive into it at last, thanks to your remarks!
33bryanoz
>32 nrmay: You are very welcome Nancy, I'm confident you will enjoy it!
34bryanoz
23. No Life Forsaken, Steven Erikson.
This is Erikson's most recent foray into the Malazan world and as a huge fan the story is great!
The Malazan Books of the Fallen is my favourite epic fantasy series (I read the 10 book series in 2015 and must reread it sometime..) and any time spent here is awesome!
This is Erikson's most recent foray into the Malazan world and as a huge fan the story is great!
The Malazan Books of the Fallen is my favourite epic fantasy series (I read the 10 book series in 2015 and must reread it sometime..) and any time spent here is awesome!
35bryanoz
24. To Ride Hell's Chasm, Janny Wurts.
A stand alone fantasy novel with a simple premise, a princess is missing and a veteran Captain is appointed to find her. This seemingly simple story quickly becomes a page turner and I recommend it.
A stand alone fantasy novel with a simple premise, a princess is missing and a veteran Captain is appointed to find her. This seemingly simple story quickly becomes a page turner and I recommend it.
36bryanoz
25. Gwendy's Button Box, Stephen King, Richard Chizmar.
First of a trilogy, set in Castle Rock where twelve year old Gwendy encounters a mysterious older man who offers her a button box that seems to have magical powers. Engaging enough story, will read the sequels.
First of a trilogy, set in Castle Rock where twelve year old Gwendy encounters a mysterious older man who offers her a button box that seems to have magical powers. Engaging enough story, will read the sequels.
37bryanoz
26. Ordinary Grace, William Kent Krueger.
This was a coming of age story set in Minnesota in 1961 when an older Frank Drum reflects on that year when he was thirteen:
'It was a time of innocence and hope for a country with a new, young president. But for thirteen-year-old Frank Drum it was a grim summer in which death visited frequently and assumed many forms. Accident. Nature. Suicide. Murder.'
That quote makes the novel sound grim but I thoroughly enjoyed this skilfully written and moving story and I will be reading further novels from this author.
This was a coming of age story set in Minnesota in 1961 when an older Frank Drum reflects on that year when he was thirteen:
'It was a time of innocence and hope for a country with a new, young president. But for thirteen-year-old Frank Drum it was a grim summer in which death visited frequently and assumed many forms. Accident. Nature. Suicide. Murder.'
That quote makes the novel sound grim but I thoroughly enjoyed this skilfully written and moving story and I will be reading further novels from this author.
40bryanoz
27. Mountain of Black Glass, Tad Williams.
Third book in the Otherland series and I'm certainly invested in finding out how this scifi, virtual reality story wraps up in the final book next.
Third book in the Otherland series and I'm certainly invested in finding out how this scifi, virtual reality story wraps up in the final book next.
41Tess_W
>37 bryanoz: I really liked this one, too.
42bryanoz
28. The Fire Next Time, James Baldwin.
A personal and powerful account of the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 60s, the photos by Steve Shapiro are just as powerful.
A personal and powerful account of the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 60s, the photos by Steve Shapiro are just as powerful.
43bryanoz
29. The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkein.
A reread for me, a chapter a day since the 1st of January, my grand daughter read it at the same time and it was great to share the story with her, we have watched the first two movies with The Return of the King to go.
A reread for me, a chapter a day since the 1st of January, my grand daughter read it at the same time and it was great to share the story with her, we have watched the first two movies with The Return of the King to go.
44bryanoz
30. On the Calculation of Volume, Solvej Balle.
Tara is a young married woman who experiences the 18th of November over and over again. She doesn't know why or of this situation will end.
An interesting concept with several more volumes but I won't need to read the sequels.
Tara is a young married woman who experiences the 18th of November over and over again. She doesn't know why or of this situation will end.
An interesting concept with several more volumes but I won't need to read the sequels.
45bryanoz
31. Gwendy's Magic Feather, Richard Chizmar.
Sequel to Gwendy's Button Box, now Gwendy is 37 and a published author and congresswoman when the button box comes back into her life.
Sequel to Gwendy's Button Box, now Gwendy is 37 and a published author and congresswoman when the button box comes back into her life.
46Tess_W
>44 bryanoz: sounds like the movie Groundhog Day!
47bryanoz
>46 Tess_W: Actually it does, the movie was more enjoyable!
32. Men at Arms, Terry Pratchett.
A reread for me and it was fun to spend more time with the City Watch as they struggle with the impending retirement and marriage of Captain Vimes together with a diverse bunch of recruits including dwarves, trolls and women!
32. Men at Arms, Terry Pratchett.
A reread for me and it was fun to spend more time with the City Watch as they struggle with the impending retirement and marriage of Captain Vimes together with a diverse bunch of recruits including dwarves, trolls and women!
48bryanoz
33. Heart of the Grass Tree, Molly Murn.
A book club read and a beautifully written story of three generations of women who live on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. A strong sense of family, culture and connection enable the characters to survive and prosper in a rugged land.
A book club read and a beautifully written story of three generations of women who live on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. A strong sense of family, culture and connection enable the characters to survive and prosper in a rugged land.
50bryanoz
35. Gwendy's Final Task, Stephen King.
Gwendy's final story and we find her in her sixties, with early onset dementia, heading into outer space, with the task of keeping the button box out of evil hands! An ok finale to the miniseries with some Dark Tower references.
Gwendy's final story and we find her in her sixties, with early onset dementia, heading into outer space, with the task of keeping the button box out of evil hands! An ok finale to the miniseries with some Dark Tower references.
51bryanoz
36. Sea of Silver Light, Tad Williams.
Final volume of the Otherworld epic sci-fi virtual reality series and I was happy with how Williams brought the disparate threads and characters together to a satisfactory conclusion.
Final volume of the Otherworld epic sci-fi virtual reality series and I was happy with how Williams brought the disparate threads and characters together to a satisfactory conclusion.
52bryanoz
37. The Abundance, Annie Dillard.
I had read some of the author's earlier works, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, Teaching a Stone to Talk and others, so this compilation of her writings was a welcome reminder of her experiences and musings on the natural world.
I had read some of the author's earlier works, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, Teaching a Stone to Talk and others, so this compilation of her writings was a welcome reminder of her experiences and musings on the natural world.
53bryanoz
38. Flesh, David Szalay.
Every so often I think I should be reading the prize winning novels-Booker, Pulitzer, Miles Franklin, etc.- then I try one or two and am usually underwhelmed. This Booker winner was ok.
Every so often I think I should be reading the prize winning novels-Booker, Pulitzer, Miles Franklin, etc.- then I try one or two and am usually underwhelmed. This Booker winner was ok.
54Tess_W
>53 bryanoz: I'm with you for the most part. I tried reading the 1001 list, and out of 200+, I maybe liked 4-5. I gave up! I've also tried Booker winners/lists that other have raved about and to me, just meh.
55bryanoz
> Hi Tess, thanks for your comment, I'm not trying to complete the 1001 list though I've read some 380 books or so on the list, some great but many average to poor. Some recent prize winners I have read and enjoyed were:
James, Percival Everett, Pulitzer 2025.
Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens, Shankari Chandran, Miles Franklin 2023
Milkman, Anna Burns, Booker 2018
The Underground Railroad, Colson Whitehead, Pulitzer 2017.
Happy reading!
James, Percival Everett, Pulitzer 2025.
Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens, Shankari Chandran, Miles Franklin 2023
Milkman, Anna Burns, Booker 2018
The Underground Railroad, Colson Whitehead, Pulitzer 2017.
Happy reading!
56bryanoz
39. The Women of Chateau Lafayette, Stephanie Dray.
'An epic saga from New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Dray based on the true story of an extraordinary castle in the heart of France and the remarkable women bound by its legacy.'
This was an epic story told by three different women from 1774, 1914 and 1940, an enjoyable read.
'An epic saga from New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Dray based on the true story of an extraordinary castle in the heart of France and the remarkable women bound by its legacy.'
This was an epic story told by three different women from 1774, 1914 and 1940, an enjoyable read.
57Tess_W
>55 bryanoz: Maybe I was expecting too much, but I found James and The Underground Railroad very average!
58bryanoz
>57 Tess_W: Oh no!
59bryanoz
40. The Binding, Bridget Collins.
Set in an alternative 19th Century Britain, books are used to store painful or debilitating memories so that the afflicted are free of them. Emmett Farmer is conscripted to become an apprentice book binder against his will and is soon enveloped in mystery and intrigue. An interesting concept and engaging story.
Set in an alternative 19th Century Britain, books are used to store painful or debilitating memories so that the afflicted are free of them. Emmett Farmer is conscripted to become an apprentice book binder against his will and is soon enveloped in mystery and intrigue. An interesting concept and engaging story.
60bryanoz
41. King Sorrow, Joe Hill.
Recently published, this is a dark fantasy saga of a group of friends who summon a dragon from an alternative dimension to deal with some nasty people, however this horror will be returning every year and they need to put forward more victims, or one of them will be chosen. I'm not explaining the plot very well but it is an epic wild adventure with many twists and nasty moments, that career towards a spectacular ending. Enjoyed this very much, I read his NOS4A2 some years ago and it was a good read so will need to read the others!
Recently published, this is a dark fantasy saga of a group of friends who summon a dragon from an alternative dimension to deal with some nasty people, however this horror will be returning every year and they need to put forward more victims, or one of them will be chosen. I'm not explaining the plot very well but it is an epic wild adventure with many twists and nasty moments, that career towards a spectacular ending. Enjoyed this very much, I read his NOS4A2 some years ago and it was a good read so will need to read the others!
61mabith
I was recently looking at the 1001 books list, a version from 2002 or thereabouts, and was shocked by the fact there are six Pynchon novels on it which seems excessive no matter how important you think he is.
62bryanoz
Hi Meredith, I agree and if another author Ian McEwan had written a shopping list that would also be on the list, and many notable authors have one book or none.
A coincidence but I am beginning Pynchon's Against the Day today!
A coincidence but I am beginning Pynchon's Against the Day today!
63pamelad
>53 bryanoz: Flesh sounds less than compelling, but like you, I enjoyed Milkman. My all time favourite Booker winner is 1973's The Siege of Krishnapur by J. G. Farrell.
64bryanoz
>63 pamelad: Thanks Pam, I haven't read the Siege book, straight onto my TBR soonish mountain!
65bryanoz
42. Shirley, Charlotte Bronte.
Written after the popular Jane Eyre, Shirley seems to me to be an experimental novel, with direct comments by the narrator and numerous themes- roles of women, industrialization and, of course romance. Once I settled into the story and characters the story grew on me.
Written after the popular Jane Eyre, Shirley seems to me to be an experimental novel, with direct comments by the narrator and numerous themes- roles of women, industrialization and, of course romance. Once I settled into the story and characters the story grew on me.
66bryanoz
43. Brigands & Breadknives, Travis Baldree.
Third in the 'Legends & Lattes' cozy fantasy series and another warm read. This story concerns Fern's adventures with Viv and friends playing a lesser role but still a good read.
Third in the 'Legends & Lattes' cozy fantasy series and another warm read. This story concerns Fern's adventures with Viv and friends playing a lesser role but still a good read.
67bryanoz
44. Mad Mabel, Sally Hepworth.
A book club read and my first from this Australian author, an elderly man living on her street and with whom she has argued with dies, and eighty one year old Mabel reflects on her life which from a young age has involved people dying, often in strange circumstances. Alternatively humorous and dark, I enjoyed the story and will have to read something by the author.
A book club read and my first from this Australian author, an elderly man living on her street and with whom she has argued with dies, and eighty one year old Mabel reflects on her life which from a young age has involved people dying, often in strange circumstances. Alternatively humorous and dark, I enjoyed the story and will have to read something by the author.
68nrmay
>44 bryanoz:
Hi, Bryan
Just finished THE GOOD SISTER
by S Hepworth and loved the characters and plot twists!
Hi, Bryan
Just finished THE GOOD SISTER
by S Hepworth and loved the characters and plot twists!
69bryanoz
>68 nrmay: Thanks Nancy, it is promptly placed on my TBR monolith!
70bryanoz
45. Die with Zero, Bill Perkins.
An interesting concept where the author encourages us to do the things we most want to do before it's too late, and not to die (or be incapable) with heaps of $ and many unrealised experiences.
An interesting concept where the author encourages us to do the things we most want to do before it's too late, and not to die (or be incapable) with heaps of $ and many unrealised experiences.
71bryanoz
46. Elevation, Stephen King.
A recent novella about a man who every day loses weight for no discernable reason. Not King's best work.
A recent novella about a man who every day loses weight for no discernable reason. Not King's best work.
72bryanoz
47. The Garden Party and Other Stories, Katherine Mansfield.
A New Zealand author who was a contemporary of Virginia Woolf and specialised in short stories. I enjoyed the title story and 'Marriage a la Mode'.
A New Zealand author who was a contemporary of Virginia Woolf and specialised in short stories. I enjoyed the title story and 'Marriage a la Mode'.
73bryanoz
48. Shadowmarch, Tad Williams.
Finished one Tad Williams series and straight onto the next! First of a four book epic fantasy series that is reminiscent of his first Memory, Sorrow and Thorn series, but no problem for me as I am invested in the plot and rich character development.
Finished one Tad Williams series and straight onto the next! First of a four book epic fantasy series that is reminiscent of his first Memory, Sorrow and Thorn series, but no problem for me as I am invested in the plot and rich character development.
74bryanoz
49. Shadowplay, Tad Williams.
Second in a four book epic fantasy series and as always Tad Williams pens a saga that gets the reader invested in the characters and then gradually ramps up the tension, very keen to get to Shadowrise soon.
Second in a four book epic fantasy series and as always Tad Williams pens a saga that gets the reader invested in the characters and then gradually ramps up the tension, very keen to get to Shadowrise soon.
76bryanoz
51. Aunt Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter, Heather Fawcett.
Cosy fantasy with cats, magic, wizards and romance!
Cosy fantasy with cats, magic, wizards and romance!
77bryanoz
52. Against the Day, Thomas Pynchon.
Arguably Pynchon's most ambitious (and complex) novel since Gravity's Rainbow, this sprawling novel covers the years 1893 to post WW1, has a vast array of characters and topics, and is full of the creativity and humour that marks Pynchon's work.
I read this over 1.5 months, 30 to 40 pages a day, this method helped me to not be too overwhelmed with the size (1220 pages) and complexity of this novel.
Arguably Pynchon's most ambitious (and complex) novel since Gravity's Rainbow, this sprawling novel covers the years 1893 to post WW1, has a vast array of characters and topics, and is full of the creativity and humour that marks Pynchon's work.
I read this over 1.5 months, 30 to 40 pages a day, this method helped me to not be too overwhelmed with the size (1220 pages) and complexity of this novel.
78bryanoz
53. By Her Hand, Marion Taffe.
Debut novel by an Australian author, this is historical fiction set in Mercia in the 900s.
Freda is a poor girl who dreams of being a scribe and writer in the future, but when savages destroy her village and she survives by chance and escapes.
With all that is against her can she find a way to achieve her dreams and maybe more?
Slow at times but an impressive first novel.
Debut novel by an Australian author, this is historical fiction set in Mercia in the 900s.
Freda is a poor girl who dreams of being a scribe and writer in the future, but when savages destroy her village and she survives by chance and escapes.
With all that is against her can she find a way to achieve her dreams and maybe more?
Slow at times but an impressive first novel.
79bryanoz
54. The Bookseller at the End of the World, Ruth Shaw.
Ruth Shaw runs two tiny book shops at the southern extremity of New Zealand and this memoir interweaves stories from the book shops and customers, with her life story.
A humorous and heartfelt book, I just wish we knew about this last year when we were in NZ!
Ruth Shaw runs two tiny book shops at the southern extremity of New Zealand and this memoir interweaves stories from the book shops and customers, with her life story.
A humorous and heartfelt book, I just wish we knew about this last year when we were in NZ!
80bryanoz
55. Shadowheart, Tad Williams.
Final volume of the Shadowrise four book series and more epic fantasy greatness from Tad Williams!
Final volume of the Shadowrise four book series and more epic fantasy greatness from Tad Williams!
82bryanoz
57. Kindred, Octavia Butler.
Published in 1979, this is a scifi time travel story about a 26 year old black American woman who suddenly is transported back to 1815 southern USA south at the height of slavery.
A brilliant and haunting novel.
Published in 1979, this is a scifi time travel story about a 26 year old black American woman who suddenly is transported back to 1815 southern USA south at the height of slavery.
A brilliant and haunting novel.
83Tess_W
>82 bryanoz: I loved that book!
84bryanoz
58. Until the Red Leaves Fall, Alli Parker.
Read this for my book club, an Australian historical fiction story set in 1957 Melbourne. Emmy is married to a playwright and contributes to his writing but would actually like to write about her Japanese family's internment in a WW2 camp. When the opportunity unexpectedly arrives she jumps at the chance but corruption and deceit are going to complicate things. There is also strength, resilience and love, making this an uplifting novel.
Read this for my book club, an Australian historical fiction story set in 1957 Melbourne. Emmy is married to a playwright and contributes to his writing but would actually like to write about her Japanese family's internment in a WW2 camp. When the opportunity unexpectedly arrives she jumps at the chance but corruption and deceit are going to complicate things. There is also strength, resilience and love, making this an uplifting novel.
85bryanoz
59. Thus Spake Zarathustra, Friedrich Nietzsche.
Occasionally I like to dabble in some philosophy to have something to ponder but I was lost with this one, either the author was crazy or I just don't get it, struggled but finished.
60. Feet of Clay, Terry Pratchett.
I am rereading the City Watch series and it is great to catch up with the gang, we spent more time with Nobby Nobbs as he is unwittingly put forward as a potential Lord/toff, great fun!
Occasionally I like to dabble in some philosophy to have something to ponder but I was lost with this one, either the author was crazy or I just don't get it, struggled but finished.
60. Feet of Clay, Terry Pratchett.
I am rereading the City Watch series and it is great to catch up with the gang, we spent more time with Nobby Nobbs as he is unwittingly put forward as a potential Lord/toff, great fun!
86bryanoz
61. This Tender Land, William Kent Krueger.
I read Ordinary Grace and loved it and this is just as good! Set in 1932 USA this is epic historical fiction that combines coming of age, adventure, mystery and much more! Highly recommended.
I read Ordinary Grace and loved it and this is just as good! Set in 1932 USA this is epic historical fiction that combines coming of age, adventure, mystery and much more! Highly recommended.
87bryanoz
62. Gravity Let Me Go, Trent Dalton.
Begrudgingly read this for book club, I had sworn I would never read another Dalton after hating- a strong word, let's say strongly disliking-Boy Swallows Universe and Lola in the Mirror, but a friend recommended I give his latest novel a try. So I did and it was... ok! Part detective story, part suburban family issues, not as over the top as those novels I mentioned, not a typical review but ok.
Begrudgingly read this for book club, I had sworn I would never read another Dalton after hating- a strong word, let's say strongly disliking-Boy Swallows Universe and Lola in the Mirror, but a friend recommended I give his latest novel a try. So I did and it was... ok! Part detective story, part suburban family issues, not as over the top as those novels I mentioned, not a typical review but ok.
88bryanoz
63. The Comfort Crisis, Michael Easter.
The author prposes that a major health risk for people is that most of us live our lives in comfort- air-conditioning so not getting hot or cold for long, cars and escalators so little need to make much effort to get far, plenty of rich food so no need to hunt or go long without, etc.
An interesting book.
The author prposes that a major health risk for people is that most of us live our lives in comfort- air-conditioning so not getting hot or cold for long, cars and escalators so little need to make much effort to get far, plenty of rich food so no need to hunt or go long without, etc.
An interesting book.
89bryanoz
64. Later, Stephen King.
Jamie is a boy who can see and talk to the dead, but this ability is required by a desperate detective who does not have Jamie's best interests in mind. An ok read.
Jamie is a boy who can see and talk to the dead, but this ability is required by a desperate detective who does not have Jamie's best interests in mind. An ok read.
90bryanoz
65. The Maltese Falcon, Dashiell Hammett.
Next on thegreatestbooks.org list for me to read (ranked 142) and an ok detective read.
Next on thegreatestbooks.org list for me to read (ranked 142) and an ok detective read.
91bryanoz
66. The Antiquarian's Object of Desire, India Holton.
Just published, this is the third in the Love's Academic series of romantic, comedic fantasy, and great fun!
Just published, this is the third in the Love's Academic series of romantic, comedic fantasy, and great fun!
