So, I finished 1st To Die by James Patterson last night. I've almost finished Notes From A Big Country by Bill Bryson (will finish today sometime).

So, what should I go for next? I've picked some that have been languishing on Mount TBR for a while - all were received from other BCers.

(And if anyone would like any of the books after I've read them - then let me know!!)

Neil is :wub: .

:) that and the other book I would choose, 'Memoirs of a Geisha', is so horribly...fictional that I get a little queasy when people mistake it for the reality of being a Geisha. I admit I used to love it--had to read it in like 10th grade english and that was my first foray into literature (not manga) about Japanese culture, but then 'Geisha, a life' came out by Mineko Iwasaki detailing exactly how wrong that book is..

don't get me wrong, I understand fiction vs. reality and artistic license and dramatization, but the argument I have is with the fact that it presents itself as a factual book. I clearly remember my teacher having discussion after discussion regarding the life of a geisha as seen through the book. Also I find it terribly sad that that the author mistreated Mineko Iwasaki's life as he had (and fully support the lawsuit against him cause of it), either purposefully misinterpreting the details that had been imparted to him from the interviews he conducted with her (Since Mayuri is partially based upon her life and rise as a Geisha) or just not really caring that he butchered her life and gave a very bad impression of what was once a very honored position.

ummm..I'm not saying don't read Memoirs though, but if you can pick up 'Geisha, a life' do that as well. While it might not be as romanticized nor 'magical' as one reviewer said, its a much better insight into the lives of Geisha.

Lexie

IMHO Bergdorf Blondes by Plum Sykes isn't worth the paper it is printed on. It was so horrible I really thought about throwing it out of the window of the tram I was on while reading it.

Anything by Jodi Picoult is worth reading.

I'm voting for Neverwhere...and if you do decide to pass it on, it's on my wishlist... :whistle:

I recently read Anansi Boys and am just starting American Gods.

Also, I really adored She's Come Undone, so that would be a good choice as well.

I thought Prep was only so-so.

I loved the audio I recently listened to of She's Come Undone so I voted for that one :D

I voted for one I've just read and enjoyed - Neverwhere!

Voted for Memoirs of a Geisha, looooved that book. I guess I'm one of the few people around who didn't care for She's Come Undone.

Well, Neverwhere seems to have the edge at the minute....keep voting as I will start whichever book it is tonight.

We're both one of the few. :lol: I thought it was depressing and melodramatic.

I am the only one who has voted for Fortune's Rock. From the Anita Shreve books I have read this one is my favorite and was also my very first Shreve book. A well written and quite entertaining historical novel about a young girl who has an affair with an older man and becomes pregnant. I can really recommend this book because I couldn't put it down.

I voted for She's Come Undone because it's on my list of all-time favorites. The story is heartbreaking. I found it to be powerful and truly a reading experience instead of just a book. I still find it hard to believe that the author was a man.

I also really enjoyed Memoirs of a Geisha. I thought the story was just good, but the writing IMO is exquisite.

I picked Prep because it's on my TBR and I wanna know if you liked it!

I'm going to start Neverwhere tonight - I ended up picking up another quick read in the meantime and haven't had much reading time anyway over the last few days! Will probably read some of the others off the list soon as well.