The Wild Places by Robert Macfarlane

 Robert MacFarlane's The Wild Places (2008) is the second in series of books. Here he travels to the remote areas of the British Isles on a quest to find wildness linking his walks with geology, history, literature, art and many aspects of the natural world.
Good points:
A map the remaining wild places of the British Isles
Beautiful descriptions of the places and journeys
Emotive description of the death of his friend, Rodger Deakin

Bad points:
I loved it but any negative points are similar to "the old ways".
There is no negative criticisms - often MacFarlane makes a point but doesn't give his personal opinion on things.

Stoner: A Novel by John Williams

Stoner was first published in 1965 but has recently gone a revival. It is currently residing in the times best seller list!

The book is about a college professor - Stoner.  Good things do happen in Stoner's life, but they all end badly.  It is depressing but in a way life can be.

Good Things
(1) I love how it reflects how life is ... good things happen, bad things happen, we die and for the most get forgotten!
(2) The description of him falling in love was beautiful.
(3) It is sad - not bleak just sad!

Bad Things:
Nothing - I loved it!  And was quite sad when it died. 

The Old Ways: A Journey on Foot by Robert Macfarlane

I loved this book - it almost made me want to get out my walking boots and set off - but only after I have finished the book.  It is beautifully written; linking his diary with poetry, history, biographies of poets and artists and geology.
Good points:
(1) Stunning language describing the scene he walks past and I could imagine myself walking with him
(2) Every page had something to capture you - an anecdote, image, or encounter
(3) I have learnt some history! 

Negative points
(1) He frequently uses scientific terminology which meant I needed to google some words which for me broke the spell he had woven
(2) I am a wuss and I don't wish to camp under the stars as he seems to do
(3) I would have liked some maps to go with each walk

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

                                               

                                                 

This is the journey of a boy coming to terms with the death of his mother which exerts an influence that perverts his moral compass. It is mainly set in America. In spite of bad reviews, I sadly reached the end as I had really enjoyed reading it.
  Good points

   (1) It is easy to read

   (2) I loved the characters - all flawed! Some great  meticulous descriptions of them.

   (3)I liked the parallel with Dickens, especially Great Expectations

     Negative points
      (1)  By the end the plot starts to creak and I felt there were some big leaps made that I couldn't quite grasp
      (2) It is a long book - that said I read it in 3 days but you need good arm muscles - if you are not a fan of long drawn out descriptions of characters who keep reappearing it might not be for you!