Friday's Five!

Last week, I took part in Friday's Five, a weekly list of five of my favourites, which has been started by the wonderful Steph at Steph's Stacks.

1. Emma by Jane Austen

Emma is one of my all time favourites. Emma Woodhouse is a smart and beautiful girl that comes from money. Her life has never been difficult as she is spoiled by her father and those around her. She takes joy in matchmaking, however for the first time in her life she realises people arent as simple as she imagined. Sometime what you need is in front of you, even if it could take you years to realise. Like in other Austen novels, there is a handsome and rich gentleman who can win a girls heart... Mr Knightley!

2. The Marriages Between Zones Three, Four and Five by Doris Lessing

I approached this book with strong hesitation as I dont typically read science fiction novels. That was a mistake on my part as this was a rather fascinating read. It is the second book in a five book series by Doris Lessing who has a Nobel Prize in Literature. The great thing about this book is you can read it without having to go through the entire series.
For those who are unfamiliar with the story, it isn't a simple one. It tells a story of marriages, love, struggles and differences between men and women. Each zone is different; from militaristic, matriarchal to barbaric. Doris Lessing really is an amazing writer, creating a superb feministic novel.

3. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Yes I am a twihard and proud of it. For a teen book, this took the world by storm. Bella and Edward are this generations Romeo and Juliet. I think what works is that most teenage girls see themselves in Bella and can relate to her. The bonus is that there is a handsome teen looking vampire ready to devote his life to her..

4. The Initiation and The Captive, Part 1 (The Secret Circle) by L.J.Smith

I read this book as it came in a set with another book I wanted. I was pleasantly surprised. It is a great read if you want to get away from vampires and go back to witches. If you watched The Secret Circle last night, the book isnt exactly the same. Some of the story has changed. In fact, the story between Cassie and Adam is more complex and goes beyond the time she moved to live with her grandma. Her mother is also alive in the book. So if you loved the new tv series, I recommend you give this book a go.

5. How Football Explains The World by Franklin Foer

When I say football, I mean soccer, as in the round ball you kick. I picked up this book in Singapore when I was heading for a non stop 19 hour flight to Newark. This book is a bit of fresh air from what I usually read. It is written by an American Journalist and football fan. It gives you an insight into how one of the worlds most popular sports shapes behaviour around the world. If you love football/soccer I highly recommend this book as you will learn new strange and interesting things about fans and the sport.

New book series on tv: The Secret Circle

Tonight in the US, along with the Vampire Diaries returning to tv, the new series The Secret Circle, also by L.J.Smith will see its debut.
For those who are unfamiliar with The Secret Circle, its like a teen version of Charmed meets The Craft. Witches galore! I have read the series and loved it. You will be able to find a review for the books on my blog before its debut on UK tv.

The Secret Circle is about a young girl named Cassie who moves back to the town of her ancestors after her mother's death and discovers she comes from a line of witches. Here she is inducted into a circle of young witches, one of which she is instantly attracted to. The story follows Cassie as she discovers the truth behind her family's history.

I am not entirely sure how close the series will be to the book, but I am sure it will be great to watch and put some faces to names. I know my favourite character shouldnt be evil, but I can't help that the actor they cast for the role of Charles Meade is one of my faves. If you are watching it in the US tonight, or online, do share your opinions on the series... I would love to hear what you think.
For those who are new to the series, take a peak at the show tonight and if you love it, I highly recommend reading the books.