Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Can You Keep a Secret? By Sophie Kinsella.

Author: Sophie Kinsella
ISBN: 0-552-77110-4
Genre: Fiction ~Chick Lit

Publisher: Black Swan.

"Emma is sitting on a turbulent plane. She's always been a v. nervous flyer. She really thinks that this could be her last moment. So, naturally enough, she starts telling the man sitting next to her - quite a dishy American, but she's too frightened to notice -all her innermost secrets. How she scans the backs of intellectual books and pretends she's read them. How she does her hair up like Princess Leia in her bedroom. How she's not sure if she has a G-spot, and whether her boyfriend could find it anyway. How she feels like a fraud at work - everyone uses the word 'operational' all the time but she hasn't a due what it means. How the coffee at work is horrible. How she once threw a troublesome client file in the bin. If ever there was a bare soul, it's hers. She survives the flight, of course, and the next morning the famous founding boss of the whole mega corporation she works for is coming for a look at the UK branch. As he walks around, Emma looks up and realises...It's the man from the plane. What will he do with her secrets? He knows them all - but she doesn't know a single one of his. Or...does she?"


I was looking forward to reading this book, as I loved Sophie's previous Shopaholic series and Undomestic Goddess. So I knew what to expect from this book. Overall I enjoyed this book and it did make me laugh. But, The Undomestic Goddess still remains my favourite book of Sophie's individual novels. Whereas, Shopaholic and a Sister is my favourite from the Shopaholic series.

There is one thing about Sophie's books that I have noticed, imo I sort of feel like in all the books; I'm reading about the same character. They all have great jobs, they're all a bit dizzy and they all find love. This isn't such a bad thing as with Sophie Kinsella you know what to expect, but I would like to see her do something a little bit different next time.

I know she has written other books under the name of Madeleine Wickham, so may be these are a bit different to the books I have read under the name 'Sophie Kinsella'. But atm I'm not in a rush to read them, but will be interested to hear if anyone else has.

My Verdict: Predictable Sophie Kinsella book, but still loads of fun to read!

Friday, January 05, 2007

Angels and Demons by Dan Brown.


Author: Dan Brown
ISBN: 0-552-15073-8
Genre: Fiction

Publisher: Corgi

"
When a scientist is found brutally murdered, Harvard professor Robert Langdon is asked to identify the mysterious symbol seared onto the dead man's chest. Realising it must be the work of the Illuminati - an ancient secret brotherhood sworn against Catholicism - the race is on to prevent a tragedy."

I had originally read 3/4's of this book at the beginning of last year when I borrowed it from my sister and didn't enjoy it. I had just finished The Da Vinci Code and thought the book was another stab at religion (even though I'm not religious) and also there were more books I was eager to read.

Anyway, my eldest son surprised me on Christmas day with this book, so of course I was going to give it another go. To my surprise I really enjoyed it. It was fast paced and exciting.
I like Robert Langdon's character and will go on to read more of his adventures.

I do think that anyone who is strongly following the catholic faith, may not like this book. They may find it offensive. But, if you take it for what the book is; Fiction then it shouldn't be offensive , but some people may be sensitive towards some of the religious content in this book. However it is fiction and not based on real life.


My Verdict: An exciting read.