Back after a break
I KNOW I haven't updated in quite a while, but life has been somewhat busy. I have been reading, but haven't got around to writing about them.
They have been many in number and range from the frivolous to the factual. Most recently, I've read a book about the Moors Murders. Written by a journalist called Duncan Staff, "The Lost Boy" examines Myra Hindley's involvement in the notorious murders.
The unemotional way the information is given allows the reader the chance to make up their own minds about her willingness to participate in what have become some of the most heinous crimes in history.
It begins with her upbringing and the turbulant relationship she had with her parents. She lived for many years with her grandmother, but her childhood was blighted by death, hardship and violence.
The book details her first meeting with Ian Brady and the intoxicating love she felt for the sexual sadist who wanted to commit the perfect murder.
It is surprising that new information has come to light, but Duncan Staff managed to secure many of Hindley's private papers, including many personal letters. Some detail her frustrations with the penal system, others try to justify her actions, while others crave contact from her mother and wider family. He also spoke at length to Hindley's former partner Trish Cairns, who, perhaps, had the best insight into Hindley's thoughts, feeling and also her change of heart from denial of any involvement in the crimes to the careful admissions she made in a bid to secure parole.
Duncan Staff also highlighted the heartbreak suffered by the family of Keith Bennett, whose body who has yet to be found. It is this that means that the case remains open and a small team of detectives at Greater Manchester Police retain an interest in it.
It was a really good book, which shed even more light on the background of the most reviled and hated women in Britain's history.
Published Date:
17/04/2008
Modified Date:
17/04/2008
YOU'VE GOT MAIL
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I’VE not been feeling too well recently – and at time I’ve felt quite sorry for myself.
So I’ve ditched some of my more hard-going, highbrow books in favour of some lighter reading.
Now I’m no fan of today’s ‘chick-lit’ because they seem to be written to a rubbish formula – woman obsessed by career has an affair with a colleague who treats her badly and eventually falls for childhood sweetheart boy-next-door type. The End. Whatever!
I do, however, like books that cheer me up.
And that is precisely what “Holly’s Inbox” has done for me.
The 700-page book is the product of www.hollysinbox.com, which was launched in February. It quickly became an internet phenomenon with thousands of visitors from 120 countries across the world logging on daily to read Holly Denham’s emails.
Holly is a likeable person and has one or two run-ins in her role as a former receptionist for a top London bank.
And she has more than one or two skeletons in her inbox, but because it is rooted in reality you actually have a connection with her. Because you are reading her emails, Holly’s friends become your friends and her nemeses become your nemeses.
One thing though, I do think she was very brave opening up her email to everyone – I couldn’t do it. Besides, my inbox wouldn’t be half as fun or interesting!
I’m following it up with “Growing Up Again” by Catriona McCloud – the tale of a woman who leaves her husband after 17 years together. After the gruelling break-up she falls asleep and wakes up back in 1981 with the chance to re-live her life, re-make her life choices. I’ll update you when I’ve finished it! |
Published Date:
18/10/2007
Modified Date:
18/10/2007
Reading groups
I've never been much of a fan of reading groups. I always worry that I won't like the chosen book and then try to pretend that I've read it, get caught out and the whole thing would be very embarrassing. I also read at my own pace. Sometimes I get through a book or two a week, other times it takes a month for me to complete a book. It all depends on work and whether the book has grabbed me and sucked me in.
But in a little break from tradition, I was swayed by my bookshop's display of the Richard and Judy summer reads. I had absolutely no intention of watching Richard and Judy or getting involved in their silly book club, but I spotted the "Memory Keeper's Daughter". I'd read about this novel and although I liked the sound of the story, I am not keen on the current top American novelists. As with Jodi Picoult, the storylines are well thought out, controversial even, but I'm not a fan of how they write. It just a bit too flouncy and fussy for me.
But I gave in and bought the book. I did have to fight in some parts to get through some of what I felt was unnecessary detail, but I did enjoy it. It centres around a doctor whose wife gives birth to twins. The boy is fine, but the girl has Down's syndrome. He tells his wife that the girl died during childbirth, but actually instructs a nurse to take the baby to a home. She can't go through with his requests and instead brings the girl up as her own.
The bulk of the book deals with the ramifications of that decision, which are felt by all concerned. It is a very good story, if a little long-winded. I would recommend it.
Meanwhile, I've finally got over my disappointment at the end of Harry Potter's adventures (I shall leave it vague for those who still haven't got to the end of the seventh book, Hannah) and have selected some reading for my forthcoming trip to Italy. I've gone with "The Woman Who Walks Into Doors" and "Paula Spencer: A Novel" both by Roddy Doyle and a cheery book "Girl in the Cellar", the true story of Natascha Kampusch who was abducted and held captive by child molester Wolfgang Priklopil. I'm sure you wouldn't find those three on Richard and Judy's must-read list.
Published Date:
31/08/2007
Modified Date:
31/08/2007
Harry up! Harry up!
20 July 2007 20:27:42
The hour is almost upon us. The end of the journey is but a few steps away and soon we will find out exactly what befalls teenage wizard Harry Potter.
I, for one, am excited, although the mass hysteria is beginning to get me agitated. Instead of donning a witches outfit, picking up my broomstick and sitting outside a shop waiting for the witching hour to strike, I have been filling these final hours with a final re-read of the Half-Blood Prince in a bid to really set the scene. Then I shall brave a trip out in the early hours to ensure that I get my copy (and take in a stop at the Next sale so my energy is not wasted).
I will then settle down to embark on this final journey with Harry et al alone. I'm not planning to go anywhere, speak to anyone (apart from Marley the dog), watch the news or read a paper because I am convinced that someone will attempt to spoil the ending. To that end, I have been a bit obsessive. My mobile phone will be switches off, as will the stereo in my car. No newspapers will be allowed over the doorstep and I shall not be answering the home phone. And I shall definitely not be Google-ing Harry Potter. It is the one time, I wish I was in the Big Brother house.
Anyway, to kill a little time (I choose my words carefully of course) I decided to note a few theories I have about how the Deathly Hallows may end. These are not fanatical observations, I am just someone who loves Harry Potter and has an opinion.
1) I believe that Ginny Weasley and Neville Longbottom will play vital roles in the fight against Lord Valdemort. Both were initial members of the Slug Club and Neville's parents were tortured and killed by Death Eater Bellatrix Lestrange, similar to Harry's own parents.
2) I have a sickening feeling that Severus Snape will die trying to save Harry. He will be revealed as a double agent and not someone who is hung-up on the school bullying exploits of Harry's dad James. He may even be Harry's dad!!!
3) Harry may find that he is an animagus as well as being able to understand parseltongue. He will also find the missing horcrux among items left by Sirius.
4) Harry will find immense happiness with Ginny, but his best friends Ron and Hermione will be seriously injured in battles with the Dark Lord.
5) The teenage wizard will himself die after beating Lord Valdemort thus putting an end to his adventures.
The last prediction is that this will be the best of the Harry Potter books and J.K. Rowling would have thought of something far more imaginative. She will wow us all! But I do believe that it was always her intention that good would triumph over evil, but Harry Potter will not live "happily ever after" it is too twee and is beneath her. I hope she doesn't prove me wrong.
Published Date:
20/07/2007
Modified Date:
20/07/2007
GRIDLOCKED
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IT has taken me ages to get through my last book – partly because I’ve been busy enjoying the sunshine and partly because it was quite disappointing.
I really like Ben Elton, he’s funny and has the ability to capture the darker side of modern life and weave it into intriguing stories.
I really enjoyed “Past Mortem”, which is a take on Friends Reunited with the addition of a serial killer, “Dead Famous”, a sinister take on Big Brother and the explosion of reality TV, and “Chart Throb”, a satirical look at the talent shows such as “Pop Idol” and “X-Factor”.
His books are usually real page-turners – each chapter ending with a couple of drips of suspense to keep you glued to your seat.
I first got into Ben Elton when I was bored on holiday in Crete quite a few years ago. The boyfriend that I was with at the time was a voracious reader and insisted that I start my Elton-cation with “Blast From The Past”. I absolutely loved it and am still a little mystified as to how he came up with – and wrote – such a brilliant novel. (Am not going to give anything away so that I’m not accused of ruining it for anyone).
So, I went book shopping for my latest holiday, which does actually feel like it was enjoyed by someone else, and I spotted “Gridlock” for a tempting 99p. With his track record totally unblemished, I purchased it without a thought.
But, my goodness, it was hard-going. The concept was great – the idea that London could grind to a halt because of all of the cars. With a controversial road-building plan and a top secret plans for a hydrogen engine thrown in the mix, it could and should have been an excellent yarn.
It has taken me all of my energy to get to the end and I have to say I was greatly disappointed. It is now on the pile to go to the charity shop while my bedside table strains under the weight of all of the books I’ve bought recently. Better make a start and hope that I have selected better ones this time! |
Published Date:
19/06/2007
Modified Date:
19/06/2007
Town of Books
I've always had a half-baked dream of owning a little bookshop with a cafe. A haven where people can peruse the shelves and flick through the pages while enjoying a coffee and a piece of homemade cake. It would be peaceful, an adult-only paradise for bookworms everywhere. And if I let my imagination run wild, then people travel from across the world to sit in the comfy leather armchairs and devour the house special, which would, of course, be Victoria sponge.
Anyway enough of the daydream.
I have just been for a holiday in Scotland and found the perfect town. It has 19 bookshops, piled high with books on ever subject. Wigtown is officially Scotland's book town and is home to a huge book festival, which takes place in June. It's about half the size of Clitheroe and every other shop deals in books. There is even one with a coffee shop - it wasn't quite as idyllic as the one in my daydream.
I could have spent the whole holiday there, wandering up and down and scanning the spines - it was heavenly even though there were virtually no new books, which are my favourite things in the world (after jewellery from Tiffany, of course).
Well, it's back to work and back to reality and I'm beginning to wonder if I dreamed up Wigtown during a quiet moment at work.
Published Date:
30/05/2007
Modified Date:
30/05/2007
The Neverending Story
WHEN my siser was younger she was a bit of an obsessive, especially when it came to films like the Goonies, Mary Poppins and Wizard of Oz. She would rise at 5 a.m. and watch them before she went to school.
But without doubt her favourite was the Neverending Story - a circular film that gave a very specific lesson about imagination and, more importantly, books. Yeah, it was cheesy and the hero of the hour was a big flying dog/dragon thing, but it made her cry every time. I really must ask her if at the ripe old age of 26, it still gets to her.
But enough of this rather self-indulgent trip down memory lane! We got to talking in the office this week about books that we hadn't been able to finish - our own Neverending stories. Whereas one of my colleagues, who shall remain nameless, claimed that he had never read a whole book in his life (shame on you), the rest racked their brains. And funnily enough, most of the unfinishable ones were so-called classics.
"The Catcher in the Rye", "The Handmaid's Tale", "Lord of the Rings", "Crime and Punishment", "Sophie's Choice" - the list went on and on.
But when it came to mind, I could only think of one that I have returned to four time and still haven't managed to finish. Rather surprisingly for me it is Nick Hornby's "A Long Way Down". It was billed as funny. It is not. It was supposed to be dark. It was more dark age. It is about people wanting to end their lives. It made me feel really quite depressed. I only got halfway through and found it absolutely rubbish. The characters were one-dimensional - if that - and the idea that more than one person would choose the same place and time to top themselves should have made the publishers run in the other direction.
So it has been resigned to the bookshelf in the sky, may it rest there forever and bore no other eager reader.
There is only one aspect of this that saddens me - Nick Hornby penned one of my favourite books, "About A Boy".
Published Date:
11/05/2007
Modified Date:
11/05/2007
The Hairy Bikers and Me
I'M not usually a fan of hairy men or motorbikes - but I loooovve the Hairy Bikers.
This is a recent obsession, which was firmly cemented on Monday.
I stumbled across them on Saturday Kitchen and instantly liked their kamikaze cooking expeditions. They travel across countries on motorbikes, seek out traditional dishes, sample customs - including beer - and Si invariably ends up injured or in hospital. They have a big fat belly laugh at their experiences - and so do I. |
So when I was accosted by an assistant in my favourite bookshop, I snatched his hand off for a ticket to watch two of my favourite men on TV (and can I just say that there is quite a long list!).
Now I don't usually get star-struck, but when they walked in I was all of a dither - and so was my friend Kate.
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But within a minute or so, it was like this disarming pair were in my living room having a chat about old times. Si and Dave - we are on first name terms now - gave humorous accounts of their travels in India, Morocco, Belgium and Argentina and had the audience in peels of laughter. They showed off their tattoos, did a couple of hilarious re-enactments and shamelessly plugged their book.
I was totally enthralled and they are now sitting proudly at the top of my list of favourite personalities. I even greeted each of them with a kiss (which, for those who don't know me, is not something I really do unless I REALLY REALLY REALLY like someone).
I'm now looking forward to reading their book!!
PS Apologies for the lack of updates in the past two weeks, but my mum turned 60 and I was chief party planner. She is now delighting in all of the "freebies" such as eye tests (which she had last week), bus passes etc.. Books, as she says, have always been free from the library or my ever-growing collection.
PPS Kate is returning my hostaged books two by two - I'd be more worried if she borrowed my dog Marley. Would she return him hair by hair?
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Published Date:
26/04/2007
Modified Date:
26/04/2007