tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59726234651992997662024-03-14T10:09:31.349+00:00Wadey Words and WonderingsThe lights are on, hopefully someone's home...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953882629800828304noreply@blogger.comBlogger266125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972623465199299766.post-32661191933015425492016-07-21T21:30:00.001+01:002016-07-21T21:30:31.446+01:00Ninja Writers - Prompt #16: The Kiss<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 12.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 20.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>I joined Ninja Writers to get back into my creativity again. Every Wednesday they have a prompt to get the creative juices flowing. The prompt for this week was 'The Kiss'. Although I'm not currently working on a story these characters have been floating around my head for a while. Any feedback will be much appreciated.</i></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 12.75pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 12.75pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She sighed, placing the cutlery down on the work surface. They’d had this conversation a million times. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 12.75pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“I’m not talking to you about this,” she protested, jamming her fingers into a ball of floured dough. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 12.75pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Please Alice, just listen to me,” he cried. He kneeled on the sofa so he could face her. Alice did her best to avoid eye contact, firmly rooting her gaze on the bread in front of her. She didn’t want to argue, didn’t want to fight. There was no energy left in her. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 12.75pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“I have listened, Harry. I have listened to every excuse, every reason, every lie.” With each phrase she punched the dough. “I am done listening!” she roared.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 12.75pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Harry scooted backwards off the sofa before he could be covered in flour. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 12.75pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“I don’t know how else to say I’m sorry,” Harry said, quietly. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 12.75pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Then stop saying it!” said Alice. “I’ve heard it enough.” Her voice lowered, became more gentle. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 12.75pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Harry moved round the counter so he was by her side. Standing next to her there was around half a foot between them. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 12.75pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“I love you,” he whispered, putting his arms around her waist, drawing her close to him. She let herself sink in, moulding herself to his body, letting his chin rest on her head.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 12.75pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“I love you too,” she said. “I will always love you,” she added, after a moment's hesitation. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 12.75pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Then why?”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 12.75pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Don’t-” she snapped. But she didn’t move, she let his lips travel down to her neck, felt her knees go weak. She leaned backwards, her mouth searching for his. Her lips parted welcoming his tongue inside, the spark in her stomach reignited, burning bright. Not that it had ever gone out in the first place. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 12.75pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Alice turned to face him, her hands going to his cheeks, his shoulders, as she lost herself in the kiss. The kiss, that for this moment, eliminated the outside world. There was nothing, no one, but her and Harry. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 12.75pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After a moment she withdrew, catching her breath, feeling the redness in her cheeks. Despite her hesitation and her almost immediate regret, she couldn’t help but smile. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 12.75pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“What is it?” asked Harry.</span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-512078fe-0f23-b197-6b8a-403ddc835b10"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“You’re covered in flour.”</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953882629800828304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972623465199299766.post-66960165400134262222016-04-25T16:57:00.000+01:002016-07-20T16:57:50.098+01:00Book Review: The Versions of Us by Laura Barnett<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24480276-the-versions-of-us" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="The Versions of Us" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1423155390m/24480276.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24480276-the-versions-of-us">The Versions of Us</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12589696.Laura_Barnett">Laura Barnett</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1605057326">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
My friend recommended this book a while ago and for a long time it's been sitting on my shelf. The concept of this book really grabbed me, the idea that one decision can alter the rest of your life. I often wonder what would have happened if I'd stayed in East Sussex or gone to university at the same time as my friends. <br>The story (or rather, stories) centre around Eva and Jim. Who meet, or don't meet, in the 1950's. One specific incident is the pin point for the three versions of their life which are each engrossing and enthralling from the get-go. What was interesting to me was despite some events happening in one or two of the version, occasionally, one incident would occur in all three, demonstrating that despite the utter randomness of life, some things cannot be altered.<br>Eva is headstrong, likeable and a woman well beyond her years for the time period of this novel. Reading her trying to find the balance between home life and career is interesting and makes me thinks about the decisions I will have to take in the future.<br>Jim on the other hand, I was less fond of. Originally I warmed to him, but as the book continued I grew to dislike him more and more. He was selfish and had trouble keeping it in his pants. Even if this reunited him with Eva, I didn't particularly approve of the methods in which he got there.<br>The story covers quite a span of time and I didn't find this a problem. At the beginning of each chapter I had to double check what version we were on, especially as we drew further and further away from that initial moment. There were also lots of side characters that didn't need naming. I would have been perfectly happy with 'so and so's business partner' as opposed to another name I had to file away in my head. Keeping track of all the children was also a difficulty, especially as all their names began with similar letters. <br>Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more of <em>Laura Barnett</em>'s work. It is worth a read, just for it's sheer originality and the questions it gives the reader as it passes through their lifespan.
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953882629800828304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972623465199299766.post-53990581971636028352016-04-12T17:57:00.000+01:002016-05-18T17:58:16.586+01:00Book Review: The Bones of You by Debbie Howells <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26029974-the-bones-of-you" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="The Bones of You" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1452351733m/26029974.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26029974-the-bones-of-you">The Bones of You</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7073071.Debbie_Howells">Debbie Howells</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1600108207">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This was a random purchase at Brighton Train Station when I finished my other book early. <strong>The Bones of You</strong> is about a teenage girl that goes missing and all the secrets that surround her family and life. <br>I really enjoyed the pace of this book. From the start I was hooked and I couldn't wait to find out the young girl's fate. As always, no character appears as they seem and the secrets are revealed thick and fast with twists and turns aplenty. I also enjoyed the two sides of the story. We are taken back through Rosie's life to certain events that all link to her disappearance. <br>To a point I liked Kate, the main character, a local gardener and good friend to Rosie's mum, Jo. She is interesting and her curiosity propels the story along. However, as with most crime fiction, that does not feature a detective, the lead character can come across as nosy. Half of the time I wanted to shout at her to mind her own business. Plus some of the things she did made me roll my eyes more than once.<br>Overall, a decent thriller with an interesting concept, however I worked out who the culprit was before the very end and that always disappoints me.
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953882629800828304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972623465199299766.post-34643298332811327532016-04-09T17:26:00.000+01:002016-05-18T17:27:04.693+01:00Book Review: A Year of Marvellous Ways by Sarah Winman<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23521853-a-year-of-marvellous-ways" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="A Year of Marvellous Ways" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1415581380m/23521853.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23521853-a-year-of-marvellous-ways">A Year of Marvellous Ways</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4197193.Sarah_Winman">Sarah Winman</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1561631400">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
<em>Sarah Winman</em> is one of my favourite authors and I absolutely adored her first novel, so I waited to purchase this with anticipation. Unfortunately it was not as I expected.<br>Firstly, this novel is beautifully written. The writing is poetic and the characters jump off the page. The author's attention to detail is brilliant. I really liked the character of Francis Drake and the events that happened in his life were the most interesting for me.<br>But in some ways, it's good points are what made it so boring for me. The author uses ten words when one would do. The descriptions are far too flowery and distract from the story, although what the story is I couldn't tell you because NOTHING HAPPENED!!! It was just lots of flouncy vocabulary and tragic events that really amounted to nothing. I'm giving this three stars because I really like <em>Winman</em> and I hope the next novel she produces has the warmth and humour of her first.
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953882629800828304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972623465199299766.post-58681741048823507612016-04-04T17:17:00.000+01:002016-05-18T17:17:33.495+01:00Book Review: A Night in with Marilyn Monroe by Lucy Holliday (Libby Lomax #2)<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25394463-a-night-in-with-marilyn-monroe" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="A Night in with Marilyn Monroe (Libby Lomax, #2)" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1435238468m/25394463.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25394463-a-night-in-with-marilyn-monroe">A Night in with Marilyn Monroe</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14421259.Lucy_Holliday">Lucy Holliday</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1597216170">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
I could not wait to get started on the second Libby Lomax novel! <strong>A Night in with Marilyn Monroe</strong> follows Libby throughout the highs and lows in her life, but this time, she is ably assisted by Marilyn Monroe. <br>As I am more familiar with Marilyn Monroe than I am Audrey Hepburn it was easier for me to picture her in my head. <em>Lucy Holliday</em> creates her character beautifully and the reader feels sorry for the troubled actress. Libby is more likeable in this book (although no less oblivious) and I still feel that the author tends to go overboard. A situation that would be really funny, then becomes ridiculous and unrealistic. I sympathised with many of Libby's thoughts and feelings, although she does have some flaws. But then, the character wouldn't be so relate-able if she didn't.<br>It took me just four days to tear through this book, I really couldn't put it down and I cannot wait for the next in the series.
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953882629800828304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972623465199299766.post-80084242085784548532016-04-01T17:03:00.000+01:002016-05-18T17:04:01.639+01:00Book Review: Zodiac: The Shocking True Story of America's Most Elusive Serial Killer: The Shocking True Story of America's Most Bizarre Mass Murderer by Robert Graysmith<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/963848.Zodiac" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Zodiac: The Shocking True Story of America's Most Elusive Serial Killer: The Shocking True Story of America's Most Bizarre Mass Murderer" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348330122m/963848.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/963848.Zodiac">Zodiac: The Shocking True Story of America's Most Elusive Serial Killer: The Shocking True Story of America's Most Bizarre Mass Murderer</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/61248.Robert_Graysmith">Robert Graysmith</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1579781954">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
I'd seen the film before I read the book, which I think helped enormously. I love reading but I did struggle with this.<br>First of all, the good points. <em>Graysmith</em> writes in a way that is not dissimilar to a novel, he describes scenes well and there is frequent use of speech. It's not just 'he said, she said'. Also the detail is incredible. Many of the Zodiac Killer's letters are reproduced in the book and I found that really fascinating. <br>However, in some cases, the detail was overwhelming. We are told names and dates of absolutely everybody and that's hard to keep track of. In some cases, the information can be delivered quite dryly, although perhaps this should be expected in a factual book. I do appreciate that <em>Graysmith</em> was actually involved in the case at the time and it is clear how passionate he is about the case and finding the criminal. Serial killers have always been a fascinating area of interest for me and this case will be in my thoughts for a long time.
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953882629800828304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972623465199299766.post-87871850039591502442016-03-14T17:47:00.000+00:002016-05-16T17:48:30.805+01:00Book Review: A Night in With Audrey Hepburn by Lucy Holliday (Libby Lomax #1)<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24862545-a-night-in-with-audrey-hepburn" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="A Night in with Audrey Hepburn (Libby Lomax, #1)" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1435238390m/24862545.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24862545-a-night-in-with-audrey-hepburn">A Night in with Audrey Hepburn</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14421259.Lucy_Holliday">Lucy Holliday</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1575341714">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
I was in need of a light, girly read and <strong>A Night in with Audrey Hepburn</strong> was recommended to me by a friend. I'm not overly familiar with Audrey Hepburn's works, but I'm a big fan of that era, and I liked the concept of her turning up in Libby Lomax's living room.<br>I loved and hated this book almost simultaneously. Libby is funny, seems sweet and charming but regularly ends up in wildly ridiculous situations that always seem to be more and more extreme and unlikely. Although you will Libby to succeed, she never seems to really think much of herself and after a while this gets old and tiresome. The supporting characters in this novel aren't particularly friendly either. Libby's mum, sister and dad are frankly horrendous, and her best friend Olly is a bit of a drip. They're all a bit wishy-washy and you don't really want to support or root for any of them. The only exception to this is Bogdan, a gay hairdresser forced to work for his builder father. He provides much of the comic relief.<br><em>Lucy Holliday</em> handles the scenes with Audrey Hepburn well. I could hear the actress' voice in my head and believed that Libby could see her. Audrey being obsessed with the coffee machine was also a nice touch. <br><strong>A Night in with Audrey Hepburn</strong> is a page turner, and there are sections of this book that engross you. The reader cannot wait to find out what happens to Libby, but the ending is rather anti-climactic. Luckily I have the next in the series ready to go!
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953882629800828304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972623465199299766.post-4184265708012079982016-03-10T18:23:00.000+00:002016-05-09T18:23:57.492+01:00Book Review: The Ghost Fields by Elly Griffiths (Ruth Galloway #7)<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27404051-the-ghost-fields" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="The Ghost Fields (Ruth Galloway, #7)" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1446364494m/27404051.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27404051-the-ghost-fields">The Ghost Fields</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2541526.Elly_Griffiths">Elly Griffiths</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1573229272">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
<em>Elly Griffiths</em> is my saviour! My heroine! I absolutely adore her characters, especially Ruth Galloway, Cathbad and Harry Nelson. Opening <strong>The Ghost Fields</strong> is like visiting a favourite family member: warm; comforting and you know exactly what to expect. <br>In this chapter of Ruth's life, a WWII plane is discovered buried under the local green, with the pilot still in the cockpit. What follows is an unravelling of family secrets, the invasion of a production crew and assaults left, right and centre. <br>As always, what makes the Ruth Galloway series are the characters and the trials and tribulations they go through. They are such an eclectic mix and with several love triangles developing it grows more and more interesting. The continuing development of Ruth and Nelson is the one thing that draws me back every time.<br>My only, small criticism, without giving too much away, is that like every other Ruth Galloway novel, she ends up having to be saved by somebody. It would be really nice for her to do the saving for a change!
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953882629800828304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972623465199299766.post-15507988159446650242016-03-08T11:22:00.000+00:002016-05-06T11:22:26.910+01:00Book Review: Disclaimer by Renée Knight<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25261897-disclaimer" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Disclaimer" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1461575262m/25261897.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25261897-disclaimer">Disclaimer</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8074596.Ren_e_Knight">Renée Knight</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1549677520">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
What originally drew me to <strong>Disclaimer</strong> by <em>Renée Knight</em> was the original concept. Catherine opens a book to discover that she is the main character and the author knows secrets that only she and one other person has knowledge of. Secrets that she has kept her whole life. <br>This was a real page turner. I couldn't wait to find out what happened to Catherine and her family and how the story would unfold. However my main criticism with this novel is the characters. They are well thought out and thoroughly developed but maybe that's the problem. I didn't like any of them and when there isn't one sympathetic character I tend to lose interest a bit. I cannot invest my emotions in people I don't like! Despite this, the twist at the end was well worth waiting for and after passing it on to a friend, they really liked it and didn't have the same issues that I did.
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953882629800828304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972623465199299766.post-21115753590039884022016-02-22T19:35:00.000+00:002016-05-05T19:36:09.500+01:00Book Review: Room by Emma Donoghue<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8717323-room" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Room" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1365485924m/8717323.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8717323-room">Room</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/23613.Emma_Donoghue">Emma Donoghue</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/243364243">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Many others struggled with the fact that <strong>Room</strong> is narrated by a little boy. I enjoyed Jack's point of view and I didn't find him irritating or repetitive. Although I work with children, so maybe <br>that helps. <br><strong>Room</strong> is a rather desolate story of a little boy and his mum who live confined in a room. It is the only life Jack has ever known, although his mum makes it clear that she is here under another person's will. That other person is known as Old Nick, who brings them Sunday treats and regularly rapes Jack's mum. <br>Jack describes the room in innocent detail and his discovery of the real world is both funny and enjoyable. <br>The story gathers speed and interest after Jack escapes from the room, with his mum's guidance and planning. Discovering how they treat the world and how the world treats them is fascinating and <em>Emma Donoghue</em> thinks of so many things, such as the fact that Jack has never been in direct sunlight before. <br>All the characters we meet are well written and easily distinguishable and the story kept me intrigued right through to the end. My only criticism is that it ended suddenly and I wanted more. I hope <em>Donoghue</em> writes a second novel exploring where Jack's life has taken him.
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953882629800828304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972623465199299766.post-70191960024581246352016-02-15T13:08:00.000+00:002016-05-04T13:08:33.783+01:00Book Review: Duma Key by Stephen King<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2484290.Duma_Key" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Duma Key" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1352468020m/2484290.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2484290.Duma_Key">Duma Key</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3389.Stephen_King">Stephen King</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/127655875">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
<em>Stephen King</em>'s <strong>Duma Key</strong> is the tale of Edgar Freemantle. After losing an arm and gaining a head injury in a work accident, Edgar's life turns upside down. He divorces his wife and takes a break to Duma Key, an island off the coast of Florida. While there a passion for art emerges, but with serious consequences. <br><em>King</em> creates a range of eclectic characters, in Edgar; Elizabeth Eastlake, a local landowner; Wireman, her carer with a shady past and Jack, Edgar's helper and chauffeur. On <strong>Duma Key</strong> nothing is as it seems and everybody has their own secrets. Edgar's artistic skills develop with the support of Elizabeth, but he soon learns that through his art other talents are revealed. <br>As well as the characters, King's descriptions of the locations are detailed and impressive. He really paints a picture of the old Eastlake house and the supernatural occurrences. Flipping between the island's past and present is not a challenge and in fact, I could have read this book forever and ever. <em>King</em> writes beautifully and the images he creates stay in your head long after you've closed the book.
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953882629800828304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972623465199299766.post-37632102245895141992016-01-21T12:37:00.000+00:002016-05-04T12:37:30.927+01:00Book Review: Wild Oats by Veronica Henry<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28333517-wild-oats" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Wild Oats" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1451059113m/28333517.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28333517-wild-oats">Wild Oats</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/505129.Veronica_Henry">Veronica Henry</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1511011811">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
<strong>Wild Oats</strong> is based in Shropshire, not far from where I live. I always enjoy reading books set in a location that I am familiar with. I enjoy <em>Veronica Henry</em>'s writing style and always get engrossed with the characters and the story lines and this book is no exception. I felt for the characters, willed them to do the right thing and wanted them to achieve happiness. Sometimes I wanted to scream at the characters for making poor decisions, but ultimately I sympathised with them. <em>Henry</em> really shines in her character development. I also enjoyed the different generations and different classes that she discussed. Not everyone had Gucci handbags which has been the case in previous novels. My only criticism is that sometimes situations aren't very realistic. When two lovers wake up in bed neither of them needs to go to the loo and couples orgasm at the same time the first time they've slept together. I think if characters were even more realistic it would make it more relate-able, but this does not tarnish my opinion of <em>Henry</em> and I will always be an avid fan on her books.
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953882629800828304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972623465199299766.post-92233068120196799322016-01-15T23:25:00.000+00:002016-05-03T23:25:25.233+01:00Book Review: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21270506-frankenstein" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Frankenstein" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1398194015m/21270506.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21270506-frankenstein">Frankenstein</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/11139.Mary_Shelley">Mary Shelley</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1483259922">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
I am very aware that I have not read many classics during my lifetime. After recently watching <strong>Frankenstein</strong> I thought it a good place to start. The novel has passages that are engaging. <em>Mary Shelley</em> writes action very well. For me, the passive sections were harder to read and remain interested. The monster is written especially well. The language used for him is almost lyrical and I sympathised with him throughout. My favourite part of the book is when the monster is watching the family in the cottage in the wood. <br>Considering the age of the book, it is not a difficult read but similarly, it's not what I'd classify as a page turner.
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953882629800828304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972623465199299766.post-37715558701947868012015-12-28T23:19:00.000+00:002016-05-03T23:20:07.678+01:00Book Review: The Beach Hut by Veronica Henry<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6887697-the-beach-hut" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="The Beach Hut" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1275323057m/6887697.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6887697-the-beach-hut">The Beach Hut</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/505129.Veronica_Henry">Veronica Henry</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1480129715">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
I love <em>Veronica Henry</em> with a passion! She creates novels teeming with characters, intrigue, humour and real-life situations and <strong>The Beach Hut</strong> is no exception. <br>This time the action is centred around a beach hut on Everdene Sands. The story spans decades as we grow old with the characters and the twists and turns throughout their life.<br>The reason why this is 3 instead of 5 is for two reasons. This novel has too many characters. One of the threads could be lost easily and it would still be an enjoyable read. There was one character called Jane and another called Janet. The names are too similar on the page. The second reason is that there is a lack of variety in their story lines. There were too many cheating spouses for my liking. I understand that this is a part of real life, but to have it be the centre of so many story arcs was confusing and boring. It hasn't put me off <em>Veronica Henry</em> at all, but it isn't my favourite of her novels.
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953882629800828304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972623465199299766.post-39477051709646303192015-12-26T23:08:00.000+00:002016-05-03T23:08:58.483+01:00Book Review: No More Heroes by Stephen Thompson<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27390135-no-more-heroes" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="No More Heroes" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1446153284m/27390135.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27390135-no-more-heroes">No More Heroes</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/95274.Stephen_Thompson">Stephen Thompson</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1475536783">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
<strong>No More Heroes</strong> by <em>Stephen Thompson</em> is not the kind of book I would normally pick up. Having been 13 years old when the 7/7 attacks occurred, it's an event that will always be cemented in my memory. Reading Simon Weekes' account of what happened to him on that day was interesting and harrowing. But really, these moments are only the start of Simon's story and his past has much deeper secrets. <br>This is by no means an easy read, but the pace is thick and fast and keeps you turning the pages to find out what happened to Simon. Simon himself is a complex character and the author does not paint him in an honourable light. Despite this, he is still likeable and you sympathise with the route his life has taken. <br>I would definitely read more of <em>Stephen Thompson</em> in the future.
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953882629800828304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972623465199299766.post-67527870402156643502015-12-21T23:00:00.000+00:002016-05-03T23:00:38.745+01:00Book Review: Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12250584-eleanor-park" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Eleanor & Park" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1404209206m/12250584.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12250584-eleanor-park">Eleanor & Park</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4208569.Rainbow_Rowell">Rainbow Rowell</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1474125794">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This was recommended to me by my friend Helen and she is usually very good at recommendations. I would say that this book started with five stars and the more I read it, the more fed up I became. Although it was a very accessible book, I read it in two days. <br><em>Rainbow Rowell</em> creates two likeable characters in Eleanor and Park. The story of them falling in love is sweet and full of those little moments you cherish when you start a relationship. For me, the pitfall of this book is the ending. I wanted to know what happened to Eleanor's family and the whole thing was just left without a conclusion, like the author gave up. Maybe there will be a second novel about them? <br>Even though I was born in the nineties the cultural references in this book are not lost on me and <em>Rowell</em> paints a perfect picture of the school, the neighbourhood in which they live and the supporting characters. I particularly liked Park's Mum. <br>Overall, an entertaining book, which ultimately left me unsatisfied.
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953882629800828304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972623465199299766.post-35329214678834557752015-12-20T22:52:00.000+00:002016-05-03T22:52:36.720+01:00Book Review: Something Rotten by Jasper Fforde (Thursday Next #4)<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/828395.Something_Rotten" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Something Rotten (Thursday Next, #4)" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1419179067m/828395.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/828395.Something_Rotten">Something Rotten</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4432.Jasper_Fforde">Jasper Fforde</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/151396624">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
I've always been a fan of <em>Jasper Fforde</em> eclectic style of writing, even if I do prefer his Nursery Crime work. The Thursday Next novels are always a joy to read, full of mad cap ideas, literary characters and outlandish notions. In <strong>Something Rotten</strong> Thursday is babysitting Hamlet while political conspiracy rages around her, yet she is closer than ever to getting her husband returned to her. To top it all off, she needs to win a game of croquet to prevent the end of the world as she knows it. <br>The characters are complex and unique and <em>Fforde</em> creates such a fully realised world it's hard to believe it isn't real. The eye for detail is phenomenal and this is what really makes these books come to life. I cannot wait to delve into the next one!
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953882629800828304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972623465199299766.post-40755821515385868752015-11-30T22:37:00.000+00:002016-05-03T22:37:38.119+01:00Book Review: Bridges Jones' Diary by Helen Fielding<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/856684.Bridget_Jones_s_Diary" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Bridget Jones's Diary (Bridget Jones, #1)" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327949124m/856684.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/856684.Bridget_Jones_s_Diary">Bridget Jones's Diary</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3090.Helen_Fielding">Helen Fielding</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/250541194">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Having been familiar with the Bridget Jones films for a number of years I thought it was about time I got round to reading the book that started it all. It's fair to say I consumed this book, I read it in two days flat. It was like I inhaled the words and I loved every page. <em>Helen Fielding</em> creates a fantastically realistic character. I think it's fair to say that every woman has had one or two 'Bridget Jones' moments. Her diary entries and the ups and downs of her life make for a funny, witty novel and the reader is behind her 100%, egging her on from beyond the page. Of course, having seen the film I knew how the events would unfold but that did not stop me enjoying the ride. I'm yet to read the other books in the series but I'm sure I well enjoy them as much as I did <strong>Bridget Jones' Diary</strong>.<br>The only reason this is four stars instead of five is because there are certain things that are handed to her on a plate, like her job. I felt that the character could be a tad more realistic in real life situations, however maybe this is just a sign of when the book was written as opposed to today's economic climate.
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953882629800828304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972623465199299766.post-49996589637992973652015-11-28T17:58:00.000+00:002016-04-26T17:58:53.031+01:00Book Review: The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25277627-the-bone-clocks" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="The Bone Clocks" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1428071469m/25277627.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25277627-the-bone-clocks">The Bone Clocks</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6538289.David_Mitchell">David Mitchell</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1426930650">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
David Mitchell is one of the greatest writers of this generation. He manages to create complex scenes and heartfelt characters. The Bone Clocks is no exception.<br>Our main protagonist is Holly and we follow her and her family and friends through their lives and different eras of time. As with Cloud Atlas, there are certain sections that will resonate more than others. I particularly enjoyed Ed's section, as we followed him in Iraq and the futuristic section with Holly and her grand children. <br>It was a great read, although some of it was hard to get your head round. I could have done with some more explanation. I also felt it lost pace around three quarters of the way though. But managed to regain it by the end. And although it was a big book I relished reading it, delving into every word. I can't wait to read more of David Mitchell.
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953882629800828304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972623465199299766.post-82910571581209808492015-10-27T17:57:00.000+00:002016-04-26T17:57:35.479+01:00Book Review: The Titanic Enigma by Tom West<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21002575-the-titanic-enigma" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="The Titanic Enigma" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1427756068m/21002575.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21002575-the-titanic-enigma">The Titanic Enigma</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/858774.Tom_West">Tom West</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1421316092">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This kind of novel is something I might have written in my late teens. It's full of conspiracy, vaguely ridiculous and the characters are all young and beautiful. <br>I love the idea and the action is interesting and fast paced. There are plenty of twists and turns, although not completely unpredictable. <br>The characters are a bit one dimensional but not unlikeable. Overall a decent, entertaining read which I will forget in a few weeks.
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953882629800828304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972623465199299766.post-58270062844659141352015-10-20T17:56:00.000+01:002016-04-26T17:56:25.163+01:00Book Review: Us by David Nicholls<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25632233-us" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Us" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1438514110m/25632233.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25632233-us">Us</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/46118.David_Nicholls">David Nicholls</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1415836921">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
David Nicholls is brilliant at creating living and breathing characters. <br>The story of Us follows Doug, a scientist with a quirky sense of humour; his wife, Connie, the artiste; and their son Albie, a grumpy and surly teenager. <br>One day in their twenty year relationship, Connie wakes up and out of the blue asks Doug for a divorce. They decide as a family to continue with their summer trip around Europe. <br>Nicholls describes Paris and Amsterdam with poetic detail. It's a great advertisement for inter-railing and makes me want to pack my bag and jet off for a city break. <br>Doug is the perfect protagonist. He's got a 'dad' sense of humour and completely adores Connie. <br>Connie, unfortunately, was a character I could not warm too. I'm not sure if Nicholls intended for the reader to like her, but she came across as pretentious and 'above' Doug. <br>Albie, is the character who develops most over the course of the novel. He transforms from the introverted teen to realising he has responsibility.<br>The events that unfold in the story left me angry, in love and moved. But I was always on Doug's side. Connie's decisions seemed selfish and ungrateful. She always took Albie's side even when his behaviour was unreasonable. <br>I've never been more emotionally invested in a book, particularly the anger I felt at Connie and the way she treated Doug. But it was a compelling read and I felt like the characters could walk out the book. I'll definitely read more David Nicholls in the future!!
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953882629800828304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972623465199299766.post-75430571444561089982015-10-13T17:54:00.000+01:002016-04-26T17:55:15.132+01:00Book Review: The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen (Rizzoli & Isles #1)<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7962783-the-surgeon" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="The Surgeon (Jane Rizzoli & Maura Isles, #1)" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358267096m/7962783.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7962783-the-surgeon">The Surgeon</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18149.Tess_Gerritsen">Tess Gerritsen</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1411909419">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Having been familiar with the Rizolli and Isles series, I already had characters in the head when I started reading this. This is the first of the books, but I'm glad I didn't start with it otherwise I may not have read any others!! <br>It has a good pace, a sadistic murderer and suspects a-plenty. But it was all a bit too procedural for me. Not to mention that Isles wasn't even in it!! It was exactly the kind of story you'd expect on Criminal Minds or Law & Order, nothing that made me sit up or take notice. Plus Rizolli goes on and on about 'the job being a way of life', and I'm sure that is the case, but it just got dull!! <br>I'm sure I will read more in the future, but I'll get my mum to read them for me first!!
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953882629800828304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972623465199299766.post-45187192805744906282015-10-08T13:29:00.000+01:002015-10-27T13:30:16.033+00:00Book Review: Cape Fear by John D. MacDonald<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23153872-cape-fear" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Cape Fear" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1409753811m/23153872.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23153872-cape-fear">Cape Fear</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/24690.John_D_MacDonald">John D. MacDonald</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1405019575">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Considering the size of this book, it felt like it took an AGE to read! I'm not familiar with the film, other than the fact that it's a thriller, so I went in with a blank mind.<br>The book is very dated. It's odd that I can read Sherlock Holmes and that not seem dated, yet reading this seemed out of touch. The main couple did not share a bed and some of the terminology and language used was strange. <br>Although I recognise that <em>MacDonald</em> writes well, I wasn't particularly enthralled by the novel. Not a lot happened until the final third of the novel, which was exciting and made by pulse race. I felt Sam's injuries with every step he took and needed to know what had happened. <br>The other characters were a bit confusing, apart from Sam's daughter Nancy who I related to the most. I couldn't remember how old each of the children were and there were lots of people that were mentioned once (given a name) that we never met again.<br>Nevertheless, this novel really highlighted that one single man can be very scary. A threat does not need to be a bomb, or a warlord. I felt that <em>MacDonald</em> portrayed the feelings of the family well, especially Sam's wife Carol and how she coped with the strain put on their family. <br>I'm really intrigued to watch both versions of the film to see how well the terror translates to the movies.
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953882629800828304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972623465199299766.post-83694212830929312852015-09-30T13:08:00.000+01:002015-10-27T13:08:59.072+00:00Book Review: The Martian by Andy Weir<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20555443-the-martian" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="The Martian" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1410006861m/20555443.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20555443-the-martian">The Martian</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6540057.Andy_Weir">Andy Weir</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1400606189">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
I bought this novel after seeing the trailer for the film. I haven't read sci-fi in ages and thought it would be a refreshing change amongst the murder mysteries and romance.<br>From the off I pictured Matt Damon as I knew he was playing the role of Mark Watney. Not that this was a problem. Damon, to me, represents the all-American and he suited the role well. <br>I really enjoyed the diary-entry format used by <em>Andy Weir</em>. It puts you right in Watney's head. You journey with him, through his despair, through his exhaustion, through his elation. I enjoyed his sense of humour too, several times I laughed out loud. I particularly enjoyed the references to disco music and 70s TV programmes. <br>The narrative switched between Watney, the crew of the Hermes and the NASA team tracking his every move. It was good to have the variation. I felt like over the course of this book I have actually learnt something about space travel.<br>The pace of this novel was excellent too. I was hooked from the beginning and I couldn't wait to find out Watney's fate as in no way was it guaranteed that he would survive. Each obstacle he came across was believable and how Watney dealt with it was admirable. <br><strong>The Martian</strong> is such a brilliant novel and I would love to read more of <em>Weir</em>'s work.
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953882629800828304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972623465199299766.post-23833871142238168542015-09-25T12:34:00.000+01:002015-10-27T13:09:14.759+00:00Book Review: Death of a Cozy Writer by G.M. Malliet (A St. Just Mystery #1)<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26472628-death-of-a-cozy-writer" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Death of a Cozy Writer (A St. Just Mystery #1)" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1442150664m/26472628.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26472628-death-of-a-cozy-writer">Death of a Cozy Writer</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1407724.G_M_Malliet">G.M. Malliet</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1393789812">2 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
I love a good 'twee' murder mystery, set in the countryside, normally involve a plodding village policeman and often based around a feuding family. <strong>Death of a Cozy Writer</strong> ticks all the boxes. Sir Adrian Beauclerk-Fisk is a murder mystery writer who thrives on torturing his four vile children by threatening to disinherit them. <br>Despite their distaste for their father, when he announces a surprise engagement, all four children come running to their old family home. What follows in murder and mayhem.<br>For a start there were no redeemable characters. I felt sorry for his daughter, other than that everyone was very arrogant and pompous. <em>G.M. Malliet</em> describes every woman as being disgusting, fat or ugly. And God forbid a fat woman should have any self confidence or consider herself attractive. It surprised me to find the author was female.<br>The police officers in this novel are quite forgettable. I'm not expecting them to be quirky or have weird characteristics but they need to be memorable. Unfortunately they were quite cookie cutter. <br>I did like the fact that the murders were linked to the past but more of this needed to be made. By the end I was quite confused as to what had happened and just wanted to be shot of these horrific characters.
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