I finally finished reading English Passengers, a very good book that started a bit slow but was really engrossing by the end. Wonderful characters. The story, about a misguided expedition launched by a Victorian British clergyman trying to prove that the Garden of Eden is in Tasmania, has some very funny moments, as well as a melancholy plotline about the rapid decline of the indiginous people caused by the european settlers. By the end, it was very difficult to put the book down. Here's my recommendation: 4 1/2 out of 5.
posted by Tom Leslie at 4:19 AM | link

Long after it has stopped being a source of water cooler discussion, I've finally borrowed and devoured Bridget Jones' Diary. Yes, it's funny because it's true. Yes, it's light and fluffy. But was it better than Thirtynothing (see below)?... No, surprisingly, I didn't think so. Still good fun, but only worth 3 1/2 out of 5.
posted by Tom Leslie at 6:07 PM | link