One of my old work colleagues, a contact on Facebook, wrote a very short review of this book, and I realised that I already owned it! I also realised that when I'd bought it, it was because I'd read an excellent review in The Guardian – so I thought I'd give it a go.
Jacob is now 90, or possibly 93, and living in a 'old people's home' somewhere in America; he's certainly got all his faculties even if his body is crumbling around him, and he can remember like yesterday his life after jumping aboard a traveling circus during the prohibition period (1920s).
Sara Gruen skillfully mixes the experiences and memories of Jacob, whilst telling the story of his life after both his parents are killed and he is left with no option but to try his luck with the circus.
At points during the book I found myself wondering if it was a true story (it's not, although many elements are taken from real circus history in the United States). The love story between Jacob and one of the performers is wonderful, and dangerous all at the same time and the uncertainty of the outcome is kept up until very near the end.
As Jim said, this book is the type that you think about afterwards, that you wonder about going back to and reading your favourite sections – I'm looking forward to seeing what Gruen writes next (I know she's written some other books, but none like this I don't think).
I should just mentioned that if you are thinking of reading this you do so soon, as it is currently being made into a show more film (when I say 'currently', I do actually mean that filming has started). It will be massive, as it stars one of the main actors from the Twilight series, but despite that I think they'll probably do a good job (not that I think that Robert Pattinson is a bad actor, just that I think that he will overshadow the film) – the book certainly lends itself to the visual. show less
Jacob is now 90, or possibly 93, and living in a 'old people's home' somewhere in America; he's certainly got all his faculties even if his body is crumbling around him, and he can remember like yesterday his life after jumping aboard a traveling circus during the prohibition period (1920s).
Sara Gruen skillfully mixes the experiences and memories of Jacob, whilst telling the story of his life after both his parents are killed and he is left with no option but to try his luck with the circus.
At points during the book I found myself wondering if it was a true story (it's not, although many elements are taken from real circus history in the United States). The love story between Jacob and one of the performers is wonderful, and dangerous all at the same time and the uncertainty of the outcome is kept up until very near the end.
As Jim said, this book is the type that you think about afterwards, that you wonder about going back to and reading your favourite sections – I'm looking forward to seeing what Gruen writes next (I know she's written some other books, but none like this I don't think).
I should just mentioned that if you are thinking of reading this you do so soon, as it is currently being made into a show more film (when I say 'currently', I do actually mean that filming has started). It will be massive, as it stars one of the main actors from the Twilight series, but despite that I think they'll probably do a good job (not that I think that Robert Pattinson is a bad actor, just that I think that he will overshadow the film) – the book certainly lends itself to the visual. show less
So, for the first book of the year I decided on something reasonably light, but also informative and interesting - not to mention extremely funny (Adams' writing, not the subject matter which is, of course, very serious). I've been meaning to read this book for years but never quite got round to it. I haven't seen the recent BBC programmes by Stephen Fry and Mark Carwardine revisiting some of the species from this book - but it's on my Amazon wishlist now!
The basic premise of the book is that a writer and a zoologist travel around the world visiting very endangered species in order to make a radio programme (for the BBC) and raise the profile of the animals in danger.
Animals such as the giant Komodo dragon of Indonesia, the helpless, flightless kakapo of New Zealand (the descriptions of their mating techniques had me crying with laughter!), the white rhinos of Zaire and the blind river dolphins of the Yangtze River in China (which they never did get to see, and I'm sorry to say now never will).
I've always been a fan of Douglas Adams, Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy is one of the few books I've read more than a few times, and The Meaning of Liff is a work of genius. Although the book is obviously about the loss of species across the world, and the fact that humans are to blame for the plight that many find themselves in; this book is more of a travel journal recounting the trials and tribulations met by Douglas Adams and Mark Carrardine as they try to visit the animals.
The show more book has also certainly met one of it's aims, my interest has been sparked enough to make me go and look for further information on each of the animals featured. show less
The basic premise of the book is that a writer and a zoologist travel around the world visiting very endangered species in order to make a radio programme (for the BBC) and raise the profile of the animals in danger.
Animals such as the giant Komodo dragon of Indonesia, the helpless, flightless kakapo of New Zealand (the descriptions of their mating techniques had me crying with laughter!), the white rhinos of Zaire and the blind river dolphins of the Yangtze River in China (which they never did get to see, and I'm sorry to say now never will).
I've always been a fan of Douglas Adams, Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy is one of the few books I've read more than a few times, and The Meaning of Liff is a work of genius. Although the book is obviously about the loss of species across the world, and the fact that humans are to blame for the plight that many find themselves in; this book is more of a travel journal recounting the trials and tribulations met by Douglas Adams and Mark Carrardine as they try to visit the animals.
The show more book has also certainly met one of it's aims, my interest has been sparked enough to make me go and look for further information on each of the animals featured. show less
I've had this book for years, and I know I've read it before - but I picked it up in between novels and sort of got reading.
Unfortunately it's rather dated, but the ideas and information it puts forward are sound.
Written in 'graphic' form the book introduces the history and ideas behind Environmental Politics, who the main thinkers are (although written before Al Gore, George Monbiot and the more recent political green thinkers), and what might be done about some of the issues.
There doesn't seem to be an updated version available, which is a shame as this is a big, fast moving topic, and certainly an 'Introduction' book for the subject is well worth reading for anyone who gets lost in all the politics, compeating ideas and bad science out there.
But, don't turn to this book - 2000 is too long ago for the information to be of real value now.
Bought in Blackwells March 2003 (the receipt was still inside!)
22-23rd November 2009
Unfortunately it's rather dated, but the ideas and information it puts forward are sound.
Written in 'graphic' form the book introduces the history and ideas behind Environmental Politics, who the main thinkers are (although written before Al Gore, George Monbiot and the more recent political green thinkers), and what might be done about some of the issues.
There doesn't seem to be an updated version available, which is a shame as this is a big, fast moving topic, and certainly an 'Introduction' book for the subject is well worth reading for anyone who gets lost in all the politics, compeating ideas and bad science out there.
But, don't turn to this book - 2000 is too long ago for the information to be of real value now.
Bought in Blackwells March 2003 (the receipt was still inside!)
22-23rd November 2009
You won't be surprised to hear that this is not the first time I've read this book, I don't know how old I was when I first devoured the Roald Dahl books, but I'd reckon it was when I was about 9 or 10 years old.
I've always enjoyed reading, and therefore it was only natural that I'd read all of his books, Danny was first published in 1975, my copy is the Penguin edition and therefore published in 1977 - so it wasn't long afterwards that I came to it.
The story of a boy and his father, their simple life together in an old gypsy caravan, and their amazing adventure on the wrong side of the law!! Simple days when poaching was fun and everyone from the local doctor to the village bobby was in on the act!
Roald Dahl books are timeless, and although the story is simple - no sub-plots or even much back story - it's compelling and so well written that the book is difficult to put down (and that's when I already knew the story!). Danny and his father come up with a wonderful plan to get their own back on the local nasty landowner - and get some scrummy dinner at the same time!
I'd recommend this book to anyone, of any age. Great for children, but still wonderful for anyone who likes a nice simple engaging story.
The other nice thing is that something that I remember with such fondness from my childhood has completely stood the test of time, it's as good as I remember it being - and how often does that happen?
I've always enjoyed reading, and therefore it was only natural that I'd read all of his books, Danny was first published in 1975, my copy is the Penguin edition and therefore published in 1977 - so it wasn't long afterwards that I came to it.
The story of a boy and his father, their simple life together in an old gypsy caravan, and their amazing adventure on the wrong side of the law!! Simple days when poaching was fun and everyone from the local doctor to the village bobby was in on the act!
Roald Dahl books are timeless, and although the story is simple - no sub-plots or even much back story - it's compelling and so well written that the book is difficult to put down (and that's when I already knew the story!). Danny and his father come up with a wonderful plan to get their own back on the local nasty landowner - and get some scrummy dinner at the same time!
I'd recommend this book to anyone, of any age. Great for children, but still wonderful for anyone who likes a nice simple engaging story.
The other nice thing is that something that I remember with such fondness from my childhood has completely stood the test of time, it's as good as I remember it being - and how often does that happen?
You won't be surprised to hear that this is not the first time I've read this book, I don't know how old I was when I first devoured the Roald Dahl books, but I'd reckon it was when I was about 9 or 10 years old.
I've always enjoyed reading, and therefore it was only natural that I'd read all of his books, Danny was first published in 1975, my copy is the Penguin edition and therefore published in 1977 - so it wasn't long afterwards that I came to it.
The story of a boy and his father, their simple life together in an old gypsy caravan, and their amazing adventure on the wrong side of the law!! Simple days when poaching was fun and everyone from the local doctor to the village bobby was in on the act!
Roald Dahl books are timeless, and although the story is simple - no sub-plots or even much back story - it's compelling and so well written that the book is difficult to put down (and that's when I already knew the story!). Danny and his father come up with a wonderful plan to get their own back on the local nasty landowner - and get some scrummy dinner at the same time!
I'd recommend this book to anyone, of any age. Great for children, but still wonderful for anyone who likes a nice simple engaging story.
The other nice thing is that something that I remember with such fondness from my childhood has completely stood the test of time, it's as good as I remember it being - and how often does that happen?
I've always enjoyed reading, and therefore it was only natural that I'd read all of his books, Danny was first published in 1975, my copy is the Penguin edition and therefore published in 1977 - so it wasn't long afterwards that I came to it.
The story of a boy and his father, their simple life together in an old gypsy caravan, and their amazing adventure on the wrong side of the law!! Simple days when poaching was fun and everyone from the local doctor to the village bobby was in on the act!
Roald Dahl books are timeless, and although the story is simple - no sub-plots or even much back story - it's compelling and so well written that the book is difficult to put down (and that's when I already knew the story!). Danny and his father come up with a wonderful plan to get their own back on the local nasty landowner - and get some scrummy dinner at the same time!
I'd recommend this book to anyone, of any age. Great for children, but still wonderful for anyone who likes a nice simple engaging story.
The other nice thing is that something that I remember with such fondness from my childhood has completely stood the test of time, it's as good as I remember it being - and how often does that happen?
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: The Classic Regency Romance-now with Ultraviolent Zombie Mayhem! (Quirk Classics) by Seth Grahame-Smith
Now I like a good classic; 20,000 leagues under the sea, Dracula, Count of Monte Cristo....but the Austen novels have never held any appeal to me. Girlie twaddle in my opinion. I've tried the films but the characters are annoying and the plots are just moronic.
Sorry if that offends anyone, and I know it's controversial, but it's the way I feel. But when I spotted 'P&P&Z' in a book shop I saw the chance to read one of these classics, but with added 'all-new scenes of bone-crunching zombie mayhem' as it states on the cover.
It's great! Austen's novel remains (I believe) but Grahame-Smith has subtly added the zombie action. Mrs Bennet is still searching for husbands for her daughters, all of whom are trained in the ancient arts of combat; Mr Darcy is still as arrogant as ever - but a dab hand with a sword and not scared of beheading any unmentionables who wander across his path; and the endless balls, parties and teas still take place, when not interrupted by zombies breaking into the kitchen and eating the brains of the household staff.
Of course Elizabeth hates Mr Darcy, feeling that she "must avenge her honour ... She meant to follow this proud Mr Darcy outside and open his throat.", a threat she does not have time to follow through due to a crowd of zombies invading the ballroom.
If you've seen the film or read the book you'll already know the story - but even if you have read the original and loved it, this version is entertaining and funny in ways that the original show more couldn't hope to achieve.
I'm sure that Jane Austen would be mortified, at least I hope she would be! show less
Sorry if that offends anyone, and I know it's controversial, but it's the way I feel. But when I spotted 'P&P&Z' in a book shop I saw the chance to read one of these classics, but with added 'all-new scenes of bone-crunching zombie mayhem' as it states on the cover.
It's great! Austen's novel remains (I believe) but Grahame-Smith has subtly added the zombie action. Mrs Bennet is still searching for husbands for her daughters, all of whom are trained in the ancient arts of combat; Mr Darcy is still as arrogant as ever - but a dab hand with a sword and not scared of beheading any unmentionables who wander across his path; and the endless balls, parties and teas still take place, when not interrupted by zombies breaking into the kitchen and eating the brains of the household staff.
Of course Elizabeth hates Mr Darcy, feeling that she "must avenge her honour ... She meant to follow this proud Mr Darcy outside and open his throat.", a threat she does not have time to follow through due to a crowd of zombies invading the ballroom.
If you've seen the film or read the book you'll already know the story - but even if you have read the original and loved it, this version is entertaining and funny in ways that the original show more couldn't hope to achieve.
I'm sure that Jane Austen would be mortified, at least I hope she would be! show less
I've learnt some wonderful German words - none of which I'll repeat here! I had tried a couple of times to read The Book Thief by Mark Zuzack, but just hadn't got on with it.
Loving books about books I was drawn to this one, but the subject seemed a little depressing.
The story follows the life of Liesel during the difficult years of the Third Reich in a small suburb of Munich. Narrated by Death himself, the story told is that of Liesel's book thieving, starting at the funeral of her brother (The gravedigger's handbook) despite the fact that at the time she is unable to read.
Living in Himmel Street with her strict, but kind, foster mother and her loving foster father; she experiences the trauma of everyday life for the average German family (not Nazis) in Germany during the war.
Her friendship with the boy down the road, her reoccuring nightmares, her fathers attempts to keep food on the table (not just the terrible pea soup her Mama makes), the Jew who lives in their basement for a time and the library in the mayors house on the hill; Death watches all this and tells her story.
I listened to this as an audio book and not to put to finer point on it - it was spellbinding!
Listening meant that I could hear the use of the German language, the sharp tone of Mama when she was angry, and the softness of Papa when he spoke to Liesel after one of her nightmares.
Despite the grim narrator, this is not a morbid book; it's actually uplifting and life affirming. I won't go so far as to show more suggest that everyone should read it, but it wouldn't be a bad thing if they did.
If they make a film of this, I hope they do it well. Certainly I'm glad I listened to the unabridged version. show less
Loving books about books I was drawn to this one, but the subject seemed a little depressing.
The story follows the life of Liesel during the difficult years of the Third Reich in a small suburb of Munich. Narrated by Death himself, the story told is that of Liesel's book thieving, starting at the funeral of her brother (The gravedigger's handbook) despite the fact that at the time she is unable to read.
Living in Himmel Street with her strict, but kind, foster mother and her loving foster father; she experiences the trauma of everyday life for the average German family (not Nazis) in Germany during the war.
Her friendship with the boy down the road, her reoccuring nightmares, her fathers attempts to keep food on the table (not just the terrible pea soup her Mama makes), the Jew who lives in their basement for a time and the library in the mayors house on the hill; Death watches all this and tells her story.
I listened to this as an audio book and not to put to finer point on it - it was spellbinding!
Listening meant that I could hear the use of the German language, the sharp tone of Mama when she was angry, and the softness of Papa when he spoke to Liesel after one of her nightmares.
Despite the grim narrator, this is not a morbid book; it's actually uplifting and life affirming. I won't go so far as to show more suggest that everyone should read it, but it wouldn't be a bad thing if they did.
If they make a film of this, I hope they do it well. Certainly I'm glad I listened to the unabridged version. show less
This book might be massive - but don't be put off. It's fantastic! Written by Dumas as a serialisation (hence the length) the betrayal and subsequent revenge of Edmund Dantes unfolds chapter by chapter.
It's impossible not to care about Dantes and want to see what happens to him, the descriptions of his time in Chateau d'if are brilliant, and the stories of his life after escape are wonderfully told.
Watch one of the film adaptations if you must - but read the book as well. Robin Buss's translation is excellent.
I've read many books but this has to be my absolute favourite.
It's impossible not to care about Dantes and want to see what happens to him, the descriptions of his time in Chateau d'if are brilliant, and the stories of his life after escape are wonderfully told.
Watch one of the film adaptations if you must - but read the book as well. Robin Buss's translation is excellent.
I've read many books but this has to be my absolute favourite.
I've only read one story in this book (I started another but as I don't like horror I didn't continue) - but what a story! Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption.
I love the film, and the story is just as good.
I love the film, and the story is just as good.
Like so many others across the world I had this book as a child and remember it fondly. I don't know where my childhood copy went, so decided to buy myself a new copy. It takes pride of place in my bookcase.
An uplifting story about discovering the real you - not that I understood or cared about that when I was 4!
An uplifting story about discovering the real you - not that I understood or cared about that when I was 4!
I've been meaning to read this for a while, and now that I have I'm really impressed. Perhaps the fact that I don't think I suffer too badly from Affluenza helps! Affluenza, James suggests, is an epidemic sweeping the English speaking world. It consists of an obsession with 'keeping-up-with-the-Joneses', excessive consumerism (buying stuff because you 'want' it instead of because you 'need' it), the need for increased wealth (beyond what you need), property fever - all leading to depression, anxiety and addictions.
Traveling the world's affluent cities (London, New York, Singapore etc) James interviews people who do and don't suffer from Affluenza, and tries to discover what makes some people more or less prone to the virus. He then goes on to suggest remedies, such as paying parents to look after their children (instead of forcing them back to work), teaching that it is not necessary to be rich and beautiful to be happy and how being playful, vivacious and authentic helps.
As someone he interview suggests, society is becoming populated by Tin Men from the Wizard of Oz - hollow inside.
I would have liked to have seen more interviews with normal citizens, instead of the stream of millionaires that he visited; and I'm not sure the very vicious attack on the Blairite government was completely necessary - I'd imagine that most governments (of all flavours and in all times) would have mucked it up just as they did (and do).
A fascinating read, certainly made me think about show more materiality, and asking myself do I 'need' or 'want' that? show less
Traveling the world's affluent cities (London, New York, Singapore etc) James interviews people who do and don't suffer from Affluenza, and tries to discover what makes some people more or less prone to the virus. He then goes on to suggest remedies, such as paying parents to look after their children (instead of forcing them back to work), teaching that it is not necessary to be rich and beautiful to be happy and how being playful, vivacious and authentic helps.
As someone he interview suggests, society is becoming populated by Tin Men from the Wizard of Oz - hollow inside.
I would have liked to have seen more interviews with normal citizens, instead of the stream of millionaires that he visited; and I'm not sure the very vicious attack on the Blairite government was completely necessary - I'd imagine that most governments (of all flavours and in all times) would have mucked it up just as they did (and do).
A fascinating read, certainly made me think about show more materiality, and asking myself do I 'need' or 'want' that? show less
You'd think that not believing in God would hinder someone wishing to become a Minister of the Church of Scotland - but it never stopped Gideon Mack. This book, supposedly written by Mack, tells the story of his life, from his early years, his marriage, disappearance, his meeting with the Devil and the events following this meeting.
I guess the story is about belief, or non-belief - and about people's ideas about the truth. Mack is ostracised by the village, the church and his friends, when he decides that it is important for him to 'tell the truth' about is disappearance and subsequent meeting with the Devil.
This is one of the most wonderful, folk/fairy tales that i've read for sometime - a modern folk tale with engaging characters and a storyline that you just can't help being dragged along by. Told mainly by Mack (his 'testament') the story starts with a prologue from the publisher setting out how the book came to be published, and then ends with an epilogue including 'interviews' with the key people of the village Monimaskit.
I heard a tiny snippet of this book on Radio 4 a couple of years ago, as it was book of the week - and it tweaked my curiosity - although it's taken me a while to get round to reading it, it was well worth the wait. Although slow to get started, it's a satisfying yarn, well worth the effort.
I guess the story is about belief, or non-belief - and about people's ideas about the truth. Mack is ostracised by the village, the church and his friends, when he decides that it is important for him to 'tell the truth' about is disappearance and subsequent meeting with the Devil.
This is one of the most wonderful, folk/fairy tales that i've read for sometime - a modern folk tale with engaging characters and a storyline that you just can't help being dragged along by. Told mainly by Mack (his 'testament') the story starts with a prologue from the publisher setting out how the book came to be published, and then ends with an epilogue including 'interviews' with the key people of the village Monimaskit.
I heard a tiny snippet of this book on Radio 4 a couple of years ago, as it was book of the week - and it tweaked my curiosity - although it's taken me a while to get round to reading it, it was well worth the wait. Although slow to get started, it's a satisfying yarn, well worth the effort.
I know that this book if supposed to be the one that defines the genre but I have to admit to not being as impressed with it as I had hoped. Certainly I'm not sure it lives up to the hype.
I bought the book a couple of years ago as I really like graphic novels and had heard so much about this one. But therein lies the problem perhaps?
Having loved (amongst others) 'From Hell' and 'League of extraordinary gentlemen' by Alan Moore, and very much enjoyed 'Maus', perhaps I've left it too later in my graphic novel reading to go back to the one that started it all?
I can't begin to explain the multiple storylines, but the basic story involves a bunch of retired masked crime fighters slowly being killed off, and the race to discover who is behind it. Obviously that is a terrible over simplication and the story also covers nuclear accidents, shipwrecks, millionaire geniuses and hairbrained plans to end all wars.
Anyway, if you enjoy graphic novels and haven't yet read this one, you must.
Now I've done so I feel I can go and see the film version.
I bought the book a couple of years ago as I really like graphic novels and had heard so much about this one. But therein lies the problem perhaps?
Having loved (amongst others) 'From Hell' and 'League of extraordinary gentlemen' by Alan Moore, and very much enjoyed 'Maus', perhaps I've left it too later in my graphic novel reading to go back to the one that started it all?
I can't begin to explain the multiple storylines, but the basic story involves a bunch of retired masked crime fighters slowly being killed off, and the race to discover who is behind it. Obviously that is a terrible over simplication and the story also covers nuclear accidents, shipwrecks, millionaire geniuses and hairbrained plans to end all wars.
Anyway, if you enjoy graphic novels and haven't yet read this one, you must.
Now I've done so I feel I can go and see the film version.
I was expecting a depressing difficult book, and I have to admit that the writing style took a while to get used to (minimalist punctuation). But once it had gripped me I found myself rushing back to read it at every opportunity.
Although the author never gives the names of the two main characters, it is easy to engage with the man and his son during their journey through the wastelands of a post disaster America.
At points brutal and upsetting, the story is also uplifting and manages to give hope that some form of morality and kindness would survive the end of the world as we know it.
Although the author never gives the names of the two main characters, it is easy to engage with the man and his son during their journey through the wastelands of a post disaster America.
At points brutal and upsetting, the story is also uplifting and manages to give hope that some form of morality and kindness would survive the end of the world as we know it.
A 'slow burn' that didn't grip me straight-away - but once it had I couldn't put it down. The writing style is simple and engaging, the characters are likable and interesting.