My Top Ten reads of 2013
10. The Curtain Maker of Beirut by Teresa Thornhill
A unique mix of eyewitness account and travel journal, a moving portrait of a country at a postwar crossroads when it was possible to hear the voices of Sunni, Shi'a, Maronite Christian, Druze and Palestinian veterans and civilians. Well-written dialogue and background with extra relevance in the present conflict in Syria.
9. The Reason I jump by Naoki Higashida
The title promises more than it delivers but a fascinating insight for parents and friends into what it feels like to be autistic with advice about how to behave around an autistic person. An easy read with a question and answer format. Raises many questions with incomplete answers. 'Why?' is the hardest question of all to answer,
The title promises more than it delivers but a fascinating insight for parents and friends into what it feels like to be autistic with advice about how to behave around an autistic person. An easy read with a question and answer format. Raises many questions with incomplete answers. 'Why?' is the hardest question of all to answer,
8. Shine by Candy Gourlay
A cross-cultural allegory about growing up with a secret and despised blemish. How 'civilised' society alienates anyone different and how inclusive traditional spirituality can be. Mutual support from a fellow sufferer. Well written and original from a promising young writer, one to watch.
7. The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams
What it's like to grow up as a teenager, brain-washed in a remote and isolated cult. Tense and pacey. The redeeming impact of books from the outside.Available here
6. More Than This by Patrick Ness
Slow-burning page turner exploring the currently popular theme of reincarnation in a YA novel. A hopeful book by a great story teller with striking characters. Worth persevering with.
5. Microcosm: E coli and the new science of life by Carl Zimmer
This amazing book takes you to the frontiers of science about a bacterium which we know more about than any other organism. As well as causing life-threatening multi-organ damage, E coli saves lives by making insulin and growth hormone for us.
So much I didn't know, it's embarrassing.
4. Sacred Country by Rose Tremain
Deep in the English countryside, a story of a village community that spreads far and wide by one of my all-time favourite writers. Masterful narration and unmistakeable characters.
3. Flight Behaviour by Barbara Kingsolver.
Orange Prize-winning doorstop book with a surprise twist on every page. Humorous, irreverent, insightful, feminine, everything I love. As good as Barbara's superlative Poisonwood Bible.
2. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
I would never have believed that a book about teenage terminal illness would make me laugh and cry on the train...
1. Picture Me Gone by Meg Rosoff
Read my review here
A superlative book with expert narrative, characters and setting, I love it.
My full book reviews are available here
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