Weird and wacky books on the shelf...

Sometimes we need to splash out and try something new. Sometimes there are odd things in life that turn out to both very interesting and informative. With an recent influx of new books, both from book hunts and from regulars bringing them in I thought I might highlight a few that caught my eye. Some are just plain weird, some are strangely inspiring and some are simply interesting. Wild by Cheryl Strayed I'm starting with one that many people will have heard of even if they haven't read it. Wild sucked me in from the very beginning. Every second paragraph I felt like yelling at her for being so naive, unprepared and generally not very bright. But then the other paragraphs I'd be cheering her on, wanting desperately for her to succeed at this insane task she set herself. Intensely surprising, inspiring and lyrically written, I'm looking forward to watching the movie as soon as I can get my hands on it. The Case of the Vanishing Corpse by Kel Richards Now this is a weird book. I mean really odd but slightly addictive in its writing style even though you already know the ending. What would have happened if Jesus had been killed on the cross in the 20th century? Why, when his body disappeared, you'd call the local PI and get him to investigate. Weaving the story from the bible in amongst well known crime tropes this is perfect for Christians with a sense of humour. One Summer, America 1927 by Bill Bryson I gave this book to my Dad for Christmas a couple of years ago and as he unwrapped it he turned to me and said 'Why on earth do I care about one summer in America in 1927?' My response was, 'Shut up and read it, then talk to me.' Unsurprisingly he came back a week later and waxed lyrical about how interesting it was and did I know this? And did I know that? With Bill Bryson's delightful turn of phrase, you'll see how One Summer in America in 1927 actually changed the world. Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld I've always been a fan of Scott Westerfeld and so when this book came out I bought it as a matter of course. However this book completely blew me away. Both in its format, style and subject matter. On the one hand it's a book about a young country girl, Darcy, coming to grips with her sexuality in a highly charged environment of New York and on the other it's a paranormal teenage romance, with Lizzie in the centre of ghosts and terrorist attacks. What you realise very quickly though is that Darcy is writing Lizzie's story and both their stories affect each other in ways that surprise and delight you throughout. Pigeon Poo, the Universe & Car Paint by Dr Karl Kruszeinicki For those people who love interesting facts and strange stories this book is perfect. Dr Karl is very famous in certain circles and reading the opening of this book you can see why. His writing style is not only hilarious but informative and I can already tell you more things about pigeons than I ever thought I'd know or remember. A fabulous book to just open randomly and read a paragraph, this will make you feel smart in 30 seconds flat. Readers Digest Select Edition - with Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly, Moscow Rules by Daniel Silva, Remember Me by Sophie Kinsella and Crossing Place by Elly Griffiths Sometimes it's really hard to decide on a new a book or you're a bit shy about trying a new author. The Readers Digest Select Editions are perfect for the days you're indecisive or just having a bad day. Because these books are all easy reading, fun and stories to dive into for a while. I know a lot of people poo-poo Readers Digest, but everything has its place in the world. Don't knock it until you try it.