Results tagged “Gabriel Garcia Marquez” from Liverpool Echo - First Rule of Book Club

I've started this year with a PILE of nice crisp new books to read (one of the best reasons to have Christmas methinks)

I tend to choose a new book based on either a friend's recommendation or a cursory glance at the jacket (I know this is wrong, but I don't like reading sypnoses - they always spoilt the plot)

Anyway, I'd like to know what's on your 2010 'books to read' list please - it might inspire me. Here's mine... just in case it does the same...

This is a quirky little tale.

A Case of Exploding Mangoes is based on the true life plane crash that killed Pakistan's military ruler General Zia ul-Haq - and most of his gang - in 1988.

Don't worry, it's not a heavy novel, it's exactly the opposite.

There was apparently never a public investigation into the crash, which throws it wide open for conspiracy theorists... and people like this author and former Pakistan air officer Hanif to form their own entertaining explanations.

What do you want from a good book?

I think they fall into catagories:

1) Rubbish ones. In the past you couldn't bear not to finish a book - it seemed rude - but now you realise life's too short and bin them halfway through.

2) Rubbish ones that come good. It's a struggle but you've come this far, you might as well carry on. The ending leaves you with grudging respect.

3) Slow burners. Takes you three chapers but suddenly you're sucked in and galloping towards the finish - with a sense of achievement for having stuck with it.

4) I am in love. You had me at the first word and now I can't wait to get home from work/jump in the bath/go to bed for my next fix.