Archive for the ‘4 out of 10’ Category

Comments Off on The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck


2011
09.12

“This classic American novel by the Pulitzer award winning author I’ve been told countless times I should read, and so I have and this should put a stop to it.
Set during the great depression 30’s America we follow the Joad family who depart drought ridden Oklahoma in search of a new and better life.
Crickey is this a miserable novel, every step of the way what can go wrong does go wrong. Not the American dream. Not for me, yet I appreciate this gifted author and enjoyed Of Mice and Men.

Score 3.5/10

Date read September 2011

What would your score for this book be? Please post your comments below.”

Comments Off on The London Train by Tessa Hadley

The London Train by Tessa Hadley


2011
06.03

“Not my cuppa char really. I found it very hard to connect with the characters and the story, which is told in two parts and felt disjointed.
When I met the author she explained that it had intended to be a novella, when she read it back it lacked something, so she wrote a second part and tried to combine them.
Not for me but what do others think who may well appreciate the story line?

Score 4.5/10

Date read June 2011

What would your score for this book be? Please post your comments below.”

Comments Off on Shadow of the Silk Road by Colin Thubron

Shadow of the Silk Road by Colin Thubron


2011
05.30

“Highly respected travel writer Colin Thubron embarks on a massive journey from northern China, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, then through Iran and into Turkey.
This isn’t some Around Ireland with a Fridge type travelling writing nonsense, this is in depth.
I had the chance to hear him talk about his new novel about Tibet, sounds equally interesting.

Score 4/10

Date read May 2011

What would your score for this book be? Please post your comments below.”

Comments Off on Submarine by Joe Dunthorne

Submarine by Joe Dunthorne


2011
04.25

“Can’t make my mind up if I like this book or not. Oliver Tate is 15 years old, he is a tag along bully, has his first proper girl friend, his parents appear to going through maternal crisis, sound like my growing up!
It could be a more adult Adrian Mole, felt a bit like Curious Incident of the Dog. I found some parts entertaining and funny, others a touch padded out.
A quick read (just as well). I’m meeting the author soon so I’ll have to see how he describes his novel.

Score 4/10

Date read April 2011

What would your score for this book be? Please post your comments below.”