What to read next?

Still got a few chapters left of Dracula. But I'm already wondering what to read next. Something contemporary. Suggestions?

New Dracula film

Not that anything could really top the iconic 1931 film 'Dracula' or 'Nosferatu' but Hollywood are making another Dracula film! It's called 'Vlad' and is set for release in 2012. Think I will have to see it, becuase the book is amazing! Currently halfway through now, been snatching time to read it between lectures.

Started Dracula

Not what I expected at all! I thought it might start quite slowly, like 'Frankenstein', but straight away we're right in with the action. I have wanted to read this for ages and it certainly is devlivering. I'm not sure when I'll finish it, but I'll post a review straight away.

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Age range: Mature audience
Rating: ****
Will grip you? Yes, it will pray on your mind

The first thing I have to say about this book is how powerful it is. I can't stop thinking about certain things in this book (I don't want to spoil things for you) and I have been bringing it up with people whilst waiting for lectures. I just wanted to get everyone's opinion of it!

The novel is set in modern times (sort of...it was written in the 1980's) and is about America being turned upside down into a sort of madly religions cult. Women's fertility has declined, so fertile women (Handmaids) are prized. If you're an important man in the cult, and your wife is infertile  you are assigned a few handmaids. The story follows Offred, a Handmaid living in The Commanders house. Desperately unhappy, and torn away from her family, she has no idea what's happened to her husband or little girl and has no choice but to go along with everything in the hopes that it will reunite her family once more.

The whole story has a tense, knife edge tension. You literally cannot put this down as you keep desperately turning the pages hoping it gets better. The melancholy atmosphere hovers over you and everything the characters feel you feel too.

The novel raises many different issues, and questions Christianity. The Handmaid's Tale also has strong feminism vibes, but don't let that put you off :) It is not at all preachy, it's just a damn good read.

I admit it made me cry. And I couldn't resist reading a paragraph or two to my boyfriend. I cannot recommend this highly enough. It will grip you right to the end. Also, someone needs to discuss the ending with me!!

A good starting point

Just found a really good list of books for anyone who wants to branch out, discover new books or just have a bit fun. This was from 2003 I think, some of you might remember it, the BBC did the Top 100 Books. It's interesting to work your way down the list, I'm doing something similar with my list :)

Here's the link -->
http://www.listsofbests.com/list/60-the-big-read-books-1-100

Finished The Handmaid's Tale :o

My reaction to the whole book was shock, I did not expect it to be like that, or that good. If I hadn't had to go to lectures and eat, I probably would've read it in a day.

My boyfriend is staying with me for the weekend, so if I have a spare chance I'll write a review tomorrow. If not I'll do one on Monday.

All I will say for now though is that you should read it, it's very hard hitting. Although I finished it a few hours ago, I can't stop thinking about it. That's always good in a book for me :)

Requests

If anyone has any requests for books that you would like me to review, or just want me to read your favourite, then post a comment!!!

First few chapters of 'The Handmaid's Tale'

I am loving it so far!! Not at all what I was expecting, it's very good! It's been voted as the 48th best loved book in Britain and I can see why! I will post a review on here as soon as I have finished!

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

Age range: Teens and upwards
Rating: ****1/2
Will it grip you? Without a doubt

Rebecca is my mum's favourite book (and one her favourite films!), and for good reason. I don't want to sound cliched, but the story will haunt you when you've finished this. Mum has been trying to get me to read this for years and when I finally did, I could not put this down and I think I read it in less than two days. :)

The story starts in Monte Carlo, where a young Lady's maid falls in love with dark and glamorous Max de Winter. After a whirlwind romance (of a sorts...) they quickly get married. Max moves himself and his new bride back to his house in Cornwall, Manderley. However, married life isn't quite what the protagonist thinks it will be. Max, Manderley and all the servants seem to be haunted by the memory of Max's late wife, Rebecca. The more the new Mrs de Winter discovers about Rebecca, the more she hates her.

This is a book that can only be properly enjoyed once; the first time you read it. Once you have read the end and know the truth, and know why Max is a changed man at home, then re-reading the book knowing this is never the same.

The female protagonist in Rebecca is never named; she pales in comparison to the lively and colourful Rebecca. The new Mrs de Winter pales in comparison with her predecessor. The spirit of Rebecca lingers, and the title of the book shows this.

Although the first few chapters drag a little, once the novel picks up pace it's un-put-downable. I cannot recommend this book enough, it's just such a great read. I love Daphne du Maurier's books, she has a style of writing that just draws you into the world of the novel. For me, this book has everything you could want from a book, suspense, mystery and drama. Go read Rebecca, you won't regret it!!!

First post!!

I was in journalism yesterday, and we were talking about the power of blogs. And I got a sudden urge to make one myself!!  I study English Language and Literature, so I get to read a lot of books. I thought why not review these honestly and harshly (at times I'm sure!). I will post reviews on here after I've finished a book. So there'll be all sorts on here!!

I am currently working my way through a list of 100 books, which supposedly are the nations favourite books. I am trying to read all of them before I graduate! I also have to read at least 2 books a week for English :O