Book Number Forty Seven - Freakonomics

Freakonomics - Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner

Simply the best non-fiction I have read all year. A fascinating insight into our world from a whole new set of eyes. Loved this and can't wait to read part 2.

Book Number Forty Six - Vital Signs

Vital Signs, tales from the intensive care - Ken Hillman

A look at the history of ICU and whether what we are currently doing is the right thing. An easy, interesting read but nothing spectacular.

Book Number Forty Five - Petite Anglaise

Petite Anglaise - Catherine Sanderson

I thought this would be a light hearted look at life in Paris but turned out to be the story of a woman in Paris through her most complicated time. I don't want to comment on the morals of the whole situation but the book was written concisely and rather to the point

Book Number Forty Four - Never Say Die

Never Say Die - Chris O'Brien

The memoir of a truly great surgeon Prof Chris O'Brien. Tragic, as all the epic tales are, but uplifting, humourous and very real.

Book Number Forty Three - A short history of tractors in ukranian

A short history of tractors in Ukranian - Marina Lewycka

Short listed for the 2005 Orange Prize. An easy and at the time an enjoyable read but easily forgotten thereafter.

Book Number Forty Two - Revenge of the Spellmans

Revenge of the Spellmans - Lisa Lutz

Chick flick at its sublime best.

Book Number Forty One - The Tiger's Wife

The Tiger's Wife - Tea Obreht

The Orange Prize Winner 2011. A great read, written beautifully with many unanswered questions. Brilliant.

Book Number Fourty - Sing You Home

Sing you home - Jodi Picoult

Another classic Jodi Picoult - tackling the current issues in a romanticised way. No shocking twist at the end, however.

Book Number Thirty Nine - Curse of the Spellmans

Curse of the Spellmans - Lisa Lutz

A brilliantly written sequel to the first book. These characters are well developed, easy to read and emotionally attachable. The story keeps moving along. Chick flick with some standards

Book Number Thirty Eight - Rumour Has It

Rumour Has It - Jill Mansell

A light and easy read about how one brave decision leads to a lifetime of fun and suprise

Book Number Thirty Seven - The Discomfort Zone

The Discomfort Zone - Jonathan Franzen

A collection of childhood essays that were a delight to read

Book Number Thirty Six - On Chesil Beach

Chesil Beach - Ian McEwan

A quick and easy read on the dangers of jumping into things without fully comprehending the consequences. Short listed for the 2007 Pulitzer prize.

Book Number Thirty Five - Whose Life is it Anyway?

Whose Life is it Anyway? - Sinead Moriarty

A light, easy to read Irish chick lit.

Book Number Thirty Four - Stories I only tell my friends

Stories I only tell my friends - Rob Lowe

An autobiographical account of this young hollywood star. I got the sense that he was trying to be polite and not offend too many people - very diplomatic even at the most controversial events. Very disappointing that we did not here more of the West Wing Story also.

Book Number Thirty Three - The Spellman Files

The Spellman Files - Lisa Lutz

A funny, fast paced mystery novel about the strangest and yet most endearing family in private investigation. I'm glad this is a series and can't wait to read the next one for some light relief

Book Number Thirty Two - The Family Way

The Family Way - Tony Parsons

This is a book written about females clearly from a male. The story flows easily and the plot moves along but there were so many times I felt angry when I felt the male author was telling us how modern women in society should behave.

Book Number Thirty One - This Won't Hurt A Bit

This Won't Hurt A Bit - Michelle Au

Having followed her blog for years I wasn't disappointed at all. She spoke with her true voice and everything she says is true to the job I do. I can't wait for her to write a sequel to keep reading about her adventures.

Book Number Thirty - Great House

Great House - Nicole Krauss

Another beautifully written book by Krauss. The characters she creates are so rich, diverse and haunted. A puzzling book - even at the end many questions are left unanswered and links are not created.

Book Number Twenty Nine - Little Bee

Little Bee - Chris Cleave

My last purchase from NYC to attempt to pass time time between the flight from NYC to LA. A cleverly written book where secrets are revealed to the reader in a timely manner and plot twists happen readily. The characters are rich in personality and detail. It will be interesting to see the film adaptation.

Book Number Twenty Eight - Mini Shopaholic

Mini Shopaholic - Sophie Kinsella

The last of the Shopaholic series, another light and easy read. Perfect for after night shift bed time in the morning reading

Book Number Twenty Seven - Lunch in Paris

Lunch in Paris - Elizabeth Bard

Oh to be in love in Paris and to be cooking and eating such delicious food. I was afraid that this might be a bit 'Eat-Pray-Love-ey' however it was much better written and Bard is a much more likeable character

Book Number Twenty Six - Mini Shopaholic

Another light easy read. You can't help but laugh when Becky Bloomwood is around.

Book Number Twenty Five - Shopaholic Ties the Knot

Shopaholic Ties the Knot - Sophie Kinsella

Perfect end of night shift/adjusting back to daylight hours easy and gratifying reading. This is no Pulitzer or Orange Prize winner but it provides likeable characters, an easily readable plot and a laugh or two.

Book Number Twenty Four - Olive Kitteridge

Olive Kitteridge - Elizabeth Strout

The 2009 Pulitzer winner is a collection of short stories connected by the central character of Olive Kitteridge. Although it was very well written the stories could have been in a different order at times as the book seemed to jump from one place to another almost too quickly. The writing, the development of the characters and the ability to evoke emotions are faultless.

Book Number Twenty Three - The Swimmer

The Swimmer - Roma Tearne

One of the best books I have read all year with a subject closer to my heart than I expected

Book Number Twenty Two - Touchy Subjects

Touchy Subjects - Emma Donoghue. A nice collection of short stories - most of them entertaining but certainly not to the standard of Jhumpha Lahiri

Book Number Twenty One - Pieces of my Heart

Pieces of my Heart - Sinead Moriarty

A nice light hearted read - but certainly no Marian Keyes

Book Number Twenty - The Friday Night Knitting Club

The Friday Night Knitting Club - Kate Jacobs

A nice and easy chick flick to read but surprising that the main character did not make it to the en!

Book Number Nineteen - Birth, A history

Birth (A history) - Tina Cassidy

An interesting read about obestetric history - although very biased against doctors.

Book Number Eighteen - Food Rules

Food Rules - Michael Pollan. An enlightening and even life-changing read!

Book Number Seventeen - The Mistress of Spices

The Mistress of Spices - Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. An engaging read in the genre of magical realism but certainly not the best. No idea it was a movie

Book Number Sixteen - Watermelon

An oldie but a goodie

Book Number Fifteen - ATiny Bit Marvellous

A cracker of a Dawn French book - a very easy read

Book Number Fourteen - History of Love

History of Love - Nicole Krauss

An enjoyable read but not as amazing as has been suggested on the internet

Book Number Thirteen - Interpreter of Maladies

Interpreter of Maladies - Jhumpa Lahiri

My new favourite author wrote another amazing book. It's too bad that I have now read all her books - can't wait for the next one

Book Number Twelve - The City and the Pillar

Gore Vidal's coming of the age novel is a great novel which must have been salacious back in the day!

Book Number Eleven - My Lover's Lover

Another Margaret O'Farrell novel. Kept me interested but still not as good as the hand that first held mine

Book Number Ten - Unaccustomed Earth - Jumpa Lahiri

Being very averse to short stories I absolutely fell in love with this book. I found stories that resonated with my own and felt I care about all of the characters even though they were only in my life for a few short pages. One of the best books of this year so far.

Another challenging day

1. Getting perspective on crying whilst operating

2. A lovely orthopaedic registrar from NZ

3. Dumplings in the afternoon and laughing at your mother accidentally eating them

Early week thankfullness

1. Howz u conversations and a three year anniversary to celebrate

2. New shampoo that makes your hair feel silky smooth

3. A surprising book that you didn't think you were in the mood for

4. Little children loving you

5. Hard work being appreciated

6. The will to not be intimidated by Dr Poo

7. Owl shaped cookies and an appreciative audience

8. The cutest cupcake wrappers

9. Snuggling up at night

10. A smart comment in the morning

Book Number Nine - The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie - Alan Bradley

A smart, quintessentially British mystery - amazingly cleverly written. Can't wait to read more of Flavia De Luce.

Week Two wrap up

1. A lovely, rational mentor to look up to

2. Saturday mornings reading the paper

3. Connecting with an old friend

4. Study and suture practice

5. Triplets being born

6. Lovely patients handing you chocolates for simply doing your job

7. Gratitude from a patient who didn't have things go all her way

8. Retiring to bed early

9. Shows about a family I want to be part of

10. Delicious poached chicken baguettes

Humpday happiness

1. Baby's first C-section and the motivation to learn afterwards

2. Becoming buddies with the co-workers

3. Night markets with my new favourite couple - who I hope I can couple date with once I find my fella

An Afternoon Off

1. Being recognised for the work you do

2. Good old American Television

3. Texting in your native language

What a difference sleep makes

1. Looking forward to starting a working week

2. Your hunky tutor remembering who you are

3. When gut instincts prove to be right

Weekends off are the best

1. Dinner parties outside

2. Coffee and entertaining conversation at Seven Seeds

3. Lazy Saturday afternoon catching up on stories

Thank goodness for Fridays

1. Teaching, learning and loving

2. Delicious food with a delightful friend and wine to boot (and your friend getting asked if she was a waiter!)

3. Seeing your super serious boss merry and drunken

Eye opening Thursdays

1. Babies, glorious babies

2. Getting back into the swing of things and finding a new favourite registrar

3. Gaining perspective on life - MJ is a young female who presented during pregnancy with a benign condition causing pain. One emergency C-section later with a very premature baby she has now been diagnosed with one of the rarest and cruelest forms of cancer and has less than five years to live. Life is too precious.

Mid week musings

1. Efficiency at work

2. Lovely welcome backs

3. Brilliant golden sunrises

New job jitters

1. Welcome hugs from lovely nursing staff

2. Dinner with a vanilla friend at Helenic Republic - absolutely delicious

3. Having the mother safe and sound at home

Last of the nights

1. Hugs from your favourite nursing staff

2. Affirmation of your ability from your boss

3. Library browsing on a cool Sunday afternoon

2/3

1. At wet puppy like image to greet you in the morning - cute

2. Bantering with your favourite co-worker all night

3. A deliciously lovely book to greet you at home

4. Beating the floods

5. Sleeping with soft rain beating against your windows

Last few days on the Royal ship

1. Awesomely enthusiastic nurses who are funny and cool

2. The screaming psych patient that unites you all

3. Sharing secrets with the good looking charmer

Tuesday-Wednesday Fivers

1. A gorgeously flirty man

2. Lovely patients who appreciate what you are doing for them

3. Sunsets that must surely be painted by someone

4. Expansion of the procainamide plan

5. Sharing your love of books with others

Book Number Eight - The Hand That First Held Mine

It took me about 100 pages to get into this book, but I couldn't stop once I got past that point. Read well into the night last night and kept being shocked at the profound realisation at the end of it. Lexie Sinclair has to be one of my favourite characters of the year thus far.

Monday-Tuesday combo

1. Brunch with little miss Sunshine

2. Dinner with a new found friend from overseas

3. Good time television

Gratifying and then not so

1. A beautiful spiritual service

2. Iced coffee

3. Realising your mistakes and making steps to correct them

Saturday loveliness

1. Delicious Chinese food with family

2. The favourite tennis player winning the Aus Open

3. Long naps in the morning

Book Number Seven - Twenties Girl

Twenties Girl - by Sophie Kinsella

A funny, light and quick read. Can't wait to read more from her.

End of the week gratitude

1. The end of nights - for now

2. Comfortable company with friends

3. Delicious Chinese food

Tuesdays without trouble

1. Lovely dreams

2. Getting your sleep cycle better

3. Becoming friends with a friend's sister

Mondays with millions of admissions

1. Having fun with unit nurses

2. Playing a well planned trick on a fellow colleague

3. Catching your crush sneaking a look at you

Book Number Six - Pinstripes

Pinstripes - by Faith Bleasdale

A fast, funny, easy and light read - perfect for night shift reading.

The third night

1. Getting along with nursing staff on the ward and recognising each other's competence

2. Lights on the freeway looking like Christmas lights on a string

3. Delicious food before night shift made with love

The second night

1. Hot air balloons disappearing into the clouds in the morning

2. Napping in the afternoon

3. Getting along with your notoriously mean registrar

Thursdays back on nights

1. Watching Oprah with mum

2. A luxury 20 min nap before your day at work finishes

3. Your registrar agreeing that the department is inappopriately idiotic

Wednesday Musings

1. Creating a midget scheme with your co-worker

2. Having an idea what to do with your clinic patients

3. Watching a great tennis match

Tuesdays back at work

1. Being able to finally understand what is going on - even if your seniors don't

2. A beautiful cup of coffee on the way to work

3. A bit of eye candy to perve on

Book Number Five - Water for Elephants

An absolutely brilliant book! Had me captured from page 1 right until the end, when I kept hoping against hope that the book wouldn't end despite being conscious of the pages shrinking away in my hands

Can't wait to see the movie.

Mondays are the best days to have off

1. A good book

2. Mulberry bags with their fresh leather smell

3. Watching your favourite tennis player kick some booty

Book Number 4 - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

And so comes the end of the Harry Potter series. I think I'm going to miss having these characters in my life.

Unexpected Surprises

1. Drinks at Seamstress becoming closer with a lovely friend

2. Lunch at Cumulus Inc

3. Lazy afternoons reading with a puppy on your lap

Book Number 3 - Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Another enthralling instalment but I can't believe they killed Dumbledore!

Second week wrap up

1. End of night shifts - woo hoo

2. Chinese food and sugar highs with two of my girls

3. Bits of flirting with the registrar

4. Getting to see my puppies again

5. Good coffee at my very own house

3/4 nights done!

1. Twinkling lights of a stadium on my way to work

2. Lovely, supportive registrars who come into work when you are worried

3. Crushing on at work - brilliant!

Ridiculously busy nights

1. Dusky, romantic sunsets on the way to work - greys and soft pinks - ooh

2. Gorgeously flirty registrars who make your morning after a HARD day at work

3. The kindness of strangers when you haven't been treated with the respect you deserve

Night shift highlights

1. A gloriously pinky-orange sunset on the way to work

2. A cute registrar who is impressed with your work

3. A flustering resident causing a chuckle in the morning

Book Number 2 - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

A good book overall, but it sure could have used some editing. On to the next one now, and on to the thrill of night shifts!

The first week of January

An all encompassing post for the last two days

1. Cover shifts with an attractive registrar who makes you squirm, who perhaps you make squirm

2. Love from two adorable puppies

3. Having my parents go on a movie date and enjoy it

4. Friends from overseas who you connect with despite oceans and years

5. Ben and Jerry's ice cream at Chadstone

6. Fun with nurses in charge at work

1. Quiet weeks in early January when quiet days off can be taken

2. Lazy afternoon naps

3. Watching test cricket and reading novels in the middle of the day - an absolute luxury

The Night Markets

Lots of little highlights

1. An old friend from Sydney who it seems like I never let go

2. Night markets with a new girl who is becoming a fast friend

3. Coincidental run-ins with the bubbliest, most energetic girls in the world

4. Registrars who have incredible amounts of knowledge

5. Sunny afternoons spent cuddling puppies and reading

Tuesday's at Miss Courage

Things I adore

1. Being able to be there for my parents

2. A registrar who thinks beyond her specialty

3. Sensible consultants who inspire you to strive for excellence

4. Dinner spent with two of my favourite people in the world

Things I abhor

1. My favourite real-life couple of all time breaking up. These were my Romeo and Juliet who came together despite having every single odd stacked up against them, who were brilliantly perfect together who are both now ridiculously sad at not being able to be with one another. I hope they get back together

2. 3x missed calls in a row from a stranger

Book 1 - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

First book of 2011 completed and it was a pretty good one. Full of imagination and fun - although a little dark at times. On to the next one now.

Today was a lovely day

1. Gloriously sunny days spent with the mother, spoiling her and enjoying her company

2. Cuddles with two gorgeous puppies

3. Planning an exciting trip in November

Movie number 1 - The King's Speech

Best movie of 2011 so far! No, really incredible acting, incredible script and very clever little ways of adding a little bit of humour into an otherwise serious subject.

Things I am grateful for;

1. A friend I can spend the whole day without getting bored. Cambridge girls for life

2. Being able to be honest about my interest in a New Year's boy and letting him down without either of us leading the other on

3. Being able to recognise the appalling behaviour of others and vowing not to stage a repeat act

New Years Resolutions

1. Save enough money for a house deposit
2. Budget my money
3. Be organised and don't panic regarding lost documentation
4. Keep the house tidy, help with household chores
5. Read at least 30 books and keep a record of them
6. Exercise regularly - at least 2 times/week
7. Be kinder to my family
8. Be more patient and understanding, less judgemental
9. Be better at contacting friends
10. Recognise and be grateful for the small things in life. Blog about them