2si
1. Wilson by Daniel Clowes
Graphic novel by the author of Ghost World.
Wilson is a middle-aged failure, living in small town America, he visits his father who's dying, meets an old girlfriend and discovers he has a daughter who was adopted. Funny, sad and strange in equal parts. Wilson is basically lonely.
Told in short scenes, Daniel Clowes mixes up his drawing styles and after 80 pages Wilson feels like a believable character.
Graphic novel by the author of Ghost World.
Wilson is a middle-aged failure, living in small town America, he visits his father who's dying, meets an old girlfriend and discovers he has a daughter who was adopted. Funny, sad and strange in equal parts. Wilson is basically lonely.
Told in short scenes, Daniel Clowes mixes up his drawing styles and after 80 pages Wilson feels like a believable character.
3si
2. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Classic children's book which I've failed to read up until now. I Know the plot from numerous film and television adaptions I still enjoyed this story. As you would expect the original book varies in places from the screen versions. The opening is stronger at introducing Mary Lennox as a solitary child, who is use to ordering servants around; her parents absent, even before their sudden deaths. If you're never read this it's well worth seeking out.
Classic children's book which I've failed to read up until now. I Know the plot from numerous film and television adaptions I still enjoyed this story. As you would expect the original book varies in places from the screen versions. The opening is stronger at introducing Mary Lennox as a solitary child, who is use to ordering servants around; her parents absent, even before their sudden deaths. If you're never read this it's well worth seeking out.
4si
3. Screen Stars of The 70's by David Castell
An A-Z list of film stars with a short biographies of their careers. I've owned this A4 size, glossy tome for thirty years and only really skipped through the entries occasionally. Finally reading it I found it well written and packed with interesting details. I have a long list of movies I've never seen to look-out for.
At present I'm reading John Irving's A Prayer for Owen Meany, which in truth I'm struggling to concentrate on. The plot seems to have stalled and events keep circling back and forth around a accidental death. The Hotel New Hampshire & Setting Free The Bears are two of my favourite books, so I will persevere. John Irving certainly set himself a tough challenge, writing a 500+ page novel about faith & friendship.
I started Owen Meany back in January and have been breaking off to read other, shorter, books, rather than giving up. So I have a few completed books to add when I have a moment.
An A-Z list of film stars with a short biographies of their careers. I've owned this A4 size, glossy tome for thirty years and only really skipped through the entries occasionally. Finally reading it I found it well written and packed with interesting details. I have a long list of movies I've never seen to look-out for.
At present I'm reading John Irving's A Prayer for Owen Meany, which in truth I'm struggling to concentrate on. The plot seems to have stalled and events keep circling back and forth around a accidental death. The Hotel New Hampshire & Setting Free The Bears are two of my favourite books, so I will persevere. John Irving certainly set himself a tough challenge, writing a 500+ page novel about faith & friendship.
I started Owen Meany back in January and have been breaking off to read other, shorter, books, rather than giving up. So I have a few completed books to add when I have a moment.
5si
4. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: A Graphic Novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Beautifully designed book with good illustrations by Kevin Cornell. Button is born an old man and as the years pass he grows ever younger. Like the movie a lot of craft and attention to detail has been expended on a slight short story.
5. Detective Tilak by Julia Jarman
Illustrated children's story, for younger children.
6. The French Confection by Anthony Horowitz
Funny children's book about two brother detectives on holiday who become involved with a drugs ring in Paris. Horowitz writes with the same mile-a-minute style as he talks, making this a breathless, quick and easy read. I picked this up, in the library, because of the new Sherlock Holmes story Anthony Horowitz has recently written.
Beautifully designed book with good illustrations by Kevin Cornell. Button is born an old man and as the years pass he grows ever younger. Like the movie a lot of craft and attention to detail has been expended on a slight short story.
5. Detective Tilak by Julia Jarman
Illustrated children's story, for younger children.
6. The French Confection by Anthony Horowitz
Funny children's book about two brother detectives on holiday who become involved with a drugs ring in Paris. Horowitz writes with the same mile-a-minute style as he talks, making this a breathless, quick and easy read. I picked this up, in the library, because of the new Sherlock Holmes story Anthony Horowitz has recently written.
6si
7. The Butterfly Lion by Michael Morpurgo
Like the Anthony Horowitz book I picked this up from the library because of a more recent project the author is involved with; in this case the film version of Morpurgo's novel War Horse which is playing in the cinema at the moment.
This is a later book by Morpurgo published in 1996, War Horse first appeared in 1983. The Butterfly Lion tell the story of a boy who growing up on a farm in Africa, rescues a white lion cub, whose mother has been killed. Boy and lion are separated, the boy to school in England and the lion to a French circus. Spanning the first world war the story follows the fate of the boy and the lion.
I found this book stronger on plot that readability. Overall disappointing.
Like the Anthony Horowitz book I picked this up from the library because of a more recent project the author is involved with; in this case the film version of Morpurgo's novel War Horse which is playing in the cinema at the moment.
This is a later book by Morpurgo published in 1996, War Horse first appeared in 1983. The Butterfly Lion tell the story of a boy who growing up on a farm in Africa, rescues a white lion cub, whose mother has been killed. Boy and lion are separated, the boy to school in England and the lion to a French circus. Spanning the first world war the story follows the fate of the boy and the lion.
I found this book stronger on plot that readability. Overall disappointing.
7si
8. The Office: The Scripts Series 1 by Ricky Gervais & Stephen Merchant.
For a long time I found the prospect of watching this sitcom seriously unappealing, too many years working in real offices.
So this book, a Christmas present, has sat undisturbed on a shelf for a few years.
On the page it reads very well and the book itself is liberally illustrated with stills from the show. In turn it's funny and wince-inducing. I think I'll just say the characters feel very real and leave it at that.
Recommended to fans of the show and anyone interested in writing scripts. I have a empty spot on my bookshelf to fill.
For a long time I found the prospect of watching this sitcom seriously unappealing, too many years working in real offices.
So this book, a Christmas present, has sat undisturbed on a shelf for a few years.
On the page it reads very well and the book itself is liberally illustrated with stills from the show. In turn it's funny and wince-inducing. I think I'll just say the characters feel very real and leave it at that.
Recommended to fans of the show and anyone interested in writing scripts. I have a empty spot on my bookshelf to fill.
8si
9. The Hamlyn Colour Book of Stamp Collecting by Angus P. Allan
I've owned this book for forty years, so it was part of my childhood. A gift from my parents. And it's stayed with me long after my childhood interest in stamps has faded. It's written by an enthusiast, which comes through in the writing, but the information and advice is out-dated.
I'm currently reading Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut, instead of the John Irving novel. Both books are coincidentally concerned with religion.
In the way these things work I found myself watching 'Lourdes' on television the other night. A brilliant film about a coach party's pilgrimage to the Catholic shrine. I found it more insightful and moving than either of these novels are proving to be.
I've owned this book for forty years, so it was part of my childhood. A gift from my parents. And it's stayed with me long after my childhood interest in stamps has faded. It's written by an enthusiast, which comes through in the writing, but the information and advice is out-dated.
I'm currently reading Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut, instead of the John Irving novel. Both books are coincidentally concerned with religion.
In the way these things work I found myself watching 'Lourdes' on television the other night. A brilliant film about a coach party's pilgrimage to the Catholic shrine. I found it more insightful and moving than either of these novels are proving to be.
9si
10. Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut
For a satire approaching it's fiftieth anniversary, this book still has the power to leave you deep in thought after the final chapter.
While I didn't find the humour laugh out loud funny and Vonnegut's characters never feel like real people, he does have a unique view of the world.
For a satire approaching it's fiftieth anniversary, this book still has the power to leave you deep in thought after the final chapter.
While I didn't find the humour laugh out loud funny and Vonnegut's characters never feel like real people, he does have a unique view of the world.
11si
12. Antwerp by Roberto Bolaño
This is a short book of short chapters, which Bolaño wrote around 1980 but only published in 2002. The chapters are fragments of scenes; a writer trying out ideas, writing down phrases and images, repeating them in different situations. This is more than a writer's notebook, but less than a novella. I enjoyed reading this, but don't ask me to outline the plot or even describe the characters.
Bolaño is well worth reading, I started with The Skating Rink, which I loved.
This is a short book of short chapters, which Bolaño wrote around 1980 but only published in 2002. The chapters are fragments of scenes; a writer trying out ideas, writing down phrases and images, repeating them in different situations. This is more than a writer's notebook, but less than a novella. I enjoyed reading this, but don't ask me to outline the plot or even describe the characters.
Bolaño is well worth reading, I started with The Skating Rink, which I loved.
12si
13. A Prayer For Owen Meany by John Irving
Well I finally finished this book. What do I think about it? I don't know. I struggled with the first half of the book, hated the repetition - names of people, names of streets, names of people's children, names of churches, names of organised religions - but I really liked the last hundred pages.
1950-60's New Hampshire, best friends Owen Meany and John Wheelwright grow up together, go to the same schools, same college, face up to war in Vietnam and so on. John is boring, unadventurous; Owen is smart, fearless, short in height, with a strange voice. Owen believes he has a destiny, something which is reinforced by various events and other people's beliefs.
The story is told by John Wheelwright, who twenty years later is teaching in Canada. There are comic set pieces - a production of the nativity - a large cast of characters, stuffed animals and hints of incest; elements of other Irving novels. There is also an anger at American's foreign policies, and an attempt to rescue the value of faith from self-centered religions.
Well I finally finished this book. What do I think about it? I don't know. I struggled with the first half of the book, hated the repetition - names of people, names of streets, names of people's children, names of churches, names of organised religions - but I really liked the last hundred pages.
1950-60's New Hampshire, best friends Owen Meany and John Wheelwright grow up together, go to the same schools, same college, face up to war in Vietnam and so on. John is boring, unadventurous; Owen is smart, fearless, short in height, with a strange voice. Owen believes he has a destiny, something which is reinforced by various events and other people's beliefs.
The story is told by John Wheelwright, who twenty years later is teaching in Canada. There are comic set pieces - a production of the nativity - a large cast of characters, stuffed animals and hints of incest; elements of other Irving novels. There is also an anger at American's foreign policies, and an attempt to rescue the value of faith from self-centered religions.
13si
14. After The Break by Penny Smith
Sequel to Coming Up Next, this is the continuing adventures of Katie Fisher. After losing her job presenting breakfast television Katie is reduced to appearing on a celebrity reality show- being produced by Siobhan Stamp, who carries a grudge against Katie's boyfriend. This is an enjoyable, light, funny read.
Sequel to Coming Up Next, this is the continuing adventures of Katie Fisher. After losing her job presenting breakfast television Katie is reduced to appearing on a celebrity reality show- being produced by Siobhan Stamp, who carries a grudge against Katie's boyfriend. This is an enjoyable, light, funny read.
14si
Returned all my outstanding library books yesterday; resisted checking out any more. Then found a copy of Jar City in a charity shop. So much for willpower.
Finally started a John Gardner novel I bought last year - it's the last featuring his anti-hero Boysie Oakes. I'm hopeful of starting the James Bond books he wrote later this year. 15 Bond books? Did he write more than Ian Fleming?
Finally started a John Gardner novel I bought last year - it's the last featuring his anti-hero Boysie Oakes. I'm hopeful of starting the James Bond books he wrote later this year. 15 Bond books? Did he write more than Ian Fleming?
15si
15. A Killer For A Song by John Gardner
Comic thriller indebted to Ian Fleming for its template, but with its own gallery of characters. This is the last of eight novels and a handful of short stories to feature Boysie Oates. Enjoyable fun and involving thriller.
Comic thriller indebted to Ian Fleming for its template, but with its own gallery of characters. This is the last of eight novels and a handful of short stories to feature Boysie Oates. Enjoyable fun and involving thriller.
16si
16. Charles Hawtrey 1914-1988 The Man Who Was Private Widdleby Roger Lewis.
Short biography of English comic actor Charles Hawtrey who worked with many of the British film industry's stars from the 1930's onwards - Will Hay, George Formby, Norman Wisdom - before becoming a star himself in the long running series of 'Carry On' films for Rank.
Lewis tells us little of Hawtry's relationship with Hay or how Hay's death in 1948 affected him. In fact there are many details, relationships, etc I would have liked explored further - maybe those stories were simply never recorded and the people involved are dead. What Lewis does explain about Hawtry's life is sad and depressing and left me angry, not for the first time, over a talented individual frozen out because he or she is too demanding, too much 'trouble'. So what if Charles Hawtry showed moments of genius on screen if he was in Lewis's summation 'an ungracious mad drunkard.'
Short biography of English comic actor Charles Hawtrey who worked with many of the British film industry's stars from the 1930's onwards - Will Hay, George Formby, Norman Wisdom - before becoming a star himself in the long running series of 'Carry On' films for Rank.
Lewis tells us little of Hawtry's relationship with Hay or how Hay's death in 1948 affected him. In fact there are many details, relationships, etc I would have liked explored further - maybe those stories were simply never recorded and the people involved are dead. What Lewis does explain about Hawtry's life is sad and depressing and left me angry, not for the first time, over a talented individual frozen out because he or she is too demanding, too much 'trouble'. So what if Charles Hawtry showed moments of genius on screen if he was in Lewis's summation 'an ungracious mad drunkard.'
17si
17. Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? by Jeanette Winterson
An autobiography by writer Jeanette Winterson which revisits her childhood, fictionalized in Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit, and then moves on twenty-five years to tell the story of her search for her birth mother.
This is an affecting read, with the search for her birth mother written in real-time, so the writer no more knows the ending than the reader.
An autobiography by writer Jeanette Winterson which revisits her childhood, fictionalized in Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit, and then moves on twenty-five years to tell the story of her search for her birth mother.
This is an affecting read, with the search for her birth mother written in real-time, so the writer no more knows the ending than the reader.
18si
18. Art Objects: Essays on Ecstasy and Effrontery by Jeanette Winterson
Pieces on modernism, autobiography, style, painting, Virginia Woolf and so on. Glad I read this, but also glad it is fairly short. Many of the biographical details reappear in the writer's autobiography; this was published 1995, Why be Happy... last year, Oranges in 1985!
Pieces on modernism, autobiography, style, painting, Virginia Woolf and so on. Glad I read this, but also glad it is fairly short. Many of the biographical details reappear in the writer's autobiography; this was published 1995, Why be Happy... last year, Oranges in 1985!
19si
The last few months I've fallen into the habit of checking the Letter V first on entering my local library. In truth I've been in no rush to read Slaughterhouse-Five so I've never been overly disappointed by it's increasingly prolonged absence. But it was there on Thursday so I checked it out, although the last thing I need ....
Anyway 50 pages in, a third of the book, enjoying it more than Cat's Cradle, the leaps of fantasy are leavened by Vonnegut's real-life WWII experiences.
Anyway 50 pages in, a third of the book, enjoying it more than Cat's Cradle, the leaps of fantasy are leavened by Vonnegut's real-life WWII experiences.
22si
Thanks Tina.
I'm making slow progress with The Conformist by Alberto Moravia at the moment: my problem, not the book's. I need to reshuffle my time. I bought the book many years ago after seeing Bernardo Bertolucci's film version, which I loved.
I'm making slow progress with The Conformist by Alberto Moravia at the moment: my problem, not the book's. I need to reshuffle my time. I bought the book many years ago after seeing Bernardo Bertolucci's film version, which I loved.
23si
20. The Conformist by Alberto Moravia
Story follows Marcello Clerici from being a teenager in 1920's Rome to the fall of Mussolini's fascist Government in 1944, concentrating on Clerici's adolescent experiences which lead him to align himself in the 1930's with the fascist cause and to marry a seemingly simple and innocent young woman, in a misplaced need for normality.
I found Moravia's writing insightful and dramatic, the damage Clerici causes by his self-centred, wrongheaded thinking is terrible.
Moravia's own background partly shadows Clerici's - both were born in Rome to middle-class parents, in 1907, but Moravia ( who's father was jewish) worked abroad as a foreign correspondent and found his books banned in the later years of Fascism. He went into hiding in Italy until the country's liberation in May 1944.
Wonderful characters, particularly Giulia - Clerici's wife - who's pragmatism in the face of other people's desires and failings is astonishing.
Best novel I've read this year.
Story follows Marcello Clerici from being a teenager in 1920's Rome to the fall of Mussolini's fascist Government in 1944, concentrating on Clerici's adolescent experiences which lead him to align himself in the 1930's with the fascist cause and to marry a seemingly simple and innocent young woman, in a misplaced need for normality.
I found Moravia's writing insightful and dramatic, the damage Clerici causes by his self-centred, wrongheaded thinking is terrible.
Moravia's own background partly shadows Clerici's - both were born in Rome to middle-class parents, in 1907, but Moravia ( who's father was jewish) worked abroad as a foreign correspondent and found his books banned in the later years of Fascism. He went into hiding in Italy until the country's liberation in May 1944.
Wonderful characters, particularly Giulia - Clerici's wife - who's pragmatism in the face of other people's desires and failings is astonishing.
Best novel I've read this year.
24si
21. The Dandy Book 1975
Annual of British children's comic. A christmas present from 1974, which I still own. Terrible jokes and well drawn illustrations. Only real disappointment is the lack of any credited writers or artists.
Annual of British children's comic. A christmas present from 1974, which I still own. Terrible jokes and well drawn illustrations. Only real disappointment is the lack of any credited writers or artists.
25si
22. The Great Fire of London by Samuel Pepys
Part of a series of mini-books published by Orion under the banner 'Phoenix 60p Paperbacks'.
This particular book is an extract from Volume III of The Diary of Samuel Pepys, covering 1 September 1666 through to 11 October 1666. My instinct normally is to avoid abridged versions of books, but I was given 20 books in this series by my father; so I'm trying to navigate my way carefully. Will try to separate the more self-contained books.
This particular book is great as far as it goes, but I imagine the full diaries are infinitely better.
Part of a series of mini-books published by Orion under the banner 'Phoenix 60p Paperbacks'.
This particular book is an extract from Volume III of The Diary of Samuel Pepys, covering 1 September 1666 through to 11 October 1666. My instinct normally is to avoid abridged versions of books, but I was given 20 books in this series by my father; so I'm trying to navigate my way carefully. Will try to separate the more self-contained books.
This particular book is great as far as it goes, but I imagine the full diaries are infinitely better.
27si
24. Under The Skin by Michel Faber
Isserley spends her days driving through the Highlands of Scotland looking for male hitchhikers.
I began this novel knowing nothing about the story beyond the opening. I enjoyed the television version of Faber's The Crimson Petal and the White and so picked this up for that reason only.
I'm reluctant to say a great deal; if I can put it in film terms it has that mix of exploitation and art house of someone like David Cronenberg. So there is horror and contemplation in equal parts.
Isserley spends her days driving through the Highlands of Scotland looking for male hitchhikers.
I began this novel knowing nothing about the story beyond the opening. I enjoyed the television version of Faber's The Crimson Petal and the White and so picked this up for that reason only.
I'm reluctant to say a great deal; if I can put it in film terms it has that mix of exploitation and art house of someone like David Cronenberg. So there is horror and contemplation in equal parts.
28si
25. Lighthousekeeping by Jeanette Winterson
A novel from 2004.
Cape Wrath lighthouse, Scotland. In the mid-19th century minister Babel Dark attempts to live two lives; and in the 1960's, Silver, an orphan, grows up living with Pew and DogJim at the lighthouse until the introduction of mechanisation.
This is a book about stories, about language, about love & loss and living. It does drift off into various cul-de--sacs with mixed success, and with the mention of the Eurozone at one point I realized I'd completely lost track of the time-line of Silver's story. That said, by the end I was completely involved and glad I'd finally caught up with this book.
At the end of this edition of the book, Harper Perennial paperback, there is a P.S. section with an author interview, a short piece by J.W. and a list of follow-on suggestions.
A novel from 2004.
Cape Wrath lighthouse, Scotland. In the mid-19th century minister Babel Dark attempts to live two lives; and in the 1960's, Silver, an orphan, grows up living with Pew and DogJim at the lighthouse until the introduction of mechanisation.
This is a book about stories, about language, about love & loss and living. It does drift off into various cul-de--sacs with mixed success, and with the mention of the Eurozone at one point I realized I'd completely lost track of the time-line of Silver's story. That said, by the end I was completely involved and glad I'd finally caught up with this book.
At the end of this edition of the book, Harper Perennial paperback, there is a P.S. section with an author interview, a short piece by J.W. and a list of follow-on suggestions.
29si
26. After Dark by Haruki Murakami
Novel about events over just one night in a unnamed city - Tokyo I guess. Mari Asai is staying in the city overnight, because of her sister. Musician Tetsuya Takahash has an all-night practise session with his band. Kaoru runs Alphaville - a Japanese love hotel. Shirakowa, an office worker, attacks a Chinese girl at the hotel.
Lives criss-cross, problems are talked over in late night bars and cafes, and so on.
This is a short novel which I read quickly. My first taste of Murakami - will try some of his other books. Going to look for 'Five Spot After Dark', a jazz song mentioned in the story.
Novel about events over just one night in a unnamed city - Tokyo I guess. Mari Asai is staying in the city overnight, because of her sister. Musician Tetsuya Takahash has an all-night practise session with his band. Kaoru runs Alphaville - a Japanese love hotel. Shirakowa, an office worker, attacks a Chinese girl at the hotel.
Lives criss-cross, problems are talked over in late night bars and cafes, and so on.
This is a short novel which I read quickly. My first taste of Murakami - will try some of his other books. Going to look for 'Five Spot After Dark', a jazz song mentioned in the story.
30si
27. Horrid Henry by Francesca Simon
Children's book by an American born writer now living in England. Four short, illustrated, stories about Henry, his family & friends. A fun very quick read. Tony Ross's crude illustrations fit the tone of the stories well.
Children's book by an American born writer now living in England. Four short, illustrated, stories about Henry, his family & friends. A fun very quick read. Tony Ross's crude illustrations fit the tone of the stories well.
32si
Watching lots of films, hardy reading at all. Have given up on two books; which I'd started without any real enthusiasm - always a mistake. Never been able to read when other things are on my mind.
Yesterday I found myself writing negative book-lists. Worst books I've ever read. Best-sellers I bought and never read. Books I bought thinking 'I'll love this', still think 'I'll love this' and will probably die thinking 'I would have loved that'.
Ten books from that last list -
The Ice Storm by Rick Moody
Fugitive Piecesby Anne Michaels
Sugar Rush by Julie Burchill
Poppy Shakespeare by Clare Allan
Wonder Boys by Michael Chabon
Fingersmith by Sarah Waters
Due Preparations For The Plague by Janette Turner Hospital
Austerlitz by W.G. Sebald
Hotel World by Ali Smith
Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter by Mario Vargas Llosa
Yesterday I found myself writing negative book-lists. Worst books I've ever read. Best-sellers I bought and never read. Books I bought thinking 'I'll love this', still think 'I'll love this' and will probably die thinking 'I would have loved that'.
Ten books from that last list -
The Ice Storm by Rick Moody
Fugitive Piecesby Anne Michaels
Sugar Rush by Julie Burchill
Poppy Shakespeare by Clare Allan
Wonder Boys by Michael Chabon
Fingersmith by Sarah Waters
Due Preparations For The Plague by Janette Turner Hospital
Austerlitz by W.G. Sebald
Hotel World by Ali Smith
Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter by Mario Vargas Llosa
35si
32. Conrad's War by Andrew Davies
Andrew Davies has been writing for television since the late 1960's, writing for both adults and children. For me 'A Very Peculiar Practice' in 1986 was the first time I became aware of his work - one of my favourite tv series - and I've watched ever since: particular favourites include Mother Love, House of Cards, Middlemarch, Pride and Prejudice, Tipping the Velvet, Daniel Deronda, Bleak House and The Line of Beauty.
Conrad's War is a children's book from 1978. It has a serious message about the realities of war but is first and foremost funny and scary.
Conrad Pike is a boy who loves all things to do with war, who finds himself, because of a 'time-leak', piloting a Lancaster bomber in World War II, heading for Germany, with this dog Towzer and his dad acting as the rear gunner. Conrad's ideas of war clash with the reality as he attempts to get home.
Andrew Davies has been writing for television since the late 1960's, writing for both adults and children. For me 'A Very Peculiar Practice' in 1986 was the first time I became aware of his work - one of my favourite tv series - and I've watched ever since: particular favourites include Mother Love, House of Cards, Middlemarch, Pride and Prejudice, Tipping the Velvet, Daniel Deronda, Bleak House and The Line of Beauty.
Conrad's War is a children's book from 1978. It has a serious message about the realities of war but is first and foremost funny and scary.
Conrad Pike is a boy who loves all things to do with war, who finds himself, because of a 'time-leak', piloting a Lancaster bomber in World War II, heading for Germany, with this dog Towzer and his dad acting as the rear gunner. Conrad's ideas of war clash with the reality as he attempts to get home.
36si
33. Knockout Annual 1976
34. Heat Wave by Richard Castle
Spin-off novel from the television series Castle. On the show the fictional Richard Castle is researching a novel by working with the NYPD. The resulting book is Heat Wave. So in the book we get thinly veiled versions of characters on the tv show, and basically the same structured plot of many of the episodes. Reading this book I did feel like I'd seen this story on screen!
There is some fun spotting the references to the tv show but in the end the book's success is down to it's fast pacing, it's involving - if familiar - plot, and the well written dialogue.
34. Heat Wave by Richard Castle
Spin-off novel from the television series Castle. On the show the fictional Richard Castle is researching a novel by working with the NYPD. The resulting book is Heat Wave. So in the book we get thinly veiled versions of characters on the tv show, and basically the same structured plot of many of the episodes. Reading this book I did feel like I'd seen this story on screen!
There is some fun spotting the references to the tv show but in the end the book's success is down to it's fast pacing, it's involving - if familiar - plot, and the well written dialogue.
37si
35. Naked Heat by Richard Castle
Second novel featuring Det. Nikki Heat, purportedly written by Richard Castle - fictional main character of television show 'Castle'.
Like Borat or Mrs Merton this second layer of fiction can be an excuse and a liberation for a writer/performer. But here the clever conceit is wasted on a story which gains little or nothing from it's characters having a second-life on television.
I enjoyed the book, reading it very quickly - for me anyway. But this series of books (4 so far) needs a stronger, separate identity if it's to be anything more than a promotional tool.
Second novel featuring Det. Nikki Heat, purportedly written by Richard Castle - fictional main character of television show 'Castle'.
Like Borat or Mrs Merton this second layer of fiction can be an excuse and a liberation for a writer/performer. But here the clever conceit is wasted on a story which gains little or nothing from it's characters having a second-life on television.
I enjoyed the book, reading it very quickly - for me anyway. But this series of books (4 so far) needs a stronger, separate identity if it's to be anything more than a promotional tool.
38si
36. The Good, The Bad And The Multiplex: What's Wrong With The Movies? by Mark Kermode
Non-fiction book by film critic Mark Kermode expounding his views on multiplex cinemas, 3D, blockbusters, subtitled films, remakes and anything else which crossed his mind while writing.
His retelling of an attempt to see 'The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud' with his daughter at his local cinema is painful and funny in equal measures - and rings depressingly true. I gave up on going to the cinema to see films a couple of years ago - a long-time conflict between loving films and disliking everything else involved in simply seeing a film came to ahead and I stopped going.
I miss it and then again I don't. This book brought back both sets of feelings.
Non-fiction book by film critic Mark Kermode expounding his views on multiplex cinemas, 3D, blockbusters, subtitled films, remakes and anything else which crossed his mind while writing.
His retelling of an attempt to see 'The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud' with his daughter at his local cinema is painful and funny in equal measures - and rings depressingly true. I gave up on going to the cinema to see films a couple of years ago - a long-time conflict between loving films and disliking everything else involved in simply seeing a film came to ahead and I stopped going.
I miss it and then again I don't. This book brought back both sets of feelings.
40si
38. First Prayers by Tasha Tudor
39. Heat Rises by Richard Castle
Third Nikki Heat novel, which is a twisted take on season three of the television show Castle.
I didn't like it. It's great that the Heat/Rook relationship is significantly different from Beckett/Castle's, but the plot is a real jumble of ideas and incidents which don't gel.
Question: Can you have a 'gourmet gym' or a 'gourmet car'?
I ground to a halt on page 171 on reading the phrase 'gourmet gym' to such a degree I left the book alone for a while and almost gave up on it. It works better in speech, page 232:
I guess the acid test is whether something keeps you involved or throws you out of the story.
If I find myself nit-picking I know the book has lost me.
39. Heat Rises by Richard Castle
Third Nikki Heat novel, which is a twisted take on season three of the television show Castle.
I didn't like it. It's great that the Heat/Rook relationship is significantly different from Beckett/Castle's, but the plot is a real jumble of ideas and incidents which don't gel.
Question: Can you have a 'gourmet gym' or a 'gourmet car'?
I ground to a halt on page 171 on reading the phrase 'gourmet gym' to such a degree I left the book alone for a while and almost gave up on it. It works better in speech, page 232:
.''Like a drive-up buy where the dealer sees the gourmet car and thinks fat wallet and puts one...here?'' She points a finger pistol at Rook's left sideburn.
I guess the acid test is whether something keeps you involved or throws you out of the story.
If I find myself nit-picking I know the book has lost me.
42si
41. Rupert Annual 1968
Simply called 'Rupert' on the cover and no credits given for writer or illustrator at all. Rupert was created in1920 by Mary Tourtel and appeared daily in the Daily Express Newspaper. Artist and storyteller Alfred Bestall wrote and illustrated the strip from 1935 to 1965. Annuals have been published since 1936. Great illustrations accompany four Rupert adventures in this annual, with each tale retold as a short story at the foot of the page for older children.
Simply called 'Rupert' on the cover and no credits given for writer or illustrator at all. Rupert was created in1920 by Mary Tourtel and appeared daily in the Daily Express Newspaper. Artist and storyteller Alfred Bestall wrote and illustrated the strip from 1935 to 1965. Annuals have been published since 1936. Great illustrations accompany four Rupert adventures in this annual, with each tale retold as a short story at the foot of the page for older children.
43si
42. Amulet by Roberto Bolaño
Actually read this back in April and completely forgot to include on this list.
When government forces storm a university in Mexico Auxilio Lacouture finds herself trapped in the women's bathroom for serveral days. Auxilio recounts her life since arriving in Mexico. How she was drawn to the poets and painters who live in the city and how she become part of their daily lives - their amulet against harm.
The book is a series of linked short stories and incidents which add up to an involving picture of one aspect of Mexican city life.
Not a great book but Bolaño writes so well you can forgive the slightness of these stories.
Actually read this back in April and completely forgot to include on this list.
When government forces storm a university in Mexico Auxilio Lacouture finds herself trapped in the women's bathroom for serveral days. Auxilio recounts her life since arriving in Mexico. How she was drawn to the poets and painters who live in the city and how she become part of their daily lives - their amulet against harm.
The book is a series of linked short stories and incidents which add up to an involving picture of one aspect of Mexican city life.
Not a great book but Bolaño writes so well you can forgive the slightness of these stories.
44si
43. Pompeii Practical Guide to the Excavations by Eugenio Pucci
I have only been adding books to LT which I've read, backdated to my teens when I begin jotting down dates and titles in a notebook, so I have been steadily reading and rereading books I still have from my childhood - which is turning out to be both fun and tedious. Back in 1980 on the last day of an educational school-organized holiday I spend a couple of hours walking around Pompeii. This is the guide book I picked up at some point and which I've never read - before now. The pictures bring back memories but the text is basically an endless description of ruined buildings.
I have only been adding books to LT which I've read, backdated to my teens when I begin jotting down dates and titles in a notebook, so I have been steadily reading and rereading books I still have from my childhood - which is turning out to be both fun and tedious. Back in 1980 on the last day of an educational school-organized holiday I spend a couple of hours walking around Pompeii. This is the guide book I picked up at some point and which I've never read - before now. The pictures bring back memories but the text is basically an endless description of ruined buildings.
45si
44. Playhour Annual 1974
45. Friends
46. The Best of Friends by Nigel Davies
Two mini-books of stills and quotes from the television series.
45. Friends
46. The Best of Friends by Nigel Davies
Two mini-books of stills and quotes from the television series.
I can't believe this. This is the most horrible thing that's ever happened ever. I knew something had to be wrong. My fingernails did not grow at all yesterday.
46si
47. Esio Trot by Roald Dahl
Short illustrated story. Mr Hoppy takes his neighbour's tortoise hoping it will lead to romance. Loved it.
Short illustrated story. Mr Hoppy takes his neighbour's tortoise hoping it will lead to romance. Loved it.
48si
50. Acid Drops by Kenneth Williams
Must read Kenneth Williams' Diaries sometime. This book is a collection of the actor's favourite quotes from people as various as Dorothy Parker to William Pitt the Younger.
This is not 'Carry On' humour - the series of films for which Williams is best known. There is only one anecdote with a 'Carry On' backdrop, involving actress Fenella Fielding, the title of which is tellingly absent.
Two of my favourite stories -
Must read Kenneth Williams' Diaries sometime. This book is a collection of the actor's favourite quotes from people as various as Dorothy Parker to William Pitt the Younger.
This is not 'Carry On' humour - the series of films for which Williams is best known. There is only one anecdote with a 'Carry On' backdrop, involving actress Fenella Fielding, the title of which is tellingly absent.
Two of my favourite stories -
When Harold Wilson was Prime Minister, he encouraged the belief that as a child he had to go to school without wearing boots. Hearing this, Harold Macmillan commented that if there was any truth in the story, it was probably because Wilson's boots were too small for him
Schopenhauer said of existence, 'I would willingly have changed it for a never-having-been'
51si
Hi Ameise1 & TinaValdes ... Thanks for your messages.
51. The Murders in the Rue Morgue by Edgar Allen Poe
Early 'locked-room' mystery from around 1841. Enjoyable but highly unlikely tale.
51. The Murders in the Rue Morgue by Edgar Allen Poe
Early 'locked-room' mystery from around 1841. Enjoyable but highly unlikely tale.
52si
52. Songs of Innocence & Experience by William Blake
An abridged edition of 'Selected Poems'. These poems were intended to be read by children.
Not for me I have to say, lambs and spring and the voices of children....
An abridged edition of 'Selected Poems'. These poems were intended to be read by children.
Not for me I have to say, lambs and spring and the voices of children....
53si
53. Son of Rosemary by Ira Levin
A belated sequel to Rosemary's baby; written 30 years after the original.
The original is a well plotted, tightly written, story. Rosemary's actions and responses to what happens are believable and logical. This sequel, unfortunately, has none of these qualities and Rosemary seems to guess the answers while obsessing over an anagram she never solves.
In a better book the ending would be laughable, but it at least has the virtue of self destruction.
A belated sequel to Rosemary's baby; written 30 years after the original.
The original is a well plotted, tightly written, story. Rosemary's actions and responses to what happens are believable and logical. This sequel, unfortunately, has none of these qualities and Rosemary seems to guess the answers while obsessing over an anagram she never solves.
In a better book the ending would be laughable, but it at least has the virtue of self destruction.
54si
54. The Daylight Gate by Jeanette Winterson
1612 Lancashire, James I reigns and Catholicism and witchcraft are capital crimes.
This full-blooded horror tale takes real people and real events - The Trial of the Lancashire Witches - and adds extra rape and murder, talking spiders and an elixir of youth. The violence and torture is painted in brutal detail. William Shakespeare and John Dee make cameo appearances; Characters refuse to escape the hangman on points of conscience, while others sell-out their parents for food and shelter.
This is a plot-heavy tale, told for the most part in short simple sentences. As a book for Halloween it's more torture-porn than scary.
1612 Lancashire, James I reigns and Catholicism and witchcraft are capital crimes.
This full-blooded horror tale takes real people and real events - The Trial of the Lancashire Witches - and adds extra rape and murder, talking spiders and an elixir of youth. The violence and torture is painted in brutal detail. William Shakespeare and John Dee make cameo appearances; Characters refuse to escape the hangman on points of conscience, while others sell-out their parents for food and shelter.
This is a plot-heavy tale, told for the most part in short simple sentences. As a book for Halloween it's more torture-porn than scary.
55si
55. Along Came A Spider by James Patterson
First novel featuring Alex Cross; first of many. Well the only other book by James Patterson I've read was over 30 years ago - it was called Season of the Machete, a violent pulp fiction type crime novel. My only other experience of his work are the two Alex Cross movies staring Morgan Freeman. Of the two, the film of Kiss the Girls works a lot better; the plot of Along Came A Spider is too unwieldly to be easily crafted into a screenplay.
Film reviews aside the book is enjoyable if credulity stretching at times. I liked the inconsistent witnesses, the law-enforcement agencies not trusting each other with vital information, Cross's investigation stopping and then re-starting at the whim of political decisions. At other times Cross is too involved in the investigation, he's here there and everywhere.
First novel featuring Alex Cross; first of many. Well the only other book by James Patterson I've read was over 30 years ago - it was called Season of the Machete, a violent pulp fiction type crime novel. My only other experience of his work are the two Alex Cross movies staring Morgan Freeman. Of the two, the film of Kiss the Girls works a lot better; the plot of Along Came A Spider is too unwieldly to be easily crafted into a screenplay.
Film reviews aside the book is enjoyable if credulity stretching at times. I liked the inconsistent witnesses, the law-enforcement agencies not trusting each other with vital information, Cross's investigation stopping and then re-starting at the whim of political decisions. At other times Cross is too involved in the investigation, he's here there and everywhere.
56si
56. This Perfect Day by Ira Levin
The human race has apparently rid itself of wars, famine, lust, competition, guilt..... and would be living happily ever after; except for people like Li RM35M4419. Chip, as he prefers to be called, who fights against the system, avoids his 'treatments', plots the downfall of 'Uni', and dreams of the day he can live in poverty-stricken misery.
This is a perfectly(!) good adventure story, easy to read, with a strong ending and jolts of sex and violence every now and then. However, it took me forever to read because because because......
The human race has apparently rid itself of wars, famine, lust, competition, guilt..... and would be living happily ever after; except for people like Li RM35M4419. Chip, as he prefers to be called, who fights against the system, avoids his 'treatments', plots the downfall of 'Uni', and dreams of the day he can live in poverty-stricken misery.
This is a perfectly(!) good adventure story, easy to read, with a strong ending and jolts of sex and violence every now and then. However, it took me forever to read because because because......
