Can anyone recommend a good book please?

Question

I enjoy story's about extraordinary people, but I don't like anything to depressing.

Im not keen on horror or thriller, but I like romance novels.

I love Jilly Cooper, and I love biographies, but I am up for anything.

Answer 1

Taking your question seriously (unlike the bible bashers - there's a time and a place for everything!)

I recommend "Birds Without Wings" by Louis de Bernieres.
This is the author of "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" - a much better book than it was a film.
This book covers the lives of the occupants of a village in Anatolia throughout the bulk of the 20th century. It's gripping, heart-warming, sad, thought-provoking, illuminating and, most of all, easy to read whilst still being well-written. It's one of the best books I've read in a long while.

Or

"The Shadow of the Wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafon which combines history, romance and fantasy in an intriguing and well-crafted novel.

Or

"The Time Traveller's Wife" by Audrey Niffenegger which is weird and wonderful (and REALLY romantic).

Or

I agree that Austen and Bronte (all) deserve a look. If you're worried about tackling a "classic" novel, try "Jane Eyre", it's a rivetting romance - you are guaranteed to fall for the hero!

PS For Tward 1989 : The Color Purple is by Alice Walker

Answer 2

I'm very into Philippa Gregory at the moment - historical fiction but based on real people. try The Other Boleyn Girl.

For romance/comedy try anything by Jane Green, or for slightly more serious romances try Erica James.

I agree, The Time Traveller's Wife was outstanding, unlike anything I've ever read before.

Good biography: the one Sheila Hancock wrote about John Thaw

Answer 3

If you are into romance, any Nicholas Sparks book is great. He authored "A Walk to Remember", "The Notebook", "Message in a Bottle" and so many more. An amazing author and fantastic storyteller.

Also, "The 5 People You Meet in Heaven" was a great story written by Mitch Albom and "Memoirs of a Geisha" was intriguing too.

Answer 4

The greatest book I've just read is THE PRESTIGE. Impressive writing plotting over three generations about two competing magicians. Twists and turns that surprise you. Tesla is part of the plot. I would advise not seeing the film of it before reading the book because it is so well written and you have time to look up from a book and ponder.
Another two books ith inspiring insights to living in this world is
Celestine Prohecy and Celestine Vision boh by James Redfield.

These three will light you up to ponder the mysteries of life.

Answer 5

You said you liked romance novels, have you read any classics?
Personally, I love Jane Austen (all her novels are about relationships) Jane has written such literary masterpieces as Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Sense and Sensibility, and Persuasion- just to name a few.

You could also go for Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre or the Gone With the Wind/Scarlett books

Answer 6

The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Answer 7

The World According To Garp by John Irving

Answer 8

The Phone Book

Answer 9

Read the novels by Terry Pratchett, the characters are quite extraordinary. If you want romance, go for "Moving Pictures". It's as mad as a pocketful of frogs.

Answer 10

Try 'Of Human Bondage' by W Somerset Maugham. It's a fictional biographical story of a boy who's born with a club foot and gets screwed over time and time again by different people but it's incredibly interesting reading and good value for money as it's lengthy but not overdone. I think Maugham based parts of it on some of his own real life experiences in Paris and Germany.

It's my favourite book!