The Ask and the Answer - Patrick Ness

£7.99 ISBN - 978-1-4063-2247-7

When you read books people lend you books. I can't tell you the amount of times I’ve heard, `oh you'd love this take it home with you` and then you are compelled to read the most boring bit of drivel ever written, usually some kind of chick flick with no plot and lots of shoes! But I was lucky enough before xmas to hear this very phrase and be nicely surprised by reading `The Knife of Never Letting Go` lent to me by a friend (the prequel to this book).The I just had to buy the rest....

The Ask and the Answer - despite this being proclaimed teen fiction it is brutal in many ways. I think the author intended to scare small children. With concepts of mind control, torture and a never ending chase the book is enthralling. Todd and Viola are clearly in love and the main characters that you follow through in their own words as they battle against the mayor and...well mad men mainly! Told by each character in their own words I wonder if the third book will add an additional narrator.

I love the fact the book has key animal characters who are loyal. Often I get bored reading sequels and find writers repeat the same plot or drag out themes for too long but i can honestly say i found this book as captivating as the first one. SPOILER - It is unusual to find books that have a tragic ending and I am hoping the final in the series has a happy ending to be honest.

Themes of war are key in this book with many `just following orders` and gravitating toward power. `Noise` is heard by all of the population in the book but only generated by men. Imagine if everyone could hear what you think all the time? You’re most private and intimate thoughts. That is what it would be like to live with the noise. Calling the series `chaos walking` is exactly right as the ever changing pace of the book makes you feel chaotic and at times lost. It reminded me of `The Road` by Cormac McCarthy due to its pace and ever searching for its next direction.

I'm drawn most to Todd in the book as he changes the most. Viola seems to maintain her sense of self throughout despite being kidnapped, drowned and blown up!

Patrick Ness also seems to have a interesting website http://www.patrickness.com/biog.html if you want to learn more about him. I rarely buy books as I am a big fan of the library which I think more of us should use (otherwise the government will take it….grrr…), but being Christmas it was closed so I bought the book. I actually am glad I paid £7.99 for this book. I have the third book waiting to be read along with lot of other Xmas books :) Reading, skating and drinking coffee is my ideal Xmas.

New yrs resolution - Remember to record what i read and use the library! :)

An Impossible Marriage- Pamela Hansford Johnson

My oh so neglected book blog I am sorry. I will invest in you again x All I can say is that roller derby stole my soul – so I haven’t been up to much else but skating. But with a poorly foot I can now…well return to you x I have read many of a book but none of them are worth summarising save this one.

Title                                         - An Impossible Marriage

Author                                     - Pamela Hansford Johnson

First copyright date                  -1955

Type of book                           - Fiction

General subject matter            - Marriage, jealousy, adultery, monotony

Price                                        - 4’6 but it cost me 50p

ISBN                                       - No ISBN or barcode J I love old books

The author does not state a purpose and the dedication page appears to be in French – I think. I love the appearance of old books and fell in love with this one on the shelf. A way to a girl’s heart if to buy her a book and the way to a man’s is through his stomach!

Published by the companion book club I imagine house wives are meant to read this at home while embroidering clothes. Christie is the main character who is a Plane Jane trying to get through a marriage that she falls into in her youth with a much older man. Growing up through the book she realises she cannot stand her husband but he simply will not let her go.

The conclusion of this book feels it is foretold in the first three chapters but overall it is well written. Similar themes to your modern day Jane Mansell or other trashy chic books that come free with Cosmo – this book however has a better cover and more realism than romance.

From Christies often selfish and blunt point of view she try’s to explain the complexities of her relationships but it always seems to lack emotion and be very practical – like reading an instruction book. Ned her husband is a pitiful character who try’s to hold on to her until his moral undoing. A nice book to read that will not upset you before bed time

The book reminded me that literature is often churned out every year on the same topics – recycled with a different cover but the same underlying issues we all face with human relationships. I can’t say it is a joyous book and maybe on a mental note its worth noting it wouldn’t make a favourable engagement gift.

I would recommend the book to my friends on the fact if I can’t give it away to someone it will take up space on my bookshelf and I’ll then have to take it to a charity shop when I remember. After all books are for us all to share.

On a side note the companion book club note at the back of the page is darling ` The Club is not a library; all books are the property of members. There is no entrance fee or any payment beyond the low Club price of each monthly book. Details of membership will be sent on request. Write to the Companion Book Club, 8 Long Acre, London, Wc2`

 Maybe I will write to them and see if I get a reply?!

Grotesque - Natsuo Kirino

WOOOWW Blogger is finally working and not crashing on my computer! thank pffffffffffff....

I read this ages ago but due to my lame blue screen crashing computer I am only just posting this - enjoy!

Title                             -           Grotesque

Author                         -           Natsuo Kirino

Copyright date             -           2003

Type of book               -           Jap fiction, horror

General subject           -     

murder, incest, prostitution, Jap culture, elitism, 

Price         -   Originally £7.99 but it cost me 20p from Amazon

ISBN.                          -           978-0-099-48893-4

Pages                           -           467

Back Cover:

`Twenty years previously both women were educated at the same elite school for young ladies, and had seemingly promising futures ahead of them.

But in a world of dark desire and vicious ambition, for both women, prostitution meant power. Grotesque is a masterful and haunting thriller, a chilling exploration of women’s secret lives in modern day Japan`

            I finished this book a few weeks ago and have been trying to think about how to put my thoughts on it into words…

In this world there are many kinds of monsters. Often cruel and not just featuring in lady Ga Ga’s songs, they shape the world which we live in. Inner beauty is absent in all characters with the exception of Yurio. Born exceedingly beautiful but unable to recognise it due to his disability he lives in world shaped only in his mind only. He represents a pureness that is untouchable.

The main character has a cruel snarl in her story telling. Her heart seems to have gradually rotted away as she feeds gleefully off others misfortunes. I believe she is unable to experience joy. Completely consumed by jealousy and bitterness.

The book splits between several narrators, which is surprisingly understating. I could not help but be captivated by Zhang’s account of his love for his sister and the journey they took together. I forgot I was reading the tale of a murderer due to the intimate and tender nature of his portrayal.

Many characters colour these pages and the tale of Yuriko reminds me of the tragic story of Gia the supermodel. Like many outstanding beauties Yuriko had no need to have developed a personality beyond her carnal desires which makes her raw and intriguing.

Forbidden love and sexuality feature strongly in this novel. Homosexuality, incest, prostitution, sadomasochism & celibacy interlink surprisingly smoothly.

Grotesque achieves a balance between the disturbing and erotic that I don’t think Kirino captured in previous novels I’ve read. I felt violated at times while reading, a common feeling with this type of fiction. I hope that more of her works are translated as they are original, awe inspiring pieces of work.

If you like this genre I would definitely recommend you read this book.

The Graveyard Book – Neil Gaiman Illustrated by Chris Riddell

The Graveyard Book – Neil Gaiman Illustrated by Chris Riddell

One of the free books I received and a delight to read – although the first chapter was abit brutal.

Title – The Graveyard Book

Author – Neil Gaiman

Copyright – 2008

Type – Children’s Fiction

General Subject matter – Ghosts, Ghouls, Death & Murder, Fantasy, Comedy, Family

Special Features – Website noted – www.thegraveyardbook.co.uk, Individual illustrations per chapter

Price - £ 6.99 (but free to me)

ISBN 978-0-7475-9480-2

No purpose is given in the preface to this book but I suspect that is normal in children’s books – I mean who under the age of 16 reads a preface? He does sight that his inspiration for the book was seeing his son Michael when he was age two running around a graveyard on his tricycle (and the book took 20yrs to write so he must be oh 22 now). I wonder if Neil Gaiman has had any extrasensory powers or encountered friendly ghosts. He seems to write about the graveyard folk with a great affection, maybe he is trying to alter children’s perceptions of the dead by reminding us that there is good and bad in all and that guardians come in all shapes and sizes.

The book is written from a narrator’s perspective but draws on the thoughts and emotions of the characters, mainly focusing on Bod. Bod is short for Nobody the name her was given when he crawled into the yard as a baby. I think the author was trying to entice children to read about other mystical creatures as it briefly features mummies, ghosts, werewolves and vampires ;without giving too much detail about them.

I think the intended audience would be from 10-12 as younger children would find the murdering upsetting. Issues of bullying and family dynamics are dealt with in various ways. The style is that of an informal story teller that leads you by the hand through the story and the graveyard with snippets of history and descriptions of characters from various eras. It would suit children & I imagine readers of the Ruthless Romans and Terrible Tudors (horrible book series) would relish the book! What is that age when you are fascinated by witches being drowned and kings being beheaded – that age group is perfect – yr 6 maybe!

 I was intrigued to find out why Bod’s family were murdered and I must say I wasn’t that satisfied by the answer.  I think the book is good as it children in considering death and afterlife but in a positive manner. These types of books allow parents to talk to children about issues as part of day to day life – making them less scared of the unavoidable death of relatives. I must admit that I didn’t realise that the Sandman comics were by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed them. I haven’t seen Coraline but if I get time I intend to flick through that one too.

The Girl on The Landing - Paul Torday

Part of my free books donated (thanks Sally J ) Now how to write this to give it a good review without getting my personal emotions clouding it… Ok so this thing I read on book reviews states I should focus on the `purpose, content, and authority` So here we go…( written while listening to Kerrang Radio which is apparently `For those who love music… and haven’t given up on life!`)

Title – The Girl on the Landing

Copyright date – 2009

Type – Fiction

General Subject Matter – Mental health, mystery, Fiction – anyone read help me out ppl!

Special features – Book group reading notes at the back (brief)

Price – Free from the library of Sally – anyone want me to post it to them I’m happy to do – books are here to be shared – just email me your address (Originally £7.99) 1 copy only.

ISBN – 978-0-7538-2340-8

Back cover reads:

 `You think you know someone – but you never really do…

Elizabeth has been married to Michael for ten years. She has adjusted to a fairly monotonous routing with her wealthy, decent but boring husband. Part of this routine involves occasional visits to Beinn Caorrum, the dank and gloomy house is a Scottish glen that Michael inherited from his parents. There are memories there that Michael will not share with her.

But then, on a holiday in Ireland, Michael begins to change. It starts when he thinks he sees, in a picture, the figure of a girl on a landing. As he changes, life becomes so much more fun and Elizabeth sees glimpses of a man she can fall in love with at last. But who-or what-is changing Michael? As Elizabeth finally gets to know her husband she realises that their fragile happiness is threatened by his past…a past that seems as unsettling as Beinn Caorrun itself…`

I think the author gave an authentic view of a life within the character of Michael and the struggle we have in life of doing what we are told is best for us, in our interest, and what we want to do. I think the books ending aims to dramatise Michael’s condition and I am disappointed at the turn that it takes. I strongly feel that battling stigma is not aided by literature such as this although I appreciate that it brings issues into the public domain. As this book continued I found myself being irritated with the portrayal of `Michael` or `Mikey` but I was still compelled to read on, which I think reflects the high quality of writing.

hmm.............

I like the informal style of the book, but I always feel as if I am being told the story by the characters; not standing inside their head.

The length of time it takes me to read a book is usually and indication of the how devourable it is – just like when you really enjoy a pudding (carrot cake for me please!), and I read this in less than a wk.

I like the confinement of narrators to that of Elizabeth and Michael as I personally find too many story tellers distracting. I think that `Lamia` dictating a chapter would have, been an interesting addition – although I’m not sure how that would work.

The book is not over dramatised, although suspense was lacking toward the end.

I think I simply found myself irritated at the interpretation of mental health (working in the field I think I’m abit touchy here).

To be honest I didn’t know what to expect from this book and merely read it due to reading `Salmon Fishing in the Yemen` which I found really amusing, (yes I would recommend it even if you have no knowledge of fishing at all). This book lacks the light hearted comedy of that book. Comedy would be tricky to link in with this books content.

Account of the veil of medication, bluntness and the robot like existence ate bought to life (ironic I know) in this book. I think that people who have taken medication, particularly antipsychotics would identify with the characters accounts of a lifeless existence. To be honest the book dwelled on a great sadness in the pit of my stomach that I cannot remove. Who wants to live a life of no emotion? What is the point of feeling nothing?

 I can understand why Michael wants to break free from `chemical restraint` of medication and it raises the thoughts in my mind, why is sexual suicide an acceptable in a life of medication? What life will people have forced to be `stable` all the time?

I would recommend that others read this book and I think it is well written and captivating. I think the lack of pictures is important to allow each reader to create there own Beinn Caorrun.

The book seems to be set in a very small world – which I wonder if this is a reflection of the author’s views on the parameters of the two core characters minds and worlds?

Elizabeth & Michael appear stoic. I cannot think of any of the cast that I would want to hug or take home. Modern day relationships are printed out in practicalities with no great romance featuring (shame!). Elizabeth and Michael seem very flat and two dimensional, but I believe this is purposeful and fits within the story.

The major theme appears to be the marriage; the relationship. The lack of emotion makes it clear that this is no love story. It is a marriage of practicality – like when two close friends make a pack to get married at 30yr so that they both die alone (ha ha Jon your not married so out pack stands) There is a distinct lack of sub plots or intrigue about the worlds that surround both characters, which I think is ashamed.

 The most endearing quality of the tail is a happy tail thumping black Labrador called `Rupert` (a dog will always win me over). No great detail is given to the scenery in Ireland or Scotland which is a shame because I have never been to these places and require more stimulation to engage with the novel.

On a final note- I am intrigued to look up the Keats poem `Lamia` and really liked the reading group pointers at the back of the book (having ran a reading group notes in the past this may have eased painful silences). I also love epilogues- a small insight into the future that we each individually imagined. (I think the most fun thing about meeting authors is asking them there thoughts about what would happen next! Yes this refers to Audrey N who I will post a picture of her book signing.)  Overall though, to be honest though I found the ending unsatisfying and unjustifiable of a sequel. 

Worth a read.

Related Book – Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

The Irresistible Inheritance of Wilberforce (I intend to read this – send me the book if you have it lying around!)

P.S  I’d appreciate comments on the review please and ways in which I can improve and develop the ways I translate my thoughts on the book I read – I still think there is a lot locked up there with the cobwebs still waiting to come out!

Three Billy Goats Gruff

I made this video for my friend Tilly but my friend Sally said she'd like to see it so here you go.....you may find it amusing!

Free books for me - woop!

Oh free book boooks boooks....this will keep me busy for a while. Courtesy of the Crossthwaites - Thank you :)

The Russian Concubine Kate Furnivall

The Russian Concubine – Kate Furnivall

I’ve read several books since starting this one which is never a good sign if you can put a book down. I won't review those books here though.

The book is set in China and focuses on Lydia Ivanova the daughter of Valentina from the previous book. She has grown up in a settlement in China where different nationalities are segregated by country of origin.A ghetto with many secrets and harsh realities. Hated by the locals and referred to as `fanqui` (foreign devil) Lydia struggles to make her way in the world. Being a second generation immigrate known as the Russian girl who doesn't speak Russian she has no idea where she sits. Schooled in English, desperate to travel to the shores but struggling to feed herself and control her mother there is little hope.

She dreams of living in England but stranded without a passport the only way for her and her mother to obtain one is to marry an English man - who all seem a bore. To be honest this book just doesn't hit any chords with me and I think it just doesn't have the romanticism of the first book set in Russia. I find myself waiting for the characters from the first book to appear (Countess & Son) which is a real shame. The mafia references to the snake gang and difficult situations Lydia gets herself into just do not excite me. Chang (love interest) just doesn't conquer up the heroic images of Jens Friis form the previous chapter of this series. 

I may read the third book to see if it fulfills any desires but I'm afraid that after about 4 weeks and 269 out of 577 i have decided to jack it in with this one. Maybe I was just too bowled over by the first book and am disappointed by the tragic story of a young carer with an alcoholic mother in this book. I hope people who read the entire book can correct my opinion. I think the tragedy of Valentina is just too much for me!

What I talk about when I talk about Running – Haruki Murakami

So I’ve read a few H.M books in the past and was truly blown away by Norwegian wood. I decided to sign up for this challenge (http://murakamichallenge.blogspot.com/)  as I realise there are actually quite a few of his books I’ve not read and well signing up might make me do it.

I read this book – in the bath, in costa coffee, in the hairdressers and in bed J

Being lazy I’ve chosen the shorter books to start with J I’m not keen on none fiction so I wasn’t sure what to expect from this. I use to run a fair bit but I stopped doing it due to laziness and my dog overheating. I have a jogging lead and everything but in summer it just gets too much for him. I have also signed up for a run a few times but never actually turned up on the race day – I will now hang my head in shame.

I like knowing more about the people who I read the works of. He has some interesting points on the quality of what you need to be a novelist and I’m encouraged to see that his writing didn’t take off until his 30’s – still hope for me yet J

I wonder if it is hard to write in a different language – it must be hard to know how you work truly comes across. H.M talks about the difficulties of being put across in his none native language which is interesting.

Dead animals feature along the runs – so many the rspca might have to start a new Champaign!

I was hoping to find out more personally about the author in this book. He doesn’t delve into his personal relationships or growing up. No description of his wife what so ever – as far as I know up till now she could be a buxom blonde with no teeth. An interesting perspective on the life of a writer who is not dysfunctional – which is surprising due to his amount of talent he truly has.

I can’t say this is a health advice book but it has some words of wisdom and a few bits made me chuckle out loud – including him catapulting into a post when doing cycle training for a triathlon. (Reminded me of when I walked head long into a bin at Blackpool because I wasn’t looking up).

This book is one of those that are very much a middle – without much beginning or an end. I like it but found it a little odd- in a good way.

I seem to have bought so many books over the last few days (2^nd hand of course) I don’t know where I will start next! I can’t wait till its summer when I can go on long walks with the dog, stop to have a picnic and read in the sunshine (maybe I’m thinking I live in France rather than Sheffield!!Maybe I’ll plan some walking picnic and see who comes along – any takers?)

Oh in the challenge I am now....Hajime which I think means to begin in japanese

It’s Vintage Darling: how to be a clothes connoisseur by Christa Weil

`Know, first who you are: and then adorn yourself accordingly` -Epictetus, Discourses, 2^nd century.

Bought for me by a dear friend for Xmas this book is not something I’d usually read. I love vintage and know how hard it can be to find authentic items which haven’t been badly reworked or relabelled so I thought this book might give me some tips. It is only over the last few years I’ve become more interested in fashion – and when I moved I realised I only owned dog walking & gardening clothes so I went on a mission to rework my wardrobe.

I soon learned this is probably the type of book bought by a fashion student as it went straight over my head. Most of the authentic vintage it refers to are designer clothes and WAY out of my price range.

Good points made along the way include the fact that a Lui Vuitton jackets will end up in a museum at the end of its life rather than a scrap heap (like many Primark numbers do) which illustrates its quality. It did make me think more about what I wear.

Unfortunately many of the websites listed in the back of the book had very out of date sites or were no longer available. I did learn lots of interesting things about types of material though and for about a month did visit a man’s suit shop to inspect the tailoring & feel the material as advised. (Yes I did get some odd looks but just explained I was doing research.)

I feel very sorry for silk worms and know far more about filaments in material than ever before – again fashion student you’d love this book. Dress agencies are a concept I’d not heard of before and it now occurs to me that I use to frequent one on Abbey dale road in Sheffield without knowing it. Many of the shops listed are in the south, so I think southerners would love this book to seek out unknown treasures.

The pictures that separate the chapters are cute but I must say after I started reading an in-depth chapter about labels I lost interest. I mean you’d be surprised what you can tell by a label….

Some cute little quotes along the way including:

`Why socks disappear in the laundry-The Bureau of missing socks offers some fascinating theories on this phenomenon:

·         The spin dryer opens up a space/time continuum through which the sock is transported to distant galaxies.

·         Socks don’t actually disappear, they reproduce-but only have one baby at a time

·         Socks in the hamper feel like they’re in jail and plan their escape during the laundry

·         Elvis has them`

I think the main points I will take from this book is to treat my clothes with respect and pay attention to tailoring – which may then stop me looking like and elephant!

Dragonsong – Anne McCaffrey

Dragon song – Anne McCaffrey
  
Menolly (whose name aptly sounds like melody) is a talented young girl, although a little on the odd looking and often mistaken for a boy. Forced to hide her talents as a harper by her old fashioned family to prevent disgrace falling on their hold. She becomes disillusioned with the society she lives in, (don’t we all), and makes her own way in the world.

OK so I’m meant to be doing a million and one things before reading book but hey ho! I had never heard of Anne McCaffrey and am reading these books as part of a challenge – not sure how to link to the page though! This lady has written like 100 books though which is quite impressive and seems to have evolved her own society within it. There are lots of book challenges out there and I’m also signed up too Haruki Murakami challenge which is on my to do list.

`Continuing the outstanding chronicles of Pern…` Ok… Ok…. so I know I’ve started with the wrong book as the first one I was meant to read was... dragon flight, but you have to blame Sheffield library for that!

I ordered the ones before but this is the first one they gave me. As you can see below I spent the first forward trying to figure out what the hell this mythical world was!

Why don’t books have more pictures? Maybe it would have been easier to follow if I’d read the one before but oh well!

 Inside the cover it states `Anne McCaffrey’s books can be read individually or a s a series. However for greatest enjoyment the following sequences are recommended...` it would be useful if someone could please draw the libraries attention to this fact! (They have also given me the third book in a series when I wanted the 2^nd and. ..Well it’s just annoying) Ok…Ok I take all that back as Sheffield library are v helpful a lot of the time and have even ordered a print on demand book for me in the past – I love you Sheffield library!

Anyway on with the book and world of Pern… My Microsoft word seems to have a `write a blog` document feature so I’m trying that out today and will see how it goes….bear with meJ I’ve never really been a fan of Sci fi to be honest. I enjoyed the lord of the rings and read a few Terry Pratchett but I think they classify as fantasy not Sci Fi. I did enjoy hitch hikers guide to the galaxy and still have a copy of it that I stole from an ex (he he! Yes if you are reading this you will never get it back cause I’ve had it for about 7yrs :P)

As I said below is my map to try and understand Pern – v artistic I know!. I drew Pern, which for no real reason I have decided is light blue, with the intention of drawing the dwellings on it but it all got a bit confusing.

..... 



Map in the book of Pern - Upper arrow = Benden Weyr- where protective dragons live and lower arrow = Half Circle Menolly's hold.

The book focuses on her life with her lizards dragons who she accidently impresses (becomes their mother) when she prevents them from committing suicide. Well ok that’s abit dramatic but after hatching to quench their appetite they try to throw themselves off cliffs in search of food while dangerous threads fall from the sky. And so she begins her life with her 9 fire lizards who are portrayed as just the cutest little pets – apart from when they fly at you with their claws!

Spiderclaws, Wyre’s, dragons, jealous sisters, grouchy uncles who sometimes try and stand up forgetting they have no legs, stubborn fathers & friends in all shapes and sizes the book is quite an enchanting read. Different family values and hatchings introduce all kinds of characters who I am sure feature in the many other books in this series.

An outdates hold where women are still kept in their place – sound familiar??

Important things to know if you are reading this book so it doesn’t all sounds like its written in code:

People live in holds.

Holds consist of average people and craftsmen with special skills.

1.       People live in holds

2.       Holds consist of average people and craftsmen with special skills.

3.       People are fostered between holds to prevent inbreeding and share skills.

4.       Only men are craftspeople.

5.       Harpers (teachers), farmers, fishermen etc… are crafts people.

6.       Dragonmen & women protect the people who live in the holds and provide for them by fighting thread that fall from the sky.

7.       Thread’s destroy everything in their path but can be stopped by dragon fire.

8.       Threads fall from the red star that passes Pern every 200yrs.

9.       Dragonmen & women bond (impress), with their dragons for life when the dragons hatch.

10.   Dragonmen & women live in baron volcanic land where they cannot farm.

11.   Dragonmen & women are busy busy protecting the planet from thread so have no time to grow veg etc…. so the hold’s provide for them and their dragons.

12.   Fire lizards are related to dragons but not as big or strong…..oh and they can teleport so are impossible to catch and rare to see…unless they need your help and want to make friends.

Get all that………….??

The story is that of a normal hold dwelling girl who learnt the skill of the old harper when he was dying. She is not allowed to take his place though because she is a girl. So really we are looking at the peasant’s story within this society – she is very working class but her family think she’s got a head full of notions above her station.

I was surprised to find this to be a darling little book, easy to read and the idea of fire lizards darting around is pretty cute. I often get confused between which name is the dragon and which is the rider so the glossary at the front is useful.

Although here meant to be read in sequence I quite want to read `The White Dragon` next…..

Many lines are opened up for this story to travel down and I can understand why there are so many strands. It feels abit like I’ve read a bite size story. When I like an authors work I tend to them track down there back catalogue and usually get disappointed after reading 3 or 4 of their book to realise they haven’t written anymore….I don’t think I’ll have this problem this time. Although I wonder if the stories will begin to get boring?? I will see…J

Even if you want to just read something abit different I’d give this a go. I do wonder why these books have fallen out of fashion. I would have thought with all the hype around this type of genre they would be an ideal never ending TV series.



Real World - Natsuo Kirino

I seem to have bought an ex Kent library book – oh well! It has a nice plastic cover so it doesn’t get wet when I read in the bath. One of three of Kirino’s books translated into English that I’ve read. Out her previous best seller was gruesome to say the least so I thought I’d give this one a go.

`A matricidal murderer`-When a book begins with a murder – where else can it go?? Telling events through different characters eyes we learn of the journey of Worm and how he killed his mother – seriously this is not a spoiler as it is in the first few pages! Maybe this is a book where you can read the back pages as you already know what’s going to happen.

Yuzan’s chapter 2 is intriguing, with bits of the underworld that seem to crop up in Japanese novels. I always have a trouble with geography when reading Japanese books not being familiar with the distances – is that like a 5 min bike ride of 5 hours?? Because it might make a big difference. I tend to get a little map and doodle dots on it to try and get an idea! My geography sucks!

Terauchi’s thoughts that `There really are things that are irreparable` will ring true in many peoples ears and she is an intriguing private character. Following all of the four girls `dependable Toshi brainy Terauchi, Yuzan grief stricken and confused and Kirarin…reckless` we follow the progressing story. Despite the multiple perspectives the writing is smooth, seamlessly fitting together. Inner most thoughts of what motivates each character are exposed. The adolescent girls struggle to understand and piece together the elements of their personalities – some unsuccessfully with drastic consequences. If the events had happened in their twenties would the characters have handled it differently I wonder?

I don’t know why, but I warm to Yuzan in this book. The account of the intense sexual feelings between Worm and Kirarin from both sides is intriguing. All of the characters are strong in their own ways. I wonder what each of them will grow into after these experiences??

By the way people – you can’t read the last few pages like I thought to start with – you’d destroy the ending J Don’t think this book really caught me tbh…..

Nothing To Envy:Real Lives in North Korea - Barbara Demick

Outstanding!
I picked this up from the library despite it being a top book (you have one week to read and return) & I couldn't put it down.
I was touched by the intimacy of the 15yr relationship between lovers who were in many ways not conventionally that. Despite being unable to publically be together the bound they formed in the darkness struck a cord in my heart.

Desperate mothers cooking weeds & grass to try to feed themselves.Heart wrenching accounts of a young ambitous doctor unable to save anyones life, only just surviving herself. Pride & national loyalty illuminated as choices that effect life and death.

The way the stories are interwoven is unique. Drawing from different classes & cultures from this society giving a eclectic overview of what a true life is like in North Korea.

The Jewel of St Petersburg Kate Furnivall

Bought at a petrol station to stem my despair of being at home in the holidays and having to watch only fools and horses about fifty thousand times!!

Set in Russia which means I find it hard to pronounce the names in my head – I think due to this I have my own version in my head. I think I am learning a few words in Russian though – most notably Spasibo – thank you

The guilt carried by the main character for the act of terrorism carried out by unknowns when she was a child lays heavy on her shoulders.

As a nurse the fact that this character fights to be part of the profession is intriguing particularly in the era when it was seen as truly a glorified cleaner for whores and spinsters. I think its changed a bit nowadays….

A story of love split between not just two men, but a sister, a family, a class and the dashed hopes and beliefs we all hold in our youth when we look through innocent eyes. A strong woman emerges from the upper class debutante who is intended to flower into the jewel of Petersburg.  

The quite character of Live Popkav, the Cossack, portrays so much in his small episodic appearances in the story line. In my mind stick the three dead children, left at the bottom of the bed not even blessed by a father to carry them to heaven, just stone cold dead, consequences of where they were born in time. The fear of estimating in your head if the value of a wheelchair your beloved sits in is worth more to your watchers than the life that sits inside it. It is these moments where innocents are slayed and true characters shown that stick in my mind about this book. Apprentices slaughtered when their innocence was meant to lead to the uprising of social justice. Like lambs being culled.

A beautiful ending to a story – don’t read the last two pages otherwise you’ll destroy the book for yourself. I will seek out her other books to read.

Jayde Bates

Jayde Bates: "http://nothingoldsomethingnew.tumblr.com/"

Noah's Compass - Anne Tyler

Noah's Compass by Anne Tyler 

My attempt at reviewing a book.....hey at least it can only get better after this due to this being the first one! (i hope)

Ok....so admittedly bought as it was £4.99 when I was buying The Long Song by Andrea Levy (I'll tell you about that later) I noticed it at waterstones as I'd read Digging to America by the same author the year before. That was a heart warming story about two couples adopting different children and their upbringing so I thought I'd give this one a go.

Throughout the whole book I was not sure where this was going and it seems, like life.....it went nowhere. Initially reading about the main character being attacked in his sleep alone in bed (i live alone) I felt quite uneasy. Liam is a defunct, inept father who is in his 60's is kind of reflecting on his life and lack of it. Through the book you met the classic ex wife & hear the romanticised account of the first wife (ok her ending was in no way positive so now I feel awful about that comment).

Trying to find memories Liam actually picks up a young fuggley character who he forms a gradual attraction too. Their relationship is interesting and  realistic with no smooth happy ending where they run away to a fairytale castle.

The thing I most like about Liam is his realness. At 60yr he is dismissive of the idea of an `intimate` relationship with this young woman and it bring to my mind the notion of the different qualities we look for in the world of love as we age. The idea of dating in your late twenties when everyone is getting married and having babies is difficult to negotiate but poor Liam being thrust into it at his time of life is simply dismayed. Multi-generational characters (Jonah who insists on colouring biblical cartoons, Kitty attached to her ipod & always out, the sister Liam who brings Liam hot pots but just drops by to judge) all seem to just be making their way through life at a slow pace. Or maybe it just seems that way as the book is through Liam's retiring eyes.

 Again as standard books have a beginning, middle & end but I felt as if the book was a constant middle.

I think I will read Anne's other books to see what they hold...

(Note - alot of my books seem to be published by VINTAGE Books I noticed today.......I don't usually remember alot about books I read so maybe this Blog will help my memory as I don't have a Eunice to do it for me!)

Ok Ok....so my bookshelf is a bit disorganised!! Arn't the best. I mean I'm sure they say untidy desk tidy mind or something to that avail.

Having been deserted by my best friend who has skipped the country to earn tax free money and wear a cape (ok a habaja!!) I have not choice but to fine myself a new outlet...and for 2011 it will be blogging. I LOVE reading anything and everything but often its boring journals for essays or newspapers (not the times on the train - grrr i hate that) - I'm more of a metro girl!

Anyhow so all the books I read and things I do I will now bore you all with. This book shelf will hopefully get bigger and who knows! If I am any good at reviewing someone might send me some free books.

Points for my day 1) I am very upset to read that the cuts in public funding are going to effect libraries! I remember going to read `where wally` and winnie the pooh with my dad as a little mite and am upset that no one seems to care or have respect for books anymore! I might even join a march or something if there are any. I'm glad the proposals to turn libraries into flipping starbucks have not seen fruition. I mean what else if free nowdays apart form the peace of a library. Now to review a book which some of you may of may not have read Noah's Compass by Anne Tyler...