Wolf Hall - Hilary Mantel

I was captivated by the world created by Hilary Mantel but confused as to why this novel would win the Booker Prize. It is a difficult read because Mantel constantly uses "HE" instead of the protagonist's name. This caused me to have to back up in my reading to figure out who the HE was. I can't figure out why this author would refuse the courtesy of using the character's name... maybe to link him closer to the HE of the Bible. Who knows?

A frustrating but fascinating glimpse into Tudor England and all the machinations of the inhabitants of that dangerous time.

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.