tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65960751485864258782024-02-21T10:35:24.901+00:00Book&aCuppabook reviews and tea drinking.
email me: bookandcuppa@gmail.comAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007940773524850664noreply@blogger.comBlogger466125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596075148586425878.post-62715697378655600732015-05-31T13:44:00.000+01:002015-05-31T13:44:50.399+01:00What I've read this month (May) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Two trips away, to Wiltshire and then camping in Hastings, plus an illness has meant that blogging hasn't been a priority this month. To be honest I'm giving myself a little break, over two years of regular posting has left me feeling burnt out, and as I began to see it more as a chore than a hobby, the quality of the content was suffering. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwiBl71pHrl-zW7ibsIZk2x3hyphenhyphentxTxhNbvxEITXTgXXDgkaSUCwgM-T9WrMMr4igibdZVzpPvXDjHXXQj0NSU-_zSaocqXgRVkHLIq8AxXd8b-wnUWwusuSCDwiUyuX5e2-WYh0Gl2kw/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald, Therese Anne Fowler, hardback, photo, book cover, UK, book, review" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwiBl71pHrl-zW7ibsIZk2x3hyphenhyphentxTxhNbvxEITXTgXXDgkaSUCwgM-T9WrMMr4igibdZVzpPvXDjHXXQj0NSU-_zSaocqXgRVkHLIq8AxXd8b-wnUWwusuSCDwiUyuX5e2-WYh0Gl2kw/s320/DSC_0027.JPG" title="" /></a></div>
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I'm going to Istanbul on Thursday, so my hiatus is going to carry on for at least another week. Hopefully when I return I'll have the time and motivation to start posting regularly again. </div>
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Anyway, here's what I've read this month- </div>
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<li>Robin Hobb, <i>Golden Fool</i></li>
<li>Therese Anne Fowler, <i>Z; A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald</i></li>
<li>Chibunda Onuzo <i>The Spider King's Daughter</i></li>
<li>Lauline <i> </i>Paull, <i>The Bees </i></li>
<li>Rene Denfeld <i>The Enchanted </i></li>
<li>Anthony Doer <i>All the Light we Cannot See </i>(I was 2 chapters from the end when this was mistakenly taken back to the library) </li>
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There wasn't a dud among this month's books. The weakest was <i>The Spider King's Daughter</i>, and that was still readable. it's sparse writing style just meant it was slightly confusing sometimes about what was going on, but it was still interesting. I know very little about Lagos, so it was good to find out more more about the city and Nigerian culture. <div>
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Most of these books are deserving of a full blog post to themselves. <i>The Bees </i>- who would have thought that a novel about a hive would be so gripping? Yes it is about actual bees, but it is so much more than that, it is a dystopian novel about oppressive regimes and power structures. I was cheering on Flora 717 just as hard as I did Katniss or Offred. </div>
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<i>The Enchanted</i> is almost Kafkaian. A novel set on death row, it is psychological tract on criminal responsibility, mitigation and the American justice system. Odd, but provoking. </div>
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I devoured <i>Z </i>in a day. If you haven't got a holiday book sorted yet, you may want to add this to your pile. A fictionalised account of Zelda Fitzgerald, the 1920's 'It girl' married to one of America's most famous classic writers, F. Scott. The real Zelda was complex, infuriating and glamorous, and this characterisation shines just as bright.<br /><br />
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<i>All the Light we Cannot See</i> would probably be my monthly top pick - but alas due to a mix up I haven't finished it yet- so it may well have a poor ending! I'm betting it doesn't though. Books about World War II are available in abundance, but rarely are they this good, or this original. Once I've got it back from the library (I'm 9th in the queue) I promise to do a full review. </div>
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Actually - once I got down to it, writing this blog was fun, I'm still going to take a break but I'll be back before you know it! xxx</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007940773524850664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596075148586425878.post-3722094263308308452015-05-10T18:46:00.000+01:002015-05-10T18:46:12.879+01:00library haulIt was my birthday on the 8th, and as well as doing lots of other lovely things, one thing I was also keen to do was visit the big library in town. Usually I just go to my local, which is round the corner from house, but the selection has been poor recently, and because of the occasion I thought I should do it probably.<br />
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Some people might be a bit dismissive about looking forward to a birthday visit to the library, but for me its the little things that make the day enjoyable.<br />
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Anyway, here's what I picked up:-<br />
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1.<span style="color: blue;"> <i>The Spider King's Daughter</i>, Chibundu Onuzo</span>. A story of star-crossed lovers in Lagos. Abike Johnson lives a privileged life, but an encounter with a street hawker changes her life when they strike up a tentative romance. <br />
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2. <span style="color: blue;"><i>Silver</i>, Scott Cairns. </span>When a young woman has to identify her dead father's body, she uncovers a shocking secret that makes her question her own identity. The blurb on the back makes me thing think this novel will cover trans issues- but I could be wrong. I'm not sure how I'll get on with reading this one- in this edition the pages are incredibly white- which can cause me difficulties because of my dyslexia, it would be a shame to miss out on a potentially good story for this reason though.<br />
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3. <span style="color: blue;"><i>Written on the Body</i>, Jeanette Winterson. </span>I want to give Winterson more of a chance after really enjoying <i>Weight. </i>This is a love story, and a meditation on the body.<br />
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4.<span style="color: blue;"> <i>Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald</i>, Therese Anne Fowler</span>. A fictional account of the worlds first flapper and her author husband <br />
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5. <span style="color: blue;"><i>Grimm Tales</i>, Philip Pullman</span>. Love fairy-tales, love Philip Pullman.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007940773524850664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596075148586425878.post-90021033288322101662015-05-04T18:37:00.000+01:002015-05-04T18:37:52.972+01:00wish list I've just come back from a mini-break to Wiltshire- so expect some photos of some historical properties and pretty gardens coming up in the next few days.<br />
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Whenever I National Trust property I always make sure to pop into their secondhand bookshops, as they do paperback for 50p and hardbacks for £1.50, which is incredibly good value. There wasn't anything that grabbed my fancy this time though, so I'm currently at a bit of a loss of something to read.<br />
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I do have a rather extensive wish list however.....<br />
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1. <span style="color: blue;"><i>The Goddess Chronicle</i>, Natsu Kirino</span><br />
2.<i> <span style="color: blue;">The Hurricane Party</span></i><span style="color: blue;">, Kas Ostergren </span><br />
3. <span style="color: blue;"><i>Orphans of Eldorado</i>, Milton Hatoum</span><br />
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I've grouped these three together as they are part of the Cannongate Myth series, which I just adore and am trying to work my way through. For those of you who don't know the series is a collection of well known authors retelling classic myths. Some of the books are in translation, so it's a really good way of getting to know some non-English writers. All the books of this series I've read so far have been of a high standard, so hopefully the above 3 won't be a disappointment.<br />
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I've encountered Natsu Kirino, <i>Grotesque</i> has been a favourite of mine for years, but the one I'm most looking forward to reading in <i>The Hurricane Party</i>. After reading <i><a href="http://bookandacuppa.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/joanne-m-harris-gospel-of-loki.html" target="_blank">The Gospel of Loki</a></i> and <a href="http://bookandacuppa.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/as-byatt-ragarok.html" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Ragnarok </a> and watching the <i>Thor</i> films and <i>Vikings</i> I've developed a bit of a thing for the Nordic gods.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Life-Bees-Monk-Kidd/dp/0747266832/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1430760621&sr=8-1&keywords=the+secret+life+of+bees" target="_blank">picture source</a></td></tr>
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4. <span style="color: blue;"><i>The Secret Lives of Bees,</i> Sue Monk Kidd</span><br />
This was published in 2003 and apparently a big deal, it passed me by however. <i><a href="http://bookandacuppa.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/laila-ibrahim-yellow-crocus.html" target="_blank">Yellow Crocus</a> </i>left me thirsty for more historical fiction a quick google search turned up this. Set in South Carolina in the 60s, segregation is still enshrined in law. Lily's only friend is Rosaleen, a black servant. I've got concerns this novel might be a bit like <i>The Help</i>, which I thought was terrible and racist, but it has been so well reviewed I want to give it a try.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0345806409/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1KOU1S70G72Q6&coliid=I1BUOTTNAWAO16" target="_blank">picture source</a></td></tr>
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5. <span style="color: blue;"><i>The Book of Unknown Americans</i>, Christina Henriquez </span><br />
The migrant/immigrant experience is such an important story that needs to be told. There is such vicious anti-immigrant rhetoric around at the moment in America, Europe and the UK (especially with the general election on Thursday) that novels like this can help humanise people and create empathy. This is the fictional (though I'm sure many people will recognise their own situation in it) story of a fifteen year old girl who moves with her family from Mexico to America. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007940773524850664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596075148586425878.post-89045663005422131192015-05-01T10:00:00.000+01:002015-05-01T10:00:03.301+01:00what I've read this month (April)<div>
Sorry I've been m.i.a again this month, I've just been extremely tired. I have managed to get a fair amount of reading done;- </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruTEAgX0GznhnKjQqAUnFEwtg3ZFgX7Di3cV92zaas7kKgQG4kZ49nz6qReqrQpqULbXKcf0ibqkiYvVwEl7jtNqNRsUbEhgPr4MJBG1LWvIBaQrbOMMouQIKggprPU-WPKci7lk5I3g/s1600/DSC_0925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruTEAgX0GznhnKjQqAUnFEwtg3ZFgX7Di3cV92zaas7kKgQG4kZ49nz6qReqrQpqULbXKcf0ibqkiYvVwEl7jtNqNRsUbEhgPr4MJBG1LWvIBaQrbOMMouQIKggprPU-WPKci7lk5I3g/s1600/DSC_0925.JPG" height="260" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li>Chris Abani, <i>Song for Night</i></li>
<li><a href="http://bookandacuppa.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/charlaine-harris-dead-ever-after.html" target="_blank">Charlaine Harris, <i>Dead Ever After</i> </a></li>
<li><a href="http://bookandacuppa.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/irvine-welsh-sex-lives-of-siamese-twins.html">Irvine Welsh- <i>Sex Lives of Siamese Twins</i></a></li>
<li>George R.R Martin, <i>A Clash of Kings </i>(re-read)</li>
<li><a href="http://bookandacuppa.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/laila-ibrahim-yellow-crocus.html" target="_blank">Laila Ibrahim, <i>Yellow Crocus </i></a></li>
<li>Matt Haig, <i>Reasons to Stay Alive</i> (memoir) </li>
<li>Susanna Kaysen, <i>Girl Interrupted </i>(memoir) </li>
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I read the bulk of my bumper library haul, but just couldn't get into<i> In Praise Of Hatred </i>and I haven't even started <i>The Kingdom of Bones</i>. I'm a couple of chapters into <i>The Seven Sisters</i>, and so far so good, the reason I haven't progressed further with it is because it's rather chunky. Far too heavy to be carting around on my commute. <div>
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Anyway, out of the books I have finished this month, <i>Yellow Crocus </i>is the shinning star. A powerful historical novel told from the perceptive of a wet nurse and her charge. I completely wore myself out as I stayed up half the night to finish it. Highly recommend. My mum loved it too. </div>
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<i>Song for Night </i>is an interesting one, a tiny novella but every word has a big impact. Inspired by Dante's <i>Inferno</i>, it is the story of a child solider who wakes up to find himself alone after a bomb blast. There is so many horrific things about this story, the nameless boy has had his vocal cords severed, so he won't cry out and forewarn the enemy, but it is also beautifully written. This juxtaposition makes for a memorable novel. </div>
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I also read two memoirs about mental health. <i>Girl Interrupted </i>is closer to a novel, and <i>Reasons to Stay Alive </i>more like a manual, so they are not directly comparable. Both however are inspiring and honest accounts of mental health and recovery. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007940773524850664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596075148586425878.post-64078148322304160722015-04-27T10:00:00.000+01:002015-04-27T10:00:01.004+01:00Betty Blythe tearoomsWe've been to Betty Blythe tearooms <a href="http://bookandacuppa.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/betty-blythe-tea-rooms.html">before</a> and had such a fabulous time, we decided to go again. The tearooms are located inbetween Kensington Olympia and Shepard's Bush train stations, they can be slightly tricky to find, so make sure you bring a map.<br />
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The best thing about Betty Blythe is the dressing up box. Clothes range from Victorian to 1920's flapper dresses. They seem to have expanded the collection since last time we went, but we had to share them with more people, which was a shame. Most of the hats and turbans had been put upstairs for the use of a large party. They're good also do with a bit of a mend and a wash - but it's still good fun to get dressed up.<br />
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Me and the family are still a bit shy, so there are some headless pictures so you can see the kind of costumes on offer.<br />
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First up on the menu is a selection of sandwiches, crusts off of course. Then comes scones with jam and cream, and to finish of a selection of cakes, including lemon drizzle, macaroons and brownies.<br />
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Before we went we requested 1 gluten-free vegetarian, 1 gluten-free pescetarian, and then a normal vegetarian and pescetarian. So they're prepared to cater to picky people. Though, saying that, I'm not sure if the scones/cake was gluten-free as the waitress didn't mention it.<br />
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It's bring your own booze, which is brillant, but there is £2.50 per person corkage fee. <br />
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Unfortunately the food wasn't as fresh as last time, the sandwiches and scones tasted a little dry. This was a real shame, as it was delicious the first time we went. I'm not sure if it was because it was the end of the week, or because it was gluten-free but it definitely not as good.<br />
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Still, the overall experience was still fantastic, and we all had a lovely time. I have no hesitation recommending Betty Blythe if your looking for a quirky afternoon tea experience, great for birthdays and other special occasions. <br />
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By the way- <span style="color: blue;">Happy Birthday Smallest Sister!!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007940773524850664noreply@blogger.com073 Blythe Road, London W14 0HP, UK51.497572899999987 -0.2176739000000225151.484291899999988 -0.23784390000002251 51.510853899999987 -0.19750390000002252tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596075148586425878.post-58707476863620414272015-04-25T14:10:00.001+01:002015-04-25T14:10:48.477+01:00Laila Ibrahim, Yellow Crocus I borrowed this book from the library, but after I finished reading it I wished I owed it, because I can already see it's the kind of novel I'll want to read again and lend out to other people. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>The Plot</b>: Mattie, a slave living on a Virginian plantation, is taken from her baby son and forced to be a wet-nurse to her newly born mistress. Mattie comes to care for Lisbeth, though she never forgets her son. As Lisbeth grows she is forced to confront her position in society, and her complicity in a system that dehumanises and brutalises her surrogate mother. </div>
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<b>Rating:</b> 4/5</div>
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*<b>Spoiler Alert</b>*</div>
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I've heard this described as 'the story of Mammy from <i>Gone with the Wind</i>' and I think that is a pretty accurate description. Mattie does show Lisbeth love and loyalty, but her heart truly belongs to her own family, and she is pragmatic. She knows that no matter how much care for Lisbeth, and even though Lisbeth returns her affection, she is still a slave, without rights. The power imbalance of their relationship, combined with genuine, loving sentiments is brutally heartbreaking. In a way, both Lisbeth and Mattie are victims of circumstance. </div>
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My sympathy ultimately lies with Mattie though. There is a incident early on the novel that is extremely effective, holding Lisbeth is her arms, just moments after her birth, Mattie considers whether or not to smoother the child. She doesn't, compassion and kindness wins out, but to be honest I wouldn't have blamed her for committing infanticide. Put in her position, I would have been equally tempted. </div>
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There is something very important of about this novel, it is painfully real. Plus scary parallels can be drawn from this historical fiction, and what is happening now. When Mattie scolds her son for touching Lisbeth's hand, she does so because she is terrified for him. This simple gesture could get him killed. Similarly, innocuous behaviour, going to the shops to buy sweets, walking home, wearing a hoodie, is getting young African-American boys killed today. </div>
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The stronger part of the novel is the beginning. My attention did waiver when it focused on Lisbeth's induction into society and her quest for a husband. There are many novels about feisty white women chafing against the constraints of 'respectable' society, and when this novel had the opportunity to centre on someone else's voice, the story of an enslaved black women, it is a shame that Mattie's experience wasn't the prime plot throughout. I wanted to know more about Mattie's difficult years adjusting to freedom, and creating a new life for herself in difficult circumstances, rather than Lisbeth's marriage. </div>
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There is something refreshing though about Lisbeth's morality in <i>Yellow Crocus</i>. She is privileged and a product of her time, so though she loves Mattie she is a racist. Happy to live a pampered life, and excepting of slavery, she even tells Mattie that one day she'll own her. Lisbeth does experience an epiphany however, and though she doesn't become a member of the underground railroad, or campaign for emancipation, she does stop being so deliberately ignorant to reality. To be honest, I'm glad the Lisbeth's awakening was realistic, it would have ruined the book, and devalued Mattie's story. I think it vital that historical fiction about this time period is as truthful as possible, as it has been clocked in misinformation and silence for too long. </div>
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I highly recommend reading <i>Yellow Crocus</i>, but be aware, it'll tear your heart out. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007940773524850664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596075148586425878.post-36260804975324305882015-04-16T10:00:00.000+01:002015-04-16T10:00:06.218+01:00Wimpole Estate & Farm at EasterSpring has well and truly sprung at Wimpole Estate and Farm, we spent the day there on the Easter Monday, the house was all done up with Easter eggs, lambs and goats were gambolling and the daffodils were turning their faces to the sun.<br />
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I love a National Trust bookshop, they're just so cheap! I didn't see anything I fancied this visit, but there is quite a large selection of fiction and non-fiction at Wimpole.<br />
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By the way my photos from the library can be found<a href="http://bookandacuppa.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/wimpole.html"> here</a>.<br />
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The first thing we did was go to the restaurant, I had the beetroot and goats cheese salad. It was tasty, but not very filling so I had a packet of crisps as well. We also got some fudge to share from the fudge shop, it is sooooo good. We went for chocolate orange and vanilla. Out of the two I think vanilla just grabbed the top spot, it tasted like icing sugar.<br />
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This celling is one of the most impressive aspects of Wimpole architecture, and handedly they have some cushions on the floor so you can have a lie down and appreciate it properely.<br />
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The Easter eggs on the table were huge, they also had Easter baskets made from marzipan, sugar mice and sugar almonds. We asked the rooms guides, and rather meanly they don't get to eat any of the sweets at the end of the day, though in fairness they might be a little unhygienic by then.<br />
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True fact: pineapples were incredibly expensive, and therefore a sign of status and wealth. Families would sometimes hire pineapples for special occasions if they could afford their own.<br />
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One of the main bedrooms, personally I think it's pretty ugly and that canopy would just collect dust.<br />
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I always find the servants quarters the most interesting, the housekeeper rooms were surprisingly nice and the footman's bedroom had a few of the gardens. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmWUVkmykMRy2NmbWwzRONWP0lj92kfx9Q1mqDkQWiuoPIZ4d4j26wgbva7bUmVoFAPeCx5W6_0sMWebNvRve2rhnz_bwe3Kt9QFsf5YTkCNeYuCcIT8eon60qpQrnd9D0lEGN9jfHL4/s1600/Wimpole_Estate_Farm_Spring+(14).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Wimpole Estate & Farm, visit, Spring, Easter, lambing session, interior, inside the house, photos, pictures, photographs, historical, National Trust, property" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmWUVkmykMRy2NmbWwzRONWP0lj92kfx9Q1mqDkQWiuoPIZ4d4j26wgbva7bUmVoFAPeCx5W6_0sMWebNvRve2rhnz_bwe3Kt9QFsf5YTkCNeYuCcIT8eon60qpQrnd9D0lEGN9jfHL4/s1600/Wimpole_Estate_Farm_Spring+(14).JPG" height="265" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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There is an extra fee to go to the farm (including for National Trust Members) at lambing time, or if you have young children it's worth the price.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPl84X9CYXB6w7h0dQx9EHtOsk5hXQARNmGT5AtL-HQSbt4b4fEcYhoR3BCg4P4NcfRgSxLXwSo79pYe0p5PllSVR2KvJkxgOUy61a3KjNo1G2LBDwLGOCDDb_qISuteEMJBQb2-QzVkw/s1600/Wimpole_Estate_Farm_Spring+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="picture of a tiny lamb in a hay barn, lambing season at Wimpole " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPl84X9CYXB6w7h0dQx9EHtOsk5hXQARNmGT5AtL-HQSbt4b4fEcYhoR3BCg4P4NcfRgSxLXwSo79pYe0p5PllSVR2KvJkxgOUy61a3KjNo1G2LBDwLGOCDDb_qISuteEMJBQb2-QzVkw/s1600/Wimpole_Estate_Farm_Spring+(3).JPG" height="265" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
There was a goat that had only been born for days ago, and it was so small and cute, it would have fit in palms of my hands. In the fields there were also plenty of lambs that had quite mastered the art of walking, and their leaping and gambolling was entertaining.<br />
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If you want to see photos from the first time I visited Wimpole see<a href="http://bookandacuppa.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/wimpole-estate-farm-grounds-and-gardens.html"> here </a> and <a href="http://bookandacuppa.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/wimpole-library.html">here</a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007940773524850664noreply@blogger.com0Wimpole Estate, Arrington, Royston, Hertfordshire SG8 0BW, UK52.1408373 -0.04675339999994321331.8080068 -41.355347399999943 72.4736678 41.261840600000056tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596075148586425878.post-8316050528412568002015-04-15T10:00:00.000+01:002015-04-15T10:00:06.686+01:00Penguin, Little Black Classics I'm at little bit late to the party on this one - as they were published back in March, but thought I'd still do a quick post to bring these marvellous little books to other people's attention:-<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.penguinclassics.co.uk/">picture source</a></td></tr>
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Penguin Little Black Classics are 80 slim snippets of novels, collections of short stories, essays or poems all newly packaged and on sale for a mere 80p each. They have been released to celebrate the imprints 80th Birthday. Authors include Karl Marx (who is currently selling the best), Jane Austin, Edgar Allen Poe and Samuel Pepys. As they are 64 pages long, authors that some people might find intimating are made manageable.<br />
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As they're from Penguin they are beautifully, and simply designed. I can't wait to get my grubby little hands on them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/feb/24/penguin-little-black-classics-review">picture source</a></td></tr>
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My top choices would be:<br />
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<ol>
<li><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><i>A Pair of Silk Stockings</i>, Kate Chopin</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><i>Circles of Hell</i>, Dante</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><i>The Yellow Wallpaper</i>, Charlotte Perkins Gilman</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><i>Woman Much Missed</i>, Thomas Hardy</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><i>The Fall of Icarus</i>, Ovid </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><i>Anthem for Doomed Youth</i>, Wilfred Owen</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><i>Gobin Market</i>, Christina Rossetti</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><i>Come Close</i>, Sappho</span></li>
<li><i><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The Saga of Gunnlaug Serpent Tongue</span></i></li>
<li><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><i>Wailing Ghosts</i>, Pu Songling </span></li>
</ol>
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*hint hint* it's my birthday next monthAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007940773524850664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596075148586425878.post-88441948232795073102015-04-13T10:00:00.000+01:002015-04-13T10:00:06.391+01:00Charlaine Harris, Dead Ever After I have a friend how is obsessed with <i>True Blood</i> and <i>The Southern Vampire Mysteries</i> the tv programme is based on, she was so enthusiastic about it, I thought I should give it a go as well. A couple of years ago I binge watched the programme and binge read the books.<br />
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However, after we'd moved further away from each other, and she wasn't there to remind me when a new book/programme was out I gave up on the whole thing. Until I spotted the final book in my big library visit and thought I might as well see how the story ends.<br />
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<b>The Plot:</b> Telepathic waitress, Sookie Stackhouse has had a fair share of drama; she's discovered she's part fairy, her brother has become a were-panther, her boss is a shape-shifter, she's had relationships with 2 vampires and a were-tiger, survived Hurricane Katrina and made a ton of supernatural and human enemies. This is the last book of a 12 part series, will Sookie get her happy ending?<br />
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<b>Rating:</b> 2/5<br />
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<a name='more'></a>I glad Charlaine Harris has called it quits on <i>The Southern Vampire Mysteries</i>, this twelfth novel really illustrates that the series has run it's course and she has run out of inspiration and is now flogging a dead horse. All the best tv shows and books know to end on a high, <i>Breaking Bad,</i> <i>The Wire</i>, <i>The Office</i>, all stopped when they were still top of their game. I won't be surprised if many of the long term fans (my friend included- I'm going to text her and find out) felt disappointed in <i>Dead Ever After, </i>after the long term commitment they've shown the series.<br />
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Perhaps, <i>Dead Ever After </i>didn't do it for me because I won't class myself my self as a proper fan. Though I have read all the books, it's been a while and I did have to do a quick google to find out about the proceeding book to know what had happened. these aren't standalone novels, you do have to read them in order as it is assumed you are coming to <i>Dead Ever After</i> with prior knowledge. Not that I minded that actually, it can be a bit repetitive when author have to recap information from previous books for the casual audience (prime example:- J.K Rowling who had to find a way of reminding readers about the rules of quidditch nearly every book). Anyway- I've got distracted, my point is, perhaps because I haven't been a proper fan, eagerly anticipated each new release, or got to know the characters etc. is the reason why I found <i>Dead Ever After</i> to be underwhelming.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZBh03LU-3dipiMxwDYk3Rg3Kgm5gllXW-vP_kLe1x77p1bPRStq-aABBwWyHJmY3KGlzPgTgeqyYIs4dzhbAVyh0jVnsx-geobXwPFJYPWbvfoNmmo9zkBiSC4iM0M-_M6GHB5RcgJQ/s1600/Dead_Ever_After+(5)%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Charlaine Harris, Dead Ever After, Sookie Stackhouse, True Blood, The Southern Vampire Mysteries, book review, 12 book in series, final, review, " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZBh03LU-3dipiMxwDYk3Rg3Kgm5gllXW-vP_kLe1x77p1bPRStq-aABBwWyHJmY3KGlzPgTgeqyYIs4dzhbAVyh0jVnsx-geobXwPFJYPWbvfoNmmo9zkBiSC4iM0M-_M6GHB5RcgJQ/s1600/Dead_Ever_After+(5)%2Bcopy.jpg" height="320" title="" width="230" /></a></div>
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Sookie is pretty irritating to be honest. She's got a cool power, knows cools people, has loads of chance to be adventurous but she remains small-town and limited in her achievements and aspirations. I'm not knocking her profession, being a waitress is hard-work and disrespected. My problem is that her main concern is mundane matters, like whether she is being a good hostess, rather than the whole being framed-for-murder-by-someone-who-has-made-a-pact-with-the-devil thing. Seriously, her priorities are skewered! This focus on dull everyday matters, like the excessive time devoted to her cooking breakfast does not make very exciting reading.<br />
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There is no drama, no tension and no danger and it is boring. Harris seems bored with the series, and yet at a complete loss about how to end it. Plus, Sookie totally gets with the wrong man. However, I has read worse books, and there was something about it that made me stick with it to the end (perhaps it was loyalty, perhaps because I was stuck on a train with no other entertainment?).<br />
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If you have read the other Southern Vampire Mysteries I can see why you'd want to read <i>Dead Ever After</i>, but in my opinion you'd be better off going back and reading some of the earlier, better books in the series.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007940773524850664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596075148586425878.post-78604169134223608622015-04-11T17:14:00.000+01:002015-04-11T17:14:40.242+01:00Irvine Welsh, The Sex Lives of the Siamese Twins I'm a fan of Irvine Walsh (see my reviews of <i><a href="http://bookandacuppa.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/irvine-walsh-filth.html">Filth </a></i>and <i><a href="http://bookandacuppa.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/irvine-welsh-skagboys.html">Skagboys</a></i>) but if I ever got the opportunity to meet him I think I'd be a bit scared, his novels are so dark and violent that I'd be worried that he'd be a bit of a bruiser. His author photo in he inside cover doesn't hep, he looks tough.<br />
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Anyway...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRaYUYOtWByuc1T9UEUdenab9VIVGGOoVTHzsoA68IXlbPUjwmrs3VBFg3-3FUBIXUfYKbylbcpWKOD2MmFO2hU7DbZCv4s2A46a5YK13kYis7BqcaU_ML_4KV3LRtgppq8MZfWwyBR8k/s1600/sex_lives_of_siamese_twins+(6)%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Irvine Welsh, The Sex Lives of Siamese Twins, hardback, book cover, picture, review, book review, blog, fitness, obesity, fiction, trainspotting, " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRaYUYOtWByuc1T9UEUdenab9VIVGGOoVTHzsoA68IXlbPUjwmrs3VBFg3-3FUBIXUfYKbylbcpWKOD2MmFO2hU7DbZCv4s2A46a5YK13kYis7BqcaU_ML_4KV3LRtgppq8MZfWwyBR8k/s1600/sex_lives_of_siamese_twins+(6)%2Bcopy.jpg" height="320" title="" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
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<b> The Plot:</b> Lucy Brennan is a personal trainer in Miami, she has no patience for obesity or laziness and is obsessed with her own calorie count. When she disarms a gunman, she is touted as a have-a-go-hero by the media, and the publicity attracts offers of a tv show. Lena Sorensen witnessed Lucy's heroism and in a bid to emulate Lucy and improve her own life, the overweight and reclusive artist becomes her client.<br />
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<b>Rating</b>: 3.5/5<br />
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<a name='more'></a><i>The Sex Lives of Siamese Twins </i>is extreme, and I'm not sure if Welsh takes it just too far. Lucy doesn't have a single redeeming feature, she is offensive towards her clients, shallow and violent. I don't think Lucy or Lena are particularly believable characters, I can't imagine anyone reacting the way they do, but as long as you can suspend belief they are interesting, it's like a car crash, horrible but difficult to look away.<br />
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Lucy is the stronger character of the two, and I wish that more time had been but into Lena's development. The blurb describes Lena as 'manipulative and needy', I can see the needy part, but I didn't really see her as manipulative. She has been taken advantage of by other people, first by her mother and then by her boyfriend. Lucy's behaviour towards her is abhorrent, but it could be argued it did her favour, but it is also questionable if the ends justify the means. The dubious morality of the novel is most fascinating aspect. <br />
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I wasn't sure about the subplot - conjoined twins who are contemplating separation surgery because one of the twins has a boyfriend that the other doesn't approve of, I didn't see the relevance to the main story. Kind of feel like Welsh had the idea of a story about conjoined twins, realised he couldn't spin it out into a full length novel, but didn't want to abandon the idea entirely, so he crowbarred it in here. Maybe there was some parallels I missed here? I suppose Lucy and Lena have a damaging, parasitic relationship, the same as the twins.<br />
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<i>The Sex Lives of the Siamese Twins </i>reminded me in some ways of Lionel Shriver's<i><a href="http://bookandacuppa.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/lionel-shriver-big-brother.html"> Big Brother</a>, </i>because of the same visceral hatred directed to overweight people, and the control and obsessiveness of calorie counting. It doesn't make comfortable reading, but it is effective. Disgust is a powerful emotion, and this topical subject matter is emotive. Both Welsh and Shriver are vicious writers, but I can't fault their talent.<br />
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I found the ending of <i>The Sex Lives of the Siamese Twins </i>to be slightly disappointing, to me it felt too neat, convenient and a little bit rushed. Though in fairness I'm not sure how else Welsh could have finished it, he sort of wrote himself into a corner.<br />
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If you are a fan on Welsh this novel is a fairly decent addition to his bibliography, it's not going to become a modern classic like <i>Trainspotting </i>but I would say I preferred it to <i>Filth</i>. You've got to admire Welsh for pushing boundaries, and <i>The Sex Lives of Siamese Twins</i> certainly does that.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007940773524850664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596075148586425878.post-70775304535288905802015-04-08T10:00:00.000+01:002015-04-08T10:00:07.701+01:00Wimpole I've blogged about Wimpole estate and <a href="http://bookandacuppa.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/wimpole-library.html">it's library before,</a> but it's such a beautiful place one more post isn't going to do any harm.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGIkk4HenPXLETLRLGQL34PridDvrndnw1EwX67-OQ_yhU93WhNjrXrK0vtjiwfgk1YXbxvCpk0XoVxcTJ3VAKwCO0V3jjzO5Ce_pfTu0dG6YDMpU_gnwFo7BuMgRE2obZ-IaNPFwfJg/s1600/wimpole+library+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="book room, library, old books, Cambridgeshire, Wimpole estate, shelves, pretty, real life Beauty and the Beast, photos, photographs, ladder, " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGIkk4HenPXLETLRLGQL34PridDvrndnw1EwX67-OQ_yhU93WhNjrXrK0vtjiwfgk1YXbxvCpk0XoVxcTJ3VAKwCO0V3jjzO5Ce_pfTu0dG6YDMpU_gnwFo7BuMgRE2obZ-IaNPFwfJg/s1600/wimpole+library+5.jpg" height="311" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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The library was built by James Gibbs, for Edward Harley, in 1730, he also more famously designed<a href="http://bookandacuppa.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/in-london-love-and-scandal-are.html"> St Martins in the Field</a> in central London. <br />
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Edward Harley, 2nd Earl of Oxford and Earl of Mortimer was a politician and patron of the arts. He was a massive bibliophile, and his <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harleian_Collection">Harleian Collection</a> (7,000 volumes, 14,000 legal documents and 500 rolls) is now in the British library.<br />
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The library at Wimpole has over 10,000 books and was the combined effort of both Phillip Yorke, 1st Earl or Hardwick and Edward Harley. As far as I can tell anyway- I'm finding the history of the house quite confusing. The estate passed hands a fair bit, and wasn't kept within the family. Plus none of the people were particularly notable. <br />
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There is so much more sunlight in these rooms than in lots of other National Trust houses, which is makes it clear that the owners didn't view the library and the books as ornamental, they wanted to be functional rooms with plenty of light for reading. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007940773524850664noreply@blogger.com0Wimpole Estate, Arrington, Royston, Hertfordshire SG8 0BW, UK52.1408373 -0.04675339999994321331.807982300000003 -41.355347399999943 72.4736923 41.261840600000056tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596075148586425878.post-76760689539070484752015-04-06T18:23:00.001+01:002015-04-06T18:23:56.602+01:00Paula Hawkins, The Girl on the TrainIf you haven't already ready read this (after all it's had a fair bit of hype) your summer holiday, beach book is totally sorted.<br />
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I read this last month, but I thought it worth me still reviewing it.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpeNin-V_iDj3gN4gPRL82VQ-dvFPsFmoStT0U6J6eEMxzvz8bAMWkFhL0o1kBWy2lDI2vh132LYpy2BpRm4Iodb2SbyA8ZG1Owx9skTthTMy5jRijv1ylzrDr-GE80GKrukEU3YukyVk/s1600/The_Girl_on_the_Train+(7)%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Paula Hawkins, blog, The Girl on the Train, review, hardback, popular book review, front cover, photo, picture, thriller, must read, phenomenon " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpeNin-V_iDj3gN4gPRL82VQ-dvFPsFmoStT0U6J6eEMxzvz8bAMWkFhL0o1kBWy2lDI2vh132LYpy2BpRm4Iodb2SbyA8ZG1Owx9skTthTMy5jRijv1ylzrDr-GE80GKrukEU3YukyVk/s1600/The_Girl_on_the_Train+(7)%2Bcopy.jpg" height="233" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rather annoyingly I've had to start watermarking my pictures <br />as I've noticed a couple of websites/blogs stealing them and not giving me credit </td></tr>
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<b>The Plot: </b>Rachel commutes past her old house every morning, the house where her ex-husband now lives wife his new wife and baby. As her train waits at stop signal she is able to peer into the garden of two strangers, who she nicknames 'Jason and Jess', she fantasies about their lives and she starts to feel like she knows them. One day she sees something shocking out of the window, and feels the need to intervene, soon she is embroiled in missing person's investigation, and is no longer just a passive observer.<br />
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<b>Rating:</b> 4.5/5 <br />
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<a name='more'></a>As I said in my monthly round up comparisons to <i><a href="http://bookandacuppa.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/gillian-flynn-gone-girl.html">Gone Girl</a> </i>and <i><a href="http://bookandacuppa.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/elizabeth-haynes-into-darkest-corner.html">Into the Darkest Corner </a> </i>are completely justified. <i>The Girl on the Train</i> is being marketed as the next literary phenomenon, and I'm undoubtedly going to see tons of people reading this on my commute, which is going to be doubly unsurprising as this novel is about a train commute. <br />
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Like <i>Gone Girl </i>and <i>Into the Darkest Corner</i> it is an incredibly disturbing novel. Rachel, the main female protagonist is infuriating, and challenging, but as the same time has my sympathy (again, like <i>Gone Girl</i>, Amy was clearly a psychotic bitch, but she did have her reasons). Rachel is an alcoholic, she is chaotic, and an unreliable witness who interferes in other people's lives, she is also a victim. I often wanted to give her good shake as she self-sabotages again and again.<br />
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I love a multiple narrator, as each character gives their different perspectives and builds layers or contradictions and opinions on a single event. <i>The Girl on the Train</i> has 3 narrators, Rachel, Anna (married to Rachel's ex) and Megan (aka. Jess the woman glimpsed from the train). These multiple voices and the non-liner plot really makes this novel something special.<br />
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There aren't many suspects involved in the police investigation, but it is so cleverly written, I went back and forth with my guesses. Luckily the novel remains to high standard right to end, there is nothing worse than a thriller with a disappointing ending. <br />
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It such a tense novel, and I'm really conscious that I don't want reveal too many spoilers. After I finished it I immediately turned to my mum and pushed her into reading it so I had someone to talk about it with. Every time she was running her theories past me I was emitting a small squeak because I was desperate not to give anything away. <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007940773524850664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596075148586425878.post-80418903762216131102015-04-01T10:00:00.000+01:002015-04-01T10:00:02.908+01:00library haul I usually go to my local library, and although it is fanatically convenient it is also rather small, so I've found the shelves rather inspiring recently. So whilst I was in the town centre I was in town I popped into the main library and got a little bit carried away.......<br />
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1. Stephen Gallagher, <i>The Kingdom of Bones </i><br />
2. Chris Abani, <i>Song for the Night </i><br />
3. Irvine Welsh, <i>The Sex Lives of Siamese Twins </i><br />
4. Matt Haig, <i>Reasons to Stay Alive </i><br />
5. Lucinda Riley, <i>The Seven Sisters </i><br />
6<i>. </i>Charlaine Harris, <i>Dead Ever After </i><br />
7. Khaled Khalifa, <i>In Praise of Hatred </i><br />
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Bank Holiday plans sorted! I'm going to eat those Easter egg and read, read, read.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007940773524850664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596075148586425878.post-6783198111718689842015-03-31T13:00:00.000+01:002015-03-31T13:00:01.526+01:00Jackie Collins, Sinners & Jacqueline Susann, Valley of the Dolls As promised - I've managed to finish one of my draft posts, sorry for being such a flaky blogger.<br />
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I read <i>Valley of the Dolls </i>last month but I thought it made sense to review it alongside <i>Sinners </i>as they are both similar.<br />
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<b>The Plot</b> (<i>Valley of the Dolls</i>) Anne, Neely and Jennifer are young and beautiful and trying to make it in the entertainment industry, Anne as a model, Neely as a singer and Jennifer as an actress. They become friends, when they are naive and idealistic, but the depravity of Hollywood begins to effect their relationships, appearance and self-worth. The higher they climb, the more they sacrifice. </div>
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<b>The Plot </b>(<b><i>Sinners</i></b>) Sunday Simmons is on her way to stardom, but she is struggling the maintain her integrity, as directors push her into performing nude scenes. Charlie is a leading man, featuring in popular comedies, but his private life is a mess; his ex-wife is remarrying, so distract himself he is sleeping with multiple wannabe actresses. Herbert is a chauffeur to the stars, he also likes to send them anonymous explicit post and has started to target Sunday. </div>
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<b>Rating: </b><i>Valley of the Dolls</i>, 4/5. <i>Sinners</i> 2.5/5 </div>
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<a name='more'></a>As indicated by my ratings, <i>Valley of the Dolls</i> is, for me, the superior book. It is such perfect trash. </div>
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Published in 1966 it has rightly become a cult classic, and one of the best-selling books of all time. It was also a trend setter, leading the way for authors, such as Jackie Collins, to write other novels about the dark side of the entertainment industry. <i>Valley of the Dolls</i> was also ground-breaking in its obscenity, as it includes substance abuse, sex, lesbianism, abortions and mental illness. In comparison <i>Sinners</i> is rather tired and unoriginal. It gave me the impression that Jackie Collins quickly bashes these sorts of books out and then cashes the cheque. </div>
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Another way in which <i>Valley of the Dolls</i> is the stronger novel, is that it has greater character arcs. Sunday Simmons remains much the same from the start of the novel to end, a vulnerable, idealistic romantic. The only part where I warmed to her, and where she showed any backbone was when she refused to do a nude scene and walked off the set until she received a public apology. I can imagine many upcoming actors have to sacrifice their integrity in so not to jeopardise their career, so this exchange was quite uplifting. Shame Sunday wimps out later on. In comparison Anna and Neely become more and more ruthless, shallow and unpleasant. Completely transforming from the loyal and idealistic young girls they were in the beginning. The corrupting and back-stabbing nature of Hollywood is more clearly portrayed in <i>Valley of the Dolls. </i><br />
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Of course, both books are completely sensationalist, and they could be complete fabrications of what the entertainment industry is like, but such is the enduring influence of <i>Valley of the Dolls</i> it has completely shaped how many people, including myself, perceive Hollywood. Plus, Jacqueline Susann was an aspiring actress, so I presume the novel was based on her experiences.<br />
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On a purely superficial note- <i>Valley of the Dolls</i> cover art is just fabulous. <i>Sinners</i> has a generic cover, for a generic book- explains it all really. <br />
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I enjoyed reading both novels immensely, but their kind of like sweets, perfect for a treat, but too many and you soon get sick of them. They are brilliant escapism, but <i>Sinners </i>in particular, has no real literary merit. I doubt I'll be picking up any more Jackie Collins, as I suspect that if you've read one you've read them all, as it was so formulaic. However, I might just have to pick up some more Jacqueline Susann novels.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007940773524850664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596075148586425878.post-17832778310646434712015-03-31T10:00:00.000+01:002015-03-31T10:00:01.573+01:00what I've read this month (March)Time for my monthly round up:-<br />
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<ol>
<li><a href="http://bookandacuppa.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/lloyd-jones-mister-pip.html">Lloyd Jones, </a><i><a href="http://bookandacuppa.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/lloyd-jones-mister-pip.html">Mister Pip</a> </i></li>
<li><a href="http://bookandacuppa.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/kitty-hart-moxon-return-to-auschwitz.html">Kitty Hart-Moxon, <i>Return to Auschwitz </i></a> (non-fiction)</li>
<li>Jackie Collins, <i>Sinners </i></li>
<li>Mary Roach, <i>Stiff </i>(non-fiction)</li>
<li>George R.R Martin <i>Game of Thrones</i> (re-read)</li>
<li>Paula Hawkins, <i>The</i> <i>Girl on a Train </i></li>
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mini review under the cut:-</div>
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<a name='more'></a>Without a doubt the greatest book I read this month (in fact, the best book I've read this year so far) was <i>The Girl on the Train. </i>It was just fabulous and deserves all the comparisons to <i><a href="http://bookandacuppa.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/gillian-flynn-gone-girl.html">Gone Girl</a>. </i>It is such a tense, well-written thriller, I really like this new trend for difficult, and often unlike-able female protagonists in this genre, which has been to heavily dominated by James Bond/Jack Reacher type men. The women in these novels are both the victim, and (anti)hero and the morality of these novels is far more ambiguous than maverick men seeking revenge. </div>
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I've read two non-fiction book this month (Yay! Go me!). <i>Return to Auschwitz</i> which was unsurprisingly horrific, and <i>Stiff</i> an accessible pop-science book about cadavers. I didn't enjoy <i>Stiff</i> quite as much as <i><a href="http://bookandacuppa.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/mary-roach-gulp.html">Gulp</a></i>, the other Mary Roach that I've read. However, it was still a humorous and informative book, definitely one to read if you are planning to donate your body to medical science when you're gone. </div>
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<i>Mister Pip</i> and <i>Sinner</i> fall into the category of average, lucky I haven't read a real howler this month.</div>
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I thought I'd reviewed more of these books than I had....turns out I have several partial reviews in my draft folder that I need to finish off. </div>
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I've been rather slack on blogging for the past 3 months, I just haven't had the time to post as regularly as I'd like and I feel the quality of my posts haven't really been up to scratch. It makes me feel quite guilty and anxious - which is daft really as this is supposed to be a hobby, that I do mainly for myself. I need to put less pressure on myself, but still, I'd like to say thanks, thank you for still reading this blog despite my irregular and shoddy posting. I'm going to attempt to step it up a gear, without stressing myself out. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007940773524850664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596075148586425878.post-66040443558926996612015-03-26T15:32:00.000+00:002015-03-26T15:32:12.836+00:00The British MuseumI had a half day of annual leave yesterday (plus I'm off for the rest of the week) so I treated myself to a jolly around London doing a few of my favourite things. I got a hair cut, ate a ridiculous amount of Korean food (at Bibimbap, 37 Museum Street) and visited The British Museum.<br />
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The Egyptian mummies tend to grab all the glory, in fairness the displays are fantastic, but they are also very overcrowded. I wandered in for a quick look and was soon irritated by the hordes of inconsiderate school groups. Thankfully the museum has plenty of interesting exhibitions that were practically deserted. <br />
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This doll was in a display case in a corridor, I can't remember which country it originates from, but it was somewhere in Africa. it looks like the kind of toy my great grandma used to make me and my sisters.<br />
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The next couple of pictures are from the Japanese room. Below is a Buddhist travelling shrine, the owner would be well equipped for any spiritual crisis has it contains 30 individual figures. <br />
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Male spirit mask from Papua New Guinea. There are hundreds of cultures in Papua New Guinea, and unfortunately I can't remember where these ones are from. All I can recall is that they are made in secret. close by there was also a garment made from human hair, it sort of looked like a Hagrid beard, and was made to be worn on the shoulders or chest. Relatives of the wearer would donate their hair to be woven into the garment. i can imagine it would be a bit tickley or itchy to wear. <br />
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This friendly Buddha is chilling out in the Korean room, the majority of the Korean artefacts are ceramic vases and I found it all a bit dull to be honest, so only gave the room a cursory look. <br />
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The Asian rooms have some of the most interesting artefacts in the museum (excluding the mummies). I love how this couple are having a passionate kiss while casually standing on a some other people. <br />
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The work that must have gone into this headdress is incredible, I think it possibly from Pakistan? <br />
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I tried to have a look on The British Museum website to see if I could find out some more information about the displays I took pictures of, but no luck. The exhibitions are well labelled, and I though I'd taken in what I was seeing, but my memory is so poor! Still I had a lovely afternoon, and I'd highly recommend you explore The British Museum further that just heading straight to the Ancient Egyptians. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007940773524850664noreply@blogger.com0The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG51.5194133 -0.1269565999999713331.186554799999996 -41.435550599999971 71.8522718 41.181637400000028tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596075148586425878.post-14674716580365964692015-03-23T10:00:00.000+00:002015-03-23T10:00:00.362+00:00Lloyd Jones, Mister PipThis was the first book I read this month and I'm only just now reviewing it. Partly because I've been busy, partly because I'm lazy and partly because it wasn't a book that I read and then immediately felt the need to share with anyone. <div>
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It is overall average and I can't say it's made a memorable impression on me, a couple of weeks after reading and I'm having to struggle to remember the details. </div>
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<b>The Plot:</b> Matilda is a young girl living in Bougainville, during the island's struggle for independence. Civil war and the blockade have drastic consequences for Matilda and her classmates, their education is disrupted until Mr Watts becomes the self-appointed teacher of their tiny school. Mr Watts is the last remaining white man, he was previously mocked for his eccentric appearance and behaviour, but the students begin to appreciate his efforts as he teaches them the best he can using the only textbook they have - Charles Dickens' <i>Great Expectations.</i> </div>
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<b>Rating:</b> 3/5 </div>
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<a name='more'></a>I'd never heard of Bouganville before, and thought that the it was perhaps a fictional place, but I was wrong, Bouganville is an autonomous region in Papa New Guinea. It has a turbulent history, and has been invaded and occupied by the Germans, British, Japanese, Australians and Americans and various points. The island is rich in both copper and gold and these natural resources and the indigenous population have been exploited repeatedly by foreign powers. The BRA (Bouganville Revolutionary Army) was a separatist movement that wanted independence from Papa New Guinea, this lead to civil war in the 1990s. According to Wiki, the conflict claimed 15,000- 20,000 lives.</div>
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So full marks to Lloyd Jones for bringing this to my attention and many others, because I was completely ignorant about the country. </div>
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As the narrator of <i>Mister Pip</i> is a child, the civil war is told from a childlike perspective. This means that the scale of war and the causes and consequences are not made clear. I had to google the history of Bouganville to gain a better understanding. The events of the conflict can be inferred, for example Matilda talks about young men leaving the village, and the reader is left to assume they are leaving to join to the fighting, or leaving to try and avoid it. </div>
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The narration is effective in other ways, the lasting trauma of experiencing warfare and how it affect everyday lives and ordinary people has great clarity. The idea of only having one textbook in the school, is humorous but also dreadful when you stop and think about it, as accessing education is so important when developing the Islands future economic and social prospects. </div>
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Matilda and her mother are engaging and bright characters, who I really warmed to. There is a lot of honesty about their relationship, and there is a part towards the end that had me tearing up. </div>
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Mr Watts on the other hand really irritated me. In novel about the Bouganville civil war it rubbed me the wrong way to have a white man as a central character, especially as the 'hero'. Its kind of like the author thought people won't care about the novel unless there was a white face to root for. At least Mr Watts wasn't the narrator I suppose- that would have really made the rating drop for me. </div>
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Also, the whole thing about Mr Watts wearing a clown nose and pulling his wife around on a cart was just ridiculous, I wasn't charmed and wasn't interested in what the backstory was about this. The character of Mr Watts felt a little self-indulgent by author. Plus, I thought he was a rather selfish man to be honest, he had piles of books at home but only shared a singular Charles Dickens book with the kids (I bloody hate Charles Dickens as well). </div>
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<i>Mister Pip </i>isn't a terrible book or anything. It is diverting, the narrator is appealing and it is educational about Bouganville. It does have flaws however, and I doubt it'll be a book I'll pick up and read again. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007940773524850664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596075148586425878.post-61903241089470868232015-03-17T10:00:00.000+00:002015-03-17T10:00:00.837+00:00library haul Quite a small haul compared to my usual standards, but I only really popped in quickly to pick up some books that I'd reserved:-<div>
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<ol>
<li><i style="color: blue;">Save Me the Waltz</i><span style="color: blue;">, Zelda Fitzgerald</span><i><span style="color: blue;"> </span>- </i>I've been waiting for this book for so long! I think I ordered it in the summer of last year, or maybe even before that. F.Scott gets all the glory in the Fitzgerald family, but apparently he not only used Zelda as a muse but also stole ideas from her. After reading <i>Flappers </i>by Judith Mackrell I became really intrigued about Zelda, she was the 'it girl' of her generation, and I want to see if she had any substance. <i>Save Me the Waltz</i> is about a glamorous aspiring ballerina. </li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><i>Stiff,</i> Mary Roach</span> - I read <i><a href="http://bookandacuppa.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/mary-roach-gulp.html">Gulp</a> </i>at the end of last year and found it to be equal parts disgusting and fascinating, this time Roach is taking a humorous and curious look at cadavers. From those who donate their bodies to medical science, to cannibalism to dead bodies used as crash test dummies, this promises to be just a grossly fascinating. </li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><i>Sinners,</i> Jackie Collins </span>- I might be a little bit too ashamed to read this one on the tube. It is described on the back as a 'jungle of lust and perversity, greed and ambition'. I'm hoping its going to be just as fabulously trashy as <i>Valley of the Dolls</i>. </li>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007940773524850664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596075148586425878.post-23889185928198851582015-03-16T10:00:00.000+00:002015-03-16T17:38:23.333+00:00Kitty Hart-Moxon, Return to Auschwitz When I was at school I had the great privilege to meet Josef Pearl, a survivor of the holocaust, (<i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Faces-Smoke-Story-Josef-Perl/dp/0954123301/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1426349806&sr=1-1&keywords=faces+in+the+smoke">Faces in the Smoke </a> </i>is his biography). I don't think it's until you read, or hear the testimonies told by survivors themselves that you can even slightly comprehend the horrors of the death camps.<br />
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<i>Return to Auschwitz </i>is the autobiography of Kitty Hart-Moxon, who managed to live through unimaginable cruelty and barbarism of Auschwitz concentration camp.<br />
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Rating: 4/5<br />
<a name='more'></a>I don't think it's quite right to review biographies - it is after all somebodies life and I can't critique it in the same way as I would do a fictional novel, especially when it is about such a sombre subject.<br />
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Saying <i>Return to Auschwitz</i> is a 'good read' just seems massively inappropriate....but in a way it is. Hart-Moxon manges to be articulate about experience that are far outside people's frame of reference, she made me have a small understanding of what she went through - though I don't think anyone can truly imagine what the holocaust was like unless they lived it. Daily terror, arbitrary violence, the sights, smells and sounds of hundreds being murdered and the constant threat that you could be next, it is incomprehensible.<br />
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Kitty Hart-Moxon's story is distressing and disturbing to read, but so so important. Her brave testimony will ensure that the victims of this atrocity will not be forgotten. Her account is unflinching. Reading this you cannot help but admire Kitty, her mother and the other detainees. They are resilient and courageous. <br />
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I am definitely in favour of survivors bearing witness and speaking of their experience themselves. I think there can be a huge problem with sensationalising and profiting from fictional accounts of real historical tragedies such as the holocaust. The Nazis wanted to eliminate the Jewish people, it is right that their stories are heard.<br />
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With the recent anti-Semitic attacks that have been happening across Europe, autobiographies such as Kitty's need to be widely shared, as an example of what happens when bigotry, racism and hatred is allowed to flourish. <br />
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Another account of the holocaust that had a massive impact on me was <i>In My Hands, </i>by Irne Gut Opdyke, a Polish woman who helped rescued Jewish people and is honoured by Yad Vashem as Righteous Among the NationsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007940773524850664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596075148586425878.post-70989693333360052312015-03-13T10:00:00.000+00:002015-03-13T10:00:00.720+00:00badass women in literature (part 2)<a href="http://bookandacuppa.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/badass-women-in-literature-part-1.html">Read part 1 here </a><br />
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More inspiring ladies from literature...<br />
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<a name='more'></a>1. <span style="color: #a64d79;">Lyra Silvertongue, <i>His Dark Materials</i>, Philip Pullman </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fictionadvocate.com/2013/12/09/book-of-today-his-dark-materials-trilogy-by-philip-pullman/">picture source</a></td></tr>
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A vicious, uncivilised liar Lyra is still a heroine. She befriends armoured bears, saves her friends from medical experimentation and defeats God. Not bad for a 12 year old.<br />
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2. <span style="color: #a64d79;">Dana, Kindred, Octavia E. Butler</span><br />
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(<a href="http://bookandacuppa.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/octavia-e-butler-kindred.html">Full review here</a>) A modern African-American woman, Dana is time-travels back to the deep south during the era of slavery. Her treatment is unsurprisingly disturbing and inhumane, but she survives and manages to retain her compassion and dignity.<br />
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3. <span style="color: #a64d79;">Catherine, <i>Into the Darkest Corner</i>, Elizabeth Haynes </span><br />
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(<a href="http://bookandacuppa.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/elizabeth-haynes-into-darkest-corner.html">Full review here</a>) Catherine struggles against her mental disorders and traumatic memories with admirable courage. She doesn't fight any battles, or slay any dragons, but Catherine is a hero, in the same way many women in real life are heroic, she is a survivor of domestic violence. <br />
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4. <span style="color: #a64d79;">Arya and Sansa Stark, <i>A Song of Ice and Fire, </i>George R. R. Martin</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/04/04/sophie-turner-sansa-stark-hair_n_5091274.html">picture source</a></td></tr>
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I'm cheating by having the Stark sisters count as one entry on this list, but I couldn't choice between them. Both show how complex women and femininity can be, and they both have their own strengths and vulnerabilities. Sansa has grown from a naive, idealistic girl into a clever woman who knows how to survive in a royal court. The tragedies in Arya's life have forced to be emotionally closed and physically strong, but she follows her own ethical code.<br />
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5.<span style="color: #a64d79;"> Toby, <i>Year of the Flood</i>, Margaret Atwood </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Year_of_the_Flood">picture source</a> </td></tr>
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When the world ends I really want someone like Toby to have my back. She is brilliantly capable and practical but also has a strongly motherly instinct. She is everything you'd expect from the mind of one of the best feminist fiction authors we have ever had.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007940773524850664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596075148586425878.post-28952628130694115052015-03-11T10:00:00.000+00:002015-03-16T17:38:08.166+00:00C J Sansom, Lamentation C J Sansom's Tudor mystery series always end up on the best sellers list when they come. They are both popular, and well received by critiques and he is highly regarded as an author of historical fiction. Can't help but think he gets more respect that authors of the genre as he as in man in a category dominated by women... but that's a whole other argument and this is meant to be a review post.<br />
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<b>The Plot: </b> The sixth book in the series, Matthew Shardlake lawyer/investigator returns to unravel plots and intrigues of the Tudor royal court. Henry VIII is dying, and is concerned about his legacy, and religious tensions threaten civil harmony. Catholics, Reformers, Anabaptist and Lollards are all Christians, but their differences regarding the holy communion are leading to unrest, charges of heresy and murder. Catherine Parr, the wife of the king, has had a potential inflammatory and heretical memoir stolen, <i>Lamentations of a Sinner</i>, so she calls on her long-term friend Shardlake to retrieve it, before it is made public.<br />
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<b>Rating:</b> 3.5/5 <br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
Firstly, if you haven't read the other novels in this series I suggest you do. <i>Lamentation </i>isn't really a standalone novel. Returning characters have been developed over the previous 5 books, so minimum time is spent on characterisation. It is also helpful to understand the history between the characters, as this will explain Shardlake's reluctance to involve himself in the case, and also his loyalty or animosity towards other key players.<br />
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So, if you have read the others in the Shardlake series, you'll know what to expect with this one- more of the same! In the best of ways though, why change a winning formula?<br />
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Sansom is really good at opening up the nitty gritty of the Tudor court. Until I read <i>Sovereign</i> (book 3) I couldn't fully imagine the practicalities of a royal progress, and the huge logistical undertaking it must have been. Before reading <i>Lamentation </i>I struggled with the distinction between all the Christian sects, but this novel has really helped me remember. I don't need my historical fiction to be 100% accurate, but it's always a bonus when you learn something. Plus this period of history was fascinating, in an era of tension, paranoia and suspicion, the rather mundane event of a stolen book manages to create a well plotted and absorbing mystery. <br />
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There are a couple of aspects of the book that let it it down. some of my favourite characters have been sidelined. Guy, a doctor and former monk hardly gets a mention. Jack Barak and his wife Tamsin have also been elbowed out. I haven't warmed to Barak's replacement Nicolas, yet. Barak was dangerous and whist moral he could also be unscrupulous. Nicolas doesn't have such an ambivalent personality, he's just a posh boy that has been disowned by his parents. Basically Nicolas is too good, he doesn't provide a strong enough counterpoint to Shardlake, who at times can also be boringly virtuous. Shardlake and Barak made a perfect double act, as there was conflict in their different approach to investigations, the sequel to this novel will have lost that by replacing Barak with Nicolas.<br />
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Another part of Lamentation I dislike was the sub-plot about one of Shardlake's clients, a disagreeable pair of siblings who were fighting about inheritance. I really didn't care about this at all, I practically skim read these parts as I wanted to get back to the main story. The inclusion of this subplot didn't add anything to the novel and was just a rather dull distraction.<br />
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Overall <i>Lamentation </i>is a solid addition to the Shardlake series, it doesn't offer anything new, but it has retained the quality of it's predecessors. Worth a read.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007940773524850664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596075148586425878.post-86336658239925583872015-03-09T17:24:00.001+00:002015-03-09T17:24:48.047+00:00badass women in literature (part 1)After getting all empowered at <a href="http://bookandacuppa.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/wow-2015.html">WOW</a> I started to think about awesome and inspiring women in literature, and have put together a small, (but by no means definitive) list of heroines;-<br />
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<a name='more'></a>In no particular order:-<br />
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1. <span style="color: #a64d79;">Offred, </span><i style="color: #a64d79;">The Handmaids Tale</i><span style="color: #a64d79;">, Margaret Atwood</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Illustration by Elena and Anna Balbusso </td></tr>
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The narrator of this dystopian tale makes this list because of her adaptability. She has the determination to survive an oppressive patriarchal society, valued only for her ovaries, Offred retains her wit and intelligence. She has the courage to bear witness and rebel by hanging on to her personhood<br />
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2. <span style="color: #a64d79;">Brianne of Tarth, <i>A Song of Ice and Fire</i>, George R.R. Martin </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rebloggy.com/post/art-game-of-thrones-image-a-song-of-ice-and-fire-asoiaf-maid-brienne-tarth-oathk/14086557892">illustration by Rory Phillips</a> </td></tr>
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There are many great women in George R.R Martin's fantasy series it was hard to pick. Brianne is undoubtedly heroic, and stays true to her chivalric code. A true knight. She is brave, loyally and has strong convictions. Constantly ridiculed for her looks, she proves that women are not their to be ornamental, but their worth should be measured by their character and actions.<br />
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3.<span style="color: #c27ba0;"> Janie Crawford, <i>Their Eyes Were Watching God, </i>Zora N. Hurston</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/acarononeill/their-eyes-were-watching-god/">picture source</a></td></tr>
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Born poor, female and Black, Janie has the odds stacked against her. She faces many trials, unhappy marriages, domestic violence, a hurricane and a rabid dog and she meets these challenges with great resilience. Janie is not broken by her experiences, she remains a romantic willing to defy her community for love.<br />
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4. <span style="color: #a64d79;">Hermione Granger, <i>Harry Potter, </i>J. K Rowling <i> </i> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Illustration by Batcii<br />
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I don't think anyone of my generation could write a list like this at not include Hermione. Fiercely intelligent, fiercely loyal and fiercely moral. Hermione gives inspiration to all bookish girls who have ever been accused of being bossy know-it-alls. Constantly saving the boys arses, the world couldn't have been saved with out her skills.<br />
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5.<span style="color: #a64d79;"> Lily Bart, <i>House of Mirth,</i> Edith Wharton </span><br />
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Move over Elizabeth Bennett, the real heroine of genteel society is Lily Bart. Preyed upon by men who want to take advantage of her lack of connections and relative poverty, Lily refuses to compromise herself and keeps her integrity although she is slandered by society. Though the novel ends in tragedy, Lily shows she has far more class that many of the other members of high society.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007940773524850664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596075148586425878.post-70935383660205602782015-03-09T13:00:00.000+00:002015-03-16T17:39:14.485+00:00WOW 2015Hope everyone had a fabulous International Women's Day yesterday!<br />
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I sure did. I went to the WOW festival this weekend and had a brilliant time. 3 days of talks, debates and performances celebrating women and discussing the challenges we face, just had my little feminist heart singing with glee. </div>
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I'm already looking forward to going to next year. Here's a quick round up of what I saw:-</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Friday:</span></div>
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<li><i><span style="color: red;">Blurred Lines</span></i> with Kirsty Wark. Focusing on a recent BBC documentary, this talk looked at a survey of how British society views women and girls. This was a little bit disappointing to be honest- the acoustics made it hard to hear, and it was oversubscribed so we couldn't sit or see the stage probably </li>
<li><span style="color: red; font-style: italic;">Stylist, Question Time </span>This was a debate between female MPs or would-be-MPs from Labour, Conservatives, Lib Dem and Greens. As it is an elections year it was very important to hear what they had to say for themselves. I thought they gave rather woolly answers, they made statements about the problems women face, but didn't say how their party intends to solves them. </li>
<li><i style="color: red;">How To: Be An MP. </i>This wasn't as informative as I hoped, though I did gain some insight into the day-to-day work of an MP it wasn't really a how to guide. Plus there was no discussion about other barriers, other than gender, that may prevent people becoming involved in politics. For example class and finances are I believe a greater obstacle for me, rather than being a women.</li>
<li><i><span style="color: red;"> How To: Please Sir Can I Have Some More?</span></i> This was a workshop about negotiating a pay rise and it was funny and useful. Stevie Spring and Melanie V. Eusebe are just fabulous and I came away feeling really motivated. </li>
<li><span style="color: red;">Lauren Laverne & Sandie Okoro</span>. We got the end of this, Sandie Okoro is one of the most senior women in law, and is witty, warm and inspiring. I wanted to hear more from her. </li>
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<span style="color: blue;">Saturday: </span><br />
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<li><i style="color: red;"> The Transgender Tipping Point </i>with Juliet Jacques, Bethany Black, Faizan Fiaz, Felix Lane and Jane Fae. This had such an interesting panel, and I was so pleased to see that trans issues were included in the festival. There was a real focus on intersectionality by the panel, which was lacking in many of the other talks. </li>
<li><span style="color: red;">Bridget Christie </span>a feminist comedian that had me crying with laughter. From fart jokes, to Russell Brand to yoghurt adverts, this show was just perfect. </li>
<li><i><span style="color: red;">The Girl Generation</span></i> a discussion about FGM, how the campaign against this practice has grown and what there is still to be done. I came to this talk with some knowledge, so it didn't really learn anything new. Still it is a very important topic, and I'm keen to join the Fanny Defence League (such a good name!).</li>
<li><i style="color: red;">Self Defence </i>Debi Steven and the work she does with Action Breaks Silence is incredible. We learnt practical defence tips and left feeling empowered. I really want to attend one of her full courses. She is also doing amazing work in India and South Africa, equipping girls with vitial skills that could potentially save them from rape or death. </li>
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<span style="color: blue;">Sunday: </span></div>
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<li><i><span style="color: red;">Injustice, Intrusion and Immunity</span></i> with Shami Chakrabarti. I had no idea of how important the Human Rights Act is, and how it has been used to hold the justice system to account and prosecute the police for their failings. This talk was incredibly eye opening, the work of Liberty is phenomenal</li>
<li><i style="color: red;">Extremism </i>this is very topical at the moment, with lots of young men and women joining IS in Syria. I'm not sure I agreed with panel on many points, but it was good to get a fresh perspective</li>
<li><span style="color: red;"><i>You've Been Framed: Women and Madness</i></span> a lot of food for thought in this one, about how social problems such as poverty, racism, childhood abuse contribute to diagnosis of mental disorders.</li>
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I really hope these talks and the many, many others are made available on the web, as I had to miss so many due to clashes. </div>
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I had such a good time across all three days, but I would say that the festival needs to be better organised. Many events were oversubscribed, so people had to queue for ages, or where turned away for lack of space. I had to stand or sit on the floor in a fair few of the talks, which was tiring and uncomfortable. The Clore Ballroom is also a crap venue, it was too hard to hear any of the discussion because of nearby noise. Plus I don't think there was enough checking of wristbands, I paid £45 for my ticket, but I reckon I could have snuck in many of the events for free. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007940773524850664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596075148586425878.post-91001986917137399932015-03-05T20:57:00.004+00:002015-03-05T20:57:57.170+00:00World Book Day <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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Happy world book day! Sadly, I'm far too old to receive world book tokens, but I still remember dressing up when I was at primary school, I went as Red Riding Hood. I've just seen some rather depressing news that a lad in Manchester was sent home from school for his <i>50 Shades of Gray </i>costume. He's only 11, so I have no idea what his mum was thinking.<br />
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If you are small enough to receive tokens I've got a couple of suggestions of where to spend them:-<br />
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1. <span style="color: blue;">Patrick Ness, </span><i><span style="color: blue;">The Chaos Walking Trilogy</span> </i>(YA- age 12+)<br />
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<a href="http://bookandacuppa.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/patrick-ness-chaos-walking-trilogy.html">Full review here</a>. Original and fast-paced. This series is ideal for both boys and girls, and would be fantastic for reluctant readers. Plus it has great crossover appeal, it was enjoyed by me (age 27) and my mum (52)<br />
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2. <span style="color: blue;">Babette Cole </span><i style="color: blue;">Princess Smartypants </i>(early years)<br />
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Indoctrinate your little ones early with this feminist picture book! Princess Smartypants is an independent woman who just wants to ride her motorbike and live in peace with her pets, but first she has to get rid of her suitors.<br />
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3. <span style="color: blue;">Jill Murphy, <i>The Worst Witch</i> </span>(ages 6-8)<br />
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Even before <i>Harry Potter </i>I was obsessed with witches. Mildred Hubble in the worst witch in the school, clumsy and always in trouble, she is easy to identify with. Plus the black and white illustrations are beautiful. <div>
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4. <span style="color: blue;">Errol Lloyd </span><span style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">Many Rivers to Cross </span>(8-10)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Many-Rivers-Cross-Errol-Lloyd/dp/0749725893/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1425588199&sr=8-3&keywords=many+rivers+to+cross+book">picture source</a></td></tr>
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The heroine of this novel, Sandra is inspiring because of her bravely and resilience. She moves from Jamaica to Britain and faces many challenges including racism and culture shock. A very important and insightful book that I can remember in great detail 15 or so years later, it really does stay with you. </div>
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5. <span style="color: blue;">John Burningham, </span><span style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">Avocado Baby </span>(early years)</div>
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I can't eat an avocado without thinking of this book. The Hargraves want their baby to grow up big and strong, but unfortunate he is a picky eater. This picture book is silly, fun and a real winner with little people. </div>
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If you need further inspiration, <a href="http://www.booktrust.org.uk/books/children">BookTrust</a> has extensive lists. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007940773524850664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596075148586425878.post-89599684133483044032015-03-02T12:18:00.001+00:002015-03-02T12:18:26.235+00:00Where's Wally? National Literacy Trust Fun Run If you're London based and fancy getting some good karma by raising money for a brilliant charity, please sign up for the <a href="http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/support/fundraising_and_events/fun_run">National Literacy Trust fun run.</a><br />
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One in six adults in the UK struggle with literacy - the <a href="http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/">National Literacy Trust </a>aims to help rectify this.<br />
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If you're a follower of this blog, I'm assuming you like to read- now imagine you can't.Without basic literacy skills your're chances of employment are greatly reduced, how can you get a job when you can't fill out an application form? Or imagine if reading a bus time table was a challenge or writing an email? Literacy has an impact on every aspect of lives.<br />
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With your help we can help improves the lives of adults and children in the UK. Please sign up for either 5 or 10K, and join the other Wallys doing their bit!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007940773524850664noreply@blogger.com0