The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

I can categorically proclaim that I have finally discovered a new all time favourite novel. The debut novel of Sue Monk Kidd is a gorgeous and totally enthralling tale. It is beautifully written, laced with adorable characters that are solidly embedded in a perfect plot. Told through the eyes of a 14 year old girl living in the time of the African-American Civil rights movement in the US south, this novel addresses issues that occur regardless of the unrest and prejudice of the time.This is what makes The Secret Life of Bees unpredictable in the typical sense. Give this book a try and if you don't at least like it a tiny little bit then you can throw the bloody thing fair at my head.

The Time Machine by H. G. Wells

This man sure knows how to tell a story! The father of science fiction weaves a story that is well and truly ahead of its time. Interweaving human evolution with science fiction and writing it in an almost perfect style, he has created an un-put-downable novel that is easily read in one sitting.Written in the late 1800's the concept of this novel is such that it makes the notion of where humankind is heading almost feasible. For the first time in a long time I have found a book that I cannot find fault with. I look forward to reading the many other H. G. Wells stories gathering dust on my bookshelves.