Lilian's Story - Kate Grenville

I came to this book after reading The Secret River, and I wasn't sure when I first starting reading, or even two thirds of the way through. But it was certainly worth persevering with.

The Lilian of the title comes from a moneyed, but obviously damaged family early in the last century. It tells of her life, the rejection of her role as a debutant, her decision to go to university, and her eventual life on the streets living in a storm drain, reciting Shakespeare to anyone who will listen.

I found myself caring for 'fat Lil', and hoping that she would find the happiness she so longed for.

Although slow to get going, this is a fascinating story told by Lil herself. It made me wonder if it was based on a true character or story?  I'm certainly going to be looking at other Kate Grenville books.

April - May 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)

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.

The earth hums in B flat - Mari Strachan

Gwenni lives in rural Wales sometime after the second world war, but before decimalisation (I spent a lot of the novel trying to figure out when), with her Mam, Tada and sister Bethan.

She often looks after the two children up the hill, but when their father is found floating in the local reservoir Gwenni thinks that the police are on the wrong track, and wonders why her mam is so disturbed by the whole thing.

Oh yes, and Gwenni can fly - mostly in her sleep, unlike when she was younger and could fly when awake.

This book was slow and relaxed, yet enjoyable in a calming way. I'd like to have known when it was set, given it was very rural Wales the cultural clues were little help!

I enjoyed the voice of Gwenni telling the story, and the depictions of the reactions to the events in the small community, in fact I'd like to know what happened afterwards.

As a first novel, which this was, it was impressive - well worth picking up for a relaxing read.

I can't remember where I got it!

Late February to early March 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

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