Books, books, books...

I want to share some amazing books I've read recently that will see you through a few Winter nights in. The following is a list of books that I have picked up and not been able to put down. In fact, some of them have caused me to miss my stop on the bus, so I think that's the achievement of a good book: to cause the person to become completely absorbed in this fantastic other world and forget where they are for a moment. Just try not to miss your stop.

The Other Hand, by Chris Cleave

I was told by a friend to read this book and it is definitely the most gripping book I have read in a long while; in fact I finished the book in one day. It is fearless and ambitious, diving into the world of reality, shocking, cold and brutal as it is for some. I love the blurb on the back of the book, this is what made me pick it up:

"We don't want to tell you what happens in this book. It is a truly special story and we don't want to spoil it.

Nevertheless, you need to know enough to buy it so we will say just this:

Once you have read it, you'll want to tell your friends about it. When you do, please don't tell them what happens either. The magic is in how it unfolds."

The Other Boleyn Girl, by Philippa Gregory

The Other Boleyn Girl is different. It tells the story of the reign of King Henry VIII through the eyes of a young girl, Mary Boleyn, the sister of Anne Boleyn in the novel. The story introduces a woman of extraordinary determination and desire who lived at the heart of the most exciting and glamorous court in Europe. Let's just say I now know a lot more about old Henry, the player that he was. But, more importantly, the story is intriguing and adventurous, it is no dull history lesson. It is an incredible adventure of politics, love, sex and ambition. Philippa Gregory ...j'adore ♥