The Secrets of Jin-Shei - Alma Alexander

Set in a world based on Ancient China, the Jin-Shei are a secret sisterhood, ten girls from diverse backgrounds who are slowly woven into each others' lives, and come to rely on one another as they grow and take their places in the world. They are drawn into intrigue on a grand scale when one of their number becomes Dragon Empress and their bond is stretched to breaking point.
This is an intriguing, beautifully researched and well written novel. Part fantasy, part reinterpreted history, it is the story of the ties that bind us and the potential for misuse. The characters are well drawn and rounded, the story spans several years as the sisterhood grow and attempt to shape the world around them. It's interesting to see a book like this set in a world where men are sidelined and it's women who hold all the real power and the key to saving the kingdom.
It's a little like a female version of the Tales of the Otori series, set in a world like our own but not. I'd recommend it to readers who like a little fantasy or those who like stories of love in its various guises and anyone who likes a good plot.

The Almost Moon - Alice Sebold

This is Sebold's third book, and second novel (The Lovely Bones was her first, and she also wrote a memoir, Lucky). It's an odd little tale, the story of Helen who does the unthinkable to the mother she has struggled her whole life to love, and the unfolding crisis in her life.
I really like The Lovely Bones, but I didn't enjoy this. It's very slowly paced and the character of Helen is oddly unsympathetic. I found it impossible to feel for her or understand her actions. It was a bit disappointing, and not something I'd highly recommend.

Stand in the trench, Achilles

I read this article about The Iliad and its relevance to modern warfare. It's really interesting, and in a follow-up article the writer talks about a poem called Achilles in the Trenches by Patrick Shaw-Stewart, it's a WW1 poem and it's rather interesting as well as beautiful and moving.

I saw a man this morning
Who did not wish to die;
I ask, and cannot answer,
if otherwise wish I.

Fair broke the day this morning
Upon the Dardanelles:
The breeze blew soft, the morn's cheeks
Were cold as cold sea-shells.

But other shells are waiting
Across the Aegean Sea;
Shrapnel and high explosives,
Shells and hells for me.

Oh Hell of ships and cities,
Hell of men like me,
Fatal second Helen,
Why must I follow thee?

Achilles came to Troyland
And I to Chersonese;
He turned from wrath to battle,
And I from three days' peace.

Was it so hard, Achilles,
So very hard to die?
Thou knowest, and I know not;
So much the happier am I.

I will go back this morning
From Imbros o'er the sea.
Stand in the trench, Achilles,
Flame-capped, and shout for me.

The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini

I have no idea why it took me this long to read this book. I had read the reviews when it was first published, people had recommended it to me countless times, and still I didn't get round to it. Well I have now, and I should have done a long time ago. It's a story of love, loyalty, betrayal and guilt. Set partly in Afghanistan before it was the damaged place we see in the papers now, it tells the story of two boys, Amir and Hassan, best friends and the betrayal that splits them apart. It then tells the story of Amir's attempts to right his wrongs as an adult. A kite runner is usually a young boy, who during a kite battle, runs through the narrow streets searching for the kite that's just had its string severed. The ultimate kite to run for is the last one to lose, and one of the boys (Hassan) is the best, knowing instinctively where the kite will fall. There's an almost poetic quality to the writing, and the story can be terribly sad at times, but ultimately redemptive. If you haven't already, I suggest you read this, I wish I had done sooner.

Terry Pratchett

Sir Terry Pratchett is a wonderful writer, entertaining person and fascinating thinker. He gave a recent lecture (broadcast on the BBC) entitled Shaking Hands with Death (readers of his Discworld books will see the funny side of this). It was an interesting addition to the debate on assisted suicide. Pratchett was diagnosed with a form of early onset Alzheimer's, which is slowly diminishing his mental prowess and changing his ability to continue doing what he does best, writing witty, insightful and at times completely bonkers books. (I recommend everyone reads Nation, it's wonderful stuff). There's an extract of his talk here. But I recommend you take an hour to watch him make his case.
 Not only am I a huge fan of his books, I once had the honour of meeting him when The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents was nominated for the Carnegie award (which it won). In person he is funny, intelligent, wry and friendly. And yes, he always wears that hat.
His website is here.