Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James
I can't not mention this, over the past few its gained popularity (and noteriety!) for it's raunchiness! The fact this came up in Amazon's 'Erotic Adult fiction' tells all! The story follows Anastasia and Christian Grey, she is a young unexperienced girl seduced by him, a rich entrepeneur who has a penchant for S&M, with the same tired personality traits attached to Mr Darcy; aloof, proud, arrogant yet mysterious. Its not particularly well written or realistic. The erotic scenes are at times cringey and the characters unrelatable. However a story develops and it is interesting at times, and after all the hype I don't think you can't not read it! Theres also 'Fifty shades darker' & 'Fifty shades freed' to look forward to!
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
After the success of the 2011 film starring Emma Stone and Jessica Chastain I became interested in the book felt this should be included. It is narrated, mainly by Eugenia Phelan who has returned to her family's cotton farm in Mississippi in 1962. All her peers are married and abusive/racist towards their black maids. She doesn't agree with this and begins to write a book of the maid's experiences which is when the story also becomes narrated by Aibileen and Minny, two black maids. I found it funny, ironic and and not patronizing in terms of trying to deliver what life was like, for both sides, as civil war breaks out in Mississippi. I couldn't put it down.
A Storm of Swords Part one: Steel and Snow by George R.R. Martin
There is no way I could have not included this in my summer reading list as an avid fan of 'Game of Thrones', based on this series by Martin. It is the first part of the third volume. [PLEASE NOTE; MAY BE SPOILERS TO THE SERIES]. Joffrey sits on the Iron Throne, his rival, Stannis is defeated, Daenerys is trying to get across the continent to claim the throne with her dragons. Tyrion's life takes an expected turn, as does Sansa's. Rob stark wears his crown of the North and weds his bride all while the undead are stirring beyond the wall. I chose this as the first to read as it follows on from where the second series ended and I'm lazy in this regards; I never read the previous books, so I have nothing to compare it to. It is written well and it is long, very long but readable. I would recommend this for all fans of the show and those interested in this kind of genre.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
This was also included in my list after the 2012 sucessful film and I felt I had to read the book and see what all the fuss was about it had been dubbed the 'next twilight'. A dystopian novel set in future America, divided into twelve districts and controlled by the 'capital'. Once a year a girl and a boy from each district are chosen at random to compete in 'The Hunger games' a televised event where they must fight to they death until there is one surviver. If they do not compete, the 'capital' punishes their area. It shows how banal and ridiculous reality tv is to an extreme as Collins uses these games to make real the world she has created. It is narrated by Katniss Everdeen the protaganist who I found hard to like at times and the novel is not the written with any flair or particularly interesting description. But it is still a good read, and aimed at younger teenagers after all.
Before I got to sleep by S J Watson
Recommended by amazon to me, I read the reviews of this pyschcological drama and felt it had to be put in my basket. Listed among the popular reads for 2012 I can see why. Some have compared it to the films; 50 First Dates and Memento. I disagree, yes it is about memory loss on a daily basis, but the sinister undertones are based in a domestic suburban setting which gives it an eerie feel. Christine wakes up each morning not knowing her life, her husband Ben must help her relearn it each morning. Unknown to Ben, Dr Nash has taken an interest in the case and calls up Christine each morning to direct her to her secret journal that only the two of them know about. Ben acts suspicious and Dr Nash is creepily always avaliable and advocates her discoveries. Its a great read with a twist I couldn't guess. I would definitely recommend this book.
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