Weave

The Asylum by Johan Theorin ~ Started: 08.05.14 ~ Finished: 09.05.14 Title of Book: The Asylum Name of Author: Johan Theorin Edition: Kindle ASIN: B00A684RW8 Number of Pages: 415 pages Synopsis ~ A chilling Swedish psychological crime novel set between a nursery and a mental asylum, full of sinister intentions, hidden identities and dangerous secrets. What I thought of 'The Asylum' ~ The Asylum was a good read, so good in fact, I couldn't put it down, the story pulls you in and you have to know how to ends. The story is about loneliness and isolation and consequences which is shown in different aspects throughout the story. The isolation of Jan, the main character is shown well as he tries to recapture something that he lost and his actions to pay back his debt. As for the ending? I didn't love it or hate it, I expected it and there is slight potential for a sequel but it would have to be as well done as this book was to work. Will definitely read more by this author. Rating: 4/5

The Girl Who Saved The King of Sweden by Jonas Jonasson ~ Started: 03.05.14 ~ Finished: 08.05.14 Title of Book: The Girl Who Saved The King of Sweden Name of Author: Jonas Jonasson Edition: Kindle ASIN: B00GFD6X2A Number of Pages: 433 pages Synopsis ~ As delightfully wry and witty as his bestselling debut, ‘The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared’, this is a tale of how one woman’s attempt to change her future ended up changing everything. Nombeko Mayeki is on the run from the world’s most ruthless secret service – with three Chinese sisters, twins who are officially one person and an elderly potato farmer. Oh, and the fate of the King of Sweden – and the world – rests on her shoulders. Born in a Soweto shack in 1961, Nombeko was destined for a short, hard life. When she was run over by a drunken engineer her luck changed. Alive, but blamed for the accident, she was made to work for the engineer – who happened to be in charge of a project vital to South Africa’s security. Nombeko was good at cleaning, but brilliant at understanding numbers. The drunk engineer wasn’t – and made a big mistake. And now only Nombeko knows about it … As uproariously funny as Jonas Jonasson’s bestselling debut, this is an entrancing tale of luck, love and international relations. What I thought of 'The Girl Who Saved The King of Sweden' ~ I began reading 'The Girl who saved the King of Sweden' with trepidation because I enjoyed Jonas Jonasson's debut 'The 100 year old man who climbed out the window and disappeared' so much and it's now one of my favourite books, but I am happy to say both books have their strengths but of the two, 'The 100 year old man who climb out the window and disappeared' is my favourite. I found 'The Girl who saved the King of Sweden' very funny with eclectic characters who are all interesting and realistic, I especially like the story of the Holgers and the plight of their royal family hating father, Ingmar and their despairing mother, Henrietta who is very patient with her husband. Nombeko is a wonderful character, she's intelligent, funny and is one step ahead of everyone which helps her as she grows up, working in the public toilets of Soweto to cleaning for a deceitful nuclear engineer who not only knocked Nomeko down with his car but due to the situation in South Africa at the time, manages to blame Nomeko for the accident. Jonas Jonasson writes characters well and that's why his books are a joy to read, his satirical approach to politics are great to read. The only downside I found was how long Nomeko put up with the engineer but as you read you realise why and understand. I look forward to reading his next book. Rating: 5/5

Knowing my brother ~ I will be investing in the box set (same with Game of Thrones)

Thanks bobblybear & Athena

It looks fab, I don't have sky Atlantic so my brother is taping it for me.

Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis ~ Started: 02.05.14 ~ Finished: 03.05.14 Title of Book: Not a Drop to Drink Name of Author: Mindy McGinnis Edition: Kindle ASIN: B00BATIJYE Number of Pages: 320 pages Synopsis ~ Regret was for people with nothing to defend, people who had no water. Lynn knows every threat to her pond: drought, a snowless winter, coyotes, and, most importantly, people looking for a drink. She makes sure anyone who comes near the pond leaves thirsty, or doesn't leave at all. Confident in her own abilities, Lynn has no use for the world beyond the nearby fields and forest. Having a life means dedicating it to survival, and the constant work of gathering wood and water. Having a pond requires the fortitude to protect it, something Mother taught her well during their quiet hours on the rooftop, rifles in hand. But wisps of smoke on the horizon mean one thing: strangers. The mysterious footprints by the pond, nighttime threats, and gunshots make it all too clear Lynn has exactly what they want, and they won’t stop until they get it…. With evocative, spare language and incredible drama, danger, and romance, debut author Mindy McGinnis depicts one girl’s journey in a barren world not so different than our own. What I thought of 'Not a Drop to Drink' ~ 'Not a Drop to Drink' is the story of Lynn and her Mother who live alone and survive as they protect their only source of water – their pond, they have killed to protect it and will kill again if necessary. Lynn has never been to the city and has no inclination to do so but everything changes for Lynn after a coyote attack and then strangers appear. I was pleasantly surprised with 'Not a Drop to Drink', the story was well written and it kept me interested to the very end. Lynn is a strong character, who at the start of the book I did not like but as the story progressed, I understood Lynn better, I know the feeling of putting your guard up to protect yourself. It's the arrival of Eli that changes Lynn, she begins to see people as people who need help and are not enemies, she learns to trust. I loved how vivid the story was, you could see the pond, the farmhouse. The story at times is brutal which makes it more realistic, you never know what would you do if ever found yourself without water and no sign of more. What I liked most about the book is how strong Lynn is, she does not need rescued, she makes her own decisions and protects the people she has grown to love. The only flaw for me was the bad guys, you did not learn much about them. A well written debut and I am looking forward to the sequel 'In a Handful of Dust' which is due for release 23rd April 2014. Rating: 4/5

Thanks Bobblybear for your insights

The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson ~ Started: 24.04.14 ~ Finished: 02.05.14 Title of Book: The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared Name of Author: Jonas Jonasson Edition: Kindle ASIN: B008D30K7E Number of Pages: 396 pages Synopsis ~ It all starts on the one-hundredth birthday of Allan Karlsson. Sitting quietly in his room in an old people’s home, he is waiting for the party he-never-wanted-anyway to begin. The Mayor is going to be there. The press is going to be there. But, as it turns out, Allan is not… Slowly but surely Allan climbs out of his bedroom window, into the flowerbed (in his slippers) and makes his getaway. And so begins his picaresque and unlikely journey involving criminals, several murders, a suitcase full of cash, and incompetent police. As his escapades unfold, we learn something of Allan’s earlier life in which – remarkably – he helped to make the atom bomb, became friends with American presidents, Russian tyrants, and Chinese leaders, and was a participant behind the scenes in many key events of the twentieth century. Already a huge bestseller across Europe, The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared is a fun and feel-good book for all ages. What I thought of 'The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared' ~ This is my second time I have read 'The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared' and nothing has changed for me, the book is still as good as it was the first time I read it. Allan Karlsson is one of my favourite characters from literature, they do not make them like Allan. This is my original review from September 2012: It is very rare for me to find the perfect book and I found it with ‘The 100 year old man who climbed out the window and disappeared’. The story of Allan Karlsson is not only extraordinary but believable, a man born for adventure, a man who has no interest in politics and accepts everything in his life with a smile (it’s not often that Allan loses his temper) and takes pleasure in the simplest of things. Allan’s story begins on the day of his 100th birthday when he decides to leave his room at the nursing home where he lives before his party begins (which he did not want in the first place), Karl climbs out the window and finds himself at the bus station where his adventure begins with the decision to take a silver suitcase. As I said before, this book is perfect, Allan is an amazing character, I loved his outlook on life and despite the amount of famous people he meets, befriends, it does not change him. Allan’s quiet acceptance is brilliant to read, he is just so likeable. Allan makes friends as his adventures progresses, who were also great to read. The story is gorgeous, different and endearing, I did not want to leave Allan. Rating: 5/5

The Faults In Our Stars by John Green ~ Started: 22.04.14 ~ Finished: 24.04.14 Title of Book: The Faults In Our Stars Name of Author: John Green Edition: Kindle ASIN: B007Z8ZKS2 Number of Pages: 337 pages Synopsis ~ Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten. Insightful, bold, irreverent, and raw, The Fault in Our Stars is award-winning author John Green's most ambitious and heartbreaking work yet, brilliantly exploring the funny, thrilling, and tragic business of being alive and in love. What I thought of 'The Faults In Our Stars' ~ I had 'The Faults In Our Stars' on my kindle for awhile before I got around to reading it and having only read one review about it, I had some trepidation about reading it but I am glad I did. 'The Faults In Our Stars' is the story of Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters, Hazel has terminal thyroid cancer and Augustus is in remission from osteosarcoma. Hazel is not looking for a relationship, she is more concerned about the effect her death will have on her parents. Augustus wants to live life to the full and he is taking Hazel with him, slowly they begin to fall in love. 'The Faults In Our Stars' is heartbreaking, brave and as stupid as it sounds, hopeful. I love Hazel and Augustus, they are brilliant, memorable and strong characters who are both facing the unknown while trying to live as best as they can. I am not the most emotional person in the world but for most of the book I cried, I cried for Augustus, I cried for Hazel and I cried for my loss too. A book that will always stay with me, which I will read again and I am definitely going to be reading more books by John Green. Rating: 5/5

IT by Stephen King ~ Started: 06.04.14 ~ Finished: 17.04.14 Title of Book: IT Name of Author: Stephen King Edition: Kindle ASIN: B003BKZW7C Number of Pages: 1396 pages Synopsis ~ It is the children who see - and feel - what makes the town so horribly different. In the storm drains and sewers "It" lurks, taking the shape of every nightmare, each one's deepest dread. As the children grow up and move away, the horror of "It" is buried deep - until they are called back. What I thought of 'IT'~ 'IT' is definitely one of my favourite books by Stephen King and I have read it a few times now and for me it never gets boring. The book is much more than horror, its the story of friendship, loyalty, family, facing your fears and keeping a promise. Pennywise the clown (aka Bob Gray and other names) is an icon in a lot of ways, the image of him as you read the book never leaves you, you feel the fear of the characters as they each face their fear as Pennywise tries to stop them from confronting him which the group eventually do twice in their lives. I love the idea of Derry, this small town where so many things happen but are never seen, as the disease of Derry spreads at the hands of Pennywise. The characters are memorable, well written individuals you can identify with, you understand their isolation, their anger towards their bullies and their happiness as they find each other. I know I will read 'IT' again and I enjoyed reading it as much as I did the first time I read it. Rating: 5/5 ****** Pet Sematary by Stephen King ~ Started: 17.04.14 ~ Finished: 22.04.14 Title of Book: Pet Sematary Name of Author: Stephen King Edition: Kindle ASIN: B003BKZW4U Number of Pages: 480 pages Synopsis ~ The house looked right, felt right, to Dr Louis Creed. Rambling, old, unsmart and comfortable. A place where the family could settle; the children grow and play and explore. The rolling hills and meadows of Maine seemed a world away from the fume-choked dangers of Chicago. Only the occasional big truck out on the two-lane highway, grinding up through the gears, hammering down the long gradients, growled out an intrusive threat. But behind the house and far away from the road: that was safe. Just a carefully cleared path up into the woods where generations of local children have processed with the solemn innocence of the young, taking with them their dear departed pets for burial. A sad place maybe, but safe. Surely a safe place. Not a place to seep into your dreams, to wake you, sweating with fear and foreboding… What I thought of 'Pet Sematary' ~ As with most Stephen King titles, I have read them before and this was the case with 'Pet Sematary'. 'Pet Sematary' is a brilliant story about what people will do to have their loved ones back and how, sometimes, dead is better. I always found 'Pet Sematary' more emotional than other Stephen King books, due to the experience of loss in the book and the unfairness of one loss in particular, as horrible as it is, you understand Louis's plight to get back what he has lost. As with other titles by Stephen (another thing I like about him) is how characters from his other titles are mentioned, this time around, Jud tells Louis the story of the Saint Bernard dog that went rapid, also known as 'Cujo'. A book that stays with you. Rating: 5/5

Quantum Leap ~ awful ending, the show deserved better.

Underworld

1. My Neighbour Totoro 2. The Cat Returns 3. Spirited Away 4. Minority Report 5. The Princess Bride 6. Eagle vs Shark 7. Mary and Max 8. Jaws 9. Brazil 10. Dawn of the Dead (1978)

The Human Centipede ~ mostly because it was on my mind for weeks and I didn't see the end because I switched channels.

1. Supernatural 2. The Walking Dead 3. Sleepy Hollow 4. Adventure Time 5. Regular Show 6. The Big Bang Theory 7. Orphan Black 8. In the Flesh 9. The Simpsons 10. Futurama

I'm so sorry Virginia, what tragic news, thinking of you all x

Thanks Athena & Pontalba

The Day of The Triffids by John Wyndham ~ Started: 01.04.14 ~ Finished: 06.04.14 Title of Book: The Day of The Triffids Name of Author: John Wyndham Edition: Kindle ASIN: B002RI9YOG Number of Pages: 256 pages Synopsis ~ When Bill Masen wakes up blindfolded in hospital there is a bitter irony in his situation. Carefully removing his bandages, he realizes that he is the only person who can see: everyone else, doctors and patients alike, have been blinded by a meteor shower. Now, with civilization in chaos, the triffids - huge, venomous, large-rooted plants able to 'walk', feeding on human flesh - can have their day. What I thought of 'The Day of The Triffids' ~ This is my second reading of 'The Day of The Triffids', I enjoyed it this time as much as I did the first time I read it. The story is original and a classic, with some of the themes being very relevant today. The characters are well written and I found Bill to be a interesting character. I find the Triffids very creepy and there are genuine moments in the book when you feel the tension, especially at the start when the Triffids use the opportunity to slay as many people as they can because they are blind. By the end of the book the Triffids are in charge but there is hope for the future of humans too. Rating: 4/5

The Chrysalids by John Wyndham ~ Started: 31.03.14 ~ Finished: 01.04.14 Title of Book: The Chrysalids Name of Author: John Wyndham Edition: Kindle ASIN: B002RI9VGM Number of Pages: 212 pages Synopsis ~ First published in 1955,The Chrysalids is a post-nuclear story of genetic mutation in a devastated world, which tells of the lengths the intolerant will go to to keep themselves pure. David Strorm's father doesn't approve of Angus Morton's unusually large horses, calling them blasphemies against nature. Little does he realize that his own son, his niece Rosalind and their friends, have their own secret aberration which would label them as mutants. But as David and Rosalind grow older it becomes more difficult to conceal their differences from the village elders. Soon they face a choice: wait for eventual discovery or flee to the terrifying and mutable Badlands ... What I thought of 'The Chrysalids' ~ 'The Chrysalids' is one of my favourite books by John Wyndham. I love the story of David Strorm who lives in Labrador (a region in Canada) where people has historical remnants of 'The Old People' who died due to 'The Great Tribulation', 'The Old People' were a technological advanced society, as opposed to David's people who live off the land and live very religiously, anything or anyone who seen as difference are not allowed, one example being the appearance of a cat without a tail, this was seen as sinful and the animal destroyed. At the beginning of the book, David meets Sophie, a girl who lives in isolation with her parents because she has six toes, a secret she must keep and has to stay away from other children. Unfortunately Sophie's secret is revealed so she and family have to leave. The years past and as David becomes older, he is hiding a secret, he talks telepathically to others, a group of children including his half cousin, Rosalind who also hide their gift. David hides his secret with the help of his Uncle Axel, who makes David promise never to tell anyone of his gift. David keeps his promise until his life changes with the arrival of his baby sister, Petra, who has a gift like David and the others but it's stronger and soon attracts attention. David goes on the run with Petra and Rosalind while Petra communicates with a woman, a woman from a new world, a world that David has dreamed of. I read 'The Chrysalids' before in paperback (which I bought because I wanted to read the book and I liked the cover). I like the story of David, a normal boy with a power who lives in a world where if it was known, he would be hated and killed. David's strong sense of responsibility plays a big part in the story as he strives to keep Petra and Rosalind safe. A definite classic. Rating: 5/5

The Golem And The Djinni by Helen Wecker ~ Started: 20.03.14 ~ Finished: 31.03.14 Title of Book: The Golem And The Djinni Name of Author: Helen Wecker Edition: Kindle ASIN: B009QU9Z60 Number of Pages: 819 pages Synopsis ~ New York, 1899. Two strangers, one destiny. Chava is a golem, a creature made of clay, brought to life by a disgraced rabbi who dabbles in dark Kabbalistic magic. When her master, the husband who commissioned her, dies at sea on the voyage from Poland, she is unmoored and adrift as the ship arrives in New York in 1899. Ahmad is a djinni, a being of fire, born in the ancient Syrian desert. Trapped in an old copper flask by a Bedouin wizard centuries ago, he is released accidentally by a tinsmith in a Lower Manhattan shop. Though he is no longer imprisoned, Ahmad is not entirely free – an unbreakable band of iron binds him to the physical world. The Golem & The Djinni is their magical, unforgettable story; unlikely friends whose tenuous attachment challenges their opposing natures – until the night a terrifying incident drives them back into their separate worlds. But a powerful threat will soon bring Chava and Ahmad together again, challenging their existence and forcing them to make a fateful choice. What I thought of 'The Golem and the Djinni' ~ I enjoyed 'The Golem and the Djinni' from start to finish. The story of Chava (The Golem) and Ahmad (The Djinni') both different beings who find themselves in strange surroundings, in this case, New York City in 1899. Ahmad is stubborn, struggling with his connection to his old master who he does not remember as Ahmad was a free djinni until he ventured into the human world too closely, the price he paid is a band of iron around his right wrist which can not be removed and the only way to get freedom is by destroying himself. Chava accepts the world around with a quiet diligence, created by a disgraced rabbi and sold to a master who unfortunately dies during the voyage from Poland to America. Chava finds herself alone until she befriends Rabbi Meyer who helps her to deal with her new life as Chava tries to find her own identity. As the story progresses Chava and Ahmad find each other and they begin a friendship and as their story continues they find that they are more connected than they realise. What I love about this story was the vitality of New York shown in the pages, how wonderful written Chava, Ahmad and the other characters are. This story explores so many subjects, magic, spirituality, religion which made interesting reading. A spectacular debut by Helene Wecker and I highly recommend it. Rating: 5/5

Thanks Julie

I hope you and your son both enjoy it Kidsmum, it's a great read.

Chrissy! ~ You are correct! well done

Nope

I can't wait for the next part either