Early happy New Year everyone! How has 2015 been for you? Bit too exciting if you ask me - marauding vikings on and off the page, Poldark showing off his pecs in the Cornish countryside (don't remember THAT in the books!), Bond getting up to his old tricks and tonnes of fab new fiction and non-fiction to get me all distracted.
I did manage to read the minimum target 24 books (yay!), but 11 of those were either freshly published or new acquisitions (boo!). Such a shame when I got the balance right in 2014, reading an extra 10 or so books, but still finishing 24 from the list. Definitely want to try and do better in the coming months.
Hopefully you've found something interesting among what I've read in 2015. I'm quite pleased that there's a good variety in what I've covered, but classics are still rare. After my fascinating trip to Haworth, the Bronte Parsonage Museum and the surrounding moors ('In Search of Wuthering Heights'), I'm hoping to get in some novels by the famous sisters in 2016. And visit some more literary locations!
James Bond and historical fiction are still making regular appearances and I'm close to finishing both Ian Fleming's books and Philippa Gregory's Cousins War series. Hopefully I can do this next year too and move on to another great series.
A few favourite genres and writers have disappeared completely recently, though, including Science Fiction and Daphne Du Maurier. Perhaps in getting distracted by some great new publications I've missed the brilliant books already on my shelves. Something to be careful of in 2016!
Almost unbelievably, next year will mark the fifth anniversary of this blog and my project. A big thank you to all the friends, readers, writers and publishers who have given such great feedback and support here and on Twitter (@500_Books) over the years. A special mention has to go to the lovely and glittery Lucy Porter, who thoroughly embarrassed me by looking at my Twitter feed while I was stood in front of her at a literary festival event. Nearly as embarrassing as when I met Nigella Lawson at a book signing and couldn't think of anything to say... but that's another story.
Anyway, big love, bookworms! Wishing you all a fabulous new year and I look forward to seeing you again in 2016!
Reviews of the Year
2012
2013
2014
2015: A Year in Books
January
'The Empty Throne' by Bernard Cornwell
February
'So, Anyway...' by John Cleese
'From Russia with Love' by Ian Fleming (Audiobook)
'The Victorian Chaise-Longue' by Marghanita Laski
March
'Goldfinger' by Ian Fleming
'Living Dolls: The Return of Sexism' by Natasha Walter
April
'When I Met You' by Jemma Forte
'So, You've Been Publicly Shamed' by Jon Ronson
May
'Marie Antoinette: The Journey' by Antonia Fraser
June
'In Town' by Mark Steel
'Be Brilliant Every Day' by Andy Cope and Andy Whitaker
July
'It's All in Your Head' by Suzanne O'Sullivan
'My Grandfather Would Have Shot Me' by Jennifer Teege
'Diamonds are Forever' by Ian Fleming (Audiobook)
'The Spy who Loved Me' by Ian Fleming (Audiobook)
August
'A Book for Her' by Bridget Christie
'The Kingmaker's Daughter' by Philippa Gregory
September
'The Library of Unrequited Love' by Sophie Divry
October
'Just a Phrase I'm Going Through' by David Crystal
'Jeremy and Amy' by Jeremy Keeling
November
'Warriors of the Storm' by Bernard Cornwell
'Pet Sematary' by Stephen King
December
'Animal QC: My Preposterous Life' by Gary Bell
'Little Tales of Misogyny' by Patricia Highsmith - Coming Soon!
31 December 2015
20 December 2015
You Couldn't Make It Up!
Sometimes, I find genres confusing. When does something become 'Classic'? Why isn't PG Wodehouse under 'Humour'? Where on Earth do you put Daphne Writes-Horror-SciFi-Romance-And-More Du Maurier? And what the fudge is 'Women's Fiction'? But never before have I questioned whether something should be in fact or fiction!
The cause of the consternation is 'Animal QC: My Preposterous Life' by Gary Bell, published by Monday Books It says it's an autobiography, but this rip roaring tale of a life less ordinary can't possibly be true. Can it?
Mr Bell is the most unlikely barrister you're ever going to meet. Far from the silver-spooned toff of the stereotype, he was born to teenage parents and began life in a condemned Nottingham slum. Although the family escaped the city for the mining town of Cotgrave, life was far from easy and money was often short. Despite showing promise, unimaginative careers advisors and an old fashioned working class attitude to education meant that he left school without taking exams. Everyone expected him to follow his father down the pit, but his fear of the dark meant he lasted just one day. A decade of short lived employment, strange strokes of luck and homelessness later and the boy was back in town and ready to start again as a mature student. Living proof that hard work, dogged determination and just enough cheek can get you through, 'Animal QC' is a funny, inspirational and ridiculously preposterous story.
I absolutely loved this book, but it's so unusual, I really don't know where to start! Never has the phrase 'you couldn't make it up' seemed more appropriate nor a single paragraph so far from enough to summarise a story.
Top barristers need to be great (and convincing) storytellers and Mr Bell must be one of the best. 'Animal QC' is engaging, charming and even jaw dropping, a well written page turner that made me want to keep reading. His 'warts and all' attitude (which means he covers his major embarrassments as well as his greatest successes) keep the narrative on the right side of smug and when he touches on controversial topics, the reader is reminded that it's based on his own, personal experiences.
The tone changes as he begins to talk about his casework and the pace slows slightly, but 'Animal QC' remains intriguing for a whole new set of reasons. While I think the book in general could be an inspiration to anyone who thinks that where they start is where they'll stay, the later chapters would be of particular interest to people interested in the criminal law and the legal process.
Overall, I can't recommend 'Animal QC' enough. The paperback is due out at the beginning of March, so look out for it then. Hopefully we'll find it in 'Biography'...
18 December 2015
And the Cat Came Back...
I can't believe it's over a month since I last blogged. And I was doing so well! So what's stopped me? Christmas shopping? Internet problems? Or maybe I was just too scared to revisit the superlative 'Pet Sematary' by the master horror writer Stephen King.
Dr Louis Creed has left behind the rough and tumble of the city for a chance at the peaceful, rural idyll in Maine. Louis, his wife Rachel, children Ellie and Gage, with cat Church, think they've found the perfect family home and move in eager to begin a new life together. Creed soon bonds with elderly neighbour Jud Crandall, a man full of stories about the town who can't help sharing news of a notable local landmark through the woods behind the house. Beyond the fields where Creed hoped his children would play lies a pet 'sematary' where local youngsters have buried their beloved animals for decades. At first Louis likes the eccentric charm of the place, but it's not long before death raises its ugly head and he discovers that the secrets of the cemetery cast a very long shadow indeed...
I've read a number of Stephen King books before ('Christine', 'Different Seasons', 'Carrie' and 'The Green Mile'), but none of them are any where near as impressive as this one. King himself says that this is the most frightening book he's written and it's easy to see why. It deals with powerful, universal themes and fears including family, grief and anxiety about our loved ones and helped me finally see why Mr King is popular worldwide. This book deals with the worst of everyday fears and what ifs, then pushes further, forcing you to consider how far you would go in the name of familial love.
Louis Creed is a completely relatable, flawed yet optimistic human being and was so expertly written that I had to find out what happened to him. He does so many things wrong, but completely understandably, and I just couldn't leave him on his own or shake the hope that someone, anyone, would help him pull back from the brink. This is the first time that I can remember screaming 'No, don't do it!' at a book! Mr King's descriptions of every physical exertion, every rogue thought, every painful emotion kept the novel tense right to the very last pages and my heart ached as I had to stand by and watch his life torn apart by the opposing forces of love and the cemetery.
This book is horrific in a very specific sense of the word. It's not about cheap gore and even cheaper thrills, it touches a much more fundamental nerve that I still find tremors several weeks after finishing the novel. I have no doubt that 'Pet Sematary' will stay with me for a long time to come, a credit to an incredible author who is clearly full of surprises.
'Pet Sematary' is about family and how far you'll go to protect them. If you think you already know, then read this book. It might change your mind.
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| 'Pet Sematary' by Stephen King (Hodder and Stoughton, 1989) |
I've read a number of Stephen King books before ('Christine', 'Different Seasons', 'Carrie' and 'The Green Mile'), but none of them are any where near as impressive as this one. King himself says that this is the most frightening book he's written and it's easy to see why. It deals with powerful, universal themes and fears including family, grief and anxiety about our loved ones and helped me finally see why Mr King is popular worldwide. This book deals with the worst of everyday fears and what ifs, then pushes further, forcing you to consider how far you would go in the name of familial love.
Louis Creed is a completely relatable, flawed yet optimistic human being and was so expertly written that I had to find out what happened to him. He does so many things wrong, but completely understandably, and I just couldn't leave him on his own or shake the hope that someone, anyone, would help him pull back from the brink. This is the first time that I can remember screaming 'No, don't do it!' at a book! Mr King's descriptions of every physical exertion, every rogue thought, every painful emotion kept the novel tense right to the very last pages and my heart ached as I had to stand by and watch his life torn apart by the opposing forces of love and the cemetery.
This book is horrific in a very specific sense of the word. It's not about cheap gore and even cheaper thrills, it touches a much more fundamental nerve that I still find tremors several weeks after finishing the novel. I have no doubt that 'Pet Sematary' will stay with me for a long time to come, a credit to an incredible author who is clearly full of surprises.
'Pet Sematary' is about family and how far you'll go to protect them. If you think you already know, then read this book. It might change your mind.
16 November 2015
It's Raining, Men!
It's been a busy month! Hot on the heels of 'Jeremy and Amy', I finished Bernard Cornwell's latest Saxon Story, 'Warriors of the Storm', featuring the ever cantankerous warlord Uhtred of Bebbanburg.
'The Burning Land' by Bernard Cornwell (Saxon Story Five)
'The Death of Kings' by Bernard Cornwell (Saxon Story Six)
'The Pagan Lord' by Bernard Cornwell (Saxon Story Seven)
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| 'Warriors of the Storm' by Bernard Cornwell (HarperCollins, 2015) |
Holed up in the fortress at Chester,Uhtred awakes to news of smoke spotted on the horizon. Driven across the sea from Ireland, the formidable Ragnall Ivarson has begun an invasion, but things are not as they seem. As Mercia's future hangs in the balance once more, many questions are raised. Has Uhtred's son-in-law, Ragnall's brother, joined this fight? Will Uhtred's loyal lieutenant Finan's Irish connection prove a blessing or a curse as his countrymen join the would-be conqueror? Will the aging Uhtred's luck hold as tries to predict his enemy's next move? As his oathsworn mistress, Aethelflaed of Mercia, and King Edward of Wessex, her brother, are slow to act, Uhtred finds himself the only man ready to take a stand against this latest Norse threat to the fledgling England.
First of all, I know you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but I bloody love the imagery used on this one. It's almost 3D! I could practically hear the sound of weapons being struck against shields just by looking at it, so I was understandably desperate to get started on this latest Cornwell novel.
'Warriors of the Storm' is a good adventure story, although I did feel that it wasn't one of the best in the series. I thought it took a while to get going, but once it did, boy was it on form. The narrative has reached a maturity so that this no longer feels like Uhtred's story alone, It's become an ensemble piece of warriors, family and enemies, all familiar characters that are great to spend time with and root for or curse. As the royals take a back seat, this emerges as a more personal tale, one of alliances and ambitions closer to Uhtred's heart rather than those of his masters.
There are many references to Uhtred's ageing and our growling hero is in reflective mood. After a lifetime longing for what is rightfully his - the formidable fortress of Bebbanburg - the author seems to be finally revealing how Uhtred could end up exactly where he's always wanted to be. In previous books, sections have suggested that he does achieve his aim, and, to be honest, it's only going to be a matter of time before it becomes impossible for readers to ignore how unlikely it is for Uhtred to still be alive. Let's face it, he should've snuffed it by now, whether in war or through illness.
So, unusually perhaps, this book ended on a note of hope rather than relief. Normally, we want to cheer as yet another foolish Jarl gets his comeuppance on the battlefield, but in 'Warriors of the Storm' I both wanted to celebrate and read on as for the first time I felt Uhtred was finally going to get his just reward for a lifetime of service. Hopefully I'm not just being sentimental. Let's face it, Bernard Cornwell would reach Downton Abbey Christmas Special bastard levels if he blithely led us through nine books then didn't let Uhtred win his prize. Call me soft, but I think that would even make Uhtred cry.
Anyway, despite a slow start and a relatively small scale, 'Warriors of the Story' is a great historical adventure story, up to Bernard Cornwell's usual high standards. A fantastic way to escape modern realities between episodes of 'The Last Kingdom' on BBC 2. Just can't get away from the aersling lately...
Related Posts
'Sword Song' by Bernard Cornwell (Saxon Story Four)
'The Burning Land' by Bernard Cornwell (Saxon Story Five)
'The Death of Kings' by Bernard Cornwell (Saxon Story Six)
'The Pagan Lord' by Bernard Cornwell (Saxon Story Seven)
'The Empty Throne' by Bernard Cornwell (Saxon Story Eight)
15 November 2015
One Man and His Ape
One of my favourite days out is to a very special animal sanctuary nestled in the gorgeous Dorset countryside. Monkey World is an internationally respected haven for unwanted apes and monkeys, a place where the abused, neglected and abandoned can find refuge and receive care from experts in their field. It was founded by two extraordinary men, Jim Cronin and Jeremy Keeling, and I recently read Mr Keeling's excellent autobiography.
'Jeremy and Amy' is the story of Mr Keeling and his foster 'daughter' Amy. She's stubborn and
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| 'Jeremy and Amy' by Jeremy Keeling (Short Books, 2011) |
This book could very easily have slipped into a cutesy, anthropomorphic, semi-biographical story about how caring for a characterful orang-utan helps a human find peace with themselves and the world. Fortunately, it didn't and I think anyone picking it up and expecting some sort of light read about how funny and almost human animals are would, initially at least, be very disappointed.
In reality, it's the human at the centre of this story and the book includes some very upsetting sections which don't sit at all with the 'aren't animals funny?' sort of narrative. Delivered in Keeling's characteristic matter-of-fact style, it's impossible not to be affected by some of his terrible experiences, particularly in childhood. To call his early family life 'dysfunctional' seems the ultimate understatement. Equally, I ended this book with so much respect for him as someone who could easily have slipped into self-destruction, but instead decided to work hard to make a future for himself and, as a result, found a way to make a real difference.
I found 'Jeremy and Amy' a real page turner, but to say I enjoyed it would be crass and insensitive. I cried, I laughed and, as with 'We Bought a Zoo', had my respect for the people who care for the planet's animals reinforced.
It must've taken some bravery for Mr Keeling to publish this book, so I would like to thank him for sharing his story. (Let's hope I never bump into him at Monkey World, I'm bound to make a complete 'nana of myself.)
Overall, 'Jeremy and Amy' is a story of hope and courage and I would thoroughly recommend it.
Now, back to the books!
08 November 2015
Riding Along on the Crest of Fourth Wave
Feminism is cool. After what seems like decades of confinement to university campuses, niche publications and the WI, it's bursting through to mainstream culture in a tidal wave. Feminism is surfacing on TV, in cinemas, in popular books, in mainstream magazines... it's even on t-shirts! It feels like its being talked about and owned by young women in a way not seen for 30 years and people from all walks of life are taking an interest.
One of those people is stand up comedian Bridget Christie. Prince Charming and I have read Ms. Christie's book, 'A Book for Her (and Him if He can Read)', so in this post you're getting two for the price of one. You lucky people!
'A Book for Her' is part career-memoir and part personal journey. In it, Ms Christie talks about how an unfortunate bookseller farting in a shop's Women's Studies section set her off on a journey which leads to her becoming the go-to 'feminist comedian'. The whole journey seems to have surprised her as much as anything else. She begins with a feeling that she needs to know more, but the event puts a wind in her sails that leads her to use her comedic writing and performing talents to bring some of the very harrowing key issues in modern feminism to the fore.
Prince Charming was a bit worried about reading 'A Book for Her (And Him if He Can Read)'. "'Thank goodness for this book's subtitle. Before I read it, I made sure I went away and dug out my old Peter and Jane books to learn to read. I worked really hard and made sure I could read before tackling Ms Christie's book, although some of the long words still eluded me and I had to ask Eileen what they meant."
Well, that's what dictionaries are for, isn't it? Fortunately, I'd already learned to read, although I was finding it hard to work out which book I was supposed to read, being a woman and all that. That's probably why I ended up with so many, I was looking for one which told me it was the one for me, you know, made it REALLY obvious. If only more of them were pink with pictures of women on, it would make the whole process an awful lot easier and I wouldn't get so swept up in Waterstones.
Once he'd got to grips with all the words and reading malarkey, I found I had to put up with Prince Charming laughing quite a lot at this book. As he puts it "Overall, I enjoyed the book. It was funny and thought provoking." Goodness, he's right! It is both funny and thought provoking, getting steadily more powerful as Christie finds her feet and begins talking about the issues she feels strongest about, in particular Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). As she learned more, so did I, which made this a worthwhile, if disjointed, read.
I've read a number of books about feminist issues. They've varied from factual essay-style texts or to passionate and well-informed, well, rants. 'A Book for Her' is different because it's about a relatively ordinary woman working out what feminism means to her and deciding for herself why it's important. She says that she's not well informed about it at the start, but she has curiosity and a thirst for knowledge, which lead her to a cause and a desire to use the skills she has to change the world.
The book does feel dubiously structured, however, much like a sandcastle as the tide comes in. It's almost as if Christie just started writing, without any sort of plan, and it's not until about half way through, as she starts talking about her career to date and transformation into a 'feminist comedian', that she seems to find her feet. From then on, it's very readable and interesting. Before that, it's funny, but rather meandering and doesn't really push you to keep reading.
Prince Charming agreed. "I would though have preferred two books, one about Ms Christie's stand up shows as they all sounded interesting and one about the serious issues the book covers. The two themes could have done with a book each as I felt the direction of the book got lost trying to do both." That's a man speaking. And I agree with him, so it must be right!
For me, this book had the strange effect of making me want to watch Christie's previous shows on DVD. But, oddly, they're not available, as far as I can tell anyway. I blame the patriarchy.
Overall, I felt that this was a good book for the cautious in that it's about a personal relationship with feminism, a thoughtful consideration of why the subject is important rather than an impassioned scream telling us it has to be. I will always be grateful to it for the information it provides on FGM. I'd heard the term before, but was shocked by what I read here. And I bet this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Now that's feminism covered, we're off to read about monster trucks...
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| 'A Book for Her (And Him if He Can Read)' by Bridget Christie (Century, 2015) |
'A Book for Her' is part career-memoir and part personal journey. In it, Ms Christie talks about how an unfortunate bookseller farting in a shop's Women's Studies section set her off on a journey which leads to her becoming the go-to 'feminist comedian'. The whole journey seems to have surprised her as much as anything else. She begins with a feeling that she needs to know more, but the event puts a wind in her sails that leads her to use her comedic writing and performing talents to bring some of the very harrowing key issues in modern feminism to the fore.
Prince Charming was a bit worried about reading 'A Book for Her (And Him if He Can Read)'. "'Thank goodness for this book's subtitle. Before I read it, I made sure I went away and dug out my old Peter and Jane books to learn to read. I worked really hard and made sure I could read before tackling Ms Christie's book, although some of the long words still eluded me and I had to ask Eileen what they meant."
Well, that's what dictionaries are for, isn't it? Fortunately, I'd already learned to read, although I was finding it hard to work out which book I was supposed to read, being a woman and all that. That's probably why I ended up with so many, I was looking for one which told me it was the one for me, you know, made it REALLY obvious. If only more of them were pink with pictures of women on, it would make the whole process an awful lot easier and I wouldn't get so swept up in Waterstones.
Once he'd got to grips with all the words and reading malarkey, I found I had to put up with Prince Charming laughing quite a lot at this book. As he puts it "Overall, I enjoyed the book. It was funny and thought provoking." Goodness, he's right! It is both funny and thought provoking, getting steadily more powerful as Christie finds her feet and begins talking about the issues she feels strongest about, in particular Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). As she learned more, so did I, which made this a worthwhile, if disjointed, read.
I've read a number of books about feminist issues. They've varied from factual essay-style texts or to passionate and well-informed, well, rants. 'A Book for Her' is different because it's about a relatively ordinary woman working out what feminism means to her and deciding for herself why it's important. She says that she's not well informed about it at the start, but she has curiosity and a thirst for knowledge, which lead her to a cause and a desire to use the skills she has to change the world.
The book does feel dubiously structured, however, much like a sandcastle as the tide comes in. It's almost as if Christie just started writing, without any sort of plan, and it's not until about half way through, as she starts talking about her career to date and transformation into a 'feminist comedian', that she seems to find her feet. From then on, it's very readable and interesting. Before that, it's funny, but rather meandering and doesn't really push you to keep reading.
Prince Charming agreed. "I would though have preferred two books, one about Ms Christie's stand up shows as they all sounded interesting and one about the serious issues the book covers. The two themes could have done with a book each as I felt the direction of the book got lost trying to do both." That's a man speaking. And I agree with him, so it must be right!
For me, this book had the strange effect of making me want to watch Christie's previous shows on DVD. But, oddly, they're not available, as far as I can tell anyway. I blame the patriarchy.
Overall, I felt that this was a good book for the cautious in that it's about a personal relationship with feminism, a thoughtful consideration of why the subject is important rather than an impassioned scream telling us it has to be. I will always be grateful to it for the information it provides on FGM. I'd heard the term before, but was shocked by what I read here. And I bet this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Now that's feminism covered, we're off to read about monster trucks...
22 October 2015
Lost in Space
Now, normally I wouldn't bother you with a post about a book I haven't finished. I don't think it's fair to judge a book without reading it all the way through and I want this to be a positive project full of useful reviews and book-ish ideas. But I think you deserve an explanation as to why I've given up on 'The Martian' by Andy Weir, a recent international bestseller.
'The Martian' is the story of NASA astronaut, engineer and botanist Mark Watney (MSc. etc). Injured and unintentionally abandoned during an emergency evacuation from Mars, he's caught in a desperate struggle to stay alive. He believes he knows when the next Ares mission landing is due, so he's working hard to source, create or ration every resource he needs. The odds seem stacked against him, but he's intelligent, focussed and determined to stay alive. But will the next expedition arrive on time? Can he stay alive until then? Will he make it back to Earth?
In all honesty, I don't really care.
I should have loved this book. It's a fantastic idea that offers lots of opportunities not only for brilliantly tense narrative, but also the sort of practical application of science and mathematics that could get people interested in these subjects. But I just couldn't connect with the narrator at all. I got to page 40, a little bit into chapter five, his 38th day on Mars, but there had been no mention of the people he'd left behind on Earth. I had absolutely no sense of the emotional ties that made him want to get back there, only that it was what he wanted to do. The nearest he came was slagging off the music and entertainment tastes of his former colleagues. Wouldn't it strike you as a bit strange for someone not to talk about the people they loved and hated if never seeing them again became a real possibility? Yes, he's focussed on surviving, but such thoughts would be motivation for him, surely. And he's not working ALL of the time. He's on his own, so surely he'll get reflective and introspective? There can't possibly be that many episodes of 'Three's Company' to drown out his inner monologue.
This was the biggest of a number of factors which made it difficult for me to suspend my disbelief and want to remain with this character. He's a trained Mechanical Engineer and Botanist, qualified at least to post-graduate level. Seriously? Not only do I find it hard to believe that anyone could successfully combine study of these areas to such a high level, plus the exceptional physical fitness required for space travel, he talks like he's not left high school. Not only does he swear a lot (understandable I suppose in his desperate situation), he uses words and phrases which would suit a teenage boy better than a highly qualified scientist. Not awesome. Really not.
So, unfortunately, I was so disappointed by what I read of the book that I gave up on it. Fortunately, I have one or two others to read first. So hopefully this is just a blip and I'll have something much more interesting to tell you about soon.
Now, what next..?
'The Martian' is the story of NASA astronaut, engineer and botanist Mark Watney (MSc. etc). Injured and unintentionally abandoned during an emergency evacuation from Mars, he's caught in a desperate struggle to stay alive. He believes he knows when the next Ares mission landing is due, so he's working hard to source, create or ration every resource he needs. The odds seem stacked against him, but he's intelligent, focussed and determined to stay alive. But will the next expedition arrive on time? Can he stay alive until then? Will he make it back to Earth?
In all honesty, I don't really care.
I should have loved this book. It's a fantastic idea that offers lots of opportunities not only for brilliantly tense narrative, but also the sort of practical application of science and mathematics that could get people interested in these subjects. But I just couldn't connect with the narrator at all. I got to page 40, a little bit into chapter five, his 38th day on Mars, but there had been no mention of the people he'd left behind on Earth. I had absolutely no sense of the emotional ties that made him want to get back there, only that it was what he wanted to do. The nearest he came was slagging off the music and entertainment tastes of his former colleagues. Wouldn't it strike you as a bit strange for someone not to talk about the people they loved and hated if never seeing them again became a real possibility? Yes, he's focussed on surviving, but such thoughts would be motivation for him, surely. And he's not working ALL of the time. He's on his own, so surely he'll get reflective and introspective? There can't possibly be that many episodes of 'Three's Company' to drown out his inner monologue.
This was the biggest of a number of factors which made it difficult for me to suspend my disbelief and want to remain with this character. He's a trained Mechanical Engineer and Botanist, qualified at least to post-graduate level. Seriously? Not only do I find it hard to believe that anyone could successfully combine study of these areas to such a high level, plus the exceptional physical fitness required for space travel, he talks like he's not left high school. Not only does he swear a lot (understandable I suppose in his desperate situation), he uses words and phrases which would suit a teenage boy better than a highly qualified scientist. Not awesome. Really not.
So, unfortunately, I was so disappointed by what I read of the book that I gave up on it. Fortunately, I have one or two others to read first. So hopefully this is just a blip and I'll have something much more interesting to tell you about soon.
Now, what next..?
12 October 2015
More than Just the Sandwich Man
'Sandwich' is an example of grammatical conversion, i.e. a word that has gained a new linguistic label because its use and meaning changed. In this instance, a proper noun or name of a specific person or thing became a common noun, not to mention a tasty snack.
I've just finished reading a delightful booklet called
'Sandwich Man' about the original Sandwich, John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich (1718 to 1792), written by the current, eleventh Earl, also called John Montagu. In a collection of informative vignettes, the Earl describes the life and loves of his predecessor, his connections with other notable names, including Captain Cook, William Wordsworth and Omai of Tahiti (only the second Pacific Islander to visit Europe), and the origins of his famous foodstuff. In just a few pages, the Earl takes us on an intriguing, whistle stop journey through the life of his ancestor.
I'm not just buttering up the author here (groan!), I did genuinely enjoy this booklet and learned more than I expected about the man who made a name for himself in quite an unexpected way. It's funny how you can think you know about a historical figure and be completely wrong. I'd somehow ended up with an image of a sleazy aristocrat and ne'er-do-well, who was so addicted to the gaming tables that he refused to leave even to eat. I now know differently!
This booklet came from Mapperton House near Beaminster in Dorset, home to the current Earl and Countess of Sandwich and recent star of the film 'Far From the Madding Crowd'. It's a hidden gem with historic formal gardens and plenty of lovely, quiet spots for reading in the sunshine, so well worth a visit. Perhaps I'll be spotted there next summer with one of the books listed in the 'Sandwich Man' further reading list!
To find out more about Mapperton House and Gardens or to order your own copy of 'Sandwich Man', visit the Mapperton House website.
Now back to the marauding vikings!
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| 'Sandwich Man' by John Montagu, 11th Earl of Sandwich (Skyscraper Publications) |
'Sandwich Man' about the original Sandwich, John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich (1718 to 1792), written by the current, eleventh Earl, also called John Montagu. In a collection of informative vignettes, the Earl describes the life and loves of his predecessor, his connections with other notable names, including Captain Cook, William Wordsworth and Omai of Tahiti (only the second Pacific Islander to visit Europe), and the origins of his famous foodstuff. In just a few pages, the Earl takes us on an intriguing, whistle stop journey through the life of his ancestor.
I'm not just buttering up the author here (groan!), I did genuinely enjoy this booklet and learned more than I expected about the man who made a name for himself in quite an unexpected way. It's funny how you can think you know about a historical figure and be completely wrong. I'd somehow ended up with an image of a sleazy aristocrat and ne'er-do-well, who was so addicted to the gaming tables that he refused to leave even to eat. I now know differently!
This booklet came from Mapperton House near Beaminster in Dorset, home to the current Earl and Countess of Sandwich and recent star of the film 'Far From the Madding Crowd'. It's a hidden gem with historic formal gardens and plenty of lovely, quiet spots for reading in the sunshine, so well worth a visit. Perhaps I'll be spotted there next summer with one of the books listed in the 'Sandwich Man' further reading list!
To find out more about Mapperton House and Gardens or to order your own copy of 'Sandwich Man', visit the Mapperton House website.
Now back to the marauding vikings!
11 October 2015
Life of a Language Legend
Earlier this week, I finished 'Just a Phrase I'm Going Through: My Life in Language' by venerable linguist and writer David Crystal. Earlier today, I finished writing a post about it, which unfortunately got swallowed by Blogger. An extreme ellipsis that had me using some choice language I can tell you. Anyway, here we go again!
In 'Just a Phrase I'm Going Through', Professor Crystal gives us a snapshot of what it means to be a linguist. Driven by a passion for language and a boundless curiosity, he follows a childhood in North Wales and Liverpool with an academic career at University College London and later the universities of Reading and Bangor. Seizing the opportunities presented by the burgeoning new science of Linguistics, he is able to explore and expand a range of fields and interests, including speech therapy, grammar and language teaching. Following government cuts in the 1980s, however, Professor Crystal decides to leave academia, but this is far from the end of his linguistics journey. He finds new roles, including broadcaster, consultant, writer and encyclopedia compiler, applying his endless energy to an ongoing quest to make knowledge accessible and encourage the public's interest in the words and language they use everyday. It is a route Professor Crystal still follows.
To me, this book was the antithesis of the typical celebrity biography. Rather than the author being the star of the show, language, Linguistics and Professor Crystal's ongoing passion for them both was centre stage. His private life is often the catalyst for his work, but on the whole it took a comfortable back seat and is not the main focus of the book. This means that the reader is able to learn something about Professor Crystal without feeling like they're intruding.
Professor Crystal was a bit of a legend for my A Level English Language group and 'It's Just a Phrase I'm Going Through' reminded me of how I felt about Linguistics in my late teens. How much it fascinated me and how wonderful it was to have the freedom to study this amazing subject. Thanks to him, we could pursue our interest because we had access to informative, well written and highly readable books on the subject. We didn't have to wade through the tomes that almost put him off at our age, so, thank you, Professor.
Overall, this is a funny, interesting, touching, informative book which should appeal to anyone with an interest in the study of language or the Professor himself. It tends to follow themes rather than exact chronology, but the writer's deft, accessible style means you never feel lost. In fact, most of the time I was completely absorbed and found Professor Crystal's positivity and enthusiasm for life completely infectious. I was sad to finish the book and look forward to reading more by him in the future. Just as well really, I have at least three other books by him...
Now, from one book by a bearded man about a bearded man to another. Bernard Cornwell's been chronicling Uhtred again!
 |
| Book 128: 'Just a Phrase I'm Going Through: My Life in Language' by David Crystal (Routledge, 2009) |
To me, this book was the antithesis of the typical celebrity biography. Rather than the author being the star of the show, language, Linguistics and Professor Crystal's ongoing passion for them both was centre stage. His private life is often the catalyst for his work, but on the whole it took a comfortable back seat and is not the main focus of the book. This means that the reader is able to learn something about Professor Crystal without feeling like they're intruding.
Professor Crystal was a bit of a legend for my A Level English Language group and 'It's Just a Phrase I'm Going Through' reminded me of how I felt about Linguistics in my late teens. How much it fascinated me and how wonderful it was to have the freedom to study this amazing subject. Thanks to him, we could pursue our interest because we had access to informative, well written and highly readable books on the subject. We didn't have to wade through the tomes that almost put him off at our age, so, thank you, Professor.
Overall, this is a funny, interesting, touching, informative book which should appeal to anyone with an interest in the study of language or the Professor himself. It tends to follow themes rather than exact chronology, but the writer's deft, accessible style means you never feel lost. In fact, most of the time I was completely absorbed and found Professor Crystal's positivity and enthusiasm for life completely infectious. I was sad to finish the book and look forward to reading more by him in the future. Just as well really, I have at least three other books by him...
Now, from one book by a bearded man about a bearded man to another. Bernard Cornwell's been chronicling Uhtred again!
04 October 2015
Talking in the Library
Earlier this week, I finished 'The Library of Unrequited Love' by Sophie Divry, translated from the original French by Sian Reynolds. It's a short book and, with a bit of effort, I managed to read it in 24 hours. Seemed the least I could do bearing in mind it wasn't on my original list... Ahem.
'The Library of Unrequited Love' is one side of a conversation. One morning, a provincial librarian
comes into work to find a reader sleeping among her basement shelves. At first surprised, then defensive, then loquacious, she begins to share her opinions on everything from the Dewey Decimal System to customer service, literary snobbery to her admiration for a regular visitor. Intelligent yet confused, passionate but trapped, she finally has a captive audience for her thoughts and observations.
I liked this book because it was unusual. It is, as it's cover says, a diversion, a little novelty that gets you thinking about the nature of narrative and story structure. The first person monologue made getting sucked into the librarian's story very easy. By the end, I didn't want to leave her as she felt like a real person in need of friendship and support. Soppy but true.
Throughout I found myself imagining the whole novella as a play and I really think it would work very well on stage. Hopefully someone somewhere has plans for a production.
Overall, this book would be of interest to writers because of the narrative style used and librarians. After all, how could anyone working in such a strongly stereotyped profession not be interested in this latest portrayal? I think this would also be a good choice for a book group as, even though it's a short work, it leaves much to discuss about how easy it is to loose sight of the people we see everyday, isolation and the purpose of public libraries.
Now, back to Dr. Crystal!
'The Library of Unrequited Love' is one side of a conversation. One morning, a provincial librarian
 |
| 'The Library of Unrequited Love' By Sophie Divry (MacLehose Press, 2014) |
I liked this book because it was unusual. It is, as it's cover says, a diversion, a little novelty that gets you thinking about the nature of narrative and story structure. The first person monologue made getting sucked into the librarian's story very easy. By the end, I didn't want to leave her as she felt like a real person in need of friendship and support. Soppy but true.
Throughout I found myself imagining the whole novella as a play and I really think it would work very well on stage. Hopefully someone somewhere has plans for a production.
Overall, this book would be of interest to writers because of the narrative style used and librarians. After all, how could anyone working in such a strongly stereotyped profession not be interested in this latest portrayal? I think this would also be a good choice for a book group as, even though it's a short work, it leaves much to discuss about how easy it is to loose sight of the people we see everyday, isolation and the purpose of public libraries.
Now, back to Dr. Crystal!
28 September 2015
Good Knight, Sir Terry
This year is the 800th anniversary of King John's barons forcing him to accept the Magna Carta, a document which aimed to curb his tyrannical rule. Magna Carta is undeniably significant in the development of ideas of law, justice and human rights, so 2015 has seen many events aimed at encouraging people to learn more about it and its relevance to the modern world.
This week, I had the pleasure of visiting Salisbury Cathedral, which is hosting 25 of the Baron's Charter statues before they're auctioned off this Thursday in aid of the Trussell Trust. These incredible, life-sized noblemen were designed by local artists to reflect a range of historic and local themes.
One of the most popular - one which I hope will raise a great deal of money for the charity - was a tribute to the late Sir Terry Pratchett, who lived near Salisbury. Created by Paul Kidby, the talented artist who has been illustrating Sir Terry's Discworld books since 2002, it featured a portrait of the author and a myriad of his famous characters.
If you're feeling flush, don't miss the auction at 6.30pm in Salisbury Cathedral on Thursday 1st October 2015. If not, there's still time to get face-to-face with this brilliant baron and his brethren before they go under the hammer. Visit the Baron's Charter website to find out more.
Related Links
Paul Kidby's website
The Baron's Charter website
The Magna Carta 800 website
Salisbury Cathedral
UPDATE
The auction raised over £223,000 and someone bought the Discworld Baron for a fantastic £5000. Congratulations to the lucky bidder and great job to everyone involved.
This week, I had the pleasure of visiting Salisbury Cathedral, which is hosting 25 of the Baron's Charter statues before they're auctioned off this Thursday in aid of the Trussell Trust. These incredible, life-sized noblemen were designed by local artists to reflect a range of historic and local themes.
One of the most popular - one which I hope will raise a great deal of money for the charity - was a tribute to the late Sir Terry Pratchett, who lived near Salisbury. Created by Paul Kidby, the talented artist who has been illustrating Sir Terry's Discworld books since 2002, it featured a portrait of the author and a myriad of his famous characters.
If you're feeling flush, don't miss the auction at 6.30pm in Salisbury Cathedral on Thursday 1st October 2015. If not, there's still time to get face-to-face with this brilliant baron and his brethren before they go under the hammer. Visit the Baron's Charter website to find out more.
Related Links
Paul Kidby's website
The Baron's Charter website
The Magna Carta 800 website
Salisbury Cathedral
UPDATE
The auction raised over £223,000 and someone bought the Discworld Baron for a fantastic £5000. Congratulations to the lucky bidder and great job to everyone involved.
25 September 2015
Girls on Film
Finishing 'The Kingmaker's Daughter' by Philippa Gregory meant I felt ready to watch the BBC series 'The White Queen', starring Rebecca Ferguson (Elizabeth Woodville), Amanda Hale (Margaret Beaufort, 'The Red Queen') and Faye Marsay (Anne Neville, 'The Kingmaker's Daughter').
Originally broadcast on BBC One in 2013, 'The White Queen' is based on three of the Cousins' War novels, 'The White Queen', 'The Red Queen' and 'The Kingmaker's Daughter'. It brings to life a dark and complex world of conspiracies, alliances and dynastic ambition, not to mention all the books' key players.
I'm really glad that I waited until I'd read all three of the source novels before watching this. The reason why films and TV series often fail to convince readers is simply because their writers can't squeeze everything in a book(s) into a few hours of screen time. This leaves them with a tough choice; cut chunks of the original story or squeeze everything in without covering it properly. My memory may be letting me down, but I'm pretty sure that the makers of 'The White Queen' went for the latter option, which meant that it was actually a really useful reminder of what happened in the books rather than a standalone piece in its own right. It may not be what the BBC originally intended, but I feel well prepared for 'The White Princess' and her successors now!
On the whole, I thought the casting was strong and the actors did a good job. Rebecca Ferguson and the other leading ladies were excellent, but Max Irons (Edward IV) didn't work for me and James Frain (Earl of Warwick) wasn't my image of the Kingmaker at all. Frain's a great actor who I've enjoyed in many other films and programmes, but I feel he's at his best when playing slippery politicians rather than bullish warriors. I just couldn't imagine him having the physical power to wield a sword in battle, which was slightly distracting. Just like the books, it was an interesting ensemble piece, however, and it worked because the collective talent present was so strong. I've spent so much time on IMDb checking people I'd seen somewhere before!
A lot of work had clearly gone into the gorgeous costumes and the use of colour was thoughtful. Several times I found myself wishing I could wear a few of the stunning gowns - both luxurious and warm looking! But where were the hats? Duchess Cecily had a couple of nice bits of headgear,but on the whole they seemed to be completely absent, which seemed a bit odd when they got so many mentions in the books.
The other element I usually like in a historical drama is the locations. 'The White Queen' was filmed in Belgium and provided some stunning backgrounds. The set piece coronations and court scenes offered a glimpse of medieval glamour and made rooms that seem spartan by today's standards rich and opulent, full of brightly coloured glass and richly embroidered hangings. But all too often it felt restricted and fairy tale-esque and none of the exteriors really felt like, well, England.
On the whole, I enjoyed 'The White Queen', but it'll probably be a while before I watch it again. It was a useful revision tool, but on the whole felt too clean and tidy to have the sense of time and place that I always bang on about in historical novels. On the one hand, I completely understand that the tumble-down structures we see today aren't the highly painted and richly furnished castles and churches our ancestors would've recognised, but equally everything looked a bit too fresh out of the box to be completely believable in this programme.
I've heard rumours that a new series based on 'The White Princess' may follow. I think I would watch it, but I really do need to read the books first!
Now, back to the books!
Related Links
Official BBC One Website
IMDb site
Philippa Gregory Official Website
Originally broadcast on BBC One in 2013, 'The White Queen' is based on three of the Cousins' War novels, 'The White Queen', 'The Red Queen' and 'The Kingmaker's Daughter'. It brings to life a dark and complex world of conspiracies, alliances and dynastic ambition, not to mention all the books' key players.
I'm really glad that I waited until I'd read all three of the source novels before watching this. The reason why films and TV series often fail to convince readers is simply because their writers can't squeeze everything in a book(s) into a few hours of screen time. This leaves them with a tough choice; cut chunks of the original story or squeeze everything in without covering it properly. My memory may be letting me down, but I'm pretty sure that the makers of 'The White Queen' went for the latter option, which meant that it was actually a really useful reminder of what happened in the books rather than a standalone piece in its own right. It may not be what the BBC originally intended, but I feel well prepared for 'The White Princess' and her successors now!
On the whole, I thought the casting was strong and the actors did a good job. Rebecca Ferguson and the other leading ladies were excellent, but Max Irons (Edward IV) didn't work for me and James Frain (Earl of Warwick) wasn't my image of the Kingmaker at all. Frain's a great actor who I've enjoyed in many other films and programmes, but I feel he's at his best when playing slippery politicians rather than bullish warriors. I just couldn't imagine him having the physical power to wield a sword in battle, which was slightly distracting. Just like the books, it was an interesting ensemble piece, however, and it worked because the collective talent present was so strong. I've spent so much time on IMDb checking people I'd seen somewhere before!
A lot of work had clearly gone into the gorgeous costumes and the use of colour was thoughtful. Several times I found myself wishing I could wear a few of the stunning gowns - both luxurious and warm looking! But where were the hats? Duchess Cecily had a couple of nice bits of headgear,but on the whole they seemed to be completely absent, which seemed a bit odd when they got so many mentions in the books.
The other element I usually like in a historical drama is the locations. 'The White Queen' was filmed in Belgium and provided some stunning backgrounds. The set piece coronations and court scenes offered a glimpse of medieval glamour and made rooms that seem spartan by today's standards rich and opulent, full of brightly coloured glass and richly embroidered hangings. But all too often it felt restricted and fairy tale-esque and none of the exteriors really felt like, well, England.
On the whole, I enjoyed 'The White Queen', but it'll probably be a while before I watch it again. It was a useful revision tool, but on the whole felt too clean and tidy to have the sense of time and place that I always bang on about in historical novels. On the one hand, I completely understand that the tumble-down structures we see today aren't the highly painted and richly furnished castles and churches our ancestors would've recognised, but equally everything looked a bit too fresh out of the box to be completely believable in this programme.
I've heard rumours that a new series based on 'The White Princess' may follow. I think I would watch it, but I really do need to read the books first!
Now, back to the books!
Related Links
Official BBC One Website
IMDb site
Philippa Gregory Official Website
13 September 2015
Crowning Conspiracies
Hello darlings! Have you missed me? Know I've missed you, so let's get cracking.
I recently finished reading 'The Kingmaker's Daughter' by Philippa Gregory, the fourth instalment in her Cousins' War series covering the conflict often called the Wars of the Roses. It took me a while to get around to reading this because, although I loved the first book ('The Lady of the Rivers'), I didn't enjoy the next two novels as much, so rather lost the impetus to keep reading. With so much publicity around a new book by Ms. Gregory, however, I was reminded how much I enjoy her work and decided to go back to the 1400s and see what was happening.
Anne Neville is the youngest daughter for the great Earl of Warwick, known as the Kingmaker for his part in bringing Edward IV to the throne. But fortune's wheel is always turning and when the King secretly marries Elizabeth Woodville rather than the French princess Warwick has negotiated for him, he realises he's losing both the power and influence for which he fought. Resourceful and cunning, Warwick decides to use all his assets to regain his status, including his only children, daughters Isabel and Anne. The girls become pawns in a risky struggle, used by power-hungry men in a game of high stakes and ultimate prizes. But in a world where people will stop at nothing to win a crown, is anyone truly safe?
Reading this book proves a theory mentioned in my blog about 'The Red Queen', the previous title in this series. I'd found the novel dull partly because I'd only just read 'The White Queen', which covered the same-ish time period, just from a different character's perspective. I found it harder to keep reading because I knew what was going to happen. By 'The Kingmaker's Daughter', however, I'd forgotten the details of the earlier books and found my interest once again piqued by Gregory's choice of narrator and perspective, as well as her superlative skill in conjuring a sense of time and place.
I've always preferred reading historical novels that explore the politics of an era and this is a key theme of 'The Kingmaker's Daughter'. Though pretty powerless, Anne and her sister are often at the centre of plots and counter-plots that see allegiances change and their status rise and fall. They get used so often by the men around them over their lifetimes that paranoia takes hold and, even when they do achieve their aims, they are unable to enjoy it or think of anything other than keeping hold of their positions. As such, this book is full of a tension that kept me reading right until the end.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It's even made me want to go back and give its predecessors a second chance. But I do have another one or two books to read first!
Now, what next..?
Related Posts
Cousins' War Novels
'The Lady of the Rivers'
'The White Queen'
'The Red Queen'
Also by Philippa Gregory
'The Other Queen'
'The Virgin's Lover'
I recently finished reading 'The Kingmaker's Daughter' by Philippa Gregory, the fourth instalment in her Cousins' War series covering the conflict often called the Wars of the Roses. It took me a while to get around to reading this because, although I loved the first book ('The Lady of the Rivers'), I didn't enjoy the next two novels as much, so rather lost the impetus to keep reading. With so much publicity around a new book by Ms. Gregory, however, I was reminded how much I enjoy her work and decided to go back to the 1400s and see what was happening.
 |
| 'The Kingmaker's Daughter' by Philippa Gregory (Simon and Schuster, 2012) |
Reading this book proves a theory mentioned in my blog about 'The Red Queen', the previous title in this series. I'd found the novel dull partly because I'd only just read 'The White Queen', which covered the same-ish time period, just from a different character's perspective. I found it harder to keep reading because I knew what was going to happen. By 'The Kingmaker's Daughter', however, I'd forgotten the details of the earlier books and found my interest once again piqued by Gregory's choice of narrator and perspective, as well as her superlative skill in conjuring a sense of time and place.
I've always preferred reading historical novels that explore the politics of an era and this is a key theme of 'The Kingmaker's Daughter'. Though pretty powerless, Anne and her sister are often at the centre of plots and counter-plots that see allegiances change and their status rise and fall. They get used so often by the men around them over their lifetimes that paranoia takes hold and, even when they do achieve their aims, they are unable to enjoy it or think of anything other than keeping hold of their positions. As such, this book is full of a tension that kept me reading right until the end.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It's even made me want to go back and give its predecessors a second chance. But I do have another one or two books to read first!
Now, what next..?
Related Posts
Cousins' War Novels
'The Lady of the Rivers'
'The White Queen'
'The Red Queen'
Also by Philippa Gregory
'The Other Queen'
'The Virgin's Lover'
07 August 2015
In Search of Wuthering Heights
It started with Tony Robinson. Well, in truth it started with Emily Bronte, but it was Tony Robinson that made me spring into action!
Looking for literary ideas for a trip to Yorkshire, I watched an episode of Robinson's 'Walking through Britain' filmed in and around Haworth, home of the remarkable Brontë family. Exercise and culture, the perfect combination!
Much to my surprise, I discovered that there was a ruined farm house sometimes linked to the fictional manor house and that it was possible to walk up to it. Time to pack the walking boots!
Wuthering Heights
Now, you may be surprised (or not!) to learn that I have only read one Brontë novel; Emily's 'Wuthering Heights'. It simply blew me away (on a moorland wind I suppose!). It was chosen by the book group I was then part of and I was a bit worried about it when I started to read. So much of what I'd heard about the novel hinged on the romance of the story that I was immediately dubious. I'm a bit suspicious of romantic fiction. After all, what one person finds terribly romantic another person can find cheesy and twee, so I always worry it will bring out my cynical side. Fortunately, 'Wuthering Heights' is not about romance. It's about passion. Mad, blinkered, obsessive passion that ruins lives and twists morals. Hard to believe it was written by the daughter of a country parson!
I was soon wrapped up in the story told by Mr Lockwood and Nelly Dean. I was intrigued by the driven and single-minded Cathy, shocked by Heathcliff's acts of vengeance for childhood wrongs, on the edge of my seat as the Earnshaws and the Lintons got caught up in the emotional tempests stirred around them - and had no idea what Joseph was talking about most of the time. Fortunately, I eventually worked out that if I read his dialogue out loud in a Yorkshire-ish accent, it started making sense. Although maybe not for the other passengers on my bus...
But above all, the thing that made the most impression on me was the landscape. The wild, haunting, isolated moors, where nature triumphant ruled and class, manners and civility were useless in the face of roaring gales over barren peaks and the hidden dangers of obscured bogs. Never mind Heathcliff as a romantic hero, this was a real character to fall in love with.
At Home with the Brontës
My trip to Haworth had to begin with the parsonage, where the Brontë family lived from 1821. It was here that the famous sisters, Charlotte, Emily and Anne, and their unfortunate brother, Branwell, grew up in the care of their father, Rev. Patrick Brontë and, following the death of their mother, aunt Elizabeth Branwell. Their imaginations ran riot and storytelling was a key part of their lives from a very young age. It was here that the foundations were laid for the writers they were to become.
The Brontë Parsonage is an excellent, informative and well laid out museum. It doesn't overwhelm
the visitor with too much information and doesn't feel exploitative or commercialised, which is just as well given the sad ends met by Charlotte, Emily, Anne and Branwell. In 1848, Branwell, aged 31, and Emily, aged 30, both died of tuberculosis. Anne was diagnosed with the same disease within weeks and passed away in Scarborough the following year, aged just 29. This does, however, lead to some rather macabre exhibits. In the dining room, where the Brontës wrote and discussed their work, is the sofa on which Emily died. Upstairs in the exhibition room is her scorched comb, damaged when she dropped it in the final days of her illness and was too weak to pick it up. In the same cabinet is a blood-stained handkerchief belonging to Anne.
But understanding the sad elements of the family's story just makes what they achieved all the more precious. If the legions of fans are anything to go by, the Brontës' work is really special and has touched many people around the world.
Over the Hills and Far Away
My walk started at the Brontë Parsonage, passing along a very narrow stretch of pathway before returning to the main road into the village. This was a bit disconcerting. There are a number of paths criss-crossing this area and we nearly took the wrong one. Fortunately, with the help of a leaflet bought from the Tourist Information Centre for a very reasonable 50p, we managed to re-orientate ourselves and get back on course. The literature said that all walkers needed was to be reasonably fit, have strong footwear and suitable clothes. Much to my surprise, this is true! I'd expected a full on, mountainous hike, but the vast majority of the route is paved and relatively flat, just a bit uneven at times. It's pretty impressive that the authorities managed to lay slabs all the way up to our destination, however, and I'm very grateful to them!
The first Brontë landmark on our walk was the Brontë Chair, which I walked past. Twice. Then I mistook another huge rock for it. Just as well someone had taken the time to label it for idiots like me. Legend has it that Emily herself used to sit on this oddly angular rock and muse upon 'Wuthering Heights'. Sounds like absolute nonsense to me, but that doesn't stop it being a nice place to have a sit down, some water and an energy bar.
A few metres further down are the Brontë Waterfalls. It's a charming spot, bubbling with energy thanks to the tumbling river. This can be crossed via a stone bridge, but it still felt like we were just getting started.
Our guiding leaflet described the next part of our walk as a scramble up and it wasn't wrong. The marked pathway temporarily disappears and walkers need to make their own way up to the hill top. Fortunately, once you get to the top, the part-paved walkway reappears and it's easy to find your way from there.
Wuthering Heights?
Our destination was the ruined Top, Middle and Lower Withins farm houses. Top Withins has long been the rumoured inspiration for Wuthering Heights itself. While a number of commentators think it probable that Emily knew the building and the surrounding area, the farmhouse was far from the building described in the book. However, according to 'Walking through History', an early illustration for the novel seems to show the area as it appeared at the time, but with Top Withins redrawn to look more like the fictional home of Catherine and Heathcliff. We'll probably never know for sure. but I have no doubt that this is the countryside Emily's words conjured when I read 'Wuthering Heights'.
These photos can't possibly do the area justice. It's absolutely stunning, full of colour and life (not just the disgruntled sheep) and empty of both clumsy human noise and the harsh sounds of modern living. The awe inspired by the place forces you to hold your breath and still your feet so not even the lightest footfall or slightest gasp can break the spell. All I could hear was nature in its majesty; the birds that swooped and turned in the air, the creaking branches of the single tree neighbouring Top Withins and, of course, the unstoppable wind that swept constantly across the epic landscape, firm and authoritative, as though its sole purpose was to push interloping humans out of nature's kingdom. There are some places that feel eternal, as though they could outlive whatever mighty apocalypse the human race may bring upon itself. Top Withins is one of them. I feel privileged to have experienced it and longed to return almost as soon as I left.
Back to Reality
Once the sense of anticipation was gone, the journey back seemed to take much longer. The route remained well paved/gravelled, however, and was mostly down hill. There was nearly a detour along the Penine Way (which would've been a long diversion!), but with the help of our trusty map and the friendly locals, who are probably used to people getting lost, we kept on track and eventually found where we needed to be. After the peace of Top Withins, it felt strange meeting local cyclists and walkers and encountering cars again. I had to look twice when I saw a local pub called Wuthering Heights. To think we could've saved a lot of walking!
A walk through Stanbury and over the Lower Laithe Reservoir dam, along the road and past the cemetery and we were back where we started. The whole walk had taken about three to four hours at normal pace and had been well worth it. Visiting the Parsonage is just one part of the story. Seeing the landscape is another. Now I just have to complete the circle by reading the books!
Related Links
Walking through History - Brontë Country
The Brontë Parsonage Museum
Wuthering Heights
Top Withens
The Guardian's walking guide
Looking for literary ideas for a trip to Yorkshire, I watched an episode of Robinson's 'Walking through Britain' filmed in and around Haworth, home of the remarkable Brontë family. Exercise and culture, the perfect combination!
Much to my surprise, I discovered that there was a ruined farm house sometimes linked to the fictional manor house and that it was possible to walk up to it. Time to pack the walking boots!
Wuthering Heights
Now, you may be surprised (or not!) to learn that I have only read one Brontë novel; Emily's 'Wuthering Heights'. It simply blew me away (on a moorland wind I suppose!). It was chosen by the book group I was then part of and I was a bit worried about it when I started to read. So much of what I'd heard about the novel hinged on the romance of the story that I was immediately dubious. I'm a bit suspicious of romantic fiction. After all, what one person finds terribly romantic another person can find cheesy and twee, so I always worry it will bring out my cynical side. Fortunately, 'Wuthering Heights' is not about romance. It's about passion. Mad, blinkered, obsessive passion that ruins lives and twists morals. Hard to believe it was written by the daughter of a country parson!
 |
| Emily Brontë's 'Wuthering Heights' in the landscape that inspired it. |
But above all, the thing that made the most impression on me was the landscape. The wild, haunting, isolated moors, where nature triumphant ruled and class, manners and civility were useless in the face of roaring gales over barren peaks and the hidden dangers of obscured bogs. Never mind Heathcliff as a romantic hero, this was a real character to fall in love with.
At Home with the Brontës
My trip to Haworth had to begin with the parsonage, where the Brontë family lived from 1821. It was here that the famous sisters, Charlotte, Emily and Anne, and their unfortunate brother, Branwell, grew up in the care of their father, Rev. Patrick Brontë and, following the death of their mother, aunt Elizabeth Branwell. Their imaginations ran riot and storytelling was a key part of their lives from a very young age. It was here that the foundations were laid for the writers they were to become.
The Brontë Parsonage is an excellent, informative and well laid out museum. It doesn't overwhelm
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| The front of the Brontë Parsonage |
But understanding the sad elements of the family's story just makes what they achieved all the more precious. If the legions of fans are anything to go by, the Brontës' work is really special and has touched many people around the world.
Over the Hills and Far Away
My walk started at the Brontë Parsonage, passing along a very narrow stretch of pathway before returning to the main road into the village. This was a bit disconcerting. There are a number of paths criss-crossing this area and we nearly took the wrong one. Fortunately, with the help of a leaflet bought from the Tourist Information Centre for a very reasonable 50p, we managed to re-orientate ourselves and get back on course. The literature said that all walkers needed was to be reasonably fit, have strong footwear and suitable clothes. Much to my surprise, this is true! I'd expected a full on, mountainous hike, but the vast majority of the route is paved and relatively flat, just a bit uneven at times. It's pretty impressive that the authorities managed to lay slabs all the way up to our destination, however, and I'm very grateful to them!
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| A nice sit down? |
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| The Brontë Waterfalls |
Our guiding leaflet described the next part of our walk as a scramble up and it wasn't wrong. The marked pathway temporarily disappears and walkers need to make their own way up to the hill top. Fortunately, once you get to the top, the part-paved walkway reappears and it's easy to find your way from there.
Wuthering Heights?
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| Loosely translated, you've wasted your time I'm afraid! |
These photos can't possibly do the area justice. It's absolutely stunning, full of colour and life (not just the disgruntled sheep) and empty of both clumsy human noise and the harsh sounds of modern living. The awe inspired by the place forces you to hold your breath and still your feet so not even the lightest footfall or slightest gasp can break the spell. All I could hear was nature in its majesty; the birds that swooped and turned in the air, the creaking branches of the single tree neighbouring Top Withins and, of course, the unstoppable wind that swept constantly across the epic landscape, firm and authoritative, as though its sole purpose was to push interloping humans out of nature's kingdom. There are some places that feel eternal, as though they could outlive whatever mighty apocalypse the human race may bring upon itself. Top Withins is one of them. I feel privileged to have experienced it and longed to return almost as soon as I left.
Back to Reality
Once the sense of anticipation was gone, the journey back seemed to take much longer. The route remained well paved/gravelled, however, and was mostly down hill. There was nearly a detour along the Penine Way (which would've been a long diversion!), but with the help of our trusty map and the friendly locals, who are probably used to people getting lost, we kept on track and eventually found where we needed to be. After the peace of Top Withins, it felt strange meeting local cyclists and walkers and encountering cars again. I had to look twice when I saw a local pub called Wuthering Heights. To think we could've saved a lot of walking!A walk through Stanbury and over the Lower Laithe Reservoir dam, along the road and past the cemetery and we were back where we started. The whole walk had taken about three to four hours at normal pace and had been well worth it. Visiting the Parsonage is just one part of the story. Seeing the landscape is another. Now I just have to complete the circle by reading the books!
Related Links
Walking through History - Brontë Country
The Brontë Parsonage Museum
Wuthering Heights
Top Withens
The Guardian's walking guide
06 August 2015
Strangers in the Night
Hot on the heels of 'Diamonds are Forever' comes Ian Fleming's tenth Bond book, 'The Spy Who Loved Me'. Written from a female perspective, this AudioGo CD version was read by Rosamund Pike (Miranda Frost in Die Another Day fact fans!)
In an isolated American motel, the Dreamy Pines Motor Court, Vivienne Michel is alone with
nothing but thoughts of her past disappointments - bitter love affairs, faded career prospects, shattered dreams. Nursing her wounds and in search of a fresh start, she's begun a cross country journey that she hopes will lead to something new, something better. But fate has other ideas. With the arrival of two terrifying psychopathic gangsters, Vivienne finds herself caught up in a deadly criminal plot and Dreamy Pines begins to turn into a nightmare beyond anything she could have imagined...
Oh. My. Goodness. 'The Spy Who Loved Me' is far and away the most visceral, hard hitting and haunting of all the Bond novels I've read to date. People often talk about being on the edge of their seat and in this instance it was not a metaphor. At the end of every disc, I was finding I was about to topple off my chair and I couldn't get the next CD into the player quickly enough. Perhaps it was to do with the narrator - Mr Fleming does an unexpectedly good job writing from the female perspective, while Ms Pike is fantastic, her performance expertly drawing you into Vivienne's rapidly shrinking and increasingly threatening world. I felt like I was in the room with her, a helpless bystander watching as the horrors unfolded, praying for someone to come and help her.
This is the first Bond novel that I know I definitely want to read again. 'The Spy Who Loved Me' is a chilling, taut, suspenseful thriller of the first order and I thoroughly recommend it to anyone who enjoys the genre.
Now, what next...?
Related Posts
'Casino Royale'
'Live and Let Die'
'Moonraker'
'Diamonds are Forever'
'Goldfinger'
'From Russia with Love'
'Dr No'
'For Your Eyes Only'
'Thunderball'
'Octopussy, the Living Daylights and Other Stories'
In an isolated American motel, the Dreamy Pines Motor Court, Vivienne Michel is alone with
 |
| 'The Spy Who Loved Me' by Ian Fleming and read by Rosamund Pike (AudioGo, 2012) |
This is the first Bond novel that I know I definitely want to read again. 'The Spy Who Loved Me' is a chilling, taut, suspenseful thriller of the first order and I thoroughly recommend it to anyone who enjoys the genre.
Now, what next...?
Related Posts
'Casino Royale'
'Live and Let Die'
'Moonraker'
'Diamonds are Forever'
'Goldfinger'
'From Russia with Love'
'Dr No'
'For Your Eyes Only'
'Thunderball'
'Octopussy, the Living Daylights and Other Stories'
28 July 2015
Diamond Geezer, Hard Case
After several months, I've finally finished listening to AudioGo's 007 Reloaded recording of 'Diamonds are Forever' by Ian Fleming, read by Damian Lewis. Yay!
Millions of pounds worth of diamonds are being smuggled from West Africa to the United States via London and MI6 is investigating. Suspicion has fallen on the anglo-American Diamond Corporation, but the authorities need to know the pipeline's route so they can close it down. It's a tough job that needs a skilled agent, so M sends James Bond undercover to track who is handling the illegal gems. But as Bond penetrates deeper into the organisation, he encounters harder and more brutal adversaries, until he's face-to-face with the Spangled Mob gangsters behind the Corporation and their psychopathic heavies Mr Wint and Mr Kidd. Is Bond in too deep this time? Can he convince the gang of his false identity? Or will Britain's greatest spy end up in a desert shallow grave?
Like a number of Ian Fleming's James Bond novels, 'Diamonds are Forever' suddenly gets going quite a way in, in this case about 100 pages from the end. It starts well, with an intense description of the first link in the smuggling chain, then the initial investigations in the UK followed by Bond's first moves undercover and his introduction to the damaged Tiffany Case. Then it all goes flat for a bit while there's some stuff about fixed horse races and gambling before Bond upsets his paymasters and finds himself in trouble. To be honest, it almost felt like Fleming had suddenly developed an interest in equestrian events that he really wanted to (horse) shoe in, but I'm probably being a bit harsh.
As in 'Goldfinger', the gangsters are as repulsive a group as you could ever imagine, while Wint and Casino Royale'. They are truly terrifying villains, prevented from becoming cartoonish by Fleming's tactile descriptions, which mean you can't stop yourself imagining them in three dimensions, conjured through every one of the five senses.
Kidd take sadistic torture to levels not read since '
For me, the books often hang on how I feel about the heroine and I must admit that I grew to like Tiffany Case. She's tough with a heartbreaking back story, but had humour, playfulness and ambition. She made her own decisions and made her own mistakes.
Overall, this was a pretty good Bond book, although it's not for the faint hearted. If you like the others, you're going to like 'Diamonds are Forever', but I wouldn't recommended it as an introduction to the series.
Now, what next...
Related Posts
'Casino Royale'
'Live and Let Die'
'Moonraker'
'Goldfinger'
'From Russia with Love'
'Dr No'
'For Your Eyes Only'
'Thunderball'
'Octopussy, the Living Daylights and Other Stories'
 |
| 'Diamonds are Forever' by Ian Fleming Read by Damian Lewis (AudioGo, 2012) |
Like a number of Ian Fleming's James Bond novels, 'Diamonds are Forever' suddenly gets going quite a way in, in this case about 100 pages from the end. It starts well, with an intense description of the first link in the smuggling chain, then the initial investigations in the UK followed by Bond's first moves undercover and his introduction to the damaged Tiffany Case. Then it all goes flat for a bit while there's some stuff about fixed horse races and gambling before Bond upsets his paymasters and finds himself in trouble. To be honest, it almost felt like Fleming had suddenly developed an interest in equestrian events that he really wanted to (horse) shoe in, but I'm probably being a bit harsh.
As in 'Goldfinger', the gangsters are as repulsive a group as you could ever imagine, while Wint and Casino Royale'. They are truly terrifying villains, prevented from becoming cartoonish by Fleming's tactile descriptions, which mean you can't stop yourself imagining them in three dimensions, conjured through every one of the five senses.
 |
| 'Diamonds are Forever' by Ian Fleming (Penguin Modern Classics, 2004) |
For me, the books often hang on how I feel about the heroine and I must admit that I grew to like Tiffany Case. She's tough with a heartbreaking back story, but had humour, playfulness and ambition. She made her own decisions and made her own mistakes.
Overall, this was a pretty good Bond book, although it's not for the faint hearted. If you like the others, you're going to like 'Diamonds are Forever', but I wouldn't recommended it as an introduction to the series.
Now, what next...
Related Posts
'Casino Royale'
'Live and Let Die'
'Moonraker'
'Goldfinger'
'From Russia with Love'
'Dr No'
'For Your Eyes Only'
'Thunderball'
'Octopussy, the Living Daylights and Other Stories'
27 July 2015
People's History
Lots of people think that history doesn't matter. But it really does, very much indeed. None of us can be entirely sure where we're going, but we can be absolutely certain, whether we knew them or not, that we had parents, who also had parents, who also had parents, going back to the very dawn of time. So something of each of us has lived through every era, as empires rose and fell, rulers lived and died and wars were won and lost.
I've just finished 'My Grandfather Would Have Shot Me', the story of how a black, German woman came to terms with the shock discovery that she was descended from Nazi concentration camp commandant Amon Goeth. Although raised in an orphanage, Jennifer Teege did have some contact with her mother and grandmother as a child, but neither woman ever gave any hint as to Teege's dark family history. It wasn't until she was in her late 30s, a happily married mother of two, that she found out by chance when she picked up an unknown book by her mother in Hamburg's central library. Suddenly she finds herself plunged into the shadow of one of World War II's most notorious psychopathic killers, the Butcher of Plaszow in Poland, slaughterer of thousands of Jews - and her grandfather. As Teege struggles to comprehend what this means for her, her family and her many Jewish-Israeli friends, she summons the courage to face this family skeleton head on. But is it possible to come to terms with such a chilling discovery?
This book is gripping, uplifting and thought-provoking from beginning to end. Written from Mrs Teege's perspective, interspersed with supporting sections by journalist Nikola Sellmair, it explores how both a person and a people have had to deal with a past they would rather forget. Some deny it, some ignore it, but I have great respect for Mrs Teege as she decided to tackle it head on and not give the past power over the present.
I think that this would make an excellent reading group book. There is much to discuss and think about here. It's not really a book about World War II, it's a book about family, national guilt and coming to terms with a shameful past.
I found it gripping from beginning to end and would thoroughly recommend it.
Now, what next...
Related Links
'My Nazi Grandfather, Amon Goeth, Would Have Shot Me' (BBC News Magazine, 03/10/2013)
Book Details
'My Grandfather Would Have Shot Me' by Jennifer Teege and Nikola Sellmair. Translated by Carolin Sommer. Hodder & Stoughton, 2015. Originally published in Germany as 'Amon: Mein Grossvater hätte mich erschossen', 2013.
I've just finished 'My Grandfather Would Have Shot Me', the story of how a black, German woman came to terms with the shock discovery that she was descended from Nazi concentration camp commandant Amon Goeth. Although raised in an orphanage, Jennifer Teege did have some contact with her mother and grandmother as a child, but neither woman ever gave any hint as to Teege's dark family history. It wasn't until she was in her late 30s, a happily married mother of two, that she found out by chance when she picked up an unknown book by her mother in Hamburg's central library. Suddenly she finds herself plunged into the shadow of one of World War II's most notorious psychopathic killers, the Butcher of Plaszow in Poland, slaughterer of thousands of Jews - and her grandfather. As Teege struggles to comprehend what this means for her, her family and her many Jewish-Israeli friends, she summons the courage to face this family skeleton head on. But is it possible to come to terms with such a chilling discovery?
This book is gripping, uplifting and thought-provoking from beginning to end. Written from Mrs Teege's perspective, interspersed with supporting sections by journalist Nikola Sellmair, it explores how both a person and a people have had to deal with a past they would rather forget. Some deny it, some ignore it, but I have great respect for Mrs Teege as she decided to tackle it head on and not give the past power over the present.
I think that this would make an excellent reading group book. There is much to discuss and think about here. It's not really a book about World War II, it's a book about family, national guilt and coming to terms with a shameful past.
I found it gripping from beginning to end and would thoroughly recommend it.
Now, what next...
Related Links
'My Nazi Grandfather, Amon Goeth, Would Have Shot Me' (BBC News Magazine, 03/10/2013)
Book Details
'My Grandfather Would Have Shot Me' by Jennifer Teege and Nikola Sellmair. Translated by Carolin Sommer. Hodder & Stoughton, 2015. Originally published in Germany as 'Amon: Mein Grossvater hätte mich erschossen', 2013.
12 July 2015
Change Your Mind
Is it me, or are there an awful lot of really interesting sounding books being published at the moment? Thanks to reviews in the weekend papers and the wonders of the LibrariesWest app, I have a lovely selection of non-fiction lined up covering everything from free speech to the NHS. One fascinating book I was glad to read about was 'It's All in Your Head' by Dr Suzanne O'Sullivan. I finished it earlier today.
Written by a consultant neurologist, 'It's All in Your Head' explores the complex and misunderstood subject of psychosomatic illness with a combination of compassion, pragmatism and professional experience. Throughout her working life, Dr O'Sullivan has encountered patients suffering symptoms with no clear biological cause. They have often endured countless invasive and comprehensive tests and spent decades taking heavy duty medication, yet their lives have been destroyed by apparently incurable illness. Visiting a neurologist can be the last step on a journey that includes everything from debilitating headaches to epileptic-type seizures to complete blindness to chronic fatigue. But once all the tests have been done, the results analysed and every physical cause ruled out, is it really possible it could all be in your head?
This book was absolutely fascinating. Dr O'Sullivan's expert deployment of case studies to illustrate her points made the book both readable and humane, In this economic climate, it would have been very easy for someone to go on a political rant and use this as a platform for blaming clearly ill people for wasting money and destroying the NHS. Even the reviews I read used it as a stick to beat people with ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome because there is one paragraph in which the writer sticks her neck out and suggests that psychological factors may contribute to the prolonging of some cases of ME/CFS. She's a scientist for crying out loud, she's looked at the research and evidence and drawn a logical conclusion. She freely admits she could be wrong, but she's made a judgement on what information is currently available and in no way belittles the suffering of others. Whether influenced by psychology or not, these patients are clearly suffering through no conscious choice of their own and need help, support and understanding, not blame.
Reading the heart rending stories of different patients, sometimes angry, sometimes pitiful, always relatable, made it easy to understand the subject and recognise how serious the consequences of stress and trauma can be for certain people. According to Dr O'Sullivan, at the root of all psychosomatic symptoms lies some undealt with and unrecognised cause, buried away in the mind but making itself felt in the most terrifying way.
Doctors are frightened to diagnose such psychological causes for physical illnesses because they might have missed something or a new test in the future could prove them wrong or the patient might simply get angry (a common and understandable response). Meanwhile the patient thinks they're being called a liar, a faker or a fantasist. And all this in the context of a society that has so firmly separated the mind from the body that mental health is neglected and everyday twinges are over medicalised. It's a toxic cocktail that lets many people down.
My only complaint about this book is its subtitle; 'True Stories of Imaginary Illnesses'. In the very least, the jury is still out on that. These patients are clearly suffering from something, their symptoms are involuntary and do exist. The cause may be in the mind, but 'imaginary' suggests a stereotype that the author clearly wanted to undermine, that of the patient who is making it all up.
Before jumping to conclusions, I encourage you to read this book. Whether right or wrong, it is genuinely fascinating and full of ideas that could really change your mind.
Now, what next...?
11 July 2015
Why I Owe Andy Cope £10.99
Just under a year ago, I read the superlative 'The Art of Being Brilliant' by Andy Cope and Andy Whittaker. My employer had booked Mr Cope to do a Brilliant workshop with us and I was a bit sceptical, so I decided to do the swotty thing and read the book to find out what it was all about. I enjoyed the book so much that I had to say something to our guest speaker at the end of the workshop. Being brilliant and realising who I was (blush), he kindly gave me a free copy of the sequel, 'Be Brilliant Everyday' - with a cheeky smile as he asked for a good review in return. Skipping back to my office, I felt sure I could keep my side of the bargain. Oops.
'Be Brilliant Everyday' aims to develop on the theories and themes of 'The Art of Being Brilliant'. It draws on the slightly more complex ideas Mr Cope is exploring for his PhD on happiness, ranging from Occam's Razor (basically, the simplest theory that makes the fewest assumptions is usually the best) to Quantum Physics (don't ask!) and a variety of things in between. Above all, it wants to reinforce what readers learnt from 'The Art of Being Brilliant' - beginning with that to be happier, you have to decide to change.
I loved the first book. It was quirky, funny and full of simple things that could make a real change to your life and attitude. It made a genuine difference to my outlook, helping me realise why I felt more positive sometimes and not others without making me feel like a fool or a failure. And once I understood where I was going right and where I was going wrong, I could do more of the right things and fewer of the wrong ones.
If 'The Art of Being Brilliant' was a lovely, light, fluffy sponge cake, 'Be Brilliant Everyday' was a dense, heavy, fruit cake that sits on the stomach and makes you realise you've literally bitten off more than you can chew.
I found it really heavy going and far too easy to put down. It felt as though there wasn't an overall structure, like the authors were just dashing off another chapter when they had enough ideas to fill it. While there were some great ideas in there, I found it hard to put them together into something cohesive and applicable. In fact, I feel that both Brilliant books are at their best when they're relating theories to ordinary lives and experiences. To me, the title just screams of something practical that helps readers find a way to attack each day, rather than letting each day attack them. I'm hoping that will be book three. Or better still a handy desk calendar!
You often hear about the 'difficult second album', forced out of the artists at the demand of the record label, and that's pretty much what this book feels like. So, sadly, I can't give 'Be Brilliant Everyday' a good review and feel that I owe Mr Cope the £10.99 RRP.
On the plus side, I would thoroughly recommend both the workshops and the first book - I've given copies to so many people already! Read it. Think about it. Do it. It will change your life.
Related Links
'The Art of Being Brilliant' by Andy Cope and Andy Whittaker
Andy Cope on Twitter
Andy Whittaker on Twitter
The Art of Brilliance website
I loved the first book. It was quirky, funny and full of simple things that could make a real change to your life and attitude. It made a genuine difference to my outlook, helping me realise why I felt more positive sometimes and not others without making me feel like a fool or a failure. And once I understood where I was going right and where I was going wrong, I could do more of the right things and fewer of the wrong ones.
If 'The Art of Being Brilliant' was a lovely, light, fluffy sponge cake, 'Be Brilliant Everyday' was a dense, heavy, fruit cake that sits on the stomach and makes you realise you've literally bitten off more than you can chew.
I found it really heavy going and far too easy to put down. It felt as though there wasn't an overall structure, like the authors were just dashing off another chapter when they had enough ideas to fill it. While there were some great ideas in there, I found it hard to put them together into something cohesive and applicable. In fact, I feel that both Brilliant books are at their best when they're relating theories to ordinary lives and experiences. To me, the title just screams of something practical that helps readers find a way to attack each day, rather than letting each day attack them. I'm hoping that will be book three. Or better still a handy desk calendar!
You often hear about the 'difficult second album', forced out of the artists at the demand of the record label, and that's pretty much what this book feels like. So, sadly, I can't give 'Be Brilliant Everyday' a good review and feel that I owe Mr Cope the £10.99 RRP.
On the plus side, I would thoroughly recommend both the workshops and the first book - I've given copies to so many people already! Read it. Think about it. Do it. It will change your life.
Related Links
'The Art of Being Brilliant' by Andy Cope and Andy Whittaker
Andy Cope on Twitter
Andy Whittaker on Twitter
The Art of Brilliance website
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