But wait, there's more...

The next batch of books is when I was still stuck on the couch, but had my wonderful mother staying with me. One of the best books in this batch was recommended by her. I will start with that book as I know some of you don't read the whole blog!

State of Wonder by Ann Patchett.

This was a wonderful epic story to get lost in. Fascinating story of science, mythical tales and adventure - and beautifully written. Other Ann Patchett stories that I have read and loved include Bel Canto (brilliant) and Run (good, but not as good as Bel Canto). I really enjoyed State of Wonder  - 4 ****.

The next books in this instalment, were  / are all very popular but they didn't resonate with me - not sure whether because I wasn't in the mood (due to injury etc) or they just weren't for me.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion.

This was a very sweet, romantic story and I know others (K Buckley I'm looking at you) who have loved this book so please read it and judge it for yourself. My rating - 2/12 **+ stars.

Five Days by Douglas Kennedy

I have read other Douglas Kennedy books that I really liked (The Moment) and others that left me feeling disappointed (The Women in the Fifth). Sadly this one falls in the latter category and I'm not sure I will rush to read another one of his novels. Only 2** stars for me.

The hand that first held mine by Maggie O'Farrell.

To be perfectly honest, I had to go and reread bits of the book to remind myself what this one was about. Written by the same author as 'The vanishing act of Esme Lennox' (which I loved), this one did not grab me and I didn't love the women depicted in it and obviously my brain has completely wiped out any knowledge of the book! Once again, only 2** stars for me.

The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton.

Kate Morton writes consistently good, easy reading novels. I have really enjoyed all her books that I have read - The Distant Hours, The House at Riverton and The Forgotten Garden (follow the link to see my earlier review). They are not challenging to read and have a lovely old-fashioned quality to them. 31/2 stars - ***+.

Lastly, Looking for Alaska by John Green

Ok probably not the best one to read when you are feeling emotionally frail but beautifully written. John Green also wrote The fault in our stars which I reviewed earlier. These books are supposedly aimed at teenagers but I found them very intense and sad but once again it could just have been in the emotional state I was in at the time. I also found it hard to believe that young adults would actually talk they did in the book - intrigued? Maybe you should try reading it and let me know what you think. 3 *** stars for me.

The next instalment I definitely steered away from anything deep or sad, so if you like your books light and easy to digest, please check in again soon.

Its been a LONG year...

I won't bore you with the details of my leg injury and resultant immobile year - other than to say it means I have read a truck load of books!

I have been under pressure from a number of sources to write about these books. The first few months of book reading were a little influenced by all the pain killing drugs I was on and I confess I only have vague recollections of the contents of some that were read.

I will have write a couple of posts in order to fill you in on all the books I've read - some that have been great and some that have been not so amazing. Starting with the one I just finished…..AND LOVED…

The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson

Oh it was so good - a bit different though and took a little while to get completely engrossed. The book tells the story of a very unusual boy / man who believes he is the orphan master's son and destined for great things in North Korea. The story is obviously fictional, but if even 1/4 of the story is based on what life is truly like in North Korea, it is pretty frightening. I loved it - 4 **** stars.

Ok.

Now we are going right back to the beginning of the year. Drugs were involved. Memories not so clear. So I am going to employ a simple star rating - and you will just have to read them to find out what they were about!!

The fault in our stars: John Green - 3 *** stars (don't think I loved it)

The Perks of being a wallflower - 2 *** stars (know I'm supposed to love it, but didn't)

Autumn Laing: Alex Miller - 2 ** stars (struggled through this)

The 100 year old man who climbed out of the window and disappeared: Jonas Jonasson - brilliantly funny and easy to read - 31/2 ***+ stars.

Last one for today (I have PAGES of books to go…) - The Light between Oceans: ML Stedman

41/2 ****+ stars. LOVED, loved, loved - beautiful, different, haunting. I don't want to give too much away but please, do yourself a favour and read this one pronto.

Next instalment soon. Promise...