Booking Through Thursday: Plot Twists

Thursday's topic of discussion is,

"I love books with complicated plots and unexpected endings. What is your favourite book with a fantastic twist at the end?"

It's a funny coincidence that this question comes after my review yesterday of Dragon House. The lack of a complicated plot did not always hold my interest.

Maybe that's why I enjoy mysteries. Anyone else feel the same way?

My vote for the best book with twists and turns is by Jeffrey Cohen. The title is Some Like It Hot Buttered. The protagonist owns a movie theater which is perfect for a film buff like me.

When I thought the mystery had been solved there was still more to come. I loved it. It's been several years since I read this book but I remember it fondly. Perhaps I should dust off my copy and do a book review.

Any other Jeffrey Cohen fans?

Booking Through Thursday: To Flap Or Not

Thursday's topic of discussion is:

Do you read the inside flaps that describe a book before or while reading it?

The book jacket is going to make or break the sale with me. It's an important marketing tool. What I don't like is when the flap misrepresents the book. 

There are words on the flap that make me drool. Here are some of my recent buzz words that led to purchases or library holds: "Vermont," "English Countryside," "Bookshop," "Nile," "Muscular," okay, some weakness here, "Village" and "Bakery."

So, yes, I'm a flapper. If you are too, what buzz words whet your appetite?

Booking Through Thursday

Thursday's topic of discuss is:

What books did you get for Christmas (or whichever holiday you may have celebrated last month)? Do you usually ask for books on gift-giving occasions or do you prefer to buy them yourself?

I normally buy my own books but keep an active wishlist on Amazon and Paperback Swap for friends to use. (Memo to check after writing this post to make sure it's up to date). Reading interests are so personal I don't think I would ever buy a book for someone unless I knew it was truly wanted.

This year I received one book under my tree from a friend and fellow "book addict" in Pennsylvania. We "met" several years ago in the tea swap game on Paperback Swap. Each month members exchange tea and fellowship.

Charlie and I have a tradition to choose a book off of each others list for Christmas. This year he sent me, The Fortune Cookie Chronicles: Adventures in the World of Chinese Food, by Jennifer 8 Lee. If you follow the link it will take you to the book's blog site.

The author writes to, "understand Chinese food and the people who make it." My partner Jeff is a chef and I know he'll enjoy reading this book too.

What book was under your tree or menorah? I look forward to hearing from you.