Breaking Dawn - Stephanie Meyer

Well, it was inevitable that I wouldn't be able to wait for the paperback - especially since I'd heard that they were holding off releasing it as the hardback was selling so well (greedy bastards!).

So the final part of the Twilight series became my Christmas reading, and it took me longer to read this one than the others - and not because of the length, more as it just wasn't as engaging as the others.

The relationship sparkle between Edward and Bella just didn't seem to be there, and there was very little action until near the end of the book, I'd even go so far as to say that it is overly long. I'll not give the plot away, but needless to say the relationship between the vampires and the werewolves certainly takes a different turn; and of course Bella is under threat again (although this time she's able to defend herself!).

In fact I'm finding it difficult to think what exactly to say about this book except that it finished things off and left an large chance of more sequels. I did enjoy it, and if there are more I'll look forward to them as much as the others, I just hope Meyer can keep the word count down!

24th - 31st December 2009
Bought on Green Metropolis

The Luck Factor - Richard Wiseman

This is the third Richard Wiseman book I've read this year, and I think I'm upto date with all his published work! But as popular psychology it's really enjoyable to read, and you feel like you are learning something as well.

The basic premise of the book is that everyone can be lucky - it's just a state of mind. Wiseman presents scientific studies to support his ideas about how we can be lucky.

He puts forward the idea that there are four principles to luck -

1. Maximise your chance opportunities
2. Listen to your lucky hunches
3. Expect good fortune
4. Turn your bad luck into good

Each one is explained with examples, and then in the next part of the book he gives practical ways of increasing your luck, in fact throughout the book you are encouraged to take part in tests and tasks.

I've always considered myself to be lucky, but I truly do think that some of the ideas in this book will help me increase my luck.

In fact it's already had an affect. Whilst sitting on a train to Manchester reading about 'maximising your chance opportunities' I looked up and noticed that the woman sat opposite me was familiar. More than familiar I realised that although I didn't know her personally I did know that she was an archaeology lecturer at a local university. Within minutes we were talking, and was telling her about my photography business, before we parted when I got off the train she asked me to email details of my website and she would forward them to all the staff in the department - result!!

The other main idea from the book that will stay with me is the notion of 'turning bad luck into good'. This is about perception, believing that what at first appears to be bad luck will probably turn out to be good luck. In my case this is things like being made redundant (both times have actually ended up being the best thing that ever happened!) and my parents dying so young and so close together (obviously terrible, but also had some very positive outcomes for me).

As with Richard Wiseman's other books I would certainly recommend this one - as you can see, I'm becoming a bit of a fan of his!

Bought on Green Metropolis
10th - 24th December 2009

Living dead in Dallas - Charlaine Harris

I said I'd give Sookie Stackhouse and her friends one more try, and this is the second book in the ever expanding True Blood franchise - but it is the last one I plan to read.

As with the first, I enjoyed it - but in a guilty, slightly dirty way. Afterwards I was left with the feeling that my brain needed some kind of disinfectant.

Having been introduced to Sookie the waitress and her boyfriend, Bill the Vampire, in the first book; the second gets down to business. That business is Sookie using her telepathic skills to help vampires solve crimes.

Flown to Dallas (on an airline that caters for vampires travelling in their coffins, and staying in a hotel which guarantees security in the daylight hours), the couple embark on a search for a vampire who seems to have been kidnapped by a bunch of raving loony religious nutters.

This book is just as badly written as the first, in fact if I'm honest it's probably worse. Try;

"Vampires won't go around in any Geo. Isabel waited until I'd buckled my seat belt (she and Bill didn't bother to use them) before pulling away from the curb, which surprised me."

Would that be that she was surprised that they didn't use seat belts, or (as it reads) that the car pulled away from the curb!?!

Anyway, with everyone (well, a couple of people) raving about the television series from HBO I've bought the box set of the first serious - at least the terrible writing won't be a problem (and hopefully they will have got a good script writer in!).

I'm now off to find something suitably intellectual to read - my brain deserves it!

Bought on Green Metropolis
4th - 5th December 2009

Introducing Environmental Politics - Stephen Croall & William Rankin

I've had this book for years, and I know I've read it before - but I picked it up in between novels and sort of got reading.

Unfortunately it's rather dated, but the ideas and information it puts forward are sound.

Written in 'graphic' form the book introduces the history and ideas behind Environmental Politics, who the main thinkers are (although written before Al Gore, George Monbiot and the more recent political green thinkers), and what might be done about some of the issues.

There doesn't seem to be an updated version available, which is a shame as this is a big, fast moving topic, and certainly an 'Introduction' book for the subject is well worth reading for anyone who gets lost in all the politics, compeating ideas and bad science out there.

But, don't turn to this book - 2000 is too long ago for the information to be of real value now.

Bought in Blackwells March 2003 (the receipt was still inside!)
22-23rd November 2009

Dead until Dark - Charlaine Harris

I wasn't going to bother, I had a feeling that these books would not live up to the hype (or compare favourably with Twilight or the Anne Rice books) - and I was right!

Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it - in a sort of sugar rush, silliness, non-brain taxing way. But I found it very difficult to get over the writing style. I'm not sure if it's just written very badly, or if it's not been edited properly, but some of the sentences were so 'clunky' and their meaning so difficult to understand, even with rereading a couple of times it was very distracting.

I know it's a bit rich to say this, but I found the whole thing so damn 'unbelieveable' - bearing in mind that you first have to get over the idea that the lead characters are a mind-reading waitress and a vampire!

Some of the things that the characters did (particularly Sookie, the main character) were just weird - why would a waitress go into a car park at night with a piece of chain to defend a vampire and expect to survive - if the vampire can be so easily overcome by the attackers what hope has she?

The main problem was that I just didn't care about the Sookie or Bill, or any of the other characters - the writer brings no dimension to them, there is nothing to make me want to know what they are going to do next or even if they survived to the end of the book - I just went on reading as there was nothing else to read at the time.

I'm going to give the series a second chance, I've ordered the second book - but to be honest I'm not holding out much hope. Maybe I've been spoilt by Twilight (which I'll be the first to admit is not a piece of great literature, but is well written and engaging nonetheless) and Anne Rice (again, not stunning literature), when it comes to my vampire reading choices?

Bought on Green Metropolis
20th -22nd November 2009

:59 Seconds, think a little change a lot - Richard Wiseman

Another book by Richard Wiseman, this time exposing modern day mind myths, debunking many of the things trotted out in 1000s of self-help books published each year.

Each chapter takes a different topic, such as 'happiness', 'motivation', 'relationships' and 'parenting', and looks at the myths that are often put forward for achieving a 'better life'.

Professor Wiseman reviews the scientific work that has been done over the years looking at ideas such as 'brainstorming', 'positive thinking', 'body language' and how to encourage your child to achieve - he looks at what has been proved to work, and what is complete rubbish - and I guarantee you'll be surprised at some of the findings.

Each chapter is rounded off with a short explanation of the relevant findings, hence the '59 seconds' - the idea is to distill the scientific data into a minute (or just under!) of easy to understand instruction or information.

Wiseman's writing style is easy to read and enjoyable, and some of the work he has done (not to mention other scientists) is truly fascinating.

Bought in Waterstones

8th - 19th November 2009

Blood, Sweat and Tea - Tom Reynolds

It's taken me a while to read this book, but since it's a collection of blog entries it's easy to 'dip in and out' without losing the plot.

Tom Reynolds is an Emergency Mediecal Technician (Ambulance crew to you and me!), who lives and blogs in London.

I've been reading his blog for sometime thanks to the recommendation of Liz, and he writes extremely well; often about difficult or sensitive situations that he's had to deal with.

Pulling no punches, Tom describes his working days (or nights); the frequent flyers (often alcoholics), the false alarms, calls for colds, headaches and other non-emergency patients - along side the descriptions of real emergencies, the frustrations of working for a 'failing' NHS, the politics and the crazy pedestrians who think nothing of trying to 'make a dash for it' in front of his speeding vehicle!

I've really enjoyed this book, but then I knew I would as I still follow his blog!

Visit the blog here - http://randomreality.blogware.com/

Bought on Green Metropolis
19th January - 6th November 2009

Sum - David Eagleman

What happens after we die? I can't believe that there is any 'semi' intelligent person on the planet who hasn't wondered about this at least once in their lives?

David Eagleman seems to have thought about it a lot! Sum, which is subtitled 'Forty tales from the afterlives', is a collection of short essays telling about different afterlives that could possibly be.

Maybe you become part of the background cast in someone else's dream? The characters who populate dreams, but who we never meet or see clearly. Sometimes you take centre stage, but most of the time you'll be waiting in the wings.

Or perhaps death is a three part process; firstly the body ceases to function, then the body is consigned to the grave, and then the final death is when you are forgotten by those who remember you. So, until that happens you wait in a sort of 'lobby area'. For those who have no family or friends the wait might be short, but for those who have achieved much, done great deeds, or have large families, the wait can be long and extremely boring!

How about getting the chance to live your life again - but you can change one single thing? What would you choose?

Or maybe you get the chance to met God - but what or who is he or she - there are so many different possibilities.

This little book is so thought provoking - each story sets you off thinking in a different direction. Don't try to read it in one sitting, each essay is worth taking the time to think over afterwards. It's got to be one of the most original books I've read - and I have a feeling I'll be going back to it again and again.

Bought on Green Metropolis (although John was going to buy it for me for Christmas!)

14th - 25th October 2009

The Host - Stephanie Meyer

I can't get over how much I enjoyed this book! It seems a shame that it will probably be overlooked by many people because of it's connection with the Twilight series - which it is very different to.

Although not an avid science fiction reader, I have read my fair share (Asimov, Heinlein, Harrison, Clarke....and others) - so I was looking forward to this book, hoping it would be as well written as the Twilight series, but also hoping it would be very different.

I wasn't disappointed. It did take me a while to get into the story, and it is perhaps a bit over long - but it's an excellent story, well set up, well written, which can't fail to drag you in.

Melanie is one of the last humans on Earth, the majority of humanity has been taken over by the 'souls', aliens you use other lifeforms as 'hosts'. When she's captured and a 'soul' is given her body, the hope is that she will lead the aliens to other remaining humans - but it doesn't quite work out like that.

Melanie is strong, she refuses to give in to the invasion of her body, still yearning for the man she loves, Jared, who is still in hiding. Wanderer begins to realise that she too loves the human - and so their journey together begins.

I've seen fan made film trailers for this book on Youtube that make it seem like a horror, but to me it's a love story - both Melanie and Wanderer are fighting to find the man they love. It's a story about the resilience of human spirit, and the need for friendship and companionship.

It's a great book, even if you weren't interested in the Twilight novels, or you don't like science fiction, I'd still recommend that you try this book - it's worth the effort.

Bought on Green Metropolis.
30th September - 21st October 2009

Dear Fatty – Dawn French

The only problem with reading an autobiography is that afterwards you are left with the feeling that you know the person really really well. Bob forbid I ever bump into Dawn French when shopping in the Co-op, I’d have so much I wanted to discuss.

Although it’s not very likely, as the sleeve notes, she lives in Cornwall with a bloke called Len and a daughter called Bill. Despite the fact that this is an autobiography – very little ‘detail’ is given about her life now, or the people in it.

The whole book takes the form of a series of letters to various people who have some meaning to her; ex-boyfriends, the BF (best friend, whose name is never revealed), Lenny Henry (the letter to her husband is truly a love letter), Fatty (Jennifer Saunders) and of course her family.

Through reminiscences we hear about her early life, with the suicide of her father when she was a teenager, her boarding school, college (learning to be a teacher), and the various people she met and worked with along the way.

Throughout the book it was obvious how much she misses her father, but also how she’s been lucky enough to have been surrounded by some wonderful friends and family. Many of the letters are hilarious retellings of incidents, some are even jokes themselves, many more are extremely moving – particularly the letter to ‘Scotty’ telling the story of his death from AIDS and the subsequent ‘scattering’ of his ashes in New York – this one had me howling with laughter and crying at the same time!

I’ve never been a follower of ‘celebrity’, so for me this was just a book about someone who is living an interesting life. I’ve not read many other autobiographies or biographies – but maybe I will do now, but only if they are as engaging and entertaining as this one – it will be a hard act to follow.

Bought on Green Metropolis
29th August - 10th October 2009

Eclipse - Stephenie Meyer

I was going to wait, but I couldn't....then I was going to take my time ready it (even reading something else at the same time), but I didn't!

The third book in the Twilight series sees Edward back in Bella's life full time, but with the complication of her close friendship with Jacob Black. It must be very difficult being so close to two men, both with very complicated 'conditions' - not to mention the fact that their types are sworn enemies.

But nearby Seattle is being ravaged by a spate of mysterious killings, and it looks like someone, or something is coming after Bella again.....well, she does attract them! The two factions must work together to destroy a common foe - before it manages to find Bella.

The interaction between the reserve at La Push and the Cullen family is great, I have to admit to loving reading about Alice, the vampire who loves to arrange parties and organise!

Only one more book to go, but I'm forced to wait as it's not out in paperback yet. It will do me good!

Bought on Green Metropolis 12th-27th September 2009

New Moon - Stephenie Meyer

Given how much I enjoyed the first book in the series, it's not surprising that I moved directly on to the sequel.

Although not quite as 'grabbing' as the first, this book was equally as enjoyable, and only took me three days to read - I really should ration myself a little more!

With Edward gone Bella doesn't know what to do with herself, this is much more of a loss than is normal for teenage love - she feels it so strongly that for a time she is unable to function normally and just wanders through life like a zombie.

Until she is re-acquainted with Jacob, and a friendship that starts to rebuild her shattered life.

But as you'd expect, Bella can't choose anyone simple to be friends with.....and Jacob turns out to be as dangerous a friend as Edward was.

I'm amazed at how good these books are, and sorry that they don't seem to have made the cross over to adult reading in the same way that the Harry Potter or His Dark Materials books did. The third in the series has arrived, but I'm going to take a break and read something else first - or at least that's the plan.....

Bought on Green Metropolis. 8th-11th September.

Twilight - Stephenie Meyer

I can't get over how much I enjoyed this book - I really couldn't put it down! Seriously, I was reading it in traffic queues and supermarket toilets!

The basic storyline of the book is a love story between two teenagers - it just so happens that one of them is a vampire!

When Bella moves in with Charlie (her dad) and starts at a new school she makes a few friends, but she soon notices the mysterious Edward - and he notices her. Despite being warned by various people they do start a relationship - with all the problems associated with the fact that he has to control his bloodlust when he's with her.

It's hard to put my finger on why this book was so compelling, it's written for teenagers so is easy to read - maybe that's why I read it in only a few days!

Part one of four, so more to come!

Bought on Green Metropolis. 31st August - 2nd September

Danny the Champion of the World - Roald Dahl

You won't be surprised to hear that this is not the first time I've read this book, I don't know how old I was when I first devoured the Roald Dahl books, but I'd reckon it was when I was about 9 or 10 years old.

I've always enjoyed reading, and therefore it was only natural that I'd read all of his books, Danny was first published in 1975, my copy is a Penguin edition and therefore published in 1977 - so it wasn't long afterwards that I came to it.

The story of a boy and his father, their simple life together in an old gypsy caravan, and their amazing adventure on the wrong side of the law!! Simple days when poaching was fun and everyone from the local doctor to the village bobby was in on the act!

Roald Dahl books are timeless, and although the story is simple - no sub-plots or even much back story - it's compelling and so well written that the book is difficult to put down (and that's when I already knew the story!). Danny and his father come up with a wonderful plan to get their own back on the local nasty landowner - and get some scrummy dinner at the same time!

I'd recommend this book to anyone, of any age. Great for children, but still wonderful for anyone who likes a nice simple engaging story.

The other nice thing is that something that I remember with such fondness from my childhood has completely stood the test of time, it's as good as I remember it being - and how often does that happen?

17th - 21st July 2009

The spend less handbook - Rebecca Ash

365 tips for a better quality of life while actually spending less.

This book looked interesting, save money and have a better quality of life - I'll go with that!

But I have to admit it was a bit of a disappointment, although the opening chapters about happiness and the pursuit of more 'things' was interesting the main body of the book - the 365 tips - was quite frankly un-original, and in many way unhelpful.

Maybe it's me. We I live a relatively frugal life, we rarely eat out or visit the theatre/cinema, we don't buy expensive ready meals or eat take aways, all our clothes are from charity shops and we don't allow supermarkets and big stores to fool us into thinking that BOGOFFs are good value.

So, although there are lots of ideas very few of them are new to me - and to be honest short of taking up the advice to jack it all in and go and live in another country (which without a job would be more difficult in my opinion), there is little that this book can tell me.

If you are already careful with your money and don't waste cash on extravagances there is little here for you.

Just to give a flavour of the advice: -

• make a shopping list and stick to it
• don't buy on credit
• avoid branded goods
• mend and make do
• don't live in London
• renovate don't replace
• cut up credit cards
• get an extra job
• plan to work for longer
• don't give adult children too much money
• turn down the thermostat
• line-dry your clothes
• shower don't bathe
• don't travel first class unless you really have to
  

What makes me laugh is that this book was so obviously written for 'young wealthy Londonites' who have fallen on hard times, with suggestions such as 'a friend of mine got so fed up with paying £40 a month for a haircut that he shaved it all off' or 'be aware that branded goods - such as Diesel jeans, Elle MacPherson underwear or Jamie Oliver saucepans - are manufacturers ways of getting you to spend a fortune on things that cost a small amount to make'.

Does any man REALLY pay £40 a month for a haircut, and do people REALLY feel that having Jamie Oliver saucepans will make their cooking better?

No, this book had potential but for me didn't really live up to it. Shame.

Bought on Green Metropolis. 5th to 13th July 2009

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies - Jane Austin & Seth Grahame-Smith

Now I like a good classic; 20,000 leagues under the sea, Dracula, Count of Monte Cristo....but the Austen novels have never held any appeal to me. Girlie twaddle in my opinion. I've tried the films but the characters are annoying and the plots are just moronic.

Sorry if that offends anyone, and I know it's controversial, but it's the way I feel. But when I spotted 'P&P&Z' in book shop I saw the chance to read one of these classics, but with added 'all-new scenes of bone-crunching zombie mayhem' as it states on the cover.

It's great! Austen's novel remains (I believe) but Grahame-Smith has subtly added the zombie action. Mrs Bennet is still searching for husbands for her daughters, all of whom are trained in the ancient arts of combat; Mr Darcy is still as arrogant as ever - but a dab hand with a sword and not scared of beheading any unmentionables who wander across his path; and the endless balls, parties and teas still take place, when not interrupted by zombies breaking into the kitchen and eating the brains of the household staff.

Of course Elizabeth hates Mr Darcy, feeling that she "must avenge her honour ... She meant to follow this proud Mr Darcy outside and open his throat.", a threat she does not have time to follow through due to a crowd of zombies invading the ballroom.

If you've seen the film or read the book you'll already know the story - but even if you have read the original and loved it, this version is entertaining and funny in ways that the original couldn't hope to achieve.

I'm sure that Jane Austen would be mortified, at least I hope she would be!

Bought for me as a birthday present by John.
22nd May - 12th July 2009

Quirkology, the curious science of everyday lives - Richard Wiseman

If you think science is about high minded things such as microbes, physics and nanoparticles, think again. Science can be about fun things too.

Richard Wiseman writes in a easy engaging style about some of the more quirky and very interesting studies that he and various international colleagues have undertaken into the science of everyday life.

Do you wonder why all the spoons go missing in communal kitchens? What is the funniest joke in the world? Why women should get men to write their personal ads? or whether your surname influences your life? These are all the subject of scientific studies carried out and reported on in this book.

I found myself wanting more information about many of the studies, especially the one about lost gloves (!) - but luckily this book is written well and each study is fully referenced with an excellent bibliography at the back.

There is a website (www.quirkology.com) to follow up things afterwards, and lots of quirky bits of information to share with friends and family.

Who can resist the following facts -

The Mona Lisa seems enigmatic because Leonardo da Vinci painted her so that her smile appears more striking when people look at her eyes rather than her mouth.

People would rather wear a sweater that has been dropped in dog poo and not washed, than one that has been dry-cleaned but used to belong to a mass murderer.

The personality of lemons is seen as dislikeable, onions as stupid and mushrooms at social climbers.

Words containing the 'K' sound - such as duck, quack and Krusty the Clown - are especially likely to make people laugh.

Yep, all of these facts are as a result of serious study. Little do we know that we are being watched and questioned by an army of researchers, taking down notes about our every action!

I loved this book and didn't want to finish it, i'm off to see what else Richard Wiseman has written.

Lent to me by Liz.
14 April - 11 May 2009

Nation - Terry Pratchett

The kids gave Nation to John for his birthday, it's a children's book - but don't be put off.

As many will know Pratchett is a master of words and storytelling. I've read, and enjoyed, a few of the Discworld novels; but this is not one of those.

Mau lives on an island, the 'Nation', part of the 'Mothering Sunday Islands' in the Great Southern Pelagic Ocean; he's just returned from the Boy's Island - he'd been expecting a welcome on the beach - he is now a Man.

But when he returns he finds everything, and everyone, gone. A HUGE wave has destroyed everything, and brought a large ship, the Sweet Judy with a one survivor.

Now Mau is the only member of the 'Nation', he must defend the island, keep the customs, make the beer and please the gods - even if he isn't sure that he believes in them.

The new inhabitant of the island is a 'trouserman' girl, she has been brought up properly - being that she is 139 in line for the crown of the Empire - but this isn't the empire, and things are done differently in the middle of nowhere (not that her grandmother would ever believe that).

Don't be fooled by the cover text, this is not a funny book (well certainly not like Pratchett's others), but it is a wonderfully crafted story of friendship, tradition, theology and science. I found myself growing to love the idea of the Nation, to care for the strange Mrs Gurgle, for the Pantaloon (or Grandfather) birds who throw up their dinner straight after eating it, and especially for Mau and the trousergirl, Daphne.

My only hope for this book is that they don't ruin it by trying to make it into a film.

29th (ish) March - 13th April 2009

The Book Thief - Mark Zuzack

I've learnt some wonderful German words - none of which I'll repeat here! I had tried a couple of times to read The Book Thief by Mark Zuzack, but just hadn't got on with it.

Loving books about books I was drawn to this one, but the subject seemed a little depressing.

The story follows the life of Liesel during the difficult years of the Third Reich in a small suburb of Munich. Narrated by Death himself, the story told is that of Liesel's book thieving, starting at the funeral of her brother (The gravedigger's handbook) despite the fact that at the time she is unable to read.

Living in Himmel Street with her strict, but kind, foster mother and her loving foster father; she experiences the trauma of everyday life for the average German family (not Nazis) in Germany during the war.

Her friendship with the boy down the road, her reoccuring nightmares, her fathers attempts to keep food on the table (not just the terrible pea soup her Mama makes), the Jew who lives in their basement for a time and the library in the mayors house on the hill; Death watches all this and tells her story.

I listened to this as an audio book and not to put to finer point on it - it was spellbinding!

Listening meant that I could hear the use of the German language, the sharp tone of Mama when she was angry, and the softness of Papa when he spoke to Liesel after one of her nightmares.

Despite the grim narrator, this is not a morbid book; it's actually uplifting and life affirming. I won't go so far as to suggest that everyone should read it, but it wouldn't be a bad thing if they did.
5th - 15th March

Watchmen - Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons

The Watchmen - Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons

I know that this book if supposed to be the one that defines the genre but I have to admit to not being as impressed with it as I had hoped. Certainly I don't think it lives up to the hype.

I bought the book a couple of years ago as I really like graphic novels and had heard so much about this one. But therein lies the problem perhaps?

Having loved 'From Hell' and 'League of extrodinary gentlemen' by Alan Moore, and very much enjoyed 'Maus', perhaps I've left it too later in my graphic novel reading to go back to the one that started it all?

I can't begin to explain the multiple storylines, but the basic story involves a bunch of retired masked crime fighters slowly being killed off, and the race to discover who is behind it. Obviously that is a terrible over simplication and the story also covers nuclear accidents, shipwrecks, millionaire geniuses and hairbrained plans to end all wars.

Anyway, if you enjoy graphic novels and haven't yet read this one, you must.

Now I've done so I feel I can go and see the film version.


Bought on Green Metropolis (some time ago!)
13-17th March

The testament of Gideon Mack - James Robertson

You'd think that not believing in God would hinder someone wishing to become a Minister of the Church of Scotland - but it never stopped Gideon Mack. This book, supposedly written by Mack, tells the story of his life, from his early years, his marriage, disappearance, his meeting with the Devil and the events following this meeting.

I guess the story is about believe, or non-believe - and about people's ideas about the truth. Mack is ostracised but the village, the church and his friends, when he decides that it is important for him to 'tell the truth' about is disappearance and subsequent meeting with the Devil.

This is one of the most wonderful, folk/fairy tales that i've read for sometime - a modern folk tale with engaging characters and a storyline that you just can't help being dragged along by. Told mainly by Mack (his 'testament') the story starts with a prologue from the publisher setting out how the book came to be published, and then ends with an epilogue including 'interviews' with the key people of Monimaskit.

I heard a tiny snippet of this book on Radio 4 a couple of years ago, as it was book of the week - and it tweaked my curiosity - although it's taken me a while to get round to reading it, it was well worth the wait. Although slow to get started, it's a satisfying yarn, well worth the effort.

Bought on Green Metropolis.
5th - 13th February 2009

The Dogs of Riga - Henning Mankell

Having read the first Wallander book and very much enjoyed the descriptions of Sweden and the characters, I was looking forward to the second book.

However, it wasn't as good as I'd hoped - and maybe that's because much of it is actually set in Latvia.

When two well dressed dead bodies wash up in a life raft on the Swedish shore, Wallander becomes involved in a confusing Eastern Block/Russian mafia world - one that he's not at all comfortable in and certainly doesn't understand.

The characters are interesting and I'm certainly warming to Wallander himself, the story kept me interested and reading, but it just didn't have the same feel as the first.

I won't be put off, and will return to the series - but I'm glad this wasn't the first otherwise I might not have continued. There are only nine available so I will pace myself and spread them out.

Bought on Green Metropolis.

25th January - 4th February 2009

Affluenza - Oliver James

I've been meaning to read this for a while, and now that I have I'm really impressed. Perhaps the fact that I don't think I suffer too badly from Affluenza helps! Affluenza, James suggests, is an epidemic sweeping the English speaking world. It consists of an obsession with 'keeping-up-with-the-Joneses', excessive consumerism (buying stuff because you 'want' it instead of because you 'need' it), the need for increased wealth (beyond what you need), property fever - all leading to depression, anxiety and addictions.

Travelling the world's affluent cities (London, New York, Singapore etc) James interviews people who do and don't suffer from Affluenza, and tries to discover what makes some people more or less prone to the virus. He then goes on to suggest remedies, such as paying parents to look after their children (instead of forcing them back to work), teaching the it is not necessary to be rich and beautiful to be happy and how being playful, vivacious and authentic helps.

As someone he interview suggests, society is becoming populated by Tin Men from the Wizard of Oz - hollow inside.

I would have liked to have seen more interviews with normal citizens, instead of the stream of millionaires that he visited; and I'm not sure the very vicious attack on the Blairite government was completely necessary - I'd imagine that most governments (of all flavours and in all times) would have mucked it up just as they did (and do).

A fascinating read, certainly made me think about materiality, and asking myself do I 'need' or 'want' that?

11th - 25th January 2009

The Gargoyle - Andrew Davidson

The Gargoyle - Andrew Davidson

When I started this book I really wasn't sure, I liked the writing style (in the first person) but I was sure that a wasn't going to like the main character - a drug addict, pornstar idiot. Very early on in the book (and I'm not giving anything away here), he is horribly burned in an accident and winds up in hospital. I think this was also part of my reservations about the book - the graphic descriptions of the burns and the methods of treatment were too detailed even for me (and I have read many forensic thrillers and love watching CSI).

I also worried that it was beginning much like the Thomas Covenant series by Stephen Donaldson (although I've only so far read the first I thought it was fantastic), and contained perhaps a little too much 'god bothering' for my liking.

But, I'm glad I stuck with it. Essentially it's a love story - but don't let that put you off. The characters and the timescales are not like anything I've read before, and it wasn't long before I had warmed to the characters - wanting to hear their stories. On a time scale of 700 years, it's fascinating - taking you from Iceland to the USA and back through the years. The vivid stories within the story are wonderful in themselves and actually deserve to be published alone.

I thing that amazed me most about the book was that it's Andrew Davidson's first novel - unfortunately for him he now how a lot to live up to! It's been wildly successful, I just hope someone doesn't try to ruin it by attempting to make a film of it.

Lent to me Liz.
5th - 11th January 2009

Knots and Crosses - Ian Rankin

With the success of reading the Mankell book, and whilst waiting for the next one to arrive from Green Metropolis, I decided to try another thriller.

Many people have suggested that I might like Rankin's books, I love Scotland, and Edinburgh is a city that has always fascinated me - especially the darker less touristy bits! So, again borrowed from my mother in law I decided on the first Inspector Rebus book.

I have to admit to not 'liking' Rebus as much as Wallander - perhaps it was a mistake to swop one detective for another so quickly, and it took me some time to get 'into' this book. About a third of the way through I was ready to give up, I didn't care about the characters, I could see what was going to happen, and I couldn't be bothered - there are so many other books to read!

However, it's a short book so I gave it more of a chance - and although I can't rant about how good it was, it was worth finishing - even if it did have a rather predictable anticlimatic ending.

Maybe I'll pick up another Rebus book, maybe Rankin gets better as he develops the character - but I was rather disappointed with this - it didn't live up to the hype for me.

Lent to me by Jo.
2nd - 5th January 2009

Faceless Killers - Henning Mankell

I haven't read a detective thriller for a few years now, they kind of fell out of favour when I O.D.'d on Patricia Cornwell. But just before Christmas I'd happened upon three episodes of 'Wallander', a Swedish detective series made into films by Kenneth Brannagh (not my favourite actor but absolutely brilliant in this role).

After watching them I thought I'd give one of the books a try, and since my mother in law owned a few it was perfect. I started with Faceless Killers, the first of nine books about the detective.


An old couple are brutally murdered in their home in the Swedish countryside, and at the same time as having to deal with his increasingly senile father, his non-existant relationship with his daughter and is life generally spiralling downwards, Wallander has to try and find out who committed the crime.

Throw in racial unrest and snowstorms, and this makes for a better read than I'd expected. Nothing special, by no means particularly unique. But Mankell's writing style (or perhaps I should say the translators?) is easy and enjoyable. The story doesn't drag and by the end you feel you know Wallander and the people in his life - and you want to meet them again.

I can't say I want to 'own' this book, but I have ordered the next in the series, and I do hope that Brannagh will be making more programmes in the near future.

Lent to me by Jo.
December 2008 - 2nd January 2009