http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293 See the latest posts on the GreenMetropolis.com Forum about Books which made you think? in Contemporary Fiction en-gb Copyright 2010 GreenMetropolis.com Sat, May 25 2013 09:52:23 GMT 20 What books have kept you thinking, long after you've finished them? I'd suggest 'The Girls' by Lori Lansens - a story about conjoined twins which manages to be thought-provoking, without being patronising. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#2252 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#2252 Thu, Jan 15 2009 19:21:30 GMT Also, The Secret River about the colonisation of Australia. Uneasy reading at times, but well worth it. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#2253 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#2253 Thu, Jan 15 2009 19:23:13 GMT The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas very thought provoking http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#2259 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#2259 Thu, Jan 15 2009 22:15:38 GMT hi depends what you want to think about!? but i would unhesitatingly recommend the fiction of alan furst. mostly set in the largely unknown, to us in britain that is, world of eastern and central europe in the 1930 and concerning the hidden struggle to frustrate and resist hitler. fancy living in somewhere like poland or romania, and knowing that sometime in the near future the nazis were coming to your nation and people!!! these books make you think, and are well written recommend the world at night kingdom of shadows night soldiers http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#2329 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#2329 Sat, Jan 17 2009 18:52:39 GMT Without a doubt one of the most thought provoking books I have read. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#2347 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#2347 Sun, Jan 18 2009 15:13:59 GMT I agree with desperate bookworm, I changed my mind several times reading the book as to whether it was nature or nurture that caused Kevin to do what he did. Very thought provoking! http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#2353 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#2353 Sun, Jan 18 2009 19:18:29 GMT Me too sooz2. I'd like to read it again and maybe study it a bit more. Amazing that it was writtne by someone with no children too. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#2399 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#2399 Mon, Jan 19 2009 19:35:32 GMT Skallagrigg William Horwood One of the few books that made me cry!! http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#2416 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#2416 Tue, Jan 20 2009 14:44:37 GMT Read this recently and it scared me silly, it's a post-apocolyptic type of book, perhaps not the most cheering read in the current climate, but very thought provoking. Don't stay up reading it in the early hours like I did though! http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#2432 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#2432 Tue, Jan 20 2009 23:07:04 GMT Hi Elizabeth, the Road is a brilliant book, I read it in one sitting as I had to reach the end of the road with them. It stayed with me for a very long time and is one of the few books I would read again. The writing style is so clever, few words that say so much. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#2438 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#2438 Wed, Jan 21 2009 08:06:56 GMT Hi Elizabeth, I'd agree with We need to talk about Kevin - very disturbing book. I also found Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell very thought-provoking - a real reflection on society that made me wonder if this was a prophetic book in the same way as 1984 is. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#2439 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#2439 Wed, Jan 21 2009 08:13:03 GMT This one made me shudder - also The Road and Cloud Atlas I agree are very thought provoking http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#2694 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#2694 Thu, Jan 29 2009 20:25:21 GMT Thanks for the recommendation lunar, Oryx and Crake has been sitting on my bookshelf waiting to be read for far too long, it has now been moved up the list! http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#2712 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#2712 Fri, Jan 30 2009 09:39:07 GMT I'd agree with that. Oryx and Crake left a lingering sense of uneasiness after I'd finished reading it - but definitely worth it. I'd also reccomend other books by Margaret Atwood - Alias Grace and the Blind Assassin were also good. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#2717 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#2717 Fri, Jan 30 2009 17:27:37 GMT Blind Assassin is also on my book shelf waiting to be read. I can't stop buying books! I wish I could find the time to read them all! http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#2724 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#2724 Fri, Jan 30 2009 18:53:50 GMT Will Self is a pretty tough author. He novels lways seem to get a bit too crazy at one point or another, but his short stories are perfect I think. This ones gets you thinking about life and death, amongst other 'big' things. I'm sure he said something along the lines of "I write about ideas rather than plotlines" so his writing should be quite thought-provoking! http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#2725 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#2725 Fri, Jan 30 2009 19:02:17 GMT I agree with 1984 too. At the time I was reading it, it slightly washed over me, but it's a book that continues to come back to you, you see bits of it everywhere now - stories on the news, things politicians say and do, documentaries etc will sometimes bring it to mind in a terrifying way. Another book that made me think in a different way was The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. The idea that no matter how insignificant we think our lives are, they do matter, is an idea which I try and keep with me. I picked up his other book For One More Day in a charity shop last week but sadly it will probably be a while before I can get round to reading it. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#3556 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#3556 Wed, Feb 18 2009 00:23:16 GMT Hoolit, Im not sure if you have read it already but... by far the best (and most commonly 'name-checked' - although deservedly so) Mitch Albom book is 'Tuesday's With Morrie'. Im not a 'crier' on real life things farless books but this did make a tear trickle - partly because its based on a true story and partly because it is such a simple fact of life, common occurrence and touches everyone. A few have touched me recently; including the kite runner and a thousand splendid suns, the kommandants girl and The Bielski Brothers. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#3607 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#3607 Wed, Feb 18 2009 22:35:16 GMT I've just heard that a film is being made of Cormac McCarthy,s The Road, it's such a brilliant book I hope they don't make a complete hash of the film http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#3612 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#3612 Thu, Feb 19 2009 07:42:54 GMT Hi All Can I join your thread? I'm new to the Forum. Some really good suggestions here - although I'm not sure about "We need to talk about Kevin." We had a really good discussion about it at my book group and were divided about how real it seemed to us. As some-one who has suffered from post-natal depression I didn't find the account in the book very convincing, but I do accept that everyone's experiences of depression are different. I suppose the fact that I have a clear memory of the book and its impact on me means that - by definition - it is one that made me think. When reading your post the book that immediately sprang to mind was The Time Travellers Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. I devoured this, refusing to come out of my sleeping bag or tent (we were camping! it's not just a strange quirk of mone) until I had finished. I then couldn't begin another book for several days. Others which lingered in the memory were The Handmaids Tale by Margaret Attwood (I haven't read Oryx and Crake, recommended in an earlier post, but will put it on my list), Precious Bane by Mary Webb, Frankie and Stankie by Barbara Trapido and The Northern Lights trilogy by Philip Pullman. I know that the Pullmans are children's books but I was totally gripped by the idea of the parallel universes and the way that a mind like Pullmans must work. Jodi Picoult can range from dire to thought provoking. The first one of hers that I read, My Sister's Keeper, was good, as was her most recent Change of Heart. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#3622 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#3622 Thu, Feb 19 2009 11:35:40 GMT AlisonAK - I've not read Tuesdays with Morrie Yet, it's also on my list but only for times when I have a box of hankies and a good supply of chocolate at the ready! One of the only books I've been in floods at was A Child Called It. It's a shame because I think everyone should read it, but it's become one of those cliched family trauma books, even though I think it was probably one of the first. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#3774 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#3774 Mon, Feb 23 2009 12:47:52 GMT I love mitch alboms books. I always get annoyed that they are never on offer in waterstones or avilable on here when they are brand new out. £16.99 always seems a lot to pay for a tiny book that you can read in an afternoon! But as soon as I see a new one in the shop I have to buy it straight away. I read them the same day and they sell on here really quickly too. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#3787 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#3787 Mon, Feb 23 2009 17:22:45 GMT An interesting insight into people with Aspergers Syndrome (a brand of autism). And difficult in a way to refute some of their "logic". The "narrative voice" is that of a AS sufferer, which gives the book an extra dimension. It raises an intriguing question as to who is "normal". It certainly kept me thinking long after I had finished reading it. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#3806 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#3806 Mon, Feb 23 2009 23:16:15 GMT I read this over January, it's told from the perspective of the psychologically troubled Mike Engleby. The context in which it's set may be dated, but the themes are universal. Powerful, emotive and disturbing - by far Faulks' best since Birdsong in my opinion. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#4044 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#4044 Sun, Mar 01 2009 22:33:17 GMT I agree that this is a fab book. I really enjoyed it. Promoted great debate at my book group about the nature of bullying etc, the rights and wrongs of boarding school etc. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#4119 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#4119 Tue, Mar 03 2009 21:42:18 GMT I agrwee. This syats with you for a long time and leaves you wondering who your five would be. Someone on a greyhound bus in the usa once told me (after she'd told me a v personal story on learning of my interest in that field of USA history - by which time I;d been moves to tears) 'Whether you catch eyes and smile in the street or know someone a lifetime, we all become a part of each others' stories.' That brought 'TFPYMIH' back to mind....that's kind of what it says really... http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#4308 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#4308 Fri, Mar 06 2009 17:32:37 GMT Yes, this made me understand my best friend's son better too. beautifully written http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#4309 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#4309 Fri, Mar 06 2009 17:33:10 GMT Tues with Morrie - I agree though not as much as TFPYMIH. the two Khaled hossieni books you mentioned are both amazing - both stay with you. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#4311 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#4311 Fri, Mar 06 2009 17:34:29 GMT I couldn't get away with the letter format http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#4312 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#4312 Fri, Mar 06 2009 17:35:20 GMT The Lovely Bones...by Alice Sebold. Haunting. By the time I understood the title I couldn't read for the tears. vivid and thought provoking. If you love this book, get on itunes or gretchenpeters.com and check out her gorgeous song, by fluke written at the same time as The LB, called 'This used to be my town' just stunning. Also mary Chapin Carpenter's 'My heaven' - that was I believe inspired by the book. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#4313 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#4313 Fri, Mar 06 2009 17:38:23 GMT All by Torey hayden a special ed teacher....I work with EBD children and she makes me believe we can get through! One child was the first and possibly most powerful.... http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#4315 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#4315 Fri, Mar 06 2009 17:40:15 GMT Cathy Glass books....she is a foster carer and her books REALLY make you think....she's an amazing woman....not unlike Torey Hayden in her attitude.... http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#4316 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#4316 Fri, Mar 06 2009 17:41:22 GMT The Sewing Circles of Herat - Christina Lamb.... wow - talk about an evocation of opression in Afghanistan...awesome writing. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#4318 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#4318 Fri, Mar 06 2009 17:44:39 GMT Some interesting reccomendations, which make me want to buy more books, despite the pile waiting patiently in the book case to be read! I can also reccomend 'The Blind Assassin', by Margaret Atwood, and really want to read 'A Handmaid's Tale', as I've read most of her other books (also highly reccomended!) I'm currently reading 'The Last Testament of Gideon Mack', and finding that it poses some interesting questions on sanity, religion and faith. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#4632 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#4632 Tue, Mar 10 2009 17:13:19 GMT The Shack, wasn't sure what to expect and din't really like the storyline as such, but good heavens does it make you think.....about a lot of things.... http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#4640 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#4640 Tue, Mar 10 2009 18:13:26 GMT Digging to America Almost finished in 2 days, will be finished in bath soon! Anne Tyler's best, I think http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#4858 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#4858 Fri, Mar 13 2009 18:14:19 GMT Wasn't quite sure either way about this one.... http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#4859 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#4859 Fri, Mar 13 2009 18:14:48 GMT Which one? Blind Assassin or Handmaid's Tale? http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#4973 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#4973 Sun, Mar 15 2009 15:39:59 GMT oh god! so many! the wind up bird chronicle- haruki murakami to kill a mockingbird- harper lee the little friend- donna tartt birdsong- sebastian faulkes is it wierd there seems to be a bird theme?! also an evil cradling is one of the most powerful books i've ever read. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#5790 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#5790 Tue, Mar 24 2009 17:14:35 GMT Wow Laura. Finally found someone with similar taste to me. Have read some Haruki Murikami but not that one - he's my son's favourite author after I gave him the Wild Sheep Chase for a birthday present (purely because the blurb seemed weird). Does that say something about me or my son?? Also loved The Miracle Life of Edgar Mint and all the John Irving I have read so far. A Prayer For Owen Meany is my favourite and stayed with me for a long time. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#5793 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#5793 Tue, Mar 24 2009 18:28:29 GMT Lots of great suggestions on this thread which I have made a note of. I like books written about the future: Handmaid's Tale was one I loved and Cloud Atlas sounds like my kind of book, too. The one I'm writing is set in a parallel universe. Any other suggestions in a similar vein? I also loved 'Girl With a Pearl Earring' by Tracy Chevalier. The film was also excellent, all in the colours available to Vermeer at the time. I had loved the painting for years, too. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#5982 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#5982 Thu, Mar 26 2009 17:46:05 GMT Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts is i think my all time favourite book. It has everything in spades! Good plot, well written, living breathing characters. i actually felt berieved when i finished it. Also it has an underlying philisophical theme that really made me think. I carried this book around in my head for weeks and it is still influencing the way i think & respond to situations. i would love to share any one elses thoughts on this great story. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#9734 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#9734 Wed, Apr 29 2009 13:04:10 GMT Caromel -Oryx and Crake is set in the future, which you might like. Have you also tried 'The Island' by Aldous Huxley? That's set in a parrallel /future reality and has some interesting philosophy underlying it. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#9757 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#9757 Wed, Apr 29 2009 18:02:17 GMT Goodness! I've not looked at this thread for ages and my first thought was "Life is too short!" Lots here I've read and others that I'd like to. One surprising one for me was a book I picked up as a 'light read' after The God of Small Things, Mr.Golightly's Holiday by Salley Vickers. I'd read and enjoyed Miss Garnett's Angel, but this one stayed on my mind for quite some time as the ending was not what I'd expected. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#9858 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#9858 Thu, Apr 30 2009 19:06:46 GMT May I recommend The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein? I'm not recycling this one yet, though! http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#9888 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#9888 Thu, Apr 30 2009 22:28:24 GMT Wow - so many of these books I have read and enjoyed - Tyler and Attwood being amongst my favourite authors. Then oh so many more to read. The book that has made me think the most this year is Vikram Seths Two lives - the biographies of his Great Uncle and his wife. One Indian and one German - fascinating and horrofic - funny and heart warming. Bridge parties in Hendon - their war stories with all that entails. Seths own take on the stories and his writing make this and excellent and thought provoking book. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#9954 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#9954 Fri, May 01 2009 11:55:29 GMT Goodness, when I looked up this book I thought I was reading a plot synopsis but it was just the author's potted biography! It's not in stock here, but I'll look out for it. Thanks, Genavive. Hetty, I always look out for Vikram Seth too, and that's one I've not read. Must get through my bookcase full of TBRs... http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#10000 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#10000 Sat, May 02 2009 09:42:16 GMT 'Catcher in the Rye'. A book I read because of the John Lennon link (and i never understood why), but one which i always remember, probably because the main character has such a strong and interesting personality and take on the world. Made me think a lot about people, and that here not always what they appear to be on the outside. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#10018 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#10018 Sun, May 03 2009 00:43:12 GMT This is a book from way back can anyone else remember The Chariots of the Gods. It was all about intelligent lifeforms from outer space being around for thousands of years, it compared cave drawings that showed flying objects and men in weird clothes. I remember at the time being really spooked by it and I am still a bit suspicious that we are all being watched by something out there, and I don't mean those CCTV cameras that are eveywhere! http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#10103 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#10103 Mon, May 04 2009 21:28:10 GMT good grief I didn't realise the problem was bigger than I thought I used one very small innocuous expletive and was censored by GM. I am going to sit on the naughty chair for a while http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#10104 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#10104 Mon, May 04 2009 21:30:16 GMT I'm reading this at the moment, thanks for the reccomendation. I'm really enjoying the austere prose & the menacing atmosphere. Yes it really makes you think... what if? Definately not a comfortable read but gripping for all that. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#10246 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#10246 Wed, May 06 2009 13:58:26 GMT I agree with Genavive, Shantaram is a masterpiece, I feel envious of people who have not yet read it. Gregory David Roberts is a very special author. I found 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' quite thought provoking. Its a sad and sometimes harrowing read but the insight that you get into the characters inner workings provokes tenderness in the reader and you really end up caring about (or hating in some cases) the main figures in the story. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#24539 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#24539 Sat, Dec 05 2009 12:38:55 GMT Don't know if anyone else has come across 'The Canal Bridge' by Tom Phelan - accurately described on the jacket as 'a visceral, lyrical evocation of the physical and emotional devastation of the First World War', centred upon young Irish soldiers during and after the War. Very thought provoking, and extremely good http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#24543 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#24543 Sat, Dec 05 2009 14:09:12 GMT a thousand splendid suns,have just finished it and it nearly had me in tears which takes some doing especially as I'd just read the kite runner before that http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#26422 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#26422 Sun, Jan 10 2010 21:16:43 GMT I haven't read this thread for a while, but these book reccomendations are tempting me to buy more...! I agree with 'The Road' comments - definitely not one to read late at night! http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#26498 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#26498 Mon, Jan 11 2010 21:26:31 GMT I agree with the above, both books were emotional. I also remember reading the sand daughter at about the same time. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#27979 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#27979 Fri, Feb 05 2010 12:42:55 GMT I admit this is probably a weird one but The Glass Lake by Maeve Binchy. I first read it when I was about 9/10, not long after my Mum died. The girl in the story was a similar age, maybe a little older and her Mum was found in the lake. As the story developed it turned out her Mum had left the family for another man and had set up home in London. For years I was convinced that my Mum had left us for another man and I would 1 day bump into her again! On a slightly more cheery note - The Dark Room by Rachel Seiffert (sp?) opened my eyes to the war through the eyes of the German civilians... It opened up a whole new style of writing and stories that I dip in and out of quite frequently. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#27989 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#27989 Fri, Feb 05 2010 15:14:46 GMT This one is still on my mind over a year after reading it. Definitely worth a read http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#38093 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#38093 Fri, Nov 12 2010 17:51:27 GMT Avery good read. Prabakar is an all-time great character. I felt it lost something towards the end, but definitely a favourite book. Son enjoyed it too. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#38436 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#38436 Sun, Nov 21 2010 09:43:10 GMT Odd isn't it? Shantaram lost me very early on - maybe I should give it another try! The Kite Runner left me shattered, I don't think any other book has had quite that effect. I think it was to do wiht the fact that although it was fiction, it was a very real and recent setting and one which we would all dread having to face. The Cellist of Sarajevo (can't remember author) was similar. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#38943 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#38943 Wed, Dec 01 2010 13:51:47 GMT for me books that have made me think include some of the above like we need to talk about Kevin but others were- The memory keepers daughter. Kim Edwards The castaways Elin Hilderbrand The last lecture Randy Pausch Charlotte grey Sebastian Faulkes am sure there are more but these easily spring to mind http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#45592 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#45592 Sun, Jun 05 2011 17:44:58 GMT The Help by Kathryn Stockett. I found it hard to grasp that attitudes like that were as ingrained and hard faced as late as the 60s. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#46042 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#46042 Thu, Jun 23 2011 12:11:59 GMT I also recently read The Help -some aspects of it really shocked me due to the deeply ingrained racial attitudes displayed. I've studied the racial tensions in America at A Level but I couldn't believe that they were still around in the 60s. The film is coming out later this year, but it really did make me realise how difficult life was for certain groups in America. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#46215 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#46215 Fri, Jul 01 2011 22:53:13 GMT The Book Thief? Incerdible http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#46919 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#46919 Thu, Jul 28 2011 19:30:51 GMT We need to talk about Kevin - absolutely overwhelmed by this book. I found it so interesting, disturbing and provoking. I've re read it a number of times and it does not fail to continue to amaze me. The most surprising thing for me, is that when all is said and done, I found myself being sympathetic towards Kevin, as the only honest protagonist in the book. I found that quite shocking. Brilliant book. Just phenomenal http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#47471 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#47471 Wed, Aug 17 2011 13:06:59 GMT Also, the house of the spirits by Isabelle Allende, I first read it aged about 10, and have re read it and leant it out to people countless times, it is so evocative and the interweaving of the political story within the almost fairytale like aspects of the lives of the family is so clever. http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#47472 http://www.greenmetropolis.com/forum/posts.aspx?t=293#47472 Wed, Aug 17 2011 13:08:38 GMT