The Angel's Game - Carlos Ruiz Zafon

While I enjoyed Shadow of the Wind by this author, I believe that The Angel's Game far surpasses its predecessor. This novel was amazing! The characters were well rounded and very realistic. The plot, an extensive labyrinth that the reader enters at the the beginning of the novel, twists, turns, leads to cul-de-sacs and finally to a stunning, unpredictable conclusion. A MUST READ!!!

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies - Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith

First, I must confess, I am not a great lover of Jane Austen -- I know, how can anyone utter such thoughts aloud.... Well, it is not the fault of Jane Austen, rather I have a strong preference for modern literature. As a result, it should come as no surprise that my enthusiasm is underwhelming. This novel was written in the style of Austen with the old English structures and dry humour. It was a good read but not something I expect to read again. I would recommend it to those who like 19th century British Literature enough to allow 21st century writers to have a little fun with it.

The Book Thief - Markus Zusak

The use of an adolescent female German (as opposed to Jewish -- Anne Frank, Hannah, etc) protagonist offered a different perspective on WW2. The narrator's (Death) humour juxtaposed to the internal dialogue of the young girl was deliberately and effectively disturbing. I found the Liesel's attempts to deal with repeated loss overwhelmingly sad. This is a novel which will stay with me for a long time.

The Glass Castle - Jeannette Walls

This is a tough book to read -- not because of its language or style -- rather because of its content. It is a story of survival, courage and hope. I don't know if I will read it again as it is just so tragic it breaks my heart.

The Thirteenth Tale - Diane Setterfield

While normally I do not really enjoy mysteries, I was drawn into the twists and turns of this novel. I will probably read it again as I am sure that I have missed many of the parallels suggested not only by the multiple twins but the act of a novel within a novel. So many good books, so little time....

Time Traveller's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger

Although this novel includes a time travel element, its story is timeless--girl and boy fall in love, their love is exceptional but there's a problem. The writing style is detailed and realistic, embroidered with allusions to art, music, poetry and mythology. A lovely story, well told, but not terribly innovative or thought provoking.

The Abortionist's Daughter - Elisabeth Hyde

Despite the title, I found this book to be a light read. Rather than delve into the arguments and issues surrounding the Right to Life/Abortion debate, Elisabeth Hyde presents the reader with a murder at the beginning of the novel. The victim's relationships and the lives of her family are revealed --and, of course, the mystery solved. This book is a well-written page-turner, not a fierce intellectual discussion.

Pillars of the Earth - Ken Follett

While not being the biggest fan of Historical Fiction but having read many of Ken Follett's novels as a teenager and knowing that the man could write, I began this book thinking...hmmm, this is an Oprah book, hmmm, this was recommended to me by a highly intelligent friend, hmmm, this is about churches, hmmm, I don't think I am going to like this and it looks really really long. In a nutshell, I was ambivalent. However, holding this heavy tome in my hands quickly became no chore to me as I became swept up in the plot and the characters. I loved this book! Would I recommend it? For sure...all 973 pages.

Things I've Been Silent About - Azar Nafisi

I loved this book! I found that Nafisi doesn't pull punches when discussing her private life and the secrets of mysterious Iran. Her storytelling skills make this a much easier read than her other book, Reading Lolita In Tehran. Things I've Been Silent About reveals intimate details of an important, well-connected family as well as the moral struggles of young intellectuals squeezed by political times. Absolutely mesmerizing and informative.