A million little pieces - James Frey

Is this book a work of fiction? Or is it a true account of the recovery of a drug and alcohol addict?  Does it matter if it's true or not?

When Tamsin lent me this book I was vaguely aware of it, but didn't know that the writer had upset rather a lot of people - not least Oprah Winfrey.  It seems that the book was published as a 'memoir', but the author has subsequently admitted that whilst the majority of the content is true life, much of it was elaborated on for dramatic effect.

But does this matter? and does it take away from the quality of the writing and the story - NOT FOR ME.  

I really enjoyed this book, it was heart breaking in parts, brutal, and eye opening, the writing style is great and really suits the subject matter.  It follows the author through rehabilitation in a clinic; at the age of 23 he is, in his words, 'completely fucked up' - one more drink, or drug episode will probably kill him - his only option is to get clean.

What follows are some very graphic descriptions of detox, a retelling of some of the parts of his life that led him to where he found himself, and some stories of those he finds with him in treatment.

For me I think it quite possible that actually the backlash against this book might have been fuelled by the fact that it's uncomfortable reading for those who are trying to help those with addictions.  Frey completely rejects the 12 step program of Alcoholics Anonymous - but still manages to get clean.

If it's true it's an amazing story; if it's fiction it's still an amazing story - one that made me laugh, wince at the descriptions of pain and astounded me with moments of tenderness, it even made me cry at one point.

I've ordered the follow-up, I hope it's as good - and I don't care if it's true or not!

Given to me by Tamsin

14 - 27 March 2010

Alice's adventures in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll

Unusually for me, I've actually read this book before - many years ago.  It's a short but enjoyable read, so I thought I'd sneak it into my reading before going to see the new Tim Burton film.

Despite the fact that this book was written in 1865 it really does stand the test of time - Wonderland is a place for any era.  I don't think I need to recount the story here - if you don't know it, you've been living in a hole for some time!  So many of the motifs and themes from the book have found their way into everyday life - the Cheshire Cat, Curiouser and Curiouser, Drink Me and of course the Red Queen.

I'll just to leave with one of my favourite poem/songs from the book -

Twinkle twinkle, little bat!
How I wonder what you're at!
Up above the world you fly,
Like a tea-tray in the sky.
Twinkle, twinkle.....

If you've seen the film now read the book, if you haven't seen the film yet, read the book first (and yes I know that the film is a 'sequel' to the book, but it's always good to go back to the original).

If you are a fan of the tales of Alice I can also highly recommend, 'Automated Alice' by Jeff Noon, or 'The Looking Glass Wars' by Frank Beddor.  One book I'm very keen to get is 'Alice in Sunderland'.

10th - 13th March 2010

Bought secondhand in the National Trust Head Office Building (Heelis), Swindon!

The Graveyard Book - Neil Gaiman

Nobody lives in the graveyard........except someone does, and his name is Nobody (Bod for short).  

After his parents are murdered, Bod finds himself growing up within the confines of the graveyard, protected by those who come to love him - even if they've been dead for many years.  Bod is raised by the ghosts who enhabit the graveyard, and watched over by a guardian, Silas (neither dead nor alive he is able to leave the graveyard to get food and clothing for young Bod).

The story tells of Bod's childhood, his friends and family within the graveyard, and the slow dawning that there is a world outside the gates that one day he (as living person) will have to re-enter.

I really enjoyed this book, which wasn't much of a surprise as I've enjoyed other Neil Gaiman books (particularly American Gods).  However this was the first of his children's books that I've read.  We gave it to my step-daughter for christmas, and after she'd read it she insisted that we did too!

The story is original and imaginative, and despite the obvious potential for gloom (Bod's parents murdered in the first few pages, and 90% of the story set in a graveyard!), the book is uplifting and fun.

As a quick and enjoyable read I'd certainly recommend it, I have Coraline to read at some point too, but think that will actually be even darker!

March 2010

Lent to me by Caitlin.

Howards End is on the landing, a year of reading from home - Susan Hill

When Susan Hill describes her house it sounds a little like mine - not that mine is a large farmhouse in the Cotswolds, as hers is - full of books, books in every room.  And many of them either unread, or not read for many years.

Whilst looking for a book amongst the hundreds Hill realises that there are many that deserve revisiting, or in some cases, visiting for the first time.  So she embarks on a year of reading the books that she already owns instead of buying new ones.

I could easily do this with the books in my house, and I've thought it doing so many times - but then I think about what I'd miss!  Anyway, this is the reason I liked the idea of this book.

Hill takes you through the books of her childhood, reminises about the authors she's known, the places she's been and the associations that many of the books have for her.  She reads popup books, childrens book, novels, non-fiction, biographies and short stories - many of the authors are familar to me, but few of them I've actually read.

Despite the fact that Susan Hill and I are obviously from a different generation of readers, and she has a background steeped in reading (studying English Literature at Kings College), I still found the wander around her house of books interesting.

Although I'm sure she'd be disappointed to find that it didn't tempt me to go in search of many of the books she discusses; I did enjoy the style of the book and found it enjoyable to read.  I've never read a Susan Hill book; I believe there are many, I might try one of the crime thrillers........at some point (i've got no shortage of books that need my attention!)

Bought on Green Met.

A week at the airport – Alain De Botton

Despite my dislike of the expansion of airports, and the over use of cheap travel, I had been looking forward to reading this little book.   Not least as Terminal 5 is very much part of my history, despite never having been there – back in 2002 I worked for a few summer months on the large archaeological site which was to become Terminal 5, but at the time was a very loud patch of mud that still smelled of the sewage treatment works which were there before.

I've always been fascinated by transport hubs, airports, railway stations, bus stations – they are the best possible place for one of my favourite past-times – people watching!  Nowhere else is so fantastic for spying on the comings and goings (literally) of the general public.

I imagine that part of the reason the author took up the offer of spending a week with unlimited access to the airport and it's travelers had something to do with this.

Asked by BAA to spend a whole week solely within the confines of the airport; staying in an airport hotel, eating in airport restaurants and wandering at will.  He was given a desk at which to work, but also passes to go airside and into non-public areas – I'm jealous!

Using the process as titles for each section; arrivals, departures, etc – De Botton gives an entertaining and enlightening glimpse into a world that never sleeps.  Facts and figures are kept to a minimum, it's the human stories behind the luggage, vending machines and duty free shops that fascinate.

In a way it seems very brave of BAA to allow him free reign on what he wrote, even granting him an interview with the chief executive, Willie Walsh – something that De Botton admits wasn't as interesting to him as meeting the staff and customers.

The book in no way makes me want to visit T5, but it does confirm my interest in people watching!

Bought on Green Met.