UK Book Club discussion
A - Z Author Challenge
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Caroline's A-Z of Authors and Titles 2015
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Kate (Trojanhorse) wrote: "Excellent progress! You'll finish them all at about the same time at this rate. Then you'll be at a loose end!"
Still nowhere near completing my 'Round the World', 'UK Counties' and 'USA States' tours, so I'll be able to concentrate on them :)
Still nowhere near completing my 'Round the World', 'UK Counties' and 'USA States' tours, so I'll be able to concentrate on them :)
Female author I - Margaret Irwin - Elizabeth, Captive Princess
Feels like I've been reading this forever (it's actually been just over a week on and off but at my usual reading rate of a book a day that pretty much is forever!). I've read a lot of Tudor fiction but there was nothing outstanding about this one. The writing didn't make the characters come alive for me and the book just didn't hold my attention. Only finished it to get the letter!
Feels like I've been reading this forever (it's actually been just over a week on and off but at my usual reading rate of a book a day that pretty much is forever!). I've read a lot of Tudor fiction but there was nothing outstanding about this one. The writing didn't make the characters come alive for me and the book just didn't hold my attention. Only finished it to get the letter!
Male author R - Peter Robinson - Abattoir Blues
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Has Peter Robinson run out of steam with his DCI Banks series? Felt like he was just going through the motions with this one. Not his best.
. Has Peter Robinson run out of steam with his DCI Banks series? Felt like he was just going through the motions with this one. Not his best.
New author E - Geraldine Evans - Dead Before Morning
Kindle freebie. Book #1 in the 'Rafferty / Llewellyn' series. The writing was OK, the story was OK, the characters a bit one-dimensional. I didn't hate it - not sure I'd bother with any more of the series though.
Kindle freebie. Book #1 in the 'Rafferty / Llewellyn' series. The writing was OK, the story was OK, the characters a bit one-dimensional. I didn't hate it - not sure I'd bother with any more of the series though.
New author L - Amanda M. Lee - Any Witch Way You Can
Kindle freebie. Three witch cousins (Bay, Clove and Thistle) investigate a murder in the small town of Hemlock Cove. Quick light-hearted read. Reminded me a little bit of the TV series 'Charmed'.
Kindle freebie. Three witch cousins (Bay, Clove and Thistle) investigate a murder in the small town of Hemlock Cove. Quick light-hearted read. Reminded me a little bit of the TV series 'Charmed'.
Titles K - Killer Cupcakes - Leighann Dobbs
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Kindle freebie. Very short, very silly romantic comedy / mystery that wasn't very romantic, funny or mysterious. But it got me K.
.Kindle freebie. Very short, very silly romantic comedy / mystery that wasn't very romantic, funny or mysterious. But it got me K.
Female author S - Sara Shepard - Pretty Little Liars
It's so annoying when a book ends on a cliffhanger! I picked this up in a charity shop for my friend's daughter and was reading it to make sure it was "appropriate", but found myself getting caught up in the story. And then it ended. With no resolution. I might have to read the next one now.
It's so annoying when a book ends on a cliffhanger! I picked this up in a charity shop for my friend's daughter and was reading it to make sure it was "appropriate", but found myself getting caught up in the story. And then it ended. With no resolution. I might have to read the next one now.
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You are doing SO well. I've only read 9 of my 26, then again I keep getting distracted by books that don't count to the A-Z. But even with my 'extra' I haven't read as many as you.
I'm trying to be really disciplined so that every book I read fits in one way or another - haven't quite managed it though as I have a serious Agatha Christie addiction going on and I've already used her for as many letters as I can!
Also, a lot of my kindle freebies have been REALLY short :)
Caroline wrote: "Female author S - Sara Shepard - Pretty Little Liars It's so annoying when a book ends on a cliffhanger! I picked this up in a..."
This was made into a TV series which was on in the last few years and I remember something about a mysterious character who went missing. I watched a couple but it was a bit to YA for me! Might explain the cliffhangers though as I recall each episode / series ended on one...
Ellie - To be honest the book was a little bit too YA for me - I just hate not knowing how a story ends! I looked into getting the next one but it seems there are something like 12 more books in the series. Not sure I'm THAT bothered about it... :)
Male author U - Barry Unsworth - After Hannibal
This is the first book I've read by this author and probably the last. While the writing style was good, the story line was dull and ultimately pointless. The book just meandered along very slowly and then ended with no real resolution. Not for me.
This is the first book I've read by this author and probably the last. While the writing style was good, the story line was dull and ultimately pointless. The book just meandered along very slowly and then ended with no real resolution. Not for me.
Titles Z - Zero Day - David Baldacci -
Could have done with being a little bit shorter, seemed like the story was being stretched out in places. Liked it, didn't love it.
Could have done with being a little bit shorter, seemed like the story was being stretched out in places. Liked it, didn't love it.
Caroline wrote: "Ellie - To be honest the book was a little bit too YA for me - I just hate not knowing how a story ends! I looked into getting the next one but it seems there are something like 12 more books in th..."ha ha :) yeah...maybe if you had all the time in the world and nothing much for read!
Male Author G - William Goldman - The Princess Bride -
Love the book, love the film. One of my all-time favourites.
Love the book, love the film. One of my all-time favourites.
Male Author C - Chris Carter - The Crucifix Killer
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Good story, but unlikeable main character. To be fair, I have read some of the later books in the series and don't remember him being quite so annoying so possibly just a debut book issue.
.Good story, but unlikeable main character. To be fair, I have read some of the later books in the series and don't remember him being quite so annoying so possibly just a debut book issue.
New Author I - Greg Iles - Mortal Fear -
Dragged a little bit in places but overall a good thriller. Will probably read more by this author.
Dragged a little bit in places but overall a good thriller. Will probably read more by this author.
First Names P - Piers Anthony - Total Recall -
I'm not a huge sci-fi fan but this was a fast-moving easy read. I liked it.
I'm not a huge sci-fi fan but this was a fast-moving easy read. I liked it.
First Names H - Hilary Bonner - The Cruellest Game
Ridiculous storyline, unlikeable characters, obvious plot "twists". Disappointing because it sounded as though it was going to be good.
Ridiculous storyline, unlikeable characters, obvious plot "twists". Disappointing because it sounded as though it was going to be good.
First Names C - Cindy Blackburn - Playing With Poison -
One day I am going to read a kindle freebie that is so good that I have to immediately buy everything else that author has ever written. Today is not that day.
One day I am going to read a kindle freebie that is so good that I have to immediately buy everything else that author has ever written. Today is not that day.
Male Author L - D.H. Lawrence - Lady Chatterley's Lover -
I didn't like this as much as I thought I would. Parts of it were kind of boring and I didn't really care about the characters.
I didn't like this as much as I thought I would. Parts of it were kind of boring and I didn't really care about the characters.
First Names N - Nancy Price - Sleeping with the Enemy -
It's fairly unusual for me to say this but in this case the film was MUCH better than the book. Disappointing.
It's fairly unusual for me to say this but in this case the film was MUCH better than the book. Disappointing.
New Author V - John Verdon - Think Of A Number
This started out so slowly I nearly gave up on it but it picked up the pace eventually and I ended up quite liking it. Not sure if I'd read anything else by this author though.
This started out so slowly I nearly gave up on it but it picked up the pace eventually and I ended up quite liking it. Not sure if I'd read anything else by this author though.
Titles - J - The Jungle Book - Rudyard Kipling
Another classic that's been on my TBR list almost forever. I didn't like it as much as I thought I might.
Another classic that's been on my TBR list almost forever. I didn't like it as much as I thought I might.
First Names G -
Gregory Maguire - Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West -
Not as good as I'd hoped. A bit long-winded.
Gregory Maguire - Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West -
Not as good as I'd hoped. A bit long-winded.
Female authors R - Karen Rose - Watch Your Back
Once you've read a couple of Karen Rose books the romance aspect does become a little bit repetitive but is backed up by a decent crime story. Easy read.
Once you've read a couple of Karen Rose books the romance aspect does become a little bit repetitive but is backed up by a decent crime story. Easy read.
Titles I - Innocent Graves - Peter Robinson
I love the DCI Banks novels, I've been reading them completely out of order though - this was the last one to bring me up to date with the series. Really enjoyed it.
I love the DCI Banks novels, I've been reading them completely out of order though - this was the last one to bring me up to date with the series. Really enjoyed it.
Titles V - The Venetian Betrayal - Steve Berry
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Slightly dull treasure-hunting adventure involving the tomb of Alexander the Great.
Just Q and X to go to complete my titles list.
.Slightly dull treasure-hunting adventure involving the tomb of Alexander the Great.
Just Q and X to go to complete my titles list.
Female authors D - Apple Tree Yard - Louise Doughty -
Beginning was slow, middle was slow, almost gave up but carried on in the hope that there would be an amazingly clever twist at the end that would blow me away and redeem the whole book... there wasn't.
Beginning was slow, middle was slow, almost gave up but carried on in the hope that there would be an amazingly clever twist at the end that would blow me away and redeem the whole book... there wasn't.
New author G - Colette Gale - Entwined -
Downloaded and read this kindle freebie just to get Madagascar for 'Around the World'. More silly than sexy.
Downloaded and read this kindle freebie just to get Madagascar for 'Around the World'. More silly than sexy.
First names Q - Quinn Loftis - Prince of Wolves -
It's official - I will download and read ANYTHING as long as it's free and fills a gap on my list. Even this steaming pile of poop. Absolute rubbish.
It's official - I will download and read ANYTHING as long as it's free and fills a gap on my list. Even this steaming pile of poop. Absolute rubbish.
Female author L - Joanne Sydney Lessner - The Temporary Detective
Another kindle freebie. Light-hearted murder mystery. Not bad.
Another kindle freebie. Light-hearted murder mystery. Not bad.
I really must get a kindle, as I would be glad of free short reads - even if they are poop :) You will soon be finished your challenges - well done. I am getting there with my two A-Z's. I'm on Fangirl at the mo. I decided against Ann Radcliffe - had enough classics for one year!
Linda wrote: "I really must get a kindle, as I would be glad of free short reads - even if they are poop :) You will soon be finished your challenges - well done. I am getting there with my two A-Z's. I'm on Fan..."
I have had one or two kindle freebies that weren't actually bad. My problem is not being able to resist a free book so I'm forever downloading more and more. I don't think I'll ever be able to read them all. It has come in handy for these challenges though!
I have had one or two kindle freebies that weren't actually bad. My problem is not being able to resist a free book so I'm forever downloading more and more. I don't think I'll ever be able to read them all. It has come in handy for these challenges though!
Linda wrote: "I really must get a kindle, as I would be glad of free short reads - even if they are poop :) You will soon be finished your challenges - well done. I am getting there with my two A-Z's. I'm on Fan..."You can download a kindle app for your computer, tablet or phone. I have a hudl which I use as a kindle. And I have too many freebies too!!!
I have noticed on Amazon that it is possible to download an app. I have been thinking about that but reading on my desktop computer isn't very comfortable - I like to curl up on my sofa :) But it would be useful for short poetry books by indie writers especially as some are not available in paperback.
Linda wrote: "I have noticed on Amazon that it is possible to download an app. I have been thinking about that but reading on my desktop computer isn't very comfortable - I like to curl up on my sofa :) But it w..."I got the kindle app for my computer which is fine for books up to 100 pages but any more and its just not comfortable, but I do seem to be collecting lots of freebies or £1 stories for challenges. My libaruary has started a thing on line where you can order your books and have a wish list. I have found it really usefull to see if they even have the books rather than going down their digging and it saves buying a book.
I had the app on my laptop before I got my kindle and found it really difficult to read from. I suppose it works better for tablets or phones - not my phone though because it's too old-fashioned for anything like that!
I have got a smartphone but I think reading on such a small screen would be a pain but I have been thinking about a tablet - I am such a shopaholic :) Maybe I should just get the kindle and be done. What are you reading today?
Finishing up a (not very good but short) kindle freebie romance that I'm reading for another challenge then I'm starting The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August to get an N.
How are you getting on with Fangirl? I nearly picked it up in the library the other day but I've already done all my R's :)
How are you getting on with Fangirl? I nearly picked it up in the library the other day but I've already done all my R's :)
Overdrive, if your library uses it, is fab for ebooks. All current books (although not your entire library stock by a long stretch) as well as audio books. You hire them out for free via the app on a smartphone/tablet or the internet browser.
I'm doing good with Fangirl, wasn't sure at first but stick with it and it is worth it. I'm thinking 4 stars but that could go up or down :) like shares :)
Linda wrote: "I'm doing good with Fangirl, wasn't sure at first but stick with it and it is worth it. I'm thinking 4 stars but that could go up or down :) like shares :)"
Hope the ending matches up to the rest of the book! I often have books where I'm thinking one rating all the way through and then the ending either totally lets it down or blows me away and earns it an upgrade :)
Hope the ending matches up to the rest of the book! I often have books where I'm thinking one rating all the way through and then the ending either totally lets it down or blows me away and earns it an upgrade :)
That happened with One Day by David Nicholls, I was ready to bin it but it suddenly got better so it got 3 instead of 2. Do you read poetry? I've read some excellent books this year. I just looked up The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August - sounds a bit creepy for me :(
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Male authors: 14/26
Female authors: 13/26
New authors: 17/26
First names: 18/26
Titles: 19/26