Originally published at Jingwen. Please leave any comments there.

Non-Fiction

1. William Irwin (editor) – House and Philosophy: Everybody Lies: Discussion of philosophy in pop culture terms is easily digested.
2. Amanda Foreman – The Duchess: Excruciating detail of Whig politics makes actual biography near-indigestible.
3. Kate Williams – Becoming Queen: Study of circumstances leading to Queen Victoria’s ascension very readable.

Fiction

1. Susannah Dunn – The Sixth Wife: Most colourless and forgotten of the six wives given life.
2. Nicola Kraus & Emma McLaughlin – Dedication: Definitely not as strong as previous offering, The Nanny Diaries.
3. Grace Metalious – Peyton Place: A true American modern classic, the first real blockbuster novel.
4. Elizabeth Newark – Jane Eyre’s Daughter: A forgettable, mere cursory attempt at a sequel to Bronte.
5. Barbara Novak – Down With Love: Unsuccessful novelisation of film that relies heavily on visual humour.
6. Katherine Pinotti – The Winds of Tara (The Saga Lives On): Extension of Mitchell’s Southern world draws upon canon details perfectly.
7. Jean Plaidy – The Revolt of the Eagles; The Heart of the Lion; The Prince of Darkness: Plantagenets clearly one of the most unfilial families in history.
8. Alexandra Potter – Me and Mr. Darcy: Encountering a chauvinistic Regency Mr. Darcy in the modern day.

Movies

1. X-men Origins: Wolverine (2009): Lucky I went for a sexy Jackman, not a plot.