Looking for a good new book to read? Look no further. Mamamia’s book posts are (not really) famous for making everyone’s wallets cry as they put together long lists of all the books they need to go out and buy.
Today, we’re taking it one step further. We’re not just going to leave you with a written recommendation – we’re going to give you a VIDEO.
You’re welcome.
More specifically, this video will be The Book Circle – a new installment, led by Cheryl Akle (project director of Get Reading! and book review queen). A new episode will go up each month. We’ll be talking about new books, old books, hot books, not-so-hot books, books that let us escape and… well… every other kind of book you can think of, really.
In our first episode, Cheryl sits down with authors Chris Cleave, Caroline Overington and Hannah Richell, and talks about each of their books.
Chris Cleeve talks about his new book Gold. He starts at the 19 sec mark. Caroline Overington is talking about her book Matilda is Missing (and she’s recently released one called Sisters of Mercy) at 2 minutes 50 sec and Hannah Richell is the debut fiction author of Secrets of The Tides. Her interview starts at 5 min 07 secs.
Take a look.
The book we’ll be discussing next month is The Engagement by Chloe Hooper, so get a copy – beg, borrow or steal if you have to – and let us know what you think…
What are you reading at the moment? This is the list of 50 Australia Books You Can’t Put Down. Any of these?
Get Reading!
What are you reading at the moment?
Comments
168 Comments so far
Reading a book by Harry Turtledove called Supervolcano about Yellowstone exploding. Its quite good I try to read 2 books a week.
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where is that post? sorry but i read because of your suggestion and i am looking forward to the review of it
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i read the engagement and i would like to know where the next book circle post is as i can’t find it…only read because of their suggestion…
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Reading a new fairly unknown Aussie author – Natalie-Ann McCauley. Her book is Falling from Grace and I can’t put it down. If you like Marian Keyes or the tone of Bridget Jones, you will love this. So funny, yet so real. Will touch any woman as we have all been on similar journeys to Grace. Really highly recommend it.
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I am currently reading Losing You by Nicci French. I set myself a goal of 30 books this year and only have 2 to go.
Here are some of my favourites:
Foals Bread by Gillian Mears
The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff
Case Histories by Kate Atkinson
The Light Between Oceans by ML Stedman
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
On The Island by Tracey Garvis-Graves
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I read books from my local library, so I’m still waiting for some of the latest publications, but recently read “The House of Memories” by Monica McInerney. It was brilliant! Very poignant, not just because of the grief of a child’s death, but how it affected everyone involved. At present I’ve just started 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami (Volumes 1 and 2). I don’t know how far I’ll get with it, simply running out of time, but I’m enjoying it so far.
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It’s taking me a few weeks (fitting it in between work and well, life) but I’m reading Anthony Kiedis’ ‘Scar Tissue’. At times it’s a hard slog, all the writing of drugs can get old…. but, at the same e, there are fantastic snippets which possibly make up for the hard slog.
if you enjoy your music.. then this one is for you.
and even if you’re not – it’s an interesting read
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I am reading Hilary Mantel’s fantastic follow-up to ‘Wolf Hall’, ‘Bring Up The Bodies’. Next on my list is the second book in Ken Follett’s latest trilogy ‘Winter of the World’ and possibly one of Sally Beauman’s books as I loved ‘Rebecca’s Tale’ and ‘The Landscape of Love/The Sisters Mortland’. So I guess historical fiction is high on my list right now!
Some of my recommendations are:
- Water for Elephants – Sara Gruen (ignore the hokey movie)
- The 19th Wife – David Ebershoff
- The Life of Pi – Yann Martell (before the movie comes out)
- Pillars of The Earth – Ken Follett
- World Without End – Ken Follett
- Fall of Giants – Ken Follett
- Wolf Hall – Hilary Mantel
- The Landscape of Love (Sometimes titled as ‘The Sisters Mortland) – Sally Beauman
- Peter Pan – J. M. Barrie (re-read this as an adult, it is just beautiful)
- A Thousand Splendid Suns – Khaled Hosseini
- The Kite Runner – Khaled Hosseini
- Escape – Carolyn Jessop & Laura Palmer
- Faithfull – Marianne Faithfull
- Infidel – Ayaan Hirsi Ali
- Shining Through – Susan Isaacs
- Indelible Ink – Fiona McGregor
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Oh and a few more:
The Red Tent – Anita Diamant
The Night Circus – Erin Morgenstern (before the inevitable movie comes out)
People of The Book – Geraldine Brooks
(I also loved her non-fiction – Nine Parts of Desire)
For wonderful short stories:
The Secrets of a Fire King – Kim Edwards
For fun fluff:
The Stephanie Plum & Metro Girls series by Janet Evanovich (ignore the recent movie).
Oh and a million more…
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I just finished reading Faith Like Potatoes which is a very inspirational book. Now I am reading The Commitments which lead to the movie of the same name. After this I am reading The Time Travellers Wife. In between these last two books I am reading on my ipad The Yellow Submarine by The Beatles.
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susi-q. my reading list is almost identical to yours, may I recommend an uncommon reader, can’t remember the author, a fine little piece of whimsy. Don’t you just love ken follet!
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I just read Marion Keyes new book The Mystery of Mercy Close. Thank goodness she is back. And in fine form. Packing a punch as always. Love her.
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I’ve been reading ‘The Girl in Steel-capped Boots’ by Loretta Hill.
I’ve actually worked as an engineer in the Pilbara (and also know the site mentioned in the book) and I love the book. The subtle sexism (being kept in the office doing spreadsheets instead of being shown around the site work – far too common a scenario for young female engineers on site), the language (her manager’s was very tame to my manager’s!). It’s a world not often described, especially from a young female perspective.
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I am half way through Mia Culpa (by our own Mia Freedman) – Absolutely loving it…
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Fantastic idea to have the book posts forum, love it!
The interviews with the authors was very enlightening, love the interactive style of this post.
I am currently reading Tamar Cohens second book ‘War of the wives’. Very interesting author with a deep psychological undertow.
However can’t wait for Kylie Ladd’s new book, roll on 2013 release!!!!
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Into the Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes is a great read. It’s a thriller about an abusive relationship, hard to read at times but unputdownable.
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”Girl Gone” and “Before I go to Sleep”
Both excellent hard to put down books.
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At the moment I’m reading Aleph by Paulo Coehlo. I love his books – I just reread The Alchemist before starting on this one – and so far Aleph is just as inspiring.
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I’m not reading this at the moment – no time. But I did really enjoy the Mayfair Witches Trilogy by Anne Rice. The Witching Hour was particularly good. They’re not new, but unique and captivating.
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After I read all the rave reviews last time about “The Bronze Horesman”, I went out and bought a copy. I must say I’m about 1/2 way through, and it is excellent! Love it!
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Horseman, not Horesman!
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i have only just started to read the Jim Stynes biography, and already am finding it so impacting on myself
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I finished ‘One Way or Another;the girl who loved rock-stars’ about an Australian rock groupie in the eighties….it was funny and poignant and reminded me of my own youth…just a little too much!!! I am now reading ‘We need to talk about Kevin’ and it is very confronting.
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we need to talk about kevin – dont watch the movie read the book. it took my breath away. I am fast reader but took me 4 weeks – doubt if any book will top this
warning it is chilling at times
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Still slowly reading the Fire and Ice series by George Martin. I do enjoy them, but due to the complexity of the interwoven stories they are just not light reading and looking at the box set, slightly dismays me.nim nearly halfway through them, so I’ll keep on, but when I finish this book, I may read something a bit lighter for a break.
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Great set of books I really enjoyed them. Also enjoyed watching Game of Thrones based on the books.
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can they please be listed, l don’t have time ot sit & watch & would just love titles & authors?
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Hi I enjoyed Gone Girl, Gaby is right, unusual in that you despise both characters for their flaws but enjoy the awful ride they put themselves through. I think The Slap did that. I love anything by Geraldine Brooks and I loved her lastest Caleb’s Crossing. But this week i’m reading Paullina Simons new book which is a prequel to The Bronze Horseman and I think lots of us grew up with either Bronze Horseman or Tully. This is an epic ultimate love story (doomed I would say ) against the backdrop of America as it enters its industrial age so lots of workers and women’s rights coming to the fore! What’s changed
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These are my top 3 books that Ive read recently …
Wife 22 – a brilliant modern day romance.
Gone Girl – probably the best book I’ve read in a long time
The Analyst – an incredible psychological thriller
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I’ve just yesterday finished The Engagement. It’s a pretty riveting read at times and slightly naff at others, but I still quite enjoyed it. Keeps you guessing! Look forward to hearing what everyone else thinks
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Yay! Love a book post! I’m buying some books online right this moment for my holiday in a few weeks…can’t wait to dive into them!
On my list so far is To Marry An English Lord which is about the diamond heiresses who travelled from the US to England in the 1800′s-early 1900′s to land titled husbands. As a Downton Abbey nerd this sounds right up my alley! I’m also adding The Casual Vacancy ad the new Sarah Gristwood biography ‘Blood Sisters’ which is about the key women involved in the War of the Roses (Elizabeth Woodeville, Cecily Neville, Margaret Beaufort and Anne Neville) to my cart.
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Thanks Emma! All of those sound so interesting and just went on my list- you and I must have a similar reading taste!
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Foal’s Bread by Gillian Mears absolutely brilliant.
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Vagina by Naomi Wolf. It’s so eye opening and I definitely recommend it to everyone ale or female!!
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2 books that changed my life: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (Don’t see the movie!!) and Feed, by M.T. Anderson (this is a teenage dystopian novel, get past the first few chapters and you wont be able to put it down).
They absolutely blew all the windows in my life. I recommend them both to anyone.
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I agree! I couldnt put down The Kite Runner. Have you read Thousand Splendid Suns by the same author? It’s a great read too, and also Three Cups of Tea for a truly inspirational true story of how one person can make a difference
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I bought a bunch of books off a $10 table a few weeks ago so I’m churning my way through most of them as they are pretty easy reads. Just a few days ago I finished “Building a Better Bloke” by Sam de Brito. I bought the book hoping to leave it around for my stepsons (14, 13 and 11) to read as I consider Sam to be a realistic role model for young men. It contains super-practical advice for young guys on not only dating, but interacting with women and, well, generally just being a better bloke! It even has a chapter on personal hygeine! Win! Hopefully at least one of the kids will get curious and pull it off the shelf.
Currently reading (shame) The Carrie Diaries, a Sweet Valley High style prequel to Sex and the City. Umm I’m loving it, but the SATC tragic is coming out in me as I keep noticing the continuity mistakes.
Next is Perfume by Patrick Suskind.
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I love Sam. I read his column every week and find him a common sense breath of fresh air. Will look for this for my son – thank you
Coincidently I just finished Perfume and loved it. Very
different to anything I have ever read. The writing is wonderful, the type of book not soon to be forgotten – enjoy
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I am reading Bryce Courtenay’s ‘Sylvia’ about the Children’s Crusade. Very interesting so far, only about a quarter of the way through
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I forgot to mention I read Lee Child’s latest Jack Reacher novel – A Wanted Man. I love Lee Child’s books and as always I was engrossed from the start but I thought the last bit of novel was a bit, i don’t know, unsatisfying, I guess. Anyone else read it?
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Yep – SO unimpressed! I love his books but found this one a total drag. There was so little content and he just filled the space with words that were completely unnecessary. FAIL, Lee Childs, FAIL
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I love Jack Reacher. I never know if I want to be him or sleep with hi. Lee Child is my total favourite author, closely followed by Harlan Coben.
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My most favourite and dangerous MM post…off to have a look and spend money.
Oh and guys – tell us about the book – or other books you liked!
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Still enjoying working thru some recommendations from the last Mamamia book post:
Left Neglected – Lisa Genova – thoroughly enjoyed this – well written
Sister – Rosamund Lupton – 3/4 way thru and engrossed.
What Alice Forgot – Liane Moriarty – Read the first chapter – looks like its going to be a really good read.
Once I finish these, I plan to read The Casual Vacancy.
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At the moment I’m reading ‘Angels’ by Marian Keyes… I’m about half way through, and I’m enjoying it, but I’m ready for something more to happen!
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her worst book IMO
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Yeah, of all the books Keyes has written, this is the one I never bother re-reading. If you haven’t already – Last Chance Saloon, Rachel’s Holiday or Anybody Out there is much better.
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I just read a light-hearted (my fave kind) Sophie Kinsella book. One of her old ones apparently called ‘Can You Keep a Secret?’
I laughed out loud so many times. It really set me off with the giggles many times.
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Ooh I love her books! Such great reads!
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I just read Lolita – obviously knew the general story but hadn’t read it before.
Am now just starting the biography of Helen Gurley Brown, which I ordered online the day news of her death was released.
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How did you find Lolita? I read it for the first time earlier this year and found it fascinating. It wasn’t exactly what I expected either, like at times I found myself empathising with the protagonist. It’s one of those books that really challenges black and white perspectives.
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I just finished JK Rowlings The Casual Vacancy. It is pretty bleak and not remotely uplifting. The politics are as dirty as real life politics. Some of the themes are confronting – self harm, suicide, prostitution, drug addiction, domestic violence…
BUT, I am on the pro side of the division. I find Jo’s style hard to put down. There are a lot of characters introduced quickly in this book and it takes a while to get into, especially with characters that are hard to like. Yet she brings them to life and somehow makes you feel empathy. i was SOBBING at the end.
Pick it up people and decide for yourself. Don’t listen to negative reviews.
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Yeah, I just finished it last night. Talk about a depressing story, I closed it and thought a bit about whether or not there is a point to life. I’m still very much encouraging people to read it though.
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Just finished reading Jasper Jones..
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Currently reading: Emily Maguire’s ‘Fishing for Tigers’
Just finished: Tara Moss’ ‘Assassin’ and I loved it!
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that photo gallery is annoying…..what about a written list that can be printed out to go on the fridge or in your handbag? Please?
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You can see the list of those books on the Get Reading website.
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My Goodness, you people are all way toooo highbrown for me. I have a demanding job and have a couple of young kids, when I get the chance to read, I want fluff and trash, my poor little brain cant cope with anymore challenges at the moment, its my dirty little secret
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highbrown
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For some good rip-roaring-ly funny fluff, read the Stephanie Plum series of books by Janet Evanovich. They are seriously funny, a bit cheeky, with a little bit of raunch thrown into the equation. Great for stretching out with after a stressful day! You don’t even need to read them in order (although it does help), I just borrowed them all completely out of order from my local library. Oh, but steer clear of the movie made from the first book, by all accounts it is terrible.
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I loved this. Can’t wait to go out and get this month’s book.
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i just started the wheel of time series. i have finished the eye of the world. only a billion more to go
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I got to number 8 then gave up! There are so many. I think the author passed away, and his son is finishing the series off.
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NOT his son… a fantastic fantasy author by the name of Brandon Sanderson (hand picked by Jordan’s editor his wife Harriet). If you can get past book 10 it is WELL worth it! I swear. Pretend Rand and Perrin don’t exist! Anyway, it comes good and the last book is due next January.
For what it’s worth, if you like fantasy, anything by Brandon Sanderson is worth a read- especially Elantris.
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I got up to book 9 before I gave up! Not because I didn’t like it, I was just beginning to get so confused with what had already happened.
Have read some of Sanderson’s work, and it’s all been brilliant.
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Sooo worth it. I love that series!
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I forgot to add that. Also recently finished ” The Fault in our Stars” by John Green which I adored! I am pretty sure it was Nat who reccomended it, thanks Nat! The other one that I have recently read based on reccomendation from here is “Me Befre You” by JoJo Mayes. Another good read.
Waiting to read on my kindle I have “Let’s pretend it never happened” by Jenny Lawson, “Where we belong” by Emily Griffin, “When god was a rabbit” and ” The Playdate”.
This post is always a very expensive read for me!
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I just read “The Language of Flowers”, I loved it! A novel about girl aging out of the foster care system, written by a women who actually adopts children who age out of foster care. I highly reccomend it.
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Agree! This was one of the best books I’ve read all year.
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Hooray! I just bought that one on a whim because it looked good. Can’t wait to start it now.
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I just finished “Gone Girl” which I loved all the way through.
Until the end, which I hated
Might be just me though – others have raved about it.
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no not ju
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I agree Sneet – loved the book, hated the end! What was the author thinking?
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Couldn’t agree with you more. The ending was so disappointing!
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my above reply was half missing
Was trying to say loved the first half, enjoyed the second part and disliked ending – such a shame.
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I agree- just finished it and was waiting! for the ending…then blah. It’s like the author couldn’t figure out what to do next so didn’t bother.
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From the 50 books you can’t put down list….
I just read Kathy Lette’s “The Boy Who Fell to Earth” and it was terrific- true Kathy Lette style, but with a very honest emotional side (it’s fiction, but loosely based on her own experiences of her first born who has Aspergers Syndrome)
Currently reading “Bandaid for a Broken Leg” by Damien Brown- a story about his time working as a doctor in Africa- really helps you put things into perspective (hello first world problems!)
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Just finished The Forgotten Garden – was a great read and always good to see stories that feature my hometown of Brisbane.
My choice for my book club was Wild by Cheryl Strayed. Great read which has stayed with me in the few months since I read it.
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One of my favourite authors EVER is Anne Bishop and I’ve just finished the Black Jewels stories (again!). My daughter dislikes fantasy fiction but she churned through these ones – you can’t beat a good story, well told
Going to start re-reading Raymond E. Feist’s Magician series now.
Got to get some fantasy in my life somehow….
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I LOVE the Black Jewels Trilogy! I really love Daemon…if only he were real!
However, I have not liked any of her other books as much as the Black Jewels…have you liked any of her other novels?
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Anne Bishop – me too! I love Daemon.
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