Wednesday 16 February 2011

Definitely Dead - Charlaine Harris

I think I might have skipped a book, but it doesn't really matter - vampire trash is vampire trash!

Yet again I've enjoyed one of the stories about Sookie Stackhouse, yet again it was essentially crap!

This time Sookie and her new boyfriend (a were-tiger!!) are dragged into a war involving supernaturals, she's attacked, beaten up, abducted and almost killed - why does she continue to hang out with these creatures?

If she was real there is no way she'd stick around for all the beatings she's taken, even if her body was able to take it (she doesn't seem to exercise at all except for working in the bar - which she doesn't seem to do much of).

Despite the fact at these books and the story lines seem to be getting more and more implausible, I'll continue reading, if only to see what the author comes up with next!

Finished 16th February 2010
Bought from The Book People




Sunday 6 February 2011

Far from the sodding crowd - Robin Halstead, Jason Hazeley, Alex Morris, Joel Morris

This is a sequel to the equally entertaining 'B**locks to Alton Towers', being a list and explanation of some of the more unusual and eccentric places to visit in the British Isles.

I'm pleased to say that I've even visited a number of them already (Papplewick Pumping Station, the Witchcraft Museum and the National Fruit Collection at Brogdale).

But I honestly don't think there will ever be a shortage of these places to visit - they are so typically English in their eccentricity!

On my list of must visit places are the Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising; the Bakelite Museum, Bramah Museum of Tea and Coffee, and Fitzpatrick's Temperance Bar.

The writers don't take the piss, they highlight the best and silliest parts of each attraction, and why they are a must visit.

Although I borrowed this from the library I'll be buying a copy for myself to go with e earlier edition. I hope that I'm not too busy to visit some of the places mentioned as this was published in 2007.

Borrowed from Sheffield Central Library
6th February 2011


Saturday 5 February 2011

The Adventuress - Audrey Niffenegger

I've read both of her novels, and had been aware that she'd written some graphic novels earlier in her career so when a saw this in the library i had to take it out.

Although to be honest, it's so sparse that I could have stood in the library and read it in about five minutes!

Each double page spread has a few words of text opposite a excellent illustration. They tell the story of a created girl who is abducted, gives birth to a cat, turns into a moth, and ..... No I won't spoil the story, but needless to say it's extremely weird!

I was left wondering what was happening in the authors life to bring on these disturbing images.

Borrowed from Sheffield Central Library
5th February 2011

The Iron Wagon - Jason

Today I went to a demonstration against the cuts at the Central Library in Sheffield, and as part of that event I took out a load of books, this was one of them.

A short graphic novel based on a Norwegian classic detective story first published in 1909.

Although if I'm honest I found the plotting rather sparse (perhaps that is typical of Scandinavian fiction?), I did enjoy the story and the illustrations were great.

Jason (no second name) draws animals and birds instead of people, but walking upright and wearing the costumes of the period. I will look out for some of his other books, and hope the story lines are a little more dynamic.

5th February 2011
Borrowed from Sheffield Central Library