Unexpected Gem Of A Book

[Drusilla1S]

Have you ever come across a book that turns out to be an unexpected gem?

I've just read Nights At The Circus by Angela Carter and would recommend it to anyone who fancies reading a novel with a difference.

[shaneystar2]

I love a good book ....and am always looking for something that can hold my attention . I have a murder mystery fetish ....but have just read a terrific book about Mary Queen of Scots by John Guy.My Heart is my Own. Lots of people who write historical biographies tend to be so dry..but he really brought her to life. I was expecting another dissertation on her life,churning out the same old .....but this was fantastic.

[nannon]

Nights at the Circus is a fantastic book. Try reading The Passion Of New Eve by Angela Carter - its even better! Am studying it for my English Literature degree and its in my top ten of best books!! Also, Jeanette Winterson The Passion and especially Written on the Body - my favourite book ever!

[Joe Shmoe]

Once again I find myself recommending The Portable Door by Tom Holt . It is the first of three books About Paul carpenter. The most unlikely hero you will ever come across. This and the folloing two books are exellent.

[Quizmonkey]

Drusilla - try catching the touring stage version of Nights at the Circus, by the Kneehigh Theatre Company. Saw it at the Hammersmith Lyric - amazing!

[Drusilla1S]

Hi Quizmonkey. Sadly, it had ended its run at Hammersmith by the time I realised it had been playing and as I'm London based, I've been kicking myself ever since.

[helliebobs]

Hi Drusilla - I studied Nights at the Circus as part of my English Lit degree and that got me into reading her other novels - a lot of her work is based around traditional fairy tales so you get a lot of vibrant colour and imagery in them. The Magic Toyshop and the Bloody Chamber are both excellent.

[schmokinweed]

I'm a huge Angela Carter fan, started reading her stuff after a friend recommended The Magic Toyshop. I would also recommend 'Perks of Being A Wallflower' by Stephen Chboski, simply because everyone who reads it seems to find it has an effect on their lives and attitudes. 'House OF Leaves' [a really weird book that you can get with braille sections, strange type and blank pages in] by Mark Z. Danielewski and 'Pixel Juice' by Jeff Noon. That's a sci fi book but it's really really cool. Can't think of any more right now, sorry. Happy reading x