Book: Behind the bestsellers

This is a collection of 50 fascinating stories about the lives, loves and literature that inspired the world’s greatest books. There is a small chapter on each book such as Pride and Prejudice (of course), Peter Pan, Jaws, DaVinci Code and Harry Potter and each chapter attempts to delve behind the scenes. For instance I never knew that as a young child, Charles Dickens was forced to work in a rat infested factory as his father served a prison sentence. I really enjoyed this collection as it helped me to learn more about where each novel originated. The only problem is that now I have added another 20 books to my TBR pile!

Book: Balanda - My year in Arnhem land

This is the story of the year Mary Ellen Jordan spent living and working in Maningrida, an Aboriginal community in Australia's Far North. I actually quite enjoyed the book though she is no fantastic author. It was refreshing to look at the way she saw the culture and community she became a part of rather than what we always see and hear on TV. Not sure if I could survive a year away from all my creature comforts!

Uni: Business Economics & Competitive Analysis

So the first half of 2010 has been busy. I did two subjects at uni and received Distinctions in both (so happy as Business Economics was horrible!) That now leaves me with 7 down and 5 to go before finishing my MBA. It may take a few years though but am sure I will get there in the end!

Books: The Ellie Chronicles, x 3

So after reading and falling in love with The Tomorrow series, I had to keep going. I read all three of the Ellie Chronicles which continues on with the story of Ellie and her remaining mates. Again, just brilliant. Quite different to the Tomorrow books which are based in war time, but still had the same theme and flavours throughout. All I want now is more follow up as questions still remain unanswered... John Marsden = brilliance!

Book: No place for a woman

Summary: Finn Delaney longs to join the family building business, but her dad Joe insists the building trade is no place for a woman. Finn’s determined to prove him wrong, even if it means telling a few white lies along the way. Meanwhile, Gina Tate’s having similar trouble trying to get her wealthy father to take her seriously. She and Finn don’t seem to have much in common, but little do they know they both hold the key to each other’s dearest desire..

I really enjoyed this book though it was typical chick lit. Will definitely keep an eye out for more of her stuff (and no, this is a different Donna Hay to the cookbook one!)

Book: Silver in the sun

I love Tony Parsons (the Aussie one) as he is very similar to Rachael Treasure and co. When handsome young Ian Richardson inherits Kanimbla, a vast merino stud property in the Queensland Murrawee district, there's great speculation about whether he'll sell up and take the money and run back to England. But Ian soon proves himself to be a capable boss, earning the respect of his employees, and winning hearts too, especially of the beautiful Fiona McDonald. A lovely rural romance from an author that is in his 80's!

Night Bookgroup: On Chesil Beach

I am a glutton for punishment because I joined another bookgroup with my friend once a month on Tuesday night's. I am still in the Saturday one but have had problem actually getting there! Nights are easier sometimes. Anyway, so we read On Chesil Beach. It was OK. I mean nothing really happened! It was all a big build up to.....nothing! It opens on the anxious Dorset Coast wedding suite dinner of Edward Mayhew and the former Florence Ponting, married in the summer of 1963 at 23 and 22 respectively; the looming dramatic crisis is the marriage's impending consummation, or lack of it. Their fears about sex and their inability to discuss them form the story's center. It was an easy read but not one that I would be recommending in a hurry...

Book: Librarian's passionate knight

I got quite sick so didn't read much for a while and instead opted for trash in the form of a Mills and Boon. Only read it because it was about a librarian. Easy trash, happy ending yadda, yadda....

Books: The Tomorrow Series, the final 3

I finally got back around to finishing the Tomorrow series and I wasn't disappointed. Just disappointed that it had taken me so long to read them! Absolutely brilliant. The inspiration to get cracking on them again was because the movie is released in a few weeks time. I can't say much more than if you haven't read them - why not? Just fab. John Marsden really is amazing...