bobblybear Posted January 19, 2012 Author Share Posted January 19, 2012 'Tis a good one. It got really good reviews on Amazon, but quite a few 'professional reviews' (ie. in magazines/newspapers, etc), said it fell short of the mark, and was a bit pretentious. I don't know what they're on about; I thought it was a great story. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobblybear Posted January 22, 2012 Author Share Posted January 22, 2012 I finished Killing Floor by Lee Child, and I feel like re-reading some Stephen King. Either Rose Madder or Insomnia. I know those aren't the most popular of his books, but I really like them. I also bought today's Daily Kindle Deal, which is Small Steps by Louis Sachar. This is a semi-sequel to Holes. From what I can tell it follows one of the minor characters from Holes, a few years later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kylie Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Terrible, isn't it?! Oh well, I can think of plenty worse things to be addicted to. That's what I always tell myself when I'm feeling bad about how many books I buy. Ooh, I really wanted to read your Patrick Ness spoiler, but I haven't read the books. I've had them on my wish list for a while, and I'm even more curious about them now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankie Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 (edited) Books Purchased This Year Supersense - Bruce Hood What's Wrong With Eating People - Peter Cave Actually Factually: Mind Blowing Myths, Muddles and Misconceptions - Guy Campbell The Little Friend - Donna Tartt Written In Stone - Brian Switek QI: The Book of General Ignorance - The Noticeably Stouter Edition - John Lloyd and John Mitchinson Broadmoor Revealed: Victorian Crime and the Lunatic Asylum - Mark Stevens Off With Their Heads: All the Cool Bits in British History - Martin Oliver Quantum - Manjit Kumar The Golden Acorn: The Adventures of Jack Brenin - Catherine Cooper The Moonstone - Wilkie Collins Cursed: A Jack Nightingale Short Story - Stephen Leather Fire and Ice (Liam Campbell #1) - Dana Stabenow Compromised - Derek Keyte QI: The Second Book of General Ignorance - John Lloyd and John Mitchinson Small Steps - Louis Sachar January's not over and already you have the most interesting sounding list of Books Purchased! The non-fiction books sound really interesting, in particular. I will definitely have to keep an eye out on your blog for reviews of those books I finished Killing Floor by Lee Child, and I feel like re-reading some Stephen King. Either Rose Madder or Insomnia. I know those aren't the most popular of his books, but I really like them. I really like Rose Madder, too. I really don't even know why. Maybe because there's a likable female character who becomes more empowered, little by little. Happy reading in 2012! Edited January 23, 2012 by frankie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobblybear Posted January 25, 2012 Author Share Posted January 25, 2012 Ooh, I really wanted to read your Patrick Ness spoiler, but I haven't read the books. I've had them on my wish list for a while, and I'm even more curious about them now! Oh no, you mustn't read the spoiler!! That would be like reading the last page of a book before you start it. Unforgivable! I do think it would ruin your enjoyment of the book if you know what the spoiler was. I certainly wouldn't have enjoyed it half as much if I'd known what was going to happen. Sorry, I'm just adding to the mystery even more, aren't I? January's not over and already you have the most interesting sounding list of Books Purchased! The non-fiction books sound really interesting, in particular. I will definitely have to keep an eye out on your blog for reviews of those books I really like Rose Madder, too. I really don't even know why. Maybe because there's a likable female character who becomes more empowered, little by little. Happy reading in 2012! Thanks, but it may take me a while to get through those books I've bought. I mean, I have so many new ones to read, and for some reason I've decided to re-read Rose Madder. No regrets though, because it's such a great book with a likeable main character who goes though some life changing events. I like to read non-fiction, but I find some of it heavy going and quite hard to retain. But a lot of the non-fiction I have bought so far seems to be quite 'trivia' based, which is more up my alley and easier for me to understand. We'll see when I get around to reading it though! Happy reading back to you too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weave Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 Great review of 'Genus' BB, it sounds great Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobblybear Posted January 26, 2012 Author Share Posted January 26, 2012 Thanks, Weave. Today I bought Mirage Men, which was the Kindle Daily Deal, and I borrowed The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. More added to the list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobblybear Posted January 28, 2012 Author Share Posted January 28, 2012 Killing Floor - Lee Child Synopsis from Amazon Killing Floor is the first book in the internationally popular Jack Reacher series. It presents Reacher for the first time, as the tough ex-military cop of no fixed abode: a righter of wrongs, the perfect action hero. Jack Reacher jumps off a bus and walks fourteen miles down a country road into Margrave, Georgia. An arbitrary decision he’s about to regret.Reacher is the only stranger in town on the day they have had their first homicide in thirty years.The cops arrest Reacher and the police chief turns eyewitness to place him at the scene. As nasty secrets leak out, and the body count mounts, one thing is for sure. They picked the wrong guy to take the fall. My Thoughts I've only recently heard about the Jack Reacher series through the uproar of the decision to cast Tom Cruise. I can kind of see their point, now that I know what this character is like. I thought this one was an ok read. If you are looking for a fast-paced, actiony sort of book with a tough male hero lead character, then this will probably be your thing. I can only read these books occasionally, as the cliches and coincidences start to get on my nerves a bit. I think it started off quite well with all the characters being introduced and a bit of mystery about what was going on, but then after a while I find the story gets a bit exhausting, almost like I run out of steam trying to keep up with it, and I just want it to end. I'll read the others in the series, but they won't be at the top of my TBR pile. 6.5/10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobblybear Posted January 29, 2012 Author Share Posted January 29, 2012 Rose Madder - Stephen King Synopsis from Amazon Roused by a single drop of blood, Rosie Daniels wakes up to the chilling realization that her husband is going to kill her. And she takes flight. She begins to build a new life, but her husband is getting closer. My Thoughts This is a re-read of one of the many Stephen King books that I have enjoyed over the years. It's a gripping read, from pretty much the opening page - from when we get to see how Rosie has to suffer - all the way through to the end. I do love the way he tells a story, the details he puts into his characters and their experiences. I loved the premise of a young woman who manages to pull herself out of a terrifying situation, and slowly gathers the confidence and strength to start to build her own life. There's a supernatural element to it (no surprises there), but that's to be expected with King, and it just makes the story all the more interesting. I know quite a few Stephen King fans slate this book, and I'm not sure why. Sometimes you just have to enjoy a book for what it is instead of expecting them all to have a deeper message or something. Sometimes books are just meant to be entertaining! 8/10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abcinthia Posted January 29, 2012 Share Posted January 29, 2012 I agree about Rose Madder. I really enjoy reading it and I can't really understand why some people dislike it so much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobblybear Posted February 4, 2012 Author Share Posted February 4, 2012 The Art of Racing in the Rain - Garth Stein Synopsis from Amazon A heart-warming and inspirational tale in which Enzo, a loyal family dog, tells the story of his human family, how they nearly fell apart, and what he did to bring them back together. Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: he thinks and feels in nearly human ways. He has educated himself by watching extensive television, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. Through Denny, Enzo realizes that racing is a metaphor: that by applying the techniques a driver would apply on the race track, one can successfully navigate the ordeals and travails one encounters in life. Enzo relates the story of his human family, sharing their tragedies and triumphs. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations as a dog, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family. The Art of Racing in the Rain is a testament to a man's life, given by his dog. But it is also a testament to the dog, himself. Though Enzo cannot speak, he understands everything that happens around him as he bears witness to his master's problems. His enforced muteness only refines his listening ability, and allows him to understand many of life's nuances that are lost on most humans. With humour, sharp observation, and a courageous heart, Enzo guides the reader to the bittersweet yet ultimately satisfying conclusion: there are no limitations to what we can achieve, if we truly know where we want to be. My Thoughts I loved this book. Someone I work with kept harping on about it, but I was a bit put off as animal stories often have a sad ending. But right from the start - in fact from the inside cover blurb - we learn that Enzo is reminiscing about his life, on the evening of his death. I don't know if you have to be a dog lover to enjoy it, but you probably have to have spent a bit of time with dogs to appreciate the observations and humour. The inspiration for the book came from the author seeing a Mongolian documentary on dogs - they believe that when a dog dies, if he is ready and prepared, he will come back as a man. This is Enzo's main goal throughout his life (oh, to have opposable thumbs ), and he views his life as a dog as preparation for his next life as a man. I found it quite philosophical in a way too, but in a very light-hearted (but still quite deep) way. The book is interspersed with chapters on the methods of driving a race-car, and then the following chapters relate these snippets to real life. It was such a heart-warming story, but there were plenty of tears at the end, though it was very uplifting at the same time. In a way it somehow reminded me of Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance in its way of delivering lifes lessons through metaphors and analogies. It's the kind of book that has plenty of sections in it that you will want to revisit and quote. I plan to buy this on my Kindle eventually, so I can highlight my favourite passages/lines. 10/10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobblybear Posted February 10, 2012 Author Share Posted February 10, 2012 The Penal Colony - Richard Herley Synopsis from Amazon The future. The British government now runs island prison colonies to take dangerous offenders from its overcrowded mainland jails. Among all these colonies, Sert, 25 miles off the north Cornish coast, has the worst reputation. There are no warders. Satellite technology is used to keep the convicts under watch. New arrivals are dumped by helicopter and must learn to survive as best they can. To Sert, one afternoon in July, is brought Anthony John Routledge, sentenced for a sex-murder he did not commit. Routledge knows he is here for ever. And he knows he must quickly forget the rules of civilized life. But not all the islanders are savages. Under the charismatic leadership of one man a community has evolved. A community with harsh and unyielding rules, peopled by resourceful men for whom the hopeless dream of escape may not be so hopeless after all ... My Thoughts This one was a bit of a surprise read. Even though it was a fair way down my TBR pile, I moved it up because I'd heard so many good things about it. It's a pretty basic story, and told in a straightforward way with no bells-and-whistles, which in some ways can be a refreshing change from books filled with flowery jargon. I don't think there was a single thing I disliked about it; it kept moving along at a brisk pace with enough things happening to keep you interested. Also as an added bonus, it was free. 9/10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobblybear Posted February 10, 2012 Author Share Posted February 10, 2012 I've decided to re-read Helter Skelter by Vincent Bugliosi. I read it years ago, when I was very much into true crime. I'm only about 5 pages in, and I'm already extremely creeped out, even though I know what happened, etc.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobblybear Posted February 12, 2012 Author Share Posted February 12, 2012 (edited) Actually Factually: Mind Blowing Myths, Muddles and Misconceptions - Guy Campbell Synopsis from Amazon A fascinating collection of misunderstandings, mistakes and misconceptions, "Actually Factually" reveals the reality behind just a few of the myths that get mixed up with truth. If you really thought that Christopher Columbus discovered America or that Henry VIII definitely had six wives this book will bring you right back to Earth with a bump.Full of fantastic facts to wow your teachers, friends and family, the entries include: your hair and nails continue to grow after you die; a goldfish has a memory of about three seconds; water goes down the plughole the other way in Australia; ship's Captains can perform marriage ceremonies; a dog's mouth is cleaner than a human being's; lightning never strikes in the same place twice; eating before you swim is dangerous; pirates made people walk the plank; a dog year is equal to seven human years; 'Ring a Ring O'Roses' is about the Black Death; You only use 10 per cent of your brain; a swan can break a man's arm; you can use an umbrella as a parachute; and the Great Wall of China is the only man-made object visible from space. My Thoughts I bought this on the 12 Days of Kindle sale (I think), and I like trivia sort of books so I thought it'd be right up my alley. It was written for children, which I didn't realise at the time, and of course made it easier to read. Topics were discussed in bite-size pieces, probably no more than 3 pages per fact. It's an easy book to just pick up when you only have a few minutes to spare, and I think would be a fantastic read for children. For adults, it's a bit too basic, though still full of facts. 7/10 Edited February 12, 2012 by bobblybear Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lauraloves Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 The Penal Colony - Richard Herley Great review I've just downloaded this one today Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobblybear Posted February 13, 2012 Author Share Posted February 13, 2012 Thanks Laura. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. And if you don't....well, at least it was free! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lauraloves Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 Thanks Laura. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. And if you don't....well, at least it was free! I have been hummiing and harring about it for a couple of weeks now but finally bit the bullet and brought it. I have that outlook on freebies now, its free, so if I don't like it I havent wasted any money Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobblybear Posted February 19, 2012 Author Share Posted February 19, 2012 Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix - JK Rowling Synopsis from Amazon Dumbledore lowered his hands and surveyed Harry through his half-moon glasses. 'It is time,' he said, 'for me to tell you what I should have told you five years ago, Harry. Please sit down. I am going to tell you everything.' Harry Potter is due to start his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizadry. He is desperate to get back to school and find out why his friends Ron and Hermione have been so secretive all summer. However, what Harry is about to discover in his new year at Hogwarts will turn his whole world upside down ...But before he even gets to school, Harry has an unexpected and frightening encounter with two Dementors, has to face a court hearing at the Ministry of Magic and has been escorted on a night-time broomstick ride to the secret headquarters of a mysterious group called 'The Order of the Phoenix'. And that is just the start. A gripping and electrifying novel, full of suspense, secrets, and - of course - magic. My Thoughts This is the fifth in the series, and maybe the biggest, size wise. Even though it's a big book, it had me captivated all the way through - as all the Harry Potter books have done so far. I do love these books, and I'm gutted that I only have two to go. I just love the story, and I'm glad that I never read any spoilers about the series at all, so everything is new to me. There are all the familiar old characters and creatures, but in every book JK Rowling introduces us to new magical creatures and spells, and the kid in me just thinks: "How cool is that?!!" I like the little revelation about Neville Longbottom, in Professor Trelawney's vision. He's been more of a involved character as the story goes on, and I'm sure there's be more revealed about him. I could be wrong though! Can't wait to read the next ones in the series but at the same time I don't want them to be over!! Noooooo! 9/10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobblybear Posted February 24, 2012 Author Share Posted February 24, 2012 Helter Skelter - Vincent Bugliosi Synopsis from Amazon The true story behind the most infamous mass murder case ever. On August 9th 1969, seven people were found shot, stabbed and bludgeoned to death in Los Angeles. America watched in fascinated horror as the killers were tried and convicted. But the real questions went unanswered. How did Manson make his 'family' kill for him? What made these young men and women kill again and again with no trace of remorse? Did the murders continue even after Manson's imprisonment? No matter how much you think you know about this case, this book will shock you. My Thoughts I've read this book before, but a long time ago, so thought I'd give it a re-read as I spied it on my shelves. It is a must-read if you have any interest at all in true-crime. I've read quite a few true-crime books, and this has to be one of the most comprehensive and detailed books about the whole case. It starts off with very gruesome descriptions of the murders - don't read it at night if you scare easily - and from there goes into the subsequent investigation (which took several months), arrests and court trials. It is all very detailed, with a lot of court transcripts (especially the second half of the book) and a lot of information about the background of each of the individuals. Some true-crime books tend to almost glorify some cases, almost revelling in the details, but Helter Skelter is written in such a serious manner. Also, the author of the book was the prosecutor in the case, so he had a lot of first-hand personal experience with Manson and his Family. It is a must-read for anyone interested in true-crime or in that particular case. 10/10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobblybear Posted February 24, 2012 Author Share Posted February 24, 2012 The White Tiger - Aravind Adiga Synopsis from Amazon Meet Balram Halwai, the 'White Tiger': servant, philosopher, entrepreneur and murderer. Balram, the White Tiger, was born in a backwater village on the River Ganges, the son of a rickshaw-puller. He works in a teashop, crushing coal and wiping tables, but nurses a dream of escape. When he learns that a rich village landlord needs a chauffeur, he takes his opportunity, and is soon on his way to Delhi behind the wheel of a Honda. Amid the cockroaches and call-centres, the 36,000,004 gods, the slums, the shopping malls, and the crippling traffic jams, Balram learns of a new morality at the heart of a new India. Driven by desire to better himself, he comes to see how the Tiger might escape his cage... My Thoughts I was really surprised at how much I liked this book. The story is told through Balram's eyes, in a series of letters to the Chinese Ambassador who is to visit India shortly. His style is very conversational and humorous, and with a bit of bite to it. I found the description of his life in India so fascinating. I know next to nothing about the country - aside from what you see on TV or in movies - so it was interesting to read all the details from a countryman. Balram's life is an interesting journey, and you don't really get to know where he is coming from or where he has ended up until the last part of the book. Up until then, it could almost go either way, as he drops hints early on about what he has done in his life (some of them morally questionable, but he is, in his own words, 'a social entrepreneur'), but never the context of his actions, until you hear his story and get the whole picture. I found him to be such a likeable character, and it's quite conflicting that he can be so good at heart even though he has done some not-very-nice-things (shall we say). If you like books where the character goes through a interesting emotional/mental journey, and you get to see how their experiences have shaped them and changed them, then I'd recommend this one for sure. 9/10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobblybear Posted February 27, 2012 Author Share Posted February 27, 2012 Just finished The Forgotten Garden, which I thought was amazingly good. I shall let my thoughts sink in before I write my thoughts on it. Next book I have planned is Gone With The Wind. I'm looking forward to it as I've only heard good things about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobblybear Posted March 26, 2012 Author Share Posted March 26, 2012 The Forgotten Garden - Kate Morton Synopsis from Amazon: A lost child . . . On the eve of the First World War, a little girl is found abandoned on a ship to Australia. A mysterious woman called the Authoress had promised to look after her –but has disappeared without a trace. A terrible secret . . . On the night of her twenty-first birthday, Nell Andrews learns a secret that will change her life forever. Decades later, she embarks upon a search for the truth that leads her to the windswept Cornish coast and the strange and beautiful Blackhurst Manor, once owned by the aristocratic Mountrachet family. A mysterious inheritance . . . On Nell’s death, her granddaughter, Cassandra, comes into an unexpected inheritance. Cliff Cottage and its forgotten garden are notorious amongst the Cornish locals for the secrets they hold – secrets about the doomed Mountrachet family and their ward Eliza Makepeace, a writer of dark Victorian fairytales. It is here that Cassandra will finally uncover the truth about the family, and solve the century-old mystery of a little girl lost. My Thoughts I absolutely loved this book. It has everything I like in it - a bit of mystery and intrigue, some delving into history, and a great storyline. I haven't read anything by Kate Morton before, though I have heard of her since The House At Riverton was released. I'm glad I started with this book, as a lot of reviewers say it is her best. There is a fair bit of jumping around different timelines, which can be a wee bit confusing at first, but it all adds to the mystery. A little bit more is revealed with each jump, and it really is like a delicious jigsaw puzzle that just keeps you so hooked. But more importantly, I was really moved by the characters and their stories, and you want to find out about their past, because it's quite heartbreaking to see the effect that certain events had on their lives. I like books where the endpoint is known at the beginning of the story, and then the book slowly reveals the 'hows' and 'whys' of what happened. It's quite a hefty sized book, but it is such a compelling story, that it easily captures your interest to the end. 10/10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobblybear Posted March 31, 2012 Author Share Posted March 31, 2012 I bought The Selfish Gene: 30th Anniversary Edition by Richard Dawkins. Kindle version is only £0.99 so a bargain. Don't know when I'll get around to reading it though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobblybear Posted April 1, 2012 Author Share Posted April 1, 2012 Bought another £0.99 Kindle book, The Elephant Whisperer by Graham Spence and Anthony Lawrence. I didn't finish a single book in March. I can't remember the last time that happened. I think never! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vodkafan Posted April 2, 2012 Share Posted April 2, 2012 Thanks for the tip on The Selfish Gene Bobblybear ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.