Bookbugg's 50 for 2010

Hi everyone, this is my second year on the 50 book challenge. Last year I read 32 so i'm going to aim for 40 this year. Might be tricky as I have exams in July but I'll do my best! Books I certainly want to read this year include Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy, The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger, Oscar and Lucinda by Peter Carey and A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. I'll try and write a review of every book I read and really hope other LTers will stop by my thread and leave their thoughts and recommendations!

Last years thread is here;
http://www.librarything.com/topic/73678
Thanks to everyone who left me messages x

Best of luck to everyone with their challenges!

Hi Bookbugg! I'll be following your thread and looking forward to your thoughts on those books you listed. A Prayer for Owen Meany is one of my all-time favourites and I also loved The Time Traveller's Wife. I did the Anna Karenina group read with the 75ers in 2009, it was a much easier read than I expected (though still not THAT easy!).

Good luck with your challenge this year and happy reading :)

Thanks Spacepotatoes, I have you starred too!

Ooh, Oscar and Lucinda is a good one. Good luck with your challenge!

I read Oscar and Lucinda last year (Peter Carey is one of my faves) and Owen Meaney is one of my all time favourite books. I look forward to seeing what else you'll be reading as you've obviously got great taste.

Well, I'm just have to echo everyone else. Great reads!

Thank you everyone for your kind comments!

1. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

It is a miracle I made it into work any day this week as I could hardly put this book down.

In this gothic and sinister mystery, the elusive novelist, Vida Winter, tells her macabre life story to an emotionally damaged young biographer, Margaret. Miss Winter tells of her early life in her ancestral home of Angelfield, a grand but dilapidated old house haunted by violence, madness, incest and intrigue. In particular, the story focuses on disturbed twins, Adeline and Emmeline, and the obsessive relationship between them. The style of writing is reminiscent of the classic novels, particularly Jane Eyre (which is referenced several times in the story). Most of the book focuses on building up the suspense and mystery – and then not far from the end, there is a twist and suddenly everything falls into place...

2. A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving

Another brilliant book that had been recommended to me by so many people and certainly met my high expectations. It is hard to review this book without giving the entire plot away but suffice it to say that Owen Meany is one of the most original and memorable characters I have ever read. He is a tiny, squeaky and 'funny' young man who starts to believe that he is 'God's instrument' when he hits a foul baseball at age 11, killing his best friends mother. Despite his diminutive stature, he has a highly magnetic persona, and manages to influence and command all those around him. The story is at times funny, but ultimately tragic. Dominant themes include Religion and the Vietnam War. Please read this book, don't put it off as long as I did!

I'm so glad you loved Owen Meany! Do you find yourself reading/watching the news and wondering what Owen would have to say about things if he were around? That actually happened to me for a while after reading this book. He has to be one of the most memorable characters I've ever encountered.

3. My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

Thought provoking story about 13 year old Anna who was born to serve as a blood and organ donor for her leukaemic sister Kate. As Kate's condition deteriorates, the girls' parents face an unpleasant dilemma - should they act contrary to the best interests of one child so that their other child may live? When they ask Anna to donate a kidney to Kate, Anna files a law suit seeking medical emancipation. Such would leave her free to make her own decision as to whether or not she would become a donor.

I didn't love this book. The characters were somewhat lacking and I thought the ending was somewhat far fetched. However, I thought it threw up interesting ethical questions, especially in relation to bodily integrity, stem cell research and 'designer babies'. One way or another, it was touching story of a family rent asunder by illness and I couldn't help but whip out the Kleenex towards the end...

I got about 150 pages into Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel until I realised that life is too short. I have a particular interest in Tudor England and so I can't understand how I found this book so (dare I say it?) boring and tedious...

4. The Private Lives of Pippa Lee by Rebecca Miller

It was fine - I liked it but didn't love it.

On to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - I figured 12 million people can't be wrong...

Curious to see what you think of Larsson. And what's up with the touchstone on that one? It isn't working in mine, either. Gluh.

5. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

I was out of work with a rotten head cold for a couple of days and so absolutely devoured this book. In fairness to it, it is probably the best thriller I ever read. I loved the characters, loved the story. Two very enthusiastic thumbs up! A few people I have talked to about this book said that they figured out what was going to happen. I didn't so the twists came as more of a delightful shock to me. Looking forward to reading the next one!

Glad to see you liked it. Regardless of whether you figure the end out or not, the characters are interesting and make getting there enjoyable (well, I don't know if "enjoyable" is the right word, but you get drawn in). I just got 2 & 3 (på svenska) for Valentines Day, so those should be coming up soon-ish...

Dear Bookbugg,

I saw you're planning to read Anna Karenina this year. Just so you know, there's a group read going on at the 75 books challenge (www.librarything.com/topic/79002)!

Maybe I'll see you there!

Thanks for the tip Tarendz, I'll definitely check it out!

I'm reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo right now! I'm only on chapter 6, but I've been hooked from the beginning. Glad to see another enthusiastic review for it!

6. In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez

A novel about the revolutionary Mirabal sisters in the Dominican Republic, three of whom were murdered by government agents due to their opposition to the corrupt Trujillo regime. This tragic story is told in segments - each from the perspective of a different sister. I really enjoyed this book though it made me sad.

7. The Shack by William P. Young

Haven't quite decided whether I liked this book or not. It tells the story of Mack, who revisits The Shack where his youngest daughter was murdered. There he meets God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit who help him to make sense of what happened and to help him back on the path to forgiveness and healing. God explains to Mack that although He knows what is going to happen to all His children, He resists from interfering, even where that means His children will suffer unbearable pain. However, He is ever-present to help people through their pain. Mack learns that he must stop judging God for letting bad things happen but accept that God knows what He is doing and that everything is part of a bigger picture.

I really wanted to hate this book because I'm not a religious person and struggle with belief. However, some things in this book were explained so simply and eloquently and seemed to make so much sense that I found myself being drawn in. It certainly gave me food for thought anyway.

8. Atonement by Ian McEwan

1935, and 13 year old Briony Tallis witnesses a strange encounter between her older sister Cecilia and son of a Tallis servant, Robbie Turner. This encounter is wilfully misinterpreted by Briony, an aspiring author seeking dramas and 'adult' experiences to write about. When Briony intercepts a sexually explicit letter from Robbie to Cecilia, and later interrupts them in the middle of a sexual tryst, she childishly forms the conviction that Robbie is a 'sex maniac' from whom her sister must be protected. When Briony's cousin Lola is later raped on the Tallis estate, Briony names Robbie as the perpetrator. Briony convinces herself that she 'knows' it was him and lies to the police that she actually saw him commit the offence.

This lie has disastrous consequences for Robbie and Cecilia. Robbie is sent to prison and later to fight in the war in France. Cecilia cuts herself off from the family and goes to work as a nurse in London.

Briony in later years begins to grasp the magnitude of what she has done, and spends the rest of her life trying to atone. Three lives have been tragically wasted as a result of her misunderstanding, which can never be forgiven.

This book is simply superb. First 5-star book of the year.

9. The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson

Focus is on Salander rather than Blomkvist in this one. Compulsive reading. Just ordered the third and last book in the Millenium Trilogy.

10. Forbidden Places by Penny Vincenzi

I'm not very enthusiastic about this type of book in general. But it was a very readable story about three women in England during WW2. Entertaining, but not much to it.

11. The Road by Cormac McCarthy

This is the incredibly bleak story of a nameless father and son making their way across post-apocalyptic America. The earth has died and with it all plants, trees and animals. The landscape is burnt, barren and grey. Only a handful of humans remain alive, many of whom have turned to cannabalism in an effort to stave off starvation. The father and son travel the road in an attempt to reach the coast, where the father believes they will be better able to survive the harsh winters. They are on an incessant quest for food and safety - and never find much of either. They are in constant danger and always ready to commit suicide if they come close to capture.

Although this is an amazingly depressing book, the relationship between father and son is beautifully touching. There is such hope in the love that the father bears the son and they way in which he tries to protect the son from the horrors all around.

I wouldn't recommend this book to the faint of heart or those with a tendency to depression. There are several disturbing and horrifying images, bodies melted in cars, emaciated humans locked in a basement waiting to be killed and eaten, rotten corpses hanging in a barn.

However, it is a beautifully written book with an unusual style and subject matter. I really liked it but fear others might not.

Hi! I have this book ( The Thirteenth Tale) , but never got myself to read it. I´m glad you wrote a review on it, as I will put it on my list for 2010.

I read The Traveler´s Wife in 2007, and i really liked it! Good luck with your challenge for 2010!

I think I´ll put Anna Karenina on my list as well....

Just dropping by to let you know that I enjoy your selections and reviews.

12. Wedlock by Wendy Moore

The full title of this book is Wedlock - How Georgian Britain's Worst Husband Met His Match. This work of non-fiction tells the story of Mary Eleanor Bowes, one of Britain's most wealthy (and debauched) heiresses during the 18th Century. Despite being unusually highly educated she was possibly one of the worst judges of character in history. Her first marriage was to the Earl of Strathmore, a cash-poor member of the aristocracy with his eyes on her wealth. At the age of 24 she had already given him 5 children. Following his death, she was duped into marriage by the evil Andrew Robinson Stoney, a young Irish soldier on whom William Makepeace Thackeray's anti hero 'Barry Lyndon' would later be based.

Conspiring with others to fake 'mortal' injuries following a sham duel purportedly in defence of Mary Eleanor's honour, Stoney persuades her to fulfil his dying wish by marrying him. A miraculous recovery ensued leading to several years of marriage in which Mary Eleanor was subject to gross violence and humiliation, deprivation of liberty and various other brutalities.

In Georgian Britian, married women were not considered to have a legal personality separate to that of their husbands. Once married, all they had previous owned became the absolute property of their spouse. Women had no legal rights over their children, custody of whom was automatically granted to the father following separation or divorce. Men were legally entitled to use 'reasonable' force against their wives or deprive them of their liberty in certain circumstances.

Despite the obstacles of a truly evil and vicious husband, general societal views on women, and an unwieldy legal system, Mary Eleanor Bowes succeeded in escaping from Stoney's clutches, securing a divorce, obtaining custody of her youngest children, and regaining her wealth. Her courage in the face of major adversity resulted in something of a breakthrough for women's rights.

I thought this was one of the most fascinating books I have read in the last couple of years. Although I rarely read non-fiction, I was pleasantly surprised at how thoroughly I enjoyed it. Highly recommended.

(And thanks to my Mom who bought if for me having a maternal intuition that I would love it!)

13. The Last Time They Met by Anita Shreve

Excellent non-chronological book about two writers meeting for the first time in over twenty years at a literary festival. We are brought backwards in time in the second section to their last encounter in Kenya in the seventies, and then brought back further to the first time they met in a small town in Massachusetts when they were teenagers. I am still reeling from the ending which was a bit of a shock and I didn't see coming at all.

In my opinion this was a better written version of a Nicholas Sparks book - two people, consumed with passion for each other, but never quite get it together because of the obstacles life keeps throwing at them.

14. Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay

St. Valentines Day, 1900, and four young girls and a schoolmistress mysteriously disappear whilst picnicking at Hanging Rock, a volcanic mass in the Australian bush. Hours later, one is found, hysterical and screaming and unable to recount what horrors had befallen her. Only one other girl is ever seen alive again, found unconscious and bloodied at the bottom of the Rock. She has no recollection of the events surrounding her disappearance and cannot explain what happened. Sinister tale told as fact. Extremely creepy.

What I really didn't like about this book is the fact that the main plot and subplots seemed to have no real connection and nothing seemed to be resolved or indeed go anywhere. If this book was about the disappearances, why was the Sara story and ultimate tragedy focused on so much? Why the focus on the Albert and Mike friendship? In my opinion, the book finishes at a point where you feel as though there is still half a story to go, and that even though the mystery of the disappearances might not be solved, at least all the other threads would somehow be brought together.

The style of writing I really enjoyed. And there is no doubt that it is an atmospheric and eerie book. However, sloppy storytelling in my (humble) opinion.

Any thoughts?

>29 Feefy:: I've only seen the movie and the director definitely succeeded in creating the eerie atmosphere. Based on your review, don't think I'll bother with the book.

Great review of Wedlock. Added that one to my wish list.

15. The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets' Nest by Stieg Larsson

Final book in the Trilogy. Compulsive reading if a little longwinded. Certainly could have been condensed into about 400 rather than (the rather unwieldy) 750 pages. Also, it didn't have as many delicious twists and turns as the first two books. Nonetheless, I loved reading it.

This book picks up exactly where the second installment left off and continues the story. I won't give too much away but suffice to say it all ends the way you'd hope it to. Which is not hugely surprising.

It makes me a little sad that I have nothing Lisbeth Salander related left to read now!

16. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

I cried and cried and cried reading about Henry and Clare. This book has broken my heart.

Ok, I think I'm sufficiently calmed down now to actually write a proper review of The Time Traveler's Wife. I was up til 2am last night finishing it off and I was just a blubbering wreck by the end of it. When I first picked up The Time Traveler's Wife, I was under the impression that it was a kind of comic drama and I'd have a giggle at the misadventures of a poor time-travelling unfortunate. That was not the case. This story is just downright sad.

Henry DeTamble suffers from chrono-impairment, a genetic disability which disrupts his body clock and causes him to move backwards (and occasionally forwards) through time. He has a pretty wretched childhood and meets his future wife, Clare Abshire, when he is 28 years old. However, he soon finds out that Clare has met him before - his future self has been visiting her since she was 6 years of age. Suffice to say, they fall hopelessly in love with each other, marry, go through extremely rough times, and there is an heartwrenching ending. What sent me on the emotional rollercoaster was the fact that the problems faced by them in their marriage seemed almost universal. Sickness or diability often visits a marriage, and it is difficult to know on whom it falls harder - the person actually suffering or the person facing the loss of their spouse. At any rate - through all their problems, their love was the only constant. Clare was the only good thing in Henry's life. Their love was beautiful and touching and poignant and made the ending all the more tragic.

What I loved about this book was how easy it was to accept the time-travelling aspect of the story. Time-travel wasn't glamorized - it was a dangerous diability which caused significant suffering to Henry, and by association, Clare.

I'd have to give this book five stars - it's rare that a story has force enough to effect me so much. The ending left me with an overwhelming sense of loss and I am still not quite recovered.

Good comments about Time Traveler's Wife. It's on my TBR list for this year and you have me looking forward to it (in an odd sort of way).

Thanks RBeffa, I'll be looking forward to seeing what you make of it!

I loved the Time Traveler's Wife too. Have you seen the movie? Even though Rachel McAdams is one of my favorite actresses, the movie can't even begin to compare to the book, and I think if I hadn't read the book already, I would have been lost in the movie.

I'm planning on reading Anna Karenina this year too - probably in July (if I hit my halfway point by the end of this month and ever finish Sherlock Holmes).

I actually just watched the movie of The Time Traveler's Wife last night! I didn't have high expectations as I had heard from a few people that it was disappointing. It was certainly a let down after the book. That said, a few tears still escaped my poor eyes at the end... I'm such a wimp!

I thought it was a wonderful but sad book as well. I cried bucketfulls while reading the second half of the book.

Hi there
I have just noticed your thread and see we have some common titles.
I was Lent 'Wedlock' recently . I started well but have stalled. Your review has motivated me to pick it up again, after I finish my current read 'Blueeyed Boy' by Joanne Harris.

38 Carlym, I'm glad to see I'm not the only emotional wreck when it comes to The Time Traveler's Wife!

39 Hi Helen, definitely stick with Wedlock, if only to see Andrew Robinson Stoney get his comeuppance in the end!

17. The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill

This is the story of Aminata Diallo, abducted from the African interior as a child, sold into slavery, branded and shipped in the most appalling and horrific of conditions to the Americas. She is initially bought by an indigo plantation owner in the South and suffers brutal indignities at his hands. She absconds from a subsequent owner and is granted her freedom and passage to Nova Scotia by the British. From there she is persuaded to assist in the resettlement of former slaves in Sierra Leone and makes the epic journey back to Africa. She is then persuaded to join the abolitionist cause and travels to Britain to speak to a parliamentary committee.

I was expecting more from this book. I found the character of Aminata to be somewhat wooden and unconvincing. With all due respect I think Mr. Hill made a mistake in attempting to write from a female perspective or about issues which are inherently female, such as rape or the loss by a mother of her children.

Nonetheless it was a good story and I'm glad I read it. I particularly liked a section at the end where Aminata is discussing slavery with a slave trader. The slave trader argues that it made economic sense for Britain to trade in slaves, that if they weren't doing it, some other country would, and that if the Africans were not shipped to the Americas, they would merely be butchered by their own people. He argued that it had a civilizing effect on Africans, and that Aminata herself was a good advertisement for the slave trade - she was healthy, educated and Christian. Aminata's response to arguments such as these was simple and effective - Beware the clever man who makes wrong look right.

I realize I'm a little late but your review of The Time Traveler's Wife hit me where I live. Both my wife and I have severe chronic, but not terminal, health problems. I got sick first and that exacerbated an illness she had that was asymptomatic. We both have to deal with our own illnesses and the suffering of each other.
Your review of The Shack also tells a part of my life experience. When I first got sick I read the Book of Job twice. What I learned is that bad things happen for reasons that will always be a mystery to me. My job is to learn to accept things for what they are and do the best with what I've got. Everyone suffers at some level and I now believe that experiencing suffering is a requirement for true humanity.
We will celebrate our 40th anniversary next month.

Back again and proud to say I have finished Wedlock. It is mindboggling to realise how few rights women had in eighteenth century Britain. The chapter entitled 'Say Your Prayers' was a real page turner. I just couldn't put it down. So thanks for the encouragement, I feel much better returning it to my friend having read and appreciated it.
Helen.

Wildbill, thanks for your post. I'm sorry to hear that you and your wife are ill and will say a prayer that you get some relief. Heartfelt congratulations on your 40th anniversary though! I am getting married soon (which is probably part of the reason The Time Traveler's Wife upset me so much) and I hope that we get to spend 40 years together! I hope you enjoy the day and that you do something special.

Hi Helen, I'm delighted you stuck with Wedlock, it's such a worthwhile read. Though I have to say my inner feminist raged while reading most of it - it's just incredible to think how discriminatory the legal system was in those days. If you come across any other similar non-fiction historical books let me know!

18. The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks

This 'sequel' to The Notebook was easily the worst book I've read in a long time. Nauseating. Avoid avoid avoid.

I'm disappointed because I really loved The Notebook. O well.

Times are bleak. I have a lovely stack of new books taunting me in the corner but instead I have to study for rotten exams starting on Monday. I am not in good humour.

keep your chin up!!! Studying for exams can't last forever and the books will still be there!

Thanks for the words of encouragement! Studying just always seems like a nightmare that never ends. Fingers crossed these will be the last exams I'll ever do. Only three hellish days left after today and then FREEDOM! Well, freedom might be exaggerating as I'll just have to go back to work. But still. I. Can't. Wait.

19. The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Set in Jackson, Mississippi in the early 1960s and describes the relationship between black maids and their white employers. It is told from the perspective of three women - Miss Skeeter, a radical and idealistic young white woman who decides to write a revolutionary book about 'the help'; Aibileen, a black maid raising Mae Mobley, her 17th white child; and Minny, a fiery and tempestuous maid not afraid to speak her mind.

I really loved the characters. I loved reading the story. It's not going to change the world but it's an enjoyable read.

20. 84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff

A collection of witty and heartwarming letters between Helene Hanff in New York and Marks & Co, a London bookshop. Over twenty years, Helene breaks down the reserve and 'stiff upper lip' of her primary correspondent, Frank Doel ,and befriends, not only his colleagues in the bookshop, but his wife, daughters and elderly neighbour. At times, her outrageous letters (which must have appalled the english sense of propriety) were accompanied by care packages filled with eggs and nylons to supply the staff in the post war rationing years. Charming book.

The Help - That's another one to add to the ever growing wishlist. It sounds great.

I loved the Help too - loved the characters and was sad when I finished reading it - didn't want the story to end.

I had to read The Help in bits and pieces last year (every time I went to a bookstore, I would read a chapter or two), but now that I have my own copy, I'm going to read it again.

21. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley

Far-fetched but immensely entertaining mystery. Eleven year old Flavia de Luce saves the day with her amazing powers of deduction and incredible knowledge of chemistry. Precocious Flavia is just hilarious and I laughed out loud so much reading this book. Particularly when she refers to her eldest sister as the 'Devil's Hairball' and sasses Inspector Hewitt. I'd definitely recommend this book for a bit of comic relief.

#49, 50 & 51 - Thanks for stopping by! It's great to see so many good comments about The Help.

I read a review for Sweetness... recently and it sounded fun. Might give it a try now.

Hi Bookbugg!!! Thanks for your comments about Life of Pi and your well wishing :-) Very interesting about the real life Richard Parker... I'm looking forward to reading Yann Martel's more recent work Beatrice and Virgil once I am able to make some advancement on my current and sizeable library. LOL :-) Also have some Vonnegut & Palahniuk that I've been saving but I have been reading 4 books at the same time and 1 of them was just completed today. 2 more probably within a week or so. 26 books is a very reasonable # for me and I will make the time to get it done (just like it's good to do with exercise and other enjoyable things that benefit us but yet find ways to slip by). In 2011 I hope to push my goal quite a bit higher, but I am not sure if I am ready for 40 like you ;-) We shall see... Looks like you are on track nicely and enjoying yourself! I'll pull the plug on this message before it qualifies for your 22nd book :-) See you around the campfire!!!

Hi Frank, Lord i'm so far behind on my 40 book challenge, I'm never going to make it! I have holidays coming up so fingers crossed i'll catch up a little.... it's always tricky to find time to read during the summer, there's always so much on! And don't even talk to me about exercise..............eep!

22. The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery

This was a book club read and not a very popular one at that. The story focuses on the concierge of an upper class Parisian apartment block, Renée, who hides her intelligence for fear of disrupting other peoples conception of who and what a concierge should be. There is also Paloma, a precocious 13 year old, who finds the burden of being intelligent so oppressive as to make her want to commit suicide. This book thinks it's more clever than it actually is, but it does make you realise you can't always take people at face value. Overall I liked the book, but it certainly wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea.

23. Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer

Well at least I won't die wondering what happened to Edward and Bella. Dreadfully longwinded and not very exciting. (Gosh aren't I negative this evening).

Disappointed to here your comments on The Elegance of the Hedgehog, Bookbugg. I have heard such wonderful things on this, that I recently bought a copy of this.

Interesting comments on Hedgehog. I keep meaning to get to it, and end up going for something else.

Good luck with the 40 books! A good reading spurt can make a big difference.

24. The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

Must do better, Dan Brown.

25. One Day by David Nicholls

This is the story of Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew, focussing on 15 July, every year for twenty years. The story opens in 1988, on the night of their graduation from the University of Edinburgh, when Emma and Dexter first hook up. They are an unlikely pairing, and their friendship goes through several ups and downs. Surprisingly bittersweet ending.

This is a genuinely funny book, I'd recommend to anyone who likes authors such as Nick Hornby or Mark Haddon.

26. A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick

Set in Wisconsin in the early 1900s, this is the story of Ralph Truitt, who places an ad in the paper seeking a 'reliable wife'. Catherine Land responds, claiming that she is a 'simple and honest' woman and is accordingly selected for the role. However, Catherine is not what she seems. A deceitful schemer, it is revealed early on that she intends to poison her new husband, and to thus become a wealthy widow. But there is a further twist (which you could see coming a mile off). The twist involves Ralph's estranged son, who is as despicable as Catherine.

Deliciously devious characters. But the plot is somewhat thin and predictable. Although the storylines are completely different, I kept being reminded of the book Fingersmith by Sarah Waters - probably because both are set in Victorian times and are full of deceit, intrigue and twists. However, Fingersmith is infinitely better, so read that before A Reliable Wife.

27. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark

Strangely disturbing story of Miss Jean Brodie, spinster teacher in 'her prime'. She is arrogant, manipulative, opinionated and insubordinate. She gathers a group of six girls, on whom she exerts her strange influence and who become known in the school as 'the Brodie set'. One of this set will ultimately betray her, denouncing her as a fascist, and causing her to lose her position in the school.

28. Dragonwyck by Anya Seton

1850s New York. Nicholas van Ryn, wealthy and aristocratic, writes to a remote cousin, requesting her to send one of her daughters to his Manor House, the austere Dragonwyck, to act as governess for his young daughter. Thus, farm girl Miranda is launched into high society, with unfortunate results. Nicholas, vaguely evil and arrogant, is not what he seems.

Immensely entertaining, but fluffy.

29. Mudbound by Hillary Jordan

Similar in theme to The Help so if you enjoyed The Help definitely give this one a whirl.

Currently reading The Help and have Mudbound on my TBR shelves. Oneday...

Hmm...we're on a bit of the same track. I read A Reliable Wife and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie this year as well. I agree with you about the former- for such a delicious set up, the novel doesn't pay off as well as it could.

Hi HelenBaker and sushidog, thanks for stopping by!

30. I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

I ADORE this book. To anyone who hasn't read it yet, just go and buy it NOW!

I only read Cassandra's story for the first time last year, but couldn't resist picking it up again. Any book that starts with the line 'I write this sitting in the kitchen sink' is bound to be perfect. Beautifully written, beautiful characters, beautifully bittersweet ending.

31. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

Very interesting perspective on the Holocaust.

32. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominique Bauby

Incredible book by former editor in chief of Elle magazine. Following a massive stroke during his forties, Jean-Dominique Bauby was left with 'Locked-in Syndrome'. He was completely paralysed, save for movement in one eyelid. He dictated this book by communicating with this eyelid. Incredible strength of character.

This book made me realise how much we take for granted in our everyday lives, and how quickly everything with know can be snatched away. Pretty grim.

Hi Bookbug,
I have I Capture the Castle on my bookshelf, but saw the movie some time back.
I can see I will have to read it soon. I also saw The Diving Bell and the Butterfly at the movies. It was beautifully done. Movie-makers are drawing on more and more books it seems. And yes I have read The Boy in Striped Pyjamas too.

Hi Helen,
For me, I Capture the Castle is a delicious 'comfort' read - kind of fluffy but well-written at the same time. I have a few go-to books when i'm feeling blue and just want to curl up on the couch with a hotwater bottle, cup of tea and a book - others are Katherine by Anya Seton and Penmarric by Susan Howatch - i'd highly recommend them too!

I didn't know there was a movie of I Capture the Castle--I'll have to look for that. I agree with you assessment of the book, Bookbugg. It's nice to find a book that's kind of easy to read but not annoyingly stupid or poorly written. That sounds like a low standard, but it's hard to find books that fit into that category!

I wholeheartedly agree carlym!

33. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

I read this when I was a teenager but couldn't remember much about it. Really enjoyed it second time around. Is it odd that I relate a lot to old Holden Caulfield?!

Another classic I have yet to read. I think my New Years resolution is going to be to set a reading plan, so that each month I read a balance of Books off the Shelf, Book Groups ( I belong to 2), classics, library stock and Award winners. Although I have fulfilled this 50 challenge this year, I have far too many shelves of unread books. Next year I am contemplating also taking on the 75 Book Challenge as well.Hmmm...

I'd love to move onto the 75 Book Challenge but I think I'll be doing well to even hit 40 this year. Though I generally read a lot over Christmas so you never know! I was thinking that I'd do a 15 book challenge next year, but those 15 have to be classics - like Dickens, Hardy, Tolstoy etc. They generally take a lot longer to get through. I'd have to read them in addition to Bookclub books though.... Hmmmmm..... a world of new years challenge possibilities!!!

34. Quite Ugly One Morning by Christopher Brookmyre

This is an 'in one ear and out the other' thriller. Investigative journalist Jack Parlabane's neighbour, Dr. Ponsonby, is found grotesquely murdered and Parlabane promptly goes on the hunt for the culprit. With the help of the Doctor's ex-wife and a helpful police detective, Parlabane ultimately exposes corruption in the Health Services and an elaborate money-making scheme orchestrated by villain Stephen Lime. I'm not usually a big fan of crime thrillers, but this story is enjoyable enough and very funny at times. However, steer clear if you don't like vulgar and violent!!

This was Brookmyre's first novel - not sure I'd be running out to read his others though.

35. On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan

36. Behind the Scenes at the Museum by Kate Atkinson

Those are two good books you have just read. I remember loving Behind the Scenes at the Museum particularly and I'm a big fan of Ian McEwan.

Hi Helen! Am crazy busy at the moment hence the lack of reviews for the above books. But I really enjoyed Behind the Scenes at the Museum - I read it in just a couple of days when I was on holidays. I found it a little bleak though - nothing worked out well for any of the women characters! I only just discovered Ian McEwan this year and I have to say that Atonement was probably the best book I read in 2010. I enjoyed On Chesil Beach as well - he really is just a superb writer. I am getting Enduring Love for Christmas - I have heard marvellous things about it. Also getting that book that you recommended - The Marriage Bureau for Rich People! Really looking forward to reading that over the Christmas period.

Hi Aoife, one of my favourite Ian McEwan's is Saturday. I guess you would call it a thriller. But brilliant. I have Solar on my TBR shelves too.
I am about to start Anna Karenina by Tolstoy as a group read with my online book group over the summer months. I will try and read other books at the same time. Not sure how this will work as I have only ever read one book at a time.
Helen.

Hi Helen, I must check out Saturday - I think it's possible my mother has it lurking around her house somewhere....

I really meant to read Anna Karenina this year but for some reason I just never quite got around to it. I am definitely going to tackle it in the new year. I'm not fond of reading more than one book at a time either... I always forget the plot of the one I've put down!

37. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Set in post WW2 Barcelona. After stumbling across a book in the Cemetery of Lost Books, young Daniel Sempere sets off on a quest to find out what happened to its author, Julian Carax. Little does he know that he is not the only one on this quest, and that the sinister Inspector Fumero is hot on his trail. At times I got a little bit confused with all the characters in this book and the intricacy of the plot. However, this is storytelling at its finest. Fantastic book.

I enjoyed Shadow, but wanted more of the Cemetery!

The Shadow of the Wind is one of my all time favourites too. I read it several years ago and waited 2 years for his next book The Angel's Game. Sadly this was very disappointing and some of it I just didn't understand.

O that's a shame to hear - my sister gave The Angel's Game to me for my birthday but I think I'll put it off for a while. To be honest, although I loved it, the plot of The Shadow of the Wind kind of exhausted me!

Hi ljbwell, thanks for stopping by - I agree, I would have loved to have found out a bit more about The Cemetery of Lost Books...

38. Not Without My Daughter by Betty Mahmoody

True story about an American woman who accompanies her Muslim husband on a visit to his home country Iran. Within days of arriving, she realises that she has made a huge mistake - conditions are appalling, and she is forced to wear Islamic dress. On the day the visit is due to end, she discovers her passport confiscated - her husband has never intended to return to America and holds Betty and their daughter Mahtob prisoner. He exhibits horrific cruelty, regularly beating both Betty and her daughter and denying them any contact with family back home. Iranian law is on her husband's side, and allows him to treat his wife and child as chattels. Using her wits and a little help from some friends, Betty formulates an extremely dangerous escape plan. With her daughter, she eventually escapes over the mountains and into Turkey. Incredible story about a very courageous woman.

This sounds like my kind of book, Aoife. I find these stories a fascinating insight into other cultures. Adding it to my wishlist...

I really enjoyed reading it Helen but it made me so so angry on Betty Mahmoody's behalf. There was a postscript as well stating that as of the date of publication, American officials were dealing with thousands of similar cases of American women trapped by Muslim husbands in Islamic countries. It is very upsetting. There is also a movie of this book from the 80s - starring Sally Field as Betty.

39. Northern Lights by Philip Pullman

First in the His Dark Materials trilogy. Will definitely be reading the others. I only occasionally make a foray into the world of Fantasy but when I do I usually thoroughly enjoy it! This is the story of Lyra and her daemon Pantalaimon and their quest to get up North and figure out what the General Oblation Board is doing to the children they snatch. Lovely Christmas reading.

I saw the first 20 minutes or so of the movie a couple weeks ago. I noticed it was based on a book. I think I'll put it on my reading list as well.

It's definitely worth it if you like fantasy type books, aktakukac. Am going to ask my sister to get me the other two in the trilogy for my birthday I think :)

Sitting at my kitchen table at the moment desperately trying to read The Outsider by Albert Camus before midnight so that I will have met my 40 book challenge :)

40. The Outsider by Albert Camus

Wow what an unlikeable character Meursault is. And yet incredibly truthful. Amazing how much of a character Camus could build in a mere 100 pages.

Oops, I meant I saw the first 20 minutes of Not Without My Daughter. I don't read much fantasy, but I would like to try some more. My sister reads it more often than I do and might have some suggestions for me. Happy New Year!