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Deborah

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Posts posted by Deborah

    Choosing children's books...

    in Children's / Young Adult

    Posted

    Delaila, a Kindle is such a great idea for kids, so many children's ebooks are being published at the moment! One thing though, how do you assess the quality of, like you mention, self-published books? I guess reviews should give a good indication.

     

    Michelle, I was always encouraged to choose my own books: I don't remember ever being forbidden any books, or on the contrary, being pushed to read any I didn't enjoy. I definitely think kids should experiment and choose what catches their eye, as opposed to what looks interesting or 'educational' to the parents. Or how will they ever develop their own preferred style?

    J.K. Rowling addresses theory that ‘Harry did actually go mad in the cupboard’

    in Children's / Young Adult

    Posted

    The Harry Potter series was always meant to be for children, that's the audience Rowling wrote it for, and it almost seems like they're trying to for force a more adult theme onto it.

     

    Hayley, I completely agree. This is an over-interpretation of a book originally thought out for children. JK Rowling obviously did not expect to have such a strong adult audience, and I really think she feels obliged to force a more adult 'take' on the whole storyline.

    Favorite Poet?

    in Poetry, Plays & Short Stories

    Posted

    My favourite poet is Giuseppe Ungaretti. This is one of my favourite poems by him:

     

    Soldiers

     

    There we are

    like leaves on

    trees, in Autumn

     

    He wrote that in the trenches during WW1. I think that in those three verses he managed to explain so thoroughly how soldiers feel when in war.

     

    I am entirely with you on this one, I find Ungaretti's poems so powerful.

    Why do you love reading the classics?

    in The Classics

    Posted

    I like the occasional classic, but I couldn't read them exclusively.

     

    I am the same. Perhaps that's why I enjoy them so much.

    Because I only read the odd classic in between other styles, I tend to forget just how effortlessly such good literary works can transport you to those forgotten times...

    Travel topic

    in General Chat

    Posted

    A few months away? Is that possible with your child going to school?

     

    I don't think it is difficult to travel with a young family. Well, it depends on what you really mean by travel, but you can go away with kids, I think.

    India sounds great!

     

    MisteryRose, I was thinking more during the summer holidays, even though friends have recommended to see India during the colder months.

     

    And I agree with you, with lots of planning-ahead, travelling with kids is just as fun! We travelled all around Sicily last summer, when my son was 5, best holiday so far.

     

     

    Deborah

    Travel topic

    in General Chat

    Posted

    Hello Deborah, I am Indian - I currently live in Goa - with a travel-mad partner - so would be happy to answer any of your questions.

     

    About "must-see"s. Hmm. That would depend on you, I think.

     

    There are different kinds of tourists who have different choices of places.

    Taj-Mahal and Kerala - are the most popular destinations. But one is the north, and the other in the south - and there's plenty to explore in between.

    The beaches of Goa is almost like a second-home to plenty of folk from UK and Russia.

    There are those who come on a spiritual quest - for yoga and meditation - they head mainly to Rishikesh which in on the banks of the holy Ganges, and at the foothills of the Himalayas. Higher up the mountains is Dharmsala, where the holy Dalai Lama resides, along with a community of Tibetian refugees.

     

    And there is the state of Rajasthan - ​which spreads over the Thar desert. The sand-dunes, camels, and the vibrant culture of this place, attracts a lots of travellers from Europe - France and Italy mainly - and you'll even find locals speaking fluently!

    Then there are blush-worthy temple carvings of Khajurao - 11th century relics of the Kamasutra in stone.

     

    There's so much more - that it can be quite over-whelming for the first-time traveller!

    Also all is not magical and beautiful, there are plenty of harsh realities - so I would advise you to do plenty of research and come prepared.

     

    You could pick up a copy of Lonely Planet's 'India' - and read through - they have managed to strike a balance between describing the wonders, and the practicalities of travelling to India. You should be able to also pick out places that interest you.

     

    If there's anything you specifically want to know, do ask - I'd be happy to help you. :)

     

     

    Bree, thanks so much for this. After reading your post, I was suddenly inspired and went on a long spontaneous search on the state of Rajasthan :smile:

    I find your country truly fascinating.

     

    I'll take a look at the book you recommended, thanks again!

    The Adventures of Travelling Piglet by L.C. Eliot

    in Children's / Young Adult

    Posted

    Hi All :smile:

    When looking for new material to read – be it for myself or for my children – I have found myself often starting my search here. So today I thought: it’s time for me to contribute!

    I recently bought Book 1 of The Adventures of Travelling Piglet, entitled When All You Know Is Where You’re Going, written by L C Eliot. The title stood out for me, not the usual kiddy’s language, and the book cover looks traditional, almost old-style: I was happy to see something stand out from the usual cartoon-style illustrations children literature seems to have adopted so widely.

    The story itself is absolutely adorable, with a cute little piglet, the main character, setting out to compete in a racing competition, and meeting other friendly characters along his journey. A nice length for children who are confident readers, or helped by parents through some of the more advanced vocabulary; superbly written, an extremely easy read – by which I mean, it is written in such a way that it flows nicely.

    If you have read it too, let me know what you think, I’m interested to know.

    I hope this review is as valuable to you, as yours have been to me.

    Deborah

    Ever mistaken a real word for a typo?

    in General Chat

    Posted · Edited by Deborah

    This always happens to me when I have been reading for too long - be it a book for leasure, or academically, when I was still studying - but strangely enough it is always the same word my brain can't seem to process as spelt correctly...

    Travel topic

    in General Chat

    Posted

    I wish I could travel more, it gets so difficult with a young family!

    My all-time dream is to spend a couple of months in India, it has been a "planning in progress" break for a while now, I am just waiting until my little one (my son is 6) is old enough to enjoy - and remember! - the rides on the elephants :)

     

    Anyone been yet? Anything in particular you would deem as a must-see (except obviously the gorgeous Taj-Mahal and beautiful region of Kerala!) Any Indians who could advise?

     

    Thank you!

    Accents

    in General Chat

    Posted · Edited by Deborah

    I find that if I'm speaking to someone with a definite accent, I end up following on with it - especially with Australian and American accents. Unfortunately, because I do it without realising (often mid-sentence) folks often think I'm taking the mickey till they know me better!

     

    The exact same happens to me all the time!

     

    And yes, Irish accent makes me melt every time, although I love all accents really.

    I wish I had an accent, mine is pretty neutral.

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