Just finished this book and I enjoyed it. Another book that I probably wouldn't have chosen for myself but that's the beauty of the book-club. Also I found it a slow book, only just finished it this weekend but that was probably a lot down to lack of time as much as anything.

I found the number stuff hard-going but I am v much not a maths/numbers person so rather than working too hard to understand it, I just took it at face value and noted its significance to the story. I would also agree with the slightly abrupt ending. I remember thinking with about 50 pages to go - how are they going to tie all this up together because there's not that much book left to read? I would have liked to have read a more detailed ending to the book but I guess the main mysteries were solved.

Also, as Dysgu says above, it was quite thought provoking about marketing and children. Quite sinister in some ways ...

Finally, I seemed to get on better with the 80's theme in this book than P's - I guess it's all about the boy v girl perspective!

Did you manage to finish the book MrsMuddle?
What did you think?

Just marking my spot - didn't have time to finish this book, but I'll order it from the library and post a review when I've done so.

The book made me a bit cross in the end, because I think it could have been a very good book. Right up to the end I was reading it enthusiastically, waiting for that moment that brought all the themes together... I was to be disappointed!

I agree with Whinegums, the ending was extraordinarily abrupt (almost like she was asked to "put down your pens and stop writing now please"). And I agree with Dysgu about the pushing of "philosophies" - it was a bit angsty undergraduate, imo.

It was nice to read a book that was excited by numbers - but Lewis Carroll she ain't. It was as if she'd just read this really exciting book about prime numbers, and another book about anti-capitalism, and another one about Stanley Milgram's experiments and another about veganism and another about homeopathy (in fact it's only the last "philosophy" that I have any personal problem with!) and thought hey I can make a novel out of this without actually thinking very deeply about any of it myself! I agree that the characters were a bit flat too. It seems very odd that she herself lectures in creative writing... perhaps her later books justify that? That whole conversation with Chloe when she's explaining NoCo was laughable - who would have been convinced by that? It just sounded so silly to me.

Funny how the "being a teenager in the 80s" theme cropped up in both Poshwellies' and Dysgu's book. I thought P's taught me a lot about being a teenage boy (dp confirmed a lot of these experiences!) but was also was much more vivid.

One thing tho - that recipe looked nice and I meant to copy it. Must check her website to see if it's there!

Sorry it's taken me so long to get round to posting!

I enjoyed this book very much. I didn't feel like giving up at any point, although I think the book has quite a lot of flaws. The major one for me was the abrupt ending. What happened to Alice's father? And I also wanted to know what happened to both Ben and Dan, and Alice's friend Rachel.

I like the premise of NoCo, and also how the writer based some of the NoCo campaigns and information on real life marketing campaigns. I also liked the bits about Alice growing up and at school. I think the author could have missed out some things though, about homeopathy for example, and fleshed out some of the parts of the book that felt decidedly 'holey'.

All in all, a good read, and I liked the conundrums and puzzles and number stuff!

Hi Dysgu, it's me. I'm saving it to take on holiday next week - I almost bought it during my last perusal around Borders, so looking forward to it.

Just bumping my thread so it is easy to find for whoever currently has my book...

Yes, I agree. Alice was not a character that I particularly linked to. I do prefer books where you occasionally find yourself wondering what the character is doing once you have finished the book. This is not one of those books!

Quite a lot of the 'philosophies' are pushed pretty heavily. It would be interesting to see how they are perceived by anyone who is into such life choices. Not me - although the ideas about milk did make me think - briefly!

The aspect of this book that has stayed with me though is the idea of marketing. I teach some secondary English which includes media studies and the marketing at teenagers was what gripped me. Having two girls - both pre-school right now - it made me think about how products are so targeted at children. Not necessarily true to life but worth thinking about when we get to the 'I want...' stage.

Well done for persevering with the numbers - I love numbers and found myself checking some of the things in the book to see if they were true....

Next book coming your way is very different type of read... still looking for the next chocolate.

I've finished your book Dysgu.

I see what you mean about giving up on it,I must admit to lagging on about page 70 and wondering if I could get to grips with it,but carried on as I was intrigued as to how the story would pan out.

I didn't find the plot confusing,it just seemed all over the place(at first) and quite weak and I found the cryptography was difficult for me get to grips with (I am crapola with numbers though).

How did you find the characters Dysgu?

Alice was written with a devoid personality I felt,very matter of fact and no depth really.Veganism and Homeopathy was pushed pretty hard in the novel too.

I did enjoy the softer sides to the book like the close relationship Alice shared with her Grandparents and her reminscing her school days (author must have been at school late 80's or early 90's as it sounds as vile as when I was at secondary).

Some parts did remind me of my book choice actually but I won't discuss that .

Dysgu,the book arrived this morning (and the fab chocolate-many thanks!) Am planning on starting it later but I must say it looks a interesting read,something I wouldn't usually pick up.I haven't heard of the author before (She shares same name as my daughter ).

Will update more soon.

(oh and thanks for the note,hmmmm )