Friday, February 5, 2010

Book project 2010: update #3

For those who’ve missed my earlier posts on Book Project 2010, here, here and here , I’ve decided to be a more conscious reader and keep a list of all the books I read in 2010 in the hope of gaining some insights into my reading habits. While I’ve been trying to every “commercial” book with a more “literary” pick, several days in bed with a nasty lergie and an early obsession with the Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood novels and vampire fiction in general, has skewed the list a little lower than I’d hoped! Here’s what I’ve read in the last two weeks.


Living Oprah by Robyn Okrant

Based on her blog of the same name, Okrant set out in 2008 to do everything that talk show host and cultural phenomenon Oprah recommends for a year. I’ve already talked about this book in an earlier post but I’ve got to say I’m impressed with anyone who’s prepared to turn their life so completely upside down for a project. As much as I love blogging I don’t think I would be prepared to do anything drastic!

Hourglass by Claudia Gray

I was asked to proofread the Australian edition of this young adult novel about six months ago and as a result was sent the first two books in the series by the publisher. Aimed fair and square at the Twilight demographic, this gothic-horror series deals with teenage romance, vampires, vampire hunters and icy wraiths. For one reason or another I didn’t end up working on this book, so I came at this volume fresh on Australia Day. Great fun!

A song in the daylight by Paullina Simons

Whatever happened to quality over quantity? This book is an exasperating 767 pages long. Somewhere around page 350 I questioned if it was worth finishing, and yet, at the same time, I’d come so far... I didn’t predict the ending but then, I didn’t really care by that stage. Use it as a doorstop instead.

Transgressions by Sarah Dunant

This disturbing novel about a single, 30-something freelancer being stalked made this single, 30-something freelancer want to deadbolt the front door. Scary.

Out of the silence by Wendy James
I mostly picked up this novel about three Australian women from different social situations in early 1900s Victoria because I needed something relatively brainless to read on the train to work (sad but true) but I'm finding it surprisingly engrossing.

2 comments:

  1. Yep, I reckon OUT OF THE SILENCE looks pretty brainless too & certainly wouldn't pick it up myself - the cover & blurb do it no favours.

    Hope you continue to enjoy it:))
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  2. I guess this is one of those books the saying "don't jusge a book by its cover" rings true for. The subject matter may not be to everyone's taste but it is well written and engaging. Ylla
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