I'm starting this blog for my mum, who for ages has wanted a book club but has never got around to it. The idea is that the blog will not only work as a book club (to review and discuss what we're currently engrossed in,) but also a way of organizing a book exchange. As much as i'm all for apple and the ipad it will be a sorry place when the web book replaces our books, because let's face it there's nothing like a good book.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Dirt Music's Poetic Rhythm
Monday, December 20, 2010
Nicely Does It
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
So Much For That - by Lionel Shriver
"So Much For That"
by Lionel Shriver
This book certainly makes you think about life and never putting off until tomorrow what you can do today!
Shep Knacker has $1 million in the bank and whats to start living his dream of "The after live" and move to a small island off the coast of Tanzania, when his wife aged 51 (same age as me) drops the bombshell that she has cancer and needs his health insurance, which soon runs out and they then need to start using his "Dream Money" each chapter starts with his bank balance, makes you grateful for the NHS here in the UK.
Also gets you thinking about whether or not you would even carry on with the treatment if faced with the same situation. Doctors are very good at offering hope (especially in the US where it has a value on it). The book also looks at how people treat you, close friends and family not visiting, and when they do avoiding talking to you about your illness.
Not sure who I feel the most sorry for Shep who has to be every thing to everybody and all he wants to do is start living his "after live" or Glynis who knows deep down she is going to die and has to maybe start believing in the "After Live".
Sounds a depressing read but it isn't its funny and entertaining which just goes to prove what a good writer Lionel Shriver is I have been a fan since I read "We need to talk about Kevin"
Friday, December 10, 2010
To Holt or Not to Holt?
I'd be interested to know if anyone has read any Tom Holt's novels? Are they worth the perseverance or do they lay unread on many book selves.
Black Like Me
The book by John Howard Griffin was first published in 1961, and it follows John's journey as he experiences what it what like to be a black person in America's deep south. The book is a personal diary of John's 6 week encounter from changing the colour of his skin, to the effects it has on his family once the truth is revealed. It gets pretty heavy going in some parts but its defiantly worth a read. Certainly opens you eyes to what went on.
Three years later the book was made into a film featuring James Whitmore, i've attached the trailer below.