My Sister's Keeper, By Jodi Picoult

What a wonderful find.

A story that once read, will never be forgotten. Very, very sad, a box of tissues is required for the conclusion. A plot that is not what I would consider predicable, and I think the twist, shock and horror is what upset me the most. It's kind of like dealing with fate, like a game of poker...

Jodi's writing is different. She doesn't use a whole lot of complicated language, I think it's really an easy read, it's the topics she covers that's gripping. What grabbed me the most is how modern it is, relevant to current issues and ideals. As society evolves so quickly it can become difficult to find work as ideally modern. Her work also appears to appeal to a younger audience. Maybe that is indicative of modern issues being dealt with. I highly recommend this for anyone over about the age of 15 years. I am organising for this to be in the school library. And I'm now working my way through her other books.

I had a friend who is not a huge reader, but usually a Danielle Steel type reader and rarely deviates from her chosen few authors. However, upon recommendation, she took this one up and LOVED it. I thought that was impressive.

Where did I find such a gem? Whitcoulls Top 100 reading list. Highly recommend it. I personally try to work my way through it!

The Persimmon Tree, By Bryce Courtenay

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It managed to totally engage me into the story, and I actually found myself laughing out loud (something I would not normally do!). Although it is a story in which you want to cry, of horrors that should remain unspeakable, I would have to truly say it is one of Bryce Courtenay's better books of late.

The story is set in World War II, Japanese invasion of the Pacific... people running for there lives, and different societies, learning to live with each other. A brief strong love, allowed people to survive a debilitating war, and a strive against the odds to find each other gave success. Cultural influences, mixes, hatred and love create a story when you can't stop turning the pages.

As I have a degree in History, which primarily focuses on World War II, I found many of the facts in the story realistic. I would happily recommend this story to anyone interested.