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Shame about the Zweig, I've been meaning to read him, but might put him on the back burner again. Also read The Visitor recently. One of the best things I've read this year. It enticed me to buy the Springs of Affection collection - most of which is on par with The Visitor.

Some essays written in the 60's by Joan Didion. Great stuff.

Thanks - yeah I saw it, but decided to order the American edition instead. I just couldn't bring myself to buying the UK edition, with that cover. Got into trouble on Facebook for saying this! Rightly so, possibly. Have read the first few stories - superb so far UK edition American edition

Willy Vlautin is great - if a bit downbeat! One of his books (Northline) came with an instrumental CD soundtrack - which was very nice.

Just finished this last week. Wasn't sure at first - I thought the husband character was absurd. But the writing/ translation was great - particularly in the final section which was superb.

Genevieve Valentine: Mechanique About a circus...and it's really really good.

Love The Goon Squad! Have re-read it a couple of times. Apart from some short stories, Ive only read American Gods by Neil Gaiman, which was very good, but quite hefty. You might be better off starting with some of his slimmer books. The Ocean at the End of the Line got some nice reviews...

Yes! That Julian Barnes book did my head in. Heard him being interviewed once though, and he sounded like a very nice man.

Oddly, I have mostly heard bad things, apart from the Booker accolade obviously! I still want to give it a fair go.

It's been sitting on my bookshelf unread for over a year, staring at me from its beautiful blues. I need to sort that out.

On a short books buzz. Just finished The Hawkline Monster which was pretty much the Sisters Brothers on mescaline. Amusing! Next up is the graceful looking A Whole Life.

Looking forward to The Vegetarian myself. The reviews are Vegan quality vegetarian.

Just finished a collection of short stories from Thomas Morris. Short stories aren't for everyone, but I've got more into them in recent years. And, this is really, really, really good. Entertaining, moving and very close to the bone - in that I could identify somewhat with the protagonists...

Finally bought Geek Love a few days ago. ...and have just read that author Katherine Dunn passed away yesterday. RIP Katherine Dunn, Author of <i>Geek Love</i>, Dies at 70 - Willamette Week

Ha! You've called me before on my YA references! I really must stop using them. Had to look up bildungsroman, and have to hand it to the Germans - great word! One of the narrators is a 13 year old girl dealing with heavy shit at home and in school, which is where I was coming from.

Ruth Ozeki: A Tale for the Time Being Loved this. The blurb describes it as " a Chinese box of a novel" and that it is. Two alternating narrators, with YA themes, Japanese culture, Zen philosophy, pop culture, the human condition - all masterfully entwined and completely satisfying. Going to...

Yeah great collection. And Beatlebone is fantastic (y)

Read Rage many times as a late teenager. Loved it, but I think I was the right age. Remember telling our English teacher if he thought Holden Caulfield was bad, he needs to meet Charlie Decker My edition was in the Bachmen Books - my favourite Stephen King collection. StephenKing.com - The...

I really liked Americanah for the most part, though the lead female character was mildly head-wrecking at times. She was grand on other occasions.

Swamplandia! The family's alligator theme park is going down the tubes, Mam has passed away, Dad has checked out for a while, the sister may or may not be dating a ghost, the brother has legged it to a rival theme park.... all leaving 13 year old Ava to figure out the whole mess and track down...