Currently in a ‘reading phase’ I told the various social media that I was taking peer recommendations for “poignant character-centred fiction and exemplary books on morality/ ethics/ sex/ psychology/ buddhism..” I then compiled all the resultant suggestions into an Amazon wishlist and, at the rate of about 2 a week, I’m reading and micro-reviewing them here:

Never Let Me Go – Kazuo Ishiguro.
Recommended by Rowena

Currently reading..

Who Will Run the Frog Hospital? – Lorrie Moore.
Recommended by Nick

Good, very good maybe, but not breathtaking and I didn’t ever really connect with the characters. A pleasing story indulgently written nonetheless.

One Day – David Nicholls
Recommended by Nic and Soph

I admit, I was skeptical. However, it was much, much, better than I expected it to be. Amazing characters, easy but fulfilling read. Good call, ladies! If you have read this and liked it, you may also like The Solitude of Prime Numbers, below.

Life of Pi – Yann Martel
Recommended by Topper and Gordon

I’d avoided this because it sounded, well.. kind of silly! So, if it wasn’t for the credibility of the gentlemen who suggested it, I would have missed out on a moving, heartfelt and extraordinary book. Thanks guys!

The Solitude of Prime Numbers – Paolo Giordano
Recommended by Amazon

The book that prompted the request and rekindled my desire to sit with a glass of wine and a novel for an evening. Beautiful, quiet, aching story about two characters in which nothing much, & everything, happens. Feels a little like ‘Lost In Translation’. It’s all in the void..