bibliodragon | BOOK REVIEWS

44 Scotland Street by Alexander McCall Smith

First published as a newspaper serial, with it's short chapters and bouncing from scene to scene I found it a bit difficult to read lots in one go. But the characters are enjoyable, and I can recognize the middle class Edinburgh the book pokes gentle fun at. By the end I was invested enough to want to read the next one.

The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

Reading these out of order, I was surprised at the touches of darkness that were in this book, giving it a bit of edge to the nice and cozy atmosphere, and reading about Mma Ramotswe's previous trials with her ex-husband made me like her all the more.

Valis by Philip K. Dick

It was probably not the best idea for this book to be my introduction to Philip K. Dick, being as it is the author working through his mental breakdown. But despite only finding out about what happened in "real life" after finishing this book, I still enjoyed reading it. Dealing with themes of reality, insanity and God within the small scope of one man's madness, and with touches of dark humour, I found this a facanating read.