Hotel New Hampshire by John Irving

Someone told me this was the best book they've ever read so I thought it was worth trying. Although I have heard of John Irving, I have no read any of his books until now. I really like Irvings writting style and the characters are really fun and interesting. There adventures as a family remind me of the stories we heard as kids but obviously more 'adult' written. He points things out really bluntly (or rather the characters do) and I like that he doesn't care what kind of language he uses. Its not careful. It's also cool how he incoorprates animals (bears, dogs) and the role they play as part of the family. It was a great read and I may try another Irving book.

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Because two of my friends insited on me reading Water for Elephants I decided it was better that I read the book before the movie came out. Often I find it hard to read books after seeing movies because the characters you picture and scences are usually based on what you've seen in the movie. I found the book to be really well written and interesting. I never knew about this kind of life style that exsisted and still exsist (in a less harsh environment) today. The complications of paying people and even 'red lighting' on the train. Gruen's characters are all so different and have their own stories that tie together to make a really great book. I also really liked the way she would switch between the past and the present; the main characters would be in the hospital then be dreaming about working in the circus. It keeps you interested and draws you more into what going on and what will happen in both 'worlds'. I would suggest this book to anyone really because it's not a hard read and gender neutral.

The Hobbit JRR Tolkien

When my friend suggested that I read the hobbit I was very skeptical because I had never even seen Lord of the Rings, or considered seeing it. But I'm glad I decided to read it because I found it really interesting and fun. It almost remind me of Harry Potter where, when reading it, your envisioning this entirley different universe with odd creatures and ominous trails. Even though The Hobbit was not the first book published, I began with it because it gives the background to the other series which I also plan on reading them in the future. Recently, I watched Lord of the Rings; the Fellowship of the Ring; and information from the Hobbit was quite relevant and useful in better understanding the movie.