Sunday 21 November 2010

What are you reading?

First of all, let me thank author Margo Kelly for the Sunshine blog award she's recently given me.  Thanks, Margo!  You've certainly made my day!


I have been trying to keep my mind away from my finished first draft manuscript.  I have been successful for two weeks now.  I still think of what I have written and I can honestly say I still do know each and every chapter so I don't know what it really means by 'rest and take your mind away from your manuscript so that when you read it to do your 2nd draft, it's as if you are reading it for the first time' when everything will still be fresh in my mind after one or two more weeks.  I honestlly feel an urgent need to do revisions now!  I have to switch on to my 'editing mode'!  I wish I could do this instantly like other writers!

So, what have I been doing?  I've been reading ravenously.  In ten days, aside from living a busy, normal life, I've finished four novels (which I still find to be rather slow but I've improved a lot) - Billionaire Boy by David Walliams, I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore, Can You Keep a Secret by Sophie Kinsella and Talli Roland's debut novel, the enjoyable, book-you-cannot-put-down:  The Hating Game.  I thought I'd share with you what I've read. The Hating Game will have a separate review post on 01 December 10.

The Billionaire Boy by David Walliams is hilarious!  It really made me laugh in delight whilst reading it, to the amusement of my husband who seemed to think I've gone nuts! 

Here's the gist:
Meet Joe Spud, the richest 12-year old inthe world.  Joe has everything he could ever want:  his own Formula One racing car, a thousand pairs of trainers, even an organg-utan for a butler!

Yes Joe has everything he wants, but there's just one thing he really needs:  a friend....

For 9 years old and above.
My rating: Five stars.  A must-read by both children and adults for a good laugh!


I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore is another one to read!  It's a page-turner.  (Author's name is also fictional).

Here's the gist from the book:
John Smith is not your average teenager.  He regularly moves from small town to small town.  He changes his name and identity.  He does not put down roots.  He cannot tell anyone who or what he really is.  If he stops moving, those who hunt hiim will find and kill him.

I recommend this to teenagers, it's a good read!


Can You Keep A Secret by Sophie Kinsella
And yes, it's been awhile since the last time I've read a Sophie Kinsella...and this one rocks!  I enjoyed every page!  A must-read!

Here's the gist on the back cover:
Emma is like every girl in the world.  She has a few little secrets.
1.  I lost my virginity in the spare bedroom to Danny Nussbaum while Mum and Dad were downstairs watching Ben Hur.
2.  I'm a size twelve.  Not a size eight, like Connor thinks.
3.  I've always thougth Connor looks a bit like Ken.  As in Barbie and Ken.
4. When Artemis really annoys me, I feed her plant orange juice (whichis pretty much every day)
5.  It was me who jammed the copier that time.  In fact, all the times.
6.  My G string is hurting me.
7.  I faked my maths GCSE grade on my CV.
8. I have no idea what NATO stands for.  Or even what it is....

.....Until she spills them all to a stranger on a plane.  At least, she thought he was a stranger....

My rating:  Four Stars


The Hating Game by Talli Roland
Please see excellent reviews on goodreads.com.  I will also be posting my review on 01 December 2010, in time for Talli's Blogsplash!

How about you? What are you reading?













******
Note: The above are quotes from the books mentioned. This is not a paid advertisement.

Disclaimer: This is my web blog, the opinion expressed above are 100% mine and not that of the author's or publisher of the above-mentioned book. This site makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness of any information and will not be liable for any errors, omissions in this information arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.

13 comments:

Glynis Peters said...

I am reading The Preacher's Bride by Jody Hedlund. I am on a slow reading journey at the moment, because of writing projects.

Keep up those edits, it will be worth it! :)

Theresa Milstein said...

Good for your for sitting on your manuscript for two weeks. According to Stephen King, you need at least just one more.

4 books in that short period of time? Sounds like fast reading to me!

I recently read The Hating Game by Talli Roland too. Though I don't read the genre that often, this is the type I like to read when I do. Now I need to get my blog post and Amazon review ready.

Right now, I'm reading Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers. Captivating, so far.

Old Kitty said...

Congratulations with your first draft!!! I hope you get to turn on your inner editor asap - I guess there's no time limit as to when you ought to rest your ms to when you start revising. I guess if it feels right then just go for it!!! Good luck and YAY!!

Wow look at all these fab books you've read!! thanks for the reviews too - I had to email Talli to ask her what to do with my review of her fun book and I too will be posting mine on the 1st!! Yay!!

Have a great Sunday! Take care
x

Lydia Kang said...

Great book reviews! There was a big article on the writer's group that published I am Number Four. It's kinda scary, you should read it. I had no idea until a friend showed it to me.

http://nymag.com/arts/books/features/69474/index5.html

Lydia Kang said...

Oops, that was the last page. Here is the article from the beginning.
http://nymag.com/arts/books/features/69474/

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your Sunshine award. I so wish that I could read at your speed; I am slow. At the moment I'm reading a biography: 'My Paper Chase' by Harold Evans.
Good luck with the edits when you get going.
Have a happy week!

Anonymous said...

I really want to read I am Number Four!

Len Lambert said...

Hello there everybody!

@Glynis - I've read very good feedback about The Preacher's Bride and been looking for it - I will surely get a copy, Glynis!

@Theresa - Personal Demons sounds interesting! :)

@Old Kitty - You must tell me what's your secret for being able to visit so many blogs almost each day...I promise I will keep it a secret *winks* It's always nice to see you here, thanks Old Kitty :)

@Lydia - I've just read the article and I'm completely shocked! I hope everybody gets to read it!

@Christine - Thank you! I haven't read a biography since Richard Branson's Losing my Virginity. I must check My Paper Chase out! :)

@Kathie - If you like reading about aliens, you will like I am Number Four! :) I suggest you read Lydia's suggested links, too.

Talli Roland said...

Len! Thanks so much for posting about my book here, and for your wonderful review on Goodreads! :) I'm so happy you enjoyed reading it - and Theresa and (I hope) Old Kitty, too. Thanks so much for all your support!

Golden Eagle said...

I've heard a lot about I Am Number Four recently--it sounds like a great book.

I REALLY want to read Talli's book! I'll be posting on Dec.1st, too. :)

Loren Chase said...

I just have to say that I LOVED I Am Number Four. I couldn't put it down. Right now I'm reading Willow by Julia Hoban.

Rachael Harrie said...

Ooh, some of those books sound quite intriguing. I've just ordered a stack from The Book Depository, can't wait until they turn up :)

Rach

Len Lambert said...

Hi Talli - it's my pleasure :)

@Golden Eagle - it's a good story...but I'm not impressed by the stories behind the book though. Hope they were not true.

@Loren - Hope you're enjoying Willo. I will check that out, too! :)

@Rachel - I've got some that I've got to order from book depository, too. Thanks for dropping by! :)