I realised I read a bunch of books during the last 12 month. Here are my mini-reviews (alphabetical order):
Delirium by Lauren Oliver: What happens if everyone thinks that love is a disease…I wrote already about it and can’t wait for the follow-up book Pandemonium in March 2012.
Die Kunst kein Egoist zu sein by Richard David Precht: This was the first book we read in our Literature cycle and it raised many questions/topics for discussion.
Fever of the Bone by Val McDermid (Picture credit and review): This is one of the best crime novels I ever read (even better than her „The Wire in the Blood„). An incredible story after that you are even more conscious of what you reveal in social networks…
Gomorrha by Roberto Saviano (Picture credit and small review, ENGLISH): Another book of our Literature Circle. I learnt a lot about the Camorra and their networking with the industry in general. Nevertheless, I was not really into his writing style. Roberto Saviano sacrificed a lot by publishing this book – his private life, his friends and his own future. He still lives in Italy as political writer (under constant protection in a hidden place) instead of assume a different identity in another country, which I think is incredible brave!
My single friend by Jane Costello (Picture credit and review): Okay, this was one of my so-called chick-lit treats. Nice story about a girl who initiates a make-over of her best male friend and her afterwards realising that maybe he is more than JUST a friend.
One Day by David Nicholls (Picture credit and review): Since the film is out, I think everyone knows what this book is about – girl meets boy and the readers follows their destiny over the next two decades, by getting the view points of either Emma or Dexter on the 15th of July of each year. The book really took me from the start and I never expected the end. Fantastic!
The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen (Picture Credit and Wikipedia): I already wrote about this book. It took a while, but in the end I loved it.
The Gift by Cecilia Ahern (Picture Credit and Review) : This was my X-Mas Book this year. What happens when you suddenly would be able to be at two places at the same time. Where would you choose to be? Magic… and a little bit sad.
The Other Hand by Chris Cleave (Picture credit and review) : My number one this year! I am not allowed to tell you what it is about, but you HAVE to read it!
The Single Girl’s To-Do List by Lindsey Kelk (Picture Credit and review) : My second chick-lit treat this year. I am really into to-do lists, so the title grabbed my attention immediately. What can I say about it – it a relaxing, fun read… but not more.
Things I want my Daughters to know by Elizabeth Noble (Picture Credit and Review): This book is not as girly as it looks like. It’s a heartbreaking novel about mother that died of cancer and left each of her daughters a special letter, that changes their lives.
This Body Of Death by Elizabeth George (Picture Credit): Another crime novel, this time by Elizabeth George, whose Inspector Lynley always investigates the worst cases. I read the whole Lynley series and in my opinion his personal development is an important factor for the book’s success.
Wir haben keine Angst by Nina Pauer (Picture Credit and Review) : Again a book we read in the literature circle. This one was a bit disappointing since it didn’t offer a lot of discussion points. It was easy to follow Nina Pauer’s ideas, but the book didn’t offer any new points of view.
Wofür stehst Du? by Axel Hacke and Giovanni di Lorenzo (Picture Credit and Review): The fourth book of our Literature Circle. Two public men analyse how and why they developed their values of life. The book was easy to read and gave an insight into two very different lives. Big recommendation!
What comes next:
Death du Jour by Kathy Reichs (Picture Credit and Review) : This is new on my bedside table. A colleague of mine recommended the crime novels of Kathy Reichs to me. I will let you know, if it is worth a try.