Books - the Fifth in an Occasional Series

Here's what I've been mostly reading lately:

1. "Stardust" by Neil Gaiman - which is fantastic, and what the movie was based on. It's an old fashioned fairy tale and I was almost relieved to enjoy this. The BF recommended it (which isn't usually as risk) and he also recommended "American Gods" also be Neil Gaiman - which I thought was a big pile of pants.

2. "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" by John Boyne - Read it. I can't tell you what it's about, but it will only take you an afternoon. Really, it's very good.

3. "The Robots of Dawn" and 4. "Robots and Empire" by Isaac Asimov - ending the series of "Robots" novels, and continuing the adventures of Plaincothesman Elijah Bailey, in investigating various murders and ultimately saving the universe. All of these novels are very well written - succinct and vividly described.

6. "Lord of Light" by Robert Zelaney - This was brilliant. Another sci-fi novel. On a planet far away, the gods of Hindu mythology rule. Who are they? How did they get there? Fab.

7. "Hell House" by Richard Matheson - This was 'orrible. Proper gory horrr. I had nightmares for a week after and I'm not squeamish when it comes to reading horror novels. This was a good read - gripping to the point of not being able to put it down. Maybe those nightmare were induced by lack of sleep.

8. "Quantico" by Greg Bear - Terrorists are trying to bring about the end of the world, or something close to it. Only a handful of brave FBI agents, newly qualified (naturally) can save the day (obviously). Or will they? Top stuff.

9. "Caught in the Net" by The Boss - I read a first draft of the boss's novel. A risky task, but thankfully, I really enjoyed it. It's more of a philosophical discussion of what the future might look like, and what this really says about us now. Looking forward to Part 2.

10. "Sandman" by Neil Gaiman - Ending where I started, with another Gaiman production - this time, all of the Sandman graphic novel. It's been brilliant fun, finally getting to read all of these.