Top 5 Reads Revisited!

My Top 5 books probably haven't changed, but I have read some really good books this year that I would recommend:

1. Life of Pi (Yann Martel)
This one was recommended to me by Alison and it is definitely now one of my favourite books. I put off reading Life of Pi for so long because the concept of the book - ie. a boy living on a boat with a bunch of animals - just didn't do it for me. But I had it pegged completely wrong. You know what they say, never judge a book by its cover. The twist at the end is brilliant, but it was the unravelling of the story itself that won me over. It definitely takes the place of 'Red Dragon' in my Top 5 reads list (notably, I haven't read Red Dragon since I was a teenager hence it being bumped off my Top 5 list - but it is still a great read).

2. A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian: (Marina Lewycka)
I really enjoyed this book for three main reasons:
i) Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down.
ii) It made me laugh out loud on many occasions.
iii) I liked it so much, I wanted to recommend it to others.

The basic story is about the grown-up daughter of an old British immigrant from the Ukraine coming to grips with her wrinkly Dad taking himself a new wife... a new wife who just happens to be a young thirty-something platinum blonde Ukranian divorcee called Valentina. Valentina is super manipulative and is determined to get a UK passport out of the 'relationship' - her intention is pretty clear. But the wrinkly old Dad acts like any young fool in love, or more like lust (particularly after he pays for Valentina to get a boob job!). This book is brilliant due to the way it is comically written (more so than the subject matter). It would definitely be in my Top 5 funniest books of all time.

3. Life Under the Tuscan Sun (Frances Mayes)
Monica recommended this one at a BBC and it was such an enjoyable read. Frances Mayes is an American woman who moves to Italy every summer to renovate an old villa in Tuscany, just outside the small town of Cortona. Whilst her renovation dramas are pretty funny I liked this book more for her anecdotes about the people that she meets along the way. I read it just before heading to Italy for a holiday where by pure chance I ended up visiting Cortona. I also ended up having the best meal of my entire life here (Spinach & Ricotta Gnocchi with Black Truffle Sauce... yum!) which is quite apt considering that Frances Mayes concentrates quite alot on the fine Tuscan cuisine in her book. In fact she even includes some recipes! This would make my Top 5 Travel books list.

4.White Teeth (Zadie Smith)
Annie gave this to me to read and I am glad she did. It is such a beautifully written story. Zadie Smith definitely has a way with words and I recommend White Teeth simply because of this. I love how she explores each of her characters in depth, but at a particular point of time in their lives. Having said that, I wasn't a huge fan of the general storyline but appreciated the insight it provided into the mind-set of many first and second generation British immigrants:- their feelings of isolation and even confusion, when having to deal with the clash between their parents' traditional culture and the 'new' British culture. Notably she focuses on young second generation British muslims and some of the reasons behind the radicalisation of a select few - including the role that British youth yob culture plays in this. You learn that extremism is not just about religion. Even though this is set in the 1970s up to the early nineties, I can't deny the fact that one of the characters stirred up memories of 7/7. I much preferred Zadie Smith's ending though.

Life Changing and Regret Reading!

BOOK THAT CHANGED MY LIFE / PERSPECTIVE
1. The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)
The basic storyline is that of a shepherd in Andalucia (Southern Spain) who decides to give up everything and go in search of his destiny in the desert of North Africa. There is a real twist in the end which is fabulous. I didn't say this one for the "Enlightenment" category simply because I figured everybody else would say it. So I will use it for the "Perspective" changing category (as it didn't exactly change my life!). A very interesting take on the role that "fate" plays in our lives. I like his idea that "the world will open up to you" and make your dreams possible as long as you are brave and follow your heart. The number of times I thought "Oh my God that is so true!" is ridiculous. I first heard about this book from a fellow traveller when I was in China just over 5 years ago. As the person who recommended it to me was a bit pretentious, I didn't think anything else of it at the time. Then one day I came across it in the bookstore and remembered him saying how fantastic it was, so thought why not give it a go. And I am so glad I did. A short book and an easy read, you wouldn't think that it could hold so much wisdom. I personally think Paulo Coelho is on an ego-trip in every other book he's written (the main male characters are pretty much always based closely on himself who he likes to portray as a bit of a guru) since he became famous for the Alchemist, but that doesn't take away from the brilliance of this book.

BOOK I WISH I'D NEVER READ!
2. An Autobiography: The story of my experiments with truth. (M. K. Gandhi)
Mahatma Gandhi was a major political and spiritual leader of the Indian independence movement. But his influence was not just felt in India but also in South Africa and the world over. According to Wikipedia.org, "Gandhi first employed his ideas of civil disobedience in the Indian struggle for civil rights in South Africa. Upon his return to India, Gandhi helped lead poor farmers and labourers to protest oppressive taxation and widespread discrimination. Leading the Indian National Congress, Gandhi worked for the alleviation of poverty, the liberation of women, brotherhood amongst diverse communities, an end to untouchability and caste discrimination and for the economic self-sufficiency of the nation."

In short, Gandhi was a hero. The problem is, he was also human. This is the reason why I wish I had never read his autobiography, as I often got angry and upset at his human failings simply because I had such high expectations of him. As "My Experiments with the Truth" never started out as a proper "autobiography" - it is a compilation of articles he wrote for his own newspaper column in an Indian paper - it is probably the most truthful account of a person's life ever published. This is because it wasn't written retrospectively - that is, with the value of hindsight (and editing!). Thus many a time he would contradict what he said in an earlier entry which meant that on many occasions he appeared quite hypocritical. But of course, people's personal views and opinions change over time after lessons are learned (often the hard way) and this is something that should be taken into account when reading his autobiography.

Biography and Love

1. BIOGRAPHY
Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China (Jung Chang)
Part biography and part autobiography, this is the story of the writer’s (Jung Chang) Grandmother, Mother and herself, set just before, during and after Mao’s Communist reign of China. I love this book and have ready it many times. It was one of the first books to come out of Communist China that gives a true account of what happened there during this tumultuous, cruel period – rather than just the Chinese’ government’s propaganda that is. In fact, I think this book is still banned in China. It gives you insight into the Chinese political and cultural scene pre: Mao (including the brutal Japanese occupation and Kuomintang Government) which led to the birth and rise to power of Mao’s government and extreme form of Communism – particularly his Cultural Revolution. The Grandmother’s story is also amazing to read as she was a concubine for a Chinese Warlord.

2. LOVE
Gone With the Wind (Margaret Mitchell)
Scarlett O’Hara & Rhett Butler are two of my favourite characters – both very stubborn and they won’t admit they love each other until it is too late. She keeps marrying other blokes for their money instead of being with sexy scoundrel Rhett and he keeps "playing the field" (with prostitutes mainly) instead of admitting his undying love for Scarlett. But circumstances keep bringing them together and their chemistry is electric. Sounds corny but this is not Mills & Boon twaddle I promise! They get through some heavy life experiences together due to the chaotic situation of the American Civil War and do get it together at one point, but it definitely isn’t a happily ever after ending for these two, hence the infamous line “Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn”. Even though this a great romance, the book is about so much more and is a brilliant read.

Historical and Enlightenment

1. HISTORICAL
Sunne in Splendour (Sharon Penman)
See my original reasons in the first book club list (See further below). It is just one of those books that you can’t put down. I am keen to read her other books including Here Be Dragons... which I have been meaning to read for ages. So this is my next read definitely.


2. ENLIGHTENMENT
The Master & Margarita (Mikhail Bulgakov)
A strange work of protest fiction, the book's main character is Satan, an eccentric, entertaining figure whose murderous exploits in 1930's Moscow go unnoticed. They simply don't seem out of place at the time. People suddenly going missing and later being found dead - particularly politicians and others who speak out against the government - is all part of the norm in Moscow during the time of Stalin's campaign of terror. So what if the Devil has come to town? The conscience of Pontius Pilate is also explored as he comes to terms with the role he played in the death of Jesus. His story unfolds as told by "The Master", a broken failed author who has been driven mad by rejection by his editor and political persecution. Its a story that addresses the roles of "good" and "evil" in human society and makes you wonder which one is winning the battle. A bit dark, but in its own way enlightening. "What would your good be doing if there were no evil, and what would the earth look like if shadows disappeared from it?"

Crime and Nostalgic

1. CRIME
Red Dragon and Silence of The Lambs (Thomas Harris)
This is one of my favourite books of all time which is why it is on my first BBC list.. (see my Top 5) but I also found the sequel, "Silence of The Lambs" brilliant as well. So when I heard that he had written a third book I was very excited... that is until I started to read it and it was shite. NEVER read "Hannibal". I can't believe it is by the same author.

I also love Agatha Christie.. in particular "The Mirror Cracked". And the movie version featuring Elizabeth Taylor is pretty good too.

I don't mind Patricia Cornwall's earlier books in her Dr Scarpetta series.


2. NOSTALGIC
I have two that remind me of summer holidays I spent as a teenager at my family's beachhouse.. Seashores & Shadows (Colin Thiele) This is the Australian Author who also wrote "Blue Fin" and "Storm Boy". Also The Lifeguard. I have no idea who wrote it and it is a trashy teen coming of age book. I read both of these books over and over and over...

Travel and Laughter

1. TRAVEL:
A Year In Provence (Peter Mayle)
About an English couple who set up home in Provence, Southern France. I read this book before I went to Provence and then lent it to my Dad while we were there.. And we both agreed that this was a fantastic read.. Quite funny and beautifully written...plus we got to experience first hand, the dreaded "Mistral" which featured so prominently in the story. This book reminds me of just how lucky we are to have the opportunity to travel and experience other fabulous cultures.. particularly the French!

Almost French: A New Life In Paris (Sarah Turnbull)
Also, keeping on the French theme, this was another good read. For me, I learnt just as much about our culture & values as Australians, as I did about the French.


2. LAUGHTER:
Running A Hotel On The Roof Of The World: Five Years In Tibet (Alec Le Sueur)
This is absolutely HILARIOUS. It could also come under the "travel" genre, but it definitely tops the laughter stakes. It is the true story of a Frenchman (or Belgian? It has been years since I read this book.. which reminds me that I must read it again!!) who takes a job running an American chain hotel in Tibet.. and nothing is even close to "normal" by western standards..... Get ready for your jaw to ache from laughing.

Top 5 Books

1. To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
Scout would have to be my favourite character of all time. I love how this book is written from the innocent viewpoint of a child, making its message come across just that bit more sharply. The author’s use of language is amazing and I always feel like I am living somewhere warm and slow-paced even when I am in London. Of course there is the whole Southern USA / Ku Klux Klan racism issue addressed here but this book is about so much more. Hypocrisy & bigotry are also key themes. It explores our general prejudices & how these influence our treatment of others who are considered outside the mainstream - and how this then causes them to react. Brilliant.

2. Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell)
Scarlett O'Hara & Rhett Butler are not particularly likeable characters, yet you can't help adoring them, particularly for their feistiness, strength and blatant disregard for what society expects of them. Scarlett O'Hara turns out to be a bit of an accidental feminist. Plus it is a real battle of the sexes between these two. If you think this is just a romance novel you are way off track. Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, as seen through the eyes of the civilians caught up in the conflict (and on the losing side) it highlights the horror & futility of war - regardless of the purported "cause" - and the suffering it causes even after it is meant to be "over". Insightful & enjoyable.

3. The Agony & The Ecstacy (Irving Stone)
The story of Michaelangelo’s life, told in a way that not only do you actually learn about this sublime artist & the Renaissance, but you also see Florence & Rome through his eyes. Makes you appreciate the passion he injected into his work & the personal sacrifices he made for the sake of his art. Constantly standing up to his controlling father, critics, competing artists (including Leonardo Da Vinci), a number of Popes & the Roman Catholic Church & winning their admiration in the end..wow! One of those fantastic reads that you just can’t put down.

4. Sunne in Splendour (Sharon Penman)
Historical fiction at its best. Swashbuckling, handsome kings; beautiful & manipulative queens; murder, revenge, betrayal (oh so much treachery!!); and a bit of romance. The author challenges history’s account (including Shakespeare’s) of King Richard III and the War of the Roses, claiming that history is always written by the victor. Hence Richard III being painted as an evil king in our history books. A real page turner right from the start.

5. Red Dragon (Thomas Harris)
The first book written by the same author of “Silence of the Lambs”, I have to say that it is the best crime book I have ever read. The point of distinction being that you - as the reader - know who the killer is pretty much right from the start. You are taken on his personal journey and explore the reasons why he is the way he is. Of course it also follows a cop's thought process in figuring it all out before he kills again. And yes, Hannibal Lecter plays a key role in this story too. Gripping.















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