Reading.... which books do I like? UKS blog prompt

Thought I would do today's blog prompt from UKS:

What are a few of your all-time favourite books? What periods of your life were you at when you read them and is that relevant? What kinds of books are you most likely to pick up and read today? Do you read more or less than you used to?

Favourite books....

Well this summer I read Jodi Picoult's 'My Sister's Keeper'
I read it a few days before Nigel died and I thought it was an excellent book with lots of thought provoking moments. As I read it I was happy, on holiday in a beautiful place surrounded by my family. The book showed how even being surrounded by family can mean sadness, and I was to experience sadness to the same degree and greater within days of finishing the book. I have other books by Jodi Picoult to read and I will get round to them soon.

I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the Harry Potter books, and am looking forward to reading book 7 sometime in the future... when JKR finishes it!

I have also enjoyed reading a lot of fiction aimed at young adults. Last year I taught several very able readers, and I wanted to know what they were reading. As a result I have read, and enjoyed, the Alex Rider books by Horowitz, Charlie Higson's Young Bond books, Molly Moon and her hypnotic skills which take her all over the world, and the 'His Dark Materials' trilogy by Philip Pullman.

Adult fiction wise, I love Wilbur Smith's books. I have lost count of the number of his novels which I have read. My favourite has to be River God, and then the follow ups of the Seventh Scroll and Warlock. I just love his writing.

In general terms I don't 'do' chick lit. I am bored when attempting to read it, so don't usually bother! I will look at best sellers, and got started with Dan Brown's books that way (favourite of the four has to be Angels and Demons). I also take note of what other people on various forums are reading and recommend.

I love to read, but since Nigel died I have struggled to concentrate long enough to get through a book. The desire is there but I can't focus long enough to finish. I am sure I will get over that hurdle soon. Until then, scrapbooking fills that gap nicely!