Open To Persuasion

Strange things to be asked...

2010-10-25T00:52:00.001+01:00

After ten years as a bookseller, having worked in the same location for three different owners, I can still be surprised by the things people think we might sell.

Down at the bottom of the list are the least surprising things. We are asked almost every other day if we sell newspapers & magazines. We don't but some of our really big branches do, so it's not too much of an eyebrow raise there. It's the specific titles asked for, like The Racing Post? The New York Times? The Sunday Post?

Also bottom of the list are things like stamps, writing paper, pens (we sell them now). We used to sell picture postcards but not for some years, and we've always sold birthday and greetings cards. At different times we have also sold pencil cases, ceramic mugs, and other such paraphernalia that ties in with a character or film who's books we're promoting. So, it's not too much of a stretch to think we might have some of these.

Less likely though, are luggage tags and labels, wall planners, fountain pen ink and ink cartridges, ball-pen refills, compass and protractors, and printer cartridges. People confuse us with that High St stationer who also sells books. I know this because customers also try to use vouchers and get points on cards from this chain, although the cards seem to have disappeared some time ago.

Do we sell phone cards? Well, no we don't. Why not? Umm, we're a book shop? Maybe it's just me, but with the plethora of 'phone shops up and down the street, I'm perplexed as to why people come in and ask us this. It's not just an after-thought question when they're paying for books at the Till.

And before you ask, it's not just the foreign tourists.

Though we do sell book-lights, we do not sell torches. Yes we have birthday cards but not balloons, streamers, badges or other such celebratory accoutrements.

We definitely do not sell films for your camera, batteries for anything, cellotape, staplers or staples, photocopying or printing services. We have no drinks machines, never mind an Internet Cafe.

And my favourites... So far....

We don't sell hairbrushes, shoe-laces, or toiletries of any sort.

You see, it's because...

WE'RE A BOOKSHOP!

:)

Something In The Air

2010-10-16T00:42:00.001+01:00

It's been a weird week. People have been quite unpleasant on the whole. Thats not to say there haven't been lovely customers, because of course there have, but generally speaking, customers have varied through the spectrum of unpleasantness between off-hand and downright rude and insulting.

My pick of the week was the smiling assassin. A lady who told a colleague that book he recommended was like reading Janet & John. It was written for idiots. She repeated each of these comments at least twice more as he tried to engage her in a meaningful conversation and after he told her it was one of his favourite books. She smiled the whole way through.

Two thoughts struck me as I stood by, surprisingly dumbstruck:
First, she doesn't know what she's saying & how rude she's being
Second, she's not actually listening to what he's saying.

Afterwards, considering her demeanour throughput the exchange, my third thought & final conclusion was that she thought she was being terribly clever & smart, and she didn't care how rude & insulting she was being.

Let me make it clear - the book in question is neither 'Janet & John' nor is it written for idiots. It's a weighty tome of historical fiction. (Names & titles are purposely excluded.)

However...

My absolute favourite customer this week was a four year live wire of a boy who, when I asked was he wanted to be when he grew up, pondered the question, looked me in the eye with all seriousness and said:

"Tall."

Love it!

Back Again

2010-10-15T00:55:00.001+01:00

Dear Blog,
I know I've been criminally neglectful. I've been busy though. Three Thursdays a month I have a book related evening; Folios(our reading group), Bookswap, & Bookspies (kids book group). Then there are all the author visits & events I get to do.
Not forgetting my Primary Directive, sell books.
I'm also working on reviews & articles & of course, trying to write a book.
Not all of these things get their full quota of time.
So, I shall try to be more diligent in future, but really, I can't make any promises.

2010-04-21T15:58:00.000+01:00

Joanne Harris's Top 10 Kids' Books with Kickass Heroines

Joanne Harris is the famed author of Chocolat , but she also wrote the fantastic children's novel Runemarks.

Back in 2007 she wrote the top ten list (given below) for the Guardian's book pages. The ten books are still great stories and I add my humble nod of approval.

1. The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman

2. The Black Tattoo by Sam Enthoven

3. Marianne Dreams by Catherine Storr

4. The Angel Experiment by James Patterson

5. The Diamond Of Drury Lane by Julia Golding

6. Coraline by Neil Gaiman

7. Fearless by Tim Lott

8. The Wish List by Eoin Colfer

9. The Dare Game by Jacqueline Wilson

10. Spilled Water by Sally Grindley

Read more about Joanne's chosen books.

Review: Savannah Grey by Cliff McNish

2010-03-31T15:41:00.002+01:00

Author Cliff McNish is my Featured Author for April.

With its fabulous autumnal fantasy cover, what did I expect when Savannah Grey landed in my hands?

Well, to be honest, something of the standard fantasy fare of teen girl uses ‘powers’ to battle evil monster, with boy thrown in for that touch of romance teens girls seemingly always need, and no doubt including a rival, though being a McNish novel, there may be a plot twist or two.

What did I get?

A highly original, very different, urban horror fantasy.

Savannah is fifteen and an orphan. She is settled with her foster parents and has her best friend Nina life is fine except for a nagging sore throat and the feeling that things are changing. Persuaded to go to a party by Nina, she meets Reece, a boy with a scar on his neck, and there is an instant attraction. When she reacts badly at a hospital appointment, and a look at her throat shows something very wrong, Savannah is scared and worried. Whatever it is its not natural, she producing strange noises and energy and yet she is very protective of whatever it is. As other strange things happen, like birds and the winds behaving oddly, Savannah turns to Reece and we discover that he has the same affliction but the injury that left him scarred appears to have damaged whatever it is in his throat.

In the midst of this we meet the Ocrassa. Arriving on earth millions of years ago, the Ocrassa has survived using its unique abilities to adapt and assimilate; evolving over many millennia. The Ocrassa’s savage desire is to take and assimilate everything around it and use Savannah to achieve its aim; the teenager’s realisation that nature has chosen them for a purpose; and Savannah’s realisation that her throat is a weapon that she must control and master without knowing why. At the pint where you believe the story is heading towards the inevitable show-down between the two, McNish gives a monstrous twist to the tale.

In the best traditions of the horror genre, McNish takes the much used theme of good versus evil but he asked himself the question:

“To kill a monster, do you have to become one?”

There’s no make-up or clothes or drop dead gorgeous boys and bitchy girls to stress and angst over. Fascinating and intense, Savannah Grey mixes horror with elements of fantasy and science fiction to create a novel that is as darkly appealing as it is intelligent and sharply written. Brilliant!

Anonymous Chelsea Pensioner on War

2010-03-30T02:46:00.002+01:00

I was privileged to talk with several Chelsea Pensioners at different times over three years. All were really interesting, their military service covering different periods including WW2, Korea, Palestine, and others, but the last time was the most memorable.

The old soldier had been a regular who had seen service in several campaigns as well as serving throughout the whole of World War 2. As I sat in the Mess chatting to him, several friends all male who were senior NCOs, asked to join us. After a few drinks everyone was relaxed and the stories started to flow. I let the guys ask the questions, happily sitting back and quietly taking my notes.

There were things he just wouldn't discuss, and very deftly changed the subject. Clearly an old hand at avoiding what was too painful, too horrific, or too private.

One of the Seniors was waiting to be sent to the Gulf, and was quite keyed up about it. I don't need my notes to remember what our guest said before he finished his drink and left us for a nap.

'Don't be so eager to go and fight. There is nothing glorious waiting for you. Its bloody. scary and filthy. Anyone who says he's not scared is a liar or an idiot. War's all blood and piss. When the bullets start flying and men die, you'll see, all blood and piss.'

Col Tim Collins

2010-03-30T02:15:00.000+01:00

Sarah Oliver of the Mail on Sunday:

"He delivered the speech completely off the cuff...He said to me, 'I'll have to say a few words to the men to explain to them why they should take their anthrax drugs and malaria pills, or they just won't bother'. It just grew and grew into something magnificent - it made you realise the true meaning of the term 'rallying cry' ...It was just after a standstorm and all the men were standing around him in a U-shape in the middle of a very dusty courtyard. A lot of the Irish Rangers are very young and he wanted to explain something of the history and culture of Iraq to them. They knew that the public at home had doubts about the rightness of the war, and he wanted to reassure them and tell them why they were there. He delivered the speech without a note and went on at length. By the end, everyone felt they were ready for whatever lay ahead."

We go to liberate, not to conquer.We will not fly our flags in their country. We are entering Iraq to free a people and the only flag which will be flown in that ancient land is their own. Show respect for them.

There are some who are alive at this moment who will not be alive shortly. Those who do not wish to go on that journey, we will not send. As for the others, I expect you to rock their world. Wipe them out if that is what they choose. But if you are ferocious in battle remember to be magnanimous in victory. Iraq is steeped in history. It is the site of the Garden of Eden, of the Great Flood and the birthplace of Abraham. Tread lightly there.

You will see things that no man could pay to see and you will have to go a long way to find a more decent, generous and upright people than the Iraqis. You will be embarrassed by their hospitality even though they have nothing. Don't treat them as refugees for they are in their own country. Their children will be poor, in years to come they will know that the light of liberation in their lives was brought by you.

If there are casualties of war then remember that when they woke up and got dressed in the morning they did not plan to die this day. Allow them dignity in death. Bury them properly and mark their graves. It is my foremost intention to bring every single one of you out alive. But there may be people among us who will not see the end of this campaign. We will put them in their sleeping bags and send them back. There will be no time for sorrow.

The enemy should be in no doubt that we are his nemesis and that we are bringing about his rightful destruction. There are many regional commanders who have stains on their souls and they are stoking the fires of hell for Saddam. He and his forces will be destroyed by this coalition for what they have done. As they die they will know their deeds have brought them to this place. Show them no pity.

It is a big step to take another human life. It is not to be done lightly. I know of men who have taken life needlessly in other conflicts. I can assure you they live with the mark of Cain upon them. If someone surrenders to you then remember they have that right in international law and ensure that one day they go home to their family. The ones who wish to fight, well, we aim to please.

If you harm the regiment or its history by over-enthusiasm in killing or in cowardice, know it is your family who will suffer. You will be shunned unless your conduct is of the highest -- for your deeds will follow you down through history. We will bring shame on neither our uniform or our nation.
(On Saddam's chemical and biological weapons.)
It is not a question of if, it's a question of when. We know he has already devolved the decision to lower commanders, and that means he has already taken the decision himself. If we survive the first strike we will survive the attack. As for ourselves, let's bring everyone home and leave Iraq a better place for us having been there.
Our business now is north.

Shakespeare: Henry V

2010-03-30T01:48:00.001+01:00

If we are mark'd to die, we are enow

To do our country loss; and if to live,

The fewer men, the greater share of honour.

God's will! I pray thee, wish not one man more.

By Jove, I am not covetous for gold,

Nor care I who doth feed upon my cost;

It yearns me not if men my garments wear;

Such outward things dwell not in my desires:

But if it be a sin to covet honour,

I am the most offending soul alive.

No, faith, my coz, wish not a man from England:

God's peace! I would not lose so great an honour

As one man more, methinks, would share from me

For the best hope I have. O, do not wish one more!

Rather proclaim it, Westmoreland, through my host,

That he which hath no stomach to this fight,

Let him depart; his passport shall be made

And crowns for convoy put into his purse:

We would not die in that man's company

That fears his fellowship to die with us.

This day is called the feast of Crispian:

He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,

Will stand a tip-toe when the day is named,

And rouse him at the name of Crispian.

He that shall live this day, and see old age,

Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,

And say 'To-morrow is Saint Crispian:'

Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars.

And say 'These wounds I had on Crispin's day.'

Old men forget: yet all shall be forgot,

But he'll remember with advantages

What feats he did that day: then shall our names.

Familiar in his mouth as household words

Harry the king, Bedford and Exeter,

Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester,

Be in their flowing cups freshly remember'd.

This story shall the good man teach his son;

And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,

From this day to the ending of the world,

But we in it shall be remember'd;

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;

For he to-day that sheds his blood with me

Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,

This day shall gentle his condition:

And gentlemen in England now a-bed

Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,

And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks

That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.

We few.....we band of brothers

2010-03-30T01:35:00.000+01:00

I've just watched episodes one and two of Band of Brothers, back to back. I happened upon the start of episode one while searching for something else, I cannot remember what now.

When the fighting started, I was struck by the lack of that 'hoo-rah' extreme aggressive attitude that seems prevalent in modern American films about war, where, in order to 'win the day', the men (boys) are wound up into a state of screaming, violent agitation. Band of Brothers trying to keep a cool head under fire style of fighting was a startling contrast to the arrogant, macho-aggressive-gung-ho attitude depicted as modern warfare.

So many things jumped into my mind. Shakespeare's Henry V speech, where the series title comes from. Col. Tim Collins' 2003 eve-of-battle speeech to his men. The words of a Chelsea pensioner talking about war, forgetting I was there; the only woman and civilian at a table of half a dozen serving male soldiers.

None of them are about arrogance, superiority, or the glory of war. They are all about the ferocity of battle, the magnaminity of victory, the brotherhood of soldiering. As the body bags return from Iraq and Afghanistan, I feel these words are worth reading. So I'll post each of them.

David Almond Wins!

2010-03-25T00:14:00.016Z

Twice winner of the Whitbread Children’s Book Award, author David Almond has been announced as the winner of the Hans Christian Andersen Award.

Describing Almond as “a creator of magical realism for children", the jury of children's literature experts praised his "unique voice" and said "his use of language is sophisticated and reaches across the ages." In a statement, the ten international members said that Almond "captures his young readers' imagination and motivates them to read, think and be critical".
When told, the author responded with astonishment at his win. "Good god, that's absolutely brilliant…It's amazing. I didn't think I'd win but you never know”

The prize for illustrators was awarded to Jutta Bauer from Germany. The jury highlighted her "philosophical approach, originality, creativity as well as her ability to communicate with young readers", and described her as "a powerful narrator who blends real life with legend through her pictures".

Some of David Almond's books:

When a move to a new house coincides with his baby sister's illness, Michael's world seems suddenly lonely and uncertain. Then, one Sunday afternoon, he stumbles into the old, ramshackle garage of his new home, and finds something magical. A strange creature - part owl, part angel, a being who needs Michael's help if he is to survive. With his new friend Mina, Michael nourishes Skellig back to health, while his baby sister languishes in the hospital. But Skellig is far more than he at first appears, and as he helps Michael breathe life into his tiny sister, Michael's world changes forever . . .

Erin, January and Mouse live in a children's home, Whitegates. They often dream of escape, and frequently journey into the outside world. Running away is something they know all about. But this time January builds a raft, and the three of them head precariously down river. Towards the Black Middens. This time they might never come back. When they stumble across a disused factory and its strange inhabitants - Grampa and Heaven Eyes - they wonder if they'll even have the choice. Heaven Eyes is the girl who should have drowned at sea. The mysterious girl desperately searching for her family, hoping that these three might be the family she has lost. She has a secret history only Grampa knows. And does he trust these three invaders enough to tell them? Erin feels a sisterly responsibility for Heaven Eyes, Mouse longs to belong anywhere and anyhow, but January thinks Grampa's a murderer. Whatever happens, all three have a part to play. .

A long hot summer; a wild boy; an abandoned baby; an act of violence
Every summer Liam and Max roam the wild countryside of Northumberland – but this year things are different. One hot summer’s day a jackdaw leads the two boys into an ancient farm house where they find a baby, wrapped in a blanket, with a scribbled note pinned to it: PLESE LOOK AFTER HER RITE. THIS IS A CHILDE OF GOD, and so begins Jackdaw Summer. A summer when friendships are tested, a summer when lines between good and bad are blurred, and a summer that Liam will never forget ...

Kit has just moved to Stoneygate with his family, to live with his ageing grandfather who is gradually succumbing to Alzheimer's Disease. Stoneygate is an insular place, scarred by its mining history - by the danger and death it has brought them. Where the coal mine used to be there is now a wilderness.
Here Kit meets Askew, a surly and threatening figure who masterminds the game called Death, a frightening ritual of hypnotism; and Kit makes friends with Allie, the clever school troublemaker. As Kit struggles to adjust to his new life and the gradual failing of his beloved grandfather, these two friendships pull him towards a terrifying resolution. Haunted by ghosts of the past, Kit must confront death and - ultimately - life.

Some of Jutta Bauer's work:

This little boy's grandpa tells him stories whenever he visits. He tells how nothing ever seemed to hurt him. Every morning as a boy, he would run past the big statue of an angel on his way to school, and bullies, buses, high trees, deep lakes - none could touch him. Even through war, hunger and unemployment, and all the strange things life threw at him, Grandpa's angel - though never specifically mentioned - is always at his shoulder, looking out for him.

There is always a story in moving house and this family has several to tell. From Uncle's hat to Aunty's violin, follow our family as they embark on an incredible adventure to find that elusive place called home.

I'm A Photographer Not A Terrorist

2010-03-24T10:03:00.008Z

I'm having a good search through is PhotoRights - it seems a good place, and certainly the place to ask questions about your rights. Last year I posted the following on Facebook. Sadly, it is just as relevant now as it was a year ago. These days I carry a Bust Card just in case the police or a PCSO stops me. You can download it from the I'm A Photographer Not A Terrorist website.

I also came across this film about the law, photographer's rights, what the polce can do, and so forth. Its on the NUJ website, and features photographer Peter Macdiarmid and solicitor Anna Mazzola, who works for one of the leading criminal justice and human rights law firms. Video

There appears to be some confusion regarding the info I posted about the Counter Terrorism Act and Section 76 - section 76 really does exist - it adds to section 58 of the act. Also about the police and PCSOs stopping people, deleting photos, and such like. Unless the rules and laws have been changed and no-one noticed, we have the right to film and take photographs in public places (private property is a different matter) without interference. The police cannot make you delete photographs, confiscate your camera, etc, without a court order. They actually have to have a really good reason to stop you in the first place. As for PCSOs - they have even less authority - read them here.

So at the risk of being boring, I'll post links to the info I have. They're offical websites such as the government OPSI (Office of Public Sector Information) and the PNLD (Police National Legal Database).

The following is the section in the act open to mis-use and mis-understanding (as we have seen) Please note, it says NOTHING about buildings, transport, children, the general public, etc etc. Scroll down to Section 76. Click here.

The following links to the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 PACE Code A amended January 2009. There is a PDF to open and it is interesting reading.

The following are links to police stop and search procedures:

One Two Three Four Five Six Seven

If anything has changed with regards to the above information, please let me know, give me links to the info and so forth.
In the meantime, enjoy your photography and filming!

Books To Treasure

2010-03-24T01:02:00.029Z

Don't you just LOVE picture books. Weird stories, peculiar artwork - some of the oddest books that have crossed our threshold have been in this section (more on those in another post), but equally some of the most beautiful and wonderful too.

This is new.

There Are Cats In This Book by Viviane Schwarz.

Quirky, fun and makes me laugh and smile every time I look at it. I love the bright colourful artwork, and the fun way it makes you turn the page to see whats next. The interaction between reader and book is engaging and stimulating. The cats inside are friendly and want to play, they talk directly to you....there is wool, and flaps and .....well its generally just wonderful. If it can make this bookseller go back to read it time and again, it has to be good. You'll have to go get one. and to see what I mean.

Sadly, many picture books come and go, and are barely noticed. Others stand the test of time and are read by several generations.

If you live in the UK then you'll probably know, have read, or own picture book classics such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Where The Wild Things Are, and The Gruffalo, as well as character books like Kipper and Spot. Surely, there can be few people who remain unaware of Thomas the Tank Engine and his various friends.

And talking of small, easy to carry around books, (for those all important moments when your child is building up to a full scale screaming fit and you want to distract them), who hasn't read at least one of the Mr Men or Little Miss series.

One of my all-time-favourite picture books to recommend is The Kissed That Missed by David Melling.

The King blows the little Prince a kiss goodnight, but the kiss misses and flies out the bedroom window. Prince cries, Queen calls King, King calls Knight. The clumsy knight is sent to track it down and after some mishaps and misadventures, catches the kiss, makes an unlikely new friend and as with all good stories, everything ends happily. In The Kiss That Missed every time you look at the pictures you will find something new. If you know anything about David's illustrations in other books, then you see what he has cleverly included! Published in 2002, I still read it occasionally, am still finding new things in the illustrations, and as you may have guessed, recommend it often. I adore it. I've been privileged to see the sketches he made for this and his Jack Frost book. David's artwork is beautiful, engaging and worth a book on its own.

Come back for more Books To Treasure, but in the meantime, what is your favourite picture book? Tell me below.

Favourite Books 3: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig

2010-03-23T00:02:00.009Z

I read this book back in 1970s, and it had the most profund effect on me. Part memoir, part philosophy, the story of a motorcycle trip drives the book forward, while its personal, emotional stamp gives us a helpful insight into practical application of what Pirsig is theorising.

I find it impossible to talk about this book without talking about the life of its author, Robert Pirsig. He was a child protégé, scoring an IQ of 170 at the age of 9 and studying chemistry at university at 15. He lost faith with science, served with the Army in Korea and afterwards studied philosophy. He constantly pursued truth and meaning but by his thirties he was falling apart. Pirsig spent three days sitting cross-legged in his room where he either achieved enlightenment or went insane, depending on your point of view. In an extremely rare interview some years ago, he suggests,

“It was a contest, I believe, between these ideas I had and what I see as the cultural immune system. When somebody goes outside the cultural norms, the culture has to protect itself.”

He was treated at a mental institution but after leaving things got worse. Eventually a court had him committed and he underwent comprehensive shock therapy. Despite the severity of this, he was able to keep some hold on his former self, and knowing he would be locked away if he told anyone he was an enlightened Zen disciple, he wrote a book about a motorcycle trip he made with his son, using that to get across his ideas. Although published in 1974, the narrative takes place in 1968, and Pirsig uses "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" to illustrate classical and romantic ways of thinking and that they can co-exist in harmony; a combination that can potentially bring a higher quality of life.

At one point he writes,

“What I am is a heretic who's recanted and thereby in everyone's eyes saved his soul. Everyone's eyes but one, who knows deep down inside that all he has saved is his skin.”

It is an awe-inspiring examination on how we live and how we can live better. 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance' is intensely thought provoking and insightful; it will change the way you think about yourself and your life. As Pirsig tells us, the motorcycle we’re working on is ourselves, so do yourself a favour get a copy of this book and read it. Buy it, borrow it, beg it but get one and read it.

On another note, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is (or was) in the Guinness Book of Records as the best-selling book rejected by the largest number of publishers – one hundred and twenty one (121).

Review: Already Dead by Charlie Huston

2010-03-21T11:48:00.005Z

I came across this in the search for 'something different' in vampire books, and boy, is this different, so if you want a traditional or even semi-traditional vampire story then find another book.

Huston blows away many of the ideas we hold about vampires and sets them up in clans, societies and hoods, with all the rivalries and turf wars seen in human society, but Joe belongs to none. Set in New York (Manhattan) where vampyres live and work, their secret known only to the select few in ‘normal’ society, the clans support and protect their members, and ensure that so vital blood supply.

Joe Pitt is a tough talking Private Investigator who has no loyalties to any clan but has a current problem with one, The Coalition. He’s also trying to find a carrier of the zombie bacteria, and is obsessing about whether or not to cure his girlfriend Evie who is HIV positive and terrified of passing it on. Joe isn’t sure the consequences for her are worth it.

When Joe is summoned by the Head of The Coalition, his life just gets worse. To put things right between them, he has to find the missing daughter of a prominent New York family who know about their vampyre existence. With rivals hampering him, the clans upset with him, Joe is in a very precarious position. Getting a rough ride on all fronts, he sets about his work in what is one of the most unusual vampyre books I’ve read to date.

There is a gritty realism to the characters and setting, and the hard-hitting, wise-cracking style gives more than a passing nod to the detective novels of Chandler, et al. except our 'hero' is infected by the Vyrus - Joe Pitt is a vampire. I was quite a few pages in before I realised there were no chapters which was a little disconcerting at first, as were the dialogue markers, but I was so absorbed by the story that eventually I didn’t notice.

Huston has produced a hard-edged story that is cleverly plotted, fast paced and tenacious. It is an almost perfect genre mix of Horror and Crime that kept me glued to every page as the plot twisted and turned, with the inevitable body count, through a dark-world of vampire and human politics and power-brokerage to an edge-of-your-seat climax.

A great read - and yes, I will read more in the series.

Shortlist for the Hans Christian Andersen Awards 2010

2010-03-18T00:33:00.005Z

The shortlist for the 2010 awards have been announced by IBBY (the International Board on Books for Young People),

The authors are:

David Almond (UK)
Bartolomeu Campos de Queiros (Brazil)
Louis Jensen (Denmark)
Ahmad Reza Ahmadi (Iran)
Lennart Hellsing (Sweden)

The illustrators are:

Carll Cneut (Belgium)
Roger Mello (Brazil)
Svjetlan Junakovic (Croatia)
Jutta Bauer (Germany)
Etienne Delessert (Switzerland)

The Hans Christian Andersen Award is considered one of the most prestigious in international children’s literature and is given every two years to a living author and illustrator whose complete works have made lasting contributions to children's literature.

The 2008 Jurg Schubiger won the Author Award and Roberto Innocenti won the Illustrators Award. Previous winners have included authors Eleanor Farjeon, Astrid Lingren, Scott O'Dell and Aidan Chambers, and illustrators Maurice Sendak, Robert Ingpen, Anthony Browne, and Quentin Blake.

The 2010 winners will be announced on Tuesday 23rd March at the Bologna Children's Book Fair.

Shock and Awe? Or Shocking and Awful?

2010-03-07T10:15:00.015Z

I have always been astounded at people who go to a foreign land and never learn anything about the place they're visiting. What better way of getting to know our fellow men than by looking at their history and culture. Like most families I'm sure, our holidays were fun to plan with the children as we negotiated 'days of culture' and 'days of lazing'. My children (now adults) aren't cultural philistines, nor I anti-seaside, it was just a question of balance; a morning in the museum, an afternoon at the beach, and so forth. So when I came across this short film, I was deeply shocked. The cultural rape of a nation is a loss to us all whatever our nationality. As one commenator says, if you want to destroy a people, destroy their history, their culture.

WATCH VIDEO

So it begs the question, why were the museums and archives of Iraq not protected against looters? Surely someone in authority must have at least thought about it? Looking at some of the scenes and listening to what has been destroyed - its heartbreaking.

During the Second World War, the Allies had the foresight to create a special group, attached to the British and American armies, to ensure the protection of cultural heritage (as much as war would allow). They were also to track down and restore stolen artworks. This was the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives Section, nicknamed the 'Monuments Men' . The group of about 350 (mostly men and some women) were museum directors, curators, art historians, and educators from thirteen countries, and their work was utterly remarkable.

Before everyone jumps up and starts talking about places like Monte Cassino, I know there were many places destroyed. My point is that at least there was thought given to the protection and reclamation of Europe's cultural heritage. Why not in Iraq?

If you are interested in reading more on either of these topics there are two books.

The Destruction of Cultural Heritage in Iraq

by Peter G Stone & Joanne Farchakh Bajjaly
(click above for an interesting Times Online article)

Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves,

and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History

by Robert Edsel

Review: The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester

2010-02-17T21:57:00.004Z

Waterstone's Children's Book Prize

Piper McCloud isn’t like any other girl her age; actually she isn’t like any other girl of any age. Piper can fly. In the farming community of Lowland County this is not a good thing, so it seemed like the best idea all round for her to go to a top secret school for children with unusual abilities just like hers, abilities such as x-ray vision and telekinesis. At INSANE Piper soon settles in and makes friends, but she soon realises that not everything is as it seems and this might be the most dangerous place to be.

A strange mixture of Little House on the Prairie meets Heroes, with enough twists and turns to make you dizzy. From start to finish, this story of courage and defiance holds the reader and won’t let go. Piper is an irrepressible character, and her story is exciting, terrifying, and thoroughly enjoyable.

Review: The Seven Sorcerers by Caro King

2010-02-17T21:49:00.003Z

Waterstone's Children's Book Prize

Ninevah is the only one who remembers her brother Toby, to everyone else its as if he never existed, and because she is the only one who remembers him, Nin knows she will be next. As Skerridge the Bogeyman removes all memory of Nin from her mother, she escapes to the Drift. Skerridge, who steals the children for the mysterious Mr Strood, has never lost a child before and he’s not going to let it happen now. Nin finds help in the form of Jonas who explains what is going on and helps her in this new world peopled by mudmen, tombfolk and the spirits of the once time rulers of this land, the Seven Sorcerers. Will they escape Skerridge and Strood? Can Nin find and rescue her brother Toby? What is the secret of the Seven Sorcerers?

In the best traditions of fairytales, this is a rich fantasy, sometimes dark and gruesome, populated with fabulous creatures and woven with mystery and magic. Its well-paced and gripping, told with humour and thoroughly enjoyable.

Review: Desperate Measures by Laura Summers

2010-02-17T21:04:00.004Z

Waterstone's Children's Book Prize

The serious issues in this family drama are handled with warmth and humour. Twins Vicki and Rhianna, and their younger brother Jamie are in foster care. The twins are very different as Rhianna has been brain-damaged since birth. It’s their fourteenth birthday and they should be having fun, but foster parents Paul and Sarah can’t cope and decide to give the children up. Their fate lies in the hands of social worker Mrs Frankish, and it looks like the three will be split up and sent to different families and schools. They don’t want to go; they don’t want another foster family; something has to be done and Jamie has an idea…

This is an exciting, well-paced and moving family drama where serious issues such as loyalty, responsibility, and bullying are handled with warmth and humour. I felt for the three children: Vicki the fourteen year old who acts as mother to her brother and sister; Rhianna who knows that people treat her differently to her twin, Vicky; James who has problems with anger. Thought-provoking, and imaginative, this is a really good read.

Review: The Toymaker by Jeremy de Quidt

2010-02-10T18:00:00.009Z

Waterstones Children's Book Prize

When Gustav, Mathias’ grandfather, is drunk he talks of a secret that men would kill for. Before Mathias can discover what the secret is, Gustav has an disagreement with a mysterious man then dies. Mathias is sold to and escapes from the menacing Dr Leiter. Then the hunt is on, for Mathias has a piece of paper his Grandfather had hidden in the lining of his coat. A piece of paper that might be the key to Gustav’s mysterious past and the secret he talked of. In a world of shadows and fear, Mathias is on a quest to stay alive and uncover the secret.

There is an eerie gothic quality to this novel. Yet while threaded through with scenes that are dark, terrifying, and violent, it is also exciting, atmospheric and intriguing. Well paced, with an inventive plot, it has a rather sudden ending.

Gary Blythe’s fabulous illustrations deserve a special mention. I first discovered his work some years ago in a picture book called Whale Song.

Review: Meteorite Strike by A.G. Taylor

2010-02-10T15:25:00.010Z

Waterstones Children's Book Prize

A meteorite hits earth, unleashing an alien virus; its victims falling into a deep coma. On their way to join their father, Sara and Robert’s plane crashes in the Australian desert but they survive, and later begin to display some extraordinary powers. There is of course an unscrupulous agency (HIDRA) who capture, study, experiment and exploit those with new-found super-powers. Escape they must, but what awaits them in the world outside?

This is one of those adrenalin-rush, high impact books that teens love so much, but a great read nevertheless. With its dramatic start, high speed pace, and edge of the seat action, readers are hooked from the start and taken on a whirlwind flight to an ending that leaves you wanting more.

What a ride!

Reveiw: Flyaway by Lucy Christopher

2010-01-25T21:14:00.003Z

Waterstones Children's Book Prize

When thirteen year old Isla’s father goes into hospital, she meets a boy there called Harry; the first to understands Isla and her love of the countryside. Although he is ill, they form a friendship, and together discover a swan detached from its flock. Isla is convinced that if she can help the swan, she will help Harry, and so the magic begins.

A little slow to start, but none the worse for that, with a good balance between the real and the fantasy. This lovely tale, laced with beautiful imagery, is about love and loyalty, friendship and family, and made a pleasant change from the usual fare of hormone, adrenalin charged teen stories.

Review: The Crowfield Curse by Pat Walsh

2010-01-25T21:06:00.005Z

Waterstones Children's Book Prize

When a mysterious fire leaves Will an orphan, he is taken in by the monks at the abbey, but life there is hard work, and the monks are not particularly kind to him, apart from one or two. In the harsh winter, while gathering firewood, Will finds an injured hob which he rescues. The hob reveals a secret about an angel killed and buried in the woods, with the arrival of two strangers, and overheard conversations, Will’s curiosity is awakened. This is when the book starts to really take off.

With its wonderful mix of history and fantasy, a great mystery, and characters that endear, scare, and engage the reader by turns, the reader is gripped from the first page. I loved this story filled with dark foreboding and suspense.

Review: The Great Hamster Masscare by Katie Davies

2010-01-25T20:55:00.007Z

Waterstones Children's Book Prize

A most awful crime has occurred; Anna’s hamsters have been attacked, leaving them dead or injured. Along with Tom, her little brother, and Suzanne her best friend, this is a crime Anna is determined to solve. A pet-hating Dad, a suspect cat with a history of violence, are just two of the cast of fabulously funny characters, helped to life by the great illustrations that accompany the story.

This story for younger readers deals with the delicate subjects of death and loss, yet it does so in a quirky and humorous way. It certainly made me giggle, but I would bear in mind that a sensitive child might find the hamsters’ deaths upsetting.

Favourite Books 2: North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

2010-01-19T13:33:00.004Z

From a rural idyll to one of the new towns, Margaret Hale's life couldn't have changed more dramatically when her non-conformist minister father moves the family from a comfortable life in the south to a northern industrial town. What she finds there shocks her.

Gaskell uses her experiences of the poverty, neglect and hardship of northern industrial life to explore the differences in lives and relationships. This great Victorian novel is full of contrasts and comparisons; Margaret's view of the North and the Thornton's view of the South being the obvious example. As well as skilfully defining her characters and weaving in the small cultural differences that create misunderstandings, Gaskell gives us a gritty portrayal of life at the time. Britain was changing; people were moving from the land into the towns, mills and factories were appearing, and as always with these things, society was running to keep up.

Yet deftly laced through all the poverty and political unrest, social problems and difficulties, we have the burgeoning romance between Margaret and Mr Thornton. Complex and fascinating, Thornton is as lust-worthy and attractive as Mr Darcy!

This is book is a joy and a delight to read.

Review: E2 by Matt Beaumont

2010-01-10T15:11:00.007Z

I haven’t read Matt Beaumont’s previous novel, E, so I wasn’t sure if that would make reading E2 difficult. It didn’t, so you can read this book, and enjoy it for the genius it is.

To a small dash of political spin and verbal thuggery and a sprinkle of shallow self-absorption and image obsession (think Ugly Betty and The Thick of It), add a bowlful of clever writing, razor sharp humour, and precise comic timing, and you have E2, a 21st century, electronic-age satire.

For the full review, please go to Beat online magazine.

Come along to the next Firestation Bookswap.

Review: Further Adventures of a Grumpy Old Rock Star by Rick Wakeman

2010-01-10T03:04:00.008Z

I was lucky enough to secure an event with Rick Wakeman before Christmas and I have to say I was somewhat over excited at the prospect of meeting him. I'm a long time fan of YES, and Rick is not only a great musician and composer in his own right, but also legendary for his 'antics'. Meeting him was going to be interesting. The event was being held in the Firestation Arts Centre, and as Rick was promoting his latest book, it was only fair that I read and review it for our local online magazine Beat.

Rick's book, Further Adventures of a Grumpy Old Rock Star, is a second volume of tall tales and stories from his interesting life. Here is an extract from my review...

...If you buy this book expecting a conventional biography, then you’ll be disappointed. Rick’s autobiography Say Yes! was published back in 1985 but so far hasn’t been updated. Further Adventures takes a less conventional approach, following the same format as his previous book, Grumpy Old Rock Star, re-telling various incidents and episodes from Rick’s sixty odd years of colourful and eventful living. Originally a trained classical musician, Rick is now one of the legends of British Progressive Rock, as well as a world famous composer and solo artist. He has toured the world many times over and, as he would be the first to admit, tired to drink it dry in the process, so he has a vast catalogue of mishaps and misdemeanours to draw from...

...Imagine meeting up with an old friend after many years and being regaled with stories of what they’ve been up to all this time. Reading Rick’s reminiscences is like sitting in the pub with a mate who tells a great yarn exceptionally well. Written in an easy, relaxed style, these hilarious reminiscences about life on the road as a working musician, will make the grumpiest grump smile...

For the full review go to Beat.

I had a great time chatting to Rick before the event, and he entertained the audience brilliantly. Afterwards, signing his books, he had time to talk to his fans, something certain other authors would do well to note. Everyone waited patiently, knowing that when their turn came, Rick would give the same time to them, chatting, answering questions, having his photo taken. It was a fun evening in great company. I hope he'll come to WIndsor again.

Favourite Books 1 : Testament of Youth by Vera Brittain

2010-01-10T01:52:00.011Z

I was going to write about my favourite books of 2009, but inbetween the new books I have read recently, I have been re-reading some of my favourites. Its comfortable, like visiting old friends, and so I thought I'd share my reviews of those books before I give you my favourites of 2009. First on the list is:

Testament of Youth by Vera Brittain

In 1893, Vera Brittain was born into a comfortable, middle-class family, leading a privileged but restricted life. Like many women of her generation, she had to fight for some kind of independence, while it was a matter of course for Edward, her much loved younger brother, to leave ome and go to university. When war broke out in 1914, Vera was caught up in the prevailing mood and encouraged Edward to join up, but she later admitted that at the time, she felt it an interruption and an inconvenience. No-one could have predicted the devastating and long-lasting impact the war would have on their lives.

Vera’s life was one filled with struggle and loss. From her fight to gain a university education, through her training as a VAD and then nursing the wounded of both sides in a war that took her fiancé, brother and numerous friends, to the re-building of her life and her world after the war; Vera Brittain was and is an inspiration. Her harrowing experiences haunted and informed the rest of her life.

So many books are written about war from the fighting man's point of view, if nothing else this shows us war from a very different perspective; from a woman who not only lived through it, but witnessed it, experiencing both love and loss. I defy anyone to read this book and not be moved. I am not ashamed to say that even now, more than 25 years after the first time I read it, certain parts still bring tears to my eyes.

The writing style is of another time, obviously; occasionally difficult to our modern ‘ear’ but elegant and effective. The latter chapters, after the war and Vera completes her education, are less powerful but it is an intensely personal and revealing view of the lives of women at the start of the twentieth century, and of the impact of the First World War on their lives.

If 'Testament of Youth' isn't compulsory reading on the curriculum, it should be.

Cursed Second Novels

2010-01-09T14:14:00.004Z

So having found the ten spectacular second novels, it was inevitable there'd be the opposite, and here it is - the ten cursed ones.

Authors include Irvine Welsh, Charlotte Bronte, Norman Mailer, and Donna Tartt.

Again some have links to reviews or extracts. There's a link to the original 1974 Times review of Joseph Heller's second novel, Something Happened.
Click HERE to read it.

Such fun. :)

Spectacular Second Books

2010-01-09T13:59:00.003Z

Happily surfing and I found this. The Times Online have come up with what they think are ten spectacular second novels. It includes Charled Dickens' Oliver Twist:

Published in serial form after The Pickwick Papers but, composed simultaneously to it, and then - once Pickwick was complete - at the same time as Nicholas Nickleby

Click HERE to read an extract from The Times in January 1837.

Other authors include Doris Lessing, Tracy Chevalier, Evelyn Waugh and Yann Martel. Some of the ten have links to extracts and reviews.

Snow Glorious Snow

2010-01-09T04:35:00.002Z

Just a quick point...I love the snow and I don't understand why people are surprised each year when it arrives. I've had customers whinging all day long about the weather and the kids off school, and how they can't do this or that. And none of it is important in the grand scheme of things - really it isn't.

I know it's inconvenient, causes delays, but for heavens sake let's enjoy it. Life's too short - don't be one of those people who look back at the end of their lives and wishes they'd had more fun, stressed less and spent more time at home with the family having fun, and less at work.

Go make Snow Angels!!

Build a Snowman!

STOP MOANING!

New Books

2010-01-07T00:56:00.002Z

I've had several books and proofs sent to me recently so I have a wonderfully busy reading schedule ahead of me. Given the weather today (lots of lovely snow) I am looking forward to curling up on the sofa and devouring the books after work.

In the meantime, I've started reading Matt Beaumont's E2 as he is one of the author's at the next bookswap (21st Jan), and Cliff McNish's Savanna Grey, a teen novel.

The pile includes a couple of teen/children's books written by authors best known for their adult fiction - I'm keen to see how they've fared.

Reviews as soon as possible.

Getting organised

2009-12-30T19:35:00.003Z

I really need to sort out my relationship with passwords. Yet again I locked myself out from my blog and as we are almost in 2010, I finally caved in and reset the blasted thing. So now I have yet another password to store, remember, and forget.

I must devise a cunning way to store my passwords to various sites.

It used to be easy as I used the same password for everything, until my email was hacked a few years ago, and I was given a stern ticking off. Now I have several that I use but I'm not that great at remembering them all. I had a little notebook thingy, but I've mislaid that....

Even I can see a pattern emerging but I'm not like this at work. So why can't I remember my personal passwords. What's that all about?

Ho hum. Never mind. I can now sort out all my various posts that I have half written.

Girl, Aloud by Emily Gale

2009-11-19T23:45:00.005Z

I pulled the proof out of the box and thought wearily, ‘Not another one.’ With its hot pink and shiny silver cover, clearly this was going to be another teen girl, boy trouble, best mates fall out, average book I’ve seen a hundred times before, full of nothing more than angst, lip gloss and lurve.

Who was it that said you should never judge a book by its cover?

I couldn’t put this down.

Kass Kennedy has much to contend with in her odd, slightly dysfunctional family. She has a father who suffers with a disorder akin to bipolar or manic-depression. He believes his daughter is highly talented, and is always pushing her into things she doesn’t want to do. Her mother and brother don’t seem to want to deal with the difficulties caused by her father’s mental health problems, so when her Dad breaks the news that he has entered Kass for an X Factor audition without her knowledge, her life feels like its gone into freefall.

So begins a desperate crisis for Kass who can’t sing but can’t persuade her father of the fact; is frantically trying to balance her own needs with those of her family and best friends with whom she has fallen out; has a real life boy-dilemma to deal with; and in the middle of it all has dreams about Simon Cowell!

Emily Gale deals with some very difficult and complex topics with a sparkling mix of wit, humour, and intelligence. The characters have real depth, and while the story themes may not be new, their telling is original, and the story is moving and hilarious in just the right quantities. Girl, Aloud gives far more than perhaps it's bright pink, shiny cover promises, delivering on all fronts. Fabulous!

I hope Emily thinks about a follow up, telling us what happens to Kass, her family and friends next. I'm sure Kass's Dad has an armoury of ideas to frustrate, irritate and annoy her.

Atheist's Guide To Christmas

2009-11-18T14:00:00.007Z

When writer and journalist Ariane Sherine looked up a website she’d seen with a Bible quotation displayed on a London bus, she was dismayed to find as a non-believer she would be condemned to eternal torment in Hell. Ariane decided to write an article called, ‘Atheists Gimme Five’, and during her research she discovered that the website advertised was not part of the Advertising Standards Authority remit.

At the end of her article Ariane suggested that if atheist readers donated £5, an atheist London bus advert could be funded. Many readers responded including Jon Worth, a political blogger. He suggested a Pledgebank for readers to donate and Ariane agreed. To cut a long story short, the Atheist Bus Campaign launched on Tuesday October 21 2008 with the slogan:

“There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.”

In the wake of that campaign, Ariane persuaded 42 talented people from a variety of backgrounds, to write a short article about Christmas, get The Friday Project to publish it, and so was born the Atheists Guide to Christmas.

I love Christmas and was a little apprehensive when I was given a copy to read. Given the title it might be supposed that it's a diatribe against Christmas, and Christianity, but it most emphatically is not. This is a sincere, warm, light-hearted book about Christmas and inclusiveness; and if Christmas is anything, it is arguably one of the most inclusive festivals celebrated, with or without the religious element.

With pieces ranging from writers as varied as Charlie Brooker, Simon Le Bon, Richard Dawkins and Josie Long; we read about church music, reindeer games, cat dilemmas, God Trumps …. the content is as diverse as the contributors. Across 42 articles divided into six sections there is much to cheer and amuse, inform and educate. Overall, it is entertaining - I love the music and films suggestions, and it's nice to see Dawkins lighten up for once.

Why forty-two? I know from Ariane’s visit to the Book Swap that its all to do with the Hitch-Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.

You can read the Guide from cover to cover if you wish, I like it as a ‘dip into’ book, one you can go back to time and time again and find something new to read. Its charming, entertaining and best of all, the proceeds go to the Terrance Higgins Trust. Go buy one!

Finally Found It...

2009-11-18T11:07:00.003Z

OK so I'm an idiot sometimes...I had to change the password recently and failed to write it in the little notebook I have for these things. (I have a terrible time remembering passwords.) It has taken me weeks to find it as I stubbornly refused to change it again.

Anyway, now I have a backlog of reviews and such like, so over the next few days there will be a fair bit of posting - I hope.

To get the ball rolling, here is a great sound from a great band.

Principles vs A Quiet Life

2009-10-22T00:54:00.005+01:00

This past couple of weeks my principles have been sorely tried on several fronts. Personally and politically, sometimes the two are inseparable.

Firstly, things appear to be changing in such a way that, if the road is followed to its logical conclusion, my knowledge and experience will count for nothing, and I will be no more than a shelf-stacking, till operator.

Next, I had a dreadful row with my sister and for a while thought it would be irreconcilable.

Then the row over the BNP; should they or should they not be allowed to appear on BBC’s Question Time?

The last seems trivial but drives to the heart of tolerance. I wanted to review a book called The Atheist’s Guide To Christmas. It might seem daft to most of you, but to someone feeling unable to say they try to be a Christian without seeing the looks that pass between colleagues, or at worst, being ridiculed, it’s a difficult matter. Made worse by the feeling that others have a protection I don’t. I have seen Muslims preach their beliefs without hindrance, yet at another time Christians moved on for theirs – both were anti-gay.

Why would that happen? Both have the right to their beliefs.

I’m not going to go into a religious or theological discourse, but I can say
that I sometimes I believe in God, and sometimes I don’t. I do believe in Jesus; he did exist. Given that he said things like turn the other cheek, blessed are the peacemakers, that we should help people regardless of who or what they are, I think his are pretty good principles to live by.

And that’s what I try to do. Not always successfully.

So why is it that of all the principles I hold dear, it is my Christian ones that people act to make me feel bad about. Would my review of the book been seen in any light other than an honest review? If I didn’t like it, would my beliefs be tabled as the reason why?

While I’m struggling with this dilemma, I read about the BNP and the row over whether or not they should be on Question Time, and I slammed into another principle; my belief in free speech. Generally attributed to Voltaire, but most likely a summation of his beliefs, at school I came across the quotation:

‘I may not like what you say, but I defend to the death your right to say it’.

Much hot debate, over many, many hours, ensued at school over this. If we live in a democracy, if lives have been lost in wars fought over freedom and democracy, then the principle of free speech cannot be trifled with lightly; it cannot be applied to some and not others. Given that Sinn Fein and the IRA were given a voice (albeit by actors at one time) during the height of the Northern Ireland ‘troubles’, that we give a voice to all sorts of vile, obnoxious people, both at home and abroad, then we cannot be hypocritical and say no to the BNP, no matter how much we dislike or despise their views. Driving these people off the air feeds their ability to recruit people to their cause. Public debate, where they have to defend their views, can do them more damage.

I’m a human being with all the faults, foibles, and shortcomings that come with that condition. There is much I would like to speak out about, but I have a family to feed and a roof to keep over our heads. Such is the nature of our democracy, that a humble worker can be silenced by fear of retribution, so I feel beholden to fight the corner on behalf of free speech when I can.
Political correctness and the current move towards State control, curbs and hinders debate on a great many issues that are festering underneath the surface of society. The BNP should have their place on Question Time; all religious, political, and social issues should be aired. It is only through honest and open debate that we can eliminate misconceptions, present the facts, and get a fair picture of what the public think and want.

The review will be published here tomorrow.

My sister and I are fine – forgiveness is hard but worth the struggle - I have the chocolates to prove it! :)

What A Speech...

2009-10-21T15:15:00.003+01:00

...what a man.

Click on title to watch this 86 year old veteran advocate gay rights. Womderful.

Mumford and Sons

2009-10-16T01:23:00.003+01:00

I discovered this band ages ago and have had to rely on the web for their music. Finally their first album is released, so guess where I'm going tomorrow lunch time!

Formed in 2007, the band played various pubs and clubs until they had a collections of songs which they took on the road, winning fans as they went, me included. You can hear the influences throughout their music, from blue grass to folk to country, creating their own special sounds, made all the richer by the sexy gravel voice of Marcus Mumford.

Frankfurt Book Fair Protest

2009-10-15T02:47:00.008+01:00

The Frankfurt Book Fair is the world's largest, and this year has invited the Chinese as guest of honour. An interesting choice, as China regularly bans hundreds of books, jails and tortures writers, and is amongst the world's worst for human rights abuses. Given the use and power of the written word throughout history as a means of protest and a catalyst for change, and the book industry's defence of 'freedom of speech' via the written medium, it is equally interesting that just one lone protester got through the heavy police presence. He held up a single sheet of A4 paper asking in German and Chinese Where is Huang Jinqiu?

Huang Jinqiu is a writer, journalist, and internet essayist currently residing in one of China's prisons. He disappeared into the penal system for five months before his family were informed of his whereabouts. When the case finally came to court, it is reported that a verdict could not be reached for lack of evidence. Eventually Huang Jinqiu was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment and four years' deprivation of political rights for “organizing, planning and carrying out subversive activities” and for writing “reactionary” articles on the internet .

It is believed that Huang was transferred to Pukou Prison, near Nanjing City and that here he was routinely ill treated and abused, denied access to books, and housed with criminals who were encouraged to mistreat him. Allegedly the abuse was so severe that Huang was at risk of a mental breakdown.

Unlike their walk out in September, this time the Chinese delegation did not leave the building. A public symposium was held in the middle of the month by the Book Fair organisers, entitled "China and the World - Perceptions and Realities", also the theme for the fair. When dissident writers Dai Qing and Bei Ling took to the stage, the Chinese delegation walked out. General Secretary of PEN, Herbert Wiesner took to the stage, calling after the officials: "That is the wrong signal!"

The symposium was supposed to dismantle prejudices.

Review: The Secret - Byrne

2009-10-14T17:56:00.004+01:00

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

I picked this up to see what the fuss was all about and hoped it might be insightful in some way. I'm still no wiser as to why anyone would part with hard cash for The Secret.

If this is a centuries old secret, how did Ms Byrne come across it? Apparently she had "a glimpse of the truth through a 100 year old book". She then goes off "through centuries, tracing and uncovering a common truth that lay at the core of the most powerful philosophies, teachings and religions in the world."

Laws of Attraction, the Power of Positive Thought, common themes in The Secret, neither of which are such a big secret after all. Clever marketing and packaging has made this a seller, along with people's need for some sort of spiritual refreshment, and a speedy way to get what we want without the need for hard work.

No doubt people will say its worked for them, and that's fine. I'd say that if you are in need of some sort of spiritual, emotional, or psychological help, and want to seek advice from a book, then there are at least a dozen other books that actually are worth their price. NOT this one.

Review: He's Just Not That Into You - Behrendt & Tuccillo

2009-10-14T17:05:00.005+01:00

He's Just Not That into You: The No-excuses Truth to Understanding Guys

by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo

I’m not a fan of many of the self-help books out there, and don’t get me started on the rubbish in women’s magazines – this however is very different.

This is a real eye-opener of a book that I came across when tidying the shop at the end of the day. The book came out of a conversation between Greg and his fellow Sex and the City writers, and I’m glad I did. Every woman should read it, every mother should give one to their daughters. It lays out in plain English all those things we secretly or subconsciously know about men and realtionships, but just refuse to acknowledge. It explodes the myths we tell ourselves on the same subject.

If you’ve ever sat by the phone waiting for him to ring, or he’s not happy being called your boyfriend, or he keeps cancelling you for his friends then this book is for you. Every possible scenario, with every known female excuse is highlighted and answered, with insight and humour.

Read this book regardless of your relationship status, but I warn you, there will be embarassing cringe-moments when you realise what a fool you've made of yourself over a man. Stick with it, you'll be amazed at what you learn.

Review: The Faithful Tribe - Ruth Dudley Edwards

2009-10-13T00:24:00.004+01:00

The Faithful Tribe: An Intimate Portrait of the Loyal Institutions

What I find intriguing is that the author, Ruth Dudley Edwards, is a Dublin-born, Roman Catholic. The expected response from her time with the Orange Order would be an exultant disparagement, what we get however is a sympathetic journey by a Roman Catholic writer who shows how the Protestant Orange Order has been ill-served by their leaders, is often misrepresented in the Press, but at its heart is not violently anti-catholic and they are certainly not as one review writes:

"nothing more than 1000 Ian Paisley clones marching down the street."

This is the confusion that all Protestants are Orangemen and that all Orangemen and Protestants believe the same as one man.

She quotes the Worshipful Master of one Lodge:

“The Orange Order is not bigoted... It is a religious order there to protect the beliefs of Protestant people. In the opening pages you pray for your Roman Catholic Brethren. I don't dictate to the Catholic man where he should go to church . . . I'll not condemn any man's religion except Paisley for he's divided everybody.”

Whether they are bigoted or not - she points to the disputes regarding the parades and suggests that had it not been for the Republican and Nationalist PR machine presenting them in the light of violent sectarian bigotry, the parades would have continued on the road they were heading down - becoming smaller and more centred on the band concerts and family day out with a picnic.

This may be contentious, but when she also highlights the fact that the Parades Commission took no action against the Gaelic Athletic Association parades, with its nationalist and republican political background, waving the Irish flag and playing equally provocative music, you can at least understand the reaction of the Orange Order. Unlike the IRA and Sinn Fein who embraced the use of PR, Orangemen foolishly didn’t, and as a result they have consistently suffered in the media, so this book goes someway to redressing their demonisation.

Whilst the author covers the pressures that have brought a reaction in which militant and violent people have come into the organisation and who serve the republican cause by their behaviour, I do not feel she address this problem or the unease felt about them. We are, however, taken past the cartoon image and into a culture that feels frustrated, betrayed, and at worst, under siege.

Review: The Gravedigger's Daughter - Oates

2009-10-12T23:52:00.004+01:00

The Gravedigger's Daughter

It isn’t often I give up on a book, but this one did not capture my interest at all. Highly recommended from my reading group, I took it up with pleasure as I had not read any of Joyce Carol Oates before.
The main character is Rebecca, the daughter of German-Jewish immigrants, living and growing up during the 1930s and 40s. This is a world of abject poverty, made worse by prejudice, and a tyrannical father who fears the world. He is a bitter man and instills some of that fear in Rebecca. "Hide your weakness from them and one day we will repay them! Our enemies who mock us."

She marries, has a child, there's a tragedy - I found it tedious in the extreme. It was suggested that because the writer is American maybe those of us who disliked it, didn’t like the American style and idiom. I considered this, but I read far too many American authors for that to be the case.

No, for me this book was awful, and while the characters started as mildly interesting, what little appeal they had was lost as I read on with interminable boredom. I’m sure that those who love Oates will have much to say on the merits of the book, but dull, dreary and exasperating, just about sums it up for me.

Review: The Five People You Meet in Heaven - Albom

2009-10-11T02:27:00.003+01:00

The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

I’ve had to have a good long think about what to write because Albom’s book could be so easily dismissed. It is in great part very sentimental, but does that make it less of a good read? I say not.

The premise is that the five people you meet in heaven all have something to tell you about your life, to help explain it to you. Everyone’s heaven is different, and the five people are not who you might necessarily expect to meet. That was certainly the case for Eddie, the main character. Albom cleverly takes us through Eddie’s life by means of visiting his birthdays down the years; we learn so much in such a small amount of writing.

It is a fascinating exploration of the many and diverse effects people have on each other, whether they have met or not; and of how connected we are without realising it. This isn’t one of the greatest works of fiction ever written, but it’s definitely worth reading.

Is it life-changing? Maybe. Maybe not. What I can say, is that it certainly made me stop and think about how I and my actions might affect others. Read it and make up your own mind.

Review: Love, Aubrey by Suzanne LaFleur

2009-10-10T22:24:00.010+01:00

Love, Aubrey by Suzanne LaFleur

Aubrey has been left home alone but no-one knows. At first she enjoys the freedom, but we know that whatever has happened to bring Aubrey to this situation, she is hiding away - the truth is just too painful for her to face. Eventually her grandmother arrives and takes Aubrey back home with her, and as Aubrey settles slowly into a new life, going to a new school, and making new friends, we learn what has happened.

Through the painful process of coming to terms with what life has thrown at her and adapting to a new environment, Aubrey writes letters to an imaginary friend, keeping her close to Savannah, her sister, and helping her deal with the anger and confusion. Supported by her grandmother, new friends and teachers, Aubrey learns to move on and build a new life, realising that whatever has been taken from her, she hasn’t lost everything.

Love, Aubrey could easily have slipped into a quagmire of self-pity, woe and misery; what saves it, is the writing. Told in the first person, through the innocent naivety of eleven year old Aubrey, LaFleur writes brilliantly about grief and loss. Sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes funny, always keeping hold of my attention, Love, Aubrey is a book I couldn’t put down. A superb read that I would recommend for adults as well as , and I recommend it for adults as well as children. Excellent.

Great Event - Gary Walker

2009-10-10T12:36:00.003+01:00

We have Gary Walker, from the 1960s pop trio The Walker Brothers, talking about his book, at the Firestation. Back in the mid 60s, their fan club in the UK was larger than that of the Beatles.

Gary and John decided that, with so much written about themselves and the group, it was time to set the record straight. Their book is about what really did happen and what life was like as members of one of the biggest bands of the 60s.

Get your tickets from the Firestation.

Here is a the goup singing 'Take It Easy' and a Simon Dee interview with Gary in 1965, I believe.

Back Again

2009-10-10T11:59:00.004+01:00

It was my intention to finish the reviews, blog, tweet and generally get up to date whilst visiting my family in Salisbury. What would have been helpful, indeed vital, was packing my laptop's power cable. So after two hours or so, lappytoppy was dead.

*sigh*

I am even further behind than before, now. At least I had a nice relaxing time...almost all the time. A late-night-early-hours-of-the-morning trip to A&E with Daughter The Second was necessary, but knocked everyone sleep out of kilter. A very cute doctor though - DTS was impressed.

Still, I have today and tomorrow before I face working for my living again. Reviews will be written, tweets twittered, notes blogged, and housework done. I'm hoping that maybe, just maybe, in among all that I'll get a chance to work on my book and relax. Ha!

Eternal optimism - alive, well, and living in my house!

Review: Bruno, Chief of Police

2009-10-05T08:53:00.005+01:00

Bruno, Chief of Police by Martin Walker
How often can you say that a crime novel should come with a ‘shop first’ warning? Well this one should, in the best possible way, but more of that later…

I love this book! Bruno Courreges, our eponymous hero and local policeman, proudly draws you in with a charming Gallic arm around your shoulder, and shows you the small town he has chosen to make his home. Before you know it, you’re sitting down, glass of wine in hand, in cosy camaraderie with the inhabitants of St Denis, as their life gently unfolds around you.

To begin with a simple police report and then launch into a description of a policeman and the peculiar, tangled, personal contents of his small white van is a strange start, but it is so universally appealing that you have to read on. Within a couple of pages you are wishing yourself in France and cheering on the locals as they battle with EU Hygiene Inspectors. However, this rural idyll is shattered by a brutal murder that, by appearing to be racially motivated, unleashes an invasion of Police Nationale detectives, bureaucrats from Paris, TV news crews, and a mob of National Front thugs who cause a riot in the town.

Around this Bruno uses his vital local knowledge and connections to skirt the main investigation and reveal the wartime roots of the killing. Martin Walker has written a fine mystery - funny, sad, and eccentric with a smattering of love-interest and a great reflection of life in rural France. It is also a pacy and utterly compelling story in the best traditions of British crime writing.

A word of warning - this story is awash with food so be prepared - shop for wine, baguettes, pate and such like…as this is also a gastronomic delight! (Where does Bruno hide his recipe book?)

Review: Wasted by Mark Johnson

2009-10-05T08:47:00.004+01:00

Wasted by Mark Johnson
‘Misery memoirs’ are not for me. One or two have been worth the pain and anguish of reading; clearly shining a light into dark corners society would rather remain hidden, but too many are jumping on the band wagon, however cruel and heartless that may seem. While they are no doubt great therapy for the writer, quite what the reader is meant to gain I’m not sure. So when my reading group presented me with two books, I ended up reading Wasted only because I disliked the alternative too much.

Words like raw, brutal, and agonising, spring to mind in describing this book, but so do tender, brave, and honest. Mark doesn’t take us on a full journey through his life from childhood, through addiction and rehabilitation to the ‘green pastures’ he now finds himself in. He doesn’t pull his punches but writes simply and honestly about his years of abuse, addiction and offending. Although I have had experience in talking about drugs and addiction, I have never understood the attraction. No-one has ever been able to give me an explanation as to why the buzz is so attractive - until now. Mark’s vivid description of a high, made me sit up and take notice. So that’s how it feels – that’s why they go back for more.

This is an amazing book. Every parent, social worker, teacher, probation officer, in fact anyone who works with for and on behalf of children, should read it.

Its magic...

2009-09-28T10:24:00.010+01:00

It was my day off yesterday, but I did go to the bookshop for an hour or so – madness but loads of fun because we had a new children’s author in to wow the crowds and sign books; John Lenahan and his book, Shadowmagic. Vicki had control of the event and a fine job she did too; when I arrived John was already entertaining customers and booksellers, young and old, with his humorous repartee and magic.

Yes, MAGIC.

John is also a very well known magician. He hails from Philadelphia but has lived in the UK for more than twenty years. He will tell you that his claim to fame is for being the voice of the Toaster on Red Dwarf (see below), but John is much more well-known than that. He has hosted his own BBC2 series Stuff The White Rabbit and starred in Secrets of Magic; appeared on Richard and Judy and How Do They Do That? among others and fronted ITV’s Hoaxbusters. The Guardian has hailed him "the mascot of a magical renaissance". He performs all over the world; has toured with the likes of Lenny Henry and Jack Dee; and has proudly held the title of Time Out Street Magician of the Year.

John is a man of distinction. He has achieved the distinction of being thrown out of the Magic Circle - the first I believe, for 85 years – for revealing a card trick to millions of television viewers - a trick is used by con artists around the world to cheat the unsuspecting shopper and holiday-maker. He also has the distinction of being the first magician to perform magic live over the internet – which he did for British Telecomm. His latest distinction is to turn into a children’s author.

The Friday Project and Scott Pack, never one to miss a good thing when he sees it - or so he tells me - have published Shadowmagic; a fabulous tale of myth and magic, fantasy and adventure (a review to come later).

John wows young and old with card tricks.

And rope tricks.

Everyone had a good time…and he has promised to come back!

I can’t wait.

Browse Inside this book

Get this for your site

Listening to.....

2009-09-27T14:22:00.002+01:00

I love Seth Lakeman's music. This is one of my favourite of his songs.

Oh, yeah, and he's cute.....

Intellectually Stunted

2009-09-27T09:42:00.005+01:00

As my body clock is tuned to the early-morning-get-up-for-work thing, one of my favourite occupations early on a Sunday morning, is to sit in bed with the laptop, and browse through the online newspapers. I often look at the Times Literary Supplement (TLS) online, and while its all very high-brow, I don't usually come away feeling intellectually retarded.
Until today.
Maybe its because it Sunday which is my one lazy day of the week, maybe its because I'm tired after a week of work, events and overtime...but this morning I feel the intellectual equivalent of a mollusc! All because I love reading lists of the 100 Best.....whatevers.
The TLS has a list of the Hundred Most Influential Books Since The War - and no, Harry Potter is not listed. Of the hundred books listed, I have read all or part of nine. I pretty much stared at most of the rest and thought either 'Who?' or 'What?'
So, I'm off to my Ladybird Book of ABCs and then hopefully be cheered up by magician John Lenahan who is performing magic and signing his book 'Shadowmagic' in my beloved Chidlren's Department today.

Two Brave Young Men

2009-09-27T08:22:00.002+01:00

Two brave young men, a funeral and a promise. Makes you weep, makes you proud. Read this.

Twilight Zone

2009-09-24T23:55:00.002+01:00

Book snobs are one the worst kind of intellectual bully, and I loathe bullies - intensely.

A group of people stood in my beloved and cherished Children’s Department recently, moaning about the Twilight series, and all my lovely teen Horror books. They tossed around terms like derivative, cliched, and trite, then sneered and mocked the ‘sort of people who read this drivel’. And they did it loudly. Dracula and Frankenstein are both horror books – I wanted to argue - just two of many that are part of our canon of classic literature, so why then do you think it fair game to deride and dismiss the horror genre?

I didn't. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. As hey continued, I wanted to pound their faces to a bloody pulp, and had a wonderful Walter Mitty moment – via Van Damme and Segal - of doing just that. Then one swore and the moment was gone. Sadly, we have security cameras, so all I could do was summon up my most harsh, displeased stare and tell them to tone down the language. They left.

What is worst of all - they were all in their thirties and forties.

Sad – isn’t it?

Bookswapping Windsor Style

2009-09-20T02:15:00.004+01:00

So Thursday arrived. Did a full day at work, shut up shop, had a sandwich, and a cup of tea to prepare myself for the evening ahead. This time I was better prepared swap-wise and took Inside The Whale by Jenny Rooney - fab book - not a problem for a swap I thought. After respite, loaded the event box (big, giant, blue and plastic) and then discovered it wouldn't fit in the boot of my little car! So, fearing for the upholstery, on the back seat it went.

Got there in plenty of time - even beat Scott! Set up, with the aid of a lovely young Irish man whose name I didn't catch - but you know who you are - thank you for carrying my event box. People started arriving - I got a drink.

Hugs from Helen Rappaport for reviewing her book. Lots of interesting non-book chat about Russia, loves, hates, teen angst poetry - all sorts of things. Helen is a delight even if she did turn her nose up at my book! She had a copy of D H Lawrence poetry, and as I couldn't remember ever reading any, I offered to swap, but she declined. Maybe I just did a bad sales job on the book.... :(

Kate Clanchy was equally delightful. She's a poet, and is convinced writing prose has changed which of her eyes is the dominant one. Her theory sounded fine to me! Her book Antigona and Me, sounded just as interesting and has now joined my Roundtooit Pile.

Question from the Question Jar were answered. Macaroons baked by the lovely Mrs Pack were eaten. Someone called Stephanie came and brought seriously delicious raspberry cupcakes.

Swapping was fun, from 'Scottish with lots of sex', to 'it's a really good book but I hated it', to 'Oh no I've changed my mind I don't want this one', lots of fun and laughter. Nothing really grabbed my interest after D H Lawrence and Helen's rejection! Nothing until Scott declared his choice of Candide by Voltaire. I was in a stage production of this at school and loved it so much I read the book. I was seventeen. I haven't read it since and thought I'd quite like to go back and see if I love it as much now, as a supposedly mature adult. We fingers trembling I held my hand up... I wasn't sure I'd handle the rejection...and offered to swap. So now I have the Voltaire - I hope you enjoy Inside the Whale, Scott.

Through out the evening Melanie Gow, author, Twitterer Extraordinaire, and founder of Beat, tweeted the proceedings. There is a podcast to come too.

Next time is on 22nd October. Authors will be Ariane Sherine, the founder of the Atheist Bus campaign and now editor of the soon-to-be-festive-bestseller The Atheist's Guide to Christmas, and Sue Cook, journalist, TV presenter and more recently a novelist.

Get your tickets here.

Conspirator: Lenin in Exile by Helen Rappaport

2009-09-18T23:10:00.005+01:00

I reviewed Conspirator by Helen Rappaport for the Bookswap evening at the Firestation. Here is a taster - you can read the full review at Beat

...We start in 1887 when Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov (Lenin) was studying for his school exams and his older brother Aleksandr was hanged for his part in the failed assassination attempt on the Tsar. We follow Lenin in exile as he lives hand to mouth, tracked and watched by the secret police and others, moving from city to city across Europe, often at a moment’s notice and dependent on the help and protection of friends and supporters. Rich in fascinating detail, for example we are told that at the time of Aleksandr’s execution, hanging in Russian was slow strangulation at the end of a rope, Helen draws a vivid picture of Lenin’s life in those seventeen years. Poverty stricken, insecure, and existing in the shadows, he continued to work tirelessly, writing and debating, and risking everything to get works smuggled into Russia. In all of this Lenin was supported by the several women in his life – his wife, mistress, mother and sisters. Helen also examines the effect this uncertain life had not just on Lenin, but also on these women, until his return to Russia ...

At the same site as the review, there is also an interview with author Helen Rappaport.

Please help save the British Forces Post Office

2009-09-14T22:08:00.005+01:00

*Outrage Alert*

Friends and family know that when I occasionally find something that makes me very cross, I talk about it and try to do something positive and proactive. They would also tell you that sometimes I find things that make me so angry, I am akin to a cartoon character, red in the face and blowing scalding steam from my ears.

This is one of those occasions.

The Government and Civil Servants, sitting safe and secure in Whitehall, with Protection Officers, Security Guards, and specially armoured cars, have decided in their infinite wisdom to cut the BFPO services.

So what you say? Well.....let me tell you what.....

The British Forces Post Office is a life line for members of Her Majesty's Armed Forces serving abroad and at sea, and for their families. This is the means by which people at home can send letters and parcels to their families stationed abroad, and vice versa.

My father served with the Royal Navy in our Mediterranean Fleet. I still have most of the postcards he sent me as a child from all the places he visited. Without the BFPO service, instead of the regular postcards, I would have heard little from him except in letters he sent my mother, and maybe an occasional card for me. Without the BFPO service, he would never have been able to afford to send the cards he did - and that is no exaggeration!

Before I married, my now husband was serving in Germany. Being able to write to him at a rate I could afford, meant many letters back and forth. We were able to send parcels for birthdays and Christmas, and at odd points in between. When we married we were posted to Cyprus. I had my first baby there and I cannot, just cannot, emphasis how vital the BFPO service was to us.

Be it Europe or the other side of the world, even just the ordinary everyday letters from home mean more than I can express here, and it all arrives safe and secure.

That's the other important part - the BFPO service not just affordable, it is is SAFE and SECURE, not open to access by anyone who means us harm. Would you really want to send a parcel to a military family through the normal postal services of other European countries?

'They' are proposing to cut the European service. Why? Saving money. What a morally bankrupt act from a group of people who are supposed to be serving the nation, not themselves.

You may dispise war; you may disagree with what is happening in Afghanistan and Iraq; but servicemen and women go where they are told - don't punish them for the decisions of Government. PLEASE, sign the petition at the link below, and don't forget, when you have signed the petition you need to check your email and confirm your signature by clicking on the link they send - otherwise it won't count.

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/SaveBFPO/

Thank you.

BookSwap

2009-09-14T21:34:00.003+01:00

Well, a month has gone by and its time for the second Bookswap evening. This time Marie Phillips and Scott Pack will be talking and eating cake with:

Helen Rappaport - historian and novelist, whose new book, Conspirator, looks at Lenin's 17 years in exile.
and
Kate Clanchy - award-winning poet, whose new book, Antigona and Me, is an account of her relationship with the Kosovan refugee she employed as a cleaner and nanny.

The first evening was tremendous fun and I'm looking forward to this one.
Don't forget to bring a book to swap.

Tithe by Holly Black

2009-09-10T02:40:00.003+01:00

I had mixed feelings about reading this, as other urban fairy tales have failed to capture my attention and imagination enough to carry on to the end. However it has been recommended so many times now that I decided to give it a go. I liked the opening and settled in to enjoy the story, and was certainly engaged enough to be thoroughly disgruntled when I reached the ‘reveal’ (I hate spoilers, so won't say in case you haven't read it, but you’ll know what I mean when you get there). Anyway I didn't want to read anymore and put the book aside.

My disappointment was down to my preferences, not the writing or the plot line. I just couldn't get the vision of Kaye out of my head and that really put me off. Still, a couple of days later I was back, I had to know what happened to Kaye, Roiben and Corny.

‘Tithe’ is well written, and moves along at a decent pace. It is a dark, gritty and bloody novel, with evocative imagery, set not in the fairy world of just the sweet and kind, but of the equally harsh and cruel. A world of the Seelie and Unseelie Courts. a fairy world that is political, capricious and violent, where characters are cruel for their own pleasure and amusement.

The characters are interesting and well drawn, though I would have liked more detail and insight into Roiben. He's interesting and attractive but edging on the two dimensional; I felt I knew him least. This reflected on the romance with Kaye which I felt lacked depth. I’ve moved on to ‘Valient’ and ‘Ironside’, so it must be good…its certainly enjoyable, and I'd recommend it as a good read.

Heights and Lows

2009-09-02T01:29:00.005+01:00

Almost panicked as I somehow failed to set record on the second part of Wuthering Heights. Thank God for online replays! I enjoyed the drama, as much for Andrew Lincoln and Tom Hardy, as well as Sarah Lancaster a much under-used actress, but I wasn't convinced, and generally felt disappointed. Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights is about one of the greatest, all consuming, destructive, passionate loves in literature, filled with the full A to Z of emotions, good and bad. What we get with this production, is a somewhat restrained, almost Jane Austen-like tale of bad manners, but set in glorious Yorkshire countryside. The actors were good, but altogether it was a handful of sparklers rather than a full-blown fireworks display.

I am also disappointed on the book front. After years of not getting round to it, I finally read Tithe by Holly Black. Again, I enjoyed it, much more so than TV's Wuthering Heights, but I was left wanting at the end. What worked for me was the human girl with ability and a faery knight, it still worked for me after the revelation that she had Faery blood, I partly switched off with the green pixie deal. That just didn't work for me with, but I'm reading Ironside, so it wasn't all bad - I just hate it when books disappoint me though.

Exhaustion seems to have become a permaent fixture in my daily routine - regardless of how much or how little sleep I get. The knock-on effect is that I'm reading fewer books. This is very frustrating, so should the Grime Reaper come calling, I shall have to tell him to push off, and point to my currently ever-growing, not-diminishing reading pile. I don'y want to think about how little I've written - which is NONE! Now I need to sleep, so .....another day.......

All Things New and Wonderful

2009-08-22T03:19:00.008+01:00

I’ve been off work for the last two weeks. It was holiday but for various reasons we didn’t go away. Just as well as DTS was ill…however, I haven’t done any of things I meant to do, except help DTF with her Uni work. I have, however, been discovering lots of new things.

Thursday night, I attended a really fab Book Swap event at the Firestation Arts Centre in Windsor. Scott Pack, (Friday Project, columnist, ex-Waterstones, and Me and My Big Mouth blogger) had the idea and organised the whole thing. He jointly hosted with ‘Gods Behaving Badly’ author Marie Phillips, and had arranged for authors to come and talk:

Robert McCrum, former editor-in-chief at Faber & Faber and literary editor for the Observer. He wrote My Year Off, about life after a stroke, sounds dismal but is compelling reading.

Jessica Ruston who has just published her debut novel, Luxury . She is also author of Heroines: The Bold, the Bad and the Beautiful about some of the greatest women in history.

It was unlike any book/literary event I have ever been too – and I've been to/organised hundreds. The ‘stage’ was set like a living room, with sofa, cushions, chairs, lamps, rugs – even tea and coffee (authors only) and cake. These were made by Scott’s lovely wife (congratulations) Rhian – everyone had some. I opted for one of my favourites – marcaroons – delicious! She also makes beautiful ceramics - check out her website. There was great conversation, book swapping, questions, all very relaxed and informal. The questions were meant to be of a non-book variety, and some of the best included cat worming, worst experience at Infant School, and one about a rat in a loo. All very surreal but fun.

Half way to the event, I realised my chosen book was maybe not going to be the easiest swap. Not because it isn’t worth reading, but it rather falls in the ‘misery memoir’ category - I had decided on Wasted by Mark Johnson. This was a reading group offering and as the point of the group (for me) was to read something I would never choose for myself - this was a recent choice. (See review to come). My fears were realised as several people screwed their noses up at it. My explanation that it had the best and most brilliant description of the high taking certain drugs raised some interest - and some eye-brows. I finally did swap it for Kim by Rudyard Kipling which I realised I have never read but really want to. I discovered that someone had brought an even more difficult swap than mine - a book about child abuse in the Pitcairn Islands. Those of you familiar with the Mutiny on the Bounty story, will know this is where the mutineers made their home.

It was so much fun at the end talking to new people. I was staggered at how far some had travelled. (Hi to Stuart and Andrea from East London!) The event even got a review in the Independent. Roll on September’s swap!

The joy of trolling around the internet, is finding new things and I have discovered a new band - Mumford and Sons. I have not as yet found an album to purchase, but I have listened to some of their songs on line and I like.

I'm curious about them and I would even go so far a to buy tickets to see them live - if I can find them at a venue I can get to that does not require logistcal planning of military campaign proportions! I tried to get tickets to see them at the End of the Road Festival in Dorset, (close to Salisbury and Blandford where I could stay with family), but sadly they're sold out! Seeing bands at this stage in their careers mean I can actually afford the ticket price. Given the costs of travel and refreshments on top, I rarely go to gigs anymore. I'm not mean - just poor!

I have reviews to write, so I'm away - in the meantime, enjoy the books and music - or not.

Home again....waiting

2009-08-18T18:13:00.004+01:00

Well, DTS came home from hospital yesterday evening. We are none the wiser as to whats wrong, and guess what? NO SCAN. Why am I not surprised?

I tried to argue the point that this is precisely what happened last time, but to no avail. She'll be treated as an out-patient; she'll get two appointments in the post - one for an ultra-sound scan, the other to see the doctor for the results. Hilariously, if the appointment for the doctor pre-dates the scan, then she'll have to phone to re-arrange for one week after the date of the scan.

Give me strength. Clearly it is beyond their abilities to synchronise the two. Meanwhile she takes the painkillers, lies in discomfort and pain, and waits. I wish I could afford to go private! I know they have a mobile ultra-sound scan as they used it on a woman nearby to check her bladder. It wasn't urgent, it wasn't an emergency; they were fitting a catheter anyway. How do I know? All the conversations were conducted at full volume - and she wasn't hard of hearing as I spoke to her several times. She was, however, clearly embarrassed.

What has happened to all the really professional nurses? The ones who may not have been all pally and friendly, but worked effectively and efficiently, and made you feel like you were in trustworthy hands?

*sigh*

Randomly picked up Tom Holt's novel, Valhalla. Had me smiling. Will let you know what I think when I finish.

Am off to watch a film or two - or catch up on Trueblood. Depends on my mood when I finally settle down on the sofa.

And while we wait

2009-08-15T16:45:00.005+01:00

Ok - so we're still waiting for a scan and Daughter the Second has been sick again overnight. The duty doctor came round this morning, says he wants more blood tests and by the way, there are no scans at the weekend.

What? But we were told....

And depending on the blood test results, DTS might have an endoscopy. They don't explain fully what this is, but an elderly patient next to her (a fabulously feisty woman) is a retired nurse, so she explains and DTS mildly freaks. At the moment, we don't know when she'll get the blood test results - so here we are....admitted Thursday afternoon, potentially get scan done Monday, but maybe an endoscopy....sometime?

I retreat to my books.

My reading group have Goodnight Mr Tom by Michelle Magorian, and The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom, to choose from. If I can, I shall read both. One for the third time (Mr Tom) and one for the first (Five People). What I'm enjoying about the group is the fact that I read books I just wouldn't ever choose for myself, and my reading is very wide and varied anyway. This includes biographies, Born on a Blue Day by Daniel Tammet, and Wasted by Mark Johnson. The biographies I read tend to be historical, so these are very unusual, but eye-opening, informative and they certainly pulled me up sharp a few times.

I was looking forward to reading Ocean Sea by Alessandro Baricco. A friend and colleague loves this book and it was her choice but sadly I just couldn't get on with it. Like the book and its author, my friend is Italian, and of course she read it in the original. I found the language and phraseology awkward, jarring and ultimately irritating as it stopped the flow. After mulling it over, I put that down to the translation.

It lead me to think of the problems of translating books, and how much the success of a book must depend upon how well it is translated. Harry Potter has been a phenomenal worldwide success, probably in more languages than I knew existed. I have read Stieg Larsson's Girl With a Dragon Tattoo, and two novels translated from German . First Bernhard Schlink's The Reader, and because I was so engaged by that book, second was Homecoming. Now I'm going to try another of his, Flights of Love, a collection of stories, and will certainly be finishing the Larsson trilogy as they're published.

Would I be doing this if the English translation had been as awkward as the Baricco? The resounding answer is NO! I apply my three chapter rule as I have so many books to read and not a long enough lifetime to read them all. I wonder how many wonderful books we miss out on because of the translation?

No translation problems with one books I've read recently - a teen novel by Ross Kemp, but thats another blog entry all on its own.

Health matters....

2009-08-14T22:11:00.004+01:00

Daughter the Second is in hospital - suspected appendix problems - maybe....we've been here before, when she was sent home without a diagnosis, and its hard to argue as 'whatever it was' had 'gone'.

Now, again, she's in pain, being sick, unable even to keep water down, on a drip to keep her hydrated, taking pills to help with the pain, and waiting for scan. And waiting. And waiting.

Now I know there are people out there who have much more serious problems, fatal illnesses, and the like, but surely taking a scan when the pain is at its worst would make sense.

Or it it just me?

It would also help if I could understand what some of the nurses are saying to me. Last night I understood about 75% of what one nurse said to my daughter and I. Today, I understood 50% at most of what a nurse was saying to an elderly patient next to us. Luckily I'm smart enough to be able to fill in most of the blanks and guess the rest, but then I'm not ill, in pain, elderly, or hard of hearing. What if I was? What might I agree to? Or not? My thoughts avoided going into the potentially damaging or fatal results - I just warned my girl to be sure she understood exactly what was being said or asked of her.

She really likes the doctor though - thanks heavens for small mercies.

In the meantime, Daughter the First is battling on with her mountain of studies, getting stressed at people, and worried about finishing or failing, or whatever else gets into your head at times like these. Of course, I've started dreaming of essays and presentations, and waking up in a panic about missed deadlines. I keep this to myself as she'd start stressing about that too.

Worry? I'm getting greyer by the minute!

I have cheered myself up with some sunny photos of Garter Day at Windsor Castle. Happy, happy!

Starting From Scratch!

2009-08-14T12:44:00.001+01:00

After a conversation with an Olympic standard blogger, I was feeling very guilty as I hadn't touched my old blog in a while, and when I say 'a while', even I was shocked to find it had been nearly six months. Sadly, logging in was an even bigger shock - my account didn't exist. I emailed the site to try and resurrect it, but a resounding, crashing silence was all I received. Several emails and no help later, I've given up and am starting again.

I thought I'd feel annoyed or irritated, but strangely I'm feeling quite upbeat about it. Maybe its the thought of doing things differently - starting with a clean, blank page, so to speak.

And maybe I'll not leave this untouched for six months.......