So, I am currently reading
Common Murder by Val McDermid This is the second of the Lindsay Gordon books. Written earlier in McDermid's career than the Wire in the Blood book, I am finding the difference noticable, but still enjoying it.
OK, as for the rest, we will work backwards! Before Common Murder I read
Breath by Tim Winton and
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte.I read these at the same time. Breath was in my bag and Wuthering Heights on my bed side table. I found Wuthering Heights too hard going to read all the time and once I bought Tim Winton's Breath, I had to start it. Reading Wuthering Heights was actually inspired by the book I read before that (I'll get to that in a moment) For some reason I had always thought it was some great tragic love story, and I suppose it was in some ways, but really a gothic horror. I don't think there was a character in the whole book that I actually liked!
As for Tim Winton, what can I say except *sigh* I love the man's writing. Books that you pick up and open just to read how beautifully he writes.
So before those two there was
I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak
I loved The Book Thief by Zusak and this did not disappoint at all. I loved the whole idea of this book. Ed recieves messages on playing cards, tasks he has to complete without knowing why. Another quality Australian author who just writes beautifully. This inspired me to finally read Wuthering Heights as Ed ends up reading it aloud to an elderly lady.
Somebody Else's Kids by Torey L Hayden is another book I picked up on a whim at the library. At the time I did not realise it was a true story, but I'm glad it was. Torey is a teacher who specialises in kids with special needs. She has written a bunch of books about her experiences with them and will be reading more of them. From what I could work out, she taught in the US in the 70's and early 80's, so a different education system to ours and a very different time in terms of educational philosophy, especially in regards to special needs children. As a teacher, I still got a lot of it, not the least was how far we have come!
Finally in the time I have been missing, I read
Handle with Care by Jodi Piccoult I am a Jodi Piccoult tragic! If she has written it, I have read it. I like her books, they are easy to read and generally make you think. My dream, however, is to one day read a Jodi Piccoult book where I don't hate the mother for obviously favouring one child over another, always to the detriment of both kids!
So that is the book catch up. Hopefully the net will be up and running at home soon and I can do a fabric/ sewing update!
