Book: The runner

Author: Cynthia Voigt

Details: (c) Cynthia Voigt 1985; Pub Collins 2000; ISBN 0-00-710015-9

Verdict: The Runner is a beautifully poignant and emotionally solid portrait of Bullet.

Reasons for reading it: I adore Cynthia Voigt and The Runner reminded me why.

How it came into my hands: I went on a mad charity shop spree in Oxford, having been keeping myself out of second hand bookshops for several weeks while I was in the process of moving house. And the Mind shops on Jericho Street turned out to be particularly impressive for books!

( detailed review )

I highly, highly recommend The Runner (and indeed anything by Voigt).

Book: The secret purposes

Author: David Baddiel

Details: (c) David Baddiel 2004; Pub Abacus 2005; ISBN 0-349-11746-2

Verdict: The Secret Purposes doesn't really have anything new to say, and I wouldn't rate it much above a generic historical romance.

Reasons for reading it: It was the selection for the local Jewish book discussion group, which I ended up not attending because pseudomonas and blackherring are immeasurably more interesting.

How it came into my hands: Borrowed my parents' copy.

( detailed review )