Last Book of 2007

[Ashley]

I'm currently reading "Nineteen Minutes" by Jodi Picoult. I have 15 hours to read 194 pages to finish it. Now theres a challenge.

[Cathy]

I hate to say this, but I have never read anything by Jodi Picoult, and to be honest, I am not familiar with her style of writing. Would you share your opinion, please? I know I see her (it is a her, yes?) on a lot of people's lists, and it seems that there is a fan club for her books here . . .??
I am embroiled in the middle of The Nature of Monsters by Clare Clark. I have no plans that I can finish before 2008 -- to me it is a tough read. And a touch slow. But I am intrigued by it since it is an "historical" look at theories of how babies develop in the womb and the atrocious things that were given to women to help the babies and them be healthy. So I keep plugging away... But in my purse is I Love You Beth Cooper and it tickles me if I take myself out anywhere where I can read alone.

[Ashley]

Cathy,

Jodi Picoult writes books on moral issues. For example My Sister's Keeper is about a girl who goes to a lawyer to get medical emancipation. Her sister, Kate, a kidney transplant and her sister is the only match. So basically the moral issue in this book would be whether one would give their kidney. Jodi Picoult's books are definitely not light reads. They are intense, emotional, reads. And yes, Jodi is a her.

[Ellen]

i've read two books by jodi picoult, the pact and nineteen minutes. i thought they were both good.
ellen

[Rachael]

Last book of 07 I read was P.S. I Love You. Now, I'm trying to read Atonement.

[Fenixbird]

I ended the year 2007 reading The Kingdom: Arabia and the House of Sa'ad (by Robert Lacey)...This book is about the founding of Saudi Arabia from centuries ago (but focusing primarily since colonialization by Europeans)...up to the late 1980's & peace negotiations with Jimmy Carter. This book has given me much insight into my dear fiance's area of the world--but from a historical perspective! Robert Lacey is tremendously original & spared no detail in his research for writing this book! I give it 4 stars out of 5 for its depth & rich history!

[Cathy]

So where is your fiance from then? Sounds intriguing!

I just finished Kite Runner -- first book read completely in 2008. I finished "The Nature of Monsters" after 2008 started, but began it sometime in November.
Has anyone else read Kite Runner? I am still so bereft ...

[Fenixbird]

Cathy, my fiance is originally from Egypt with his mother from France. The book "The Kingdom.." certainly includes most surrounding countries from THAT time period.

[Jayci]

Cathy,

First....Picoult is my favorite! I have read most of her books, and they are fantastic. Not light reads, but definately fast! I can't put her books down once I have picked them up. She blurs the lines between what we may see as morally and socially acceptable. Her style is fantastic. With each chapter, we usually get the perspective of a different character. It's a great ploy to keep you hanging in there. :)

Second....I loved loved loved the Kite Runner. It is so intruiging to read about others cultures. Has anyone read 1,000 Splendid Suns? What did you think? As good as the first?

[Mandy]

Jayci,

I too loved the Kite Runner, definitely up there with my all time favs but didn't think Suns was as good, in fact I only gave it two stars I think. I have heard good reviews about it and thought maybe it was because I read Kite Runner first but for me it just didn't grab my attention or have that page turning effect.

[Mandy]

Cathy,

The Kite Runner is definitely one of those books that will stay in your mind for a long time to come. I cried reading the book and also watching the movie. It's one of those unfortunate stories that probably one person or another has lived through even though it's fiction. So so so good though!