Book Recommendations

[milly143]

I'm after some book recommendations. I never read very much until the past couple of years so I don't really know what my taste in books is. I have mostly read books by Nick Hornby and Bill Bryson and really enjoyed them. I like the subtle humour. I don't like things that just couldn't be true, the story has to be plausable. If you can think of anything, let me know.

[Count-A-Strong]

Try some Ben Elton. He's an excellent author and doesn't write in anything like the style of his stage persona. The first casualty is excellent if a little gritty in places ( descriptions of 1st WW trenches / battles).

[murraymints]

I am reding lots of biographies at the moment..particularly enjoyd John Suchet's account of life with his Bonnie.

[237SJ]

Like you I don`t like fiction. There are loads of autobiographies around. I get mine from the library rather than pay. If you like Bill Bryson then some travel stories might be of interest. I read a book a while ago called Tuk to the Road about two girls who bought a tuk tuk in Bangkok and drove it back to the UK. Another one I read recently was called White Gold and it was a true story about a boy sailor who was taken by North African pirates. Can`t remember the author but you could google it.

[milly143]

Thanks for the answers. B/f has a few Ben Elton books so I might give one of them a try.

I have read a couple of Ab's, the most recent being Stephen Frys first book and found it really interesting so I would be keen to read some others.

I have such a problem picking books out. I walk into book shops with all the best intentions and then have no idea where to start looking.

[237SJ]

Yes, I read a Stephen Fry ab as well. I can`t remember the name. I`ve just had an email from the library to say my Keith Richards ab has arrived. That should be interesting !! I`m surprised he can remember anything :-)

[milly143]

Moab Is My Washpot, I believe it was called. Haven't moved on to the second yet.

I imagine Keith Richards to contain lots of .................

:o)

[Ankou]

toast by nigel slater is good. it was made into a drama over christmas, which was also very good.

[T&S]

I'd recomment Cider with Roadies and Pies &Prejudice by Stuart Maconie.

[missnemesis]

How about trying something by either Danny Wallace, Dave Gorman or Stuart Maconie? All somewhat autobiographical, contain some travelling and can be very funny.

[T&S]

Missnemisis....SNAP!!

[missnemesis]

Lol T&S, great minds...................

[milly143]

Ooopss, I'm so rude. Thanks for the other suggestions, definitely given me something to work on.

[DTCwordfan]

Lake Wobegon days by Garrison Keiler (of St Pauls, the Twin Cities). He has been on Radio 4 reading extracts in the past and his story of life in a fictitious town in Minnesota with all the tensions of their origins and religion (Lutherians, Methodists, RCs etc) is subtly hilarious.

[Quizmonkey]

Jasper Fforde's new one, Shades Of Grey - genius! (Or any of his back list!).

[bednobs]

i just finished reading shades of grey and have to say it took me a little while to get into, but once i did it was good

[VHG]

You could always go in charity shops. They often have many books at quite low prices (they are not always low prices though).

Looking along the spines of books can often be a good way of finding a "new" book or author.

Like you I am a fan of Bill Bryson, and it is well worth digging out ALL his books (travel ones and other books like Shakespeare or At Home or A short history of everything) as he brings that subtle humour to all his books.