Welcome to the very first SIMON'S READER! Every month or so Simon is going to post a list of books he is loving with a little description. We'd love your feedback as well as recommendations of books you are currently enjoying, which you can e.mail to us via ASK KATY. Without further ado, here's what's currently on Simon's list:
Recommended Titles
"The Bone People" by Keri Hume
Beautiful, at times melancholy story set in New Zealand. It's a little hard at first to get to grips with the style; it is all written in he present tense. Do stick with it though, it's thoroughly worth the effort.
"The Wasp Factory" by Iain Banks
Classic black humour from the scottish master. Talk about the dark side of human nature - this one's a real eye opener. I don't want to say any more lest I spoil the ending for you.
"Northern Lights" by Philip Pullman
Ostensibly a children's fantasy. The story begins in an Oxford which belongs to a different, superimposed universe. Book one of the "His Dark Materials" series draws on wide ranging subjects, from quantum mechanics to human morality. But don't be put off; Lyra, the central character leads us through this trilogy which just keeps getting better, book by book.
Recently Read:
"Cryptonomicon" by Neal Stephenson
A real page turning thriller spanning the world during wartime, the development of the art of cryptography and it's effect on the age ofelectronic information; seamless and brilliant.
Currently Reading: "HMS Surprise" by Patrick O'Brian
O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin series will always come in handy whenever I'mpining for the deep ocean. Elegant tales of a friendship, love and war at sea during Napoleon's time; salty to the heart and not to everyone's taste.