Shadow of the Wind

Title : The Shadow of the Wind
Author : Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Synopsis :

Hidden in the heart of the old city of Barcelona is the 'cemetery of lost books', a labyrinthine library of obscure and forgotten titles that have long gone out of print. To this library, a man brings his 10-year-old son Daniel one cold morning in 1945. Daniel is allowed to choose one book from the shelves and pulls out 'La Sombra del Viento' by Julian Carax.

But as he grows up, several people seem inordinately interested in his find. Then, one night, as he is wandering the old streets once more, Daniel is approached by a figure who reminds him of a character from La Sombra del Viento, a character who turns out to be the devil. This man is tracking down every last copy of Carax's work in order to burn them. What begins as a case of literary curiosity turns into a race to find out the truth behind the life and death of Julian Carax and to save those he left behind. A page-turning exploration of obsession in literature and love, and the places that obsession can lead.

My Thoughts
I got this book from my sister, and at first I had no idea this book would be so exciting. This is the first book by Carlos Ruiz Zafon that I've read and so I had no clue as to how he would work the plot. I would definitely look for other books by him; I really liked this one. It was a bit of a thriller, a lot of mystery finding, spooky at times, some love stuff too..It kept me turning the pages and I got through it quite fast, so that means it really worked for me.

Morality for Beautiful Girls

Title : Morality for Beautiful Girls
Author : Alexander McCall Smith

Synopsis :

With her No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency in financial difficulty, Mma Ramotswe makes the tricky decision to share offices with her fiancé, Mr J. L. B. Matekoni. But although Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors could do with a little help, it is Mr Matekoni himself who really requires her attention.

If that weren’t enough, the agency is handling some highly puzzling cases: the government official whose sister-in-law is trying to poison his brother; the beauty pageant whose contestants aren’t as good as their looks; and the strange young boy, found naked and wild, and smelling of lion.

My Thoughts :

I enjoyed the book, but because I've read the 2 previous books, I felt the cases in this book are too predictable. But still, I liked the part where Mma. Makutsi becomes Assistant Mgr of the garage and she kicks the apprentices' ass really good. I predict the next book will show better financial situations for Mma. Ramotswe & her fiance.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Title : The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Author : Mark Haddon

Pages : 288

Synopsis :

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a murder mystery novel like no other. The detective, and narrator, is Christopher Boone. Christopher is fifteen and has Asperger's, a form of autism. He knows a very great deal about maths and very little about human beings. He loves lists, patterns and the truth. He hates the colours yellow and brown and being touched. He has never gone further than the end of the road on his own, but when he finds a neighbour's dog murdered he sets out on a terrifying journey which will turn his whole world upside down.

My Thougths :

This is a children's book, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Funny, simple in the way it was told and exciting trying to imagine yourself as Christopher and what he has to go through. It's a light and refreshing read, and I would recommend it to children and adults alike.

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency

Title : The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
Author : Alexander McCall Smith






Synopsis:
This first novel in Alexander McCall Smith's widely acclaimed The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series tells the story of the delightfully cunning and enormously engaging Precious Ramotswe, who is drawn to her profession to "help people with problems in their lives." Immediately upon setting up shop in a small storefront in Gaborone, she is hired to track down a missing husband, uncover a con man, and follow a wayward daughter. But the case that tugs at her heart, and lands her in danger, is a missing eleven-year-old boy, who may have been snatched by witchdoctors.

My Thoughts:
This book is very amusing and refreshing. I like the writing style of the author and I definitely recommend this. It also tells a lot about African culture and moral lessons which I found really interesting. I've read the second book too, which is just as good. Books in this series include :
1. The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
2. Tears of the Giraffe
3. Morality for Beautiful Girls
4. The Kalahari Typing School for Men
5. The Full Cupboard of Life
6. In the Company of Cheerful Ladies
7. Blue Shoes and Happiness
I think Alexander M.S. is still brewing up new stories to compliment the series..more updates when I have further news.