Memoirs of a geisha - arthur golden. Wow. This is an amazing book. Presented as the account of an actual geisha who lived in New York it is in fact completely fictional, but based on a lot of research into how geishas actually lived. The story centers around a young girl who is taken away from her family at an early age, to grow up as a geisha in gion. The okiya she grows up in has its share of hardships, centered around an antagonistic older geisha, but eventually the main character prevails. Central to the story is a thread of unrequited love, the trigger for why our heroine settles down to the life of a geisha. It's a complete page turner, and the saddest part of the book is when its finished.

What just happened - james gleick. This is a collection of essays written by the author of the books chaos and genius (both big favourites of mine). What's interesting about this book is that the essays are written in the past with a view to how new internet developments will affect us. Sometimes the views expressed are still valid, but other times things have changed significantly which just reminds us how quickly things have progressed. Overall an interesting read, especially if you're involved in the Internet field.

The last continent - terry pratchett. Bit of a mind relaxing re-read this one, as I have to admit to owning all the Terry Pratchett discworld novels. The basic pastiche this time is set around Australia, or the Discworld equivalent, with Rincewind wandering around causing some mischief but generally escaping with his hat intact. Some amusing observations on Aussie habits and fauna, but overall the story doesn't really flow - more a collection of events tied together around putting familiar characters in new situations. Definately not one of his best - for that I'd recommend Pyramids, which is still my favourite, or anything else in the first ten or so of the series!

Jitterbug perfume - tom robbins. Another surrealist philosophical romp from the writer of 'even cowgirls get the blues'. The theme of this one crosses from perfume to immortality, through spirituality and beetroots, all blended together with the usual spice from mr robbins. A great read, and doesn't go meandering off as much as cowgirls does towards the end.