Desert Island Discs - that long British running institution - allows guests to select one book to accompany them on said desert island, in addition to the Complete Works of Shakespeare and the Bible (or other suitable alternative). But what if you'd prefer the complete set of Harry Potter instead of Shakespeare? I know I... Continue Reading →
I keep seeing these around, wondering why I don't get the concept. I tried reading seasonally appropriate books in the run up to Christmas one year and really enjoyed it, but summer reading lists aren't filled with tales of folk going on holiday, nor books based in holiday destinations, so what's it all about -... Continue Reading →
Educated - After reviewing my stats for 2018, I felt there weren't enough reads I'd loved enough to wave the four or five star paddle, so I decided to pull out some big guns to start the year with this one which came recommended by none other than Barack Obama. This tale of Tara -... Continue Reading →
This is one of those posts which was trigged by a blog I read (thanks LA) which was, in turn, prompted by something she read (yes, do we seem to inspire one another). The question being asked was whether you have a preference for a particular gender in your protagonist (as a reader that is)... Continue Reading →
Despite the Hay Festival's slogan for this year being Imagine the World, for me this was the year I didn't fall over. In 2018, we'd tried to cram everything into one day and while rushing, I tripped over my long trousers, and crashed to the ground. An experience that combined pain and humiliation, I was... Continue Reading →
After far too many weeks when my reading was impacted by ill-health, it was a joy to return to "normal" reading once more. Here's some of the highlights ... The Outcast - Sadie Jones This was my first foray back into normal reading and it wasn't the obvious choice. I knew nothing about it, other... Continue Reading →
At last year's Hay Festival, Ruby Wax was speaking about her new book "How to Be Human: The Manual" and she brought with her "a Neuroscientist and a Monk" as they are dubbed on her front cover. I took notes in every other session I attended at the Festival, intending to turn each one into... Continue Reading →
Where are they coming from? Can we just rely on the never-ending availability of wonderful inspiring books to ensure this next generation? Well, of course, it helps and the array of books for children is totally and utterly A M A Z I N G. But how do we adults (be that family, friend or... Continue Reading →
Now, despite my massively out of control TBR pile, my head can get easily turned by the idea of reading books set by a challenge, or to a particular theme, so when I noticed a number of articles about Black History month early this year, I'd every intention of reading at least a couple with... Continue Reading →
I was amused to read an article on Book Riot about favourite books, particularly the suggestion that people have a true favourite, whilst having another one they say is their favourite in order to impress! Whilst I have always cared what people thought about me, oddly the one thing I've never done is to lie... Continue Reading →
