2014 Reading Challenge: Book 15 - Watermelon

Watermelon by Marian Keyes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. I have read Marian Keyes books before a long while ago and I had forgotten the subtle humor that she has.

I loved how honest Claire's narrative is and even that she seemed to go off on a tangent. I really liked how the story started and the pace of it was ok, but at times it felt a bit waffley. I felt like I really knew the characters and at times, I felt like shaking Claire and telling her to get a grip.

I was glad that she got a happy ever after, although I thought this was a bit rushed compared to the rest of the book.
All in all though, a thoroughly enjoyable book and I will most certainly pick out another 'Walsh family' book again.

Jackie. x

2014 Reading Challenge: Book 14 - Sweet Tempation

Sweet Temptation by Lucy Diamond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a heartwarming story about three women, Maddies, Jess & Lauren who meet each other through their common goal to loose weight. Meeting at the local 'fatbusters' class, the three women form a close bond and end up supporting each other throughout life's ups and downs.

As a larger lady myself, and one who attends a weekly 'fat club', I love how truthful this is. My first thought when Maddie, Lauren or Jess described themselves was that these girls (or more so the author) haven't got a clue what being really big is, but as I continued to read, I realised that it doesn't matter if your a size 14 or a size 24, your insecurities about your weight and body are the same.

As I mainly read during my commute on the bus, I have had to stop reading a couple of times as I was getting emotional, especially through Maddie's story. I loved Jess's story as well and how confident she became as a person, not just through the weight loss, but from the support of the others.

I would recommend this to any women, whether they are dieting or not, as it's such a lovely story. Having lost 2 stone over the last 6 months, I am also going to take the advise of Alison, the fatbusters instructor and go out and get myself that charm bracelet (or rather necklace in my case)! ;-)

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Jackie. x

2014 Reading Challenge: Book 13 - Dracula

Dracula by Bram Stoker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. It took me a while to read it, but I think that added to the beauty of it. Like most, I had obviously heard of Dracula, but had never read the story. The fact that it was written and based in I would guess the late 19th/early 20th century really adds to the drama of what the characters were going through.
I think this is a huge must read for anyone who loves vampire stories.

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Jackie. x

2014 Reading Challenge: Book 12 - Notes from an Exhibition

Notes from an Exhibition by Patrick Gale

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I enjoyed this story and found it interesting in the way it was laid out by the author. Telling the story of the life of Rachel, the book starts the chapter with a description of an object or painting from Rachel's life, followed by the story from that period of time. The story is narrated from a number of different characters, including Rachel, her husband and her children.

I liked that the story tackles the subject of mental health, in that Rachel suffers from bi-polar disorder, both from modern times and also from the 70's when it was a very taboo subject.

I enjoyed seeing the story from the different sides. It was interesting to 'see' into the mind of someone with this condition, as well as hearing from those close to her and how it impacted on their lives.

Whilst I wouldn't put this down as a favourite, it was an enjoyable and interesting read.

Jackie. x