Wednesday 13 April 2011

One Day - David Nicholls

Em and Dex, Dex and Em meet on the day of their graduation, too late in their university career for a relationship and anyway they are so mismatched it's unlikely to have lasted.

The One Day of the title refers to the author's method of telling the story of a near 30 year friendship between Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew.  Each chapter tells of St Swithen's Day (July 15th), the anniversary of the day the couple met.

But to me this isn't a love story, it's a story of how life doesn't ever go as you planned.

Many parts of Emma's life really struck a cord with me, and at points her friendship with Dexter reminded me of my friendship with Nigel (although Nigel and I have never actually taken it further than friendship).

But the observations of a woman in her 30s with no husband, children or career really hit home! I enjoyed this book much more than I expected to.

Bought in Doncaster library for 10p!
April 7th - 13th 2011 (in Spain)

Thursday 7 April 2011

True Grit - Charles Portis

If you've seen either the recent Coen Brothers film (and you should as it's excellent) or the original John Wayne film you'll know the story.

Fourteen year old Mattie hires a US Marshall, Roster Cogburn, to help her avenge the murder of her father.

In a time (mid 1800s) when women were very much homemakers, its interesting to read the story of how she sets of with Cogburn and a Texas ranger to catch (or kill) her man.

Written as if told by an older Mattie (in the 1920s) the voice is perfect and engaging, and despite knowing the story I was gripped from the beginning.

I read this book in one day (on holiday), it's a short read and the story is simple - the beauty is in the telling and the characters.

As the foreword by Donna Tartt indicates, it's a favourite of many (including Roahl Dahl), and I'd certainly agree.

Bought at Watford Gap Services
7th April 2011

Paranormality - Richard Wiseman

Yet again Richard Wiseman has written an interesting and engaging science book, unfortunately it's unlikely that those who really need to read and take note of the contents will get past the first chapter (how to cold read fortune tell).  Let alone read scientific explanations for out of body experiences, bending metal with mind power, speaking with the dead, hauntings, mind reading, foreseeing the future and talking mongooses!

This book is a skeptical look at the paranormal, and as such really is unlikely to be read by many believers in the supernatural.

As with his previous books I enjoyed the style and the frequent 'speaking' directly to the reader!  But I have to admit to being left wanting more from each chapter.  Wiseman has been studying these things for years and I'm sure there are more examples.

There is an accompanying website with added information and videos.  In fact throughout the book there are QR tags which link to short films and audio clips - although I currently don't have a phone capable of viewing them I will be visiting the site on my pc.

3rd - 7th April 2011 - whilst in Spain
Bought at WHSmiths at Watford Gap services.