Scarlett's Journey Begins: the 999 Challenge January

Hi Everyone. Well, I've made a start on this rather daunting task, and I thought I'd let you know how I'm getting along so far. I've read a few books, and these have been my faves thus far:
Silk,by Alessandro Barrico. I really enjoyed this novel. It is only very short, but still manages to be one of the most moving, beautifully written, and (dare I say it) sexiest novels I've read in a very long time!
Half of a Yellow Sun, by Chimananda Ngozi Adiche. This is the 2007 Orange Prize winner, and is quite an epic. Set in Nigeria during the Civil War of the 1960s, it is a kind of African "Gone with the Wind" (I know that sounds quite bizarre, but it is a very interesting and informative novel). A word of warning, though... this is quite a hefty tome, so be prepared to put aside a little time.
Hunting and Gathering, by Anna Gavalda. Translated from the original French, this novel has a beautifully chic flavour. I enjoyed it very much: the characters are quirky and hence delightful, and the plot moves along at just the right pace (if a tad predictably). A "nice" read, and I am looking forward to seeing the movie, which stars the lovely Audrey Tatou.
Eat, Pray, Love: one Woman's search for everything, by Elizabeth Gilbert. This would have to rank as an all-time fave!!! My new "bible". Funny, self-depracting and soul-searching, Elizabeth takes us with her as she travels to Italy, India and Indonesia searching for inner peace and wisdom. Sound schmaltzy? Not at all! She is almost heroic in her honesty and self-awareness.I liked her personally, I enjoyed her vivacious and engaging style of writing, and I just LOVED the book as a whole. This is a cross between a guide to spirituality and an autobiography - take a look... if nothing else, you'll have a good laugh!

Electra's Journey Begins: the 999 Challenge - January 2009

Over the Christmas break I started on the 999 journey of 81 books for 2009.
The books I have read so far have been The Appeal, by John Grisham(Crime). The story is set in Bowmore Mississippi where the Kramer Chemical Company has been dumping chemical waste causing a huge cancer cluster. A husband and wife team take the company to court. The story is all about the justice system and how it is manipulated by gutter politics.I did not enjoy this book, it all could have been written in about two chapters.
Shopaholic and Sister, by Shophie Kinsella (Chic Lit). I love all Shopie Kinsella's books and this one did not disappoint. Becky Brandon returns from her honeymoon to find she has an older sister from a relationship her father had in his youth. Becky sees hours of shopping, coffees and doing girly things with her new found sister. Things do not go according to plan. A very funny read.
Dewey, by Vicki Myron (Biography).Vicki Myron finds a kitten in the after hours book return bin one winter morning in Spencer Iowa. She decides to keep him at the library and share him with the community.It is a very entertaining and moving story.
Everything I Knew, by Peter Goldsworthy (Australian author). Robbie Burns is a fourteen year old who lives in a small town in South Australia. It is all abou t growing up, forbidden disires, friendships and what happens when boundries are crossed. From funny to tragic.
Nights in Rodanthe, by Nicholas Sparks (Books made into movies). Adrienne a divorced mother explaining to her daughter who has just lost her husband with cancer, how she met the man who was the love of her life. Paul was staying at an Inn in Rodanthe for the weekend and Adrienne was looking after the Inn for a friend. Paul who never had time for his family and Adrienne recently divorced find love and compassion in each other. Nicholas Sparks really understands romance and feelings from a woman's point of view. The message in this short novel is, it is better to have loved and lost than to never love at all. Lovely read.