What are you reading at the moment

I'm suffering from post Christmas - I don't know what you call it- must find something good to read. I've got a new Donna Leon but it isn't a detective one and I'm not enjoying it much so far.

To MaggieP, I'm only on page 50 but I think I'd like to read it on holiday unless I was going to Latin America!

This book was a Christmas present and I've just read on a previous thread that was specifically about The Casual Vacancy, I wrote that it didn't sound a good read, now I feel an idiot!

I'm reading The Casual Vacancy I'm really liking it, it reminds me of early Joanna Trollope, although a bit grittier, quite a lot of bad language, but I wouldn't let that put anyone off. This book seemed to get quite a bad write up, not quite sure why, it is obviously an adult booked aimed at a very different readership from the devotees of the Harry Potter books which I personally never wanted to read although I bought all of them for my children.

JoanJett I have been lent a copy of Bel Canto, would you advise it as a good book to take on holiday next week?

I am reading "In Tearing Haste", the letters between Deborah Devonshire and Patrick Leigh Fermor. The letters are wonderful, but it demonstrates how utterly useless the Kindle is for anything with footnotes. I have read a lot of Mitford and Bloomsbury (especially Frances Partridge) so I have a fair idea of who people are, but with every footnote at the end, it would be impossible if you didn't know. The addresses and dates seem to be mostly on the page before the letters so it is very annoying. The Kindle is great when you live abroad, but I am amazed how few people highlight the problems of non-fiction.

That made me chuckle Maggie!

Has the 82-year old read it, I wonder

Might perk her up
My MIL's kids all behave as if she never heard about sex. I remind them that as a ward sister in London in her youth she's seen things they never will.

My 90yr old MIL has just been given all three books of the 50 Shades of Grey series by her younger sister aged 82!! It was her birthday yesterday. She has no idea what she is in for, I told her there is a lot of sex and she said she might not understand it all anyway...... Watch this space.

Flight behaviour was brilliant. Can't wait for her next.

I've just started Bel Canto by Ann Patchett, I only discovered her this year when I got a free copy of 'State of wonder' from gransnet, which I thought was an amazing story. I've just finished 'Starlings' by Erinna Mettler, this is a great read especially if you know Brighton. It's what's known as a daisy chain novel, lots of short stories with related characters.

I would so love to find a book that keeps my interest for more than the first 10 pages!!

Prodigal Summer was one of my 'best of the year' books, too Jess.

At the moment reading recent back issues of The New Statesman. I find there are lots of articles that are not date-relevant.

Not owning a kindle, will have to wait until our little local library re-opens to re-stock on books.

I am reading The Faerie Queen by Edmund Spencer. I was told I "should" by a 19 year old! It is in Tudor English and very hard to follow - not just the free form spelling (how would that sound if I read it out loud? Ah!) and the obscure Tudor words but it is a surreal, magical fantasy - so it is hard to guess what is supposed to be happening. About 2 pages and I am off to sleep. I need a translation!
As light relief I am reading Flight Behaviour by the brilliant Barbara Kingsolver. Not only is she a truly great writer and a scientist but is also funny. This is shaping up to be as lovely as Prodigal Summer, my favourite book of the year.

I enjoyed Major Pettigrew's last stand and also The real Katy Lavender, which I have just finished.

I enjoyed it too

Thanks annodomini
I also love Anne Fine's The More the Merrier, it's just hilarious on the whole Christmas family experience.

Alias Grace That's what I am reading at the moment - or rather re-reading. I am a big Margaret Atwood fan and I last read this book 14 years ago. I have plenty of unread books but felt like something solid and thought provoking.

Do try Margaret Atwood if you have never read any of her books. I think that The Robber Bride would be a good book to start.

broomsticks, when I read your post, I looked up Killer Cat on Amazon. My 7-year-old GS is an avid reader and I think he would like those. Thanks. I haven't quite got to the end of Bring up the Bodies but have finished your book. Enjoyed it thoroughly. Witty and with great twists in the plots. I recommend it.

I like those Margrete. I've read them all though and it takes him years to write the next one by which time I've forgotten what happened anyway.

I've just got the next in the 'Game of Kings' series - 'A Clash of Kings'. I've got lots to read over the next few weeks - great, as I don't want to watch much of what is being trumpeted as 'Christmas viewing'!

Mine are about as trivial as you can get! I'm reading some Anne Fine children's books today to see whether I think the grandson would like them yet. The Killer Cat ones.

broomsticks, I am leavening the lump of Bring up the Bodies by reading your stories at intervals. I think I should finish both books on the same day. Then I will have time to read something totally trivial.

I enjoyed Wolf Hall but I can't work myself up to Bringing up the Bodies for some reason.