Shantaram

As ive just joined club I will purchasing this book tomorrow - update to follow once ive read it

Agree, one of the best books I've ever read. Unbelievable that it is based on a true story. Took you on an amazing adventure, with some memorable characters ever.

I absolutely LOVED this book! One of the best books I've ever read. If you like The Kite Runner, this is probably a good book for you.

Shantaram would be an extraordinary book as a novel, but is based on a true story, which makes it astonishing. It is part thriller, part romance, part travelogue, part autobiography, part philosophical treatise. Above all, it is a book about humanity. Add the fact that it is beautifully written, and you can see why so much praise has been heaped on the book. It's a long book, but I devoured every word and found it very difficult to put down. I have recommended it to everybody I know (as well as a complete stranger in W H Smith!).

I am nearing the end of my first read of AMAZING book ... (that a friend recommended, and i 'm so grateful that she did) i just can't wait to begin again !! All my friends will be getting a copy for Christmas as i dare let mine out of my sight as it is now complete with post it notes, highlighter marks and dog eared pages. This book will take you on a roller coaster journey of love, lonliness, violence , determination and endurance...and is full of thought provoking thoughts and quotes that have made me re assess my whole life !!!! It has to be the best book i have EVER read. My only regret is that i did not read it before going to India myself ( i would have hot footed it to Leopolds for a beer right away ).However, having been on the ferry in Panjim city, Calangute, Anjuna and various other parts of Goa ,i can see why Gregory had developed such a strong passion for this incredible country. Gregory is a legend writer, and i could smell India as i turned the pages of this deep and very intricate book. I will be sad to reach the end and have pre ordered " the mountain shadow" the sequel due out 2010. I only hope they do not make this book into a motion picture ...as i just can't see how, or if they would ever be able to do this book and the characters the justice it deserves?