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Do we have a deadline for this? I am reading Longbourn recommended by Sandy. Have started it but am reading several other things too. I like it so far!

Laurel wrote: "Do we have a deadline for this? I am reading Longbourn recommended by Sandy. Have started it but am reading several other things too. I like it so far!"

You have time till the end of December.

/topic/show/...

Bette recommended A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, which I really enjoyed. It is now my favourite book from these swaps. I really got stuck into it, took me a while because I was so busy with work but I really enjoyed the storyline. I strongly recommend it. I would definitely take part in another recommendation swap. If I don't then there is something seriously wrong, lol.

Gemma wrote: "I was recommended Water For Elephants by Sara Greun. It was recommended by Tracey.

This book has been on my TBR for ages now but I had never got round to read it. I had also heard a few bad thing..."

Been wanting to read this myself for ages too.

Alannah wrote: "Bette recommended A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, which I really enjoyed. It is now my favourite book from these swaps. I really got stuck into it, took me a while because I ..."

It is one of my favourite book!

Paula recommended The Book of Strange New Things to me. I've hardly begun, but I'm loving it so far! I'll post full reactions when I'm finished, but I'm so excited by what I've read so far, I had to write a quick post. Thanks Paula!

Greg wrote: "Paula recommended The Book of Strange New Things to me. I've hardly begun, but I'm loving it so far! I'll post full reactions when I'm finished, but I'm so excited by what I've read..."

I'm so glad you are liking it!

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?
Cheryl recommended Gone to me.

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
I may have done at some point - I like to read a variety of YA novels (which Cheryl realised and it's why she recommended it!)

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read?
Nope, hadn't read anything else by him before.

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?
It was a fun read - fast paced, and a mix of genres, so something to appeal to everyone (I notice this in quite a few modern YA novels). Lots of suspense, and some interesting ideas. A bit too much chasing and fighting for my liking - I could imagine it being a popular action movie!

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?
Depends on the person - if they like reading a variety of YA novels, like I do, then yes, I would.

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?
I'm not sure. It did occur to me as I was reading: 'What if I end up hating the book? I'd feel a bit bad reporting back! I wouldn't want to make the person recommending feel bad.' Not that they necessarily would, but some might, and I might feel a bit awkward. So I possibly will not do it again, although I like the idea of it, and it was fun to recommend a book and have one recommended to me.

Paula, I don't have time to respond fully yet (will post answers to all the questions in full once I have access to my home computer), but I loved your recommendation, The Book of Strange New Things! Just finished a minute ago.

Such a unique book, in subject matter & in temperament!

The 'Forgive' moment with the Oasans made me cry - such a lovely uncynical moment - years from now I might forget other details, but I'll never forget that precious oddly human moment.

What happened earlier with Joshua and Bea was so hard to read though - I had to shut the book in the middle of reading a few times to get through it. Not because it was badly written (such a perfectly searing scene) but because I had come to love these characters so much: Peter, Bea, Joshua, Grainger, Jesus Lover 5. I just couldn't bear it! I especially keep finding myself thinking of Jesus Lover 5 and her laying her head in Peter's lap.

Anyway, I just loved this book!

I was even thinking I might give it as a Christmas gift, but after finishing, I'm afraid now that some parts might be too much for the friends I was thinking of. Perfect for me though! Thank you very much for the recommendation!

Greg wrote: "Paula, I don't have time to respond fully yet (will post answers to all the questions in full once I have access to my home computer), but I loved your recommendation, [book:The Book of Strange New..."

So glad you enjoyed it! It is a special book indeed and one of my top reads for the year. I was tremendously moved by the Oasans and they have stayed with me even though I've read a number of books since then.

My book was Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage, which was recommended to me by Terri (thank you!). I'm a big Murakami fan so this was a great recommendation.

I enjoyed and liked the book. It was a solid 3 Star read for me. It is probably the most straightforward of his books and the easiest to read, but I found myself missing that heavy dose of the surreal and...just plain weird. The first two thirds of the book were intriguing and strong, but for me, it kind of petered out during the last third, which left me a little disappointed. I didn't mind the ending at all, it wasn't that, but i definitely felt there was some missed potential there. But overall, I did enjoy it.

And yes, I definitely want to continue participating in the swaps. They are so fun!!

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?

Heather recommended The Handmaid's Tale to me.

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?

Yes, it was on my TBR.

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read?

No, this was my first Margaret Atwood book!

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?

It was really good, it's one of those books which makes you think long after you have finished reading it. The future shown in this book is scary and messed up. Even though it might be unimaginable for some but I don't know why I think it can totally happen. The way this world is going, it can end up this way. It's funny that the last line of the historical note says "Any Questions?", when I had dozens that I would have loved to ask the writer!
I gave the book 4*

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?

Definitely! Already sent out some recommendations.

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?

Would love too! I think I have been a part of it since the recommendation swaps started and I have enjoyed all of them :)

Glad you enjoyed it, Rahat!

Heather I will start the other book soon too! Thank you for the recommendation.

Rahat wrote: "1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?

Heather recommended The Handmaid's Tale to me.

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?

Yes, it was on my TBR.
..."

Glad you enjoyed The Handmaid's Tale, it is one of my favourites.

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you? Gemma recommended The Brave by Nicholas Evans for me to read. Finally, my book arrived... The inter-library service took two month to locate this novel for me.

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily? No, I don't think so.

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read? I've read The Horse Whisperer because I'd seen the movie. Then The Loop which I remember upset me greatly when it described just how American hunters trap wolves.

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended? Overall, the basis of the story was quite intriguing but how it was written really annoyed me. The past and the present jumped around and at first, you weren't sure which time the characters were in. The 'prologue' wasn't necessarily a prologue as such, it actually slotted into an early part of the story. A few dates or indication of time at the beginning of chapters would have greatly increased my enjoyment of this book. 3�

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else? I'm not sure...

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future? Yes, definitely. Although I am fussy about what I read, I do enjoy someone else picking a read for me, every once in a while; but only once in a while:)

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?

Heather recommend The Taliban Cricket Club by Timeri N. Murari.

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?

I don't think because I didn't know this author.

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read?

No.

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?

It isn't the kind of book I read or like. I rated it 1 star. I'm really sorry, Heather!
Here's the link to my review where I explain why I didn't like it (the review is in English): /review/show...

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?

No.

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?

Yes!

Oh no! Dely I am so sorry. I had thought that it was a bit of a risk but I had really enjoyed it. I hasn't really thought it would be confusing if you didn't like cricket.

Sorry for making you read a rubbish book!

Heather wrote: "Oh no! Dely I am so sorry. I had thought that it was a bit of a risk but I had really enjoyed it. I hasn't really thought it would be confusing if you didn't like cricket.

Sorry for making you re..."

Don't worry, I was however glad to have found an Indian author I didn't know! I like to try new books: sometimes I find good ones and other times I don't like them but it's good to explore new authors and genres.

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?
Anastasia recommend Hamlet by William Shakespeare

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
Actually I had already read it but I thought it was high time I reread it!

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read?
Several of his plays; the ones I liked best are King Lear, Julius Caesar, Troilus and Cressida

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?
It's the masterpiece everybody say. Almost every words you read is a reference to something elese; the poetry is sublime, the humore great. A play TO BE READ and not only looked at, more than once ...

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?
To everybody!

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?
For sure!

Finished my book, as recommended by Cheryl.

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?
The Fault in Our Stars

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily? No. I had heard of it but didn't really fancy it

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read?
No, I haven't

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?
I'm sorry, I wasn't a huge fan. I don't like quite a lot of things about young adult fiction and although the premise was good, it was a little bit sugary and sentimental for me. I have written a review /review/show...

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else? I actually really would. I think both my sisters would enjoy this book. It definitely isn't a bad book, just not really my cup of tea

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?
Yes please, always happy to read new authors and try new genres

I'm sorry that you didn't love the book as much as others have Heather, I can understand your criticisms though.

Cheryl wrote: "I'm sorry that you didn't love the book as much as others have Heather, I can understand your criticisms though."

Don't be sorry, Cheryl. I think it's just the nature of YA fiction for me, I tend to not like the style that much. I have recommended it to both my sisters, as I said, so it's definitely a positive recommendation swap!

you!
1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?
Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys was recommended by Alannah

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
Yes, it was on my TBR

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read?
No

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?
I didn't love it as much as I was hoping to but it was well-written. 3 to 3½ stars

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?
Yes, depending on their tastes.

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?
Of course!

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?

Heather recommended The Power Of One by Bryce Courtenay to me.

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?

I don't think so, no. I had not heard of the book, nor the author.

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read?

No, I haven't.

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?

I really enjoyed it. It was a long book (640 pages) but with a very engaging narrative, and some memorable characters. I didn't want it to end!

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?

Yes, definitely!

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?

Yes, I have read some excellent books through recommendation swap and I'm always open to reading something new that I may not have considered before.

That's one of my favourite books Shirley...he has written many great stories...especially "Jessica", "Four Fires" and "White Thorn"

Erica wrote: "That's one of my favourite books Shirley...he has written many great stories...especially "Jessica", "Four Fires" and "White Thorn""

Thanks, Erica, I shall look out for those. I would like to read more of his books.

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you? A Fortune-Teller Told Me: Earthbound Travels in the Far East recommended by Dely.

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily? No, had never heard of this author.

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read?

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended? Loved it, reading about people and different cultures plus agreeing with many of the author's opinions was a win win situation.

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else? Yes

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future? Yes, introduces me to new authors or books I have had on my TBR for quite a while.

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?

Shirley recommended Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?

Probably not, I had not even heard of the author.

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read?

No, this was the first book by Diane Chamberlain that I have read.

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?

I really liked it. I have written a review.

/review/show...

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else? Yes, i would.

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future? Absolutely!

Cheryl wrote: "1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?

Shirley recommended Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?

Probably n..."

So glad you liked it, Cheryl - I too found it a very interesting read!

Diane S. wrote: "1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you? A Fortune-Teller Told Me: Earthbound Travels in the Far East recommended by Dely.

2. Would you have read the book o..."

Really glad you liked it ;-)

Shirley wrote: "1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?

Heather recommended The Power Of One by Bryce Courtenay to me.

2. Would you have read the book ordina..."

Shirley, I am so glad you liked it. Bryce Courtenay is an amazing author and the sequel to this 'Tandia' had me in tears!

Heather wrote: "Shirley wrote: "1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?

Heather recommended The Power Of One by Bryce Courtenay to me.

2. Would you have read..."

Heather, I will add that to my wishlist, I will definitely have to read the sequel to this!!

1.Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you? 
Laura recommended Aristotle Detective by Margaret Doody

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
No, I had never heard of it before.

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read?
No.

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?
I liked it! I love the ancient Greek and The Roman Empire Era, so I was naturally drawn to this book.
(view spoiler)[ I was very sympathetic towards Stefanos , carrying his family on his shoulders and dealing with a troublemaker of a cousin who gives everything for granted. Poor Stefanos, he deserved a holiday after the ordeals he went through.
I was hoping for more Aristotle, considering the title. (hide spoiler)]

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?
Yes.

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future? 
Absolutely yes. I think it's a great way to get through one's tbr shelf or to discover something new.

Glad you liked it Giorgia!

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?

The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson, which was recommended to me by Heather.

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?

Yes, I would. I had it on my bookshelf at home, and had picked it up to read a few months back, but put it down again after a few pages as I was reading other books for my book club and for a group read.

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read?

No, I haven't.

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?

It was not the kind of book I usually read, but I grew to like it very much. It was funny and very cleverly written. I have also The Girl Who Saved the King of Sweden on my bookshelf to read.

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?

Yes, I would. I think it would appeal to fans of Terry Pratchett, as it's that kind of humour.

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?

Yes, definitely.

I was recommended The Land of Decoration: A Novel by Grace McCleen, I don't usually read novels with a religious theme in them but I really loved this one. It was written from a really unique perspective and I loved the characters.

I love the group's recommendation swap, I honestly don't think I have had a bad one yet.

Glad you liked it, Shirley :)

In this thread - please "report back" on the book you were recommended.

You can use the questions below - or just write your own review - up to you!

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you? Several months back Paula recommended Dear Committee Members for me. Sadly I got I'll and then my husband fractured his leg and I just now got to reading it.

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily? Maybe, as it's definitely my sort of thing but it wasn't really on my radar.

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read? No.

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended? It was hilarious! I recommended it to several friends who also loved it. Really funny book.

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else? Already have!

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future? Yes. Hopefully next time I won't be such a delinquent.

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?

Holy Fools by Joanne Harris. Recommended by Diane S

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?

Yes, I would. I did actually own a copy of this but I'm not sure when I would have picked it up

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read?

Yes. Chocolat and Five Quarters of the Orange. I loved both and would like to read more of her works

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended? I really enjoyed it. The story was a bit slow to get going but once it did it was filled with intrigue. I loved the main characters and there were also a number of well developed side characters. The book was set in a convent on a small island in France in the 17th century. This was the only thing that let the book down a bit as I could not imagine myself there whereas in her other books that I have read, she paints a more vivid picture of the setting

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?

Yes, I would. I think this author is brilliant. I think I would recommend Chocolat to start with rather than this one but it's definitely worth a read

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?

Yes! Every time I keep meaning to have a break as I have so much to read already but I just love it so much!

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?

The Eyes of the Dragon by Cheryl.

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?

No. I had never heard of this particular book.

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read?

I had never read anything by Stephen King before, but I've been meaning to do so for quite a while now. I am easily scared so the horror books were never an option for me, therefore I had in mind to start with one of King's fantasy novels, namely The Dark Tower saga, because I had heard it praised. I was however immediately drawn to pick The Eyes of the dragon from Cheryl's suggestions because it's a stand alone ( well, sort of, but more on that later) and one critique I have often heard on King's writing is that it is long winded. So I thought that this recommendation was perfect to test if I like King's writing or not without having to commit to a saga. Turns out I do like him.

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?

Why the open ending!? T.T Now I have to read the Dark Tower to find out what happens to Flagg! I guess it was fate :)
I enjoyed The Eyes of the Dragon. It's a straight forward archetypal fantasy story. The good guys are good and spotless, the bad guy is evil for the sake of being evil. Thomas was a more interesting character to me, especially under the input form the narrator not to condemn him too hard, but to try and see that he was not bad, he was scared and lonely and weak and mean at times, but he was not bad per se.

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?

Yes! I think that all the things behind the novel make it even more interesting. For instance, did you know that Misery was inspired by the backlash that King got from going outside of the horror genre for the first time (with The eyes of the dragon)? I didn't!

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?

Yes. This is the second swap I take part in. Both of the times I was recommended books I had never heard of before.
The fist time LauraT recommended to me a very neat mystery set in ancient Greece that I recommended to a friend and she loved it too, so I feel like this is a way to spread good books.

Georgia, I had that as a recommendation as well! I enjoyed it as well

Heather wrote: "Georgia, I had that as a recommendation as well! I enjoyed it as well"

Was it your first Stephen King, Heather? If so, did you go on to read more of his works?

No, I had read The Stand as part of another swap! I also read The Shining which I didn't really like. I'm not a big fan of horror but I love fantasy so would like to explore some of that side of Kings writing

I'm glad you enjoyed it Giorgia!

If you are interested in reading more about Flagg but are hesitant to start the Dark Tower series you could always read The Stand. It is my favourite King book.

Cheryl wrote: "I'm glad you enjoyed it Giorgia!

If you are interested in reading more about Flagg but are hesitant to start the Dark Tower series you could always read The Stand. It is my favourite..."

Thank you Cheryl. I might as well ask you or Heather, since you've read it. I see The stand is tagged as Horror, would you say it is? Or is it more a thriller?

O.o ?

Giorgia wrote: "O.o ?"

Yep, @Giorgia. Of course, it all depends on the scale. If you do it every now and then, there won't be a problem.

If you add the above mentioned sentence there won't be any problems.

Giorgia, regarding your question about The Stand:

That's a good question. Although The Stand definitely has some horror elements I don't really consider it in the horror genre when compared to some of King's other novels such as The Shining or It.

I suppose I would class it as apocalyptic fiction or if pressed fantasy horror.

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?

Giorgia recommended The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?

Probably at some point, it was on my to read list.

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read?

No, this is my first book by the author but I may be tempted to read more of him now.

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?

I really liked it. It had a wonderful atmosphere and became very tense toward the end of the book. I loved the cast of characters.

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?

Yes.

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?

Yes!