Janet Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 According to the book I've read (Storyteller by Donald Sturrock) ... not all of it is true but it seems that Roald couldn't help but fictionalise his own account of things .. the germ of the truth is there .. he just embellished it a bit. You're very welcome to borrow it Janet .. it's a bit of a tome but well worth reading. Let me know if you would like it sent Awww, thank you, but I really can't take on any more books at present! I still can't get my head round him making things up in an 'autobiography' - that's pretty dishonest really when he's claiming "all is true". I mean, it's one thing to embellish the truth, but (if Wikipedia is to be believed) he named the wrong headmaster. That's not right at all. Although it does beg the question why Geoffrey Fisher didn't sue him! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppyshake Posted May 22, 2013 Author Share Posted May 22, 2013 Awww, thank you, but I really can't take on any more books at present! I still can't get my head round him making things up in an 'autobiography' - that's pretty dishonest really when he's claiming "all is true". I mean, it's one thing to embellish the truth, but (if Wikipedia is to be believed) he named the wrong headmaster. That's not right at all. Although it does beg the question why Geoffrey Fisher didn't sue him! This is what the biog has to say about it: 'It has been suggested that when Dahl published Boy he deliberately falsified the truth about Michael Arnold's beating in order to create a sensation. Fishes went on to be Archbishop of Canterbury, crowning Queen Elizabeth II at her coronation in 1953, while Christie was simply a public school headmaster who later became principal of Jesus College, Oxford. However there is no evidence at all that this mistake was anything other than a lapse of memory. When Boy was publised in 1984, there was a furore. Family and former students rushed to Fisher's defence. Dahl's final head of house John Bradburn, summed up their feelings when he wrote "The Boss was a wise and stern headmaster ... but always fair and in general held in great respect, admiration and indeed affection". It was curious that no one at the time stumbled on the fact that Dahl had simply accused the wrong man. Michael Arnold, presumably, could have set the record straight but chose not to. Why he did not do so, we will probably never know. It goes on to say that Roald always spoke well of Fisher in his letters home so the later accusation is even more baffling. Much later on Roald recalls that Fisher didn't remember the incident when he asked him about it years later (though this meeting may have been fictional as well .. it's hard to tell with Roald) but it doesn't seem as if he outright denied it .. only that he couldn't recall it. The dates didn't match up anyway. He told several different versions of his plane crash also .. he was all alone in some and accompanied by a friend in others. He did like to embroider. The biog begins with this quote from Roald .. I think he has a different notion of lying to the rest of us 'I don't lie. I merely make the truth a little more interesting ... I don't break my word - I merely bend it slightly' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppyshake Posted May 22, 2013 Author Share Posted May 22, 2013 Alan and I have finally finished the biography of Vincent Van Gogh and I read the bits I had missed out on previously. A brilliant book, very emotional and full of insight. I know, as Noll mentioned earlier, that there is some doubt about the theory voiced here re Vincent's death, but it is only a theory and it seemed plausible enough to me. I cannot see how it's possible for a man to attempt suicide and then, though mortally wounded, hide both the gun and his canvasses and easel etc. To me it seems more likely that someone else was with him. In a way it's immaterial because he was having a shocking time of it so the end was nigh anyway. Very sad .. he was a genius but the world couldn't see it. Nobody wanted to sit for him .. in hindsight they'd all be kicking themselves (mind you, the reason they didn't want to sit for him wasn't purely because they lacked confidence in his art .. it was more that they perceived him to be .. with very good reason .. a raving lunatic ). I was absolutely choked up by the end to read those final scenes between Vincent and Theo. Theo's widow Jo is very much to be applauded for doing her best to keep Vincent's name in the public eye. Eventually the public caught on. ** I was never a fan but I never want to look upon any of Gaugin's horrid little paintings again what an ********! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chesilbeach Posted May 22, 2013 Share Posted May 22, 2013 In a way it's immaterial because he was having a shocking time of it so the end was nigh anyway. Very sad .. he was a genius but the world couldn't see it. Nobody wanted to sit for him .. in hindsight they'd all be kicking themselves (mind you, the reason they didn't want to sit for him wasn't purely because they lacked confidence in his art .. it was more that they perceived him to be .. with very good reason .. a raving lunatic ). I was absolutely choked up by the end to read those final scenes between Vincent and Theo. Theo's widow Jo is very much to be applauded for doing her best to keep Vincent's name in the public eye. Eventually the public caught on. Lovely review, Kay. I don't know much about his life, but this struck me as I remember the Doctor Who episode that Richard Curtis wrote a couple of years ago, and while on one hand it was a story for children about aliens, you could see it as the alien that no-one else could see being an interpretation of mental illness, and there was a genuinely moving moment where the Doctor takes Vincent on a trip in the Tardis to a modern exhibition of his work to show him how important his work became and that he was greatly admired and appreciated after his death. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppyshake Posted May 25, 2013 Author Share Posted May 25, 2013 Lovely review, Kay. I don't know much about his life, but this struck me as I remember the Doctor Who episode that Richard Curtis wrote a couple of years ago, and while on one hand it was a story for children about aliens, you could see it as the alien that no-one else could see being an interpretation of mental illness, and there was a genuinely moving moment where the Doctor takes Vincent on a trip in the Tardis to a modern exhibition of his work to show him how important his work became and that he was greatly admired and appreciated after his death. Aww I never saw that episode .. Alan said he did though and loved it. When we were reading the book we talked about how Vincent would have reacted to being famous had he been so in his lifetime .. not sure he would've coped with it any better but at least he and Theo would've known that all the time and effort and (in Theo's case) money put in was worthwhile. It was Vincent's view that he had failed and of course .. he hadn't at all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppyshake Posted May 25, 2013 Author Share Posted May 25, 2013 I suppose I should try and scribble down some thoughts on the books I've read especially as they seem to be mounting up. I'm really enjoying my reading so hurrah for that anyway. I didn't want anything too taxing to kick start my reading year again so decided to read some of Roald Dahl's books which I've been long meaning to do anyway. They were absolutely perfect for the job and they made me laugh so you could also call them medicine. James and the Giant Peach - Roald Dahl Synopsis: When poor James Henry Trotter loses his parents in a horrible rhinoceros accident, he is forced to live with his two wicked aunts, Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker. After three years he becomes "the saddest and loneliest boy you could find". Then one day, a wizened old man in a dark-green suit gives James a bag of magic crystals that promise to reverse his misery forever. When James accidentally spills the crystals on his aunts' withered peach tree, he sets the adventure in motion. From the old tree a single peach grows, and grows, and grows some more, until finally James climbs inside the giant fruit and rolls away from his despicable aunts to a whole new life. James befriends an assortment of hilarious characters, including Grasshopper, Earthworm, Miss Spider and Centipede--each with his or her own song to sing. Review: Really enjoyed this one and it was among my favourites .. I loved the imagery. Also, as some of you know, I do love the notion of blowing up an Aunt .. or in this case flattening one. My Aunts are all lovely but still there's something tremendously satisfying about wicked people getting their come-uppance and good people being rewarded. I'm surprised actually that I liked it because I'm not one for creepy crawlies .. I couldn't help thinking that I'd prefer to take my chances with the Aunts than to cosy up to a spider and her insecty friends. 4/5 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl Synopsis: For the first time in a decade, Willy Wonka, the reclusive and eccentric chocolate maker, is opening his doors to the public--well, five members of the public, actually. The lucky five who find a Golden Ticket in their Wonka bars will receive a private tour of the factory, given by Mr Wonka himself. For young Charlie Bucket, this a dream come true. So when he finds a dollar bill in the street, he can't help but buy two Wonka's Whipple-Scrumptious Fudgemallow Delights--even though his impoverished family could certainly use the extra dollar for food. But as Charlie unwraps the second chocolate bar, he sees the glimmer of gold just under the wrapper. The very next day, Charlie, along with his unworthy fellow winners Mike Teavee, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde and Augustus Gloop, steps through the factory gates to discover whether or not the rumours surrounding the Chocolate Factory and its mysterious owner are true. What they find is that the gossip can't compare to the extraordinary truth, and for Charlie, life will never be the same again. Review: I may not get out much but I haven't been living under a rock so I knew this story pretty well already. I've seen both the movie versions and always enjoyed them but .. funnily enough .. after reading it I saw the (original) movie again and had to agree with Roald .. it was pretty poor. I hated the songs for instance because the songs in the book are excellent. Also, there was something lacking about the chocolate factory .. the river looked like mud and not chocolate and the sweets didn't convince. Now they always had before so I'm guessing they just didn't live up to Roald's descriptions which were absolutely magical. I loved the Bucket's as well and had the Tim Burton movie version in mind for the characters because .. apart from Willy Wonka ... I thought they were all perfect. Roald wanted Peter Sellers or Spike Milligan in the part so I envisaged a sort of hybrid between them. Loved the rhyme about throwing away your TV set and putting a bookshelf up .. though couldn't quite bring myself to do it. I have far more bookshelves than TV sets though so feel I'm at least erring on the right side. 4/5 The Twits - Roald Dahl Synopsis: The Twits are a couple that nobody would like to know. They are hairy, dirty, smelly and generally unpleasant. Roald Dahl's characters are possibly the most horrid people you will ever read about. Mr and Mrs Twit spend their days inventing new ways to be be nasty to each other. Each time Mrs Twit does something bad to Mr Twit, he just invents something worse to do to her. The Twits are not only unpleasant towards each other but they also hate animals. It is because of the Twits' attitude towards animals that we see their really awful side: Mr Twit keeps a family of monkeys that have to spend their days upside down and Mrs Twit likes to make pies with freshly caught birds. Review: Well I did laugh They get their come-uppance of course but it was fun seeing what lengths they would go to to wreak revenge on each other. Their treatment of animals wasn't funny but luckily animals are smart .. and Mr and Mrs Twit aren't (I'm not blowing my own trumpet or anything but I think I would know if someone served me a plate of worms instead of spaghetti .. just saying ) I imagine children love reading about these pair of odious idiots .. I know I did. 4/5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppyshake Posted May 25, 2013 Author Share Posted May 25, 2013 (edited) Danny the Champion of the World - Roald Dahl Synopsis: My father, without the slightest doubt, was the most marvellous and exciting father any boy ever had". Danny feels very lucky. He adores his life with his father, living in a gypsy caravan, listening to his stories, tending their gas station, puttering around the workshop, and occasionally taking off to fly home-built gas balloons and kites. His father has raised him on his own, ever since Danny's mother died when he was four months old. Life is peaceful and wonderful ... until he turns 9 and discovers his father's one vice. Soon Danny finds himself the mastermind behind the most incredible plot ever attempted against nasty Victor Hazell, a wealthy landowner with a bad attitude. Can they pull it off? If so, Danny will truly be the champion of the world. Review: I did enjoy this but not as much as the others. I'm not sure why exactly .. except perhaps it's more of a boy's tale. I liked the relationship between Danny and his dad and loved all the stuff about their life in the gypsy caravan but didn't really get on with the bits about 'father's one vice' (which I feel I'd better not reveal here although .. suffice to say ... it wasn't drink or women ) I got a little bit bored then .. and was also trying to rationalise it which is hardly the point of a Dahl story. 3/5 Esio Trot - Roald Dahl Synopsis: In this delightful story Roald Dahl gives us a very unhero-like hero; he his an average man who has to use his intelligence to get what he wants. Readers will laugh out loud when they realize what Mr. Hopper is up to, and they will be interested to find out if his rather devious scheme is going to work out. Review: This is a sweet book although I did worry about Mr Hopper's future happiness with Mrs Silver because it was all based on porky pies. However, it was his sheer love for her that made him tell fibs in the first place .. he just wanted to make her happy and she had said that she would be his slave if he could just manage this one thing (which I'm not telling you about .. that would ruin it ) so he couldn't help himself really. At times I was too adult about it because I was thinking practically again and worrying that his plan could never work (the smell for a start would be horrendous ) but on the whole it was very engaging and sweet. I wondered for years about the title .. I could kick myself now. 4/5 Matilda - Roald Dahl Synopsis: Matilda is brilliant. Sensitive and brilliant, but Mr and Mrs Wormwood treat her as a scab, not a daughter - a scab to be endured until the time comes to flick her away to the next county, or preferably farther. Even before she is five years old, Matilda has ready Dickens and Hemingway, Kipling and Steinbeck, and still her parents things her just a nuisance. So she decides to get her own back. Matilda's car salesman father, in his loud checked suit, and her platinum-haired mother are no match for her sharp genius. And when she is attacked by Miss Trunchbull, the headmistress who could teach Wackford Squeers a thing or two about punishment, the child prodigy discovers she has an extraordinary psychic power that can save her school and especially her lovely teacher, Miss Honey. Review: This was my favourite .. so far anyway. I loved Matilda .. she is the perfect heroine. I wish I could say that I had read Dickens and Hemingway when I was four (I can just about get away with saying it now ) but heroines have to be extraordinary and anyway she isn't in the least boastful or precocious about it, she just loves to read. Her mum and dad are awful .. nightmare parents who don't care three straws for her and who fail to see that she is uniquely gifted (and reading is not her only talent .. she can do magic as well .. oh yes!!) Her teacher, the lovely Miss Honey, recognises her genius but alas .. her headmistress .. the fearsome Miss Trunchbull (great evil character .. tossing children over hedges by their pigtails) cannot abide children and especially loathes Matilda. Lovely, lovely story that would encourage any child to get reading .. maybe I would have strayed further than Enid if I had read it. I saw the film again shortly after reading it. I like it a lot even though it doesn't stick strictly to the book. 5/5 Edited June 7, 2013 by poppyshake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppyshake Posted May 25, 2013 Author Share Posted May 25, 2013 The Boy in a Dress - David Walliams Synopsis: This book is all about a boy named Dennis. He lives in a boring street in a boring town, and he doesn't have much to look forward to. But what he does have is dreams - and once he starts to follow them, things will never be the same again. Review: This read like a more up-to-date version of one of Roald's books and as such it was a little broader and ruder. Dennis doesn't like reading football mags or comics .. he likes reading Vogue and he especially likes looking at the fashion. This is not something to be broadcast at home where he lives with his dad and brother (his mum having left several years before) .. but when Lisa (a sort of it-girl) befriends Dennis they bond over their love of fashion mags and it's not long before she's encouraging Dennis to do a bit of dressing up. Like a lot of Roald's books this story is incredibly touching, Dennis has one photo of his mum in a yellow dress and he misses her and that feminine aspect to his life. In a way it reminded me of Billy Elliot although Billy's love was for ballet and not dressing up. I'm not sure what age group it's suitable for .. I think it would depend on the child because there are some references here (to things like porn mags etc) which might lead to awkward questions (luckily I already knew what they were ) It's very funny as you would expect from David Walliams and very entertaining. Quentin Blake does the illustrations and (I should have mentioned this earlier with the Dahl books) they help enormously to bring the story to life. 4/5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willoyd Posted May 25, 2013 Share Posted May 25, 2013 (edited) I'm not sure what age group it's suitable forDavid Walliams is incredibly popular in my year 5 class, generated very much from within the class - we have a fortnightly "What I'm currently reading" session, and it was the rave review from one of the children that got others going - I hadn't read any of his to that point. Gangsta Granny is probably the favourite at present. He appeals across the genders, and has got at least one non-reading boy hooked on books for the first time.Matilda is brilliant....I loved Matilda .. she is the perfect heroine.Matilda ranks amongst my favourite heroines (I don't know why, but I don't really have any heroes), even though I'm actually not a megafan of Roald Dahl. I must reread it again soon. Unusually, both the stage production (which I went to see a few weeks ago with my class) and the film fully lived up to the book, with the respective Matildas both outstanding. Edited May 25, 2013 by willoyd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppyshake Posted May 25, 2013 Author Share Posted May 25, 2013 At last something a bit more grown-up Daughter of Time - Josephine Tey Synopsis: 'The Daughter of Time' is an investigation into the real facts behind the last Plantagenet king, Richard III's reign, and an attempt to right what many believe to be the terrible injustice done to him by the Tudor dynasty. Inspector Alan Grant of Scotland Yard, recuperating from a broken leg, becomes fascinated with a contemporary portrait of Richard that bears no resemblance to the Wicked Uncle of history. Could such a sensitive, noble face actually belong to one of the world's most heinous villains - a venomous hunchback who may have killed his brother's children to make his crown secure? Or could Richard have been the victim, turned into a monster by the the Tudors? Grant determines to find out once and for all, with the help of the British Museum and an American scholar, what kind of man Richard III really was and who killed the Princes in the Tower. Review: Firstly many thanks to Claire for sending this for my birthday Absolutely fascinating stuff. The only thing I could have told you about Richard (other than that he was a hunchback which again is up for debate here) is that he killed the two princes in the tower but this book (albeit fictionally) sets about trying to disprove this theory. It's a project really for Inspector Alan Grant to help him recuperate as he lies in hospital with a broken leg, something to spark his interest. He is given some pictures of historical figures and among them is one of Richard. It's the pic on the book jacket, though I haven't made it large enough for you to really see in much detail (or you too might be thinking .. but he looks so kindly ). What strikes Alan (and he is used to using instinct and judgement in his work) is that Richard doesn't look the murderous sort .. quite the contrary he looks quite sensitive and honorable. Is it possible that Richard is really the victim of some wicked Tudor revenge?. With the help of his various visitors and with all the analytical reasoning of a court of law, Alan sets about unpicking the threads and piecing together the evidence. It is at times quite mind boggling and I had trouble keeping up as my historical knowledge is pretty poor but at the same time it's riveting. I know what I believe now anyway .. with the evidence available any alternative seems ludicrous. Shakespeare has a lot to answer for In case you are wondering .. the title is taken from a Francis Bacon quote 'For truth is rightly named after the daughter of time, and not of authority.' 4/5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Athena Posted May 26, 2013 Share Posted May 26, 2013 Nice to read all your reviews, poppyshake! Especially the Roald Dahl ones, since I recently bought those books. I love Matilda too, she's such a great character. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chesilbeach Posted May 26, 2013 Share Posted May 26, 2013 I haven't read the Dahl books in a long time, in fact, that last time was when we went on holiday and the cottage we stayed in had a huge bookcase for visitors to borrow books from, but most were crime novels which I wasn't interested in, but there was a shelf of Dahl, both children's and adult books, and I spent the week reading my way through a good few of the children's books. I think Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is still my favourite, but I haven't read them all, so maybe I ought to follow yours and Janet's example and try them all this time. I think we've got virtually all of them on the bookshelves anyway, so it's just a case of finding them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kidsmum Posted May 26, 2013 Share Posted May 26, 2013 Although everyone has their favourites i can't think of one Dahl book that i've read & haven't enjoyed, there's not many authors that you can say that about Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willoyd Posted May 26, 2013 Share Posted May 26, 2013 The only thing I could have told you about Richard (other than that he was a hunchback which again is up for debate here)IIRC, the skeleton recently found that has been shown to be Richard III does have a severe curvature of the spine, which is likely to have led to one shoulder being held higher than the other (scoliosis). There was no withered arm though (which is the other Shakespearean feature attributed to him). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppyshake Posted May 26, 2013 Author Share Posted May 26, 2013 David Walliams is incredibly popular in my year 5 class, generated very much from within the class - we have a fortnightly "What I'm currently reading" session, and it was the rave review from one of the children that got others going - I hadn't read any of his to that point. Gangsta Granny is probably the favourite at present. He appeals across the genders, and has got at least one non-reading boy hooked on books for the first time.Matilda ranks amongst my favourite heroines (I don't know why, but I don't really have any heroes), even though I'm actually not a megafan of Roald Dahl. I must reread it again soon. Unusually, both the stage production (which I went to see a few weeks ago with my class) and the film fully lived up to the book, with the respective Matildas both outstanding. My nephews and nieces are really into his books too .. any new books of his are always on their Christmas lists. It's great to hear that they're getting children reading and helping to fire their imaginations .. we need more of that. I do intend to read his others when time and money allow. I've heard nothing but great things about the stage production of Matilda .. it's won all sorts of awards hasn't it?. I'd love to get around to seeing it one day (oh .. why can't I be in your class Willoyd ) Nice to read all your reviews, poppyshake! Especially the Roald Dahl ones, since I recently bought those books. I love Matilda too, she's such a great character. Thanks Athena Hope you enjoy reading your way through the books. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppyshake Posted May 26, 2013 Author Share Posted May 26, 2013 I haven't read the Dahl books in a long time, in fact, that last time was when we went on holiday and the cottage we stayed in had a huge bookcase for visitors to borrow books from, but most were crime novels which I wasn't interested in, but there was a shelf of Dahl, both children's and adult books, and I spent the week reading my way through a good few of the children's books. I think Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is still my favourite, but I haven't read them all, so maybe I ought to follow yours and Janet's example and try them all this time. I think we've got virtually all of them on the bookshelves anyway, so it's just a case of finding them! Now that sounds like a great holiday bookshelf Actually they're ideal for reading on holiday because they take no time at all to get into (hardly any preamble you're just thrown straight into the action) and they're funny so they keep you cheerful (which you might need when it's blowing a gale and raining cats and dogs ). I've had mine sitting here for a while too .. I just never seemed to get around to them but once I started I couldn't stop. I didn't sleep well last night so I picked up Fantastic Mr Fox and before I knew where I was I was halfway through. Great fun but also quite relaxing .. I dozed off happily then thinking about Mr Fox outsmarting those dozy farmers Although everyone has their favourites i can't think of one Dahl book that i've read & haven't enjoyed, there's not many authors that you can say that about Exactly, I thought I might get bored after a while but I'm actually eager to keep going Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppyshake Posted May 26, 2013 Author Share Posted May 26, 2013 IIRC, the skeleton recently found that has been shown to be Richard III does have a severe curvature of the spine, which is likely to have led to one shoulder being held higher than the other (scoliosis). There was no withered arm though (which is the other Shakespearean feature attributed to him). Ah was that the body in the car park thing? I know there was a programme about it which I wanted to watch but then didn't because I was under par. That's interesting then ... this book only refers to his various portraits but then it does also say that court painters were terrible flatterers .. although I expect they had very good reason to be Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppyshake Posted May 26, 2013 Author Share Posted May 26, 2013 My Animals and Other Family - Clare Balding Synopsis: 'I had spent most of my childhood thinking I was a dog, and suspect I had aged in dog years. By the time I was ten I had discovered the pain of unbearable loss. I had felt joy and jealousy. Most important of all, I knew how to love and how to let myself be loved. All these things I learnt through animals. Horses and dogs were my family and my friends. This is their story as much as it is mine.' Clare Balding grew up in a rather unusual household. Her father was a champion trainer, she shared her life with more than 100 thoroughbred racehorses, mares, foals and ponies, as well as an ever-present pack of boxers and lurchers. As a toddler she would happily ride the legendary Mill Reef and take breakfast with the Queen. Review: I loved this, it was one of the books I read .. or rather listened to .. when I was ill. My mum had recommended it to me last year but I didn't think it was up my alley. I'm not a big fan of horses or dogs for that matter .. I like them of course .. at a distance! (I got on a horse once .. which was enough for both of us ) and this book is as much about Clare's pets (can you call a horse a pet? .. probably not) as it is about Clare. She writes brilliantly though and is excellent at describing the sights and smells of childhood (obviously .. hers centred around horse manure a lot) so within minutes I was there experiencing it all alongside her (but keeping my distance from the hooves ). Clare narrates the story herself beautifully but as soon as I was up and about I sneaked a look in the book at Waterstone's because I wanted to see the pics so much. She was a bit of a minx and quite headstrong when she was little and so the book is full of her exploits. She managed to pitch a sausage at the Queen over the breakfast table .. not many of us can say that. But there are tough times too at boarding school where she struggles to fit in. The book has remained constantly on the bestsellers list .. deservedly so in my opinion. Hope she writes more. 4/5 Is It Just Me - Miranda Hart Synopsis: In her brilliantly funny book, TV's Miranda muses on some of the most challenging, baffling and 'hideola' aspects of life... all the anecdotes are told in her unique style, with regular interjections from her 18-year-old self. Such fun! Review: This is another book downloaded for me to listen to when unwell and, unlike Clare's book, I was pretty confident that it would be right up my street because I love Miranda. How wrong can you be? Again Miranda narrates it herself but it was all a bit too irritating .. especially her 18 year old self .. I wanted to strangle her (and this was when I hardly had the strength to lift a cup! ) plus it felt very sit-commy .. very much like her sitcom in fact and there's only so many times you can bang that particular gong without it becoming stale. Miranda has spoken in the past about her shy, teenage self so why she should write her as an incredibly annoying, silly, twit I don't know. I didn't find it brilliantly funny, I found it mildly funny in parts and downright excruciating in others. I wasn't particularly in a good headspace it has to be said but I listened to a bit of it again the other day and was just as irritated. Unlike Clare's book I didn't learn anything about Miranda that I couldn't have gleaned from the sit-com. It all felt too contrived and silly. 2/5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppyshake Posted May 26, 2013 Author Share Posted May 26, 2013 The Hobbit - J.R.R. Tolkien Synopsis: The Hobbit is a tale of high adventure, undertaken by a company of dwarves in search of dragon-guarded gold. A reluctant partner in this perilous quest is Bilbo Baggins, a comfort-loving unambitious hobbit, who surprises even himself by his resourcefulness and skill as a burglar. Encounters with trolls, goblins, dwarves, elves and giant spiders, conversations with the dragon, Smaug, and a rather unwilling presence at the Battle of Five Armies are just some of the adventures that befall Bilbo. Review: This was a re-read (or rather a re-listen) for me and it was just as magical and entertaining as I remembered. I guess seeing the movie sparked my interest again, I wanted in particular to sort out which scenes actually came from the book and which were invented (or taken from Tolkien's other works .. I would never go so far as to intimate that Peter Jackson would make Hobbit stuff up ) obviously we've only got one third of the way through the movies but still there were bits I couldn't recall from the book (like Radagast for instance) and I just wanted to check that my memory was still up to snuff because .. with bits falling off all over the place .. I don't want to add senility to my list of woes Hurrah, what a relief .. it turns out he wasn't in the book (though I did like his scenes so I'm far from criticizing). I was right in thinking the troll scene played out differently too. Anyway, who couldn't love Bilbo? He's absolutely adorable. I think I love him most of all for being the most unlikely hero ever .. he'd far rather be sitting in his Bag End armchair eating crumpets than chasing around the countryside with a group of vengeful dwarves. Having re-acquainted myself with the story I'm now fretting over what will make the next two movies and what will be cut. At the end of the first movie they gave us a bit of a glimpse of old Smaug and I cannot tell you how much I'm looking forward to seeing him brought to life .. I wonder who will be voicing him? Actually I have just looked it up and am now beyond excited. It's only Benedict Cumberbatch It's a brilliant story, I did have it read to me as a child but I'm ashamed to say I only understood bits of it and didn't fully appreciate it until adulthood. I might have mentally switched off though because it was a story about boys with swords and I was much more interested in how the twins were getting on at St Clares The songs were a bit of a nightmare too .. still are if I'm honest. 4/5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppyshake Posted May 26, 2013 Author Share Posted May 26, 2013 Moranthology - Caitlin Moran Synopsis: In MORANTHOLOGY Caitlin 'gets quite chatty' about many subjects, including cultural, social and political issues which are usually left to hot-shot wonks and not a woman who sometimes keeps a falafel in her handbag. These other subjects include... Caffeine | Ghostbusters | Being Poor | Twitter | Caravans | Obama | Wales | Paul McCartney | The Welfare State | Sherlock | David Cameron Looking Like Ham | Amy Winehouse | 'The Big Society' | Big Hair | Nutter-letters | Michael Jackson's funeral | Failed Nicknames | Wolverhampton | Squirrels' Testicles | Sexy Tax | Binge-drinking | Chivalry | Rihanna's Cardigan | Party Bags | Hot People| Transsexuals | The Gay Moon Landings. Review: I liked this almost as much as How to Be a Woman however, as it's a collection of her Times columns, the subject matter varies and as such it's more disjointed. Also I had actually read about some of it in HTBAW (her night out with Lady Ga-Ga for instance) so that was a disappointment. Again I listened rather than read and again the author narrated. I wasn't sure at first, she has an unusual way of emphasising words which I found off putting but by the end I had tuned into it and found it added to the humour (which I think .. at least I hope .. she intended). Like How to be a Woman, I didn't find all of her views funny or agreeable but still I found plenty to laugh at. It's probably a book to read rather than listen to because it's a perfect 'dipping into' type book which is not so easy to do when you're listening. You have to like Caitlin's humour though or it all falls flat and she is rather fond of rattling on about feminism etc so if her views don't fall into line with your own you might get irritated. I didn't (which is amazing in itself because I can do 0 to irritated in under 60 secs ) but then given how much she jokes around it's hard to take her entirely seriously. 4/5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppyshake Posted May 26, 2013 Author Share Posted May 26, 2013 Franny and Zooey - J.D. Salinger Synopsis: Franny Glass is a pretty, effervescent college student on a date with her intellectually confident boyfriend, Lane. They appear to be the perfect couple, but as they struggle to communicate with each other about the things they really care about, slowly their true feelings come to the surface. The second story in this book, 'Zooey', plunges us into the world of her ethereal, sophisticated family. When Franny's emotional and spiritual doubts reach new heights, her older brother Zooey, a misanthropic former child genius, offers her consolation and brotherly advice. Review: Oh man! This is as near as I've come to giving up on a book this year. It may just be that my head is not yet ready for such a wordy tale. I liked Catcher in the Rye so was hoping for something similar and it could be said that it is, there's a similar claustrophobic feel (and liberal use of the word phony ) but it just didn't seem to develop into anything that held my interest. I enjoyed the beginning (the part of the book entitled 'Franny') and felt it was just getting interesting but then the second part (which was much longer) 'Zooey' was just page after page of dialogue and spiritual philosophising. There were occasional light and witty moments but they were too fleeting. It was quite depressing actually not to mention exhausting. I didn't know anybody could think that much without their head exploding During 'Zooey' Franny lay on the sofa the entire time with her head buried and I felt like doing the same. I think the characters were searching for light at the end of the tunnel and I'm pretty sure they found it but I didn't. I feel I've been punished because, as you may remember, I bought this book solely because it had a purple spine (and it turned out to be blue anyway so disappointing from the off) but then it has a great reputation and is on the 1001 (well .. that's some comfort I suppose .. I can draw a line through it) .. sadly I think its greatness was wasted on me. 2/5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chaliepud Posted May 26, 2013 Share Posted May 26, 2013 Great review of My Animals and Other Family poppy, I bought it a few weeks ago and must get around to it soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Athena Posted May 27, 2013 Share Posted May 27, 2013 Nice reviews! Seems we both liked The Hobbit . Have you read the Lord of the Rings series? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppyshake Posted May 28, 2013 Author Share Posted May 28, 2013 The Misremembered Man - Christina McKenna Synopsis: It's the summer of 1974 and Jamie McCloone, a County Derry farmer, is looking for a wife. Poor Jamie, he knows so little about the fairer sex. But help is on hand, His amiable neighbour, Rose, has spotted a Lonely Hearts advert in the local paper and urges him to respond to it. The result is a meeting of absolute opposites. Farmer Jamie with his cavalier attitude to personal hygiene and Lydia Devine, rectors daughter and prim schoolteacher, for whom everything must be folded neatly and laid in its proper place - including her ideal spouse. Review: I enjoyed this one a lot. The characters are great, very real and within no time at all you find yourself emotionally involved. It's full of Irish humour which stops it from being the sad and depressing book it might be otherwise. It's still very moving though .. I cannot tell you how much I longed for Jamie to find happiness and how much his efforts to impress (which, God bless him, included a wig and a totally invented 'books read' list of two) pained me. He has a very, very, sad back-story which unravels as the story plays out. It will almost break your heart. The only thing I wasn't that happy with was the conclusion which was perfect in lots of ways but needed more detail .. or maybe that's just me wanting to have cake and eat it. Anyway, anyone who loved The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, Mr Rosenblum's List or The Thoughts and Happenings of Wilfred Price will like this .. I think 4/5 My copy would be only too happy to wing its way around the country if anyone fancies reading it. For one thing, it's too large for the shelves (d*mn those large paperbacks!!) so will only sit on the side admonishing me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppyshake Posted May 28, 2013 Author Share Posted May 28, 2013 Great review of My Animals and Other Family poppy, I bought it a few weeks ago and must get around to it soon. Oh I hope you enjoy it .. I'm sure you will chalie Nice reviews! Seems we both liked The Hobbit . Have you read the Lord of the Rings series? Thanks Athena. Yes, I've read The Lord of the Rings and also have them on unabridged audio so might dig them out again soon and have a re-listen. Loved them but again, the songs were a bit wearisome and also they're darker and a little bit more wordy. I'm not sorry that they left Tom Bombadil out of the films because .. nice as he was .. he did get on my pip a bit with the singing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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