Trashionista

August 17, 2011 10:13 PM

BOOK REVIEW: From London With Love by Jemma Forte

I'm a huge fan of chick-lit novels with a spy theme, so was rather excited about From London With Love, the new novel from Jemma Forte (author of Me and Miss M). Okay, so it's not exactly a novel about secret agents, but still - with a loveable heroine with a double life and a city backdrop, I couldn't help but instantly fall for this one.

Jessica Granger is the rich daughter of not only the world's favourite James Bond actor, but also Angelica, who was once voted sexiest ever Bond girl for her role as Heavenly Melons. But despite Jessica's privileged upbringing, she craves a bit of anonymity - mainly due to her dad trying to 'help her out' at every job she gets. So she decides to change her name and head to London, where finally, she can learn to stand on her own two feet.

Which she starts to do perfectly. Jessica chooses her father's birth name of Bender, despite his warnings - and even flies economy class to the UK to get her into the throes of living like a normal girl. Staying at a hotel, Jessica starts out in the city with her aunt Pam, who might have just helped land her a job...

Despite having movie-star parents and a whole host of agents and famous folk as part of her extended family, Jessica doesn't exactly know much about working in TV. So being interviewed for the (low-paid) role of assistant on a top TV show isn't exactly easy, especially as Jessica has promised herself not to reveal her true identity. Yet somehow, Jess bags the job - and she's soon thrown into the world of television.

However, it's not that easy...best friend Dulcie has realised that Jessica's guest-booking role could get her a break in the UK, and she's determined. Plus, Jessica is rather interested in new colleague Paul. But she has to be very careful - the girls at the show and celeb-savvy and it would only take one mistake to reveal the truth about Jessica Bender...

Can Jessica keep up with her double-life and keep her independence? Or should she have stayed in Hollywood with her lovely yet overbearing dad and wedding-obsessed Dulcie?

I absolutely loved this book. It was wonderfully funny; Jemma obviously has a great sense of humour, and with plenty of dialogue, the book flowed well. It's written in third person so that the reader gets not only Jessica's perspective, but also those of her parents - who are equally fantastic. I had been waiting for this book for a months and was so glad to find out that it was as brilliant as I had expected. My only complaint? I read it rather quickly and I would love to read more Jessica adventures!

This is a fantastic, light read set in the world of London media so if you love true-to-life observations mixed with celebrity and laughs, From London With Love is definitely the book for you.

Rating: 5/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on August 17, 2011 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (30)

August 2, 2011 1:33 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Only Way is Up by Carole Matthews

Having read a few of Carole's previous books, I was delighted to come across The Only Way is Up. The synopsis was a rather interesting one and not long after starting this book, I was a little disappointed that I hadn't read this sooner! (The paperback was released in February.) Still, I was glad I bought it, because it definitely didn't disappoint.

In The Only Way is Up, Lily and Laurence Lamont-Jones have it all. Laurence has a well-paid job in the City, earning money for luxuries that most could only dream of. Designer clothing, a countryside home complete with horses for their children, Hugo and Hettie; private schooling, a driver, extortionate holidays and everything they could possibly wish for.

However, their rich life comes swiftly to an end when they arrive home from their holiday to find that bailiffs have taken the lot.

Due to an issue at work, Laurence has lost his job, and has kept it a secret for months. Now, with their home and possessions gone, he has no choice but to admit it to his family, and with nothing left but their holiday clothing, the couple are forced into a cheap hotel before embarking on a completely new life - a life with no money.

To their horror, the family are offered a flea-ridden house on a council housing estate in Netherslade Bridge. It's their only option. The family have been sheltered from even seeing this kind of life for practically their whole lives, so how can they cope? With no food, no clothes, no money and no furniture, it seems as though life can't get any worse - but then in walks new neighbour Tracey, who is determined to help the family in any way she can.

And when Laurence and Lily are forced to take jobs with salaries that are horrifyingly less than they're accustomed to, they need to come to terms with the fact that life will no longer be the same.

My verdict? I absolutely loved this book. Not only was the book addictive and enjoyable, but I really liked the characters and felt myself sympathising with their situation, which is something that I didn't think I would. At the start of the book, Lily is extremely happy with her lifestyle and when she is thrown from her well-off ways into poverty, I thought she might not be able to take it. However, throughout the book, Lily and Laurence, although penniless, remain determined to stand by each other and make things work. Tracey is also a fun character, who helps Lily to see that even if you don't have a lot of money, you can still have a good time.

The contrast in the lives of these women made some moments of the book hilarious, heart-warming and very real. (I especially loved Lily's birthday night out!) The couple may be thrust into a neighbourhood that they'd usually find rough, but is it really? When their own friends have deserted them because of their lack of money, the people of Netherslade Bridge are standing by them no matter what.

Of course, the book poses the question of 'can money buy you happiness?' And the Lamont-Jones family soon find out.

The Only Way is Up was such a lovely read that I'm very much looking forward to Wrapped Up In You, which is out in October.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Marrying Out of Money by Nicky Schmidt

Posted by Elle Symonds on August 2, 2011 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (8)

July 20, 2011 9:34 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Self-Printed by Catherine Ryan Howard

Trashionista first featured Catherine Ryan Howard back in June 2010 when her travel memoir, Mousetrapped, was released. The book chronicles her year (and a bit!) working for Disney in Orlando, with some hilarious adventures and anecdotes. And of course, more recently we posted about Catherine's upcoming novel, Results Not Typical. It seems that Catherine's writing knows no bounds, because not only can she pen one hell of a funny memoir, she's also written a self-publishing guide, aptly titled Self-Printed.

You might wonder why I've chosen to review this title. After all, this is a chick-lit website. As it happens, I'm a writer (well, let's just say in the making!) and have a penchant for guides like this. But there are plenty more upcoming writers out there, and many who read Trashionista. And if you're going to be a successful writer, regardless of whether you're traditionally published or have chosen the route of self-publishing, then you're going to require a lot of self-promotion.

Catherine's book Mousetrapped was self-published (which was a surprise, as it's so professionally edited and presented that when I received a copy I assumed she'd been snapped up by a publishing house.) Alas, no - because Mousetrapped, albeit a wonderful book, only catered for a small market, traditional publishers didn't see it as an option. And so Catherine embarked on her mission to self-print.

Writers who choose to do this now have a variety of options readily available, a world away from the old-style 'vanity' presses. With websites and editing tools, an author can create an exceptional copy and in this book, Catherine tells you how. Based on her own experiences, Catherine explains the best routes to take, and how to use the wealth of resources out there to your advantage.

There are chapters about presentation and planning, and of course, how to promote. Catherine provides a lot of handy hints about blogging, editing, site design, fan pages and online networking. Self-publishing can go horribly wrong, and throughout this book, Catherine provides hints, tips and all the advice you need to help make your book a self-printed success.

What made this book so perfect was Catherine's humour throughout - yep, she's been there. She's spent a LOT of time and effort (and coffee money, I presume - check out her blog, Catherine, Caffeinated!) on learning about the world of self-printing and making her own books successful. It takes time and hard work, and she's done it - and won't hesitate to provide you with the blunt, honest truth. She's naturally gifted with wit and Self-Printed not only gave me a wealth of advice but made me laugh in the same way that Mousetrapped did. This woman is immensely talented.

Self-Printed is a must-read if you're considering a career as a writer. And not just a self-published one. This book contains tips that everyone who plans on becoming an author needs know. It's for everyone. And it's funny. In fact, I've recommended it to quite a few people already and will no doubt read it again when my own book edits are complete.

Needless to say, I'm very much looking forward to Results Not Typical. But Self-Printed is one of the best writing-related how-to books I have read in a LONG time!

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Wannabe a Writer We've Heard Of? by Jane Wenham-Jones

Posted by Elle Symonds on July 20, 2011 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (5)

July 13, 2011 6:20 PM

E-BOOK REVIEW: Phone Kitten by Marika Christian

So last week we reviewed the wonderful Diary of a Mad Fat Girl. This week's ebook slot is dedicated to Phone Kitten by Marika Christian. When I first heard of this book I was intrigued; a phone-sex worker turned sleuth? Sounds like the perfect mix. And with a lot of Kindle titles out there at a very low price, including this one, there was no reason not to give this a chance.

Emily is an aspiring writer - introverted and a little overweight, she dreams of being the hot, savvy columnist like her best friend Dani. But when Dani steals a piece of Emily's writing for her upcoming column - a piece that Emily was going to show to her boss in her plight to gain her ideal job. Sadly, Dani successfully frames her for plagiarism, leaving Emily mad - and worse, fired.

In need of fast cash, Emily takes a job as a phone sex worker. Blessed with a lovely voice, Emily signs up alongside an office full of other girls to entertain men, sometimes regular guys looking for a quick fantasy fix, others fetishists who require Emily to put on a little more of an act. But despite the fact that Emily wouldn't dare indulge in such dirty talk in real-life, she finds her new job perfectly fine. When Emily is Peyton, her brand-new phone sex persona, she's feisty and super sexy - Peyton would be daring and adventurous, unlike the real-life Emily.

However, when she starts talking to a man who's rather important in her small town, Emily - or Peyton - starts to become his best friend. He starts to let Peyton in on everything about his life, but it doesn't matter, right? Because after all, Peyton's just an act.

At least that's what Emily thinks...

Whilst on a date with her new boyfriend, a hot cop, Emily runs into Peyton's guy, and he knows the truth. But when he's found dead just a matter of hours later, Emily knows something's not right...

Cue Emily's new investigative role. Which would be made a lot easier if she just told her cop boyfriend. But telling the truth would mean outing herself as a phone sex worker, and what guy would be happy with that?

There's only one option - Emily has to solve the mystery herself, before anyone else gets hurt...

Okay, I'll be honest here - when I first downloaded Phone Kitten, I didn't know what to expect. I loved the synopsis straight away and I had to try it, but I really didn't think it would be as good as it was! Marika is an excellent writer and I simply loved Emily - especially when she'd ask herself 'what would Peyton do?' The mystery was fast-paced and worked so well. I also loved Emily's gay best friend Dennis, who is in no way an overused stereotype but instead a down-to-earth guy who Emily can rely on (and reveal all to!)

This is fabulous book, even though it's not that long. I read it in a night and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's actually Marika's debut and I'm so glad I came across it - I'm just hoping she writes more!

Rating: 5/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on July 13, 2011 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (4)

July 11, 2011 10:03 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Sweet Temptation by Lucy Diamond

A short while back I received a copy of Lucy Diamond's newest novel The Beach Cafe, which I love (review coming shortly!) and seeing as that was the first book by this author that I'd read, I picked up her 2010 novel Sweet Temptation. The synopsis had me hooked immediately.

Sweet Temptation focuses on the lives of three women - Maddie, Jess and Lauren - who are each on a personal mission to lose weight. Maddie, assistant at a radio station, has always been unhappy with her large size, and working alongside skinny superbitch Colette isn't doing her flagging confidence any favours. When Colette decides to start a Make Birmingham Beautiful radio campaign and signs up all her staff, reluctant Maddie is embarrassed. Faced with a 'fight the flab' mantra and paid-for gym subscription, Maddie finds the whole thing embarrassing, especially the Fatbusters meeting that she's forced to take part in.

Beautician Jess is also unhappy about her weight, especially as she's due to be marrying Charlie. Despite Charlie's bullying nature and her friends' pleas for her to ditch him, Jess is happy to wait to set the official date. Determined to get into a smaller wedding dress, Jess too finds herself in the Fatbusters class.

Meanwhile Lauren, who owns a city dating agency, has long given up on her search for Mr Right, even though she makes a living selling the dream of 'happily ever after.' Lauren has always been a bigger girl, happy with the fact that she's witty and endearing and after a failed relationship is waiting for a charming man who'll fall for her personality and not care about the 'extra poundage'. When handsome Joe signs up to her agency, Lauren is even more ambitious...

The three women are in need of shedding the pounds and cutting out the tempting treats that are luring them away from actually facing their problems.

Pretty soon the ladies meet at Fatbusters and, seeing as they're all newcomers, decide to be 'diet buddies'. And as their friendship blossoms, the ladies' lives intertwine. With Maddie feeling belittled at work and also facing the prospect of losing her mum, Jess being bullied and controlled by the man she wants to marry and Lauren securing dates for clients but never her own, it seems as though the girls need more out of life. And their new Fatbusters class might be the perfect place to find it...

I don't want to give too much away in this review, but I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed Sweet Temptation and finished it in one sitting. I loved all of the characters, especially Maddie, who had to deal with working with a total bitch of a boss, as well as juggling motherhood, her new regime and looking after her sick mum. Jess and Lauren were also lovely characters, and I felt myself rooting for Jess, who had to put up with Charlie and his bullying for so long. I find it hard to carry on without revealing too much of the ending (sorry!) but this was a great book and I enjoyed it just as much as The Beach Cafe. Needless to say, I am now a big fan of Lucy Diamond and am about to check out her previous novels!

Rating: 5/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on July 11, 2011 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

July 4, 2011 8:47 PM

KINDLE REVIEW: Diary of a Mad Fat Girl by Stephanie McAfee

About two weeks ago I finally caved in and purchased an Amazon Kindle. Then promptly cursed myself for not getting one sooner, because it really is one of the best things I've ever bought. Those who own one will probably be aware of the vast array of ebooks that are available. Amazon boasts a Kindle chart which is full of both free and priced ebooks, and simply browsing can bring up a whole host of great books which aren't available in paperback form. Thus, welcome to the new Kindle review feature at Trashionista!

One of the first books I snapped up for the Kindle, aside from Nicky Schmidt's Marrying Out of Money, was Diary of a Mad Fat Girl by Stephanie McAfee. It sounded like a fun read - 'illegal surveillance, stalking and covert operations in a strip club'? I'm totally there.

In Diary of a Mad Fat Girl, teacher Gracelia 'Ace' Jones is looking forward to spending spring break with best friend Lilly Lane - that is, until Lilly cancels at the last minute due to her secret gentleman friend - the 'friend' she's incredibly shady about. To top it off, boss-from-hell Catherine is yet again trying everything possible to get Ace into trouble. Even worse is that friend Chloe, who is being beaten by her husband Richard, an evil yet well-respected friend of the local priest in the small town, is still refusing to leave him. Yet when Chloe confides that she thinks Richard is having affairs, Ace is ready to give Richard exactly what he deserves.

Ace and Lilly are soon on the case, with hilarious consequences. The girls dabble in stalking, strip clubs, and getting arrested. Things are shaken up even more with Ace when ex-love Mason turns up out of the blue and refuses to go away until she agrees to marry him.

Can they get enough dirt on Richard for Chloe to get her revenge? Will Lilly finally admit the identity of her elusive 'Gentleman?' And can Ace really take back Mason?

Diary of a Mad Fat Girl was a fantastic read - fast-paced, funny and delightful. It's quite a short book, but I read it in one sitting and wished there was more! Ace is a great character, feisty, amusing and would do anything for her friends, and so is Lilly. I couldn't wait to find out what happened with the awful Richard, and the ending is unexpected yet brilliant.

My only complaint, however, is that the cover and title of Diary of a Mad Fat Girl really don't do the book justice at all. The cover image does not portray the nature of the book at all and though Ace may be a 'mad fat girl', this book is nothing like a diary as the title implies. In fact, Ace may describe herself as chubby but the book doesn't focus on her weight (despite some hilarious gym escapades); it's more about her friends and her adventures as an aspiring local spy. When I saw this on Amazon I thought it was something different and nearly avoided it, but thankfully I checked out the synopsis which made me download it straight away.

However, that said, Diary of a Mad Fat Girl was a great debut novel and I'd love to read more from Stephanie!

Rating: 5/5

You can download the book here,

Posted by Elle Symonds on July 4, 2011 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

June 27, 2011 2:44 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Marrying Out of Money by Nicky Schmidt

Nicky Schmidt's debut novel, Naked in Knightsbridge, is one of my favourite chick-lit reads of all time, and when I found out about Nicky's second book, Marrying Out of Money, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. And seeing as I've recently bought a wonderful Kindle (FINALLY!) this was one of the first books I downloaded*.

If you enjoyed Naked in Knightsbridge, then chances are you're going to love Marrying Out of Money one hell of a lot more. I was expecting this to be a good read, but it was more addictive than I thought.

In Marrying out of Money, coffee heiress Lou Hubbard (well, originally born as Cristal by her slightly mad mother) is loved-up with rock star boyfriend Hedge. Despite their differences - Lou the daughter of millionaire Nigel Hubbard; Hedge a poor hippy intent on 'pretekting the planit' - Lou really wants their relationship to work. Although Lou's mother has other plans, wanting nothing more than to get rid of Hedge and marry her off to a rich heir, thus making the Hubbard family well and truly upper class.

Meanwhile, Lady Morphia Stomeworth has a problem. She may be one of the most feared and respected ladies of the aristocracy, but her family home is falling to pieces. With the family fortune swindled away by an uncle, the Stomeworths will shortly be forced into poverty and humiliation. But there remains one other option. To force son Harry into marriage...to someone incredibly rich.

Lord Harry Stomeworth, a well-known playboy who sees settling down as a nightmare, isn't thrilled with the idea - especially when he finds out who his mother plans on making him wed. And Lou Hubbard isn't best pleased either. So unhappy in fact that she goes to every length possible to make herself seem the most disgusting, common, insane lady going. With the help of Sloaney friend Fin, Lou tries everything to ruin dinner parties with the Stomeworths, including painting her face, refusing to wash, wearing pornographic t-shirts...

Sadly, Lou's attempts are in vain, and her other is furious. Her father is ill, and mysteriously gets a little bit worse each time Lou voices her opinion on the arranged marriage...could Mrs Hubbard have anything to do with it?

As Nigel is bedridden, Lou is taking over the business, which isn't entirely performing at its best. Add to that the Hedge situation. Hedge is asking for money - money which Lou doesn't have. But there's a way to get the ten grand that her bedraggled boyfriend needs. She could, of course, blackmail her mother.

With the mothers hiding their own hatred for each other, it seems as though this marriage is going ahead. But not without a fight.

And while Lou and Harry are trying everything to get out of this atrocious marriage, Harry's got some new problems in the form of supermodel Claudia. And Hedge isn't behaving too well, either...

As the plans progress and the parents' attempt to save their families looks as though it might just go to plan, things are about to erupt, big time. Can the pair eventually get what they want? Or will this mad coupling actually lead to something they never thought was possible?

One thing I like about Nicky Schmidt is that even though her books seem to be aimed at the 'chick-lit' market, her books aren't typical of the usual chick-lit format. Which may seem like an odd thing to say, given that I'm one of the biggest chick-lit fans around. But there's something refreshing and very unique about the way Nicky writes that makes me love these books even more.

Although I do have to say that despite wonderfully funny, this book is VERY unrealistic. The characters are hilarious - especially Lou's mother and the awful Hedge - but if you're expecting something true to life, this is not for you! In fact, it almost read like a parody of some of the more 'serious' stories out there, but for me that's what made it so, so enjoyable. It's brilliantly funny, especially as Lou tries to make herself repulsive and utterly embarrassing. And aside from all the silliness, there is a very serious backstory about Lou's friend Fin.

I enjoyed every page of Marrying Out of Money and am now eagerly awaiting Nicky's upcoming novel, The Anti Model Agency.

Rating: 5/5

*If you have a Kindle and have yet to read Nicky's books, check out the Nicky Schmidt bundle that's available on Amazon.

Posted by Elle Symonds on June 27, 2011 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (4)

June 22, 2011 11:49 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Single Girl's To-Do List by Lindsey Kelk

Lindsey Kelk first made her mark on the world of chicklit with her bestselling novel, I Heart New York - which was swiftly followed by I Heart Hollywood and I Heart Paris. Lindsey's light, amusing tales of heroine Angela Clark delighted many of us, so it was super exciting when new novel, The Single Girl's To-Do List, was released earlier this month.

Okay, so The Single Girl's To-Do List is not about Angela - this time, Kelk has stepped away from Angela's travelling adventures, although the book is just as fun! In this latest tale, makeup artist Rachel Summers has just been dumped.

When boyfriend Simon decides to go on a relationship 'break', Rachel thinks everything will be peachy - that it's just a minor shakeup and all will be fine. But it's not. When the truth finally dawns on Rachel that she is in fact single - something that she hasn't been for years - then it's time to take action.

With best friends Matthew and Em to help her through the breakup, Rachel now has to learn to get used to the single life. And with her penchant for list-making, it's only a matter of time before the trio come up with a fabulous way of making her embrace her new status - the single girl's to-do list.

Rachel has a number of tasks to cross off her list, which include a makeover, travelling, getting in touch with an old crush and even breaking the law. But can she tick off every single item?

With some hilarious situations, Rachel is getting used to things - starting with an image change, which brings out her fiery side. Finally being able to stand up for herself at work, Rachel is about to get more than she bargained for with long-term colleage (and not to mention manwhore) Dan. And when Matthew helps the list along by contacting former school crush Ethan on Facebook on Rachel's behalf, things are going to get a lot more interesting...

I loved this book, admittedly even more so than the I Heart... books. Maybe it was the feeling that I could relate with the whole life-changing, list making thing (I'm terrible for it!), but I loved Rachel more than I did Angela. I also loved Rachel's friends, Em and Matthew. Em is wonderfully funny and Matthew is a great character, and although gay, isn't the typical, cliched 'gay best friend' character that became overused in chick-lit years previously. Although this book is not laugh-out-loud funny, the trio still work perfectly together, with some wonderfully amusing scenarios and banter.

The Single Girl's To-Do List was a brilliant read - light and quick (I read it in a matter of hours!) but it kept me hooked and I couldn't wait to see whether Rachel completed her list. And of course, I'm not going to spoil it! Am looking forward to what Kelk has to offer next.

Rating: 5/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on June 22, 2011 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

June 21, 2011 9:41 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Bossypants by Tina Fey

Okay, I have to admit I'm somewhat ashamed that this review wasn't posted sooner. A huge fan of Tina Fey, I had planned on snapping up her memoir, Bossypants, since the day it was released. Sadly I didn't, and it remained on my wishlist for a while until, during a habitual visit to Waterstones, I saw it on a shelf in front of me. It may as well have sported a halo - 'OhmygodIhavetogetthatnow!' was my initial response. So I did.

As well as adoring 30 Rock star Fey (since before 30 Rock, I might add), I'm a lover of memoirs, especially the funny, witty kind. Think Laurie Notaro, Jen Lancaster, Chelsea Handler, even. I have a certain love for these books and am always on the lookout for similar, which is one of the reasons why I was looking forward to this book (despite that famous cover..)

Bossypants begins with Tina's childhood, with some hilarious anecdotes from her teenage years that made me laugh out loud, and frankly I didn't want this to end. From period troubles to dating, Fey covered these aspects of her younger self in such a clever, sarcastic way that not only were these stories so amusing to read, I felt as though I could relate o each and every one.

The book then moves on to Tina's work life, and how she got started in the industry, before moving on to tales of her life at Saturday Night Live and of course, 30 Rock. If you're familiar with these shows then this book really is an honest behind-the-scenes look at life in television. I've personally always loved Tina because she's hardworking, naturally funny and not to mention gorgeous - and this book simply made me love her even more. Not only does she share some funnier moments from her life as a teenager, performer, mother, boss- in Bossypants - as well as personal stories such as how she got her scar - Tina Fey also gives us an insight into the industry she's famed for and how to make it.

I will say, however, that I didn't find Bossypants funny in the later half of the book as I had at the beginning. Tina's first few tales had me chuckling the whole time, but towards the end I didn't find it so amusing. That said, it was still an absolutely wonderful read, and I'd urge anyone who's a fan of Tina Fey to get hold of this. Heck, get hold of it even if you're not. Tina's wit shines through in every chapter and it was delightful to read more about her off-screen life.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Are you there, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler 

Posted by Elle Symonds on June 21, 2011 in Celebrity Authors, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

June 15, 2011 11:50 PM

BOOK REVIEW: There Goes the Bride by Holly McQueen

Wedding fever has been in the air over the past few months, bringing with it some fabulous new chick-lit novels. One that we've been particularly excited about is There Goes the Bride, the latest book by Holly McQueen. You probably remember Holly as the author of the Isabel Bookbinder series, but this time McQueen steps away from Isabel's career-related escapades for this wedding-themed standalone book.
 
In There Goes the Bride, Polly Atkins is soon to be married. Which is fabulous news for older sister Bella, who's making the arrangements. But there's a problem. Because Polly returns from New York and reveals that she won't be marrying the handsome, lovely surgeon Dev after all.

Bella can't understand what's driven Polly to such a harsh decision, and she's being pretty secretive. As Bella's trying to work out the reason behind her sister's choice, her own relationship isn't exactly peachy.

Meanwhile, Polly's stylish friend Grace can't wait to walk with her childhood friend down the aisle - and stuck in a marriage like hers, she's in need of some excitement. However, when the news is out that the marriage is off, Grace too is left wondering what's gotten into Polly. After all, Dev is the perfect partner...isn't he?

Both women, although entirely different, embark on a mission to get Polly and Dev back together. However, there's already a lot going on in their own lives. After her accident, Bella can't have children and is planning to adopt with football-mad Jamie. But when a naked stranger turns up in her house, nearly ruining her chances with the social worker, Bella's life is about to change.

And Grace, with her seemingly stable marriage with older husband Charlie and her children, could make anyone think she's the perfect wife. But nothing is ever that simple. Grace entered into marriage early and is now forced to ensure school meetings with the posh mummies and Charlie's horrid ex-wife Vanessa. But when a chance meeting with Charlie's uber-rich boss leaves her faced with certain choices, she knows that certain things can no longer stay hidden.

Then there's Polly, who hopes that other secrets can remain undiscovered forever...

As the lives of Grace and Bella intertwine to try and save Polly, they're forced to face up to some problems of their own.

There Goes the Bride gripped me from page one. The book focuses on the lives of Grace and Bella - Polly doesn't play such a large part in the novel, at least not until the end. Although I liked Polly as a character, I didn't feel involved with her like I did the others. Whereas it was fun to try and work out Polly's secret, when it was finally revealed it was not as huge as I had expected - the relationship issues of Bella and Grace were more serious and seemed to take over the story. The book was highly addictive and I loved each of the characters - Bella the sensible sister and Grace the doting friend, who at first seemed a bit prim and snotty, but after reading her story it became clear that inside she was a fun-loving individual who had started a family too young.
 
I simply couldn't put this book down. Admittedly I was expecting a wedding tale along the lines of the Isabel novels which I thoroughly enjoyed, despite the issue of the character's over-the-top ditziness. However, although keeping the same fantastically funny writing style, this was completely different and an absolute joy to read. Bring on the next novel, Holly!

Rating: 5/5

 

Posted by Elle Symonds on June 15, 2011 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

June 8, 2011 10:58 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Something From Tiffany's by Melissa Hill

After enjoying Melissa Hill's previous books (especially The Truth About You) I was delighted when Something From Tiffany's fell through my letterbox. I love Melissa's writing style and her way of storytelling so I had an inkling that this was going to be good!

 

To receive a gift from Tiffany's is the dream of women everywhere. And it's about to come true for two ladies. Well, kind of. When Ethan and Gary both head into the iconic New York store on Christmas Eve in order to pick up something special for their loved ones. they have no idea of what's right around the corner...

 

Ethan is planning to propose to Vanessa on Christmas Day. With his first wife Jane, who always dreamed of having a magical Tiffany's gift, having passed away, he wants to make Vanessa's proposal perfect. Along with his young daughter Daisy, Ethan heads into Tiffany's to pick up the highly expensive engagement ring that's been specially measured for Vanessa.

 

Meanwhile Gary, who's on holiday with doting girlfriend Rachel, is shopping for himself. Realising that he should get some kind of present for her, he gets the first low-priced item he comes across: a charm bracelet. But when he heads back outside and walks into the road, he's hit by a cab. Luckily Ethan and Daisy are also heading out of Tiffany's and rush to his aid, but in the panic, their bags are mistakenly mixed up.

 

Ethan and Daisy can't contain their excitement on Christmas morning - but as he's about to propose to Vanessa, he's in for a terrible shock. In the place of his £20,000 engagement ring is a charm bracelet. Perfect proposal ruined, he heads out to track down his missing ring and get it back so that he can finally propose to his girlfriend. But it's not that easy...

 

In the hospital, Rachel is going through Gary's shopping. Excited at seeing the ring, she's geared up for the ultimate proposal (even though Gary is hardly the romantic type - but people can change, right?) And when she finally opens her gift, Gary keeps quiet, going along with the surprise proposal. So he didn't plan on marriage, but who can pass up the prospect of an expensive jewel that, he thinks, he's gained merely by luck?

 

When Ethan finally tracks down the missing ring to Dublin, he's horrified to discover that Gary has used it to propose to his girlfriend. So how can he come clean and ask for it back? Especially when Rachel is so excited about her upcoming wedding. Of course, her best friends know that something is amiss from the start - an expensive ring and a proposal is the last thing anyone would expect of stingy Gary. And when Ethan arrives on the scene, they know that there's definitely more to the story.

 

As the couples' lives intertwine, both Gary and Ethan are set to get more than they expected from Tiffany's...

 

Like I said, being a big fan of this author, I already had high hopes for this book. It didn't disappoint. The characters are brilliantly written and it's so easy to feel for Ethan and his daughter Daisy. Gary on the other hand is a self-centered idiot, but his story is written so well that you can't help but want to find out what happens to him. Those familiar with Melissa Hill's books will know of the wonderful twists that occur and make them such great reads, and Something From Tiffany's is no different.

 

Rating: 5/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on June 8, 2011 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

June 7, 2011 12:07 AM

BOOK REVIEW: A Surrey State of Affairs by Ceri Radford

First of all, let me just say that I'm a big fan of blogs-turned-books. Admittedly it seems as though the craze has diminished slightly, but I still can't get enough of them. When I was sent A Surrey State of Affairs I was delighted; even though, of course, it's merely fiction.

 

The book is told from the point of view of Constance Harding, a middle-class woman who's about to turn 54, who takes up blogging for the new year. With her 25-year-old single son Rupert who lives away from home, teen daughter Sophie with her swearing and unruly dress sense, housekeeper Natalia and her bad habits, quiet husband Jeffrey and Darcy the parrot, it seems as though Constance and her family unit live a perfectly normal life in the Home Counties.

 

Obviously not.

 

From January, it's obvious that Constance's life is going to take some weird and wonderful turns. When Sophie heads to France to finish her gap year project, Constance is left to ponder why Natalia keeps leaving her undies to dry in her husband's study and why her son Rupert hasn't brought home a girlfriend. Cue an adventure in online dating on Rupert's behalf, along with a relationship disaster at the bell ringing club. And when Sophie returns only to go away on a 'work experience' programme complete with boarding, Constance assumes her rebellious daughter is finally learning life's lessons. That is, until she turns on the TV to find her beloved Sophie on a degrading Big-Brother-esque live show...

 

Family, friends and personal lives collide in Constance's seemingly charmed (but clearly sometimes chaotic) world. Can she end the year without another disaster?

 

I absolutely loved this book; Ceri Radford did wonderfully well at conveying Constance's unassuming humour in personal blog form. The twists and turns of Connie's life kept me hooked and even though I originally had high hopes for this book, it was far better than I had expected. I finished it in a day and loved every moment of it. Constance is a typical middle-class English lady with her heart in the right place, though her naivety throughout the book just makes for more comic moments and hilarious outcomes. She's such a fabulous character and I'm hoping she returns!

 

Rating: 5/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on June 7, 2011 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 31, 2011 1:06 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Mill House by Susan Lewis

I was first introduced to the work of Susan Lewis when I was given a copy of her memoir, Just One More Day. Although upsetting, it was such a wonderfully written and deeply honest book and after that, I was intrigued to read Susan's many novels. The Mill House was the first I picked up and, just like her memoir, it was impossible to put down.

The Mill House focuses on Julia, a successful editor, wife to handsome, top literary agent Joshua and mother to Dan and Shannon. Joshua is the seemingly perfect husband and her children equally wonderful, although there's something deep below the surface that prevents them from living in the utmost bliss. Julia and Josh have not been intimate for quite some time, and it's due to an underlying problem.

Julia's father walked out on her family when she was just sixteen, without any reason why. Though for years afterwards, Julia's mother referred to him as having done something terrible, refusing to reveal any information as to why her father; her wonderful, loving and close father who she cherished so dearly, simply walked out of her life. The father that now, years later, has died - leaving her the Mill House.

And it seems as though the past is coming back to haunt her.

When Julia's lack of intimacy pushes Josh into the arms of another woman - one rather close to home - Julia knows that in order to save her marriage, she has to finally come face to face with her problems. Leaving Josh in their home, Julia heads to the Mill House in the hope fo finally uncovering her faamily secrets once and for all.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and my to-be-read list has since gained a few more of Susan's novels! The Mill House gripped me at every page, and I finished it in two days, reading it during every spare minute. There are quite a few twists in this book (which is why I didn't particularly want to be too detailed in this review - spoilers!) and the ending is even more unexpected. I especially enjoyed reading about Sylvia and her delusion - although a terrible woman, she's a great character and makes you feel for Julia even more throughout this book.

The Mill House was originally published in 2005, and personally? I'm disappointed that I didn't pick it up sooner. However, I'm now looking forward to reading Susan's latest book, Forgotten.

Rating: 5/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on May 31, 2011 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 13, 2011 4:59 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Hollywood Sinners

Hollywood Sinners is the debut novel from Victoria Fox, and I'd been waiting for it for quite some time before it was released in April. I'm not usually into 'bonkbusters' which is what this book is described as, but Hollywood Sinners has definitely changed that! The novel promises glamour and scandal, and I'm totally up for that...

Cole Steel is the Hollywood heart-throb of the moment; sexy, rich, powerful; the man who every girl across the globe wants. Too bad he's already married to starlet Lana Falcon. But away from the glittering lights of the paparazzi and press, the seemingly perfect marriage is a whole different story. The marriage is merely a set-up; a beautiful, obedient wife for Cole, to shot to the world that he has it all. But there's something more sinister underneath the illusion of the perfect Hollywood husband and wife...

Before Lana signed the marriage contract, she was someone completely different. A girl on the run from a nasty past that could very well be coming back to haunt her. The only person who shares the full secret of what happened before she hit the big time is her childhood friend, now known as Robert St Louis, who is about to marry a Vegas heiress.

Meanwhile, sweet Brit star Chloe French is making a name for herself as a hot new model, but her relationship with rock star Nate may be her downfall. Chloe is at first oblivios to Nate's cheating ways, but how long can it last?

Back in the States, fading star Kate diLaurentis is consious about securing more work, and it doesn't help that her comedian husband is well known for cheating.

Four famous couples are about to have their secrets and scandals revealed as their lives intertwine and possibly collide...

I loved this book so much! It's such a wonderful debut and had had me hooked from the very first page. Each couple's plot is intriguing and the secrets that each character has will keep you guessing throughout. My favourite character was Lana, who has escaped a terrible life only to be faced with the nightmare again.

Admittedly Hollywood Sinners rather far-fetched at times but I think that's partly what makes it such a fab read. If you love celebrity tales with extra helpings of juicy scandal then this is a must-read!

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Spotlight by Ilana Fox.

Posted by Elle Symonds on May 13, 2011 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

May 5, 2011 12:34 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Truth About You by Melissa Hill

I had been waiting for Melissa Hill's latest novel, The Truth About You, for quite some time. (And not just for the beautiful cover, either!) I've enjoyed Melissa's books in the past and the premise of this one was highly intriguing - thirty years ago, a baby is found in a cardboard box on a cafe doorstep in the small town of Lakeview. But who could it be?

When Nina splits with her boyfriend, the father of her unborn child, she's forced to head back to her home town of Lakeview. With her mother travelling and nowhere else to turn, Nina soon finds herself back with her estranged father, who lives life by a set routine. Nobody yet knows about Nina's pregnancy, but it's only a matter of time.

Then there's happily-married Jess. She and her husband have worked hard and have the nicest things to show for it - besides a baby. The couple, with their expensive clothes, nights out and frequent holidays,, have always put off the idea of children, planning on pregnancy when they're fully ready. But when Jess starts to become excluded from outings and meetings with her best friends because she isn't a mum, she begins to want the one thing that she doesn't have.

Meanwhile, in the States, Lakeview-bred Hollywood star Ruth is preparing for the life of glitz and glamour that she's spent her life working hard for. If only the girls back in Lakeview could see her now! But life is about to change drastically for Ruth when a drunken night with her gorgeous co-star leaves her pregnant. Surely a baby is going to ruin everything, especially when the father wants no involvment...

With their lives turned somewhat upside down, the three women find themselves in Lakeview - Nina to work out what to do next, Ruth to take some time out from ruthless Hollywood. Jess is on a mission to get pregnant so that she'll fit in with her Lakeview yummy-mummy friends, but will everything goes to plan?

When the women meet Trish, town journalist and former school friend, they become close friends, especially when Trish is putting together a book about the town and asks for some help as a fun project. Ruth and Nina are happy to oblige, but when they stumble across an article from thirty years previously, there's no escaping the mystery of the Lakeview 'doorstep baby'. And they're about to uncover some home truths.

I finished this book a day after I picked it up, and simply refused to put it down! It's a gripping tale that kept me guessing, and the outcome was not really expected. I enjoyed reading about each of the characters - the beautiful and glamorous Ruth with her small-town roots and potential Hollywood scandal on the way; newly-single Nina, who's hiding her pregnancy from her eccentric father. Though I have to say that my favourite of the three main characters was Jess. Her sudden need for a baby once her friends' lives started to focus around kids was a fun read, especially as Jess seemed to have what they didn't. Jess' desperate plight to prove herself worthy of fitting in was compelling, and I was constantly wondering if she would see sense towards the end of the book! But you'll have to read it to find out more.

I had a feeling I'd enjoy this book, but didn't realise just how addictive and wonderful it actually was! It's a great book with enjoyable characters. The Truth About You is so far one of my favourite reads of the year.

Rating: 5/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on May 5, 2011 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

April 28, 2011 10:53 PM

RWW: To Marry a Prince by Sophie Page (Review)

When I first got hold of To Marry a Prince by Sophie Page, I couldn't help but think that this novel was obviously aimed at the royal wedding followers among us. The synopsis screams out modern romantic fairytale, and let's face it, who doesn't love one of those? As much as I tried to save it for this week especially, I couldn't help it and gave in mere days after I received it.

A lot of us may have wondered (secretly or otherwise!) just what it would be like to marry a real prince. In To Marry a Prince, Sophie Page explores this dream in a romantic and realistic way, letting us in on just what might happen if this ever came true...

Bella Greenwood is a normal girl who is yet to find her Mr Right. After travelling, she moves in temporarily with her best friend Lottie in the hope of finding a job. The last thing she's focusing on right now is marriage. But when she finds herself enduring yet another embarrassing situation at a friend's party, she has no idea that her drunken clumsiness is about to change her entire life.

Bella doesn't recognise the handsome man who has come to her rescue, helping her up, nursing her foot and talking with her into the night. Nope, she has no clue that the gentleman is none other than famed royal bachelor Prince Richard. With her modern approach to romance, Bella doesn't want to seem overly keen when she has to meet Richard to return her phone. Though once they're together again, sparks fly, and it doesn't take long for Bella and the Prince to fall head over heels in love. But keeping their relationship from the world's media is proving to be difficult, and even more so once they're officially engaged...

To Marry a Prince was an excellent read, and Sophie confirmed in our interview that the book was inspired by the real royal couple and their engagement. The media frenzy that surrounded Prince Richard was definitely true to life! Bella is a down to earth, normal girl who just happens to meet Prince Richard by chance, and before long she is preparing to join the royal family. Personally, to see Kate Middleton live out the dream of countless girls is magical, and makes the royal wedding just that little bit more exciting! But despite the fairytale charm, there's a harsh reality involved as Kate prepares to move into the constant watch of the public and press, and I feel that Sophie Page portrayed this aspect of royal fame, and the strain that it had on the relationship with Prince Richard, brilliantly in her heroine Bella.

This was a lovely, enjoyable read and I look forward to reading Sophie's future novels!

Rating: 5/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on April 28, 2011 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (16)

April 12, 2011 7:32 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Tales From My Hard Drive by Megan Karasch

I was quite excited to be sent a copy of Megan Karasch's book, Tales From My Hard Drive. Okay, so I'm not usually a fan of books that are solely about dating, but with this novel focusing on the world of online dating (And having heard a few disaster stories from friends!), I couldn't resist a peek.

When forty-year-old writer Melissa catches her husband cheating, she heads to New York City to persue a new life. After sampling the world of online dating and sending some of her disastrous tales to newspaper The New York Beacon, she's asked to become a regular writer - a paid cyber-dater, in actual fact.

So Melissa sets out to sample the men of the big city, simply for her hilarious (and anonymous) Beacon articles. Aside from the more unpleasant men of NYC that she's forced to endure, it's an enjoyable job, and her dating tales pull in a lot of readers. But when Melanie meets Ted - who could possibly be her Mr Perfect - trouble ensues.

Can she keep her dating double-life from Ted? And if so, for how long? What's more, is Ted exactly what Melissa, who's still suffering from a broken heart, needs right now? Only time will tell, and of course, more entertaining tales...

There's one thing I really didn't like about this book - it's just not long enough! But it's a brilliant read. Melissa is a fantastic writer and I was hooked from the start, immersed in Melissa's ex/cheating fiasco and her funny tales about dating. Tales From my Hard Drive was such a great read and I wish there was more. At first I had expected yet another online dating tell-all, but this is so cleverly written and Megan definitely has talent. I'm curious to find out what she'll be penning next!

Rating: 5/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on April 12, 2011 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (10)

March 22, 2011 11:51 PM

BOOK REVIEW: I Love the 80s by Megan Crane

When I first received a copy of Megan Crane's I Love the 80s, I was quite excited; I'd heard of this book previously and it seemed like a fun read - after all, who doesn't sometimes think about what it would be like to go back in time? I have yet to read Megan's previous novels, which include English as a Second Language, Names My Sisters Call Me and Frenemies, so this recent release introduced me to her work - and after reading this, I'll be heading back for more.

In I Love the 80s, heroine Jenna Jenkins is obsessed with times past. Well, the era of legwarmers and big hair, to be exact. When Jenna's fiancee Adam leaves her for a young yoga instructor, she immerses herself in her teenage music obsessions, mainly top 80s star Tommy Seer. Tommy was the heart-throb singer of Jenna's time, until he was tragically killed in a car carsh in 1987, when Jenna was just twelve. Working at an 80s music TV station doesn't help much either - it makes her get even more lost in the 80s. Literally.

After a freakish accident in a closet at Jenna's New York workplace, she wakes up the following morning to realise that she's not herself anymore. Well, she is...just not in the right time. Upon further inspection, it seems that Jenna has time-travelled right back to the 80s...and is working as an assistant for the legendary Tommy Seer himself. Sadly, the real Tommy is hardly the charmer of Jenna's teenage dreams - instead, he's nasty and rude and his 'fiancee' isn't exactly an angel, either. Couple this with an arrogant bully of a manager, and Jenna has plenty on her plate to deal with until she can find her way back to the present day.

But maybe she was sent back for a reason...and pretty soon, it becomes clear. It's a matter of months until Tommy Seer is due to die, and when he secretly tells Jenna that he thinks someone is planning to kill him, she can't help but investigate. Even though, despite his arrogance, Jenna still has a soft spot for Tommy, but is trying not to let it get in the way of the fact that he's going to die if she doesn't find out who's behind it.

Will she be able to save Tommy's life in time, especially without telling him who she really is? Is living in the 80s as an adult what she imagined it to be?

Without giving too much away, I have to say that I couldn't put this book down. It's not the usual chick-lit novel but I loved Jenna and her escape to the past. I Love The 80s is a wonderfully-written mystery that you'll find hard to put down. I was only born in the mid-80s so didn't fully experience the fashions and music (always thought that was a good thing! Especially with THOSE perms...but hey.) though thoroughly enjoyed reading about it all. After reading this book I'm a little annoyed at myself for not having read Megan Crane's books before, but I'll definitely be catching up now!

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Accidental Time Traveller by Sharon Griffiths

Posted by Elle Symonds on March 22, 2011 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (4)

March 3, 2011 8:48 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Faking It by Lotte Daley

First off, I'll be honest. I've been waiting for this book for quite some time. Post-January blues taking its toll, I clicked through the chick-lit blogs and Amazon looking for potential reads (when I really should have been at the gym) and came across this gem. When I first heard about Lotte Daley's debut Faking It - in which a normal girl-next-door is transformed into a celebrity by her PR friends - I was instantly intrigued. I mean, who doesn't secretly harbour a fantasy of being turned into an overnight celeb? Even just a little...

Exactly.

At the beginning of Faking It, heroine Katie Lewis is dumped by Jack, her actor boyfriend of three years. To make matters worse, he does it by text message. And if THAT wasn't bad enough, Jack has quickly become the latest squeeze of the tabloid's favourite, actress Jessica Hilson. So with not only the prospect of losing her boyfriend to a size-zero superstar in the space of a day, there's also the slight issue of her flat surrounded by the paparazzi.

Escaping to her family home doesn't help matters that much, either - with Katie's mum desperate to wow the neighbours with a tell-all Daily Mail interview, teen sister Janice riding on Katie's new-found (and very much unwanted) fame of being the a celeb-related dumpee of the moment, and an old schoolfriend intent on sharing embarrassing teenage secrets with the world, it's only a matter of time before the press catches up with her.

But PR girl Katie's colleagues have a plan. Within hours they've come up with the ultimate project - and the ultimate way to get Jack back - by turning Katie into a hot, sexy celeb to rival Jessica Hilson. After all, the public are already on her side after the dumping, so what has Katie got to lose?

Pretty soon Katie has been styled by top stylist Ziggy Wang,, Botoxed, decked out in gorgeous gear and preparing for a much-wanted breast enlargement. But it doesn't end there. With her best friend Danielle and collegue Richard in tow, Katie is about to take on the world of celebrity glitz with a fabulous new look and feisty attitude. But will it pay off? Can she win Jack back? The fame game is tough, and who knows just what's waiting around the corner...

Faking It was an absolutely brilliant read and I can tell this is going to be one of this year's favourites! Lotte's writing style is addictive, witty and downright hilarious (the 'pubic lobster' chapter had me in giggle fits). I don't particularly like comparing authors to Sophie Kinsella, but if you enjoy her sharp writing style, then you're bound to enjoy this. I simply couldn't put it down. The characters are so funny and engaging, especially Janice, and I couldn't help but love Katie!

The ending was also rather unexpected which made the book even more enjoyable. Faking It is a fun, wonderfully written insight into the world of celebrity PR, which Lotte (a PR girl herself) has portrayed brilliantly. She's also working on her second novel and after Faking It, I can't wait to read it! (Though will it top this fantastic debut? Hmm, we'll see!)

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Making of Mia by Ilana Fox

Posted by Elle Symonds on March 3, 2011 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

March 2, 2011 11:28 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Girls' Guide to Homemaking by Amy Bratley

When I first heard about Amy Bratley's debut The Girls' Guide to Homemaking, I was intrigued. As always with a brand new author, it's exciting to see what they have to offer, and of course, Amy was no exception! Having heard good things about her novel, it was even nicer to discover that the book was even better than I imagined it to be.

Admittedly though, I probably wouldn't have picked up this book if browsing in a bookstore. The cover is pastel-coloured and flowery, something that wouldn't have jumped out at me on the shelf! However, this is a classic case of 'never judge a book by its cover', because this book contains a much darker tale than one would imagine...

When Juliet moves in with boyfriend Simon, she's finally gaining her dream; a secure and stable home with the man she adores. However, Juliet's homely dreams soon come crashing down when she discovers that Simon has cheated on her with pretty former flatmate (and one of Juliet's best friends), Hanna. With her boyfriend gone and her grandmother's cherished old home-making journals for company - along with friend Imogen - Juliet realises that she has to move on in her life.

But it's hard for Juliet, whose dream of having the perfect home has been quashed. Juliet was abandoned by her own mother, who had wanted to be free and independent, leaving Juliet with her grandmother. With Juliet's love for homemaking, following her grandmother's old books and creating things from patterns found inside, it's hard not to feel for her when Simon obviously doesn't share her ambitions of settling down.

Having to deal with her new life alone is a feat Juliet must learn to cope with, but she's not without her friends, and when her 50s-style homemade aprons gain interest, life begins to look up. But things are about to change dramatically when one of the journals reveals a mysterious letter, and Juliet's about discover one huge family secret...

I don't want to give away the rest of the plot, as the plot twists make this book fantastic. It's hard to put down, especially when it comes to Juliet finding the letters, although to be honest it's addictive from the beginning. I particularly liked the snippets and quotes from homemaking journals at the beginning of each chapter.

The Girls' Guide to Homemaking is a wonderful debut; a dark story yet at the same time uplifting, focusing on the reality of family and how dreams, although difficult, can eventually come true. The book had me hooked from start to finish, and as previously mentioned, was a lot more enjoyable than I'd originally expected! Am very much looking forward to Amy Bratley's future novels.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolffe

Posted by Elle Symonds on March 2, 2011 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 18, 2011 2:38 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Mum on the Run by Fiona Gibson

Back in 2009, I thoroughly enjoyed Fiona Gibson's novel Mummy Said the F Word. Fiona's hilarious take on the realities of motherhood was heart-warming as well as funny, and so I was delighted when news came of her next offering, Mum on The Run. With another mum for a heroine, Mum on the Run, which was released yesterday, this time comes away from the magazine world and into the shoes of a runner.When a humiliating attempt at the mums' race at her daughter Grace's school leaves her feeling unattractive and extremely unfit, Laura Swan realises that she has to do something about it. Especially now that her husband Jed seems to be falling for the charms of beautiful French colleague Celeste. Feeling frumpy in comparison to the fit mums at school, and tiring of her husband's constant mentions of Celeste, have sparked an urge to change Laura's life.

Laura's determination to win back the attention of Jed and finally see the return of a trim, toned body leads her to take up running. Soon, whilst on a shopping trip that ends up going embarrassingly wrong, she meets Danny in a coffee shop. Flattered by his attention, she tries to forget him. That is, until he turns up at the local running club she's just joined...With Danny as her new running partner, Laura wonders if she'll ever match up to the practically perfect Celeste, which doesn't seem likely when a visit to a get-together at Celeste's house turns out to be a disaster involving pee-soaked dresses and over-excited children.

Throughout this book, I couldn't help but feel for Laura. At the beginning her confidence is shot and her husband might be having an affair. Laura's incredibly likeable, and her children too, especially the cheeky Grace.Admittedly, I found that the plot wasn't really original, and I found it quite predictable; the mum who feels frumpy, the love is withering, so she attempts to change her life and up comes a charming man which makes her question her relationship. Not to say that this isn't realistic, but it's a plot frequently used and I did correctly guess the outcome of the novel early on.

That said, despite this aspect, Fiona's snappy writing is wonderfully unique and so funny that I couldn't put it down, even though I'd already worked out what was going to happen. Her style is addictive and Laura's embarrassing moments made it even more excellent (loved it when Laura decides to buy sexy lingerie in Tesco!) 

Despite not being a mother myself, I loved this book, just as I loved Mummy Said the F Word. I'd highly recommend it to friends, with kids or without. Fiona has a charming way of conveying modern motherhood in her novels in such a fun way, and the running aspect makes it more interesting. (How many of us have decided to keep fit and kept up the regime?)

Having waited for Mum on the Run for quite some time, I'll give the honest truth: it's brilliant! I'm already looking forward to Fiona's future work. And I might make use of that recently-purchased running gear...

Rating: 5/5

 

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 18, 2011 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

February 14, 2011 9:26 PM

BOOK REVIEW: A Girl Like You by Gemma Burgess

So it's Valentines Day. Whether you like it or loathe it, there's just no escaping it, and of course, there'll always be that great Valentine divide. You know, when half your friends are on camp Hearts-and-flowers, and the rest are drinking to singledom. (And maybe there are the odd few inbetweeners who couldn't really care less.) Anyway, whichever way you look at it, it's THERE.

So I thought it'd be fun to pick and review something that perfectly suits today. And here it is: A Girl Like You by Gemma Burgess, author of The Dating Detox.

Abigail Wood has suddenly found herself single after a long relationship wt a guy she met at university. Which, after the initial hurt, wouldn't be so bad, right? There are plenty of other eligible bachelors, especially in London. The problem? Abigail hasn't been on a date for seven whole years.

Abigail hasn't the first clue about dating, and at 27, is about to throw herself back into singledom. Scared and naive, Abigail goes on her first date only to mess it up by breaking rather a lot of the unwritten rules of the dating game.

When her flatmate Robert, the lothario who seems to know it all about the single scene, starts to advise her on where she's going wrong, Abigail takes it all in. After all, if she's going to find the right guy, she's going to have to get it right.

With Robert acting as her new mentor, Abigail has soon left her unknowing shell and is transforming into the confident, sassy and cocky singleton about town. Sure, she makes mistakes, but you have to to learn, right? And with a cast of fabulously funny friends and of course, the handsome Robert, what's to go wrong? It isn't long before she picks up the skills, and soon enough, she meets Dave...

I really enjoyed this book, though it wasn't really surprising seeing as I adored Gemma's first novel, The Dating Detox. Gemma is a fresh new voice in chick-lit, and I finished the book pretty quickly as Gemma's writing style is sassy and fun, and reading Abigail's adventures with her pals felt almost as though I was right there in London, listening in. It was a fantastic read.

Despite A Girl Like You focusing mainly on the single life, I couldn't put it down - and I'm part of a long-term couple. So you don't have to be a fellow singleton to enjoy this. It's a very fun look at the city singles scene and I loved every page! It's the perfect Valentine read, whatever your relationship status!

Rating: 5/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 14, 2011 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

January 31, 2011 9:48 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Wannabe a Writer We've Heard Of? by Jane Wenham-Jones

Being a writer (well, trying to be, if my agent likes the latest draft...), I'm admittedly rather fond of writing guides. Okay, so I've tried NaNoWriMo on quite a few occasions, and failed on every single one. I've attempted to work to a strict timetable, and failed on that too. So even though I'm not really in search of the guide to top all guides - the book that will guarantee me a place in the bestseller list - I still read them, mainly because it's interesting to read what advice other writers have to give. Especially published, successful and fun writers such as Jane Wenham-Jones.

I'd previously read Jane's writing guide, Wannabe a Writer? (which we reviewed back in 2007) but was told of her latest book, Wannabe a Writer We've Heard Of? by a published friend who highly recommended it. Needless to say, I'd ordered it within five minutes of her telling me how good it was, and was excited when it arrived.

Okay, so before I go on, this is not a writing guide. In fact, Wannabe a Writer We've Heard Of? is the next step to publishing success. Jane covered the subject of completing the novel in her first book, and this latest offering is all about what happens next. Mainly, after you're published.

If you're not yet published, or if you haven't snared an agent yet, don't be put off. This book can help you a LOT. In fact, if you haven't even finished your novel, this book can still give you a fabulous insight into what happens once your book is complete.

The book focuses mainly on the many ways in which an author can promote their book. It seems like an easy task, and many believe that once the book is in the hands of the publisher, that marketing is instantly taken care of. Wrong.

It's not that easy. And even though once a book is published, publishers and their PR teams work on promoting the novel to a certain extent, there is so much more that the author can do. And this is what Wannabe a Writer We've Heard Of? covers.

Jane provides tips and advice on a wide variety of subjects, such as the author photo, networking and how to use the media to your advantage. Again, many think that book signings, radio interviews and news pieces come to you, the author - but again, not always! An author has a lot to do in terms of promotion and this book covers every aspect, with advice not only from Jane but also contributions from a variety of other authors such as Joanna Trollope, Katie Fforde, Jill Mansell and India Knight.

The book is packed with handy tips, and reading it I couldn't believe how much I hadn't thought about. Sure, we all imagine what it's going to be like after publication - the signings (visions may include having to fight off potential stalker-types who love your book so much), the launch parties with champagne flowing well into the night. But there are plenty of other aspects to think about, such as networking, social networking, and getting your book out there.

This is a fantastic book and I'm so glad I was told about it. I'd personally recommend it to anyone who'd like to become a published writer - whether you're almost there or just starting out, this is an essential tool. Wannabe A Writer We've Heard Of? is an absolute must for anyone who's interested in a career in writing. Once again, thanks Jane Wenham-Jones for providing us with such a great and helpful read.

Rating: 5/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 31, 2011 in Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

January 10, 2011 3:53 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Pieces of My Heart by Sinead Moriarty

Sinead Moriarty has penned numerous books, including The Baby Trail and 2005 novel A Perfect Match. Her latest book, Pieces of My Heart, was released in paperback just last week, and judging by Sinead's wonderful writing, seems set to be a great success. Before reading Pieces of My Heart, Sinead's work was new to me, but after reading this one, I may have to go back and read the rest...

Pieces of My Heart focuses on Ava - a wife, mother, and business partner whose life is hectic, to say the least. Being a mother to two teenage daughters - the overly-confident, tearaway Sarah and the shy, studious Ali - is hard enough work alongside her business, a party-planning company that she runs with best friend Sally. Ava finds herself landed with yet more responsibility when her father Charlie is forced to move in temporarily after the death of his wife (and Ava's stepmother) Catherine. The eccentric Charlie may be a good man, but his need for sex now that he's finally 'free' from his alcoholic wife is causing havoc, especially when he's almost arrested...

Ava's own sex life is dwindling too. With husband Paul constantly working on his pub, and with Ava having a household to manage, the couple don't see as much of each other as they'd like to.

For Ava, it feels as though everyone's reliying on her. Is there really any time to be herself? It's starting to seem as though she and Paul will never get time to themselves, and what can she do?

And things are about to get even worse when straight-A student Ali starts to become thin and frail, after being dumped by her school sweetheart. All the signs are pointing to an eating disorder. Will Ava be able to save Ali and put things right for her family once and for all?

I really enjoyed this book. Ava is such a lovely character and her family are dysfunctional, in a funny kind of way. There's Charlie, who's constantly on the search for a younger, glamorous girlfriend (well, mainly sex), the feisty Sally and of course, daughters Ali and Sarah. When Ali begins to show an obsession with food, it feels so real to read about - Ali is, at the start of the book, a happy, pretty student fully focused on her exams, yet having been dumped for the thin, model-like new girl at school, begins to slowly morph into another Ali, a tired, painfully thin version of herself that's food and fitness obsessed. Sinead has done well in portraying an eating disorder, and even though it was sad to read, it happens to normal families like Ava's, which was why this book was not only addictive and sweet but moving, too.

I highly recommend this book to both fans of Moriarty and newcomers to her work. Pieces of My Heart is a wonderful new release and I can't wait to read more from her.

Rating: 5/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 10, 2011 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 5, 2011 1:00 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Getting Away With It by Julie Cohen

A couple of years ago, I read Julie Cohen's book Spirit Willing, Flesh Weak, and loved it. Since then I've enjoyed her novels, which have mainly been Little Black Dress titles (including Girl From Mars, Honey Trap, Nina Jones and the Temple of Gloom), so was excited to receive a copy of her latest book, Getting Away With It. The paperback is due for release in March 2011.
 
This latest book focuses on Elizabeth (Liza) Haven, a stunt woman who loves her single, action-packed lifestyle; the life she dreamed of as a youngster when she was still stuck in the tiny village of Stoneguard with her stern mother and identical twin sister, Lee. When Liza escaped Stoneguard, Lee, the seemingly 'perfect' sister, was working for her mother's ice cream company, leading the life of the good girl she always was. Liza had other ideas.
 
But when Liza is involved in a terrible car accident on one of her stunts (not to mention the wrecked Ferrari), work in LA begins to dry up. So she heads to London in order to try and find employment, and whilst there, decides to meet up with Lee.
 
Reluctantly, Liza agrees to attend Lee's charity dance back in Stoneguard. She plans on staying for no more than she's needed, borrowing some of her sister's clothes for the event. But when Lee is nowhere to be found, Liza suddenly finds herself pretending to be Lee...even if it's just for a short while.
 
But when Lee doesn't return, Liza finds herself filling in for her sister a little while longer...
 
Meanwhile, Lee is escaping her own problems. Unbeknownst to the rest of the close-knit community of Stoneguard, the prim and perfect Lee has been going off the rails; stealing. At first, it was shoplifting cosmetics, but it's about to get a lot bigger.
 
As Liza fnds herself taking the place of her sister, she's forced to realise the problems that she left behind when she left Stoneguard in favour of her reckless LA lifestyle. Lee is working hard for Ice Cream Heaven, their mother's company, now that their mother is unfit to run it due to the Alzheimer's disease that has become worse over the years since Liza's departure. Lee's life may sound peachy, but she has more to deal with than anyone realises, which is what Liza's about to find out.

Somehow, swapping lives seemed like the easy way out for Liza. But if she thinks that having to date her sister's rich boyfriend Will Naughton and remembering the names of Lee's friends may be hard enough, it's going to get more difficult. One little white lie is about to get her into more trouble than she bargained for...

I really enjoyed this book. It's mainly told in first-person through Liza, but every so often, there is a chapter written in third-person so that the reader knows what other sister Lee is up to. The tale of twins who play pretend at each other's identities may not seem original at first, but once the story truly begins, the life swap takes on a whole new meaning. Liza's witty voice shines through, in contrast to Liza's overt generosity. In addition, I feel that Julie Cohen wrote about Alzheimer's very well, thus altering us to the disease and how people have to deal with it every day - and of course, the impact it can have on a family.

Getting Away With It is an original, interesting tale which surprised me a little, and I enjoyed every page. Here's hoping that Julie has more to offer us in the coming months!

Rating: 5/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 5, 2011 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 21, 2010 11:58 PM

BOOK REVIEW: All I Want for Christmas by Amy Silver

With the festive season merrily on its way, I was delighted to receive a copy of Amy Silver's latest novel, aptly titled All I Want for Christmas. Quite frankly, I didn't know what to expect; I'd always passed the Christmas-specific novels by and don't really know why. I decided to take this one as company on a long journey and by the time I stepped off the train three hours later, I's almost finished it. It's that addictive!

All I Want for Christmas focuses on three women. There's Bea, who runs her little cafe The Honey Pot alone as husband Marco is no longer around to help her. There's also Olivia, journalist at glossy mag Style, who has recently got engaged. And then there's Chloe, who to any outsider presents herself as a complete bitch; a young lawyer having an affair with a married man. When each of these women meet accidentally at the Honey Pot just over a week before Christmas, they don't realise that their lives are about to change.

Single mum Bea is facing her first Christmas alone and is determined to do everything right, but without Marco around, things are not falling into place as planned, and with family thinking that she should be moving on, doing so is so hard to even consider. Newly-engaged Olivia, constantly put down by boss Maggie, is also having a hard time having to get presents and food for her entire family, whilst at the same time thinking that maybe getting married isn't the best thing to do after all. Once married, does that mean all the fun is over?

Chloe, on the other hand, is desperate for her married lover to leave his wife and children, as he's promised for a long time. But this Christmas, it becomes clear to her, finally, that it's not going to happen. Despite being a young, fit lawyer with the best things in life, it seems as though this man is the one thing she's NOT going to get.

Yet after they have a chance meeting, it's time for the women to finally take action. As they become friends, they realise that there are ways to overcome their relationship issues and work towards a good Christmas.

The book is told in chapters, although each chapter is broken into sections; one for each character. Bea's story is told in first-person, yet the others are told in third. This worked really well, and allowed me to really feel for Bea. The truth about Bea's predicament comes a few chapters in, and made me feel exceptionally closer to her.

Each of the characters are written so very well. I loved Olivia, and Chloe - although she immediately comes across as a hard-nosed bitch, she does see the error of her ways (well, kind of.) As their lives intertwine, we learn more about each woman and what's brought them to that particular point in their lives. And once you've started, it's hard to stop reading...

All I Want for Christmas is a lovely, heartwarming Christmas read that's difficult to put down and guaranteed to make you feel not just more festive, but grateful for what we have in life. Amy Silver has written such a great tale and I sincerely hope she has more like this up her sleeve!

Rating: 5/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on December 21, 2010 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 16, 2010 10:34 PM

BOOK REVIEW: 50 Ways to Find a Lover by Lucy-Anne Holmes

You know that feeling you get when you've realised you've been missing out on something good for quite some time? When you think, 'Damnit, I wish I'd seen/read/known that earlier'. Exactly. Now you can probably guess how I feel after reading Lucy-Ann Holmes's 50 Ways to Find a Lover for the very first time. The book was released in 2009 and had somehow slipped by without me realising just what a gem it actually is. And for that I'm sad.

Having recently read Holmes's second novel The (Im)Perfect Girlfriend (released in August this year), which is in fact a sequel to 50 Ways, I realised my mistake and, what with the book being so hilarious and unputdownable, rushed out like a crazed addict looking for my next chick-lit fix: this one.

So yes. 50 Ways came first. Inevitably, I knew the ending to this - or at least, who heroine Sarah ends up with - due to reading The (Im)Perfect Girlfriend first. But that was the only thing that's been given away, and I wasn't too bothered. After all, the real fun was reading about how Sarah got her guy in the first place...

Sarah Sargeant is a bit-part actress. She's been single for three years and nine months (or, as she says, 'It's now been 351 days since I had sex. That's a carnal drought. If Bob Geldof knew about it he'd hold a concert.') After finally plucking up the courage to ask out a balding barman and getting turned down for a Narnia DVD, she realises that something has to be done. And after meeting ex-schoolpal Rachel Bird at a casting, she finds out that Rachel is none other than raunchy blogger Convent Girl, who tells the world about her sordid sexpolits via the Internet. It isn't long before Sarah gets an idea...

So Sarah sets up her own blog, A Spinster's Quest, in which she vows to try 50 ways to find a lover. When her hopes of a reality TV show that she's unwillingly signed up to fail, Sarah opts for speed dating. All hope seems lost, until she meets the seemingly perfect Paul.

But is he really that perfect? And can she really find a man already, that soon into her quest? As blogging becomes more and more addictive, Sarah's willing to do anything to find her sought-after Mr Right, even if it means dating a 50-something film director (and his gay son.)

Will one of her missions snare her an ideal man?

Firstly, I will say that this book is downright hilarious. I absolutely adore the way Lucy-Anne Holmes writes. Sarah is quirky and funny (and perfectly vulgar!) and I loved every page. That's the downside to these books; you just don't want them to end. After reading The (Im)Perfect Girlfriend and naming it one of my chick-lit favourites of all time, I just had to give this one a read. It's packed with hilarious scenes - especially Sarah's missions, which include trying to pull at a fetish club and a wedding - and Sarah is such a fun character that I just had to come back for more.

I really hope that Lucy-Ann Holmes will delight us with more of her fantastic writing. If you enjoy the first-person, witty style of novel such as the Shopaholic series then this is for you - although personally, I found 50 Ways to Find a Lover and The (Im)Perfect Girlfriend ten times more enjoyable! A definite must-read

Like this? Try Katy Carter Wants a Hero by Ruth Saberton

Rating: 5/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on December 16, 2010 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

December 7, 2010 12:03 AM

BOOK REVIEW: No Ordinary Girl by AM Goldsher

Last month, Trashionista interviewed Alan Goldsher, the writer behind Little Black Dress tales The True Naomi Story, Reality Check and Today's Special. When we heard about Alan's latest novel, No Ordinary Girl (which was released at the end of November), I was immediately excited - I mean, for one, it's a LBD book. And second? It contains super stuff.  Super powers usually indicates some amount of ass-kicking and heck, I love kickassery.

So, what would you give to have super abilities? For most of us it's a dream come true. I could probably dream up one hell of a checklist of things to do if I had super strength and the ability to fly. Alas, super powers are not real. But would you show the world what you could do? Would you make yourself known? For Abbey Bynum, outing her superhuman abilities would be her worst nightmare...

Abbey Bynum was born with her strange yet wonderful powers. Her abilities - what Abbey calls her 'weird stuff' - are kept a secret from everyone besides her parents, best friend and ex, government worker Murphy Napier. Living with her powers hasn't been that much of a problem, and neither has hiding her abilities from geeky Murphy. Flying at night has been her guilty pleasure for as long as she can remember. Life is strange but fine for Abbey, although that's all about to change. When a handsome man turns up at her workplace, Abbey's smitten. But things aren't exactly going to plan...

When it turns out that Jon is actually a supervillain, Abbey has to escape - and not only that, but finally use her powers. Murphy Napier is back on the scene, trying to cajole Abbey into joining the government to put her powers to good use. But pretty soon she realises that outing herself as a superheroine to defeat some of the biggest supervillains out there is not such a bad idea...  

I absolutely loved this book. Not just because it's about superheroes (fine, I'm biased...) but I loved Abbey from page one. The story is well-paced and addictive. It was interesting to see how a superhero story could work in a mainstream chick-lit book as it hasn't really been done before, but it DID work. Very well, actually.

Little Black Dress are known for bringing us quirky, funny reads and No Ordinary Girl has to be a favourite so far!

Rating: 5/5

Try this if you liked: Karma Girl by Jennifer Estep

Posted by Elle Symonds on December 7, 2010 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 23, 2010 1:28 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The One I Love by Anna McPartlin

Anna McPartlin, Irish author of Pack Up The Moon, returned in October with her latest book, The One I Love. I had not read any of Anna's novels before this, and admittedly I'm not one for overly romantic stories. Had I seen this in the local Waterstones on a regular day of book shopping I probably would not have picked it up. However, after reading this novel and being hooked on it since page one, I can honestly say that I love Anna's work and would definitely, definitely be on the lookout for more like this. This book is not simply about romance; it's about those in your life that mean the most - the people you're willing to fight for.

The One I Love focuses on friendship. Four strangers, from different families, different backgrounds and each having their own life story to share, are thrown together accidentally in a lift one night. When their situation leads to a friendship, it's one that neither Tom, Elle, Jane Leslie can be without as they all work together. Tom's wife Alexandra disappeared one morning and was never heard from again, and devastated Tom is still determined to find her. Handing out fliers outside a local gig may be a long shot, but Tom will stop at nothing to find his missing wife.

At the gig he finds himself caught in the lift with Jane and her younger sister Elle. Artist Elle is considered a genius, whereas sister Jane, despite her brainpower and teenage aspirations, was forced to give up her dreams when she fell pregnant at seventeen. Alexandra was Jane's friend at school, before Jane's friends deserted her and moved on to the next stages of their lives without the worry of bringing up a child. So when the sisters hear of Alexandra's disappearance, they're just as determined to aid in finding her.

Meanwhile Leslie, having lost her entire family to cancer, is living in worry. Known as a loner, Leslie is desperate to find friends, even a man, and live her life despite the worry of the disease claiming her life too.

Each of the new-found friends has their own problem; Elle with her issues of depression, Jane still feeling isolated, Leslie battling with the gene that haunts her. And of course, Tom and his missing wife. As they all get together, the friendships start to bloom, and they stick together through the most disastrous of times, showing that true friends stay together whatever happens, and will help each other until the very end.

The book begins with a series of letters, which grip you from the start. The letters introduce you to the characters before the real story begins.

Without giving too much away, I can honestly say that this is one of the best books I've read in a long time. I read the entire novel in a day, quite simply because it's so addictive and finishing every chapter leaves you desperate to find out what happens next. The life of each of the characters is a different, equally intriguing story, and each ties in to the plot of Alexandra's disappearance.

The One I Love is a fantastic book, and one that I would highly recommend to anyone!

Rating: 5/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on November 23, 2010 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 15, 2010 11:47 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The C Word by Lisa Lynch

I first heard about Lisa Lynch when I was told about her blog. At 28, Lisa was diagnosed with breast cancer, and set up an online diary to chronicle her life through her treatment. Alright Tit drew in the readers with Lisa's hilarious writing, and what followed was The C Word. Released earlier this year, The C Word is Lisa's story, from the first signs of the cancer, throughout her treatment.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I was sent The C Word. Not having read a whole lot of Lisa's blog at the time, I was a bit unsure as to what it would entail. However, after reading it (in a day, might I add), I have to say that it's a wonderful book; a personal story yet full of humour and definitely one to recommend to your friends.

At the start of the book, Lisa is 28 years old. I couldn't help thinking of how awful it must be to discover you have breast cancer, especially so young. Lisa's normal life; her successful career, her family, nights out with friends, all came to a sudden halt with that one awful word.

Obviously Lisa knew that there was a lot to come - cancer was going to be one hell of an emotional journey. And so she decided to write about it. With such humour (and okay, plenty of curse words!) Lisa comes across as such a great, fun-loving person who's determined to beat the cancer.

Lisa is open and blunt about every aspect of her life, especially throughout the cancer treatment. She has a great sense of humour, and even when describing some of the darkest moments, can't help but make her stories hilariously funny. Even when describing rally emotional moments, Lisa's wit shines through and I found it so easy to love Lisa and feel inspired. Even going through the nightmare of breast cancer, Lisa stayed strong and documented her journey in such an inspiring way, chronicling the good with the bad, and the sadness with the laughs. Being in her twenties, her life and relationship is about to be turned upside down. But Lisa is so frank and honest that you will want to be with her, and her lovely family, all of the way.

I highly recommend The C Word. It's an interesting book from a wonderful writer and I really, really hope that Lisa writes more in future as she's extremely talented.

 

Rating: 5/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 15, 2010 in Memoirs, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

October 7, 2010 1:19 AM

BOOK REVIEW: My So-Called Afterlife by Tamsyn Murray

Personally, I'm rather fond of paranormal fiction along with young adult books (despite being in my mid-twenties...sigh!) In perfect honesty here, I'll say that my interest had waned somewhat with the constant stream of YA paranormal and 'gothic' novels that seem to be dominating the bookstores right now. Even though there are some definite gems hidden amongst them, I was already starting to look for something a bit different. And quite by accident, I found it - in the form of Tamsyn Murray's ghostly teen tale My So-Called Afterlife.

It definitely stood out. It seemed funny, quirky and somewhat reminiscent of Cally Taylor's 2009 supernatural chick-lit novel Heaven Can Wait, which is a personal favourite of mine and probably always will be. So needless to say I had to check out Tamsyn's offering, and I was glad I did.

Lucy Shaw was just fifteen when she was murdered on her way home from a New Year's Eve party. And being a ghost, she's doomed to remain in the place of her death which, unfortunately for Lucy, is the mens' loos on the corner of Carnaby Street. Unable to escape. Lucy has grown to accept that she'll be stuck haunting smelly toilets for the rest of her existence - that is, until she meets Jeremy. He may be in his late twenties and terribly unfashionable, but he can see her. And that's all that matters.

Yep, somewhat psychic Jeremy can see Lucy, and for the first time in the lonely months since her death, Lucy can finally find some answers. Such as what's happening in Eastenders, and what's going on in the world of the WAGS. But Jeremy's convinced that Lucy's still roaming the earth for another reason - that reason being her killer. And so he finds a way to release her from the loos and get her to the Dearly Departed, a London spiritualist church where ghosts regularly congregate. There she meets emotionally unstable Emo girl Rosie (aka Hep), the beautiful yet bitchy-to-boot queen bee Kimberely, and the gorgeous Ryan. Who, much to Lucy's surprise, really seems to like her too.

Whilst Lucy is enjoying hanging out with friends (and a potential boyfriend!) for the first time in months of being alone and sleeping in a toilet cleaner's cupboard, Jeremy is intent on solving the mystery of Lucy's killer, in the hope that she can finally move on. But Lucy's not so sure. Why move on now, when she's meeting some great new people and has the perfect love interest in tow? Just when the afterlife was starting to get interesting...

It didn't take me long to finish My So-Called Afterlife as it was quite addictive and I couldn't wait to find out Lucy's fate. There were some rather sad moments, but plenty of laughs and Tamsyn's hilarious writing shone through brilliantly, making the sarcastic yet loveable teenage Lucy a wonderful narrator. The characters, albeit just a little bit cliché, were still a great cast and I couldn't help but like Lucy's new band of friends - even the fame-seeking Kimberley.

This is a great book and one I'm glad I stumbled across as it's definitely a refreshing change from many of the YA novels available. It's a heartwarming, funny, romantic teen tale of the afterlife that will delight teenage and adult readers alike.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Heaven Can Wait by Cally Taylor, or Jinx by Meg Cabot

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 7, 2010 in Rating: 5/5, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 23, 2010 12:37 AM

REVIEW: Belle's Best Bits by Belle de Jour

Only recently we posted the news of Belle de Jour's upcoming book, Belle de Jour's Guide to Men. Belle, who gained notoriety for her blog about her job as high-class London escort, broke anonymity last year, revealing her identity as research scientist Dr Brooke Magnanti.

Belle's controversial accounts of her job as a prostitute were adapted into the popular TV show Secret Diary of a Call Girl, starring Billie Piper, and Belle also went on to pen novel Playing the Game, based on her experiences in the sex industry. Belle's books have been hugely successful, so it was always highly likely that she'd write more.

This book, Belle's Best Bits, is effectively a mix of some old Belle adventures and some new material. I'm a big fan of Belle's writing and have read all of her books to date, so I was excited to get my hands on this one. Belle's writing style is quirky and addictive. Add to that the fact that her naughty adventures leave hardly anything to the imagination, so if you're fond of a raunchy read, this title is just perfect...

Those who have read Belle de Jour's previous works may be familiar with her past adventures, and of course, some of the main 'characters' (such as The Boy, N, and her numerous friends). All are back, in some new tales and experiences, along with some of the classic memoirs. As usual, Belle describes her clients and her life as a high-class call girl, whilst dealing with normal London life with her friends and boyfriend. Her diary entries, reminiscent of her blog posts, are sometimes short and sweet and sometimes highly descriptive. Belle's writing style is a joy to read which made me finish this book rather quickly; she's funny, witty, professional and naughty, and it's hard not to love her!

However, even as a Belle fan, I can't help thinking that she's done enough. Belle's Best Bits is a highly enjoyable read (although some of the book is basically some of the earlier volumes, reprinted - which is great if you haven't read them in a while but otherwise, could be a let-down). It's a fantastic collection if you're new to the Call Girl series and I'd recommend Belle's Best Bits to anyone who hasn't read it before (it may be best to get this volume rather than the first few books, but that's just a suggestion!)

Belle's wit and unique character make her different from the array of call-girl memoirs that are available - she's the original and best. But personally? I think she has so much more potential. The originality of these books, and not to mention the shock value that made her famous in the very beginning is waning a little, and even though Belle's Best Bits is a great book, I think there's a lot more Belle - or should I say, Dr Brooke - has to offer besides tales of her stint in the world of escorting.

Rating: 4/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on September 23, 2010 in Memoirs, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 8, 2010 1:58 AM

BOOK REVIEW: What the Hell is He Thinking?

Back in May we posted the news about Zoe Strimpel's new dating book, What the Hell is He Thinking? and were delighted to receive a copy.

I'll start by saying that I've never bought a dating manual before. Or, for that matter, any book relating to finding a relationship. Admittedly, my foray into books of this nature ended when I picked up that of a friend some years ago, read three pages, and put it down. But after reading a newspaper article by Ms Strimpel, I was interested to see what she had to say in her book. And it sounded like a great read.

In fact, I wouldn't class Zoe's book as a dating 'guide', but more of a helpful addition to any girl's knowledge on the subject of men. Kind of!

In What the Hell is He Thinking? (All the Questions You've Ever Asked About Men Answered), journalist Zoe has taken the subject of dating to a new level. After countless discussions with friends about dating dilemmas in the past, Zoe decided to do something a little bit different. She talked to guys. Sure, it sounds like quite an easy solution, but after much confusion over what goes on in the male mind, it seemed like the right thing to do. And thus, What The Hell is He Thinking? began.

In the book, Zoe meets many, many men, and asks them a handful of relationship questions (specifically the Eighty Questions You Most Want Men to Answer). The questions, such as 'Why does he spend every night at yours, but refuse to move in?' and 'why does he flirt and invite you over without making a move?' are answered by a selection of men, followed by a conclusion. The book covers everything from first dates to moving in and ex situations and sex issues. It's divided into eight parts, each consisting of a variety of honestly-answered questions.

Zoe's writing is rather witty and straight to the point, and I enjoyed reading this book. Despite being in a long-term relationship, I found it interesting to read what guys think about so many relationship issues and situations. It made for a fun, light read and full of handy, blunt information - Zoe really has delved into the minds of men to get the answers to some of the most common dating questions with some fantastically truthful results!

Rating: 5/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on September 8, 2010 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 2, 2010 5:56 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Just Look at Me Now

Nell Dixon originally caught my attention with her book Crystal Clear. Her others, including Animal Instincts and Blue Remembered Heels, proved to be equally enjoyable, so I was expecting her latest novel, Just Look at Me Now, to be just as pleasing. And enjoyable it was.

 

Released last month, Just Look at Me now focuses on the life of Tia Carpenter, a girl who decides to reinvent herself after a disastrous time at high school. The synopsis seemed quite similar to that of Ilana Fox's novel The Making of Mia. Having really enjoyed this (The Making of Mia is one of my personal chick-lit favourites) I was rather excited to get my hands on Just Look at Me Now. Whereas the initial plots share similarities, both books are extremely different and Just Look at Me Now was just as great as I had imagined.

 

Tia Carpenter has a fabulous job as a beauty expert for London's Platinum magazine. If that's not enough, she has recently gained the attention of Josh Banks: her high school crush. Life seems to be going swimmingly. That is, until Juliet Gold arrives on the scene. Juliet, who's been relocated to the London offices, is someone Tia REALLY doesn't want to meet - because Juliet also attended high school with Josh and Tia. And Tia isn't exactly the same person as she was back then.

 

In fact, Tia Carpenter was the overweight, unfashionable Barbara Baker, with crooked teeth and bad hair, making her a prime target for the school bullies - including Juliet. Juliet made Barbara's life miserable, so when 'Big Barb' left school, she reinvented herself as Tia Carpenter, with a new wardrobe, cosmetic dentistry and a weight loss regime.

 

And it all seemed to be going so well...

 

Josh Banks is desperate to get close to Tia, but Juliet has set her sights on him - and what Juliet wants, Juliet gets. When her efforts to seduce Josh are not paying off and she's faced with the obstacle known as Tia, it's time to get competitive. She'll resort to anything, including threatening Tia with her job. Tia has to keep her new relationship with Josh, who has found out about Tia's former life as Big Barb, as quiet as possible.

 

But being discovered with Josh is not her main worry. If Juliet was to discover the truth about Tia's past, Tia's whole world could come crashing down...

 

Just Look at Me Now is a fantastic read, and the characters are funny and likeable (besides Juliet, of course. And we've all come across a person like Juliet Gold at some point in our lives!) Juliet still remains a bully; focused on herself and complete with an air of entitlement. Tia is a wonderful character to get to know, and all the way through, I was wondering what Juliet was going to do next, and whether or not Tia's secret identity was going to be found out.

 

This is yet another wonderful gem from Little Black Dress with a great plot and great characters. Nell Dixon's books are always pleasing and Just Look at Me Now did not disappoint. Will be waiting for what Nell has to offer next!

 

Rating: 5/5

 

Try this if you liked: The Making of Mia by Ilana Fox

You can read an extract of Just Look at Me Now over at Nell Dixon's website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on September 2, 2010 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

August 24, 2010 9:47 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Finishing Touches

Hester Browne originally leaped to popularity with her Little Lady series (The Little Lady Agency, Little Lady; Big Apple). The books were excellent, hilariously and wonderfully written, demonstrating the obvious charm that makes Browne's books such perfect, unputdownable reads. So when I received a copy of her latest book, The Finishing Touches, I was intrigued. The plot of this latest tale sounded very interesting, and I couldn't wait to settle down and start reading. Could her work get any better?

 

Yes. It definitely can.

 

The Finishing Touches focuses on Betsy, a modern girl hailing from the Tallimore Academy a high-class finishing school that she practically grew up knowing about, having been abandoned on the school steps as a baby. Adopted by Lord and Lady Tallimore, Betsy longed to join the girls in the enchanting classes but was never allowed. Now in her twenties, Betsy has returned to the Academy after the death of Lady T to discover that the school is for young ladies is in a terrible financial state. With the Tallimore Academy being Lady T's life and the couple having had no other children to take on the family business, Betsy makes a promise to herself and the late Lady T - her elegant, kind and graceful adoptive mother - that she will try and rescue her pride and joy, no matter what it takes.

 

The Tallimore Academy was one of the most prestigious charm schools in its heyday, but Betsy can't help but think their teachings are a little outdated. While Betsy herself is dealing with boyfriend problems and all the hassles of modern life, the Academy's few remaining pupils are still being taught about tea party etiquette and other social situations that aren't exactly applicable in today's world. What the place needs is a curriculum makeover, if Academy has any chance of lasting another year.  

 

With Betsy teaching, along with some friends, they get to work training the Tallimore Academy into a 21st-century finishing school, combining Lady T's old-fashioned, upper-class ideals with modern, realistic tips such as how to manage mortgages, motors, and men. Her young, very rich (yet misguided) students are quick to learn more. As a pilot scheme, the school is working well, yet it's now down to the matter of convincing London's society parents that the new, improved Academy is the place to be.

 

Can it be a success?

 

Meanwhile, Betsy is becoming ever close to discovering the truth about her birth parents - a secret she's been waiting all her life to reveal. Betsy knew that she was found in a box on the school doorstep with nothing more than a note and a necklace. A romantic tale itself. But who did it belong to? Betsy's mother had to be a girl at the school, but who?

 

The Finishing Touches is such a witty, addictive read that I finished it in one go. It was fun to escape to a world the of upper-class London finishing school, and Betsy's modern take on the old ideals made the book such a sweetly delightful read. I couldn't put it down, and in actual fact, loved this more than I loved The Little Lady Agency (though all of Hester's books are great!) I would definitely, definitely recommend this.

 

Rating: 5/5

 

Posted by Elle Symonds on August 24, 2010 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (4)

August 18, 2010 11:25 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Different for Girls by Louise Wener

Those who grew up in the 1990s will probably remember the girl band Sleeper. If you recall a time when you spent afternoons poring over magazines like Big and Smash Hits (guilty!) then I imagine you've heard of singer Louise Wener. Having quit the pop scene quite a few years ago, Louise is now a novelist. Different for Girls is a memoir, detailing her life from a music-loving youngster to a young woman, reaching the height of her Britpop career.

Louise first tells us of her days as a child, when she first started taking an interest in music. She recorded the weekly top 40 on her tape recorder (again, guilty...) and borrowed her older brother's records, beginning to get to know her style and soon becoming more knowledgeable in the field that was to give her fame in later years.

As a fan of this kind of funny memoir, I couldn't wait to read this, especially as I too grew up in the 90s, loved Top of the Pops and dreamed - only as a kid, honest! - about becoming a pop star. Louise tells about her childhood crushes, her musical loves, and her life in school. She goes on to describe her life as a teenager and then as a twenty-something, as her musical influences change and she meets new people, joins new bands, getting ready for the life ahead. She describes how she gets her record deal and delves into life as a touring pop star. I can only imagine how much I would loved this book back in my teenage years!

Different for Girls is written in a witty and funny way and I couldn't help but love Louise and her tales. It was quite the nostalgic read, taking me back to the days of magazines and wall-posters and pop music. I love memoirs and this is one of my favourites so far, full of witty accounts and true stories from a world that plenty of youngsters have dreamt of.

Having not yet read any of Louise Wener's novels, I'm about to get hold of them as I loved this so much and can't wait to see what else she has to offer!

Rating: 5/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on August 18, 2010 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (5)

August 12, 2010 7:45 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen

Being new to the novels of Sarah Addison Allen, I was excited to receive a copy of her latest book, The Girl Who Chased the Moon (the UK cover is adorable!) Sarah's previous works, The Sugar Queen and Garden Spells, have gained plenty of recognition, so I was curious to find out what else Ms Allen had to offer!

After her mother's death, teenager Emily Benedict has arrived in the small, traditionally Southern town of Mullaby, North Carolina; the place in which her mother grew up. Mother Dulcie, a world-saving activist with selfless intentions, never spoke of her past, of her life in Mullaby, or even of her father - the grandfather that Emily never knew she had. So when Emily arrives in the small town, her 8ft tall grandfather Vance isn't the only surprise - nor is his strange story about the bedroom wallpaper changing design. Not long after turning up in Mullaby in the hope of finding out more about her mother as a young girl, she discovers that she's not welcome.

Comments about the girl's arrival are already buzzing around Mullaby, with strangers shunning her and local youngsters stating how she's not welcome. The only person willing to speak to her is smart young Win Coffey, and even then, it's in secret...

Just what did her mother do to make the whole town turn against her? Just what did she leave behind? Emily is determined to find out.

Meanwhile, neighbour Julia is focused on her cake-making. Seeing her return to Mullaby as only temporary whilst she embarks on her two-year plan - to run her father's barbecue business before selling it - she's still intent on creating her own baking business. And seeing Emily arrive, she quickly bakes a welcome cake, seeing the opportunity to become friends, After all, due to her mother's fiery past, she's going to need one...

Emily's confused, but determined. What is the big secret that everyone is hiding? What did Dulcie Shelby do that made her everyone's enemy? And just what are the Mullaby Lights? Are they really ghosts? And why DOES the wallpaper in her mother's old room change its design?

There are so many mysteries in Mullaby, and Emily Benedict is about to solve them, making a huge discovery. And of course, finding out more about her mother along the way. Especially when it comes to the overly-traditional Coffey family, who never come out at night...

The Girl Who Chased the Moon is an absolutely lovely story of love, mystery and new beginnings, combined with just enough magic to make it perfect. The secretive town of Mullaby is a wonderful setting for this heart-warming tale of identity and friendship. Whilst Emily is learning about her family history, Julia is finding out some home truths as well.

Once I started this book, I just couldn't put it down until I'd finished it, impatiently wanting to know how the mysteries were solved! It's a fantastic tale and has made me want to get hold of Allen's previous novels. The Girl Who Chased the Moon is a thoroughly pleasing, magical read!

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try: The Unfortunate Miss Fortunes

 

 

Posted by Elle Symonds on August 12, 2010 in Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (31)

August 9, 2010 11:12 PM

BOOK REVIEW: You're The One That I Don't Want by Alexandra Potter

When I first heard that Alexandra Potter (author of chick-lit bestsellers including Be Careful What You Wish For and Who's That Girl) had a new novel due for release, I couldn't wait. Potter's books have so far been highly enjoyable and funny tales with loveable characters and great settings - perfect for relaxing with. Somehow, after receiving this book, I managed to resist reading it for a few days, saving it for my holiday.

In 1999, art student Lucy and American boyfriend Nathaniel (Nate) - the perfect soulmates- made a pact underneath a bridge in Venice. Known as the Legend of the Bridge of Sighs, kissing under the bridge would apparently render the couple unable to be apart...forever.

Now, Lucy's working for an art gallery in New York when her dreams of being a painter didn't exactly work out. Single and getting by in the small gallery with stylish (yet slightly mad) boss Magda.

As for The One...well, Nathaniel is no longer. After attempting a long-distance relationship all those years ago, it simply didn't work out. The legend was obviously all a bunch of nonsense, right?

Actually, wrong...

Lucy gets the shock of her life when an art-buyer turns out to be her one and only, Nathaniel. Now a TV producer, Nate still oozes the good looks and charm that she loved in the very first place. Okay, so he may have a lot of money, a minimalist apartment and a hectic work schedule, but surely he's still the same loveable Nate...

Again, Lucy's about to discover otherwise.

Despite Lucy believing Nate is still The One, the relationship is NOT going as she's always planned in her dreams. Far from the cute, adventurous Nathaniel she used to know, new Nate is fussy, snotty,  and, well, just a little bit anal when it comes to cleanliness. The pair could not be more different. Yet when they break up, it isn't long before they meet again.

And again. And again...

Is it Fate? Or is the legend really true? In the ten years that they've spent dreaming of meeting each other, Nate and Lucy now can't wait to be apart. But it's just not happening.

With destiny (or perhaps magic?) bringing them together at every given and convenient moment, Nate and Lucy need to find away to break up for good. Especially when Lucy becomes rather fond of film student Adam.

Could there possibly be a way to break the legendary pact?

You're The One That I Don't Want was an extremely enjoyable read. I especially loved Lucy, and her over-achieving sister, Kate. It's a wonderfully charming, funny love story that's totally unputdownable. Having enjoyed Potter's previous novels (Be Careful What You Wish For being my personal favourite!) I had a feeling I'd like this too, but it was a lot better than expected! You're The One That I Don't Want is yet another fantastic addition to Alexandra Potter's titles.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try: Be Careful What You Wish For by Alexandra Potter, Getting Rid of Matthew by Jane Fallon

 

Posted by Elle Symonds on August 9, 2010 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 26, 2010 1:36 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Tabloid Girl by Sharon Marshall

We recently posted about the release of Tabloid Girl - the memoir about working as tabloid reporter by Sharon Marshall. Sharon worked as a journalist for ten years, moving from various departments until she landed in Showbiz. Tabloid Girl documents her career in newspapers from starting out as a fresh-faced shifter to fighting her way to the top, finding herself in numerous odd situations (such as rifling through Simon Cowell's underwear drawer) and times of stress in order to get the story.

 

I love these tell-all memoirs and previously enjoyed Wicked Whispers (Jessica Callan's account of being one of the Mirror's 3am Girls) and Piers Morgan's The Insider. Both offered a fabulous insight into the world of red-top reporting. And Sharon's offering is equally as pleasing.

 

Sharon gained her first job at a London paper by bringing in beer and refusing to move until she spoke to the editor, who let her join the next day. Starting out in journalism is difficult enough - even harder when you're after a highly coveted job at a London-based, national tabloid. But Sharon makes it in. Due t her offering of alcohol, she's given a job as a 'shifter' - one of many wannabe hacks drafted in for casual work, and like a rather cruel game of Big Brother, fight for their jobs until a staff vacancy arises - or until they're dismissed. The shifters are sent on all manner of jobs (such as going to Jeremy Paxman's house to try and ask him about his alleged affair...) and if the scoop is not delivered, they're out. Needless to say, Sharon is willing to do whatever it takes to stay in her dream job, rather than face heading back to Lancashire a failure, dealing with her mothers' questions about her lack of a future husband. Job it is. But is working as a tabloid hack really everything she thought it would be?

 

What Sharon has to do over the coming months (and years) during her stint in the tabloids is shocking to say the least. Donning rubber dresses to hang out at fetish parties is all a normal part of the day job for Sharon and her colleagues. It's no wonder she's unlucky in the boyfriend department. Let's face it, 'what did you do at work today?' conversations don't always go down too well. But for a trainee tabloid girl, hookers, fake husbands, swinger parties and investigations seemingly worthy of MI5 (albeit in fancy dress) are all regular aspects of the job role.

 

Couple this with her annoying flatmate, angry boss and overly-ambitious colleagues to deal with...

 

Sharon details the truths and tricks behind the newspaper trade, such as how far celebrities actually go to get themselves into the pages, how to kidnap interviewees, how to get the best scoops and of course, what to do when drunk on the job...

 

Tabloid Girl dispels the myth that showbiz journalism is one glitzy affair full of celebrity parties and champagne. It's a hard job, complete with rivalry, lack of a social life, and constant 'bollockings' from the boss.

 

Having always been interested in what goes on behind some of the nation's favourite red-tops, I read this book with interest and amazement, realising just how hard it can actually be. Tabloid Girl is a witty, insightful book packed with some great stories and revelations about the hard-hitting world of journalism.

 

Sadly, Sharon doesn't reveal the names of the celebs in her tales, but they'll definitely keep you wondering. My only complaint about Sharon Marshall's book? I wish she'd told us more!

 

Rating: 5/5

 

Try this if you liked: Wicked Whispers by Jessica Callan

 

Posted by Elle Symonds on July 26, 2010 in Memoirs, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 13, 2010 9:29 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Getting Over Mr Right by Chrissie Manby

Admittedly, I had only read two of Chris Manby's many books before I came across Getting Over Mr Right, and after liking both, I did expect to enjoy it. However, I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did, and after reading Getting Over Mr Right twice in the space of a month, this book is now right at the top of my list of favourite reads for this year, leaving me to seek out the rest of Chrissie Manby's books because surely I'm missing out here!

 

Ashleigh, after a decade or more of downright disastrous (and just plain weird) dates, finally decides to give up on men. But they say that true love arrives when you least expect it, right? Sure enough, Ashleigh soon discovers her Mr Right at a party, albeit hidden behind some atrociously high-waisted trousers and mismatching shoes.

 

Everything goes swimmingly for months until, after gaining a promotion at work, Prince Charming himself (aka Michael) decides to change. And not for the better. When Ashleigh is dreaming of a house big enough for their future children and sensible cars fit for baby seats, Michael is soon upgrading his flat to an equally child-unfriendly new flat in a trendier area. Add that to the sports car, new wardrobe and gym membership and BOOM - the first stages of relationship doom.

 

And it soon comes true. Worse still, Ashleigh is only alerted to her dumping via Michael's new relationship status on Facebook. Where, horror of horrors - she's even been defriended.

 

Ashleigh simply refuses to accept that it's over, clinging on to every little glimmer of hope that it's not. Surely it's just a Facebook glitch, right? Michael loves her really, he's just a bit stressed...

 

With Michael still being her Mr Right in Ashleigh's mind, and determined to get answers, she sets out to get the explanation she deserves. Especially when she discovers that Michael has a new girlfriend.

 

Ignoring the sound advice of her best friend Becky, Ashleigh begins her (slightly insane) quest to win back Michael. Only what starts off as a slightly understandable mission turns out to become a scary obsession indeed...

 

When Ashleigh's plan of gaining back her boyfriend the usual, civil way - through talking - fails to work, she knows that she has to up her game. Cue excessive cyber-stalking, e-books full of breakup advice and turning up at Michael's workplace with flowers.

 

And when THOSE methods don't work, Ashleigh turns to the paranormal, phoning premium-rate psychics and casting spells.

 

Being seemingly unable to get over Michael and move on, Ashleigh is quickly becoming obsessed, stalking him and his new girlfriend at every opportunity, and ignoring pleas from Becky to cease her odd behaviour and forget about him.

 

But it's not that easy. Ashleigh won't stop until Mr Right is back in her arms. And she'll do whatever it takes...

 

Getting Over Mr Right is addictive, hilarious, witty and downright fantastic. I couldn't put it down, drawn in by Ashleigh's dangerous behaviour and hooked on what she would do next, Towards the middle of the book, Ashleigh's tactics grew weirder by the chapter and it was interesting to read what would happen next. Without giving too much away, Ashleigh's friends and family, especially younger brother Lucas, are fabulous characters and work well as they try and get Asheligh to stop her stalker-like tendencies!

 

Despite Ashleigh being unable to let go, the book rang true in a variety of places. How many of us have snooped or stalked on Facebook? It was amusing to read about Ashleigh in these situations and in some chapters I couldn't help but agree, thinking 'Okay,  just might have done that as well...' This was a brilliant read and after finishing Getting Over Mr Right, I realise how much I've probably missed by not reading more of Chrissie Manby's previous novels. So you can imagine what's up next on the wishlist!

 

Rating: 5/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on July 13, 2010 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

June 30, 2010 10:12 PM

BOOK REVIEW: How Did You Get This Number by Sloane Crosley

For some reason, I've been attracted to rather a few non-fiction books recently. I'm not entirely sure why this strange yearning for memoirs has come about, resulting in re-reading some old favourites - perhaps it's the fact that there have been a few new additions to the genre which Trashionista has had the pleasure of sampling. One of them being Sloane Crosley's latest book, How Did You Get This Number?

Having not read any of Sloane Crosley's work before (her previous collection of essays, I Was Told There'd Be Cake, was released in 2008) I was unsure of what to expect. But the synopsis looked fun, and I couldn't wait to start. Sloane is a journalist whose credits include the New York Times, Playboy and GQ, so I was already in awe.

How Did You Get This Number is a collection of essays which focus mainly on the theme of travel. Sloane ventures back into aspects of her life as a twenty-something, beginning with a tale of her trip to Lisbon, finding her way around and meeting some rather peculiar people.

Sloane delves into her past to write about not only her travels, but her youth, and what it's like to live in New York (oh, and Alaska!). Her essays are engaging, funny and extremely witty and to be blatantly honest, I felt a twinge of envy at not only Sloane's adventures but her writing style that I wish was my own! My personal favourite of all the essays was the one about New York apartment-hunting. Sloane is funny and insightful and has a natural wit that's conveyed in each of her stories.

After reading How Did You Get This Number, Sloane's previous essay collection is now on the wishlist. So if you're looking for something a little different (and true!) to read this summer, then be sure to check this one out!

Rating: 5/5

You might like this if you liked: Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster, Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler

 

 

Posted by Elle Symonds on June 30, 2010 in Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

June 23, 2010 11:44 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Temptation Street by Shari Low

Having loved Shari Low's previous novels (The Motherhood Walk of Fame, Why Not and A Brand New Me), I couldn't wait to get my hands on her latest offering, Temptation Street.

Suze and her husband Karl have always been inseperable, and so have Mel and Karl's brother, Joe. With Suze and Mel being best friends as well, life has always been particularly blissful, with the brothers working with the family business and the inseperable women running their own beauty companies near one another. However, when Karl starts to become quiet, displaying the typical traits of a cheating husband, Suze becomes suspicious. And rather than start snooping around like a regular wife in seach of the truth, she decides to take a step further - and hire a honey trap.

However, things take a turn for the worse when Suze discovers that the results are far more dire than she could have imagined. She wouldn't have expected such an outcome in a million years, and is now forced with an extremely tough decision. To keep quiet about the discovery would mean a lifetime of guilt, but to tell could possibly ruin a marriage...

Finally, Suze decides to come clean, but it's a price she has to pay. And what follows is a series of events that forces both women to take a look at their lives and decide who, and what, is the most important.

With Temptation Street being full of unexpected twists, it's hard to review this book fully without giving too much away. To go into more detail on this would force me to tell too much of the story, and with the first twist happening early on in the book, it's impossible to do this without spoiling it. And right from the start, the book provides a sense of mystery that I really don't wish to ruin for anyone!

The first chapter got me instantly hooked. The couples work well together and instantly you get a sense that something's wrong. Not only that, but  someone among them is also up to no good, which will be revealed later on in the book. Suze and Mel are instantly likeable characters, Suze especially. Add to that their colleagues (including mad Josie!) and you have a fabulous cast of supporting characters that help the story flow wonderfully. The twists come together brilliantly at the end, and thestory is so addictive that putting the book down for more than five minutes is hard.

Temptation Street is a tale of suspicion, tried friendships and of course, the theme of relationships in a time of crisis. Shari's wit and humour shine through, which has made each of her books simply unputdownable - Temptation Street included. I can't wait for what she has to offer next!

Rating: 5/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on June 23, 2010 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 17, 2010 2:52 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Mousetrapped by Catherine Ryan Howard

At the beginning of June, Trashionista interviewed Catherine Ryan Howard, author of newly released non-fiction book, Mousetrapped. The only memoir about working at Disney's Magic Kingdom, Mousetrapped documents Catherine's adventures from her homeland of Cork to, apparently, the happiest place on earth.' But is working in a constant fairytale land all it's cracked up to be?

 

Catherine's story begins with her childhood dreams of becoming a top virologist, after becoming interested in the Ebola virus. It's the most normal of career choices, but Catherine already has her heart set on working towards making a name for herself in her chosen field. But of course, childhood ambitions can sometimes fall by the wayside when real life kicks in, and when Catherine reaches her twenties, she's forced to realise that maybe being a world-renowned virologist isn't the easiest of options.

 

One day, having become tired of her life and wanting to fulfil at least SOME of her dreams, Catherine decides to apply for work at Disneyland - and with a bit of luck, the job is hers. Surely she'll find happiness in the happiest place on the planet, right?

 

Not exactly...

 

Fast forward a few months, and Catherine, full of excitement at reaching her dream destination, finds herself in her hotel room at the Magic Kingdom, ready to embark at her new role at the front desk. But it's not long before disaster strikes. With a short time in which to find an apartment, Catherine manages to snare some new accommodation, only to find that it's far from the luxury of her hotel room, and comes complete with dodgy flatmates.

 

If that isn't enough, Catherine's thrown into the deep end at work on the busiest day of the year, and is forced to deal with angry customers, hair disasters and social inadequacy in the form of a lack of driving license.

 

Determined, Catherine sets out on her quest to finally get behind the wheel, and begins lessons with a new-found friends. Soon enough, she's making friends, is on the hunt for a better apartment and starting to live the Disney dream. But how long will it all last?

 

I wasn't sure what to expect when I first received Mousetrapped, but as a lover of memoirs I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. It's a unique book by a brilliantly witty, instantly loveable author and I couldn't put it down. I could relate to Catherine's career issues and childhood dreams and despite the negative aspects of her adventures, I still felt envious of Catherine's life in Orlando. Anyone who has ever been there will instantly remember some of the scenery that Catherine writes about, and her hilarious account of the Small World ride brought back some memories.

 

Catherine Ryan Howard is highly talented and has the ability to make the most dire of situations sound funny. Her account of working abroad is an absolutely wonderful read and if this is her memoir, then I really, really can't wait for her novel!

 

Rating: 5/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on June 17, 2010 in Memoirs, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 7, 2010 9:55 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Not So Secret Diary of a City Girl by Allie Spencer

As you've probably guessed, Trashionista is a huge fan of Little Black Dress Books. One of my personal favourites is Allie Spencer's latest novel, The Not So Secret Diary of a City Girl. Having not yet read Allie's previous offering, Tug of Love, I wasn't sure what to expect - but was extremely delighted! Who can resist a tale of scandal and a publicised secret diary? I certainly couldn't.

Banking analyst Laura McGregor has always kept a diary. More recently, an electronic diary, concealed on her laptop, in which she constantly muses about her hectic life at the Chiltern Bank, her fellow banker boyfriend Tom, and journalist Alex who, despite gaining a scoop that landed Tom's bank in hot water, has started to become quite the love interest...

When Laura is sent to work at the offices of Will Barton, world famous financier, she's sure she's landed the job of her dreams. But it's not long before things just simply don't add up, especially when it comes to Will's accounts. Something is definitely amiss, and with Alex at the ready to expose any dirty financial deeds, it's only a matter of time before things at work become rather chaotic...

If that's not enough to deal with, Laura also has the misfortune of tearaway sister Mel, who turns up at Laura's flat needing a place to stay. The troubled teen is insistent and on the run from some dodgy characters back home. Laura agrees, but soon enough, there's trouble - mainly in the form of Mel, who decides to upload Laura's entire personal, top-secret diary to the internet.

With Laura's personal and work life out there for the whole world to see, (and the possibility that the Chiltern Bank HAS already seen!) Laura has to find a way to remove the blog and sort out her life - and her reputation - once and for all.

I don't want to go into too much detail because the book is full of so many surprises and great moments that make it such a page-turner (and I'm not one for giving out spoilers!) but The Not So Secret Diary is an absolutely fantastic read. I completed it in one sitting and after reading this, I'm sure I'll enjoy Tug of Love! Allie Spencer has a great writing style and natural wit that shines through instantly. Parts of this book were hilarious, and I especially loved Mel, despite her attitude!

The Not So Secret Diary of a City Girl is a brilliantly funny and addictive tale full of scandal and secrets in the banking world. I can't wait to read more of Allie's work!

Posted by Elle Symonds on June 7, 2010 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

May 20, 2010 2:37 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Della Says OMG! by Keris Stainton

Last week Trashionista interviewed the lovely Keris Stainton, whose young adult novel, Della Says OMG! has just been released. Keris was previously a Trashi editor and it was so exciting to get a copy of her published novel! What's more, it's also a fantastic read (am trying to cut out the favouritism here but honestly, it's fab!)

Losing your personal diary is one of every teenager's worst nightmares. To have lost my diary, full of personal and private thoughts, would have been enough to scare the bejeezus out of me for the rest of my high school life - and still would, to be honest! - but to find out that someone has it and can reveal your deepest, most intimate secrets any time they wish - is something different altogether...

Teenager Della is about to find out what exactly such a nightmare feels like. Living with her gorgeous former-model mum, equally pretty and confident sister Jamie who's soon to be leaving for a summer in the States, and her often embarrassing Dad, Della regularly pours her heart out to her diary that she hides in her room at night.

However, after Jamie's leaving party (at which she finally kisses Dan Bailey, her lifelong crush!), Della quickly realises that her diary is missing.

Della's diary is nowhere to be found. And it's not long before a page of her diary, detailing something rather intimate and embarrassing, shows up on the one place Della does NOT want it to be found - Facebook.

Which means that someone has her diary, and they're not afraid to use it.

With no clue as to who has stolen her private journal, Della begins to suspect everyone who was at the party, including her best friend Maddy, arch rival Gemima and of course, the lovely Dan.

Meanwhile, Della's relationship with Dan is becoming more serious, and even though she still suspects him, Della doesn't want anything to ruin it, especially the diary pages that continue to appear. Will she tell him what's going on?

Can she figure out who the culprit is before even more of her secrets are revealed?

I was so hooked on the book that I couldn't put it down until I had finished it and found out just who stole the diary. The book is for older teenagers (due to some sexual content and terms), but even though I'm twenty-five, I enjoyed every part of it. Della Says made me feel like a teenager again. We didn't have Facebook back then, but I could still feel Della's embarrassment!

Della Says is a tale of friendship and teenage relationships with a bit of scandal and a wonderful amout of wit thrown in. Even for a twenty-seomthing like yours truly, I could relive the possible horror of what Della would have gone through! I can't wait to read what Keris offers us next.

Rating: 5/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on May 20, 2010 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 15, 2010 3:18 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Katy Carter Wants a Hero By Ruth Saberton

We interviewed Ruth Saberton last month as her novel, Katy Carter Wants a Hero, is due for release in April. I was lucky enough to read it and it. Is. HILARIOUS.)

 

Schoolteacher Katy Carter lives in a fantasy world. Well, most of the time. With dreams of becoming a romantic novelist, Katy often finds herself scribbling her tales of voracious heroines and strapping heroes - even in the back of her student's exercise books. Trying to focus on school meetings is one mean feat when you can't stop thinking about that perfect, handsome, caring hero...

 

It's not as though Katy's down on the hero front, however - in fact, she's due to marry James - her charming, high-flying banker fiance who Katy can't help but adore. And even though Katy's no champion dieter, has flyaway hair and her culinary skills are dire, she's determined to become the perfect wife for James. Despite his overbearing mother for whom nothing is quite right and workaholic James's constant jibes, Katy Carter is going to be the heroine to her hero (although not as waif-like and glam); a wife like those of his city friends, who look good all the time and host great parties. So when James is due to invite his important coworkers (and boss) home for a gathering, Katy's mission is set.

 

However, when disaster strikes in the form of a runaway lobster (and then some!), Katy finds that her romantic dream is in tatters, along with her potential bestseller...

 

Together with her best friend Ollie, Katy has to get back on her feet. And of course, get back to writing her perfect story. But with no fiance to go home to and a job she doesn't really like anymore, it's time for Katy to make some life changes. Off she heads to Cornwall, where she bumps into the most unlikely stranger. Soon Katy finds herself set for a whole new life (and a whole new job) including a makeover, a celebrity 'boyfriend' and a whole town full of inspiration. Yet can this new turn of events bring her the hero she's always wanted?

 

It was difficult to write this review without mentioning all of the funny and wonderful parts, but I prefer to avoid spoilers wherever possible. This book is one of the funniest I've read and is full of hilarious moments from chapter one. Katy is a little naive at the beginning, yet a fabulous, down-to-earth character who's immensely likeable. James? Not so much. But you'll soon find out why... 

 

Ruth has a natural wit that makes this book a page-turner. I found myself not only unable to put this down until I'd finished, but also prone to random bouts of the giggles in public. But it's well worth the strange looks! Katy Carter Wants a Hero is not only funny but a lovely tale, and already I can't wait to find out what Ruth Saberton has in store next.

 

Rating: 5/5

 

(Stay tuned for more news of a Katy Carter competition!)

 

 

 

Posted by Elle Symonds on March 15, 2010 in Book News, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 4, 2010 11:26 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Just Like Me, Only Better by Carol Snow

When I first heard about Carol Snow's upcoming novel, Just Like Me, Only Better, I was instantly looking forward to getting my hands on it as it seemed a world away from the usual tales of celebrity - original and somewhat quirky. And I love quirky. Just Like Me, Only Better is due to hit the shelves in April and I can tell you, it's a fantastic read.

Posted by Elle Symonds on March 4, 2010 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 12, 2010 9:24 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Making of Mia by Ilana Fox

Seeing as it's the month of inspiration here at Trashionista, I thought it would be great to check out some inspirational titles - especially this one, The Making of Mia. Author Ilana Fox's second novel, Spotlight, will be hitting the shelves in April 2010, and I'm looking forward to it as Mia is one of my favourites!

Plain, dowdy and overweight aspiring journalist Joanne Hill has dreamed of being the editor of a glossy magazine since she was young. At her posh boarding school, which she attends due to a scholarship, Jo is surrounded by rich, thin and beautiful girls who make her everyday life a misery. Driven by her love for magazines, Jo tries to block out the bullying by reading and snacking, transporting her into a world where she's beautiful, successful and able to wear the best clothes and makeup.

Jo already has her future mapped out - go to university, get a degree, go to journalism college, and take over the magazine world. But her plan doesn't exactly work out, and when Jo doesn't get the grades she needs to get into uni, she finds herself back home on her London council estate, wondering what to do next.

It isn't long before Jo gets a new job in a local cafe. But with her seemingly continuous bout of bad luck, that doesn't go well, either. However, thanks to Amelia, Jo's only friend from boarding school, she soon finds herself a job in Hampshire at a pub, where she meets the lovely manager (and aspiring writer), William. Determined to shed some of her weight, Jo begins running each morning, and pretty soon, fellow runner William offers to train with her. Heart still set on becoming a magazine journalist, she's determined to realise her dream.

And at a party with Amelia, it seems as though Jo just might just have a lead - become a secretary at one of the magazines. Heading off to a London recruitment agency, Jo is ready...that is, until she's turned down because of her weight.
Upset yet still determined, Jo's on a mission to lose her weight, and when she returns to the agency, she's almost unrecognisable. Armed with her hopes and notebooks full of feature ideas, Jo leaves Hampshire and William behind for London.

Placed on the admin team at top magazine Gloss, Jo is ecstatic, and tries not to let the gossip and bitchiness of the other secretaries put her down. And soon, much to everyone's surprise, Jo is chosen from the secretarial pool to be the new PA to Gloss editor Joshua, if only for one reason...

Overworked, Jo remains on form in her new role, waiting until the time is right to showcase her ideas for loss to Joshua. However, that doesn't go to plan, either. Jo's ideas are ignored, jealous coworkers turn on her, and she think her talents are wasted...that is, until she meets Gloss jounalist Lucy. Lucy suggests freelancing for the magazine under a different name...and it works.

'Olivia Windsor', the new freelancer 'from New York', is taking Gloss by storm. Jo's ideas are adored, her bank balance is rapidly growing, and nobody suspects a thing. The downside? Jo's hours of work are starting to catch up with her, she's losing concentration and making small mistakes.

And one mistake is about to cost her the job...

Humiliated and fired, Jo heads out fo the Gloss building and doesn't look back. But still as determined as she was back in school, she vows to gain a future in the magazine business. And she'll get her revenge on Joshua, however long it takes.

Even if she has to become a whole new person...

The Making of Mia is an utterly brilliant read that I simply couldn't put down. Joanne's determination is inspiring, and she keeps aiming for her dream even though everything seems to go wrong for her in the beginning. Jo undertakes a makeover that isn't exactly simple, but it's about to make her dreams come true. I won't continue with the plot as it could ruin the rest of the book - so much happens to Jo and it's great to see her luck get better. The making of Mia is a wonderful, heart-warming and addictive read. I loved this book so much the first time that I read it again, and as previously mentioned, can't wait for Ilana Fox' next offering!

Rating: 5/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 12, 2010 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

December 2, 2009 9:42 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Naked in Knightsbridge by Nicky Schmidt

I was delighted to receive a copy of Naked in Knightsbridge, after reading the blurb, and absolutely loved the book. Naked in Knightsbridge is the best book I've read this year (alongside Cally Taylor's wonderful debut, Heaven Can Wait). 

Jools Grand is stuck in desparation when the cleaning company she runs goes out of business owing to a mishap. A mishap that burnt down an entire London townhouse, mind you - and faced with the damages, Jools has no choice but to close. Staying in her small flat eating HobNobs isn't exactly the best way to go about finding cash, as Jools soon realises when she's kicked out for not paying the rent. 

Jools is homeless, and needs a plan - fast. And soon, she comes up with the perfect idea - to auction herself on eBay. Surely someone is going to need a wife, and what better than to offer herself in a marriage of convenience. For a decent sum, of course. 

Little does she know, two bidders are intent on winning the hand of Jools, and they aren't exactly dashing Romeos. One is a politician determined to get higher up the career ladder, but he can't do it without a glamorous wife to flaunt in front of the press. Seeing as he's gay, finding one isn't going to be easy - that is, until he stumbles upon Jools Grand's auction. Bidder number two is a horrid loner in a house fully equipped with a basement dungeon, keen to get his hands on a woman to control, and as soon as he catches sight of the listing, he's fully determined. 

Jools doesn't expect an all-out bidding war, and quickly withdraws the auction. But that doesn't stop both men from tracking her down and trying their hardest to snare her. And as Jools agrees to the politician's press ploy, getting a much-needed makeover in the process, it isn't long before some of her secrets begin to emerge... 

And some men will do whatever it takes to get what they want, as Jools is about to find out. 

Naked in Knightsbridge is a hilarious read, centred around a normal girl who finds herself in deep desparation and has to realise what matters most. A witty tale - a refreshing change from recession-based tales of spendaholics. It's such an original, fantastic debut and I cannot wait to see what else Nicky Schmidt has in store.

Rating: 5/5
 

Posted by Elle Symonds on December 2, 2009 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 6, 2009 1:48 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella

I'm surprised that it's taken me this long to review this book. Really. I'm a huge fan of Sophie Kinsella's novels - Can You Keep a Secret especially, as well as the beloved Shopaholic series - and couldn't wait to get hold of her latest offering, Twenties Girl.

And I have to admit, it was a brilliant read, leaving me unable to put it down until I had finished it. Kinsella's stand-alone novels have never failed to please, and neither does this one.

Lara Lington's life isn't particularly fabulous. With her boyfriend Josh having recently broken up with her without giving a genuine reason, burgeoning financial problems and having to co-run a company when her business partner takes an extended holiday, the last thing Lara needs is to attend the funeral of some 105-year-old relative she didn't even know, especially when there will be family and guaranteed awkward Josh-related questions.

However, Lara has no idea just how much more complicated her life is going to become.

Because she's about to make a new acquaintance - the ghost of her dead great-aunt Sadie. Who isn't going to go away until she gets what she's looking for.

Sadie, though in the form of her previous 20s flapper-style self, appears before Lara at her own funeral, causing Lara to freak out and make things even MORE awkward in front of her family (who already think she's emotionally unstable after the break-up). To make matters worse, Sadie blatantly refuses to leave (or even shut up, for that matter), until she gets what's she's obviously come back for - her dragonfly necklace. And she needs Lara to help her find it.

Reluctantly, Lara agrees - she'll do anything to make the ghost go away. After all, it's annoying, talking to someone who nobody else can see (and now her family think she's crazy). Sadie never took off her dragonfly necklace in life, and she can't move on without it. But where can it be? And with all of her other problems to deal with, how on earth is Lara going to find it?

And what can she do about the bossy ghost of her dead aunt who's constantly intruding on her everyday life?

However, Lara soon discovers that having Great Aunt Sadie around isn't that bad. Sadie's feisty attitude, although annoying at times, helps Lara realise that there was much more to Sadie than a wrinkled old lady at a retirement home who nobody bothered to visit. Sadie was once in her twenties, too - and cherished every minute of it. So it's no wonder that she wants to experience it one more time. (Even if it DOES mean Lara going on a date for her - just one more date before the time comes to pass on.)

Meanwhile, Lara is intent on getting Josh back - but is it really for the best? And will Lara be able to retrieve the missing necklace?

Twenties Girl is a beautiful story. Not only is is packed with the witty writing style and hilarious moments that make Kinsella's novels so great, but there are also elements of sadness and discovery.

Sadie may be the ghost of an elderly woman in her twenty-something body, but she's about to teach Lara, and the reader, a lot about how precious life is...and how we shouldn't waste a moment.

Rating: 5/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on November 6, 2009 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 31, 2009 11:40 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Pretty Monsters

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 31, 2009 in Rating: 5/5, Short Story Collections | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 5, 2009 1:45 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Confessions of a Reluctant Recessionista by Amy Silver

As most of us can probably recall, the announcement of the recession was particularly tough. Cue fears of pay cuts and endless job-hunting, and swapping expensive takeaways for value noodles. Any victim of the recession can probably relate to tales of redundancy and the dreaded cutting back - and journalist Amy Silver's debut, Confessions of a Reluctant Recessionista, explores exactly this - in a fantastically funny way.

Cassie Cavanagh is perfectly content in her job as a PA at a large financial company. Sure, she's not a high-flying trader like her boyfriend Dan and best friend, but life is good. Having just been given the gift of a pair of new Louboutins out of the blue from Dan, Cassie feels lucky to have a nice flat, a decent job and a partner who doesn't stop showering her with presents. And ignoring warnings of a looming recession, she books that romantic weekend away. After all, the credit crunch won't hit everyone, right?

However, Cassie soon find herself in deep trouble when - lo and behold - she's made redundant. What's more, City boy Dan soon dumps her for an older, more glamorous woman.

What happens when you lose everything in a matter of days? Cassie's about to find out... 

 

Unable to stop her shopping addiction, Cassie continues to treat herself on a daily basis. But newly unemployed fashionista has yet to realise that the luxuries she became accustomed to in the past cost money that she now doesn't have. Giving up her spending is hard, but finding another job is even harder. And pretty soon she has to stop, before she's homeless as well as jobless...

Admittedly, I found Cassie to be particularly naive at times, especially when it came to Dan. But Amy's witty, fast-paced writing style makes this book an absolute must-read and I couldn't help but cheer for Cassie as she learnt a few serious life lessons!

With ex-friends and embrassing jobs abound, Cassie is certain that it can't get any worse. But can the serial shopper leanr to budget effectively and turn her life around?

Confessions of a Reluctant Recessionista is released on 22nd October.

Rating: 5/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 5, 2009 in New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

June 27, 2009 1:04 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Molly's Millions by Victoria Connelly

Let's face it, we've all wondered what we'd do if we scooped the lottery jackpot. How would you spend your winnings? What would you buy? Would you share it? Victoria Connelly's heroine wants to do exactly that in Molly's Millions, a unique story that hilariously explores the lottery dream.

Florist Molly Bailey wouldn't mind a bit of extra money, just to help her get by. After all, there's nothing she enjoys more than her flowers, and The Bloom Room is her pride and joy. But she's struggling with her finances, and Molly wouldn't mind a few extra pounds for a treat every now and then.

However, all that's about to change when Molly buys a lottery ticket for the first time ever - and scoops four million pounds.

Four. Million. Pounds.

With the misfortune of hailing from a family of Scrooges, Molly doesn't dare let her miserly relatives in on the secret of her new-found riches. After all, what's the point of having money if you can't enjoy it? And what on earth can she do with four million pounds? Kind-hearted Molly is determined to keep just enough for herself, and give the rest away...as soon as possible.

It's only a matter of time before Molly's family hears of her windfall...so she sets out alone in her trusty yellow VW Beetle on a mission to get rid of her cash.

After depositing a stack of fifty pound notes and a single yellow flower in the honesty box of a local farmer, Molly sets off on her road trip across England to help out those in need like a modern-day Robin Hood (minus the stealing, of course). Meanwhile, journalist Tom Mackenzie is in search of a story. Working at a local publication where big stories are rare, he just needs one headline-worthy article in order to save his career. And after hearing of the anonymous donation by chance, Tom is certain he's onto something, and heads off with the intention of finding out just who is behind the anonymous donation.

Molly is soon becoming a national heroine, leaving behind a trail of good deeds (along with yellow flowers.). Little does she know, Tom is not far behind her, questioning everyone she meets on the way. And thanks to Tom's freelance articles in the national press telling of the mysterious Molly, not only are her personal encounters exposed, but her family is now aware of her millions, setting out on a trail of their own to track down unselfish Molly before she does something she regrets.

But nothing's stopping Molly and her good deeds. She's quickly gained fame, with the public wanting to know more about the girl giving away her cash, and the media hunting her down. With Tom and her money-grabbing family still swiftly on her heels, it's only a matter of time before she's found.

Will Molly give herself up, or will she continue on her journey to share her wealth? And will Tom succeed in finding out everything there is to now about Molly Bailey? And what if there's more to her life that she's only just about to find out?

Molly's Millions is a delightful read that I devoured in one sitting. Molly's kindness is addictive, making this not only an immensely fun (and very amusing!) read but also heart-warming. Despite this book relying a lot on coincidences (which is a personal pet peeve), I still couldn't put it down. Am already looking forward to what Victoria Connelly has to offer next!

Rating: 5/5

Order your copy at Amazon.

Posted by Elle Symonds on June 27, 2009 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (4)

June 12, 2009 10:01 AM

Review: The Lost Daughter by Diane Chamberlin

Cee Cee Wilkes has had a pretty miserable life. Deserted by her father when she was born, her  mother died of cancer when she was just twelve and she spent  the rest of her childhood in a succession of children’s homes. At the age of 16 she finds work in a café to help fund her way through college and soon falls head over heels with Timothy Gleeson, the handsome, older college boy she serves each day.

Tim seems to reciprocate her feelings and Cee Cee is on cloud nine until one day Tim confides in her that he and his brother are planning  to kidnap the governor’s pregnant wife  and hold her hostage to secure the  release of their sister who is currently on death row for murder. He asks her to help him, and while Cee Cee is horrified by what he plans to do, she cannot refuse because she loves him so much.

Cee Cee cannot return to her normal life after her part in the plot and she disappears, takes on an assumed identity and never sees Tim again.

Two decades later the fragile happiness that Cee Cee has built up for herself is placed in jeopardy when the body of the Governor's wife is discovered but there is no sign of her unborn child. The sensational case becomes national news and Timothy Gleeson is charged with murder and now faces the death penalty himself. Cee Cee is the only person who can save him as she knows that Tim did not kill the governor’s wife and she also knows exactly what happened to the baby. Telling the truth will destroy not only her own life but that of her family. Can Cee Cee let an innocent man die to protect her lifetime of lies or will she listen to her conscience and destroy the lives of those she loves the most to save him.

This is a superb book. It is well written and Diane Chamberlin’s background in psychology has led her to create believable, fully drawn characters with real strengths and flaws. It is testament to the strength of her characterisation that while the reader is appalled by what Cee Cee has done they still want everything to work out for her because she seems so real, so likeable and because we fully understand the reasons for her actions. The story is so haunting that you will not be able to put the book down until you know what happens and you will find yourself reading well into the early hours every night. This is not a light, fun holiday read but I would highly recommend it. It is powerful and moving and raises issues about living with the consequences of decisions we make when we are young and foolish and in love.

5/5

Buy from Amazon

By Wendy Knowles

Posted by Aigua Media on June 12, 2009 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (6)

June 8, 2009 4:16 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Sinful Life of Lucy Burns by Elizabeth Leiknes

Last month I had the pleasure of interviewing Elizabeth Lieknes, author of The Sinful Life of Lucy Burns. And I have to say, this is one of my favourite reads so far this year.

Lucy's life was perfectly fine - until at eleven years old, when she lost any future normality by writing a letter 'to whom it may concern' as her sister lay in a coma after a road accident. Willing to do anything to get her sister back, Lucy had unknowingly signed up for a real deadly job - and when He decided to write back, Lucy found that her future life as facilitator to Hell was set.

Despite being the one to do the Devil's dirty work and bring the evil to the Hell's portal (which, inevitably, is Lucy's basement), there are some perks: Lucy can eat whatever she likes without gaining a pound, she can have the long legs and great looks that she's always wanted. With each birthday comes one wish, and all she has to do to get whatever she wants is ask...

However, 29-year-old Lucy is starting to find her role a little bit of a chore. Bringing bad guys to their fiery ends can be rewarding in its own way, but due to her job and...well, overpowering boss, Lucy is unable to have a stable relationship or see her family. Hiding away from her parents and sister, Lucy lives alone, beautiful yet lonely.

The sister that Lucy tried so hard to save is still alive, corresponding only in letters. But what good was the bargain if she can't see her precious family? And when Lucy meets professor Luke, she finally decides that she wants out of her pact, even if it does mean losing out on the cosmetic benefits. Lucy assumes that she's bound for life to her job, but when a person who she's known for the majority of her life lets her in on a little loophole, Lucy realises that there is a way out, after all...and all she needs is a replacement.

The Sinful Life of Lucy Burns was an unputdownable read. Who can resist the tale of a girl who's responsible for the portal into Hell? But despite Lucy's job, she has a sensitive side, conveying the innocence that she handed over when her deal was made. Her sister's life...for a lifetime of work. Finding a replacement is a task Lucy might just be able to handle, and she'll waste no time in trying...

Elizabeth Leiknes is clearly a talented author with an excellent writing style showing serious plot dashed with plenty of humour. I'm already looking forward to her next offering!

Rating: 5/5

For more information about Elizabeth, check out her website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on June 8, 2009 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

June 3, 2009 8:04 AM

BOOK REVIEW: A Brand New Me by Shari Low

For me, January 1st is one of my favourite days of the year, simply due to new year resolutions; a slightly tipsy bid to change your entire life by the time the evening rolls round again. 'Write that novel, go to the gym three times weekly and save the world' are just some of the usual goals on the annual-to-do list. But hardly any get done.

Just like Leni Lomond; a twenty-something I could relate to in the latest offering from the hilarious Shari Low (author of The Motherhood Walk of Fame). Excited at the prospect of the year ahead, Leni vows to change her life for good - by finding the perfect job, the perfect man and the perfect life.

Leni's resolutions are normally broken within days, but not this time - pretty soon, she finds herself landing a job as PA to Zara Delta, TV astrologist and crazy lady to boot. Zara's zany ways are sometimes hard to endure, and she's not exactly the peace-loving, quiet astrologist that she makes out to be on TV, either. But Leni needs the job, and if working for the demanding Zara is what she has to do, then she'll do it. Besides, it's a start to her fabulous new life. Not to mention the perk of working in the presence of handsome Conn, Zara's son.

But when Zara reveals her latest moneymaking project - a dating bible - Leni soon finds herself unwillingly dragged into the research.

The project requires Leni to date twelve men - each a different sign of the zodiac. Reluctantly, she agrees...besides, dating twelve strangers can't be that bad...can it?

Cue the mishaps, including a gay footie fan and his mouthy mum, a game addict and a nurse who seems positively perfect...except for the little issue of his girlfriend.

Leni's mission to find a man isn't exactly turning out so peachy. But there's still time - after all, she has a whole year...

And can she still find the perfect job?

A Brand New Me is a great read. Not as funny as Shari's previous novels, but amusing and aspirational nonetheless. As a fellow resolution-maker, Leni's self-promises and actions seemed rather familiar. Shari's writing style is addictive and fun, and already I can't wait for her next offering.

Rating: 5/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on June 3, 2009 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

May 8, 2009 5:51 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The truth about Melody Browne by Lisa Jewell

Having read and enjoyed all Lisa Jewell’s other books I couldn’t wait to get started on her latest novel, The truth about Melody Browne, eager to see if it was as good as the others. And it is. Jewell has produced yet another book you simply won’t want to put down.

Melody Browne lost everything she owned when her house burned down when she was nine years old. Worse still, she also lost her memory of everything and anything that had happened to her before the fire. When she got pregnant at fifteen her parents' disapproval forced her to leave home and bring up her baby alone. Now in her early thirties Melody lives alone with her son and has not seen her parents since the day she walked out. Despite all this, Melody is happy enough with her life until a chance meeting changes everything and sends her on a bizarre and moving journey to find out who she really is.

On the way home from work on day, a good looking stranger sits next to her on the bus asks for her mobile number because she has amazing shoulders. He eventually persuades her that he is not mad and she agrees to go out with him. For their first date ( Melody’s first in years)  they go to see a hypnotist show where  Melody is picked from the audience and called up onto stage. On the count of five she becomes a five year old boy with a runny nose and a serious wind problem. It all stops being so funny though when she passes out and the show is called to a halt.

When she comes round she feels inexplicably different and in the days that follow she starts, very slowly to remember things from her early childhood. Just small fragments of unrelated flashbacks at first; an ice cream parlour, a big house in Broadstairs, another house in a small mews in London and a whole bunch of strangers who she feels should mean something to her. Slowly, little by little, Melody starts to piece together her early life and work out who she really is.

This is a warm and moving story so compelling that I guarantee you will be reading well into the early hours. Melody is a character that you really come  to care about and her story will stay with you long after you have finished reading the book. Lisa Jewell’s writing is so  readable that the only disappointment with this book is that you will finish it far too quickly and be left longing  for more.

If you enjoyed this and haven’t read any of Lisa Jewell’s other books then try Ralph’s Party, Thirty Nothing, One Hit Wonder,Vince and Joy and 31 Dream Street.

5/5

By Wendy Knowles

Posted by Aigua Media on May 8, 2009 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

May 1, 2009 12:35 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Mummy Said the F Word by Fiona Gibson

 Having not yet read any of Fiona Gibson's previous books, I was curious as to what Mummy Said the F Word had to offer. And it's downright hilarious.

Caitlin Brown's life is suddenly turned upside down when her husband announces he's leaving her – for a woman he met at work. Landed with the task of raising her children alone, Caitlin decides to do her best despite the dramatic change of circumstances.

As if life wasn't bad enough, Caitlin's job isn't exactly going fantastically, either. Trying to make wart creams and other such products sound appealing for a website was never exactly exiting in the first place, but it pays the bills.

However, things change when her magazine editor friend offers Caitlin the job of agony aunt for parenting magazine, Bambino. Replacing the former renowned parenting columnist seems like a hard act to follow, especially as Caitlin's parenting is far from the organic-eating Supernanny methods that Bambino seems to feature. Friends are supportive of her new venture, but Caitlin isn't so sure. After all, Bambino's ideas are a world away from her own...

Granted, Cait isn't partial to the idea of being an agony aunt at first, but seeing as the problem-solving gig is only temporary, how hard can it be?

But Caitlin soon finds that Bambino's problem page is more popular than she thinks, and she's soon inundated with problems helpless readers across the country, all with similar issues to herself. Seeing her husband with new girlfriend and pink-princess stepdaughter is heartbreaking, and only spurs Caitlin on further to assist the needs of Bambino readers with nowhere else to turn. It's not long before she becomes a small celebrity.

Meanwhile, son Jake is becoming obsessed with cleaning and Cait's ex is seemingly devoting more time to his new family than his own kids. Throw in single-dad friend Sam, and life seems to be getting even more complicated for Caitlin. And when she's offered the Bambino job full-time, what an she do? Readers are starting to adore her straight-talking approach to motherhood. Especially anonymous emailer R, with whom Cait seems to instantly click. She's been warned about meeting readers, but is it a chance she's willing to take? What about her feelings for Sam? And despite being the nation's favourite parenting expert, can she manage to keep her own family stable and happy?

Mummy Said the F Word takes a hilarious look at single motherhood. Fiona Gibson conveys family issues seriously, yet at the very same time, laugh out loud funny. Caitlin is a down-to-earth, sarcastic heroine with a lovely heart and a great, feelgood tale.

Rating: 5/5

If you liked this, you might like: The Motherhood Walk of Fame by Shari Low.

Posted by Elle Symonds on May 1, 2009 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

March 11, 2009 7:18 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Are you there, Vodka? It's me, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler

I’m a big fan of memoirs, particularly the funny, short-story sort (see: Jen Lancaster, Laurie Notaro, Marian Keyes…) So I was delighted to stumble across Are you there, Vodka…?, a memoir by American actress and comedienne Chelsea Handler.

 

Admittedly, I haven’t seen much of Chelsea's TV work, what with being in the UK and all. But after reading this book, I’ll tell you one thing: I love her.

 

Are you there, Vodka? Is a selection of short non-fiction stories, in which Chelsea shares some amusing anecdotes from her life. Starting at childhood, where she lies to classmates about starring in a movie with Goldie Hawn as a no-homework excuse to her first DUI, Chelsea’s essays discuss life with her family and friends and some of her hilarious antics, including the time she got dumped by a guy she didn’t even like in the first place...because of his hair.

 

Chelsea is hilariously witty and admittedly, had me laughing all the way through, particularly seeing as she’s very blunt. Granted, she can be a bit crude at times (so be warned: this book is not for the very easily offended!) but not afraid to say what she thinks!

I'm now going to check out her other book, My Horizontal Life: A Collection of One-Night Stands. Consider me a new fan of Chelsea Handler because I got through Vodka in a day and already can't wait to read more! Chelsea has a fantastic writing style and the ability to portray some of life's awkward moments in the funniest way possible.

And that is why I love her.

Rating: 5/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on March 11, 2009 in American Authors, Memoirs, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (33)

March 9, 2009 7:42 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: Buddha Da by Anne Donovan

Buddha Da is the debut from Scottish author Anne Donovan (who we interviewed last week!), which was shortlisted for both the Orange Prize for Fiction and the Whitbread Award.

Jimmy, a painter and decorator from Glasgow, has taken up Buddhism, much to the confusion of his family. Anne Marie, who knows her Da as a fun-loving 'try anything' type of man, wonders whether to take his new religion seriously. And Liz, Jimmy's wife, is starting to grow concerned about the time he spends at meetings down at the centre.

But Jimmy is serious about becoming a Buddhist, not realising how it's affecting his family. After going on a retreat, Jimmy meets more like-minded people and starts to make more friends. Meanwhile, Anne Marie is having to get used to the small yet noticeable changes in her Da, and the unusual choice he has made.

Buddha Da is written from the point of view of the three characters; Liz, Anne Marie and Jimmy himself, which gives the reader a sensitive and personal look at what the family is going through. This works brilliantly, allowing you a peek into each of the characters' own lives.

In addition, the book is written in Glaswegian dialect. Though this was easy to get used to and by the third page and was already hooked, the dialect becoming a wonderful addition to each character's plight. The book is also very funny, leaving me giggling throughout, with Jimmy's chapters especially.

Buddha Da is a funny, brilliantly written debut about a man who chooses an unexpected path, and the affect it has on his wife, daughter and friends.

Rating: 5/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on March 9, 2009 in Debut Novels, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 1, 2009 2:36 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Earth Hums in B Flat by Mari Strachan

Sometimes a book comes along that is so magical, and so effortlessly transports you away from the everyday, that when you turn the last page you somehow feel bereft. This is how I felt about Mari Strachan's debut novel, The Earth Hums in B Flat.

It tells the tale of Gwenni, a twelve year-old Welsh girl growing up in the 1950s.  Gwenni reads voraciously, can fly in her sleep, and sees the Toby jugs in her dining room come alive; "Their fat cheeks turn redder and redder and their eyes grow darker and darker."

None of these traits endear Gwenni to her mother - she's always telling Gwenni not to be silly for fear of people thinking she's odd.  And that's on a good day - on a bad day her mother will scream and cry and tell Gwenni she wishes she'd never been born.

When a local man goes missing, Gwenni follows a series of clues: blood on the kitchen floor, the testimony of the man's children who say a black dog was with him, and the "spirit" she saw floating in the Baptism Pool one night when she was flying above the town.

Armed with the skills she's picked up from her detective books, Gwenni decides to investigate.  But she starts unknowingly to unravel the long-guarded family secrets.  And the truth will change her life forever.

This is a glorious, totally immersive novel, written convincingly from a wide-eyed child's point of view.  Gwenni observes but doesn't understand the subtle shifts that are taking place around her, and draws the sort of conclusions that will feel familiar to anyone who was puzzled by adults' behaviour when they were children.

Altogether it's an absolutely compelling read.  I can't wait for Mari Strachan's next one!

Rating: 5/5

Posted by on March 1, 2009 in Brand new authors, British Authors, Debut Novels, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 27, 2009 3:16 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: 13 Going On 30

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you woke up to find you were a teenager again? I expect we all have. (For some of us, yes, it's an excruciating nightmare, but I suspect revisiting school and ohmigod-I-used-to-wear-THAT hysteria would be a laugh for others, yes?) However, I expect the majority would cower in fear if we were to find we'd miraculously gone forward in time...to find ourselves a good few years older.

Which is what happens to thirteen-year-old Jenna in this 2004 romantic comedy. Ohhh Lordy...

Dorky Jenna (Jennifer Garner) is 13, and after being constantly teased by girls at school, wishes she was older. After playing a party game and getting locked in a closet by her cruel peers, Jenna awakens to discover that she's not herself anymore. Gone are her childlike looks, and even her home...in fact, she's woken up in a very nice Manhattan apartment that just so happens to be her own.

Yep, Jenna has left the eighties behind and is now a successful, highly attractive 30-year-old who works on a glossy magazine. What's more, she seems to have a very handsome hockey-player boyfriend who she finds in her shower.

Not knowing what's happened, Jenna realises that she has to live her life as an adult - though still being a gum-chewing, music loving 13-year-old inside. Things become difficult at work, especially when her school 'friend' is out to bag a promotion that Jenna's also in line for. Jenna's teenage admirer, Matt (Mark Ruffalo), is also back in her life - but sadly, he's engaged.

Jenna has no idea what happened in the previous years, and how she ended up as she did. And so Jenna has to love her life as a thirty-something, trying to piece together what happened in her life since that day in the 1980s, as well as deal with her love life, career and other adult things that she had not even considered before.

For those who loved Big and Freaky Friday, this is a fantastic movie that's both hilarious and refreshing at the same time. Jennifer Garner plays adult Jenna brilliantly, Definitely worth a watch (but thank goodness it's only fiction...)

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 27, 2009 in Friday Flick, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (5)

February 26, 2009 9:15 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Playing the Game by Belle de Jour

Having read and very much enjoyed The Intimate Adventures of a London Call Girl (and of course, adored the TV adaptation!) I was delighted when Playing the Game hit the shelves. Admittedly, I hadn't read Belle's second book (Further Adventures of a London Call Girl), but couldn't wait and so decided to read anyway.

Those familiar with Belle and her sexy day-to-day adventures would probably know that the books stemmed from her highly popular blog about working as a call girl in the city. Belle's witty writing attracted readers across the globe. Cue the published diaries – and a successful TV series based on Belle and her life.

However, Playing the Game is not a collection of Belle's diaries, but a novel. In which Belle and her friends lead lives that, well, just might have been.

The book, in the same daily-diary format as the previous offerings, details the life of Belle de Jour and her choice to give up the call girl business and settle for a 'normal' nine till five job. Of course, giving up the money and a designer shoe collection is hard going, but initially mixing her two jobs becomes difficult when she's spotted heading out to meet a client by boss (and admirer) Giles.

Trying to keep her 'other' life a secret from colleagues is not easy, and so Belle decides to give up escorting for good, especially seeing as The Boy has decided that he's moving in. And wants a kitten. But is she really ready?

I'm trying not to give too much away here, but I can say that this book is very addictive. Granted, it's not true, and acts, as Belle puts it, 'as a parallel universe for Belle and her mates', in which she takes a look at her life and finally realises a lot about herself, but not failing to share anecdotes about her past in the call girl business that made the first blog, and books, so successful.

For those who have yet to read Belle's previous books, Playing the Game isn't exactly a follow-up so reading them all is not necessary, as Belle explains each of the characters.

Despite Playing the Game being a work of fiction, Belle's wit is still there in all its glory, and her hilarious diary entries (sometimes personal; sometimes short and funny) kept me reading until I'd finished the book completely. It's a definite – DEFINITE! - must-read.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Girl With a One Track Mind by Abby Lee, or Holly's Inbox by Holly Denham.

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 26, 2009 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

February 18, 2009 7:44 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Accidental Time Traveller by Sharon Griffiths

Imagine what life would be like if you could go back in time, say...fifty or so years? What would you wear? What would you do? And how would you deal with a society that's so very different from our own? In The Accidental Time Traveller, one woman is about to find out just how much things have changed when she's sent back in time...well, rather accidentally.

Rosie Harford is a journalist for The News. When a new reality TV show about life in the 1950s is about to hit the screens, she's sent out to interview the oldest residents of The Meadows; a run-down council estate that's been standing for over half a century. After rowing over commitment the night before with Will, her live-in boyfriend (and deputy editor of The News), Rosie sets off for her interview about what life was like 'back in the day', with a huge hangover and fear of where her relationship with Will is heading.

However, things are about to change in a very big way. Soon after Rosie gets to The Meadows, she realises that she's not in her town anymore. At least, it's not the town as she knows it. In fact, everything looks just a bit outdated...

Immediately Rosie thinks she's been unwillingly signed up to The 1950s House. As she finds herself in the home of Mr and Mrs Brown and their slightly hostile daughter Peggy, she wonders why everyone is so in character. Questions about the reality show and where the Diary Room is are providing no answers but confused looks.

Rosie's phone is completely dead and her clothing has soon been replaced with itchy underwear and unflattering garments from the fifties. She has to face life without little conveniences such as straighteners and numerous beauty products, and go to work at The News where the men are openly sexist and everyone smokes indoors. And if that's not bad enough, nobody seems to serve Vodka.

Things are confusing enough for Rosie, but become even more so when she spots Will in the newsroom. Unfortunately, he has no idea who she is. And to make matters worse, Rosie discovers he's married with three children. But is it really Will? Her Will?

When the News finally trusts Rosie enough to go out and find some decent stories, she's quickly on the case, finding out things about her town that she can remember reading about back in the newsroom she's used to. Pretty soon she's certain that this is no reality show - after all, everyone seems to real, there don't seem to be any cameras - and after all, a TV company can't recreate an entire town, right? So Rosie has to continue life with the Browns, trying to work out just how she got sent back in time, wondering why her present-day boyfriend is married to the 1950s version of her best friend, and solving some family problems along the way...

The Accidental Time Traveller is an addictive read. Sharon Griffiths has a wonderful, witty writing style that kept me hooked, with a plot that's unique and well-written. Going back in time may seem like an appealing idea, but there's more to it than a change of wardrobe...

Rating: 5/5

If you like this, try: Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella.

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 18, 2009 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 6, 2009 7:19 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Importance of Being Married by Gemma Townley

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 6, 2009 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 3, 2009 12:24 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Princess Diaries Ten Out of Ten

It has been a little while since we've heard from Princess Amelia Mignonette Grimaldi Thermopolis Renaldo. In the ninth book we were left wondering as Michael had gone to Japan to work on a robotic arm, Mia and JP were getting together and Genovia was about to become a democracy - thanks to Mia. Oh, and Lilly wasn't speaking to her.

Ten Out of Ten (or Forever Princess in the US) is the final installment of Mia's life. She is just about to turn eighteen, leave school and start college. But which college should she go to? Michael is back from Japan who she absolutely has no feelings for whatsoever. Why is she and Lilly still not speaking? And why doesn't anyone want to publish her book, Ransom My Heart?

I love how Meg quickly gets us up to speed with what has been happening in Mia's life through modern means of communication such as their Blackberry's. It is like Mia has never been away and although she is a lot more grown up, she is still lacking in confidence and a little naive, which is why we like her so much.

It is always worrying for the reader (and the author too, I expect!) when you bring a series of books to an end. You can get it right, which I think JK Rowling did with Harry Potter (well I thought so anyway) or you could end up disappointing fans, which I believe Stephenie Meyer did for many with the final Twilight book.

Since meeting Meg Cabot last year (yes I did!) I found her gorgeous and lovely and developed a mini crush on her. I therefore believe she can do no wrong. However even if I didn't believe that I would still say that Ten Out of Ten (Forever Princess) is a fabulous book. I don't think I exhaled at all whilst reading it. She has definitely left the best one until last.

Now I can breathe normally again.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try any Meg Cabot book. There are so many to choose from!

Posted by Helen Redfern on February 3, 2009 in New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (13)

January 23, 2009 12:28 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Who's That Girl? By Alexandra Potter

Having read Alexandra Potter's previous novels, Be Careful What You Wish For and Me & Mr Darcy (and loving both!) it was inevitable that her latest offering, Who's That Girl?, would be next on my list. (And trust me, when you're spending the weekend ill and resembling a really bad extra in a zombie flick, a Lemsip and a good chick-lit to get lost in is exactly what one needs.)

Anyway, Who's That Girl has proven to be, yet again, one of my favourites. Potter's heroine, Charlotte Merryweather, runs her own successful PR company with a fabulous assistant and great clients. Specialising in beauty, Charlotte's schedule is hectic with client meetings, calls to the press, and of course, time with her personal trainer. Despite Charlotte's numerous allergies and her tendency to worry just a little too much, her life is great. She's got a fantastic career, designer clothes, a seemingly wonderful boyfriend who is all set for them to buy a house together. Her dream life seems a world away from when she first moved to London as a twenty-one-year old with no money, no friends and very little fashion sense.

That is, until Charlotte heads home one day, convinced that she's seen her rusty old Beetle. THE rusty old Beetle that she drove at 21. And the girl who steps out of the familiar car is just as familiar. In fact, she's a bit TOO familiar. And after following the car back through London, Charlotte notices that the mysterious girl lives in the exact same street that she used to. In fact, the exact same house.

Which is far too much of a coincidence, right?

Obviously, Charlotte's worries and paranoia lead her to think she's suffering from some kind of mental disorder. However, after checking out the girl and her location some more, Charlotte becomes mightily certain that it's real. She is back in 1997, and the girl in her old VW is Lottie - the naive, wide-eyed, broke Charlotte from previous years who wore scrunch-dried hair and hideous PVC trousers.

Is she dreaming? Is it time-travel? Charlotte's yet to find out. But more importantly, she has some REAL work to do...

Thirtysomething Charlotte is adamant on stopping Lottie from making the same mistakes all over again. Which includes plucking eyebrows and NOT sleeping with cheating love-rat band member Billy Romani, however sexy he might look.

However, as Charlotte sets out on her quest to make her previous self see sense, she realises that maybe she doesn't have all of the answers, either. That sometimes, mistakes just have to be made...

This book is funny, sweet and not to mention addictive. For anyone who's looked at an old photo and thought, 'oh god, did I really do/wear/like that?' then after reading this, you might just think again.

You'll like this if you liked: Be Careful What you Wish For by Alexandra Potter, and Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella.

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 23, 2009 in New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (5)

FRIDAY FLICK: Twilight

The film adaptation of Stephanie Meyer’s teen vampire romance novel, Twilight, has been out in cinemas for a while now, but I've been dragging my heels about seeing it. 

I was strangely reluctant to even read Twilight (although I’ve no idea why – given that I was more than happy to follow the adventures of one boy wizard for a decade), but I’m so glad I did.  The book is beautifully, dreamily written and I was instantly hooked.

You see, the real reason I was wary of the film is because I’m now reading Breaking Dawn, the fourth book in the series, and I didn’t want the complex emotional world that Meyer had created in my head to be toppled by a dumbed-down, effects-laden Hollywood version.

Happily, Twilight isn’t like this at all.  It begins with the teenage Bella narrating, just as she does in the book, “I had never given much thought to how I would die....”, as she leaves her scatty mother in hot, dusty Phoenix, and travels to the permanently-overcast town of Forks to live with her father.

Kristen Stewart, with her haunted good looks and wry delivery, is a pitch-perfect Bella – shy, brainy and perhaps more mature than her parents.  There’s a slight cinema verité element to everything – all the dialogue and interactions feel very realistic, from Bella’s gruff reunion with her equally awkward father, to  the various jolts and discomforts of starting at a new school.

But a contrasting romantic atmosphere takes over when Bella meets the pale, enigmatic Edward (again, played to perfection by Robert Pattinson) who compounds Bella’s discomfort by seeming to think that she smells bad.

But when Edward moves at impossible speed to physically stop a van from ploughing into Bella, she decides she needs to know more.  Despite Edward’s warnings that Bella should stay away from him, he’s equally drawn to her. 

Which is when Edward confesses that he’s a vampire – one of a family of vampires who have all taken an oath to avoid human blood. Bella falls for Edward, and you can see why.  The boy can really smoulder (which I noticed despite Pattinson being several millennia my junior...). 

But since Edward thirsts uniquely for Bella’s blood – “you’re like my own personal heroin supply”, he tells Bella - can it ever really be safe to love a vampire?

Twilight is directed by Catherine Hardwicke, who brings her indie documentary-style realism from her previous films Thirteen and Lords of Dogtown, balancing it perfectly with the romance and suspense of the love story and supernatural aspects.  And it's so refreshing to see a novel adaptation that neither ignores the plot nor hamstrings itself by following the novel too faithfully.

There are a few really nice moments - at one point, Edward catches an apple Bella has dropped in lovely reflection of the cover of Meyer's book. Also, there's a scene where he plays piano - an irrational movie pet-hate of mine is when the actor clearly can't play and is just miming, but Pattinson actually plays - in fact he composed some of the music for the film.

All in all I thought it was fantastic, and I’m excited now that Meyer’s second novel in the series, New Moon, is currently in production with both leads on board.  It’s a great compliment to them that I didn’t for a minute think of Kristen Stewart as “the daughter from Panic Room” or Robert Pattinson as Cedric Diggory, because I’m usually such a film nerd.  In fact, I even forgot Pattinson was English. 

I left the cinema on a blissful cloud of gothic romance.  I asked the friend I’d dragged along what she’d thought of it.  She hadn’t read the book, and a lot of her motivation for accompanying me was around the sweets I’d bribed her with.

“Well,” she said.  “It is really a movie for fifteen year old girls.  But I loved it, because I’m a fifteen year old girl at heart.  Aren’t we all?”

My thoughts exactly.

Posted by on January 23, 2009 in American Authors, Friday Flick, Movie Magic, Rating: 5/5, Supernatural, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (29)

December 12, 2008 2:42 PM

BOOK REVIEW: My Favourite Poison by Anna Blundy

Keris loved Anna Blundy's 'Neat Vodka', so when the most recent release in the Faith Zanetti series made its way into my grubby paws, I was eager to see what the fuss was all about.

Like a more intellectual Stephanie Plum, Zanetti is the perfect heroine for this tale of murder, poison and politics. A far cry from the bubbly PR girls in so many women's novels, Zanetti is a chain-smoking news hack with emotional issues, frizzy hair and a knack for getting herself into trouble...

Events in this book take us from London to Cairo via Moscow, with both current and past murders remaining mysteriously unsolved (until Faith gets on the case). Though it's rooted firmly in fiction,  the main plot surrounds the poisoning of a Russian man, meaning it hits surprisingly close to home. The Sorokin / Litvinenko parallels are clear, which gives the novel greater resonance.

That said, it also manages to be funny, even during the more disturbing moments. Faith is a great character, flawed enough to be believable, but exaggerated enough to be entertaining, while the supporting cast (particularly her colleagues Don, Tamsin and co) provide light relief.

Fast-paced, well written and more intelligent than the genre it's up against, this is definitely a book I'd recommend if you're bored of boy-meets-girl chick lit.

My Favourite Poison by Anna Blundy, £5.59

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try One for the Money by Janet Evanovich

Posted by Aigua Media on December 12, 2008 in British Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Series | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 20, 2008 10:26 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Little Men by Louisa May Alcott

I turned to what is probably my favourite book of all time, when the book I was going to review today was so depressingly poor, I couldn't get past the first chapter. I have therefore decided to (re)read and review something of quality - just to remind myself that there are some cracking books out there.

Little Men by Louisa May Alcott follows Little Women and Good Wives and fascinatingly shows us what has happened to Jo, Meg, Amy, Laurie and indeed Plumfield.

In the first two books Louisa demonstrates her ability to write excellent female characters. There are some men in there, but it is mainly about the four girls. In Little Men we are given just as well drawn male characters (orphans, relatives, boarders and a firebrand), along with a feisty young girl called Nan and Jo's niece Daisy (Meg's daughter, along with her son Demi). They all live at Plumfield which is now a school.

Jo is now Mrs Bhaer, married to the professor, and they have a beautiful life in gorgeous countryside with Amy and Meg just down the road. Whenever I open the book I feel snug and secure as I read about the innocent goings on of the children and how Jo is teaching them manners, patience and lots of other life lessons. When everything is getting chaotic around me, Little Men is like the calm bit at the middle of a hurricane.

And I just love this invitation from Daisy and Nan to the boys. To me, this just sums up the whole book.

Mrs Shakespeare Smith would like to have Mr John Brooke, Mr Thomas Bangs, and Mr Nathaniel Blake to come to her ball at three o'clock today.

P.S Nat must bring his fiddle, so we can dance, and all the boys must be good, or they cannot have any of the nice things we have cooked.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Jo's Boys by Louisa May Alcott (the final one)

Posted by Helen Redfern on November 20, 2008 in American Authors, Classic Novels, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (31)

November 19, 2008 10:14 AM

BOOK REVIEW: His Other Lover by Lucy Dawson

Posted by Aigua Media on November 19, 2008 in British Authors, Debut Novels, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

November 17, 2008 12:03 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Hermux Tantamoq Adventures series by Michael Hoeye

I was planning to simply review the latest book in this delightful series - Time to Smell the Roses - but then I realised that most of you will probably not have heard of the books at all, so instead, I thought I'd introduce them!

I discovered Hermux Tantamoq a few years ago when I worked at Waterstone's. I met the author, Michael Hoeye, at an event and I'd loved the first book, Time Stops for No Mouse, so much that I made an absolute arse of myself. (Okay, the free drink probably didn't help.)

The Hermux Tantamoq series began as emails Michael Hoeye sent to his wife while she was travelling and features the rodent residents of Pinchester. The hero is watchmaker and part-time detective, Hermux Tantamoq who an Amazon reviewer describes - quite brilliantly, in my opinion - as "Niles Crane as a mouse".

In the first book, we're introduced to Hermux's pet ladybird, Terfle, and also meet the soon-to-become love of Hermux's life: adventurer and aviatrix, Linka Perflinger. In this and further books, we meet mysterious chipmunks, a mouse supremicist group, genetically modified bees and more.

The books have been described as Indiana Jones meets Beatrix Potter and that does sum them up neatly. But I'm not sure it conveys how charming, funny and romantic they are. They're also, at times, quite genuinely tense, even for me who is about 30 years older than the target audience!

The characters are incredibly well-developed. So much so that you often forget that you're reading about rodents.

They'd be ideal books to read aloud at bedtime - particularly since each chapter is only about three pages long - but I think I've read each of the books in one sitting. A hot chocolate and a doughnut (or ten) would be the perfect accompaniment. Or maybe a dried aphid, if you're a ladybug.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try ... er, nothing we've reviewed. But I guess it's kind of similar to The Rescuers or Stuart Little!

Posted by Keris on November 17, 2008 in American Authors, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5, Series | Permalink | Comments (27)

November 10, 2008 2:44 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: Sense & Sensibility - The Diaries

With Lost in Austen still fresh in my mind, I was delighted when I found this little gem in the form of Emma Thompson's Sense & Sensibility diaries. Yes the diary was published in 1996 so I am a little behind here, but as Sense & Sensibility, along with Pride & Prejudice, is a timeless classic, then when it was written is irrelevant.

This isn't some huge celebrity tome however. Rather it is a slim one hundred or so pages full of Emma's warmth and honesty, giving you a fly on the wall account of how they put the film together.

It is written in diary form, i.e Little sleep. Left early to watch line up with Tom Wilkinson, which enhances the reading pleasure and Emma's humour is very apparent from the very first page. Lindsay goes around the table and introduces everyone - making it clear that I am present in the capacity of writer rather than actress, therefore no one has to be too nice to me.

I love this book. I found it fascinating and inspiring and if you are into the film or Emma Thompson then this is an absolute must.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Making of Pride & Prejudice by Sue Birtwistle and Susie Conklin

Posted by Helen Redfern on November 10, 2008 in Celebrity Authors, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

November 6, 2008 2:02 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

I have recently felt the urge to tidy my house (I think the official word for this part of my pregnancy is "nesting"). Whilst doing so I uncovered Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin, a book I meant to review ages ago. I really enjoyed it and so did my mum when I passed it onto her, but it was only when I was researching it yesterday that I discovered this was a young adult book. I am, sadly, no longer a young adult, nor is my mother, proof, if proof were needed that Elsewhere (like many a young adult book) is a book that can be universally adored.

Like Lovely Bones, this is a book about the afterlife. Liz, who was in tenth grade, has been killed in a terrible hit and run accident and wakes up to find herself on a boat, traveling to Elsewhere. Whilst coming to terms with her death, she discovers that Elsewhere is a place very similar to earth - except for one thing. Everyone gets younger.

As I have already said, I adored this book, and I read it at a time when I was coming to terms with the unexpected death of someone in my own family. Whilst Elsewhere is obviously a figment of the author's imagination, I found it sad - yes, but also uplifting and inspiring. It wasn't a difficult read, unlike Lovely Bones, but is gentle, enchanting and beautifully written.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Memoirs of a Tennage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin

Posted by Helen Redfern on November 6, 2008 in Rating: 5/5, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (3)

November 4, 2008 1:14 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Honey Trap by Julie Cohen

When Julie Cohen's latest book, Honey Trap, fell onto my doormat a short while ago, I actually let out a short squeal. I had thoroughly enjoyed her previous novel, One Night Stand, but then, as I looked at it, I became a little nervous in case this one didn't match up. Despite this, on holiday last week I picked it up, and the first few chapters had me so engrossed I didn't even notice my brother in law setting a drink down in front of me or four boys (not all mine) running about the place.

Sophie Tennant is a private investigator. She crops up briefly in One Night Stand, but was such a vivid character to Julie, that she now has a book all of her own. She specialises in honey traps, employed on behalf of a suspicious wife to see if her husband is playing away from home. The honey trap she has set when the book opens however, appears to be one trap too many and Sophie is in real danger. Deciding enough is enough she retrains as an aromatherapist and is employed by a reunited rock band to go on tour with them. Sounds good. But her previous career doesn't seem to want to go away - especially when she sets eyes on the new bassist in the band. Dominick Steele. He was her first ever honey trap.

And that is a much as I'm going to tell you, as that is as much as I knew when I began reading the book and I don't want to inadvertently give anything away. You see, this book is part romance, part sass, part funny and part mystery. It is also incredibly sharp with both a tight plot and dialogue.

I was gripped from the first sentence, Sophie Tennant had never seen her date in real life, but she knew he was brown-eyed, brown-haired, slightly built, and a scumbag. I then couldn't put it down until the end. In fact I even tried to go to sleep but ended up switching the light back on to read more.

The plot evolved naturally, it wasn't contrived, and when something in particular happened...well I didn't see it coming and I love it when that happens. Sophie was a great character, as were the men in the band and Dominick Steele, the bassist, well, he was a great hero.

There was so much detail packed into the 340 pages, no mean feat to do I'm sure. But if I had one complaint, is would be that the book was longer!

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Fast Women by Jennifer Crusie

Posted by Helen Redfern on November 4, 2008 in Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 3, 2008 10:55 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott

I was afraid to read Elizabeth Scott's Living Dead Girl. I've loved her other books, but this was something completely different.

It's the story of “Alice” who was abducted, aged 10, by Ray. She's now 15 and constantly subjected to physical, mental and sexual abuse. Ray killed his previous “Alice” when she reached 15 so Alice is waiting until he kills her too. She's not afraid, she would welcom it. But Ray's got something different in mind – he wants her to help him kidnap his new "Alice".

This book is described on the back cover as “more than a novel... it is a visceral experience” and I would agree. I found it incredibly hard to read, in fact I had to scan it quickly because I wanted to find out what happened, but I wanted to avoid as much detail as possible.

Brilliantly written as it, it's the kind of book that could give you nightmares. Even if it doesn't, I guarantee you won't be able to stop thinking about it.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Dear Zoe by Philip Beard (or The Lovely Bones, which we haven't reviewed).

Posted by Keris on November 3, 2008 in American Authors, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (15)

October 31, 2008 8:27 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Bright Side of Disaster by Katherine Center

I mentioned the other day that I loved Katherine Center's The Bright Side of Disaster and I really did. It's been a couple of days since I finished reading it and I wish I hadn't. I miss it.

It's the story of Jenny who is engaged to be married and pregnant with her first child. Her fiance, Dean, doesn't seem entirely present, but Jenny thinks it's just cold feet about the wedding and the baby... until Dean takes off (leaving a note) and Jenny goes into labour.

Once her baby daugher, Maxie, arrives, Jenny decides that everything is going to be about the baby. Maxie may not have a dad, but Jenny vows to make up for it by being the best mother ever. And yet... motherhood is so much harder than she expected.

Her mother helps out when she can (despite being allergic to Jenny's cat), but her best friend has fallen in love and is MIA. Luckily there's a new neighbour who is not only kind, sympathetic and handy (and gorgeous), but is also great with the baby.

But then, inevitably, Dean comes back. And he wants to be a family again.

I know. When I read the blurb, I thought, I've read this before, but Katherine Center's writing, along with the wonderful characters, make this a memorable read. I LOVED the neighbour, Gardner and LOATHED the useless Dean. Plus Center writes about the early years of motherhood (not to mention the horror of labour) with insight and warmth. Highly recommended.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Feels Like Maybe by Claire Allan

Posted by Keris on October 31, 2008 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (106)

October 27, 2008 8:32 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Crossing by James Cracknell and Ben Fogle

OK. Lets get this straight. I am not into rowing. I am also not a lover of Ben Fogle (though granted there is something about him) or endurance sports. I have no interest in sailing, in fact any water based activity (besides swimming, I love swimming). So why would I read a book about James Cracknell (Olympic Gold medal winner for rowing in 2000 and 2004) and Ben Fogle (from the BBC Castaway programme and now a TV presenter) who, rather madly, decided to row across the Atlantic Ocean in a Rowing Race?

Answer: I don't know.  But I'm very glad I did. This is a "celebrity" autobiography with a difference.

The two men (and don't be thinking that this is a men only event, women can, and do, do it too) come to the start of the race completely unprepared. They look like the amateurs they are, and the race officials only just allowed them to take part.

Once they are actually racing through, this amateurishness contrasts starkly with the intense competiveness of James and the dogged determination of Ben. The book is written by both of them and it is fascinating to see both of their personalities. Sometimes they both recount the same event, but in their own way, which serves to mark the differences between them even further.

The race is hard (understatement). It is dangerous. They capsized in the middle of the night for goodness sake. They row in shifts and have blisters in paces you wouldn't believe. They have low points, high points, times when they really don't like each other, Christmas Day in the middle of the ocean, but they pull together, united in their determination to get to the other side.

This dual autobiographical account isn't just about rowing. It is about human drama, endurance, strength (physical and mental), personalities and motivation. Two men's fight against the ocean.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, you will too if you've had your fill of fluffy celebrity memoirs and want something a bit more meaningful. I took a lot from the book but the main message I found was, anything, anything, can be achieved if you put your mind to it. I need to re-read on a regular basis.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try My Take by Gary Barlow. I know it is one of those celebrity memoirs and not an epic sea adventure, but it is a story of one young man determined to succeed.

Posted by Helen Redfern on October 27, 2008 in Celebrity Authors, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

October 22, 2008 10:32 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Ugly Betty

I absolutely love the TV show, Ugly Betty (although somehow I've managed to pretty much miss the entire recent series), so when I heard about this glossy companion book, I had to get it.

Designed to look like an issue of Mode magazine edited by Betty, it's full of all the usual information and pics we've come to expect from these kind of books, i.e. interviews with the cast and crew, articles about the sets and the clothes and the inevitable episode guide.

What makes this book different is just how utterly gorgeous it looks. Like the show itself, it's colourful, fun and over the top.

It would make an excellent Christmas pressie for the discerning Betty fan.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Sex and the City - the book of the movie

Posted by Keris on October 22, 2008 in Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 20, 2008 11:47 AM

BOOK REVIEW: All You Need Is Love by Carole Matthews

I've read some of Carole Matthew's older books and I have to be truthful here, I didn't find her to be my cup of tea. (That is actually a mild way of describing my feelings towards her books.) And this new one, All You Need Is Love, about a woman, Sally, who appears to be saved by one of two men (a rich one or a poor one) didn't exactly strike a chord with me either.

So being slightly prejudiced against the book before I'd even opened it (and don't get me started on the annoying song that came into my head everytime I looked at it) the book didn't have much of a chance.

When I eventually settled down to read it this weekend, I couldn't help but admire Carole's writing. It appears to trip effortlessly off the page, making it easy to read, but I know, from experience, how hard it is to write that way.

Set in a sink estate in Liverpool, Sally lives in a grotty flat which smells of urine and has a lift which is permanently vandalised. She has a ten year old son, Charlie, and plans for the future. She doesn't know what these plans are yet, but she has started to better herself with a computer course. Which is where she meets Spencer, the teacher of the course. He has a porche, a beautiful apartment in the city and is interested in her. Much to the hurt and annoyance of her ex, Johnny.

Sally sees Johnny as only a friend though, so he retreats back to the garage lock up where he finds solace in his painting. Paintings that Sally was extremely dismissive of when they were together. In fact, she'd never even seen one of them, believing he should be painting and decorating rather than splattering bits of paint onto canvas. This is because Sally wants their lives to improve and there is no room for dreams but good, honest work.

When Spencer comes into her life he opens her eyes. And this is the inspiration for Sally to start on a one woman quest to improve their estate.

I could write about this book for some time, which just goes to show how much I enjoyed it. My prejudices were cast aside. And Sally isn't a woman that needed to be saved. This book is fun, feel good, escapist chick lit. A cracking page turner of a book. I think that is all I need to say.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Accidental Wife by Rowan Coleman

Posted by Helen Redfern on October 20, 2008 in British Authors, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 17, 2008 12:56 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Thin Is the New Happy by Valerie Frankel

I'd been looking forward to this book for so long. I love Valerie Frankel's novels (and her blog) and I do like a good weightloss/body image memoir, particularly when they're funny, and Thin is the New Happy didn't disappoint.

Frankel had been struggling with her weight and, more importantly, body image, since the age of 11 when her mother decided Valerie was overweight and something must be done. (She writes: “I could have food. Or I could have approval. I couldn’t have both.”) I'm constantly amazed at the terrible comments parents direct at their children in these kinds of books, but Valerie's mother's mother was even worse, so you can almost understand why she was so fat-phobic. This pattern also acted as a catalyst for Frankel to deal with her issues - she was determined not to pass them on to her own two daughters.

Frankel addresses these issues in a variety of ways. She gives up dieting. She contacts one of the boys who teased and bullied her about her weight at school. She attempts to have it out with her mother. She tackles her constant negative self-talk by buying a clicker to record just how many negative comments she makes about herself each day (the result is staggering). She has her (dull and functional) wardrobe overhauled by a style expert. She even poses naked for a national magazine.

All the while, Frankel is also relating stories from her life that relate to her body image and weight, so we learn about the death of her first husband and her subsequent relationship with her second. We learn much about her mother and sister and daughters. We learn about her time as an editor at women's magazine, Mademoiselle (not a healthy place for a woman with body issues - the chapter heading is "Ugly Valerie").

As I almost always find myself saying about memoirs, Thin Is the New Happy is brutally honest. It's also very funny. But more importantly, it's inspiring. And it left me with one image that I can't get out of my head - after deciding not to look at herself in a shop window she passes each day, Frankel instead looked down at her daughter, who smiled up at her "big and beautiful", causing her to wonder how many of these moments she'd missed "while frowning at my profile in storefront windows".  This was a wake-up call to me, as I'm sure it will be to many women.

If you've ever had any issues with body image (and I'll just bet you have), you need to read this book.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Such a Pretty Fat by Jen Lancaster

Posted by Keris on October 17, 2008 in American Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Self development | Permalink | Comments (16)

October 13, 2008 10:27 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Boy In The Dress by David Walliams

This book is not, typically, the sort of book we review on Trashionista. After all it is a children's book (age 9+ it informs me on the back) and it is about a boy, so could be seen as a "boy's book". However. This book is written by David Walliams. One half of the comedy duo that is Little Britain and Little Britain USA. We have mentioned so many children's books written by celebrities recently but this one has been the only one I have wanted to read. Why? Well, take a look at the front cover.

Yes, one of the main reasons why I found this book so attractive is because of the illustrations by Quentin Blake. I have always been a fan of his (I myself can't draw for toffee) and in this book he doesn't disappoint. Even when you take the dust jacket off there are pictures on the actual hardback bit and the spine of the book. It is definitely one to treasure for that alone.

So what about the story? Well, it is about a boy called Dennis. He likes his football, in fact he is really good at it, he likes girls, but he also likes to read copies of Vogue to look at the dresses. He meets a girl called Lisa in detention, who is ridiculously into fashion and she encourages him to try one of her creations on, then dares him to wear it at school.

This is definitely a children's book with a difference about difference, but as David says in an interview on Amazon, he wanted to examine this idea to demonstrate that difference is something to be celebrated and embraced. Many people have assumed this book is autobiographical, after all, if you watch Little Britain you will see David does like to dress up as a lay-dee. He doesn't deny it, but also says he can identify with many of the characters in the book, in addition to Dennis.

Maybe because David Walliams is a writer as well as a performer, I found this book well written with the additional quality of hearing David's voice in it throughout. The book is different, endearing, challenging and quite emotional as well (Dennis's Dad is going through a tough time). It has some good jokes - they actually made me laugh out loud, particularly those referring to David's other job. I loved it and think boys and girls will adore it.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try well, um, I'm not so sure. You could always take a look at the other children's book we've reviewed, Allie Finkle's Rules For Girls by Meg Cabot.

Posted by Helen Redfern on October 13, 2008 in Celebrity Authors, More On Monday, New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

October 6, 2008 10:55 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: Ways to Live Forever by Sally Nicholls

I'd heard a lot of good things about Sally Nicholls' Ways to Live Forever, but I was put off by the fact that it's the story of an 11-year-old boy with leukaemia. I'd tried to read Jenny Downham's Before I Die, but found it too upsetting, but I convinced myself to try Ways to Live Forever and I'm so glad I did.

Since he's being homeschooled due to his illness, Sam decides to keep “a collection of lists stories, pictures, questions and facts” as a project. Sam's voice is charming, sweet and funny and, inevitably, it's this voice, combined with the issues Sam is having to deal with that makes this book so heartbreaking.

Sam's questions are things like, “Why does God make kids get ill?” and “Does it hurt to die?” and he tries to answer them with the assistance of his fellow leukaemia sufferer and friend, Felix. The book also illuminates how his illness affects his family's relationships both with him and with each other.

It's very easy to read (in the main - some of the more painful parts are harder) and it's done with a very light touch.

Because I knew the ending was inevitable, I worried about it all through the book and was almost afraid to read it, but it's dealt with beautifully. Although that's not to say I didn't cry - clutching my mercifully healthy son - for about ten minutes after finishing it. It's incredibly moving, but also sweet, charming and funny.

Sally Nicholls was just 23 when she wrote this book. I can only imagine what she's going to come up with next.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Dear Zoe by Philip Beard

The cover above is the new UK cover (the book has been described as "Jodi Picoult for teens" so I think that's what they're going for with that cover), but which cover do you like best?

The cover on the left is the originally UK cover. Bit generic, no? The cover on the right is the US cover and my favourite.

Posted by Keris on October 6, 2008 in British Authors, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (4)

October 3, 2008 1:15 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Call of the Highland Moon by Kendra Leigh Castle

Reviewed by Angela Richardson

Call of the Highland Moon is the first of a new paranormal series created by Kendra Leigh Castle. I have to admit that the cover of this book featuring a scantily clad man and its classification as paranormal romance didn’t really fill me with hope of a contemporary fantasy storyline. Okay I made the classic mistake and judged a book by its cover and boy was I hoping that my prejudices were going to be proved unjustified.

The first chapter introduces Gideon MacInnes in his other form as a werewolf. However, it is when Carly Silver, the owner of a specialist romance bookshop, is introduced into the story, that the book begins to take a different feel. Carly is well known for rescuing strays and when she finds a large dog near death on the steps of her shop she takes him home to patch him up ready to deliver to the vets the next morning.

She falls asleep with the dog by her side and wakes up with a handsome naked man lying next to her - some people have all the luck! However, the things that tried to kill him are still out there and since they are stuck in a snowstorm they have no choice but to wait for the enemy to strike.

The first chapter comes across as old fashioned and is not written in the same style as the rest of the book. Don’t let it put you off because as soon as Carly enters the scene in chapter two, the whole style of the book updates and humour is injected. I mean who can’t laugh at a Leigh Castle writing a heroine who owns a romance bookstore called Bodice Rippers and Baubles, she certainly doesn’t take herself too seriously. This worked in her favour as it made me immediately warm to her characters and also to Leigh Castle as a writer.

Even though this is classed as romance it also has a strong fantasy storyline that had been well thought through and is original (well except for conjuring up the occasional image of Stargate, but I loved that film so you won’t hear any complaints from me).

The chemistry between the characters was so brilliantly created, not just between Gideon and Carly, but the friends and family were drawn in such a way as to be very believable and they brought much humour with them too. I loved Carly’s overprotective brother who always seemed to spoil any chance of any romance by blundering in trying to protect his little sister.

Overall this was fresh, fun and fast paced with a strong original plot, I want to read the next in the series now.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Bitten by Kelley Armstrong

Posted by Keris on October 3, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (7)

October 2, 2008 10:31 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Heart & Soul by Maeve Binchy

I love Maeve Binchy. I know this is a cliche (or two), but her books are like a mug of hot chocolate, a roaring log fire, a favourite jumper, all enfolding you into a comforting embrace. Her last few books though have been a bit of a disappointment to me. Nights of Rain and Stars and Whitethorn Woods didn't have the same Maeve Magic as her earlier ones such as Tara Road, Circle of Friends and Quentins.

So, Heart and Soul. Disappointment, or a return to the Maeve I love?

Heart and Soul contains many characters. The story revolves around a specialist heart clinic in Dublin. Clara Casey is the senior cardiac specialist in charge of the clinic with two grown up daughters and an ex-husband. Declan is the doctor, a quiet unassuming man who still lives with his parents. Then there are the two nurses, Fiona and Barbara, Ania the polish girl, various patients and Father Brian Flynn. All of whom have their own little story that Maeve weaves together with such humour and warmth.

As I am writing this review I am thinking of what to say, but all I want to say is that I loved it and cannot say anything bad at all. The way Maeve brings the characters together, the way she writes as they talk, you feel right in the heart of the story like you are part of it all and not an outsider looking in.

The women are strong, independent types which I love and we are reintroduced to characters from some of her previous novels. Quentins the restaurant, of which there is a novel of the same name, appears. The main character from Evening Class is there. The caterers from Scarlett Feather. It is great to see these characters again, but if you haven't read any of her previous books you won't think you have missed out on anything.

Simply put Heart and Soul is a great story. (Do not be put off by the cover which makes it look a bit fuddy duddy.)

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try It Must Be Love by Sharon Owens

Posted by Helen Redfern on October 2, 2008 in Irish Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

September 30, 2008 4:45 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Thirtynothing by Lisa Jewell

I read Lisa Jewell's second novel, Thirtynothing,when it was released in 2000. It's always stuck in my mind as one of the best chick lit books I've ever read and I've enjoyed all of her subsequent books. So when I found myself in a chick lit slump, I decided it was time to re-read it, to see if it was as good as I remembered...

It was. In fact, I could have written this review with just one word – perfect – but you might have felt a bit shortchanged, so I'll expand.

Dig (short for Digby) and Nadine have been best friends since primary school. They spend pretty much all their time together and do everything that couples do. Except, that is, have sex. For that, they each have had a succession of unsuitable partners. And this has never (or almost never) been a problem.

But when Dig wakes up on the morning of his 30th birthday in bed with a girl whose name he can't remember and who turns out to be just seventeen years old, he realises something's got to change. Nadine is having the same realisation. Because she's just finished with her latest boyfriend for making her a cup of tea in an ugly mug.

Discussing their relationship problems, Dig and Deen agree that it's about time they each find someone who is right for them and stop making such immature and inappropriate choices.

And then along comes Delilah Lillie, Dig's first love, who left him at 18 and broke his heart. Horrified that Delilah is back in Dig's life (when Dig was with Delilah, he didn't have time for his best friend), Nadine tracks down her own first love, Phil...

I don't want to give any more of the story away, so I'll just say that I love every single thing about this book. Every detail is perfect: from Nadine's covetable flat (which was one of the main things I remembered about this book) to Delilah's nervous wreck of a dog. I feel like I know Dig and Nadine and know enough about Phil to avoid him if I saw him in the street. (Even the tiniest detail - Phil's lemon underpants, Nadine's wallpaper - adds to the book.)

Jewell is also known for writing beautifully about London and she really does. She makes it sound like this magical, cool, inspiring, exciting place, full of possibility. Jewell's world isn't quite the real world - I lived in London for 8 years; it's really none of those things - but it's not too far-fetched either. It's the real world with a golden glow and it's a world I'd love to live in.

Even eight years after the first reading, Thirtynothing remains one of my favourite chick lit books of all time.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Vince & Joy by Lisa Jewell

Posted by Aigua Media on September 30, 2008 in British Authors, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (6)

September 29, 2008 10:09 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: Cherry Cake & Ginger Beer by Jane Brocket

Some of you may remember when I raved about this book in a book news post. I couldn't have been more excited about it. Now I've got it in my hands and have read it. And I'm still excited. It is a gorgeous book.

But a recipe book? On Trashionista? Well let me explain. It isn't just recipes, it's a sumptuous treat, bringing back memories of childhood reading, with food so tantalising. Who remembers Milly-Molly-Mandy when Little-Friend-Susan came over to stay? Sitting by the fire eating Muvver's Lid Potatoes wearing a red dressing gown whilst Little-Friend-Susan wore Grandma's red shawl.

I think many of us gained our love of reading from many of the books mentioned in Cherry Cake & Ginger Beer. We have The Famous Five, obviously, as they were constantly eating enormous amounts of food. Thick slices of ham, creamy milk, freshly baked bread. Aunt Fanny's Treacly Sticky Ginger Cake is a Famous Five recipe. Then we have food from Mary Poppins, Ballet Shoes, Swallows and Amazons, midnight feasts from St.Clares, Chalet School Apple Cake, rock buns from The Secret Seven...I could go on, but it is making me very hungry.

It isn't just a list of recipes though. Jane has divided them into sections such as Proper Elevenses, The Adventurous Life and Picnic Treats and then gives us a wonderful nostalgic description of the books and the characters before going on to describe the recipes.

The book describes food in a land before fast food, turkey twizzlers and microwaves. A land of innocence, when having a friend over to sleep wasn't the regular occurrence it is now, but a major event. It doesn't include fantasy food, but the sort of food you would want to eat whilst watching for smugglers or making a base in a cave.

This is a fabulous book, I just wish I had done the research and tested the food out myself!

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Cooking for Mr Latte by Amanda Hesser

Posted by Helen Redfern on September 29, 2008 in More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

September 23, 2008 9:58 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Extreme Motherhood by Jackie Clune

I'm very sorry to have to tell you that I'm going through a bit of a book slump at the moment (it happens every now and then...). So this book - Jackie Clune's memoir of having twins - would probably ordinarily be a More on Monday, but if I don't review it today I'd have nothing - nothing!

It might just be permissible anyway, since Clune *has* previously written a chick lit novel, Man of the Month Club, which I, um, didn't like very much. But, thankfully, I LOVED Extreme Motherhood!

Unexpectedly pregnant - and with a daughter under a year old - Jackie Clune discovered that she was carrying natural triplets. (Even though I've read the book, I still came out in goosebumps when I typed that!) At first she is, perhaps understandably, horrified and devastated, but a combination of her practical nature and protective feelings for her unborn babies soon change her mind entirely.

Extreme Motherhood covers the period from the scan to the triplets' first birthday and it is, indeed, a rollercoaster of emotion. Jackie is fiercely protective of her babies and horrified at the insensitive comments strangers always feel the need to make, which range from the ubiquitous, "You've got your hands full" to how she's ruined her life. (Reading this, I felt furious on her behalf!)

But, like so many "mommy memoirs", Jackie is brutally honest. No, it's not easy having four children under two (obviously). Yes, sometimes she wants to run away and wishes she could have her old life back. Yes, it puts a massive strain on her relationship (so much that at one point I had to stop reading and Google her to make sure she and Rich actually made it - they have, phew!).

I found this book emotional, entertaining, inspirational and, now that I've finished it, I miss her. The triplets are three now. Can we have an update, Jackie, please?

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Waiting for Birdy by Catherine Newman

Posted by Keris on September 23, 2008 in British Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

September 19, 2008 11:05 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Bad News Bible by Anna Blundy

I loved the first Anna Blundy book I read, Neat Vodka, and was extremely excited when I got to the end and found it was part of a series... and then a little disappointed when I realised it was actually the third in the series and I hadn't read the first two.

The Bad News Bible is the first book in the Faith Zanetti series and it's every bit as brilliant as Neat Vodka. In this book, journalist and foreign correspondent Faith has been sent to Jerusalem to cover, well, whatever horrendous events she comes across. And, as I'm sure you can imagine, she comes across plenty. 

Faith is supposed to be working on a story about a mole in the Israeli army, but then her best friend and fellow journalist kills herself and Faith finds herself working on that story too. Then the mother of a missing child comes to see Faith to ask if she has heard anything about child trafficking...

I know, it doesn't sound much like chick lit, does it? As I said in my review of Neat Vodka, if chick lit means written in the first person, featuring a single woman with a humorous voice, then Anna Blundy writes chick lit. If chick lit means shoes and cocktails, then it's not (although there are many cocktails imbibed in this book).

And The Bad News Bible, while frequently darkly funny, is also harrowing. It's an easy read in that it is so lightly and entertainingly written (like watching a film), but the subject matter isn't easy at all. It's fascinating, though, and I learned a lot about Israel. (As with the descriptions of Russia in Neat Vodka, Israel is conveyed brilliantly.)

I'm not sure whether to say don't be put off by the plot, because some people I'm sure would find it too upsetting, but at the same time, it would be a shame to miss such a brilliant series.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Neat Vodka by Anna Blundy

Posted by Keris on September 19, 2008 in British Authors, Rating: 5/5, Series | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 16, 2008 10:43 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

I've wanted to read this book for so long. Not only because I'd heard such good things, but also because of the forthcoming film starring Michael "George Michael Bluth" Cera, who I love.

With alternate chapters written by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, I was slightly worried that it wouldn't live up to the hype (which is mainly why it took me so long to read it), but it absolutely did.

The story takes place over one night in New York. Nick's just been dumped, so when he sees his evil ex with a new man, he has to do something, fast. So he asks Norah to pretend to be his girlfriend for five minutes. Norah's not so keen, but she's no fan of Nick's ex either so she goes along with it. Their interest is piqued because the kiss is utterly amazing and they spend the rest of the night on what turns out to be a pretty outrageous first date.

As I was reading this book, I kept thinking (and sometimes saying out loud) "This is SO GOOD!" The writing is brilliant. The characters are totally convincing and never cliched. If ever a character does something stupid, they then deal with it (or, at least, agonise over it) without allowing it to drive the plot. It also captures the excitement of New York. Of a big night out. Of first love and first heartbreak. It made me want one reckless night of my own (never gonna happen...).

Loved it. And now I can't wait for the film.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Looking for Alaska by John Green

Posted by Keris on September 16, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (26)

September 15, 2008 11:02 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Celeb Diaries by Mark Frith

Like Miranda in Sex and the City I love to read about celebrities and gossip. As she would say "it is my thing." The only celebrity magazine I buy though is Heat. To me it is the original and the best. There are certain things that I became uncomfortable with, and even emailed them about on a few occasions expressing my outrage (though they weren't printed) but now I've read the book by Mark Frith, the ex-editor of Heat and the man responsible for it's huge sales, I can see what the intention of these features were (even if they didn't always work).

For those of you who don't know about Heat, I'll give you some background. Heat was a serious, wordy entertainment magazine that flopped as soon as it was launched. Mark Frith from Smash Hits magazine took over as editor and relaunched the magazine with a focus on celebrities. It was 1999 and that year everyone was talking about Posh and Becks' wedding. People weren't interested in a serious entertainment weekly. They wanted glamour, fashion and gossip. Heat got bigger and so did Joe Public's obsession with celebrities. Big Brother started and soon everyday people were famous just for sitting in a house for a few weeks. Put them on the front of Heat magazine and sales soared.

Mark Frith calls the last ten years the "celebrity decade" and cites its beginnings with Posh and Becks engagement. The Celeb Diaries details the magazine's growth during that time and it describes the decisions he made. In the beginning it was naive, fun, a bit mocking. Nobody took these people too seriously. But then there was a shift which Mark became uncomfortable with. Instead of tabloid photographs of Helen and Paul from Big Brother during their courtship, he was being sent pictures of Amy Whitehouse with slashes all over her arms. The world of celebrity had become darker. So he resigned as the editor of Heat.

Mark also talks about the obsession with being skinny. Whenever they put a headline on the front page saying, for example, "You are too thin" I was bothered. Why this obsession with women and the way they looked? Then from reading the book I see that Mark and his colleagues were genuinely concerned about women in the spotlight making themselves too thin, particularly in the glossy magazines and what impact this had on young girls. They even had a letter from a relieved mum whose daughter had just read the Heat article. This girl had been starving herself.

Mark writes terrifically well (and so he should as a journalist and ex editor). I don't think the world of celebrities is as shocking as we would have found it a few years ago. For "juicy gossip" there isn't really any that you don't already know. Although how celebrities react to their scoops was very insightful.

The Celeb Diaries is one man's take on a world that bemused him. I found the book absolutely fascinating, both in its description of the growth in the magazine and the growth in the celebrity culture. He is engaging but also honest. It was interesting to see that where I was "outraged" with certain features or stunts he admits that mistakes were made.

Then towards the end, we see the man who has played a large part in building up the celebrity culture, actually becoming a little ashamed by this shift to the darker side.

He summarises it all up when he is in the Maldives after the dreadful Boxing Day tsunami. The latest figures show that more than 250,000 people are dead or missing. And now I need to go to work and write about celebrities.

A great read.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Don't You Know Who I Am? by Piers Morgan

Posted by Helen Redfern on September 15, 2008 in Celebrity Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

September 11, 2008 11:57 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory

Because I chose geography over history at school what I know about British history can be written on the back of a postcard. What I know about the British monarchy can be written on the back of a postage stamp. My knowledge of the Tudor period is zilch. Other than knowing Henry VIII had lots of wives. Which is why I found Philippa Gregory's novel so utterly fascinating.

I know that not everything in the novel is fact. That is why they call this genre of writing historical fiction. But the story, a speculation of what life might have been like for Mary and Anne Boleyn had me spellbound with a tale of greed, ruthless ambition, betrayal and love.

The story is told by Mary Boleyn, Anne Boleyn's younger sister. (For those of you that don't know, I'm ashamed to say I didn't, Anne Boleyn goes on to become the second wife of Henry VIII). Whilst Henry was married to his first wife, Queen Katherine, Mary embarked on an affair with him. Of course Mary was married to William Carey at the time, but that didn't matter. She had caught the king's eye and the Boleyn family were ambitious. Mary was to leave her married house, cease relations with her husband and move into the bed chambers of her sister Anne which were in the castle. Mary's uncle, mother and father wanted her to fall pregnant by the king.

Then the king's interest in Mary wanes. Anne was sent to fill her place and Mary was expected to tell her everything she knew about pleasing him.

I did think this would be a hard book for me to read because of my non existent knowledge of history. However, this didn't matter and possibly made the book even more exciting for me as I didn't know what would happen next. Even if you do know the sequence of events though it is still compelling reading. I also thought the book might be a bit pretentious, a bit stuffy, maybe too historical. But it wasn't. It was just a brilliant, unaffected, story.

I loved the descriptions of what life was like back in the 1500s. How they dressed, how they bathed, how they spoke to each other and were expected to behave in the king's court. I cannot enthuse about this novel enough. I just couldn't get enough of it and, brilliantly, I've found there are another four books to read in the Tudor Court series that I can't wait to get my hands on.

If I could give it more than 5 out of 5 I would do.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Vanishing Point by Mary Sharratt

Posted by Helen Redfern on September 11, 2008 in British Authors, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (5)

September 9, 2008 10:18 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Goodnight, Beautiful by Dorothy Koomson

Reviewed by Sharon Dempsey

When Nova agrees to be a surrogate mother for her best friend Mal and his wife Stephanie, she didn’t expect to be abandoned when they decide they no longer want the baby. Nova moves to Brighton and brings up Leo alone until she marries the steadfast Keith.

Tragedy strikes and Leo is lying in a coma on the brink of death. Nova invites Mal back into their lives to allow her son sometime with his real father.

The relationship between Nova and Mal goes back to their childhood. They love each other deeply but circumstance and misunderstandings render them incapable of taking their friendship to the next level. 

Mal’s love for his wife Stephanie is one of complexity, she relies on him in ways that only Mal can understand and so when faced with her need over his own needs to father Leo and support Nova, he has to make a choice...

The narrative moves between Nova and Stephanie so we are able to sympathise with Stephanie’s motives for forcing Mal to choose between them.

Dorothy Koomson has written a deeply poignant and heart rendering novel of friendship, love, loss and survival.

I can’t recommend it enough. A really satisfying read which will stay with you forever.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Marshmallows for Breakfast by Dorothy Koomson

Posted by Aigua Media on September 9, 2008 in British Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (6)

September 8, 2008 10:15 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: Overcoming Underearning by Barbara Stanny

As I continue my apparently never-ending campaign to get to the bottom of my relationship with money, I read Barbara Stanny's Overcoming Underearning.

I must admit, I was a little apprehensive because a) it looked a bit too American in focus and b) I thought it was more suited for higher earners working in industry rather than a little freelancer like myself.

As is so often the case these days... I was wrong.

The book is subtitled both "A five-step plan to a richer life" and "Overcome your money fears and earn what you deserve". It can simply be read (obviously), used as a journal (there is space to write your own thoughts) and as a workbook, working through the five steps.

I kind of did a combination of the three and found it incredibly helpful, for organising my thoughts about money, discovering my "limiting beliefs" and making decisions about how much money I want and need. (And I'm not finished with it yet, there are a number of pages dogeared to remind me to come back and read again in the future.)

It's extremely readable and straightforward and illustrated with examples from Stanny herself as well as her clients.

If you have any issues around money - not simply that you're worried that you don't earn enough - I think this book would help you out.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Not Buying It by Judith Levine (It's nothing like it, but at least it's about money!)

Posted by Keris on September 8, 2008 in American Authors, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5, Self development | Permalink | Comments (11)

September 5, 2008 7:50 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Feels Like Maybe by Claire Allan

Normally I wouldn't be thrilled to be stuck on a train for the best part of the day, but that's what happened earlier this week and I was absolutely fine because I had Claire Allan's Feels Like Maybe to read (and plenty of snacks to eat).

Feels Like Maybe is former Trashionista columnist Claire's second novel and, although I loved her first, Rainy Days and Tuesdays, I enjoyed this one even more.

It's the story of two friends - Beth and Aoife - who run an interior design business together. Dumped after telling her on-off rock star wannabe boyfriend, Jake, that she was pregnant, Aoife finds herself giving birth alone and looking forward to a life of single motherhood. Unbeknownst to Aoife, Beth (along with husband, Dan) has been trying for a baby for a while now and, although doctors can find nothing wrong, nothing's happening.

Hoping that Jake might come back and play happy families, Aoife put off telling her family about the impending arrival. But now baby Maggie has arrived and so she's got a bullet to bite. Understandably, they're not best pleased, particularly her mother and it seems like Aoife's family might fall apart.

Feels Like Maybe was a breeze and a joy to read. In fact, it's one of those books where you don't notice you're reading; when I think of it now, I feel like I watched it on TV. It addresses so many different relationships with warmth, wit and wisdom. At times, my heart hurt for both Aoife and Beth and at others I laughed out loud. Loved it.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Watermelon by Marian Keyes

Posted by Keris on September 5, 2008 in Irish Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (4)

September 3, 2008 12:15 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Got You Back by Jane Fallon

Reviewed by Fionnuala Kearney

Reading Jane Fallon’s second novel, Got You Back, left me with two strong feelings. One, there *are* new ways to tell old stories and two, I want to go out and buy her first book, Getting Rid of Matthew.

The plot - husband leading a double life with a wife and mistress - is not exactly new, but Jane Fallon’s handling of it is gritty and edgy. With a clever mix of humour and insight, her characterisation of Stephanie, the wife, James the errant husband and Katie, the younger mistress, is spot on.

James’s life begins to unravel when unbeknown to him, his wife has discovered he has a secret mistress in the country, where he works for three days of every week. The two women meet and rather than come clean and challenge him, they decide to join revengeful forces. But will either know when enough is enough?

This is chick lit with a new edge. Jane Fallon writes about women for women and her strong characters carry the story along by being true to themselves.

This well-crafted novel covers love, betrayal, loss and self-discovery beautifully. I’m now a fan, waiting for book three and off to buy book one.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Yours, Faithfully by Sheila O'Flanagan

Posted by Aigua Media on September 3, 2008 in British Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (5)

August 18, 2008 11:20 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: Mother Shock by Andrea Buchanan

I think I'd had this book - which is subtitled "Loving every (other) minute of it" - on my Amazon Wishlist since I was pregnant with my son, who is now 4. I'm now pregnant with my second child and finally got around to buying it. And I'm so glad I did.

This book is a collection of essays examinining Buchanan's experience, mostly of the first year of motherhood. She learned early on, that the transition to motherhood has much in common with the culture shock experienced when you move to another country and each section begins with direct comparisons, which are startling in their accuracy.

Buchanan then goes on to write about, as you would expect, her pregnancy, her daughter's birth, ambivalence (and fear) about having another child, miscarriage and more. Before she was a writer, she was a professional pianist and there's a beautiful essay about her daughter's burgeoning interest in the piano.

I'm constantly amazed and impressed by the honesty in these "mommy memoirs" and this one is no exception. Buchanan admits things in writing that I have barely even admitted to myself in my head. It's incredibly brave and incredibly comforting.

I actually loved *every* minute of it and would wholeheartedly recommend it both to new mothers and not-so-new mothers alike.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Making Babies by Anne Enright

Posted by Keris on August 18, 2008 in American Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

August 15, 2008 8:47 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Driving Sideways by Jess Riley

I'd heard great things about Jess Riley's debut - not least a glowing review from Marian Keyes on the cover - and, after reading the first few pages, I set it to one side to take on holiday with me. And I was glad I did.

Driving Sideways is the story of Leigh Fielding, a 28-year-old woman who has recently had a kidney transplant. Believing a) that she has some unfinished business to attend to (with a best friend, an ex-boyfriend, and, most importantly, the mother who left when she was just a child), and b) that she has taken on some of the characteristics of the man whose kidney she received (bravery, taste in music, interest in kayaking), Leigh takes off alone on a road trip.

She's not alone for long though, soon she's accompanied by an annoying, possibly dangerous, and yet somewhat sweet teenaged girl and they... I kind of want to say "have adventures", but that doesn't really explain it very well. But I can't say much more because I don't want to give anything away.

Okay, they do "have adventures", but they're more emotional adventures than, you know, madcap ones. And that's the beauty of this book. When I was reading the book, I didn't want it to end and now, when I think back on it, I almost feel that I was on the road trip with them.

It's funny, snarky, sweet and gripping. I loved it.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Lady Luck's Map of Vegas by Barbara Samuel

Posted by Keris on August 15, 2008 in American Authors, Debut Novels, New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (6)

August 8, 2008 9:02 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Instructions for Living Someone Else's Life by Mil Millington

Mil Millington's Things My Girlfriend And I Have Argued About is one of the three funniest books I've ever read (the other two being Frank Skinner's autobiography and The Best a Man Can Get by John O'Farrell). Even though I was a bit disappointed with Millington's last two books, I still leapt on this one eagerly when I saw it on the shelf at Waterstone's.

But would you believe it's yet another time-travel(ish) book? You know, like Jenny Colgan's Do You Remember the First Time in which a 30-year-old woman wakes up one day to find herself transported back to age 16. Or Catriona McCloud's almost-brilliant Growing Up Again, in which the main character also goes back in time to age 15. Or, you know, the movie 13 Going on 30. In Instructions For Living Someone Else's Life, Chris Mortimer goes to bed aged 25 in 1988 and wakes up aged 43 in 2006.

The back cover blurb says the book is “for anyone who has ever felt like a 25-year-old stuck in a middle-aged body” and, boy, do I identify with that (even though I'm still “only” 37) so I thought I'd enjoy this book and I really did. I found Millington's style quite difficult to get into – his digressions have digressions and sometimes I found myself thinking, “Get to the point!” - but I haven't found another author who can make me laugh to the point of hysteria. You know when you're laughing so hard you're almost sobbing? Things My Girlfriend And I ... had that effect on me and so did Instructions For Living...

Like Things..., this book also contains a fair amount of wise commentary on the nature of friendship and, particularly, male/female relationships. Millington is equally disparaging about both men and women, but with an undercurrent of fondness and understanding that men and women are, you know, different. And that's okay.

Aside from being funny and wise, it's also inspiring in a 'it's never too late to be what you might have been' kind of a way, but realistically. Even though it has an arguably paranormal premise, it's far more down to earth than, say, Holly Would Dream.

Highly recommended.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Staying Alive by Matt Beaumont

Posted by Keris on August 8, 2008 in British Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 7, 2008 10:21 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Bride Hunter by Amy Appleton

The Bride Hunter, the debut novel by Amy Appleton, was recommended to me by a friend. I bought it based on that recommendation, though I have to say, I felt The Bride Hunter was a bit of a scary title. When I received it, I thought the cover was great, not least because it had a complete woman on the front. No headless chick lit here but it was, as I was about to find out, extremely well written chick lit.

Becca  Orchard used to be a head hunter, but then she lost her job and her boyfriend and her flat as all three were tied up in her job (her boss was her boyfriend and he told her she was fired and had to move out of his flat and they were over on the same day). Feeling extremely fragile, she decided to set up her own business. Instead of hunting heads for recruitment purposes, she used her skills to matchmake. Employed by men she would search out a suitable girlfriend for them, in the hope they'll become their bride (thus "bride hunter" see - I get it now, no longer scary). And so far she has a pretty good success rate.

The heroine of this story is no Bridget Jones. She isn't worried about fat (or carbs), she isn't worried how she looks. She is a business woman, doing something she loves.

This is a well written, well crafted and confident book. The story flows seamlessly, and page turningly. My copy now is looking a little dog eared as it is the sort of book you want to take everywhere, into the bath, on the side whilst you are cooking and into the garden. I actually found it quite refreshing and relatively original in its storyline. Yes, it is romantic chick lit, so you kind of guess the outcome from about half way through, but there is also a rich cast list of secondary characters that are brought vividly to life. Georgie, Becca's aunt, for example, has her own interesting back story and we learn what makes her life tick just before the end. It is additional extras like this that add layers and in turn make this read such a good one.

There is one of those typical misunderstandings that you often get in romantic comedies, but for some reason it works, maybe because we know Becca's background by this stage and understand the reason why...

This is one of those books you can't believe you haven't heard of before. Take a quick look around the bookshops and you'll probably not find it. I myself found it on amazon. But it is certainly worth the hunt.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Little White Lies by Bernadette Strachan

Posted by Helen Redfern on August 7, 2008 in British Authors, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 5, 2008 10:00 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Emma & Knightley by Rachel Billington

Reviewed by Jill Hart

This Austen sequel, the third of it's type that I've read recently, is hands-down my favorite. Billington's continuation of Austen's Emma truly made feel like I was reading something Austen herself would have written.

Emma and Knightley have been married a year and life thus far has been blissful. But, when Mr Knightley's brother, John, falls into financial trouble and Emma is called to London to help her elder sister who is preparing for the birth of her sixth child, Emma's world turns upside down.

The death of Jane Fairfax and the return of Frank Churchill add the perfect amount of drama. And, of course, we can't forget the infamous Mrs Elton and her annoying countenance. She's determined to throw the ball of the century when her sister finally comes to pay a visit.  

Amongst the 'Austen-style' drama going on around her is Emma, still learning what it means to be a proper wife to Mr Knightley. She knows there seems to tension between them, but isn't sure of the source or how to go about clearing the air. Can they learn to fully love one another and build a strong marriage or will assumptions and misunderstandings tear them further apart?

I truly loved this book. I began reading it and had I not known better I would have thought I was reading something written by Austen herself. There were a few times that I thought Emma seemed a little more condescending than in the original, especially to Harriet, but overall I was delighted with the story. The story flows well, the characters were believable and their actions were consistent with those of the original story. The plot lines kept things interesting and Emma's trip to London was a nice change of pace.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Pemberley Chronicles by Rebecca Ann Collins

Posted by Aigua Media on August 5, 2008 in British Authors, Classic Novels, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

July 28, 2008 9:27 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: Lucky Man by Michael J. Fox

Don't think this book is another celeb writing about himself, name dropping and kissing and telling to make a bit of cash. This book, published in 2003, is nothing like that. Michael J. Fox is not just known for being an actor (Spin City and Back to the Future are my favourites) but also for being very young when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease.

The book starts by describing the first time Michael noticed a tremor in his hand. Then we go back to 1963, his childhood as a son of a Sergeant for the Royal Canadian Army Signal Corps. As a family they moved around Canada a lot. We then see him drop out of school to try his luck with Hollywood, getting the Family Ties TV show and his rise to fame from there.

The main tone of the book though is of his love for acting, his family and his battle with Parkinson's, which cruelly means an end to his acting career.

I found this book not only educational but also inspirational. This man has achieved so much and is still going, determined to find a cure for this cruel disease. At no point does he have any self pity or any complaint about how hard life is for him now. Perhaps the title of this book gives it away, but Michael actually believes Parkinson's has actually given him some positive things. The chance to appreciate his life and also, with his fame, the ability to help search for a cure.

He is honest. He's no goody, goody after all, but his writing comes across as touching and uplifting and Michael as a thoughtful, intelligent man.

I finished reading the book and not only was I inspired but also in awe of him.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Still Me by Christopher Reeve

Posted by Helen Redfern on July 28, 2008 in American Authors, Celebrity Authors, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (5)

July 25, 2008 10:58 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Good Things by Mia King

Reviewed by Stella

Mia King's Good Things is the story of Deidre McIntosh, a 40-year-old local TV presenter in Seattle. She lives with her gay best friend, William, and presents a popular local show called Live Simple. Seeming having lived a charmed life before, where she was in the right place at the right time, Deidre is unprepared for her life to come crashing down around her ears one day.

Her TV show is cancelled and her best friend moves in with his lover leaving Deidre looking for a new place to live. By chance, Deidre meets Kevin in a restaurant, impossibly handsome and generous, he offers her a place to stay while she starts to build her new life which may or may not include him.

Good Things is a fast, easy, cute and fluffy chick lit story filled with loveable characters for whom you just want everything to work out well in the end. It's been a while since I picked up something so feel-good and I enjoyed every last minute of it.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Perfectly True Tales of a Perfect Size 12 by Robin Gold

Posted by Aigua Media on July 25, 2008 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (6)

July 23, 2008 8:31 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Everything I Needed to Know About Being a Girl I Learned From Judy Blume, ed. Jennifer O'Connell

I know I've been going on about Judy Blume a lot lately, but if you'd read this book, you would be too.

It's a collection of essays by “acclaimed women writers” including friends of Trashi, Meg Cabot, Megan Crane, and Shanna Swendson along with Megan McCafferty, Alison Pace, Laura Ruby, Diana Peterfreund and more. In fact, it's possibly the best line-up of writers I've ever seen in any collection (apart from the one I'm in, obviously!).

And that quality is reflected in the essays. I don't think I could choose between them, since I loved them all. Every single one. The writers write about various Blume books from Forever (of course) to Wifey, via Superfudge, Are You There, God? and Summer Sisters. The essays are honest, funny, sometimes painful and constantly reiterate how incredible and influential Judy Blume really is.

It not only made me want to go and buy all of Blume's books, it made me want to buy all the books by each of the writers included (and that's a lot of books). Even if you've never read a Judy Blume book, I'm confident you'll still enjoy this book. Highly recommended.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Woman's Best Friend edited by Megan McMorris (nothing to do with Judy Blume, but another impressive collection)

Posted by Keris on July 23, 2008 in American Authors, Classic Novels, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (7)

July 16, 2008 11:06 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Holly's Inbox Scandal in the City by Holly Denham

I enjoyed the first Holly's Inbox book, but I found it just too silly to be a really great read. While Holly's Inbox Scandal in the City is just as entertaining and compelling as the first book, there is also more plot and depth and I absolutely loved it.

I finished it last week and each time I've seen the book since it's made me smile. Partly that's because of the fabulous cover - the "Holly's" part is actually pink glitter and it really leaps out (I know you shouldn't judge a book, etc., but it's just so fabulously girly I can't resist it), but also partly because the book's contents are just so sweet and happy.

I didn't remember much about the first book when I started the second, but I was soon back into the swing of things. Holly's still working on reception at the bank alongside her good friend Trisha. A promotion is in the offing, though, which Holly worries will damage their relationship.

Holly is living with Toby, who is also working at the bank, but he's working on such a big deal that she hardly ever sees him and starts to worry that things aren't going to work out between them after all.

Plus there are a couple of new staff members, who are determined to make Holly's life a misery (one of whom is so evil that I wanted to reach into the book and slap her around). (The book captures office politics brilliantly and makes me glad I no longer work in one.)

Luckily, Holly is still exchanging emails with friends Aisha and Jason and they're always good for laugh out loud moments.

Like the first book, Holly's Inbox Scandal in the City is a quick and easy read. Perfect for your summer holidays.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Boy Meets Girl by Meg Cabot

Posted by Aigua Media on July 16, 2008 in British Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Series | Permalink | Comments (2)

July 14, 2008 11:21 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: Fingersmith by Sarah Waters

Sue Trinder lives with a woman she thinks of as a mum, Mrs Sucksby, along with Mr Ibbs in nineteenth century London. Their house is always coming and going with thieves (and babies), with objects for Mr Ibbs to melt down or sell on. This is all pretty normal every day life for Sue until one day a man they all refer to as Gentleman comes around with an idea for a deception that could make them a lot of money. He wants to convince a girl called Maud, the same age as Sue but an heiress, to fall in love with him, marry him, then he can claim her fortune whilst he puts Maud into an asylum.

Gentleman needs Sue to become Maud's maid so he would be able to spend time with Maud in the company of her maid, with no suspicions being raised. Sue would also encourage Maud to marry Gentleman. In return Gentleman has promised Sue a large part of the fortune. Completely devious but straightforward.

This book has the most shocks and twists that I have ever come across in a novel. I didn't predict any of them so when the first one in particular happened my mouth was left gaping in awe. It was so cleverly done. The way Sarah Waters has written this you develop strong feelings for all the characters and even though Sue is setting out to deceive Maud, you still like her.

This is a period book in that it is set in the nineteenth century, but if you don't normally go for period novels then don't let that put you off. Sarah has managed to combine all the grottiness of that time (the awful asylums, the hangings, the damp beds) with a contemporary, fast paced plot and skilled use of language. As with The Night Watch her writing is brilliantly evocative and uncovers the layers of what life was actually like during this particular period.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell

Posted by Helen Redfern on July 14, 2008 in British Authors, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

July 7, 2008 11:06 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Secret Shopper's Revenge by Kate Harrison

I have been looking forward to reading The Secret Shopper's Revenge by Kate Harrison ever since I saw the cover design where the dust jacket is actually the bag. So when it plopped onto my door mat on Saturday I got stuck in straight away. I had already read chapter one, so I went straight to chapter two and didn't really come up for air until Sunday afternoon when I finished it.

The story is about three women. Three strong women. Often when you read books from multiple characters' perspective you tend to get one woman who is a bit pathetic. With Emily, Sandie and Grazia there is none of that (bar a few blips before the other two remind them who they really are and what they can achieve). Although their lives are far from sorted, and in fact we meet them when their lives are at crisis points, we follow them on their journey as they slowly begin to sort themselves out and come into their own.

First of all we have Emily. Emily is a new mum and also a single mum. Her husband left her when their son was two months old. She is now trying to survive in London on her own and finds, amongst many other things, that shopping for clothes is not easy when you have a baby in a buggy, a post baby tummy and condescending shop assistants sneering at you.

Sandie is a manager of a department store. She loves her job, lives for her job, so when she is stitched up by an ambitious assistant she struggles to find someone who will employ her with the stigma of "no references".

Then we have Grazia. A former muse and now a widow of a successful artist she is finding that her husband made no financial provisions if either of them should die. She becomes a secret shopper and needs to find two recruits. Enter Emily and Sandie.

This isn't boy meets girl, although there is a smidgen of romance. This is about three women who develop a friendship, joined initially by the secret shopping but finding they will go out of their way to help each other.

I love Kate's style of writing. It doesn't tax you. You don't have to go back a few pages to remind yourself who's who, or think too much whilst you're reading it. You are just transported into the world of secret shopping and the lives of the three women. It is brilliant, well written and captivating entertainment. Definitely Kate's best book so far.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Posted by Helen Redfern on July 7, 2008 in British Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

July 1, 2008 12:32 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Slave by Cheryl Brooks

Reviewed by Angela Richardson

Slave is Cheryl Brooks’ first novel. I was very intrigued by this book. For a start the author is a critical care nurse by night and a romance writer by day. Also she has attempted to mix science fiction/fantasy and very heavy-duty romance in the story. When I picked up this book I was wondering whether she could pull off this highly ambitious mix, especially considering it’s her first novel. I was secretly hoping she would, considering she’s had to work on it in between her night shifts. Something I can sympathise with.

This story is set in space. Jacinth’s sister has been kidnapped. In an attempt to find her she has ended up chasing her rapidly cooling trail for the past six years. Always just missing her and hearing terrible stories of her being kept captive, this chase has led her across many planets. Finally she gets information that she’s on a planet where all the women are slaves. She has only one choice - to find a man to act as her owner. She knows it’s risky and decides the best way is to buy a slave herself. She’s hoping if she promises his freedom that he will be loyal for long enough to free her sister.

That’s where she meets Cat, filthy and chained, but she could still see the honour in his eyes. Jacinth’s hoping she can trust him with her life.

I just couldn’t help comparing this to films as Brooks has a great talent for allowing the reader to visualise her scenes in an almost filmic quality. It felt like a cross between Star Wars and Romancing the Stone to me. Brooks seamlessly blended the romance and science fiction even if it was a little racy for me at times. Definitely not a book for the prudish! The story line was high octane and when the plot faltered the romance rushed in to fill the space, it was a perfect balance. I read this in a couple of days and just couldn’t put it down. It was original and entertaining and I can’t praise this book enough. Go and buy it now!

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Vampires Are Forever by Lynsay Sands

Posted by Aigua Media on July 1, 2008 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Series, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (12)

June 30, 2008 12:46 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Night Watch by Sarah Waters

Since writing about Sarah Waters in our Thursday Trailblazer, I've been wanting to write a review of one of her books. I'm currently making my way through Fingersmith after thoroughly enjoying Tipping the Velvet and, the first book I read of Sarah's, The Night Watch.

Drawn to The Night Watch because it was set in the second world war and after hearing great things I was initially suspicious, as the story goes backwards through time. It seemed odd to me to find out what happened in the end first, after all, why would I need to keep on reading?

Starting in 1947 and ending in 1941, the novel follows the lives of Kay, Vivien, Duncan and Helen. Kay, a wartime ambulance driver who dresses in men's clothes, sweet Helen who has a painful secret, Viv, loyal mistress to a soldier and mixed up Duncan who has many demons. Each of their lives connect in some way.

As someone who loves reading about this era, Waters did not disappoint. Her writing is evocative, and filled in a lot of gaps for me of what life would be like during that period. The sights of London, the feelings of the people as they go through nightly bombings is brought to life with brilliant writing. The four main characters, along with the periphery characters, jumped out the page at me, and the relationships between them were captivating.

So what made me want to read until the end? Well, as we go back in time we learn why their lives are the way they are.  So what the book lacks in suspense is replaced by our wanting to know the whole story. Why, for example, is Duncan tormented? Pieces come together, like a jigsaw, until we get the complete picture. The book was surprisingly good and original. Now I have high expectations of all Sarah's books. I'll let you know how I get on with Fingersmith.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Villa Serena by Domenica de Rosa

Posted by Helen Redfern on June 30, 2008 in British Authors, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (21)

June 27, 2008 11:33 AM

BOOK REVIEW: House of Dance by Beth Kephart

In the comments on my review of Marisa de los Santos's Belong To Me, Jade said, "Even though they don't actually contain it, I just feel like somehow her books have a sense of magical realism about them...". I feel exactly the same way about Beth Kephart's books. Every time I picked up House of Dance, it struck me that I felt like I was entering a dream ... the real world just faded away.

It's the story of Rosie, whose friends are away for the summer and whose mother is distant, spending all her time with her business partner, with whom she's also having an affair. Rosie's grandfather is dying and, though she doesn't know him all that well, her mother tells her he needs her now and so she starts visiting every day.

On the way to her grandfather's house, Rosie passes the House of Dance. At first it just seems incongruously glamorous, but soon Rosie finds herself climbing the stairs and signing up for dance lessons.

Rosie's grandfather wants to get his affairs in order and, in helping him sort through his stuff, Rosie gets to know him better: his dreams, his regrets and exactly what she can do to give him the perfect goodbye.

This book is so beautiful, I almost felt bereft when I finished reading.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Undercover by Beth Kephart

Posted by Keris on June 27, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (23)

June 26, 2008 12:58 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Home Truths by Freya North

Freya North is probably one of my favourite chick lit authors, so for a bit of comfort this week I decided to curl up with one of her novels. Unable to decide between Cat, Fen or Pip, I decided to combine all three and read Home Truths.

This is the sequel to the three individual books of the McCabe sisters. They have had an unusual childhood in that their mother ran off and left them for a  cowboy from Denver when they were small and they were raised by their eccentric uncle, Django. Now all three have settled down and their lives are almost conventional.

Cat has returned back home to England with her husband, Pip is a wife and stepmother and Fen has a young child. Their lives are ticking along in a normal way, until, at their uncle's party, someone completely unexpected turns up - causing the girls to face their past, their identity and unearth some family secrets.

The girls have grown up and so too has Freya's writing. This isn't the fun, frivolous romp we're used to from Freya's earlier stories, but it is just as entertaining, if not more so. For a start the book started off well in that it has the three McCabe girls reunited. I always like to know what has happened to my favourite characters when the book ends, so meeting the sisters again is brilliant. It isn't boy meets girl - this story is all about the family, where the girls are, or on the verge of becoming, mothers themselves and what happened to them when they were toddlers suddenly becomes very important.

Some tough issues are explored. Abandonment, depression and terminal illness are just three of them. All three sisters have their quirks, vulnerabilities and irritations (Fen looking at her hands when making a decision for a start) but they are all the more lovable and entertaining for that.

This is a great grown-up chick lit novel written in Freya's usual, sassy style. But then, I wouldn't expect anything less from Freya.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Pillow Talk by Freya North

Posted by Helen Redfern on June 26, 2008 in British Authors, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 25, 2008 2:02 PM

KERIS & HELEN'S SUMMER READS 2008: The Summer of Secrets by Martina Reilly

When I reviewed The Summer of Secrets by Martina Reilly a month or so ago, I had no hesitation in rating it five out of five. I also said it was my favourite book, so far, this year and it still is (although one more has equalled it). Which is why I thought it perfect as my first choice of recommended summer reads.

After a terrible accident, Hope travels back home to Ireland with her two friends, Adam and Julie. She has counseling for post traumatic stress disorder and discovers in the process that it's not just the recent accident that has had serious repercussions on her life.

This book was initially hard for me to read. I couldn't read through the accident, but once I had summoned up the courage to get though that I found a lovely story.

Anyone that derides your traditional chick lit should give this a go. Yes it has romance (and there is nothing wrong with that), but it also has the  psychological journey Hope has to go on and which comes out through her counseling. The supporting cast of characters provide entertainment, relief and romance. The book itself is emotional, sharp and engrossing, in all a fantastic read for the summer. Just don't read it on the aeroplane.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try  The Half Life of Stars by Louise Wener

Posted by Helen Redfern on June 25, 2008 in Irish Authors, Rating: 5/5, Summer Special | Permalink | Comments (0)

KERIS & HELEN'S SUMMER READS 2008: Belong to Me by Marisa de los Santos

Marisa de los Santos's Belong to Me is my (Keris) first choice for a perfect summer read. I shouldn't really have started with this book, because I honestly can't imagine finding a much better book...

Belong to Me is the story of Cornelia and her husband Teo, who have moved to a new town so Teo can take up a new job. If those names sound familiar to you, then you're way quicker than me. I absolutely adored de los Santos's debut novel, Love Walked In, but it still took me an embarrassingly long amount of time to realise that Belong to Me features the same characters. When I did realise, though, I was thrilled, since Cornelia is a lovely character and I was extremely happy to spend time with her again.

Anyway, I'll stop blethering and tell you about the book. At first, Cornelia is worried that she doesn't fit in. She meets a neighbour, Piper, who is one of those irritatingly perfect and intrusive neighbours. Piper criticises what Cornelia wears, comments on the condition of her lawn and generally just winds her (and this reader) up. But you do have to give Piper a bit of leeway, since not only is her best friend Elizabeth dying of cancer, but her marriage is falling apart. (Truly, it will take you some time to sympathise with Piper at all, since she is so awful.)

And then Cornelia meets Lake, who is much more fun and much more her kind of person. Lake has also just moved into the neighbourhood along with her son, Dev, but Lake has a secret, which Dev, believing it to be something to do with his estranged father, is determined to find out.

Like Love Walked In, Belong to Me is the kind of book you don't want to put down, but you also don't want to finish. It's beautifully written, funny, moving, sad and just all round lovely. (In fact, it affected me so much, I dreamed about it!) I can't imagine anyone not liking it. The only problem with taking it away is that you may actually miss some of your holiday because you won't be able to get your nose out of this book.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Love Walked In by Marisa de los Santos

Posted by Aigua Media on June 25, 2008 in American Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Series, Summer Special | Permalink | Comments (7)

June 16, 2008 10:17 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Bone Garden by Tess Gerritsen

It was with great excitement that I went to a book signing of Tess Gerritsen for The Bone Garden some months ago. She didn't disappoint either. Instead of reading an extract from her book she gave us some background information into what gave her the idea for the book and being a writer myself I found it fascinating. I also found the subject matter fascinating, even if I felt a little squeamish at times.

Julia Hamill has been digging in the garden in her new house, when she managed to uncover bones. With the help of the elderly Henry Page, a relative of the women who used to live in Julia's house, they uncover the history of what happened in 1830's Boston including who the bones belong to and the story of the West End Reaper.

In the 1830's Rose Connolly's sister has just died from Child Bed Fever or Puerperal Fever (which is what Tess talked to us about, along with resurectionsists to demonstrate how she got the idea for the novel). It is an epidemic not just in Boston, but in hospitals the world over. Women would go into the hospital, give birth and whilst the baby would be fine, they would not. Incidentally if you are thinking this is not the best book to be reading whilst pregnant, like I am, you are probably right. But I carried on anyway. I couldn't help it, I was gripped.

Child Bed Fever is not the main part of the story, it is the back drop. Whilst her sister was dying, Rose came across a medical student called Norris Marshall and when the West End Reaper pays a visit, their lives become entwined. I am not going to say anymore as this is a murder mystery and I wouldn't like to give anything away.

It wasn't just the subject matter, which added layers and dimension to the story and bizarrely made this novel so much more enjoyable, it was the actual plot itself. There have been times - even with some of Tess's other books, where I have guessed the outcome but for this one I had absolutely no idea. There were twists and turns aplenty and because I was enjoying the book so much I didn't have time to work out who the killer was.

I thought this book was brilliant, her best yet and I have no hesitation at all in giving it five out of five.

A word of warning about Tess Gerritsen books though. Tess is a doctor. She knows human bodies. There are killers in her books and she has a very good knack at description. If you are of a sensitive disposition you may not want to read her books. If you aren't. Give them a try.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Reincarnationist by MJ Rose

Posted by Helen Redfern on June 16, 2008 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (6)

June 13, 2008 3:32 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Devilish by Maureen Johnson

I've been struggling a bit with books lately, I have to admit. I haven't found anything that's completely gripped me for a couple of weeks (which is a long time for me!). So I ordered myself a Maureen Johnson because I knew that would do the trick. And it did.

I picked Devilish, mainly because of Sarah's rave, but also because I thought it sounded very intriguing: a teenage girl selling her soul to the devil? Great idea.

Jane and Allison have been best friends for years. Attending St Teresa's Preparatory School for Girls, neither is popular, but that doesn't matter because they've got each other. That is until new girl Lanalee turns up and takes a shiny to Allison. And then Allison's personality and looks completely change and she's no longer interested in being friends with Jane.

Yes, Allison's sold her soul to the devil and it's down to Jane to save her.

This book was just what I needed: funny, clever, page-turning. It made me miss Buffy and it made me wish it had been turned into a TV series, instead of the similar, but inferior, Reaper.

In future, I'll always turn to Maureen Johnson in times of reading need (although she'd better write quicker because there's only two books of hers I haven't yet read!).

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Golden by Jennifer Lynn Barnes or Jinx by Meg Cabot

Posted by Keris on June 13, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5, Supernatural, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (7)

June 10, 2008 8:04 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Such a Pretty Fat by Jen Lancaster

I absolutely loved Jen Lancaster's first two books, so much so that, when this, her latest, arrived, I gave a little squeal, did a happy dance, started it immediately and pretty much didn't look up again until I'd finished.

Such a Pretty Fat is, as the title suggests, a memoir of Jen's attempted weightloss. Because she has such a healthy ego, Jen's weight has never really been a problem for her, but when she realises that it's possibly becoming a problem for her health (and also, of course, when an author friend suggests it might be a good subject to write about, she decides it's time to step away from the pie and step onto a treadmill.

Because Jen is Jen, of course things don't go smoothly, but that's good, because the book is even funnier the more honest Jen is about her failures and struggles with eating less and moving more.

Jen Lancaster is one of those writers that you feel like you know. I loved Such a Pretty Fat and will certainly be passing it on to all my friends. I just can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

(I just read on Jen's blog that her next book is to be called Pretty in Plaid. But what's it about, Jen? What's it about?!)

 

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Amazing Adventures of Dietgirl by Shauna Reid

Posted by Aigua Media on June 10, 2008 in American Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (10)

June 6, 2008 11:00 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Queen of Babble Gets Hitched

I wasn't wild about the first Queen of Babble book, but I liked the second one very much. The third? The third, I loved!

I can't say much about the plot in case you haven't read the earlier books. Book two annoyed some by ending on a cliffhanger, but that didn't bother me at all. I guess it depends on whether you already feel that you've committed to reading a series which, since it's Meg Cabot, I had.

So Lizzie is in New York and working in wedding dress restoration. Her love life is complicated and, thanks to the success of the business, her working life is becoming complicated too. She's not entirely sure what she wants, but she - and the reader - are confident she's going to get it.

In Queen of Babble in the Big City I said that Lizzie reminded me of Becky Bloomwood, but I didn't notice that so much in this book. Lizzie manages to be sweet and naive, while not coming across as an idiot, a feat that I'm not convinced Sophie Kinsella always manages to pull off with Becky.

While I ended up loving Lizzie, the strength of the Queen of Babble series is the supporting characters. From Lizzie's foul-mouthed gran to Chaz, Shari and, in the second two books, Tiffany the former receptionist who, for me, had all the laugh-out-loud lines in Queen of Babble Gets Hitched. (I also loved gum-chewing, knickerless heiress Ava Geck ... now just who could have been the inspiration for that character?!).

All in all, I loved this book and I'm sorry we won't be hearing more about Lizzie Nicholls.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Size 12 Is Not Fat by Meg Cabot

Posted by Aigua Media on June 6, 2008 in American Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Series | Permalink | Comments (11)

June 4, 2008 11:24 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen

I've had Garden Spells in my possession for some time now, but it has taken me ages to get around to it. I think the reason why I was put off reading it was because there is a sticker on the front saying "Adored Chocolat? Be enchanted by Garden Spells." The thing is, I didn't adore Chocolat. I found it hard to get into and actually gave up on it. I guess I felt Garden Spells would be the same and it just felt like hard work. But then I opened it.

Garden Spells is the story of the Waverley women in North Carolina and the magical house they have lived in for generations. The flowers that grow in the garden are used by Claire in her catering business and they are known throughout Bascom to have magical properties. Then there is the apple tree. Eating one of its apples - and the tree is insistent that you will - creates visions.

Claire lives on her own in the Waverley house visited often by old Evanelle, a distant relative and the only other Waverley left in Bascom. Evanelle has a gift for giving people objects when they don't even know they'll need them. The peace is interrupted by Claire's new neighbour Tyler along with the return of her long lost sister, Sydney, bringing with her a young daughter and a secret.

I really have the urge to gush with this novel, I enjoyed it so much. It was evocative, engaging,  magical, warm, inspiring, romantic. It was an enchanting feast of a fairy tale for women. I completely believed in it, I still do.

Sarah's descriptions transported me into the garden and it felt like I was there watching the story unfold before me. She has such a beautiful way of writing, "it smelled strongly of lavender and peppermint, like walking into a Christmas memory that didn't belong to her," that the book is simply a pleasure to read.

I can't wait to read her next book, The Sugar Queen, which is out now in the US and 7 August in the UK. I will definitely read that one straight away.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Chocolat (I'm going to give it another go)

Posted by Helen Redfern on June 4, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (9)

BOOK REVIEW: Revenge of the Wedding Planner by Sharon Owens

Reviewed by Claire Allan

(Published as The Trouble With Weddings in Ireland)

Sitting down with a Sharon Owens book is like sitting down with a good friend, a bottle of wine and a (kingsize) bar of chocolate and settling in for a good old girly chat.

Her writing oozes warmth, humour, gossip and decadent, gorgeous descriptions of perhaps the nicest homes, gardens, offices and restaurants you could ever choose to visit.

With Revenge of the Wedding Planner you get to add wedding dresses into the equation too - it's almost every woman's dream come true.

But don't be fooled into thing it's all designer shoes and style queens - Owens brings a twist to all her books and Mags - the narrator of this story - is a real gem. An ex-goth, married to an ex-punk, trying to raise four teenagers and keep her flighty boss in line - Mags is one of those strong, beautifully warm yet flawed heroines who you would really like to meet in real life.

When Mags' boss, Julie embarks on a life crisis, running away from her live-in lover and throwing herself in to a hair-raisingly sexy fling with Jay, it is Mag herself who is left to pick up the pieces. And when Julie eventually comes back, Jay in tow, the real trouble starts.

But there is so much more to this book than Julie and her dodgy love life - in fact in many ways I felt that storyline was secondary to Mags' life - which has it's own share of ups and downs.

Mags relationship with her husband is a joy to read - one of fiction's genuinely happy and believable couples. Her relationship with her children - especially her eldest son and daughter - is beautifully written. And her relationship with her parents is funny and extremely moving.

This book is without a doubt one of the funniest, warmest books I've read in many a long year.

It had laugh out loud moments, risque love scenes, a sexy bar man, wedding cake dilemmas and a very funny series of twists and turns. And yet at the heart of it there was a serious message about love, forgiveness, friendship and family.

It was delightful, entirely.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try It Must Be Love by Sharon Owens

Posted by Aigua Media on June 4, 2008 in Irish Authors, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (2)

May 30, 2008 9:03 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Bringing Home the Birkin by Michael Tonello

Even though I also write for our sister site, The Bag Lady, I must admit I knew very little about the Hermes Birkin bag before reading Michael Tonello's book. I knew it was an "It" bag, with a waiting list. I knew that Victoria Beckham has loads of them. I knewLogan bought one for Rory in Gilmore Girls. And ... that's it.

Michael Tonello knew even less about them than me, but it didn't stop him becoming an enormously successful Birkin reseller, managing to get hundreds of the bags without joining any waiting list. How? 

Well ... after moving to Barcelona, Tonello's job fell through. Stuck in Spain with no work permit, he had to find a way to work for himself. Trying to make some fast cash, he sold some of his stuff on ebay and was surprised to find how much he could get for Hermes gear in particular. Starting with scarves, he trawled Barcelona's Hermes stores for old stock, i.e. collectables, and was amazed to find he was making a huge profit.

Through those sales he made contact with a number of Hermes collectors who advised him on what to look out for and before long he was travelling all over Europe and selling Hermes on ebay full time. Since he'd developed wish lists for his clients, Tonello had begun to learn about the mythic Birkin bag and, after a while, decided to try and get his hands on one.

At first his requests were met with rudeness, but soon he developed a (ridiculously simple) formula and the Birkins started coming thick and fast. (One of the photo captions states that Hermes claim to only make 100 Birkins per year: "If that were truly the case it would mean that I bought the entire annual production that year - and then some!" comments Michael.)

Despite being unfamiliar with the Birkin, I found this book a hugely entertaining read. Tonello is a funny and charming writer and his Birkin-gathering life was so glamorous I got completely caught up in it (and enormously envious of the fabulous hotels he stayed in, the incredible food he ate, the amazing wine he drank... sigh). It's the kind of book that's so accessible, you miss the author when you've finished reading.

It's not just about a bag, it's about taking chances, seizing the moment, truly living your life. I loved it. (But it hasn't made me want a Birkin. I prefer the Chloe Bay...)

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Shops by India Knight (nothing like it, really, but still great)

Posted by Aigua Media on May 30, 2008 in American Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (4)

May 29, 2008 9:26 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Summer of Secrets by Martina Reilly

When I read a book that I'm going to review I don't deliberately look for criticisms. I want to forget that I'm supposed to write a review and just get swept away by the story. If I write no notes at all whilst reading it, I know I'm onto a winner. Whilst reading The Summer of Secrets my notebook page remained blank.

Martina's All I Want is You was one of the first books I reviewed for Trashionista. I remember being impressed with it, calling it a "gem of a book" and giving it 4 out of 5. With this one, she has seriously gone up a gear.

Hope, an Irish girl living in London has constantly drifted from one job to another. When she gets fired from her latest job she plans a trip to Boston in a bid to see the world and take control of her life. Her friends and house mates, Adam and Julie, see her off at the airport, and that is where it all goes wrong... I had to stop reading here. I found it very upsetting and was unprepared for it. Instead I put the book on my bedroom floor and let it sit there for about three weeks.

When I finally picked it up again, I couldn't put it down. After the accident Hope travels to Ireland, back to her home town with Adam and Julie. There she goes for counseling for post traumatic stress disorder and lots of secrets come to the surface. Don't get me wrong, this isn't a gloomy book. It is all about Hope's recovery, what happened to her in the past and what is happening to her in the present, which will affect her future. The plot is great, the dialogue extremely funny and sharp at times and the characters identifiable and likable.

When I had finished the book, about one o clock in the morning, I wrote on the back of a postcard the following notes. "[I had] big, snotty, gulping tears then [once they'd subsided] a few pages later she goes and does it to me again." I can't give a book much higher praise. This may be my favourite book, so far, this year.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Half Life of Stars by Louise Wener

Posted by Helen Redfern on May 29, 2008 in Irish Authors, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 28, 2008 1:34 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Before I Die by Jenny Downham

Reviewed by Helen Vipond

God knows I cry at everything. Television, films, even advertisements, but strangely, never at books, no matter how sad they are. Then I read Before I Die by Jenny Downham.

As the title suggests, the novel revolves around a terminally ill girl Tessa, who has a list of things she must do before her death, the first being sex. During the story, we see the world in an ironically life-affirming new light, through the eyes of a dying girl. Depressing as it may seem, the plot is told in a way that made me accidentally laugh out loud at the escapades Tessa finds herself in.

Although I won’t give away any more of the plot, I will reveal I found the last few chapters extremely difficult to read, due to the tears blocking my vision. It would take a hard- hearted person to read such a novel without being affected.

Overall, I would recommend 'Before I Die' to anyone, male or female, old or young, as an exceptionally moving novel, surely to be enjoyed.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Dear Zoe by Philip Beard

Posted by Aigua Media on May 28, 2008 in British Authors, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK REVIEW: The Accidental Wife by Rowan Coleman

Rowan Coleman is one of those writers where you think, how does she do that? At least I do anyway. The Accidental Wife is Rowan's sixth full length novel since her first was published in 2002 plus she has written a novella and writes the Ruby Parker series for teens (which, by the way, I adore).

The Accidental Wife, a story of friendship and betrayal, is written through the eyes of two women. Each think they may have the wrong life. Catherine, soon to be divorced with two children in a dead end job wonders if she would be happier if she had married her first boyfriend, Marc. Alison, Catherine's former best friend, is actually married to Marc with three children and wondering if she would have had a better life if she had married her school girl crush, Jimmy. Who also happens to be Catherine's soon to be ex husband.

When Alison and Marc move back to the town they ran away from when Alison was sixteen and find Catherine and Jimmy are still there they find out the answers to their questions.

I really enjoyed The Baby Group which was Rowan's last novel so I had high expectations for this one. First off I would say this is not as action packed as The Baby Group. It is gripping but in a more quiet and understated way. Rowan's writing is colourful adding depth to the dialogue - which there is quite a lot of, because after Alison steals Catherine's boyfriend she has a lot of explaining to do.

Rowan obviously knew her characters very well and this comes across. We uncover the layers that make up Alison and Catherine and I changed my perception of both throughout the novel as I discovered more about them.

I do have a criticism and I thought this of The Baby Group too (and the title of that book, but that's another story). It is the book cover. The story inside is a lot more sophisticated and in depth than the pastel cover implies. If I were just browsing the book shop I don't think I would have picked this up. Which would have been a real shame as it is a great read.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Switchcraft by Mary Castillo

Posted by Helen Redfern on May 28, 2008 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 23, 2008 10:33 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Rachel's Holiday by Marian Keyes

Rachel's Holiday is consistently voted the favourite chick lit book by the authors we interview for Trashionista and yet - can you believe it? - we hadn't actually reviewed it. Until now...

Reviewed by Helen Redfern

Rachel is one fifth of the Walsh sisters, the middle fifth. She lives in New York with her fellow Irish friend, Brigit, partying hard, working little and going out with Luke Costello, a man who likes his leather trousers tight.

She’s living in a haze of Valium, cocaine and booze until one day she overdoses. Her father insists she return to Ireland and she’s booked into the Cloisters, a treatment centre, or as Helen her sister typically says, ‘That’s nothing but a loony bin by another name’. Rachel, naively, believes it will be full of celebs and saunas, so agrees to go, knowing full well when she gets out she’ll hotfoot it back to New York and take as many drugs as she can. We then follow her on her journey of ‘enlightenment’, shall we say, as she learns more about herself and the full consequences of her actions.

Rachel’s Holiday, along with Watermelon, is my favourite Marian Keyes book. I have to admit though I didn’t get it when I first read it some five years ago (it was published in 1997). I think I must have believed Rachel too much and couldn’t understand why she needed to be in the clinic. When I re-read it recently for the second time I got so much more from it. I understood Rachel, I read between the lines (it’s written in first person so you have to) and subsequently gained much more depth from it.

The flashbacks used are effective and you don’t feel you are inconveniently being dragged away from the main story. They are what makes the story as we start to see what Rachel’s life was really like in New York and not what she thought it was like.

Keyes’ book have been described in a recent newspaper article as “tales of loveable heroines struggling to find Mr Right”. If that’s what you are expecting from this book (or any of her books for that matter) you are in for a surprise (and maybe I was first time round which is why I didn’t get it). It is a dark subject of drugs and addiction but interspersed with humour, warmth and tight leather trousers. Fabulous.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Anybody Out There? by Marian Keyes

Posted by Aigua Media on May 23, 2008 in Irish Authors, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (4)

May 22, 2008 8:56 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James

A reader recommended Eloisa James's books a while ago, but I didn't think they were quite my thing. Even when I was sent this book, I looked at the cover, laughed, and thought I don't think so... And then I started reading it and I absolutely adored it.

Set in 1783, Jemma, Duchess of Beaumont has returned to London (and her husband) from Paris (and her lover(s)), but she's not planning to settle down, that's for sure. She fully intends to be just as independent and shocking in London as she was in Paris. And then a distant cousin, Lady Roberta, comes to stay. Roberta has fallen for the dastardly Duke of Villiers at first sight and wants Jemma's help in seducing and marrying him.

After giving Roberta a foxy makeover, Jemma challenges Villiers to a chess match, hoping to humiliate him as revenge for his dishonouring of another friend's husband and also mindful of the fact that if he falls for and marries Roberta, that will be the ultimate humiliation (Jemma's not a fan of marriage).

By the way, in the late 18th Century, chess was considered dramatic and sexy and wildly exciting. How things change, eh?

There's also Jemma's brother Damon who, while not quite as shocking as his sister, does have an illegitimate child and a bit of a reputation. Although perhaps he's just been looking for the right woman. And he thinks he's found her in Roberta.

There's a quote from chick lit author Carole Matthews on the back of this book: "Sheer joy from beginning to end" and she's absolutely right. I read it avidly and often with a massive grin on my face. It's charming, cheeky, funny and sexy and I know I'll re-read it in the future. And of course I'll definitely be reading more of Eloisa James's books. Highly recommended (even if you don't think it looks like your kind of thing!).

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Crossed Bones by Jane Johnson ("Don’t worry; there’s not a ripped bodice or heaving bosom anywhere," said Sarah in her review. There's both in Desperate Duchesses.)

Posted by Aigua Media on May 22, 2008 in American Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Romance, Series | Permalink | Comments (7)

May 20, 2008 11:10 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Stealing Heaven by Elizabeth Scott

Two chapters in to Elizabeth Scott's third book, Stealing Heaven, I made myself a cup of tea, kicked off my shoes, piled cushions up behind myself, put my feet up on the sofa and settled in for the long haul.

Danielle has grown up travelling around the country, helping her mother rob wealthy homes. She's never had a real friend, never had a boyfriend, or a real home, she didn't even attend high school.

But when she and her mum arrive in the beach town of Heaven, Danielle finds herself starting to change. First she meets a girl who she feels she could be friends with. Then she meets a man who she feels she could be more with, but unthinkingly she not only tells him her real name, he sees her car, he knows where she lives ... and he's a cop.

While Danielle is trying to stop herself becoming too fond of Heaven, her mother is scoping out the local houses to find which one to burgle. Of course, the best prospect belongs to the family of Danielle's first friend.

But that's not the family's only worry - Danielle's mother has a cough, a really bad cough...

I LOVED Elizabeth Scott's first two books - Bloom and Perfect You - and now that Stealing Heaven has made it three in a row, I'm very excited to read her next, Living Dead Girl.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Either Bloom or Perfect You!

Posted by Aigua Media on May 20, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (8)

May 16, 2008 10:57 AM

BOOK REVIEW: What the Lady Wants by Hester Browne

We loved the first two books in Hester Browne's Little Lady series, so I was very excited to read the third (and final book), What the Lady Wants.

Melissa Romney-Jones's fiance, Jonathan, is living and working in Paris. He's expecting Melissa to move out there with him, but she's not so sure. She loves her job - improving men - and she's not sure she's ready to leave her flat or her friends, particularly her flatmate, Nelson, either.

When Melissa's grandmother wants her to reform spoilt playboy, Prince Nicolas, Melissa's not sure. Jonathan has never supported Melissa's career - particularly when the best way to do it is to dress up as her alter ego, Honey Blennerhesket - but Jonathan's okay with it (since he thinks it will help Melissa make contacts for the business he wants her to help with in Paris), so Honey takes on Prince Nicolas. With, of course, entertaining results.

What the Lady Wants is my favourite in the Little Lady series. I love Melissa, but I absolutely adored Prince Nicolas. I found him hilarious and charming and loved his cheeky/flirty relationship  with Melissa (particularly since Melissa never got any of his double entendres!).

In my review of Little Lady, Big Apple, I complained about the way Jonathan spoke to Melissa, but thankfully, that's dealt with in this book and in a way that I found extremely satisfying.

I'll be sorry not to get to read any more about the lovely Melissa Romney-Jones, but it's Prince Nicolas that I'd really love to spend more time with. Any chance of him getting his own book, Hester?

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Little Lady Agency by Hester Browne

N.B. What the Lady Wants was released as The Little Lady and the Prince in the US, but I don't think it's exactly the same book. Hester describes the difficulties of writing for the US and the UK here.

Posted by Aigua Media on May 16, 2008 in British Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Series | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 13, 2008 2:24 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Lottery by Patricia Wood

I'd heard good things about Patricia Wood's Lottery long before it was shortlisted for the Orange Prize, but once I saw it was on the shortlist, I knew I had to read it.

It's the story of Perry L Cranall who is "not retarded". He knows this because you have to have an IQ under 75 to be retarded and his IQ is 76. He lives simply and happily with his Gram and works in a marine supply store. But when Gram dies, everything changes for Perry. His awful family sell Gram's house from under him and leave him with practically nothing.

But then Perry wins $12 million on the Washington State Lottery. Funnily enough, his family soon becomes much more concerned about his welfare, but fortunately Perry has friends - and his own Gram-taught sense and values on his side.

I loved Lottery. Perry reminded me of a cross between Forrest Gump and Christopher in Mark Haddon's The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time.

The characters never seemed like characters, they seemed like real people. And I loathed Perry's family so much that I almost had to stop reading. It's a sweet, funny, charming, moving book and a very well-deserved Orange Prize nominee. (The winner is announced 4 June.)

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon

Posted by Aigua Media on May 13, 2008 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (6)

May 12, 2008 12:18 PM

BOOK REVIEW: This Charming Man by Marian Keyes

Reviewed by Claire Allan

I doubt there has been such an eagerly awaited book as Marian Keyes' This Charming Man - how we have watched eagerly over the past two years as news of her latest book filtered out. There was going to be a character called Lola in it. It was going to deal with domestic violence. It was going to be very, very long (hurrah!).

My excitement reached a peak when I discovered a copy just in time for my holidays and as I stroked the gorgeous purple cover I was dying to dig in - because let's face it, you know what you're getting with Marian Keyes. She does funny. She does serious. She does perfect observation. She makes you want to turn the page. In terms of women's fiction she's like Ronseal - she does what she says on the tin.

This Charming Man has all her trademark qualities, but it is - it has to be said - very different from her previous books.

The action centres around politician Paddy de Courcy and the fall out from the day he announces his engagement. Four women, Lola - his girlfriend but not his fiancee - is devastated, Grace - a journalist - is intrigued, Marnie - his ex - spirals downwards and Alicia - his fiancee - finds herself caught up in a media whirlwind.

There aren't so many laugh out loud moments (in fact I'm not sure I did laugh out loud once) and the portrayal of domestic violence is at times graphic and disturbing.

Keyes' (or should we just call her Marian? We know her so well) portrayal of depression and alcoholism through the eyes of Marnie is keenly observed, deepy moving, at times frustrating and powerful all at once because you know that Keyes is writing from personal experience. There are lines which echo Marian's own story as revealed in Further Under the Duvet.

That's not to say the book doesn't have warmth and humour in it. We all know Keyes can write on a knife edge - bringing you almost to the depths of despair and hauling you back with a quick turn of phrase.

Lola's story - written in a diary style, has bucket loads of humour and intrigue. Okay, by 200,000 words you do start to miss the smaller words (book written in very chatty style. Small words not necessary for Lola. Dialogue sometimes reads clunky because of this - but realise book is huge and small words would have made it longer (ie heavier). Had baggage restrictions on plane - so fair enough).

But that shouldn't put you off (nor should reference to size 14 being fat in the Dublin set). This is Marian's finest book - in terms of content, message and contribution to the argument that chick lit is far from light weight fluffy nonsense. There is nothing - and I mean nothing - lightweight about this novel.

My heart will always belong to Rachel's Holiday (you never forget your first time) but This Charming Man is a triumph of a book of which Marian should be proud. Can't wait for the next one.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try More Than Love Letters by Rosy Thornton

Posted by Aigua Media on May 12, 2008 in Irish Authors, Marian Keyes, New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (15)

May 6, 2008 11:29 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Names My Sisters Call Me by Megan Crane

I remember reading a review of one of Lisa Jewell's books that described it as "emotionally intelligent" and that's what I kept thinking as I was reading Megan Crane's fourth book, Names My Sisters Call Me.

The story of three sisters - Norah, Raine and Courtney - I found it intelligent, emotional and wise, but that's not to suggest it's a serious read, it's also extremely entertaining and I found it hard to put down.

The book begins with the youngest, Courtney's, lovely boyfriend Lucas proposing. Thrilled, Courtney realises she wants her middle sister, Raine - who neither she nor the eldest, Norah, have seen since Raine disgraced herself at Norah's wedding - at her wedding.

So Courtney travels to San Francisco to reconcile with Raine. Of course, there's also the small fact that, before Raine ran away, Courtney was dating - and madly in love with - Raine's friend Matt, who went to San Francisco with her. Is it Raine Courtney wants to reconcile with - or is it Matt?

I've enjoyed each of Megan Crane's books more than the last and Names My Sisters Call Me was no exception. The relationships between the three sisters are perfectly drawn and emotional and infuriating in equal measure.

Fabulous.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Three Wishes by Liane Moriarty

Posted by Aigua Media on May 6, 2008 in American Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (4)

May 1, 2008 12:51 PM

BOOK REVIEW: New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

Like Amy I really enjoyed Stephenie Meyer's YA fantasy Twilight. New Moon is the follow up and it doesn't disappoint.

Bella Swan moved to rainy Forks to live with her dad. She fell in love with a vampire - Edward Cullens - who, luckily, is a 'good vampire' and has sworn off human blood. At the beginning of New Moon they are as in love as at the end of Twilight, but all that is about to change...

I really don't want to give any of the plot away - it's so brilliantly paced and inventive that I would hate to spoil it.

Still, I will say that New Moon is just as full of intrigue, adventure and heady, intense romance as Twilight. The wonderful character of Jacob Black is developed as he and Bella become best friends, and Meyer builds her world (a world in which mythical creatures live alongside us), layering it with more depth.

Yes, this is officially classed as a YA book - and it's (obviously) supernatural, but please don't let either of those facts put you off. This series (New Moon is followed by Eclipse) is just a good story, well told. Full stop.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try: The Accidental Vampire by Lynsay Sands

Posted by Sarah Painter on May 1, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5, Romance, Supernatural, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (6)

April 28, 2008 1:13 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: Notes From An Exhibition by Patrick Gale

Reviewed by Jennie Hughes

Right from the first sentence this book pulls you irresistibly into the exciting, crazy, frightening and exhilarating world of a gifted artist (Rachel Kelly) who suffers from bipolar disorder and who has been avoiding her medication in order to experience more fully the dreams and visions she has been having and capture them on canvas before they desert her. These are the final works she will create, as the book starts at the end of her life.

Each chapter is headed by a note from a retrospective exhibition celebrating the artist’s life and work and introduces another perspective on her history, gradually bringing in all the characters involved in the story.

This tale is not told linearly, but weaves and interweaves snippets of her and her family’s life so that it builds up layers of colour and meaning, just as her paintings are described to be. Different player’s viewpoints and experiences at different times in this history come in and out, forward and back in between Rachel’s own experiences of motherhood, creativity, depression and elation.

Gradually the tale unfolds and as it does you get a vivid sense of the Cornish landscape, you feel the quiet contemplation of the Quaker faith, you understand something of the precarious tightrope the family of a creative but unstable mother have to walk and the effect this tension has on them all.

Relationships of all kinds are beautifully evoked and all the people in this book are recognisable, real and inspire empathy. You also get a brief glimpse into the unkind ways in which bipolar disorder used to be treated in the days before it was understood – electric shock therapy and so on. Think, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and you’ll have it.

Finally, the events that have occurred to Rachel and to her family and friends are all laid bare, and the final tragedy which has been glimpsed and hinted at previously is told incredibly simply and without drama.

When I finished this book I wanted to rush down to Cornwall and re-visit the Tate St Ives, or find some good example of abstract art and see if the book had given me more ability to see layers of meaning in the blocks of colour. It certainly feels as if it might.

Rating - 5/5, and I’m going to seek out some more of his books.

Like this? Try: The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai

Posted by Sarah Painter on April 28, 2008 in British Authors, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 18, 2008 11:18 AM

PREVIEW REVIEW: Airhead by Meg Cabot

I was desperate to read Airhead, the first book in Meg Cabot's latest series (yes, another one!), after she said on her blog that when she told her husband what it was about he said, "Meg Cabot, this time you've gone too far." Apart from trying to get *my* husband to call me by my full name, I vowed not to rest until I'd read it.

And while my husband flat out refused to call me "Keris Stainton" at all times, he did shake his head in despair each time he caught me somewhere hiding from the world, reading Airhead and muttering "No way. No way!" and "Meg Cabot's so good. And also mad."

Now I'm determined not to give anything away, so I'm not going to tell you anything about the plot, other than what you can read on the back of the book: Em Watts is a tomboy and secretly in love with her best friend and gaming buddy, Christopher. Em's annoying younger sister, Frida, is a girlie girl who despairs of Em and idolises supermodel Nikki Howard. When Em is forced to accompany Frida to the opening of a new Stark Megastore where both Nikki Howard and hot British singer, Gabriel Luna, will be appearing, Em and Nikki's lives collide in the most startling way.

That's all I'm saying. Except that the idea behind Airhead is so audacious that I actually laughed out loud when I realised what it was.

Oh and I'll also say that I loved it. I loved the characters, the New York setting, and clearly I loved the plot. Cabot's writing is so apparently effortless and convincing that I would cheerfully accept anything she chose to write, no matter how far-fetched.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Split by a Kiss by Luisa Plaja

Posted by Aigua Media on April 18, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5, Series, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (35)

April 17, 2008 8:19 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Further Under The Duvet by Marian Keyes

We adored Marian's first collection of non-fiction essays, Under The Duvet, and I'm pleased to report that Further Under the Duvet is just as warm and funny.

Whether she is talking about her well-documented alcoholism, charity work, feminism, her love of Prada or the Irish air-guitar-playing championships, Marian is adroit and lovely.

As well as journalism (previously published in places like the Guardian and Marie Claire), Further Under Duvet has a small collection of short stories (two of which are previously unpublished) and Mammy Walsh's Problem Page.

A lovely warm hug of a read.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try: Under The Duvet (of course!) by Marian Keyes

Posted by Sarah Painter on April 17, 2008 in Marian Keyes, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Short Story Collections | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 16, 2008 11:17 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Twilight

Reviewed by Amy Sheehan

Twilight is a captivating love story with a twist. Seventeen year old Bella Swan has to go and live with her dad in the small northern town of Forks, and needless to say she’s not exactly thrilled. But her view of the place quickly changes when she meets the beautiful and mysterious Edward Cullen.

Bella soon finds herself swept up in a thrilling mystery as she begins to uncover Edward’s incredible secret: he and his family are vampires! But not just any vampires - good vampires, who try to ignore their overwhelming urge to drink human blood and don’t hunt people. Only snag is, Bella is exactly Edward’s taste in, uhm, blood, and he faces a constant inner battle between wanting to protect her, and his overwhelming desire to sink his teeth into her neck. The plot thickens as Bella soon realises that she has fallen in love with him. But can it ever be safe to love a vampire?

I found myself utterly engrossed in this gorgeously romantic read; it’s a fine mix of romance and adventure, and actually reminded me a bit of the film Titanic, because what starts out as a beautifully tender story of forbidden love becomes, by the end, an exciting race for survival.

Edward is the most swoon-worthy hero I’ve encountered in a long time, and I was just as much in love with him as Bella was. Well, he is the perfect man - what with his supernatural looks, strength, speed and powers - but that all just adds to the fun. Other characters that fascinated me included most of Edward’s family - who all have their own individual histories and personalities - but especially Alice, who can see the future, and Rosalie, although we don’t see much of her.

Though technically a young adult book, this one’s not just for the teenage girls. Anyone with any romance in them will love it; it may be slightly mushy in places, but I personally loved it and finished the novel with a big soppy grin on my face. It’s romantic, surprisingly well-written, and what’s more, a page-turner: I was up late reading, dying to know what would happen.

Twilight is excellent as a stand-alone book (I was very satisfied with the ending), but readers like me who are desperate for more will be happy to know that the story continues in New Moon and Eclipse. If they’re this good, I for one can’t wait to read them.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Accidental Vampire by Lynsay Sands

Posted by Aigua Media on April 16, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5, Series, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (12)

April 14, 2008 12:00 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai

Reviewed by Jennie Hughes

This is a gorgeous book. Desai’s prose is so rich, evocative and quirky that you can feel, see and taste the worlds she describes. Here’s an example:
“In her bed later that evening, Sai lay under a tablecloth, for the last sheets had long worn out. She could sense the swollen presence of the forest, hear the hollow-knuckled knocking of the bamboo, the sound of the jhora that ran deep in the décolleté of the mountain. Batted down by household sounds during the day, it rose at dusk, to sing pure-voiced into the windows.”

Do you see what I mean? You could just eat this book.

I can’t tell you what the plot is because, like Anne Tyler’s books, there isn’t really one. What you get are wonderful characters whose histories are so beautifully told that you feel you know these people and care what happens to them. Their lives are muddled, funny and haphazard, just like our own. They are described with detail and humour which shows the essentially random nature of Life/Fate/Stuff That Happens.

Later in the book, as the chaos caused by the uprising in Kalimpong worsens, the casually callous and cruel nature of poverty, revolution and desperation is also made clear.

There is loss – of home, of savings, of parents, of loved ones – but there is also the return of a son and the possibility, not articulated but hinted at, of some happiness in the future for Gyan and Sai. Life goes on, the world turns, the rain washes roads away and people re-build them, while watching over it all are the eternal Himalayas.

Rating: Definitely 5/5

Like this? Try: The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy 

Posted by Sarah Painter on April 14, 2008 in More On Monday, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (6)

April 9, 2008 10:50 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Kiss Chase by Fiona Walker

Reviewed by Kirsty Greenwood

Often referred to as the "Jilly Cooper of the Cosmo generation", Fiona Walker is renowned for writing novels full of eccentric English characters, twisty plot lines and overt sex scenes. Having previously devoured a couple of her more recent offerings (Lots of Love and Tongue in Cheek), I bought one of her earlier novels, Kiss Chase, to see if it lived up to the others.

Kiss Chase follows the journey of Phoebe "Freddy" Fredericks, an awkward but beautiful twenty-something who is begged by old acquaintance Saskia Seaton to help get revenge on the man who broke her heart - misogynistic womaniser Felix Sylvian.

The plan is for Phoebe to do to Felix what Felix has done to Saskia. Seduce him, get him to fall head over heels in love with her and then maliciously and publicly humiliate and dump him in order to give him a taste of his own medicine.

Initially, I found it difficult to conceive how such a far-fetched scheme could possibly work. Why would shallow model Felix fall for normal girl Phoebe? And why on earth would someone with her head supposedly screwed on get herself embroiled within such a mess? However, Walker does a fantastic job of putting the implausible plot into context by delving into the characters psyche and creating a glamorous, dramatic world in which these sort of schemes are not so bizarre.

In true Fiona Walker fashion, there are numerous intricate sub-plots running alongside the main story, including affairs, celebrity parties and lots of very posh people saying things like "golly" and "shan’t". Each sub-plot twists, turns and ties in so well, that you barely notice the fact that the book is a massive 790 pages long.

Kiss Chase has a real escapist factor about it. It draws you into the kind of glamorous, hedonistic world you sometimes wish you were part of, and whether you love or hate each of the characters, you certainly care about what happens to them.

If you’re after some saucy, amusing and acutely observed story telling, then this one is a real find.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Tongue in Cheek by Fiona Walker

Posted by Keris on April 9, 2008 in British Authors, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

March 31, 2008 10:13 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: Lucky by Alice Sebold

Alice Sebold's memoir of the brutal rape and beating she suffered as an eighteen-year-old college student is something I have been meaning to read for a long time. Knowing it was going to be tough, I kept putting it off, but I am so glad I got round to it in the end...

Yes, it is very hard to read in places, but the majority of the book is about Sebold's (interesting - and a little crazy) family and her triumphant battle to convict the man who raped her.

Sebold writes with amazing honesty and insight. The account of her horrifying attack  is given with terrifying, startling candour and I can only imagine how hard it must have been for Sebold to write it.

She is amazingly brave, not just for the account of the attack, but for honestly recounting the reactions of people to her after the event and her slow recovery.

Lucky is also a book of hope. Sebold survives. She wins against the man in a rape trial and she wins against him by healing and by going on to help others with this important book. Having read and adored The Lovely Bones, I already thought Sebold was an amazing writer - now I believe she is an amazing person, too.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try: The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion

Posted by Sarah Painter on March 31, 2008 in American Authors, Memoirs, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (6)

March 27, 2008 10:02 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Fast Women by Jennifer Crusie

Fast Women is the first Jennifer Crusie I ever read and as such it retains a very special place in my heart.

It's also a fantastic, fast-paced read with some of my Crusie favourite characters. In fact, I've read this book so many times, I have difficulty remembering that they're not real...

Recently divorced, Nell Dysart seeks work at a down-at-heel private investigation firm. Gabe McKenna, the owner, is in need of a secretary to organise his office and Nell is in need of a paycheck.

Nell is feeling decidedly grey after her divorce. She has been so focused on being controlled and grown-up about the break-down of her marriage, she has forgotten her own needs and desires.

Gabe works with his cousin, Riley, but is used to being the boss. He inherited the agency from his father and wants everything to stay exactly the same. Utterly in control, he also feels utterly miserable.

As Nell organises the hell out of the office sparks fly, and Nell, slowly, returns back to life.

Much as I love the romance between Nell and Gabe (and I do), I love the supporting cast and subplots in Fast Women even more. Nell's two best friends are also her ex-sisters-in-law. There's sweet Margie, who obsesses over her china collection, and Suze - a gorgeous blonde with an older-man husband who is continually searching for meaning in her life.

There is also a lovely subplot between Nell's son, Jase, and Gabe's daughter (from his previous marriage) Lu. They have fallen in love and the way they mirror and reinforce the mistakes their parents are making/have made in relationships is brilliantly poignant and funny.

It's a book full of spectacular arguments, dog-napping, mystery, Clarice Cliff pottery, astrology and strong, smart, funny women. What more do you need?

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try: Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie

Posted by Sarah Painter on March 27, 2008 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (12)

March 25, 2008 9:00 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Finding Margo by Susanne O'Leary

Reviewed by Helen Redfern

Margo Hunter feels trapped. Her husband is sitting beside her in the car swearing at her, calling her a half-wit with venom in his voice and she has had enough.  In a split second decision she decides to hitch a lift to Paris, leaving her husband whilst he is sitting waiting his turn for the petrol pump.

Margo and her husband Alan had been driving on the French motorway when he asked her which exit they needed. But Margo hadn’t read the map correctly and Alan goes into his usual rage. This time, however, enough is enough. To be fair, if I had been driving all the way through France and my husband had lost the way I would have been pretty annoyed too. So in that respect I can see where Alan is coming from and I did mentally roll my eyes a little as I assumed what kind of woman I was going to have to read about for the next 400 odd pages.

Realising she is in France with no money, Margo looks for a job and gradually she starts to win me over. I realise she isn’t a silly woman, but one who was driven to taking this drastic action because of the man she was married to. My initial assumptions were incorrect (which is fabulous because it means I didn’t guess the plot of the story straight away). As I found out more about her and see how she reacts to her new employers I began to really enjoy the story. Then I found I couldn’t put the book down. So even though I had the onset of flu I read the book late into the night.

Yes the characters are clichéd. Her employer, a spoilt Comtesse with her two sons, one a playboy, one a career man in high office. Alan, the highly strung husband who puts his career before everything (including his wife) and Gráinne, the earthy Irish woman who offers Margo no-nonsense advice. But I didn’t care about the clichés. I just enjoyed the plot, which had some good twists including a few I didn’t see coming – always a bonus. I enjoyed the well described French setting. I liked the relationship between Margo and The Comtesse. Margo wasn’t put upon but answered her back, with respect of course, and took absolutely no nonsense from the sons. What I liked most though was how Margo came to realise she is actually doing all right on her own. Did she need Alan after all?

So from a slightly nervous start this book surprised me. If I looked hard enough there may be a few faults but the flow of the story didn’t let me see them. It kept me highly entertained (and my mind off the impending flu).

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try When to Walk by Rebecca Gowers

Posted by Aigua Media on March 25, 2008 in Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 12, 2008 9:49 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Helping Me Help Myself by Beth Lisick

I am a self-confessed self-help junkie, so I was really looking forward to reading Beth Lisick's second book, particularly since I'd heard great things about her first, Everybody into the Pool.

Unlike me, Beth is a self-help skeptic, but following the realisation that, at age 37, she was sleeping in a room with plastic sheeting covering a damp patch on the wall, doing a job for which she had to dress up as a banana, and too unfit to keep up with her four-year-old son, she decides self-help can't, well, hurt and so undertakes to examine (and hopefully improve) one area of her life each month for a year.

From Jack Canfield's book The Success Principles to a Richard Simmons weightloss cruise, via (Men are From Mars author) John Gray, The Artists' Way and a parenting book entitled 1-2-3 Magic!, Lisick repeatedly steps out (way out) of her comfort zone.

I approached Helping Me Help Myself expecting to find Lisick disagreeing with or mocking every self-help method she tries, but she really doesn't. She genuinely seems to approach them all (okay, almost all) with a totally open mind. She's charming, funny, enthusiastic and self-deprecating and (and I know I always say this) by the end I felt like we were friends. So much so that I kept thinking of books to recommend to her before remembering that I don't actually know her at all.

Plus it genuinely contains good self-help information while, at the same time, cheerfully (and without malice) exposing the money-making opportunities inherent in the self-help industry. I loved it.

Self-help addict or self-help skeptic, there's something here for everyone. Oh and it'll make you look at Richard Simmons in a totally different way...

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Give it Up! by Mary Carlomagno

Posted by Keris on March 12, 2008 in American Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Self development | Permalink | Comments (1)

March 7, 2008 11:09 AM

PREVIEW REVIEW: Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson

You know how much I love Maureen Johnson - I've raved about her often enough - so I'm sure you appreciate how much I was looking forward to reading Suite Scarlett. So much that I was almost afraid to open it in case it wasn't as good as I thought it would be. I needn't have worried.

15-year-old Scarlett Martin lives, with her family, in New York's Hopewell Hotel. The hotel has been in the Martin family for generations, but things aren't going quite so well. Due to money worries, all of the staff has been let go and so it's down to Scarlett, her sister Lola, brother Spencer and their parents to do everything: from manning the reception desk to cooking, cleaning and looking after guests. The Martins' youngest child, Marlene, doesn't have to do anything - a brush with cancer has left her with a bratty sense of entitlement.

Martin family tradition states that at age 15 each family member is given their own suite, complete with guest, to look after. The jewel in the Hopewell's crown, the Empire Suite, is now Scarlett's responsibility ... as is its latest guest, who plans to stay for the entire summer, Mrs Amy Amberson.

With Lola trying to maintain a relationship with her boyfriend, Chip, in the face of his rich friends' distain; Marlene keeping engagements with the "Powerkids", a group of fellow childhood cancer sufferers; and Spencer getting his last chance at becoming a professional actor before having to give it all up for catering college ... oh and the fact that all of Scarlett's friends are off doing improving activities for the summer ... Scarlett's feeling rather alone.

Luckily (or perhaps not) the formidable Mrs Amberson takes a shine to Scarlett and Scarlett soon finds herself working as her assistant, which involves taking the notes on Mrs Amberson's life story and, um, setting up a fake audition to get revenge on one of her former rivals.

And then there's Eric, who's working with Spencer on an off- (far, far off-) Broadway production of Hamlet and who might just be the most amazing boy Scarlett has ever met.

There's so much more, but my fingers are getting tired and I don't want to spoil anything anyway. Suffice it to say that I absolutely loved Suite Scarlett. The characters are so real, charming and funny. The setting (of course) is wonderful and evocative. I didn't want it to end, but I couldn't stop reading it. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Bermudez Triangle by Maureen Johnson

Posted by Keris on March 7, 2008 in American Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Series, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (1)

March 4, 2008 3:32 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Two Doors Down by Annie McCartney

Reviewed by Helen Redfern

A fabulous looking book, this cover twinkled up to me from my to-be-read pile. I had no idea what it was about, all I had to go on was that cover. But what a delight I found inside.

Marlborough Road is where three households rely on the cleaning (and counselling) services of Sally O’Neill. Sally is what we would have called working class (in days gone by) and the residents of Marlborough Road, middle class. Sally, Miss Black, Clare and Saffron go on a journey where their two classes meet, banishing preconceptions and prejudices on both sides, discovering a friendship they never thought possible.

Clare and her husband Tony have three children, described as free-range, out roaming the lane, with Evie the middle child bent on a rebellious phase towards her mother. Tony seems tied to the work place and isn’t much help.

Saffron is married to the increasingly distant Trevor. A lot older than the vegetarian Buddhist, how will he react to her shocking news? And will he get fed up with her mung bean stews that constantly simmer, stinking the house out?

Then there is Edith Black, a well off retired career lady; she now takes in lodgers (but only a certain class of lodger) at her home. Currently she has Fintan the opera singer and Otis, the rock poet (and waste of space).

What I loved about this book is that its like having a real good nosy around someone else’s house and lives – with no-one even noticing. The pace rattles along and not once was I bored even though it was just a seemingly tame story about the community of Marlborough Road during one particular period in time. McCartney has made some fairly ordinary lives utterly fascinating. A more contemporary Maeve Binchy perhaps (and that is high praise from me as I love Ms Binchy).

I cannot add anymore, I’ll just let the mark out of five speak for itself.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try 31 Dream Street by Lisa Jewell

Posted by Keris on March 4, 2008 in Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 3, 2008 8:01 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Ninth Life of Louis Drax by Liz Jensen

I am a big fan of Liz Jensen. I loved Egg Dancing, Ark Baby and My Dirty Little Book of Stolen Time. Always acerbically funny, some of Jensen's books have been more light-hearted than others: The Ninth Life of Louis Drax is not one of them.

It's a dark, twisted story, with chillingly real characters. But don't let that put you off!

Narrated by nine-year-old coma patient, Louis, and Dannachet, his doctor, the story is both a mystery and a gothic ghost tale.

Despite being attracted to Natalie Drax, Louis' mother, Dannachet begins to question her version of the events that led to Louis' near-fatal fall into a ravine.

Through Louis and his mother, we piece together Louis' personality and life before his fall - he is accident-prone, dysfunctional and sees a therapist - but is this the whole story?

Louis' voice is startlingly original and utterly compelling. This book stayed with me long after I closed it and I urge you to give it a whirl.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon

Posted by Sarah Painter on March 3, 2008 in British Authors, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 27, 2008 12:43 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella

Reviewed by Deborah Riccio

It's not the waking up in hospital that freaks out Lexi Smart. It's the fact that she's got nails to die for, porcelain veneers, a glossy mane of hair, a Louis Vuitton handbag, she's Manager of a whole department ... and, oh yes, she's married to a drop-dead gorgeous millionaire husband.

The only drawback she can see is that she's aged three years.  But then so has her mother and (not-so-now) little sister.

How the hell did all that happen?

And what happened to the last three years?

As she begins to read the Marriage Manual written by her practically perfect husband, Lexi begins to wonder whether she will ever miss her crooked teeth, frizzy hair, loser boyfriend, crappy job and poverty-lifestyle. Ah� and her best friends and co-workers who now seem to quite simply hate her.

What has she done? What�s happened? Who is that great-looking guy in the black jeans? And why can�t she find any bread or crisps when she so desperately needs them?

The incomparable Sophie Kinsella's latest stand-alone novel is an utterly believable suspended-belief story with endearingly drawn characters which I defy anyone not to want to devour in one sitting. From the first page you'll feel a part of Lexi's life and be urging her to find the answers she so passionately needs to start piecing together her missing years.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Forget About It by Caprice Crane

Posted by Keris on February 27, 2008 in British Authors, Rating: 5/5, Sophie Kinsella | Permalink | Comments (9)

February 22, 2008 4:52 PM

PREVIEW REVIEW: Split By A Kiss by Luisa Plaja

Occasional Trashionista reviewer Luisa Plaja's first novel is out at the beginning of March (on the 6th, World Book Day, in fact). Luisa was my first crit partner a few years ago and while I'm still beavering away on the same book, Luisa's gone and got published. But I'm not bitter. No, I'm really not. Because Luisa is lovely and Split by a Kiss is wonderful.

It's the story of Jo who moves to America with her mum and soon finds herself kissing the school hunk during a session of Seven Minutes in Heaven. When Jo has mixed feelings about Jake's attentions - on the one hand he's hot and he seems to like her, on the other he's groping her and he barely knows her - she splits into two: Josie the Cool and Jo the Nerd.

The rest of the book alternates between Josie's and Jo's experiences. While Jo befriends school misfits, Rachel and David, Josie is sucked into the cool crowd, led by Chelsea, but the beauty of this book is that neither Josie nor Jo are stereotypes. Both of their paths show that there's no "right" way to be. Except for being yourself, that is.

But will Jo ever get to be herself again? You'll have to read it to find out. And, since Split by a Kiss is funny, inspiring, original, moving and sweet, you're in for a treat.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Me vs Me by Sarah Mlynowski

Posted by Keris on February 22, 2008 in British Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (5)

February 19, 2008 2:01 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Waiting for Birdy by Catherine Newman

Have you ever fallen in love with a book? So in love that you just couldn't stop reading it. Or, if you had to stop, you'd be thinking about it and rushing to get things done so you could get back to it? That was me with Catherine Newman's Waiting for Birdy last weekend. (In fact, my husband was getting annoyed that I was talking more about Catherine's son, Ben, than our own son!)

Taken from Catherine's Babycentre blog, it's the story of gorgeous 3-year-old Ben and Catherine's mixed feelings about being pregnant with her second child, Birdy (don't worry, they didn't christen her that). Nothing dramatic or tragic (thankfully) happens, it's just the story of a family or, as the cover puts it "a year of frantic tedium, neurotic angst, and the wild magic of growing a family".

It's just a gorgeous book. It made me cry (repeatedly). It made me laugh (a lot). And sometimes it made me laugh until I cried.

Later that evening, we were all in the car together and a Cole Porter song came on. After we told him that it was called " 'S Wonderful" and that it was Ella Fitzgerald singing, Ben was silent for a while. "Like at the zoo?" he finally ventured, and Michael shot me a questioning look. "Like what?" I asked. "Like at the zoo. Like Elephants Gerald?"

Catherine articulates every single thing I've ever felt about motherhood. How joyful it is. How painful it is. How everything - everything - is bittersweet.

And the best thing is that, now I've finished the book, I've still got years' worth of blog posts to read! Highly, highly, recommended.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Mama Lama Ding Dong by Ayun Halliday

Posted by Keris on February 19, 2008 in American Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 18, 2008 1:44 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: For One More Day by Mitch Albom

Mitch Albom wrote Tuesdays With Morrie and The Five People You Meet In Heaven. For One More Day is the story of Charley 'Chick' Benetto a baseball player who spent six-weeks at the World Series and the next twenty years trying to relive the glory days.

He ends up drinking too much, alienating his family, and eventually trying to kill himself. On this darkest of days, something miraculous happens to Charley - he gets one more day with his mother (who died eight years previously). It's the fantasy of anyone who has lost a loved one; Charley  gets to say the things he regretted not saying and just, well, spend one more day...

Like Alexander McCall Smith and Anne Tyler, Mitch Albom has the gift of keen observation coupled with beautiful storytelling. These writers know that the essential truths of human existence are too damn big; we need to view them through the small details of ordinary people and ordinary lives.

In the capable hands of Albom, Charley's story is told with a simplicity that borders on poetry and a kindness that can make you weep. I read it in one tearful sitting and I urge you to do the same.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try: Digging To America by Anne Tyler

Posted by Sarah Painter on February 18, 2008 in American Authors, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 13, 2008 11:31 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Vampires Are Forever by Lynsay Sands

Reviewed by Angela Richardson

Vampires Are Forever is the sequel to The Accidental Vampire - one of the Argeneau vampire novels by Lynsay Sands. This book is the latest in her series and provides just as much entertainment as her last one.

Inez Urso has worked hard to get to the top of her profession, but her social life has suffered as a consequence. When she is called out to baby-sit Thomas Argeneau she begins to have doubts about her whole career. After all the whole Argeneau family that she is employed by seem to have an allergic reaction to the sun, excellent night vision, and not much appetite for food. Plus Thomas has just tried to bite her neck… but maybe that was just a sign of passion.

Thomas on the other hand, has been waiting forever for a woman like Inez… well, if not forever, at least two hundred years. She’s the most beautiful woman he’s seen in centuries. He couldn’t resist the temptation of just one little bite. Now Thomas will do anything to convince her that only an immortal like him can make her happy.

Yet again this is a great romantic comedy with a large dash of fantasy. The mystery of the missing grandmother that they have to solve adds a lot more depth and tension to this book than her previous novels and as a result this was very gripping. However, Sands never loses the humour in her stories, which makes this book an irresistible combination.

She has also ended this book on a bit of a cliffhanger that is apparently the main plot of the next in the series (although I’ve only read the sneak preview at the end of the book). I’m afraid if you start reading the Argeneau series you’ll be addicted, but it’ll pass many a rainy afternoon, as there are quite a few books for you to catch up on. Plus unlike many it doesn’t really matter what order you read them in.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Accidental Vampire by Lynsay Sands

Posted by Keris on February 13, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5, Series, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (4)

February 12, 2008 12:04 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Midori By Moonlight by Wendy Nelson Tokunaga

I know I'm shallow, but I was mainly attracted to Midori By Moonlight because of the cover: moonlight, cupcakes and a cute outfit on the illustration! Also I love the title and the book is set in San Francisco, one of my favourite cities.

Fortunately, the book is just as cute as its cover. Midori moves from Japan to marry Kevin, an American she met out there. Unfortunately, Kevin reignites an old flame at his and Midori's engagement party, leaving Midori both heart-broken and stuck in San Francisco without a visa.

Desperate not to return to Japan - obsessed with US culture, Midori had planned to stay in San Francisco forever - Midori calls a Japanese friend of Kevin's, Shinji/Sean, who, as luck would have it, needs a room-mate.

Midori still has the problem of finding a job without a visa. She wants to be a pastry chef, but soon resorts to working in a "hostess bar". And of course she can't tell her parents - not about the lack of a wedding, the living with a strange man, and certainly not her job - they never wanted her to go to the US in the first place (although they did want her to get married and had been in the process of arranging a marriage for her when she met Kevin).

I loved this book. More like a fairy story than a realistic portrayal of the illegal immigrant experience (I doubt many illegal immigrants have it as easy as Midori), it's charming, sweet, funny and gripping and Midori is lovely and I was rooting for her from page one. Plus there's San Francisco, cupcakes and moonlight. I can't wait to read Wendy Nelson Tokunaga's next book.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Perfectly True Tales of a Perfect Size 12 by Robin Gold

Posted by Keris on February 12, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 11, 2008 5:22 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Seeing Me Naked by Liza Palmer

I've already mentioned how much I love the US cover (shown) of Liza Palmer's Seeing Me Naked, so you can imagine how excited I was to receive the US version for review (it's not out in the UK until 20 March).

Elisabeth Page lives in the shadow of her legendary novelist father, Ben Page, and hip literary adonis brother, Rascal.

Trying desperately to avoid comparisons with her stellar family, she carves her own successful career as a head pastry chef at a top LA restaurant. Naturally, this isn't up to her father's exacting standards, and even Elisabeth has started to wonder what happened to her five-year-plan to start her own patisserie.

Elisabeth feels both trapped and safe in a life that she orders with military precision. Still, there isn't enough routine in the world to protect Elisabeth from herself and she finds that fearing her father and craving his approval is a hangover from childhood that just won't go away.

Then, she meets Daniel Sullivan. A beer-drinking basketball coach who, most certainly, will not meet her family's expectations. Can she let herself fall for this kind, loving man? Can she drop the smart-talking, hyper-critical Elisabeth and let Daniel know - and love - the real her?

Sharp, witty and with a convincing, captivating, cast of characters, Seeing Me Naked is a fantastic read. I hope Liza Palmer is a workaholic like Elisabeth, as I can't wait to read her next book...

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try: Heartburn by Nora Ephron

Posted by Sarah Painter on February 11, 2008 in American Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 7, 2008 1:39 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Half Life of Stars by Louise Wener

Claire's overachieving older brother walks out of his office and out of his life. Daniel is married, rich and successful, but one day near to Christmas he simply disappears into thin air.

Claire, who is not making a conspicuous success of her own life, is convinced she understands Daniel best and sets out to look for him.

Set between in Miami and London, in both the past and the present, The Half Life of Stars explores a dysfunctional family, long-burried secrets and the nature of happiness and loss.

As Claire searches for her lost brother, she discovers more about herself and her family and the steps which have taken her to this point in her life.

It's packed with genuinely interesting and original characters and pick-your-jaw-up-from-the-floor fabulous dialogue. In fact, Wener has such a brilliant ear for the American dialogue, I'm going to go ahead and compare her to Elmore Leonard.

The Half Life of Stars is quirky and funny and fast-paced as well as thoughtful, layered and literary. Quite a feat!

Rating: 5/5

Like this only YA? Try: Looking For Alaska by John Green

Posted by Sarah Painter on February 7, 2008 in British Authors, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 5, 2008 8:55 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Accidental Vampire by Lynsay Sands

Reviewed by Angela Richardson

The Accidental Vampire is one of the Argeneau series of vampire books by Lynsay Sands. She is understandably a New York Times bestselling author as her books are always of the same high standard and are run away enjoyable reads.

Elvi Black has been sleeping in a coffin, staying out of the sun and has given up garlic and food, ever since an accident turned her into a vampire. She’s had to rely on watching Dracula for her tips on how to survive; after all, her mortal friends aren’t going to be read up on proper biting etiquette. But her neighbours are worried about her getting lonely and so place a personal ad for her in the local paper. She never imagined that she’d meet Victor Argeneau, a vampire that could have his pick of any women – dead or alive.

Rich and powerful, Victor’s the perfect man for a novice vampire like Elvi. He’s willing to teach her everything he knows, but he’ll have to do it fast. Someone’s out to put a stake through her new vamp life and only Victor can keep her safe for all eternity.

Lynsay Sands never disappoints, her books always stand out on their own so you don’t have to read her series in order. Don’t be put off by the mention of vampires; underneath it all is an old fashioned romantic comedy that you can’t fail to enjoy. Even though the plot is sometimes a bit thin, this book isn’t really about the plot. The characters and how they relate to each other are what really makes this book work. This was a really fast paced read and is pure escapism that’s guaranteed to make your lazy Sunday speed by… or perhaps that’s just me being really indulgent!

Wherever you read this you’re in for a great ride.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Happy Hour at Casa Dracula by Marta Acosta

Posted by Keris on February 5, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5, Series, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (4)

February 4, 2008 11:08 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Undercover by Beth Kephart

This is her first book for young adults by National Book Award nominee, Beth Kephart. I admit I was a bit intimidated to read this because the whole National Book Award thing made me think of "Literature" and I thought Undercover might be too serious for my tastes. Yes, it's serious. But it's also sweet, charming, sad,  beautiful and ... just flat-out wonderful. ("Just flat-out wonderful" - do you think that's what the National Book Award folks said about Ms Kephart?)

Anyway, it's the story of Elisa who writes love notes for boys to give to the objects of their affection, but isn't so lucky in love herself. Her mother and sister are like two perfect peas in a pod, but Elisa is much more like her father. Her father who is working in San Francisco and who may not ever come home.

Things begin to change for Elisa when, first, she discovers a frozen pond (complete with an underwater
statue of a girl reading a book), and then Theo Moses asks her to write a love note for Lila, the most popular girl in the school. Even after Theo has won Lila, he persists in hanging around Elisa, but she has no idea why. Surely he can't like her?

Whether writing poetry, skating, talking to Theo, missing her father, or worrying about her parents' marriage, Elisa is ... I was about to write "sweet" then, but then I let out a huge sigh. She's not "sweet". She's lovely, but she's also wise and sad and full of repressed emotion*. I loved her and wanted everything to work out for her.

Read this beautiful book to see if it does.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Bloom by Elizabeth Scott

*Have you ever watched David Duchovny's show, Californication? I can see the daughter, Becca, as Elisa.

Posted by Keris on February 4, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (8)

January 29, 2008 1:37 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Princess Diaries To the Nines by Meg Cabot

I opened the cover of To the Nines - the ninth (unsurprisingly) book in The Princess Diaries series - and read "Oh, and Michael, the love of [Mia's] life, has dumped her." Noooooooo! I was so devastated that I almost didn't want to read the book. Of course that feeling lasted all of five seconds and soon I was as engrossed in Mia's life as ever.

If you remember, at the end of After Eight, Michael headed off to Japan to work on a research project, leaving Mia devastated. The loss of her first love has sent Mia into a depression and matters aren't helped by the fact that her best friend (and Michael's sister) Lilly, isn't speaking to her. Mia's not stuck for friends, of course - she's got Tina Hakim Baba and, inexplicably, Lana Weingarten also wants to hang out with her. No Michael or Lilly? Hanging out with Lana? It's like Bizarro World!

On top of her personal struggles, Mia has to deal with the prospect of giving a Grandmere-mandated speech to a secretive and all-powerful women's group and deal with the cowboy (literally) therapist her father is making her visit. All this while she's missing Michael terribly. Of course, there's always JP (aka The Guy Who Hates It When They Put Corn In the Chilli) to make her feel a little better about everything...

I loved this book, of course. Mia is forced to address some issues about herself and her friends and to grow up a bit. I don't want her to grow up, because the sooner she does, the sooner this glorious series will come to an end (in fact, the next book is the last - nooooooo!), but Cabot handles all of Mia's challenges so brilliantly that you can't complain.

This book, with its focus on depression and, fabulously, the differences between a constitutional and absolute monarchy (which I didn't understand until reading this book - what did they teach me at school anyway?!), is the most mature and feminist Princess Diaries book so far.

Like the Harry Potter series, I can see how events in this book foreshadow what's going to happen in the last and I can't wait to read it (except that I don't want to since then there won't be any more ... it's a hard life, being a booklover...).

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Boy Book by E Lockhart

Posted by Keris on January 29, 2008 in American Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Series, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (14)

January 28, 2008 12:04 PM

MORE ON MONDAY & COMPETITION: The Greatest Freelance Writing Tips in the World by Linda Jones

Full disclosure: Linda Jones has been one of my mentors as I changed career from administrator in corporate recovery and personal insolvency (hello? still awake?) to freelance journalist, so I knew in advance just how straight-talking, down to earth and exceedingly useful this book was going to be.

Linda's been a journalist for 20 years and has not only worked as a freelance, but also in newspapers, magazines, online media and PR, so these tips cover writing across the board and from both sides of the fence (I don't think there's a chapter about mixing metaphors, unfortunately).

Find out how you can win a copy over the cut.

This book covers everything you could need to know - from the business side of freelancing (invoicing, copyright and legal matters) to the fun stuff (interviewing, researching and actually writing).

Linda is generous with her advice, but at the same time she doesn't mollycoddle and that's what I liked the most about this book. Yes, it's encouraging and enlightening, but it's also realistic about your chances of making it as a freelancer, which, as I know from experience, will be vastly increased by learning from Linda.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Career Helium by David Thompson

For your chance to win a copy of The Greatest Freelance Writing Tips in the World, please email us at editor @ trashionista . com (take out the spaces) with "Tips" in the subject line and your name and address in the body of the email (so we can send you the book!). Closing date 4 February 2008.

Posted by Keris on January 28, 2008 in British Authors, Competition, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Self development | Permalink | Comments (4)

January 22, 2008 1:06 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Amazing Adventures of Dietgirl by Shauna Reid

I've only just started reading Shauna Reid's wonderful blog - The Amazing Adventures of Dietgirl - so I was keen to read the book version and catch up on everything I'd missed over the past seven years!

In 2001, after seeing a gigantic pair of her knickers on the washing line, Shauna decided it was time to go to WeightWatchers ... where she discovered to her horror that her weight had crept up to 25 stone. Knowing that she really needed to lose a significant amount of weight, Shauna came up with an online fat-busting alter-ego  ... Dietgirl!

For years, Shauna kept her identity a secret, while blogging about dieting, exercising, her struggle with depression and, eventually, travelling with her sister from Australian to Scotland, where her life was to change even more dramatically.

By the end of the book I felt like I knew Shauna and I was so proud of what she'd achieved, not just physically, but emotionally too. This book is a real journey and I didn't want it to end (although I'm glad it did, for Shauna's sake!).

Shauna writes honestly and movingly about her struggles, but she's also very funny. I think you'd enjoy this book even if you've never had any problem with your weight, but if you do have weight issues, I have no doubt you'll find it incredibly motivating and inspiring. I've been losing and regaining the same two stone for about fifteen years now, but Shauna has definitely changed the way I think about weightloss (for the better - just to be clear!).

I loved this book so much that I really can't recommend it highly enough.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Pretty Fat by Jen Lancaster (when it comes out!)

Posted by Keris on January 22, 2008 in Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Self development | Permalink | Comments (5)

January 18, 2008 10:59 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Bloom by Elizabeth Scott

I've raved about the gorgeous cover of Elizabeth Scott's Bloom before, but just look at it! So pretty! So pretty, in fact, that it made me almost giddy with anticipation to read the contents. Fortunately, the I loved the inside just as much as the outside.

17-year-old Lauren has a perfect boyfriend in Dave, everyone thinks so. But perfect isn't necessarily exciting and Lauren's not sure they're right for each other. Except that Dave is popular and before she was with Dave, Lauren was anonymous, now she's Dave's girlfriend. And she's fine with it. Until Evan Kirkland turns up in one of her classes.

Evan isn't cool or popular, but he is charismatic, sexy and mysterious and Lauren finds she can't stop thinking about him.

While Lauren's trying to understand her feelings for Evan (and lack of feeling for Dave), she's also struggling to cope with her relationship with her father. He works all the time and they barely talk anymore. Plus Lauren's mother walked out when Lauren was six and hasn't been heard from since. And then there's her best friend Katie who has family problems of her own.

I loved everything about this book. Everything. Lauren is sweet, Evan is gorgeous, and the family problems suffered by practically every character were heartbreaking. It's not a sad book, though, in fact it's sweet and rather thrilling (mostly because I developed a huge crush on Evan, despite the fact that I'm 36 and he's 17 ... and fictional).

I can't wait to read Elizabeth Scott's next book.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Sloppy Firsts by Megan McCafferty

Posted by Keris on January 18, 2008 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Rating: 5/5, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (7)

January 11, 2008 11:20 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Sea Fever by Sarah Mason

Reviewed by Helen Redfern

Sea Fever is a stonking great read of a novel showing the glamour, drama and sheer hard work of sailing and the renowned race the America’s Cup.

At this point I should stress I know nothing at all about sailing. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. But that doesn’t matter as you don’t have to in order to read this book.

We are introduced to the characters of Erica ‘Inky’ Pencarrow, Fabian Beaufort, John ‘Mack’ MacGregor and Rafe Louvel. With great supporting characters from Custard, Hattie, Milly, Bee, Saffron…infact the list is (almost) endless. There are also a few ‘baddies’ notably the ruthless billionaire Henry Luter and the callous Jason Bryant. It all makes for a superb cast list (which handily is included at the front of the book just in case you get a little confused!).

As with many sports, sailing is dominated by men. Inky is determined to become a world class sailor and pull herself out of the shadow of her older brothers and gain her father’s approval. Her ultimate dream is to represent Britain in the America’s Cup. Fabian is disgraced from the sport and has found his sailing friends have all disappeared. His sailing career looks decidedly bleak. Rafe, used to sailing around the world with his father, is spotted by Mack (a fantastic sailor who many believe has now ‘lost it’) and persuaded to come and work for him.

In a twist of fate an opportunity presents itself to Mack. He starts to put together a British crew. A woman, a former druggie and someone who has never raced before. Confirmation, if any more were needed, that he had finally lost the plot.

This was a thrilling, engaging read. It isn’t just about the romance. Yes there is plenty of that. But it is the heartache and the drama, the funny bits and the sheer emotion that jumps off every page.

I am racking my brains to find something I didn’t like about this book. But I can’t. At no point whilst reading did I feel anything was wrong. I was just swept away. Even the racing terminology didn’t put me off. I read through her descriptions of tacking and spinnakers as though I had been reading about them all my life.  My heart was in my mouth as I willed the crew on just as if I were a spectator watching the race on the shore.

I cared about each person on board the boat as their lives changed. Yes some of the plot was a little predictable. But other bits weren’t and there were enough twists and turns to keep me guessing.

One of my favourite bits was what becomes of Inky in the epilogue. A strong inspirational woman if I ever saw one.

Fabulous.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Still Summer by Jacquelyn Mitchard

Posted by Keris on January 11, 2008 in British Authors, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (2)

January 10, 2008 6:59 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The River King by Alice Hoffman

Like Diane, I loved The Ice Queen. The River King is an older Alice Hoffman book and it's just as good.

The story centres on an elite private boarding school built on the banks of the Haddan River, Massachusetts. For more than a century, the small town of Haddan has been divided; those born and bred in the town on one side, and those attending the school on the other.

Then, one winter's night, a student of the school is found drowned in the river and the two worlds collide.

Hoffman's prose is spell-binding, and she describes a gothic, haunted world that is like our own, but seems timeless.

Her characters are mesmerising, too. From the ill-fated student and school misfit, August Pierce and his only friend Carlin Leander, to Abel Grey, the police officer who refuses to let Haddan history - and the school's power - maintain silence.

The plot builds into a murder mystery intertwined with a love story. And there's a ghost, too. It is the mark of a truly great writer that these elements seem utterly at home together.

The River King is Hoffman at her very best: atmospheric and lyrical prose, layered with magic and passion and mystery.

Like this? Try: The Ice Queen by Alice Hoffman.

Posted by Sarah Painter on January 10, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

January 9, 2008 11:07 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Bitter Chocolate by Lesley Lokko

Previous Trashionista editors Gemma and Jenni loved Lesley Lokko's first two books, Sundowners and Saffron Skies, so I was keen to read her third, Bitter Chocolate, although slightly concerned because it's over 500 pages long!

Spanning decades and continents, it's the story of three women: Ameline, Laure and Melanie. Laure and Ameline have grown up together in Haiti, while Melanie was raised in London, the financially spoiled but emotionally neglected daughter of an aging rock star.

Ameline was taken into Laure's family as a "reste avec" - literally "stay with" - a poor child kept by a rich family as a companion to their own child (i.e. Laure). Now the girls are grown up, Ameline is little better than a servant to Laure's grandmother, but she and Laure love each other like sisters. Laure's mother, Belle, is living in Chicago, apparently in disgrace after giving birth to the dark-skinned Laure (skin shade being important in the Haiti society to which they belong).

When Laure herself becomes pregnant she is sent to the US to her mother, where she finds that her fantasies of Belle (whom she barely remembers) are painfully and dramatically far from the reality...

Once Laure has gone, Ameline realises there's no reason for her to stay and gets a job in a crumbling hotel. There she meets British travel writer, Iain who is fascinated by this strong and plucky foreigner, who neither knows her age nor even her surname. When Haiti's social and political problems reach fever pitch, Iain passes Ameline off as his wife and takes her home to Malvern...

And Melanie? After trying to seduce her stepfather, she is banished to LA where she falls in love with a major league drug dealer. Clearly, that's never going to end well...

I don't want to say anything more about the plot because I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but suffice to say the above is probably less than a quarter of the book. The women travel between England, the US, Haiti and Ghana, their paths crossing and their lives changing frequently and dramatically.

I loved all of the characters and found it incredibly difficult to put the book down. It was the kind of book that I couldn't stop reading, but didn't want to end. It's intelligent, moving, gripping, warm and brilliantly written. I know the characters - particular Laure and Ameline - will stay with me and I'm now desperate to read Lesley Lokko's other two books. (A great start to the year's reading!)

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Sundowners by Lesley Lokko

Posted by Keris on January 9, 2008 in New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (6)

January 7, 2008 4:24 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Courage to Write by Ralph Keyes

Sub-titled, 'How Writers Transcend Fear', The Courage to Write is not a conventional writing handbook. It doesn't cover point-of-view, grammar, or matters of style. If you are after a nuts-and-bolts guide to plotting or character, you need to look elsewhere.

However, if (like me) you often feel overwhelmed by feelings of inadequacy, if your hands tremble with the sheer size and scope of the task ahead, if, in short, you want to write, but find yourself resisting the process with all your might, then this book is for you.

In fact, I'll go further. Although specific to writing, I think Keyes' book is helpful  for all creative types. The act of creating something - of putting your ideas, feelings, dreams into something outside of yourself, something tangible, something that can be seen by others, is an act of courage.

The real beauty of this book is that it uses lots of examples and quotes from established (and renowned) writers. The first time I read it, I discovered that every thought and feeling I had about my own writing had been experienced by someone else. And not just any old people, either; gifted, successful writers.

This is both encouraging and depressing. It's great to think that one is normal, but rather distressing  to discover that there is no magic cure.

Still, as I face the coming week of work, I am buoyed by the thought that although writing is a solitary business I am, by no means, alone.

Related posts: The Writing Diet | See Jane Write

Posted by Sarah Painter on January 7, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5, Self development | Permalink | Comments (2)

January 2, 2008 11:43 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Growing Pains by Billie Piper

Yes, I know it's ridiculous a 23-year-old writing an autobiography, but Billie Piper has packed more into her 23 years than many people do in a lifetime.

In case you don't know her, Billie became a pop star at age 15. The record company wanted her to be a British Madonna and, while that didn't quite work out, she did have three very successful and, according to this book, gruelling years as a popstar.

I'd be lying if I said that, before picking this book up, I wasn't mostly interested to read about her marriage to Chris Evans (a British TV presenter and DJ who Billie married when she was 18 and he was 34), but I found the whole rise to fame section and even the chapters about her childhood (which can sometimes be a bit tedious *cough*Gary Barlow*cough*) absolutely fascinating. Clearly precocious, Billie was still forced to grow up too fast (once she signed her record deal, she lived alone in a London hotel - aged 15!).

Reading the book, I was thrilled when Chris Evans turned up because I knew that Billie's life was about to become considerably better. Suffering from anorexia, exhaustion and, by the sound of it, a bit of a drug issue too (which she, oddly considering the honesty of the rest of the book, glosses over), she met Chris and, before they'd even been on an official date, he turned up at her door with (famously) the keys to a Ferrari filled with roses and a marriage proposal.

From then on, Billie's next few years passed in marital bliss. They (again, famously) travelled the world together (getting drunk, gaining weight and barely bothering even to brush their hair) and then moved into Chris's cottage. At which point, I became quite envious. Their life just sounded gorgeous. Baking cakes, hanging out, travelling whenever they wanted to, and never having to worry about work. But, of course, that couldn't last.

Billie wanted to try acting, which had always been her first love and, once she got the part of Rose Tyler in the newly revived (and now incredibly successful) Dr Who, her marriage broke down and her "third act" - as an actress (first was "singer", second was "wife") began. (If you keep up with celebrity gossip - and you know I do - you'll know that on New Year's Eve Billie married again.)

As you might be able to tell from my slightly over-excited review, reading this book I fell completely in love with Billie. She's funny, honest, sensible, charming and inspiring. And she's still only 23. Good grief. It is a cracking good read though. I read it on a seven hour car journey to London (don't worry, I wasn't driving!) and was extremely put out when it got too dark to read with only a couple of chapters to go. Put your preconceived notions aside and give it a go. Highly recommended!

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try My Take by Gary Barlow

Posted by Keris on January 2, 2008 in British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

December 24, 2007 10:23 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

We loved Khaled Hosseini's debut, The Kite Runner, so I couldn't wait to read A Thousand Splendid Suns. It's another fabulous title and another story set in Afghanistan. However, it is a far darker book.

While The Kite Runner was by no means an easy read, A Thousand Splendid Suns, with portions set during the Taliban's rule and its focus, this time, on female characters, is harrowing.

There were parts that - despite Hosseini's evocative, musical prose - I almost skim read, as if watching a film from between my fingers. And, I must warn you, the second half of the book was mostly read through a veil of tears, tears that dripped off my chin as I raced through the narrative, desperate to find out if Laila, Mariam and Aziza would be all right.

With extreme domestic violence, persecution, war, and death, it would be so easy to fall into a 'everything is terrible' mind set, but Hosseini's storytelling and his vivid characters remind you of goodness in the midst of horror, the hope - and beauty - of the country,  and the indefinable, indefatigable, inspirational human spirit.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 24, 2007 in More On Monday, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

December 21, 2007 9:09 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Size Doesn't Matter by Meg Cabot

After reading on Meg Cabot's blog that her third Heather Wells mystery, Size Doesn't Matter (or Big Boned if you hail from the States!) was finally out in the UK, I could hardly contain my excitement.

Former pop star Heather Wells has returned - well, kind of. She still works as a residence hall officer in Fischer Hall (nicknamed 'Death Dorm' for its recent spate of grisly murders), dealing with fussy students and her mismatched bunch of colleagues.

But if there's one thing Heather's totally sure of, it's that she loves her job...even if she IS unsure about her relationship with her math professor Tad, her feelings for landlord Cooper, and of course, her latest diet.

Yep, her job is great...even if her boss has just been shot in the head in his office.

Cue another mystery for past teen queen Heather to try and solve. As the media gets involved due to a union strike in the renowned residence hall, Heather quickly gets on the case to try and figure out just who might be behind this one.

Add to that Tad's recent announcement of "I need to ask you something when the timing's right", her ex-boyfriend Jordan Cartwright's (remember the former boyband member?) latest announcement, and a new job proposal from her dad, and Heather's life just might be getting a little bit busy...

Will Heather Wells, former singing sensation and new girl detective, be able to find out just who shot her boss?

And will we get to see Heather walk down the aisle? (Altogether now: "Eeeee!")

This is the third novel in the Heather Wells series, following Size 12 is Not Fat and Size 14 is Not Fat Either. Personally, I think this might just be the best in the series, albeit a seemingly quicker read than the others. But truly? They're all brilliant. Heather, despite being a former pop princess, is a down-to-earth, funny character who's instantly lovable and easy to relate to. I'd advise you to read the other two books in the series first, although it's pretty easy to follow up and Meg's witty writing style is as fabulous as always.

But I have to say, there is one heck of a downside to this book.

It's so addictive, I read it in a day.

Thankfully, all is not lost - Queen of Babble in the Big City, another follow-up offering from the wonderful Meg, will be out in paperback in March.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Ex Factor by Andrea Semple

Posted by Danielle Symonds-Yemm on December 21, 2007 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Series | Permalink | Comments (5)

December 14, 2007 10:34 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Hopscotch & Handbags by Lucy Mangan

I love Lucy Mangan's columns for The Guardian newspaper, so I was keen to read her first book, Hopscotch & Handbags: The Essential Guide to Being a Girl and it was just as good as I expected.

In her typical hilariously dry style, Mangan looks at all aspects of what it means to be female. From early days at preschool, via senior school's obsessive collecting of stickers, keyrings and erasers (called "rubbers" when we were at school, but not any more), to living with a man (and explaining to him - at exhaustive length - why sausages are not actually a health food), motherhood and more.

Like sex, hair and beauty, exercise and health, friendship, working, and dealing with your mother.

Sometimes (and you'll probably already be aware of this if you've read her columns) Mangan has a tendency to be excessively verbose (she says with excessive, er, verbosity) and occasionally I found myself scanning a little to get to the point, but when I finished the book I still longed for more. Plus at least twice I literally laughed until I cried (once was in public and it was rather embarrassing).

Hopscotch & Handbags is one of those books you'll read out over the phone to your friends. Buy it for every woman you know (although, on second thoughts, maybe not your mum...).

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try How to Bring Up Your Parents by Emma Kennedy or My Fat, Mad Teenage Diary by Rae Earl

Posted by Keris on December 14, 2007 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (2)

December 10, 2007 2:18 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: Exit Music by Ian Rankin

Lovers of fascinating, intelligent crime fiction mourned the news that Exit Music was to be the final Rebus novel in the series. But, oh, what a send off.

The plot is complex with a mystery that leaves you guessing right to the end. A Russian poet has been murdered in Kings Stable Road, and, true to form, DI Rebus is soon annoying his superiors and making enemies by rattling the cages of Edinburgh's high and mighty.

It looks as if the murder may have connections with politicians, big business and even Rebus's nemesis - Edinburgh gangster Big Ger Cafferty.

Exit Music can't have been an easy book to write; tying up enough loose ends to be satisfying, while avoiding maudlin sentimentality or simple answers, but Rankin makes it look effortless.

This is one of the best Rebus books I have read (and I've read 'em all) and one I think will bear re-visiting. The relationship between Cafferty and Rebus is brilliantly drawn; both men older, maybe a little wiser, certainly more cautious. The parallels between the characters are handled with subtlety, adding depth and understanding.

Sioban Clarke, Rebus's partner, is as convincing and engaging as ever. Rankin has left the door wide open for Sioban to take centre stage, but we don't know as yet whether she will.

I salute Ian Rankin for this crowning achievement, and I raise a glass of malt to DI John Rebus. Thanks for the memories...

Rating: 5/5

Like this: Try: Any and all of the previous Rebus novels.

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 10, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Crime / Mystery, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: The Bermudez Triangle by Maureen Johnson

Maureen Johnson's second novel, The Bermudez Triangle, was famously banned by a school library in Oklahoma. Why? Lesbian content. I know! In a young adult book! Whatever next? Is it shocking and likely to corrupt our teenagers? Is it heck!

When Nina Bermudez goes attends a college study program during the summer, her best friends and the other two sides of the triangle (I wanted to say "titular triangle" there, but I thought, given the whole banning thing, I'd better not), Avery and Melanie don't know how they're going to manage without her. But before too long, they find that they're interested in being more than friends and soon they're managing just fine.

At Stanford, Nina's coping without them too. She's met a boy, Steve, and fallen madly in love. But, of course, summer doesn't last forever and soon Nina's back home. And not only is she missing Steve terribly, she's also finding her friends don't want her around so much anymore. And soon she finds out why.

The Bermudez Triangle is relentlessly entertaining, sensitive, sweet and wise, with one of the cutest supporting characters in the girls male friend, Parker. All three girls are beautifully drawn and their issues are neither sensationalised nor treated tritely. Of course,  it's not just about young lady love (what?), it's also about growing up and finding your own identity and place in the world. Universal themes, in other words. All teenagers should read this book. Yes, even those in Oklahoma.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Forever in Blue by Ann Brashares

Posted by Keris on December 10, 2007 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (6)

December 7, 2007 10:30 AM

BOOK REVIEW - The Second Virginity of Suzy Green by Sara Hantz

Reviewed by Luisa Plaja

When Suzy moves to a new town after the death of her perfect older sister, she decides it's time to create a new identity for herself. She's going to get top grades, stop getting into trouble at school, take out her tongue stud, join the virginity club. Yes, the virginity club.

Apparently, in her new school, it's cool to pledge that you won't be tempted by the opposite sex (and that means no touching at all - and no kissing). But Suzy decides to join as part of her new image, with just one tiny technicality - she's not actually a virgin. But if she follows the VC rules from now on, then who could know the truth, except perhaps her ex? And then he turns up...

I can't think of a single YA title set in Australia that I haven't loved, and this book is no exception. Suzy is a sweet character who means well but never quite manages to adopt her new 'perfection', or at least not in every way. This means we still get to benefit from her brilliantly irreverent 'fringes of Goth' outlook, even as she struggles to be one of the glamorous, rich gang. My favourite moments were when her old voice came through loudly at unexpected moments, and always to great effect.

The characters are wonderful, especially Suzy's friend from home Maddie, who only features on the other end of the phone, but really shows us what the old Suzy was like. I also loved the ex, Ryan. We don't get to meet him directly until relatively late in the book, but it doesn't matter because this is an easy, fast read and one of those books where you're halfway through before you know it, desperately turning the pages to find out what happens next. I was surprised to find that the story doesn't dwell for long on the sadder aspects of Suzy's life, but this is something that fits well with Suzy's character. I should also point out that it's amazingly clean for a book with 'virginity' in the title (er, if that makes any sense).

The Second Virginity of Suzy Green has everything - laugh-out-loud humour, exciting cliffhangers, cringey embarrassing incidents, and also some total lump-in-your-throat moments. Plus a lovely cover, featuring two cherries - nice touch!

If you'd like to win a copy of this book, check out the giveaway on Chicklish!

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Good Girls by Laura Ruby

Posted by Keris on December 7, 2007 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 29, 2007 11:07 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (Insight Edition)

Reviewed by Jill Hart

I must admit, though somewhat shyly, that though I am a huge fan of Jane Austen I had never read Pride and Prejudice. I attempted to read it once during my high school years, but the language seemed confusing and I gave up. So, when Bethany House announced their new “Insight Edition” of Pride and Prejudice I jumped at the chance to read it.

This new printing of Austen’s beloved classic includes the original text, but also adds side notes giving the reader a brief definition of certain terms, customs and history behind Austen’s words. The book also includes movie facts and other entertaining tidbits that highlight that many works of art that Pride and Prejudice has inspired such as the 2005 movie starring Kiera Knightley.

The editors at Bethany house did a fantastic job at selecting passages to expound on. For example, Austen speaks of Mrs. Bennet saying, “The business of her life was to get her daughters married; its solace was visiting and news.” In today’s culture this seems a bit, well, shallow, and yet the editors include a note that explains why this would have been so important a job for Mrs Bennet.

I can freely say that I loved the book even more than the movie and I felt the Insight Edition added a whole new dimension to Austen’s work. Jane Austen’s speaks for itself and yet the editors did a wonderful job of adding information that enriched the book and made it even more appealing.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding (ha ha!)

Posted by Keris on November 29, 2007 in British Authors, Classic Novels, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 16, 2007 1:38 PM

Book Review: The Distance Between Us by Maggie O'Farrell

Maggie O'Farrell writes intelligently about human relationships and families, but is also unashamedly emotional. She writes with intensity and truth about love and loss and desire, and crafts characters you care about.

I loved After You'd Gone, My Lover's Lover, and her latest, The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox, but The Distance Between Us is still my favourite. In fact, it would be on my list of top ten books ever, if I had such a thing.

In Hong Kong, Jake finds himself caught in a crush during Chinese New Year celebrations; the events that unfold lead to an ill-advised marriage and a return to England.

Meanwhile, Stella has a chance encounter that sparks a traumatic memory and sends to a location in Scotland, the significance of which only her sister, Nina, will understand.

The book dodges back and forth in time and between the characters; Stella and her sister, their parents, Jake and his mother, taking in themes of parallel lives, displaced identies and sibling rivalry.

This may sound confusing and in the hands of a less-skilled author, it would be, but O'Farrell deftly weaves the separate narrative strands together as we hurtle, inexorably, towards the point when Jake and Stella will actually meet.

Beautifully written and absorbingly romantic.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try: The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Posted by Sarah Painter on November 16, 2007 in British Authors, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

November 13, 2007 11:11 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Slam by Nick Hornby

Slam is Nick Hornby's first book for young adults and he's made a great job of it. Closer to the populist style of High Fidelity, rather than his more literary (and, in my opinion, less successful) novels, like How To Be Good and A Long Way Down.

Every preview I've read of this book describes it as being about, Sam, 15, who talks to his poster of skateboarding hero, Tony Hawk ... and the poster talks back. But that's really not what it's about at all. When Sam meets Alicia, they become very serious very quickly. Alicia's parents don't think Sam's good enough (mainly due to the fact that his mum had him at 16) and Sam's mum thinks things are happening too fast. And then Alicia tells Sam she's late...

Sam's reaction isn't ideal, but it is natural - and that was the thing I loved most about this book. Sam makes loads of mistakes, but he's such a charming and believable character that you want things to work out for him.

The Tony Hawk thing is an interesting and entertaining device - Hawk doesn't really talk back, Sam just hears relevant (most of the time) soundbites from Hawk's autobiography, which Sam claims to have read thousands of times. Having had my own celebrity obsessions as a teen (I've no interest now, of course... *cough*), I appreciated how any pronouncement by the object of your obsession can take on an importance out of all proportion and I thought it worked brilliantly in this book.

Of course, being Hornby, it's very well-written and it's also very funny and incredibly touching. I found myself near to tears a lot of the time. I'd never really thought about how teenage pregnancy could affect the baby's father before (silly, I know) and this book was a great insight into the subject. Plus it's just a really good read.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try: Millions by Frank Cottrell Boyce

Posted by Keris on November 13, 2007 in British Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (4)

November 8, 2007 5:30 PM

Book Review: Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie

Gentle reader, I have a spot of advice...

The next time you have one of those days. When you feel uncomfortable so you reach for your 'fat' jeans only to discover you're already wearing them, when you forget bin day for the third week running,  when you have a dentist's appointment and you collect a parking ticket while you're there, when, in short, fate spits in your eye and doesn't offer you a hanky, may I make a suggestion?

Read this book. Bet Me is pure escapist loveliness with typically-wonderful Crusie characters and a hero yummier than ten bars of Galaxy.

Minnerva Dobbs is a no-nonsense woman who believes in risk management over fairy-tale happy-endings. Calvin Morrisey is a gorgeous businessman who never makes a bet he won't win. But Min and Cal are meant for each other and Fate will go to any lengths to make them see it.

Bet Me is an unapologetic traditional romance, but it's also a Crusie. Hence the Krispy Kremes, chaos theory, intelligent cat, off-balance psychologist, snarky-best-friend, and outrageous shoes.

This book is balm for the soul and I love it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've had a rough day...

Like this? Try: Faking It by Jennifer Crusie

Posted by Sarah Painter on November 8, 2007 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (6)

October 30, 2007 11:10 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Split Ends by Kristin Billerbeck

Reviewed by Jill Hart

Award-winning author Kristin Billerbeck’s newest novel is a great read from cover to cover. The story is both funny and serious and Billerbeck gives readers the perfect dose of both. I found myself cheering for Sarah throughout the novel and trying to decide what I would do if I was in her shoes. It’s an easy read and yet will get the reader thinking about what’s most important in life.

Sarah Claire Winowski is a small town hairdresser with big dreams. She joins her successful cousin in California to carve out a new life for herself. Los Angeles, however, may be more than Sarah Claire bargained for.

After being told to change her name, her clothes and the way she talks, she’s not sure she’s cut out for the lifestyle she longs for. The one bright spot in her future may be her cousin’s roommate, but she not so sure about him, either.

When she meets her new boss it confirms her worst fears. Can she really take months of getting coffee for a boss she can’t stand? Her boss, Yoshi, may be one of the best hairdressers in L.A., but Sarah isn’t sure she can stick it out long enough to learn what he has to teach her. Sarah must struggle to find herself and figure out if her dreams are worth the cost.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try The Trophy Wives Club by Kristin Billerbeck

Posted by Keris on October 30, 2007 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

October 29, 2007 4:08 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: The 4-Day Win by Martha Beck

Martha Beck is one of my heroes. I devour her books. I re-read them frequently. I keep them on a shelf above my desk for inspiration. I love her. So imagine my excitement when I read that her latest book would be a (sort of) diet book. Since I've been trying and failing to lose weight for approximately two thirds of my life, I couldn't read it quick enough.

The 4-Day Win is subtitled "change the way you think about food and your body in just 4 days" which is actually a little disingenuous. The plan features a series of 4 day wins - 4 days being the optimal time it takes to change your behaviour and implement new habits that stick. There is a jump start programme on which, Beck assures, you will start to lose weight almost immediately. But this book doesn't feature eating plans and exercise suggestions, it's more about learning to change the way you think about food.

Yes, I know there have been a bunch of non-diet diet books lately and yet the world's population is still getting fatter, but Beck explains clearly and concisely why this is the case. Why even though losing weight may seem to be the most important thing in your life, you still can't do it.

Based on sociological and psychological research, It all makes perfect sense, it's readable, fascinating and, because it's Martha Beck, hugely entertaining. Has a diet book ever made you laugh out loud before? No, me neither. (My favourite line: "Tracy and I agreed that she would try a two-pronged approach to changing her body and mind. So we got her a fork with only two prongs...")

No, I haven't actually lost any weight, but that's because I haven't started doing any 4 day wins yet (I'm still in what Beck calls the "pre-contemplation" stage - in other words, I just read the book, I didn't actually do any of the - theoretical, not physical - exercises).

In Beck's book The Joy Diet, she said she'd never write an actual diet book. And yet now she has. And I for one am thrilled about it.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Beyond Chocolate by Audrey & Sophie Boss

Posted by Keris on October 29, 2007 in American Authors, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Self development | Permalink | Comments (1)

October 25, 2007 7:43 AM

BOOK REVIEW: These Boots Weren’t Made For Walking by Melody Carlson

Reviewed by Jill Hart

The title alone made me want to read this book. While Melody Carlson is known more for her young adult fiction, her entry to the inspirational chick-lit scene is a welcome one. Carlson is a talented writer and These Boots Weren’t Made For Walking is no exception.

Cassidy Cantrell just bought her first pair of designer boots, which she knows will impress everyone. She’s pretty sure they are going to get her the promotion she’s been angling for as well. Little does she know how much her life is about to change. Job problems and boyfriends woes send Cassidy on a search to find herself. She heads home only to find that her normal run-of-the-mill mom has changed, too – and Cassidy’s not sure it’s for the better.

Her desires, such as the boots, reflect the desires of girlie-girls everywhere and make the reader take a closer look at their priorities. At the center of it all is a young woman coming of age. Through Cassidy’s struggles, the reader will learn the value of faith, friendship and fun. 

Melody Carlson weaves a light-hearted, entertaining tale about a young woman trying to find her place in the world. Carlson has written over 90 books ranging from childrens works to teen and adult literature. By the end of the novel I still wanted to head to the mall and yet this novel really made me think about my cravings for shopping and all things materialistic. I consider this book a great balance of insightfulness and humor.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Posted by Keris on October 25, 2007 in American Authors, Inspirational, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

October 24, 2007 8:56 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Happy Hour at Casa Dracula by Marta Acosta

Reviewed by Angela Richardson

Happy Hour at Casa Dracula is Marta Acosta’s first published novel about a young woman who finds her heart’s desire in the least likely of places – with a family of vampires.

Latina Ivy League grad Milagro de Los Santos is the star of Happy Hour at Casa Dracula. She can’t find her place in the world or a man to go with it. Her life changes when one night at a book party for her pretentious ex-boyfriend she meets an oddly attractive man. After she is bitten while kissing him, she falls ill and is whisked away to his family’s estate to recover. She discovers the family’s secret; they say that they are carriers of a hereditary disease, but others claim they are vampires. As Milagro falls for a fabulously inappropriate man, she finds herself caught between a family that has accepted her as one of its own and a powerful, clandestine organisation that refuses to let the undead live and love in peace.

What raises this book head and shoulders above the rest of its genre are the strong characters. Milagro is so endearingly lacking in self-confidence, yet she still fights her corner with the most hilarious acerbic put-downs. She is just so likeable that I found myself rushing through the book rooting for her to get her heart’s desire. More importantly her ex-boyfriend’s personality is so hideous that I loved hating him and enjoying any of the plot that made his life a misery. The combination of the humour and fast pace made Acosta’s book one of the best that I’ve read in a long time.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Undead and Unwed by MaryJanice Davidson

Posted by Keris on October 24, 2007 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Rating: 5/5, Series, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (1)

October 15, 2007 12:27 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: Pies and Prejudice by Stuart Maconie

I didn't know what to expect from this book. I know Stuart Maconie from TV and radio, of course, but I hadn't (knowingly) read any of his journalism and I'm a bit wary of books about "The North", you know, because that's where I come from (and still live).

Maconie's book features his travels around a random selection of northern towns, basically places he's been in the past and wanted to revisit, or places of special interest like Oldham (race riots in 2001) or Newcastle (since the north east claims to be the "True North").

Sadly, Maconie neither visits the town I grew up in, nor the one I live in now, but it's not really about me so I'll try not to hold that against him. Via Liverpool, the Lake District, Durham, Bury, Manchester, Blackpool, Barrow in Furness and more, Maconie has created a brilliant travelogue cum social history that I could hardly bear to put down. Seriously. I absolutely loved this book.

Maconie writes passionately and articulately about the people and places and manages to cram in tons of tidbits and fascinating facts and not just about the north - I'd completely forgotten that those crane arcade games used to have packets of cigs amongst the cuddly toys.

I honestly can't rave about this book enough, but I'm probably starting to sound a bit crazed (starting?) so I'll stop, but let me just say that if you're from the north you need to read this book. And if you're not from the north you need to read it and learn what you're missing.

It reminded me of how great the north can be and left me a little bit in love with Stuart Maconie. Isn't it funny what books can do?

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson

Posted by Keris on October 15, 2007 in British Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (2)

October 11, 2007 2:53 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Snitch by Rene Gutteridge

Reviewed by Jill Hart

Rene Gutteridge is one of the most amusing writers in the inspiration chick lit genre. Not only are her plot lines comical, her characters are hilarious as well. Her novel, Snitch, is no exception. Ponder this question: What do you get when you put together an “almost-retired” cop, a former clown, and a know-it-all? 

Answer: A police task force, of course.

Ron Yeager has been working a desk job since being injured a few years prior. When he’s asked to train and lead a special task force, he’s not sure he still has what it takes.

Mackenzie “Mack” Hazard is a clown turned cop who is out to prove herself. Will her outspoken faith deter her from making her way through the ranks? No one, including Mack herself, is sure that she’s ready for this task force. Will she learn the ropes in time or will this be more than she can handle?

And then there’s Jesse Lunden, the cop who’s already seen plenty of task force action. Can he swallow his pride and learn from sergeant Yeager or will his hot head get in the way? 

Snitch is the second book in the Occupational Hazard series. The hilarious cast sets the scene for a novel that has it all – mystery, comedy and even a little romance.  Gutteridge is the author of the Boo series and the Storm series of books as well as a number of other inspirational chick-lit mystery novels and has a light-hearted way of writing that endears the characters to the reader.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try One for the Money by Janet Evanovich

Posted by Keris on October 11, 2007 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Inspirational, Rating: 5/5, Series | Permalink | Comments (1)

October 10, 2007 12:34 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Don't Make a Scene by Valerie Block

Reviewed by Tvor of Corrieblog

Valerie Block's third novel focuses on the world of classic cinema and a love story that's less conventional than usual. I liked the book a lot. It has elements of politics, it has the escapism of the movies, it shows the ups and downs of living in New York, highlights how relationships evolve and change and finally, it's about finding your home. Keris has been looking forward to reading this book. I think she'll like it, too!

Diane Kurasik is nearly 40, never been married, and newly homeless. She runs a successful art theatre in New York City but her life seems to be at a standstill. In the process of renovating the theatre, she meets a good looking but surly architect called Vladimir Padrón, a Cuban expatriate who is still vehemently immersed in the politics of his former country.

Diane spends the next few months struggling to find a new home while camping out on the couches and beds of various friends, family, hotels and grubby sublets. She grapples with her relationship with the volatile Cuban who also happens to have a wife and a 17-year-old son, neither of whom he's seen in 12 years. Over a hot, sticky summer and into the fall we follow Diane's life but also the journey of Vladimir and his son Javier through one setback after another. We also see some scenes from their pasts and get to know a few of the people in their lives as the story weaves them all into the fabric of the book.

The story centres around a cinema that shows classic movies from around the world. Diane's whole world revolves around movies and every situation she finds herself in, every person she meets, every reaction, every observation is peppered with a comparison to a scene from a classic movie or with an anecdote from the life of one of the actors or directors from the silver screen. I kept thinking that this woman might be more successful finding a man or understanding why her life seems to be at a dead end if she stopped comparing everything to the all too perfect stories on screen or the larger than life personalities behind the moving images. We see her in a series of disastrous blind dates, both with men and appalling apartments.

It's clear that Vladimir is not the man for her and that she's "making do". It's clear that Vladimir is obsessed too, with politics of the country he left behind, with his dysfunctional family, particularly a dominating father and grasping wife, with whom he has screaming encounters with over the phone every two weeks. Yet if he were ever to obtain a divorce, or find Castro had died in the night, what would he do with his life without these roadblocks to a way forward?

An unlikely catalyst enters the stalemate that both of their lives has turned into and it  shakes up their lives. Now they have to deal with reality, and reality is a bit scary when you've been jolted out of your comfort zone. Both Diane and Vladimir both discover the old adage "Be careful what you wish for" can bring changes that you never expected. But that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Neat Vodka by Anna Blundy

Posted by Keris on October 10, 2007 in American Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 9, 2007 12:29 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Monkey Star by Brenda Scott Royce

Much as I enjoyed Monkey Love, Brenda Scott Royce's debut novel, there was something about it that didn't quite gel. At times, it felt almost forced, as if the author was trying to hard - but I had no such issue with Monkey Star. With the second in the series, Royce has really hit her stride and created an effortlessly entertaining read.

Holly Heckerling is still in New York, still doing various odd jobs (Holly's Hobbies) for little money, but at least her relationship with Tom is going well ... isn't it? Tom is talking family therapy with his daughter and estranged wife.

So when Holly is summoned to LA to act as her best friend Carter's birthing partner, it's actually a relief. And then when Holly visits the set f the film in which her other best friend (and father of Carter's baby), Danny, has a small role, Holly falls into working as an animal trainer, mostly thanks to the sexy star of the film, Colin Daltry.

Stuffed with hilarious exploits (both those of Holly and her mad family), Monkey Star is an absolute delight. I can't wait for the next one - I even went so far as to email the author to ask if she's working on it (she is!), which is not something I do every day!

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Monkey Love by Brenda Scott Royce

Posted by Keris on October 9, 2007 in American Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Series | Permalink | Comments (1)

October 5, 2007 11:38 AM

BOOK REVIEW: A Hopeless Romantic by Harriet Evans

I was so in love with the cover of Harriet Evans's second novel, A Hopeless Romantic, that I was almost afraid to read it in case the book itself was disappointing.

It's the story of Laura Foster - a hopeless romantic, obviously - she loves chick flicks, romance novels, and is continually falling head over heels for inappropriate men.

But after her heart is broken by the gorgeous, but duplicitous Dan, she decides to give up on romance once and for all. Her videos and paperbacks all go in the bin and she is determined to be pragmatic. Until, on a visit to a stately home with her parents, she meets Nick and finds herself falling again. But the newly down to earth Laura decides it can't possibly work, vows to forget all about Nick and returns to her life in London.

Of course it's not that easy...

With a charming casts of supporting characters, A Hopeless Romantic is, thankfully, incredibly romantic. I really loved it. I warmed to Laura immediately, despite her being the "other woman" at the beginning of the book. I loved her flatmate, her friends, her family and, of course, Nick, who was completely gorgeous. (Plus it made me nostalgic for London, which is quite a feat since, after leaving there 10 years ago, I really can't abide the place.)

I now can't wait to read Evans's debut, Going Home. Luckily I bought it ages ago so I won't have to wait too long.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Little Lady Agency by Hester Brown

Posted by Keris on October 5, 2007 in British Authors, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (3)

October 4, 2007 11:47 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Restorer's Son by Sharon Hinck

Reviewed by Jill Hart

If you’ve read Hinck’s novel, The Restorer, you’ll know what a powerful, out-of-the-box writer she is.  I’m always on the look out for unique stories and Hinck never lets me down.

Her newest book, the second in the Sword of Lyric series, continues the story of soccer-mom Susan.  In The Restorer, Susan finds herself in an alternate universe.  In The Restorer’s Son, as you might gather from the title, her son, Jake finds himself in the alternate universe his mother has just found her way home from.

The story, however, centers on the newly appointed restorer, Kieran.  Kieran is an outcast who is despised by many on the council.  When Kieran is banished by the council, the hope of the nation hangs in perilous balance. Can Kieran find a way to survive and return to his homeland or has he blown his chance as restorer? And can Susan find her son now that she doesn’t have the powers of a restorer?

Hinck, named the 2007 Writer of the Year at the Mt. Hermon Writer’s Conference, has in some ways created a new genre. Her mom-lit fantasy series, The Sword of Lyric, is refreshing and unique. I generally like the first book in a series more than the second, but Hinck, as always, surpassed my expectations. I read the book in a matter of hours and I became so engrossed with the characters that I couldn’t put it down until I knew how it ended. I love the universe she’s created and can’t wait to visit again when the third book in the series becomes available.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Restorer, obviously!

Posted by Keris on October 4, 2007 in American Authors, Inspirational, Rating: 5/5, Series | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 24, 2007 9:45 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Neat Vodka by Anna Blundy

Having very recently claimed I haven't read a chick lit book featuring a heroine who smokes for years ... and that there are very few (in fact, I could only think of one - Rachel's Holiday) featuring alcoholic heroines too, along comes Anna Blundy's Neat Vodka featuring Faith Zanetti. Chain-smoking, alcoholic Faith Zanetti. But then I'm not entirely sure Neat Vodka is a chick lit book. The definition of chick lit has widened so much that I'm not sure what it includes anymore.

If chick lit means (as I've always believed) written in the first person, featuring a single woman with a humorous voice, then Neat Vodka is chick lit. If you think chick lit is shoes and cocktails, then it's not. But then whether it is or isn't chick lit really doesn't matter. What it definitely is is completely brilliant.

Faith Zanetti is a journalist and frequent war correspondent. In the late 80s she lived illegaly in Soviet Russia and was, at the age of 19, married to a Russian who she hasn't seen since she left him long before the fall of the Iron Curtain and the day after their neighbours were brutally murdered.

Following her transfer to her newspaper's Moscow office, she is almost immediately dragged in for questioning on the double murder and learns not only that her husband (who she never actually divorced) admitted to the murder, is in prison, but has now retracted his confession and implicated her. And then things get much worse.

I was wary of starting this book. I didn't think I'd be interested in a murder-mystery set in Russia and I'm not a huge fan of heroines with substance abuse issues, but I completely fell in love with this book and all the characters. Faith is hard, bitter, strong and hilarious. Her sometime boyfriend Eden Jones is gorgeous. It's genuinely threatening and the portrayal of Russia is amazing. I've never been there and, after reading this, I'm not sure I ever want to, but it certainly sounds like a fascinating place.

There are a bunch of twists, quite a few of which I saw coming, but it didn't lessen my enjoyment of this book one bit. I actually slowed down as I approached the end because I didn't want it to finish, so imagine my excitement when I found the first chapter of the *next* Faith Zanetti novel nestled in the back. Yes, it's a series! And then, thanks to Amazon, I discovered that Neat Vodka is actually the third book in the Faith Zanetti series (would it have killed the publishers to mention that somewhere on the book?). I'm now going to read the first two and eagerly await the fourth.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try One for the Money by Janet Evanovich

Posted by Keris on September 24, 2007 in British Authors, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Series | Permalink | Comments (1)

September 14, 2007 10:53 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Mesmerist by Barbara Ewing

Reviewed by my Aunty Barb (Age 74)

Barbara Ewing is an actress who you might remember as Agnes Fairchild, the mother in the brilliant eighties sitcom, Brass. She's also a novelist and The Mesmerist is her latest book.

Set in Victorian London, it's the story of a young struggling actress, Cordelia Preston, who has inherited the ability to ease people's pain and suffering through the power of her hands. People who do this today are called Healers, then they were known as Mesmerists.

The book begins like a fairytale, but then features betrayal, anger, sadness, resignation, contentment, happiness, mystery and murder. What more can you ask of a novel?

It is well-written and doesn't overdo description of people and places, yet you still get to know and love the characters and Victorian England.

I'm now looking forward to reading more Barbara Ewing books.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Vanishing Point by Mary Sharratt

Posted by Keris on September 14, 2007 in British Authors, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 7, 2007 11:36 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Beauty*licious by Lisa Clark

I absolutely loved Lisa Clark's first book - Think Pink - so I was keen to read her second Beauty*licious, tempered only by the fact that I don't have very much interest in beautifying myself. I skip the hair and make-up pages in magazines since I've been reading variations on the same ideas for about 25 years now!

But Beauty*licious really is different. For a start, Lisa Clark could write about anything (mortgages, pensions, Westlife) and make it entertaining. She really has got the coolest and funniest style. Plus the illustrations are so gorgeous they make you want to read every page.

Like Think Pink, the advice is given by the fabulous Lola Love and her funky friends (all with different beauty requirements: petite, curvy, afro hair, etc.). I even learned something (why didn't it occur to me that my sleep problems may just be related to the fact that I haven't done any exercise for about two years?).

Beauty*licious would make a fantastic gift for a teenage girl (Christmas is coming, you know), but it's a great read no matter how old you are.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Think Pink by Lisa Clark

Posted by Keris on September 7, 2007 in British Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 5, 2007 11:17 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Perfectly True Tales of a Perfect Size 12 by Robin Gold

Robin Gold's debut, The Perfectly True tales of a Perfect Size 12 isn't perfectly true at all - it's a novel and a very sweet and funny one it is too.

Delilah White is a producer on a Martha Stewart style homemaking show called Domestic Bliss. Her mentor and the show's executive producer, Agnes De Ville is leaving and the coveted executive producer position is going to either Delilah or another producer named Margo Hart.

But just for the weekend Delilah's not going to worry about that, instead she's going upstate to spend the 4th of July weekend with her best friend Sofia (who also works at Domestic Bliss) for Sofia's extremely rich family's Independence Day celebrations.

Delilah's having a wonderful time - she's relaxed, she's happy, she's met a gorgeous man - but then Margo turns up and Delilah learns that the competition for executive producer is much hotter, and meaner, than she'd anticipated...

I really loved this book. It's written in quite an unusual style. I can't really describe it except that there's a lot more "telling" than "showing", but because Robin Gold has such a great voice, it works (it also makes for a shorter, and possibly sweeter, book).

Delilah is a lovely character. She could have been too perfect, but somehow (and, again, I'm not sure how) Gold makes it work and within pages I was mad about her. It made me laugh out loud more than once (it features the best - if not the only - bouncy castle scene I've ever read) and the last page made me cry.

I have only one criticism. The title. Yes, Delilah is a "perfect size 12" (UK 16) but she's happy with that. She doesn't spend the book worrying about her weight or trying to diet, she's comfortable with who she is. So why mention it in the title?

Apart from that, The Perfectly True Tales of a Perfect Size 12 is a charming, old-fashioned and inspiring book. It's also the first book for a long time that I actually read while walking down the street!

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Love Walked In by Marisa De Los Santos

Posted by Keris on September 5, 2007 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (2)

August 30, 2007 9:58 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Restorer by Sharon Hinck

Reviewed by Jill Hart

The Restorer takes us into the life of frustrated soccer mom, Susan Mitchell. It has become a series of hum-drum events and she longs to serve the Lord in a mighty way.

Susan inadvertently stumbles into an alternate universe and a string of adventures like none she has ever dreamt of. The country she finds herself in is in the midst of a turbulent struggle for its own survival. Susan must find a way to survive this foreign world and find a way back home.

Befriended by strangers whom she fears, but is forced to trust, Susan leans on the Lord for strength. But, is God present in this strange place?

Sharon Hinck, the author of the mom-lit Becky Miller books enters a new genre with The Restorer, the first book in The Sword of Lyric series. Hinck blends her traditional mom-lit with fantasy and the end product is a unique blend of genres that is refreshing. Readers will find that The Restorer appeals to a wide range of reading tastes.

One of the most enjoyable elements of fantasy is that you never know what to expect. The Restorer is no different. The story holds you on the edge of your seat and a number of twists keep you reading.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Miss Invisible by Laura Jensen Walker (Inspirational chick lit)

Posted by Keris on August 30, 2007 in American Authors, Inspirational, Rating: 5/5, Series | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 29, 2007 12:31 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Forget About It by Caprice Crane

Caprice Crane's debut novel, Stupid & Contagious was one of our favourite books of last year so Diane and I have both been desperate to get our hands on her new novel, Forget About It and I was first. (Ha! In your face, Diane!) (Sorry about that.)

Forget About It is the story of Jordan Landau whose life sucks. Her boyfriend Dirk is a cheating scumbag who treats Jordan like dirt; her family - mum, younger sister and stepfather - are disappointed, disinterested or downright hostile and her boss has been blatantly stealing her creative ideas. The only good things in Jordan's life are her best friends Todd and Cat.

When riding her bike one day Jordan has an accident and hits her head. Waking up in hospital, she decides it offers her the perfect opportunity - fake amnesia and get a do-over. Stop being a doormat and start her life - relationships, work and family - from scratch. So she does it. The only person in on it is Todd and it goes surprisingly well - Jordan gets to see just how awful people are, to recognise just how badly they've been treating her and to teach them all a lesson without actually having to take any responsibility for it. And, as the icing on the cake, she finds herself falling for the lovely Travis, the man who actually caused her accident.

And then things go horribly wrong and Jordan realises that to avoid losing everything, she's got to get her memory back. And then there's another accident...

Girlier than Stupid & Contagious, Forget About It is fun, inspiring, hilarious and audacious (I found myself doing that "Oh, no she didn't!" thing). Jordan's family, boss and boyfriend are so awful I couldn't wait for them to get their comeuppance. Her friends Todd and Cat are lovely and Travis now makes it onto my list of favourite chick lit heroes of all time.

Forget Me Not* Forget About It has cemented Caprice Crane as one of my favourite authors. I can't wait to see what she does next.

(Look out for our interview with Caprice later today.)

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Me Vs Me by Sarah Mlynowski

*Doh! Forget Me Not is *my* book... LOL (Good catch, Luisa!)

The picture above is the US version, which I love. Forget About It is out in the UK (4 October) with Little Black Dress and this cover:

I prefer the US version, how about you?

Posted by Keris on August 29, 2007 in American Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (4)

August 27, 2007 4:49 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: Ex Libris by Anne Fadiman

You know how much I love books, but I also really love books about books. The only thing is they can sometimes be a bit dry. I bought Anne Fadiman's Ex Libris on recommendation, but hadn't picked it up because ... I thought it looked a bit dry. Stupid me. I should know by now not to judge a book by its ... well, I don't know what I judged it by, but I was stupid. It's a gorgeous book.

A collection of essays on books and reading (it's subtitled "Confessions of a Common Reader"), Ex Libris is charming, funny and enlightening. The essays are personal, about Anne's relationship with books as fostered by her incredibly literate family and friends. I found myself nodding in recognition repeatedly.

My favourite essays were "The Joy of Sesquipedalians*" featuring "Fadiman U", her family's name for the team they formed to answer questions while watching TV quizzes (she knows it's dorky, but she doesn't care) and "Never Do That to a Book" about how different people treat their books (and which I quoted here), but it was hard to single any essays out since there was something wonderful in every single one.

Ex Libris is funny, moving, inspiring and, you know, readable. I loved it.

*Appropriately enough, Sesquipedalian means "long words". 

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try So Many Books, So Little Time by Sara Nelson

The UK cover of Ex Libris is actually dark red rather than bright green, but otherwise the same (I couldn't find a good enough pic of it to use here). I just thought I'd share the covers of Fadiman's three non-fiction books because seen together they make me happy.

Posted by Keris on August 27, 2007 in American Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

BOOK REVIEW: The Idiot Girls' Action-Adventure Club by Laurie Notaro

Trashionista recently reviewed Laurie Notaro's novel, There's a (Slight) Chance I Might be Going to Hell. I now can't wait to get my hands on it, having been a fan of Notaro since I randomly stumbled across her books on Amazon. The first, The Idiot Girls' Action-Adventure Club, was all it took to get me hooked.

Usually I'm not a fan of autobiographies: I'll admit to dashing past that particular section in Waterstones after a single glimpse of Paris Hilton/Chanelle emblazoned across a book jacket (but that's a post for another time!) However this changed when I started reading Laurie's wonderful books, which are mainly collections of short, laugh-out-loud autobiographical articles.

Basically, former newspaper columnist Notaro is the self-confessed 'Idiot Girl' of the title  - leader of her own Idiot Girls' Action-Adventure Club. Unable to fit in with the 'Smart Girls' in life, Laurie and the other Idiot Girls make do with their own little place in the world. And with exploits like these, who wants to be a Smart Girl?

Laurie's book is packed with brilliantly funny pieces on everyday life, from the one about The Pretty Friend (let's face it, we all have one!) to the brilliantly-titled 'Revenge of the Bra Girl.' However, the funniest piece has to be 'Moral Sex', in which Laurie tries to explain to her nana as politely as possible just WHAT Monica Lewinsky got up to...

The Idiot Girls' Action-Adventure Club is something we can all relate to. Despite Laurie's tales being about home and relationships and unlucky shopping trips, her wit and ability to see humour in the most basic of situations is always entertaining! Laurie is someone you just want to go out for a drink with. She's blunt, she's honest, she's funny and even though she puts herself down at some points, she isn't afraid to laugh about her flaws and mistakes. Quite frankly, she's fabulous.

The short articles in this book don't go in order, so you can read a chapter whenever you like. Personally I'd recommend the one about public bathrooms first (thank god - I'm not the only one who hates The Primper!)

As someone who is more of an 'Idiot Girl' myself, I'm well and truly proud. Seriously. Anyone who hasn't got hold of a copy of this should do so now. Since reading this I've purchased other collections: We Thought You Would be Prettier and I Love Everybody (and Other Atrocious Lies). Told you she was blunt!

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Bright Lights, Big Ass... by Jennifer Lancaster.

Posted by Danielle Symonds-Yemm on August 27, 2007 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5, Short Story Collections | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 24, 2007 2:34 PM

PREVIEW REVIEW: Jinx by Meg Cabot

You know how much I love Meg Cabot. She's one of my guaranteed authors (authors whose books I buy without thinking, considering, reading reviews, etc.). Her latest book (well, I say latest - she's so prolific, she might well have written another since I started writing this review) is Jinx, a stand-alone paranormal (ish) YA and it's not out (in the UK) until 7 September.

Jean Honeychurch has been nicknamed Jinx since lightning struck the hospital on the night she was born. Bad luck doesn't just follow her, it seeks her out and throws up on her shoes. The beginning of the book sees Jean arriving in Manhattan, where her parents have dispatched her to live with her aunt, uncle and cousins for a few months. Something's happened back in Iowa and Jean's family decided it was best to get her out of the way until things have calmed down. 

What neither they nor Jean anticipated was that her formerly sweet cousin Tory is now a witch in both senses of the word. She's appalling to Jean, has two almost-as-awful sidekicks in Lindsey and Gretchen and is dating (well, they're "friends with benefits") the school drug dealer, Shawn. Luckily her circle also includes suprisingly sweet Chanelle and surprisingly hot neighbour, Zack.

When, on her very first day in town, Jean saves Zack's life, Tory cottons on to Jean's secret. Only she's far from sympathetic. Not only does she think that she, and not Jean, is the latest in a line of family witches, she's in love with Zack and is willing to do anything to get Jean out of her way. But Jinx will learn that ignoring her apparent gift will only make things worse and in order to deal with her wayward cousin she needs to accept herself as she is.

I had thought that Jinx was going to be a bit edgier than Meg Cabot's previous books, but apart from occasional references to sex and drugs, it was a typical Cabot book. By which I mean it was fun, funny, charming and totally involving. I loved Jean, I really loved Zack and I really, really hated Tory. I'm so impressed at Meg Cabot's seemingly inexhaustible supply of ideas and Jinx is another great one. The only disappointment is that I've now got to wait ... ooh, weeks* ... for her next book.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Marked by PC Cast and Kristin Cast

* The third Heather Wells mystery, Size Doesn't Matter, is out in December. And actually I haven't read Size 14 Is Not Fat Either yet.

Posted by Keris on August 24, 2007 in American Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Supernatural, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (9)

August 22, 2007 12:21 PM

BOOK REVIEW: There's a (Slight) Chance I Might be Going to Hell by Laurie Notaro

Ever since Keris highlighted news of Laurie Notaro's debut novel, I'd been longing to read it. So much so, I even paid to get my hands on a copy (yes!)

Subtitled: 'a novel of sewer pipes, pageant queen, and big trouble' and of course, called There's a (Slight) Chance I Might be Going to Hell, it sounded nothing if not intriguing (also: I love the cover!)

The book tells the story of Maye, who moves from a scummy-sounding suburb of Arizona to the leafy, gorgeous small town of Spaulding, Washington State. At first, things seem idyllic: Maye and her husband Charlie have found the perfect house, Charlie has a fantastic job, and the area couldn't be prettier. But Maye has a little trouble fitting in: she embarrasses herself hugely at one of her husband's work functions, joins a book club that turns out to be a coven, and has no luck meeting nice, normal people to be friends with.

Then she hears about the annual Sewer Pipe Pageant, a talent show that anyone in Spaulding can enter. Winning the crown at the pageant is a ticket to respect and popularity and so Maye decides she must sign up. She's going to need a little tutoring though: and that's where she decides to track down a legendary former Pipe Queen who was driven out of town decades before - Maye must solve the mystery of why, find the pipe queen and prepare to win the pageant. That's not too much to ask, is it?

Luckily her freelance writing career has hit the skids, so Maye has plenty of time!

I've always enjoyed Laurie Notaro's essay collections, but on the basis of this book, I think she's even better at fiction. There's a (Slight) Chance... is intelligent, witty, fun, hopeful and a bit poignant, too.  There's a credible mystery woven in to a story about trying to fit in, and it all works really well. I loved reading this and didn't want it to end.

And as Notaro herself moved from Arizona to a small town in Washington with her husband, I can't help wondering if any of the incidents in the book really happened...

But what I really want to find out is when is Notaro's next novel coming out, and can I sign up for my copy now?

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 22, 2007 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

August 21, 2007 10:26 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

Despite finding Jodi Picoult's books a bit hit and miss, I was keen to read this book from the minute I heard about it. The idea of the Queen of morally difficult issues taking on the subject of school shootings ... how could you not want to read it?

From his very first day at school Peter Houghton is bullied. He's pushed, hit, shoved into his locker, verbally abused and horribly humiliated. And when it all becomes too much he takes four guns into school and starts shooting. It's hard to say anything else about the plot, because the way Picoult writes is so involved and intricate, that I'm not sure what happened when, at one point important information was learned, and I don't want to give anything away.

Along with a subplot about domestic abuse, Picoult asks difficult questions without giving any easy answers. I was a bit concerned that I found myself sympathising too much with Houghton (even, at one point, feeling that the bullies got what they deserved), but that's the great thing about Picoult's books (I'm primarily thinking of My Sister's Keeper), she makes you feel the uncomfortable feelings and leaves you questioning your own morals.

This is an involving and thought-provoking novel. I couldn't put it down.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

Posted by Keris on August 21, 2007 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (8)

August 20, 2007 2:17 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Forever In Blue by Ann Brashares

Despite not having read the second or third books in Ann Brashares Summer of the Sisterhood series, I was sad to hear that Forever in Blue would be the last. Between reading the first book and watching the film adaptation, the four girls feel like friends.

For the final book the girls are struggling to find the time to spend together. Tibby is at film school in New York, struggling to cope with the intimacy of first love. Carmen, surprised to find herself at an acting camp with her new friend Julia, is learning that not all friends are as good or kind as the three she's grown up with. Bridget, away on an archeological dig in Turkey, is learning that you don't always get what you want. At art school, Lena is learning as much about life and love as she is about art.

Now their lives are so separate, it's really only the pants that are keeping them together, but are they relying on the pants too much?

The thing I loved the most about this book is that the four girls have all found something they're passionate about. Brashares writes beautifully and enthusiastically about all four subjects. I wish when I was a teen I'd had a book that made art, acting, archeology and film seem both so wonderful and achievable. I also love the strength of the girls' friendships. There's a scene when Lena phones Tibby, worried because she hasn't heard from her, and is so tender and caring it made me cry.

This book is intelligent, wise, funny, inspiring and just gorgeous. I'm so sorry it's the last in the series, but I can't wait to see what Brashares does next.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Dramarama by E Lockhart

Posted by Keris on August 20, 2007 in American Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Series, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 17, 2007 6:58 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Pursuit of Alice Thrift by Elinor Lipman

Have I mentioned I'm a big Elinor Lipman fan (just three hundred times or so)?

The Pursuit of Alice Thrift was released before My Latest Grievance, Lipman's most recent novel, and I must admit, I liked it a touch more. The main character, Alice Thrift, is fairly unsympathetic: as a surgeon, she's used to science and cold hard facts, and finds interacting with people when they're not under anesthetic to be quite a challenge. But when Ray Russo waltzes into her consulting room looking for a nose job (and maybe more...) Alice and he fall in love. Or Alice thinks they do...

A reviewer on Amazon described this book as being about the poor decisions people sometimes make to alleviate loneliness, and that's true to some extent: we learn early on in the book that Ray turns out not to be the man of Alice's dreams - if she'd ever do anything so romantic as indulge in daydreams about love, that is. Alice's formerly very boring, flat lifestyle becomes a lot more interesting - but not always in the ways she would have wanted. She does, however, begin to loosen up a little and make some friends.

At first, I wasn't sure I could read a whole book about a lonely, socially inept middle-aged woman. (Doesn't exactly scream 'fun!' does it?) But I loved this book. Where Elinor Lipman is so talented is that she can turn Alice into a sympathetic character that we care about by the end of the book - without actually changing Alice's personality too much! I found this a page-turner of a read, and only wish the author could churn her books out a little bit faster...

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 17, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK REVIEW: Miss Invisible by Laura Jensen Walker

Reviewed by Jill Hart

In her newest novel Laura Jensen Walker tackles issues such as self-esteem and plus-size status. Walker is the author of four other novels, including Reconstructing Natalie, Women of Faith’s Novel of the Year for 2006.

Here meet Freddie Heinz: professional baker, wedding cake decorator, overweight and completely invisible. At work she is bullied by her boss. At church, her “crush” can’t seem to remember her name. And her personal life is non-existent.

However, when Freddie makes a new friend, Deborah, her life begins to change. Freddie is inspired by this larger-than-life woman who makes big look beautiful. Deborah encourages Freddie to love herself just as she is.

As Freddie begins to build confidence, a certain veterinarian begins to take notice. Then she meets a cute guy during their singles group. Freddie goes from Miss Invisible to a blossoming flower – and she loves her new life. As she gains confidence, you just never know what might happen.

This book was an inspiration to me. As do most women, I struggle with self-esteem at times and I loved that Freddie learned to love herself just as she is. She didn’t lose 60 pounds and become a supermodel. She didn’t have an Extreme Makeover, at least not on the outside. And yet, at the end of the book you can tell what a different person, a better person, she has become.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Good In Bed by Jennifer Weiner

Posted by Keris on August 17, 2007 in American Authors, Inspirational, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

August 8, 2007 10:49 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Myth of You & Me by Leah Stewart

I hadn't heard of The Myth of You and Me by Leah Stewart before, but while I was browsing Amazon.com I noticed it got fantastic reviews. Also, the cover is purdy. (Reminded me of this). So when I spotted a cheap bargainous copy on sale, I had to take a look!

When the teenage Cameron moves to a new town and meets Sonia, Sonia literally saves her life, and the two quickly become the best of friends, with a close, unshakeable bond they assume will last forever. But then Sonia does something that Cameron can't forgive, and she abandons Sonia and their friendship, never to return.

But then... Cameron's boss, the reclusive elderly author Oliver Doucet, who she lives with and cares for, suddenly dies. With no more ties in the world, and a present that Oliver posthumously asks Cameron to give to Sonia, Cameron sets out on a reluctant road trip...

Flashbacks alternate with the present day storytelling as Cameron goes on a quest to find Sonia and what happened between them years ago (and why) is revealed. I was equally interested in the present day story and the past, and the two blended seamlessly together. I couldn't wait to find out what had happened between Cameron and Sonia, and what would happen next. I wasn't disappointed, although maybe I would have liked the ending to have been a bit more conclusive, but it was realistic, kind-of happy, and in one way, rather surprising.

Anyone who knows what it's like to have an all-consuming friendship, to lose a friend, to be jealous of a friend's boyfriend, to be in love with a friend's boyfriend or to ponder the nature of life (so that's pretty much everyone, then) will find something to relate to in this book. And if you're anything like me, you'll probably shed a tear or two, too.

It's a story of friendship, loss, grief, forgiveness and re-creating your past, and it's terrific.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Girls by Lori Lansens.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 8, 2007 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (4)

August 6, 2007 8:30 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: By Jack Rosenthal by Jack Rosenthal

No, I haven't gone mad! By Jack Rosenthal is a book... By Jack Rosenthal. Are you still with me?

Legendary TV and film scriptwriter (and husband of Maureen Lipman) Jack Rosenthal had been asked many times to write his autobiography, but he  felt he wouldn't know where to start filling a book about himself. And then he hit upon the idea of writing the whole thing as a script, divided into the decades of his life: from his parents' marriage to the present day.

Unfortunately, due to cancer, Jack died before he could complete the last decade, so in a very literal Postscript Maureen finishes it for him.

At first, it's hard to get into the swing of reading a book in script form. I've never enjoyed reading plays, and I struggled a little at the start, trying to picture what was happening and follow the story. (I don't think a career as a playwright - or an actress! - will ever be my calling I'm afraid...)

But about a third of the way through the book I got used to the format and the abbreviations, and was able to focus on the story of Rosenthal's life from World War Two evacuee to university student, Coronation Street scriptwriter to colleague of Barbra Streisand, and finally loving husband and father. Rosenthal writes with honesty, warmth, compassion and good humour and comes across as completely charming. His life story is an ordinary one with occasional incredible starry moments, which never seem to affect his down-to-earth nature.

Although I'm sad that Jack never got to write about the last decade or so of his life, and that he died of such a horrible illness, I am glad that Maureen got to write the closing chapter as she gives a closer, more personal insight into the man the reader has got to know and her chapter is incredibly moving. It conveys just how much the couple loved each other, and is poignant without being maudlin. Like the rest of the book, it's fab.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try About Alice by Calvin Trillin.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 6, 2007 in Book related, Memoirs, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 31, 2007 3:15 PM

MORE ON MONDAY TUESDAY: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling

Sorry, couldn't do More on Monday yesterday because I was away and the book I took with me? Yes, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Have you heard of it?

I wasn't actually as desperately excited as some people to get this book. I didn't queue up or anything - in fact I think it'd been out a few days before I casually picked it up in the supermarket - but I did want to make sure I read it before anyone ruined it for me (like my sister, who read the last page first!).

So I took it away and, at first, I was sorry I had. I'd say it took me about 200 pages to actually get into it. I love the characters so it wasn't exactly a hardship to keep reading (there are very few books I'd keep reading for 200 pages if they hadn't yet "grabbed" me) but I was waiting for something to happen... then suddenly I was engrossed and I didn't want to put it down (did you see me on Eurosport, reading it in the crowd at the final stage of the Tour de France?).

Clearly, clearly, I'm not going to tell you anything that happens, but I will say that I absolutely loved it. JK Rowling gets a lot of criticism and, while she's not a great writer (although her writing style doesn't offend me in any way) she is a great storyteller (as we know) and to keep me breathless for about 400 pages (while I was in Paris!) is a pretty impressive feat.

My memory for books is appalling, so if you remember the other books in the series clearly then this one is likely to be even more exciting and rewarding as things are clarified and loose threads tied up. It really does leave me awed as to how JK Rowling planned this out from the beginning. An enormous achievement and a wonderful book. Now, who won the Tour de France...?

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Enchanted Inc by Shanna Swendson

Posted by Keris on July 31, 2007 in British Authors, More On Monday, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Series | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 25, 2007 8:45 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Marked by PC Cast and Kristin Cast

Reviewed by Trashionista reader Angela Richardson...

This book is the first in the House of Night series, where P.C & Kristin Cast have created a world where vampires have always existed. For all Buffy addicts like me who have been suffering from the void of losing their favourite series… we may have been sent a form of methadone from our American friends.

Sixteen-year-old Zoey Redbird has been Marked, to the disgust of her friends, who watch her become sicker and sicker in daylight hours. She is rushed to the House of Night, a school where she will train to become an adult vampire. That is if she survives the Change. Not all of those chosen do. It’s tough being away from all that she knows and on top of that Zoey finds that she’s no average fledging. The vampire goddess Nyx has marked her as special. When she discovers the leader of the Dark Daughters, the school’s most elite club, is misusing her Goddess-given gifts, Zoey must find the courage within herself to set things back to the way they should be.

Okay this is probably teen lit but I tell all you parents now, keep it for yourself and only when you finish it wrap it up as the present you intended. Parents will also be pleasantly surprised at Zoey’s moralistic side to her character that, to cut a long story short, tells teens it’s not cool to be a slut or a drunk.

The only annoying thing about this book is the similarities to Harry Potter. Zoey hates her family and gets whisked away from her horrible life to a magical school, okay it’s for vampires and not witches and wizards, but you get the point. Plus she is separated out from the other pupils as special by a different mark on her forehead… now we’re getting a bit too close to Harry’s scar. This is a shame because the plot is much better than Rowling’s over hyped books. [Ooh! - Diane]

Of course this was always going to be compared to Buffy as it is a teen novel that contains vampires, but I see this as a good thing as there are no other similarities in the plot. It’s like Buffy’s arch-enemy vampire has written a book to show the world that they aren’t all nasty blood sucking fiends, but have a gentler side too: awww!

Overall this was fast paced, funny and exciting. It held my attention all the way through and Zoey grows into a feisty heroine who’d I’d definitely want on my side. (That is if I ever got into a fight between vampires… yes I know I’ve been watching way too much sci-fi.)

Go give your self a well-needed mental holiday from all the everyday stresses and strains and read this book. I guarantee you’ll come away refreshed and ready to fight another day.

Rating: 5/5.

Like this? Try Carpe Demon by Julie Kenner.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 25, 2007 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Series, Supernatural, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (16)

July 23, 2007 1:15 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Complete Polysyllabic Spree by Nick Hornby

Subtitled 'The Diary of an occasionally exasperated but ever hopeful reader", Nick Hornby's new work of non-fiction The Complete Polysyllabic Spree comprises 3 years of his What I'm Reading columns for The Believer magazine.

He starts each column with two lists: books bought that month, and books read that month, which often differ substantially! He then talks about what he read (and sometimes what he bought) that month, and why.

Anyone who's read Fever Pitch (or per haps 31 Songs) will know how good a non-fiction writer Hornby is. After falling out with the author (admittedly it was a one-sided argument) after reading his - ugh- How to be Good I was happy to find that I could still love this author's work!

His discussion of the reasons we read the books we do, and the influences on his own reading is intelligent but always accessible: although he often enjoys what could be called 'highbrow' books, his approach to them is down-to-earth. I knew I was going to love this non-snobbish analysis when in the introduction, Hornby rails against literary snobbery. He says,

"In Britain, more than twelve million adults have a reading age of thirteen or under, and yet some clever-dick journalist still insists on telling us that unless we're reading something proper, then we might as well not bother at all... reading for enjoyment is what we should all be doing."

Hear hear!

I just have a couple of slight criticisms about this otherwise excellent book: whenever Nick reads (and abandons) a book he hates, he isn't allowed to name it in his column, as the ethos of The Believer is to not slag people off. But surely he could have elaborated in this book? Second, although the inclusion of passages of books he enjoyed is probably a good idea, for me it slowed down the narrative - I wanted to find out what Nick read next!

But I raced through this, and it only inspired me to read more. Funny, entertaining and book-related - what more could a reader want?

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try So Many Books, So Little Time by Sara Nelson.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 23, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, New Releases, Non Fiction, Opinion, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

July 9, 2007 10:18 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Smoking Diaries by Simon Gray

If you live in England you might have heard just about enough about the smoking ban that came into force last week and occupied the media's attention for months.

Well, Simon Gray's memoir The Smoking Diaries provides a very non-PC alternative perspective to the anti-smoking lobby: the man loves smoking. He knows it's not good for him, and he does (kind of) try to give up (a bit) but mostly he just enjoys his filthy habit and finds it enhances his life. This very entertaining book documents a year in his life in which a few things happen, both good and bad (trying not to give anything away here!) and a lot of cigarettes are smoked...

I actually bought this book for my Dad, thinking he would relate. As an ex-nicotine addict himself and self-confessed 'grumpy old man' who loves going to the theatre, how could he not enjoy the memoir of a grumpy male playwright who smokes a lot? But although my Dad enjoyed it, I think I liked it even more. I'm not sure why: maybe because Gray's writing is so good, or because despite his curmudgeonly persona, he's completely charming. He's unexpectedly enthusiastic too, such as when he talks in great detail about why he loves the film Species, which is very entertaining.

This book is surprising, funny and (when he reflects on his younger brother's fate) also heartbreakingly poignant. In short, it's a great read, no matter what your personal relationship with nicotine may be.

Be warned though: despite Gray's horrible addiction to cigarettes, this book almost makes smoking seem appealing, so it may actually be harmful to your health...

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 9, 2007 in British Authors, Memoirs, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (11)

July 6, 2007 10:38 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Good Girls by Laura Ruby

The back cover of Laura Ruby's Good Girls claims it's a Forever for the 21st Century. What is it with Forever these days? Everyone's Judy Blume obsessed!

The premise of Laura Ruby's teen debut Good Girls is brilliant. At a party, Honours student Audrey decided to break up with her sort-of boyfriend by giving him something to remember her by. Unfortunately, someone takes a picture of her in the act and soon it's emailed around the school and even her parents have seen it.

I was worried that it might be a bit sensationalist. You know, the shocking things teens get up to with their loose morals and modern technology - but it wasn't like that at all. In fact, it was completely brilliant. One of the best books I've read for ages. (I'm constantly thrilled by how great YA books are.)

Following the photo, Audrey learns about friendship, relationships, self-worth and judging people. It made me cry and left me with a daft smile on my face. Yes, it's probably a bit more "adult" than Forever (although it's a long time since I've read Forever, so I couldn't be sure) but teens are a lot more "adult" than they were 20 years ago, aren't they?

When I got to the end, I wanted to go back and start reading it again (and there's only one other book that's made me want to do that).

Like Tanya Lee Stone's A Bad Boy Can Be Good for a Girl, Good Girls is an important book and one that teens should read and pass around (yes, even to their parents).

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try  I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter

Posted by Keris on July 6, 2007 in American Authors, Debut Novels, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (7)

July 2, 2007 11:01 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: Michael Tolliver Lives by Armistead Maupin

I love Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City series more than any other books. Not only are they funny, shocking, entertaining, moving, thrilling, they (along with Barry Manilow albums ... what?) got me through a very difficult time in my life. I reread them periodically and, though I'll never enjoy them as much as the first time, they're still fabulous, brilliantly-written novels.

So when I heard Armistead Maupin had, after 20 years, written another book that, while supposedly not a continuation of the series, featured its main character, Michael "Mouse" Tolliver, I had mixed feelings. While I was desperate to know how things had turned out for Michael (and perhaps pick up some clues about the other characters too), I was worried it might disappoint. I should have known better.

Now in his sixties (how can that be?), Michael works as a gardener and is blissfully happy with his much younger husband (they married at City Hall on the day civil partnerships became legal), Ben. Still living in San Francisco (of course), he remains close friends with Brian and - and this made me blissfully happy - Mrs Madrigal.

Apart from the fact that Michael's mother is dying, leading him to return to his childhood home of Orlando, Florida and discover a shocking family secret, very little happens, but it didn't need to. I was surprised at how emotional I found it meeting these characters again. I know it's a cliche, but it really was like catching up with old friends. I hadn't realised I'd missed these people so much. It was so wonderful spending time with them again.

The only problem I found was that I kept confusing Michael with the author. Perhaps because I know some of the experiences Maupin gave Michael were actually based on his own (as they were in the originally series, but I didn't know that then), but I did keep having to force my brain to picture an older Michael rather than Armistead Maupin. Funnily enough, each time I did it, it gave me a little sigh of pleasure and recognition.

I've read a couple of reviews that claim Michael Tolliver Lives is pointless and I suppose it is ... unless you love the Tales of the City books. I have no idea whether it would stand up as a novel on its own - it's impossible for me to separate it from the series - but I don't care. I loved it. After this, I'll be reading the Tales books again and then I'd like some more please, Mr Maupin. And don't wait 20 years either.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Tales of the City, of course!

Posted by Keris on July 2, 2007 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Series | Permalink | Comments (4)

June 28, 2007 10:15 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Size 14 is Not Fat Either by Meg Cabot

Heather Wells is back! Finally! I would jump for joy - in public - but that'd just look silly. For those of you who don't already know (or those who are not fans of the fabulous Meg Cabot - if so, HOW COULD YOU NOT BE? Gawd!) Heather Wells is the heroine of Meg's Size 12 Is Not Fat and this brilliant sequel: Size 14 Is Not Fat Either.

Heather, former teen pop princess turned investigator, is back where she left off in Size 12..., at New York College, where she works as a dorm - sorry, residence hall - advisor for Fischer Hall. Dealing with irate freshmen with constant room-related problems is irritating at the best of times, but Heather still loves her job. Plus, working at the famed 'Death Dorm' owing to last year's murders (which, of course, Heather solved) will give her the chance to get the college degree she's always wanted.

Still secretly in love with private investigator housemate Cooper - older brother of her ex-finance, boyband star Jordan Cartwright - Heather is trying to the best of her ability to get him to notice her. Because surely it's about time he realised they'd be perfect together?

However, when the head of New York College's most well-loved cheerleader is found in a simmering pot in the school cafeteria, it's obvious that Death Dorm is back and Heather's personal life has to come second in her list of priorities. Nobody's safe in Fischer Hall until the killer is found - and with police not too bothered about working quickly to catch the culprit, there's only one thing that Heather can do.

She has to solve the case.

After all, there's no-one better for the job than someone who's dealt with students' constant whining on a personal level, right?

Unsurprisingly, Meg has blessed us with another must-read. Whereas I enjoyed the first in the Heather Wells series, this one is better. 29-year-old Heather's immature ways and unfortunate trait of talking like a tween (the only thing that annoyed me about the last one) seem to have died down a bit in this. It's fast-paced, funny, and never one to disappoint, Meg gets straight into the action within the first chapter.

For all of those who love a cute murder-mystery with a unique, fatty-food-loving heroine (I do!) then this one should be right at the top of your reading list. Of course, you should really read Size 12 first, but even if you don't, the story so far should be easy to catch up on.

The only downside to this book?

You won't want to put it down until the mystery's solved.

Please, Meg - we want some more!

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try After Eight by Meg Cabot.

Posted by Danielle Symonds-Yemm on June 28, 2007 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

BOOK REVIEW: Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson

Persephone Books reprints forgotten classics by twentieth-century (mostly women) writers, making them perfect for Cult Classics Week.

Written in 1938, Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day is the story of downtrodden middle-aged governess Miss Pettigrew, who is on the brink of homelessness. When her employment agency accidentally sends her to the home of a young woman seeking a new maid, Miss Pettigrew gets caught up in a day that changes her life forever.

The woman, glamorous cabaret singer Miss LaFosse, is Miss Pettigrew's complete opposite, so they really shouldn't get on, but they do. Under Miss LaFosse's influence, Miss Pettigrew's finds herself doing things she's never done before: wearing make-up and fancy clothes, drinking cocktails, dancing at a nightclub and really living for the first time.

With each chapter divided into hourly time periods you find yourself not wanting the day to end.

In her wonderful book, The Shops, India Knight called Miss Pettigrew "the sweetest grown-up book in the world" and she was right. It's a lovely, charming book and a quick and easy read. Perfect for a plane journey, if you're off on your hols.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Little Lady Agency by Hester Browne

Posted by Keris on June 28, 2007 in British Authors, Cult classic week, Debut Novels, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (6)

June 27, 2007 5:50 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding

You may have heard of this one... can anyone reading Trashionista not have read this book (if so, why?)

Although Marian Keyes's Watermelon was technically the first chick-lit book, Bridget Jones's Diary (BJD) started as a column in the Independent a year before Watermelon was published. Helen Fielding's modern (cult) classic captured the zeitgeist of a generation, introducing us to Mark Darcy, Daniel Cleaver, Una Alconbury, the concept of f***wittage and the importance of Chardonnay.

Plus it introduced us to one of the literary heroine of the nineties: Miss Bridget Jones...

In case you don't know the storyline, a quick reminder: Bridget Jones keeps a diary of her year, which starts with her being introduced to a snobbish man she instantly hates, Mark Darcy, progresses via disastrous dinner dates, job humiliations and bad boyfriends like Daniel Cleaver until she ends up with the man who was right for her all along...

I re-read the book for this review, so I could give it a fair rating and check that nostalgia hadn't made me remember it as better than it was. Not only was it at least as good as I'd remembered, it's actually got better with time: the cultural references may not be as relevant, but Bridget's insecurities and observations may be even truer now than back when this was published. (Women seem to go to even greater lengths to try to please men, for a start...) None of us know what classic s will still be in print (if we still have print books) in a hundred years time. But BJD definitely deserves to be one of them. It's a cult and a classic.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Cause Celeb by Helen Fielding.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 27, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Cult classic week, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (9)

BOOK REVIEW: Rainy Days & Tuesdays by Claire Allan

For the last few months, debut author Claire Allan has been writing guest blogs for us about the road to publication. Her novel, Rainy Days & Tuesdays, was finally released last week and I got to read it straight away.

Once again, in the interests of full disclosure, Claire was (and is!) another member of the chick lit writing group  I host (happily, we're a pretty successful bunch), so if I hadn't liked Rainy Days, I would've given it to someone else to review (I'm brave like that). Luckily I loved it.

Since having her first child Grace Adams has more than lost her mojo. Now Parenting Editor at the same magazine where she used to be Health & Beauty Editor, and with hair, make-up and fashion no longer a priority, she feels like her glamorous days are far behind her.

But when the new Health & Beauty Editor suggests Grace might like to feature in the magazine's ultimate make-over, something cracks and Grace finds herself having a "wee breakdown". Following rows with both her husband and best friend, Grace realises professional help is needed and after consulting with "Dr Dishy" agrees to the makeover, but on her terms.

Yes, Rainy Days & Tuesdays is another Mummy Lit book, but there's a reason they're so popular: they're true. I identified with Grace from the first page, but even if you've never had any mummy-related loss of identity issues yourself, Claire's writing style is so friendly and accessible that it would still be an incredibly enjoyable and satisfying read.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Motherland by Maria Beaumont

Posted by Keris on June 27, 2007 in Debut Novels, Irish Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

June 25, 2007 7:25 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: Fever Pitch by Nick Hornby

Nick Hornby came to most women's attention (sorry to be gender biased, but I think that's true!) with High Fidelity, his excellent lad lit novel about a music obsessive and his estranged girlfriend.

But if you haven't read Fever Pitch, you've missed a trick. The memoir of Hornby's obsession with Arsenal might be a bit much if you're a mad-keen Chelsea or Man Utd. supporter, or if you're American and think football's called soccer...(I tease!) but even if you're not a fan of the 'beautiful game', there's still a lot to enjoy in this book. It's a raw and touching story abut the power of sport to transform the emotions and the sense of belonging and bonding that football can provide. Even if you don't like sport, it's hard not to be won over by Hornby's enthusiasm and the excitement and tension at the end of the book is palpable.

I admit, I wouldn't ahve picked this book up had I not loved High Fideltity, or if it wasn't handy on my Dad's bookshelf. But I'm so very, very glad I did.

It's a cult classic of the footie field and beyond!

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 25, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Cult classic week, Memoirs, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Prize Winners, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

June 22, 2007 12:02 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Fly On The Wall By E Lockhart

Fly On The Wall is one of my favourite YA books, and just about the only one of E Lockhart's novels that we haven't reviewed! The subtitle, How One Girl Saw Everything, gives a clue that the title might actually be literal - and it is. Gretchen is studying Franz Kafka's classic story of alienation, The Metamorphosis, for her English class and thinking that it might not be so bad to be a bug for a while and get a different perspective on her boring (yet typically teenage-angsty) life. Her wish is granted, and she gets the chance to be a LITERAL fly on the wall of the boys' locker room. Where yes, she does see everything... and learns a lot about the opposite sex, and about the things she appreciates about her life in the process.

It takes a great author to carry off such a far-fetched storyline, and E Lockhart is that author. I liked this book even more than her 'earthbound' novels, with its echoes of Kafka, myths and superhero storylines as well as the realistic portrayal of the daughter of separated parents. This is another book that both teenagers and adults will love - and you don't have to be a fly on the wall to see that.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try The Boyfriend List by E Lockhart.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 22, 2007 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (3)

June 18, 2007 11:21 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: In Search of Adam by Caroline Smailes

Caroline Smailes' debut novel In Search of Adam is the first novel to be released by The Friday Project, who were set up to discover books via blogs.

It's the story of Jude who, aged six, finds her mother dead from an overdose and  a note that reads, "Jude. I have gone in search of Adam. I love you baby." Written in the first person, we learn how Jude struggles without her mother, wonders about Adam and suffers physical, sexual and emotional abuse from both family and strangers. The abuse leads Jude into obsession, compulsions, self-harm and bulimia.

In Search of Adam made me cry, it made me furious. It made me wonder how anyone can bring themselves to write such a painful book. (I couldn't read it in the evenings because I knew I wouldn't have been able to sleep.) And then reading the notes at the end I discovered that there was so much more to the book that I hadn't even understood and it made me admire the author even more.

I ached for Jude. I wanted to take care of her. Or at least I wanted someone, anyone to take care of her. I almost cheered when she got a teacher who understood and treated Jude with kindness and respect, and I wanted the teacher to take on Jude's parents, but then Jude moved through school and had no-one again.

Another reviewer has said that In Search of Adam will do for child abuse what Mark Haddon did for autism. I agree. I also think it's an incredibly important book. I see great things. They're all deserved.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver

Posted by Keris on June 18, 2007 in British Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

June 13, 2007 11:37 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Hollywood Car Wash by Lori Culwell

From the minute I heard about Lori Culwell's novel Hollywood Car Wash I couldn't wait to read it (I admit it even jumped my massive queue of books to be reviewed). I'm celebrity-obsessed (yes, I know it's shallow, but I don't care) and Culwell's book, about an actress who is systematically turned into a "starlet," is based on true events.

Amy Spencer is a college student in Michigan with ambitions to be an actress in independent films, but when she gets the part of a regular girl from Michigan in a TV pilot she puts her ideals on hold and heads for Hollywood. The part is good, the money even better (particularly since Amy's family have been struggling since her father's death), but soon the show becomes incredibly popular and Amy's under increasing pressure to change, well, everything. Her name (to Star), her hair, her teeth, her nose and, of course, her body.

I didn't want to put this book down and I wouldn't have done if I hadn't had other responsibilities (I kept thinking what a perfect book it would be for the beach... if I didn't have a 3-year-old). It's entertaining, shocking and completely compelling. Because Star - sorry, Amy - is ordinary at the start of the book, she's easy to identify with, and though I found her a little weak at times, I really felt for her (I even cried a couple of times).

The back cover blurb includes the line: "...this shockingly accurate novel about the ins and outs of the Hollywood gave will leave the reader wondering - who is Star?" I don't know who she is (and she's not who I thought she was - the "megastar boyfriend with a big secret" was a red herring!), but I am desperate to know.

Despite the fact that I've read plenty of celebrity magazines and biographies and watched the odd E! True Hollywood Story or ten, there was still plenty in this book to shock me (unless I'm just gormlessly naive) and it made me appreciate just what a truly awful place Hollywood must be! Plus it's interesting from a feminist point of view - showing just how much work goes into making actresses "picture perfect" these days.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try How To Sleep With a Movie Star by Kristin Harmel

Posted by Keris on June 13, 2007 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (7)

June 11, 2007 10:07 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: Afloat by Jennifer McCartney

I didn't know what to expect from Jennifer McCartney's debut novel, Afloat. The cover's rather downbeat and the book features parallel narratives: a young Bell working on Mackinac Island for the summer and Bell 50 years later (reflecting on her life. Just to make it even less appealing, the Mackinac narrative is set in the present day (ish) and the other narrative in the future. But it was far from what I expected, in fact it was brilliant.

Um. Not much actually happens really, but it's beautifully written, evocative and compelling. The earlier narrative is really good fun: Bell and the friends she makes on the island work hard and then spend their nights drinking, falling off their bikes (no automobiles are allowed on the island), and falling in love, and the later narrative in which Bell is clearing her house while waiting for a visit from someone from her past, is moving, scary and uplifting.

The characters are wonderfully drawn and real and the horrors of the future are more subtle than you often find in dystopian novels (not to say Afloat is entirely dystopian, it's utopian too), but they're totally believable.

A really impressive first novel. I can't wait to see what Jennifer McCartney does next.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Posted by Keris on June 11, 2007 in Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

June 5, 2007 4:54 PM

BOOK REVIEW: I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter

I've been hearing great things about I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You for ages now (I even picked it up in New York two years ago, but then had to put it back when my sister reminded me there wasn't any more room in my suitcase). Ally Carter has written adult novels, but I'd Tell You... is her first book for Young Adults.

Cammy attends the exclusive and prestigious Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women. The residents of Roseville believe Gallagher Girls to be spoiled and privileged, having no idea they're actually spies-in-training. Cammy's mother is the headmistress and Cammy's spy skills are prodigious, but while she excels at Covert Ops, she's clueless where boys are concerned. So when she meets Josh she treats dating as a mission, with its own invented identity.

At the same time as trying to crack the boy code, Cammy's dealing with gorgeous new teacher Joe Solomon, new student Macey, a secret she can't tell her best friend, Bex, and, you know, schoolwork and studying.

I adored I'd Tell You... For some reason, quite a lot of YA books seem to be part of a series and so you finish the book knowing that you're going to have to read another to learn everything you want to know. That wasn't the case with this book; it was one of the most satisfying books I've read for ages. But I'd really love to read more about the Gallagher Girls and I'm in luck: Cross My Heart and Hope To Spy is out in October.

Like this? Try After Eight by Meg Cabot

Rating: 5 out of 5

Posted by Keris on June 5, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Rating: 5/5, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 30, 2007 10:02 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Wannabe a Writer? by Jane Wenham-Jones

The book also has a website.

[Luisa Plaja]

Posted by Keris on May 30, 2007 in British Authors, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

May 23, 2007 3:26 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Summer At Tiffany by Marjorie Hart

Honestly, it's some time since I've been as excited about a book as I was about Summer at Tiffany. New York? The forties? That cover? 83-year-old Marjorie Hart's memoir of the 1945 summer she spent working for the famous and glamorous store almost seemed as if it was designed with me in mind.

Along with her college friend Marty, Marjorie got a job as a Page at Tiffany, making the two of them the first women to work on the shop floor. Customers included Judy Garland and Marlene Dietrich and the job was wonderful, but poorly paid. Marjorie and Marty shared an apartment, which was used as a weekend city base for their other college friends as they enjoyed New York's sights and nightlife.

I loved this book just as much as I thought I would. Adriana Trigiani's comment on the cover, "Charming and delicious..." is spot on (and Trigiani's novel of working in a department store in '50s New York, Lucia Lucia, is equally charming and delicious). I loved all the details: joining two million people in Times Square to read the announcement of Victory in Japan, lunch from the Automat (which you may remember from That Touch of Mink), getting sunburned at the beach...

It seems like another (and despite the war, much more civilised) world. Summer of Tiffany is a book I can see myself rereading when modern life gets to be just too much.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Lucia Lucia by Adriana Trigiani

Posted by Keris on May 23, 2007 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

May 22, 2007 1:15 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Frenemies by Megan Crane

I didn't like Megan Crane's first book as much as I'd hoped to (because she's friend of Trashionista, you see), but I absolutely loved her second, so I approached Frenemies with trepidation - which would it be, yay or nay? Well...

Augusta "Gus" Curtis is actually looking forward to the big 3-0. She's on track to having everything she wants: a great job, a gorgeous boyfriend, wonderful friends. That is, until, she walks in on her boyfriend, Nate, kissing her friend, Helen. Gus can't believe Nate would do that to her, but she's actually more upset about Helen's betrayal, especially since Helen won't leave her alone and seems to be doing everything in her power to drive Gus round the twist.

Realising that she's not quite as grown up as she would like to think, Gus decides to take action and drag herself into adulthood.

I loved Frenemies. Lots of the cover reviews (including a fabulous one from Marian Keyes) claimed it was unputdownable and, while no book is literally unputdownable (sorry, but it's one of my bugbears) I really didn't want to leave Frenemies until I got to the end.

Gus is great: the perfect combination of clueless and clued-in. Her friends Georgia and Amy Lee are fabulous too (particularly Georgia). Helen is just so painfully infuriating I wanted to leap into the book and slap her smug face. Even minor characters like Gus's boss and her next-door neighbour are brilliantly realised and entertaining. And I haven't even mentioned the gorgeous Henry (swoon).

I also loved the fact that the book was arranged almost entirely around parties. It reminded me a bit of St Elmo's Fire, which is one of my favourite films, so that's no bad thing at all.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin

 

Posted by Keris on May 22, 2007 in American Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (4)

May 21, 2007 12:50 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: Never Have Your Dog Stuffed by Alan Alda

Never Have Your Dog Stuffed is one of veteran actor Alan Alda's life philosophies. When he was young, his favourite dog died and he was devastated. So his dad had the dog stuffed, as a kind of consolation. But the expression on the dog's face was all wrong, and instead of comforting, he was just scary. It taught Alda an important lesson: you can't go back and change the past, and if you try to, you'll just create a horrifying, upsetting mess.

In this book, Alda shares his other life philosophies, and tells the story of his life - from his childhood growing up among the stars of vaudeville (one of whom was his father) to his marriage, his acting roles, and his near-death experience whilst filming in a very remote part of the world...

I hadn't realised that as well as being an actor, Alan Alda is an acclaimed writer, director and producer - and a highly intelligent and reflective person, too. He hasn't had an easy life: his mother was severely mentally ill and he had a difficult, competitive relationship with his father. Although Alda desperately wanted to be an actor, and started acting at a young age, his success was by no means guaranteed until he was lucky enough to be offered his iconic role as Hawkeye in M*A*S*H.

Books by celebrities are a dime (or rather £1.25 million) a dozen, but this one is a bit different, and digs a bit deeper. It's a chronological history of Alda's life,  but it's also a reflection on what he's learned. And he's learned a lot. NHYDS is an entertaining, heart-breaking and very intelligent read. I loved it.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try My Life So Far by Jane Fonda

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 21, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Celebrity Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (3)

May 14, 2007 11:11 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

I read The Yellow Wallpaper at university six or so years ago and it has stayed with me as one of the most disturbing stories I've ever read.

A short story, written in 1891 by feminist author Charlotte Perkins Gilman (she also wrote a book about a female utopia called Herland) it's the first person account of the descent into insanity of a nameless woman who's physician husband claims she's suffering from nervous exhaustion.

Renting a house for three months, the husband chooses the highest room in the house as their bedroom believing its lightness will do his wife good. And she does like the room, apart from the yellow wallpaper which she finds unpleasant and creepy. As the story goes on, the wallpaper disturbs the narrator more and more until she's seeing figures sneaking behind it and eyes and tongues lolling out. Ugh, it gives me the willies just to think about it. I won't say anymore because you can read it online, but if the ending doesn't make you shiver you're a braver woman than me.

It's an amazing piece of work, a genuine horror story that also highlights the issues facing woman in the none-too-distant past. The narrator is most likely suffering from post-natal depression, but her husband believes writing and any sort of society is likely to overexcite her and make it worse, and so makes her a prisoner in her own home.

It's actually based on Gilman's own experiences (with depression, rather than interior decoration) and its publication was delayed when a doctor (not Gilman's own) took exception to it, claiming that it would drive anyone mad to read it. I highly recommend you test his theory here (and make sure you let us know what you think).

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try The Woman Who Walked Into Doors by Roddy Doyle

Posted by Keris on May 14, 2007 in American Authors, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5, Short Story Collections | Permalink | Comments (5)

May 11, 2007 11:41 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Upstate by Kalisha Buckhanon

Kalisha Buckhanon's Upstate is an epistolary novel (and I was twenty-seven before I knew what that meant, so for my fellow duh-brains, it means it's told in letter form) telling the love story of twentieth-century Brooklyn-based Romeo and Juliets Antonio and Natasha.

The couple, aged 16 and 17 at the start of the novel, are at high school and in love and planning for the future.

Then one night Antonio is arrested for the murder of his father, found guilty and sent to jail.

The young lovers's world is turned upside down, but they vow to write to each other and to never let their love die...

At first, I worried that some of the Brooklyn teenage dialect would get on my nerves, but it seemed authentic and didn't disturb my enjoyment of the story.

I found this book incredibly moving and gripping - I read it in less than a day, almost forgetting to breathe at times! It's definitely one of the best books I've read so far this year and I recommend it wholeheartedly.

I loved it.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try The Ice Queen by Alice Hoffman

PS: Upstate also has butterflies on the cover! BUT they are relevant to the story... Whatever next?!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 11, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (2)

May 4, 2007 2:34 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Home by Julie Myerson

I knew from the moment I first heard about it that I would love Julie Myerson's book, Home. The story of everyone who ever lived in her house? Who wouldn't want to know that? And I know, from reading one of her novels, Something Might Happen, what an amazing writer she is. So I sat down to read Home with anticipation and, if I hadn't had responsibilities, I wouldn't have got up again until I'd finished it.

Home is not just the story of everyone who lived in the Myersons' Victorian house, it's also Julie's story and the story of how books like this come to be written. So we learn about the residents - their fascinating and sometimes incredible stories - and we learn how Julie researched it all, how she chose to expand on the facts she found. All the little details that add up to make this book completely fascinating.

Researching the history of her own home also piqued Julie's interest in the homes she'd had in the past and so she goes back to visit them and, in doing so, reveals her own history and how homes shape memories (and, I suppose, memories shape homes).

It's an incredible, joyful, inspiring and life-affirming book. I couldn't read it quick enough but also didn't want it to end.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try But Enough About Me by Jancee Dunn

Posted by Keris on May 4, 2007 in British Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

April 30, 2007 12:55 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka

Marina Lewycka’s debut novel, A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian, was shortlisted for the Orange Prize in 2005 and has been critically acclaimed all over the world. Just the type of book I expected to either dislike or at least think was overrated ... but it absolutely wasn’t. In fact, it’s as readable and entertaining as it is moving.

Nadia and Vera’s father, Nikolai, has always been eccentric, but when he announces, two years after their mother’s death, his plans to marry a young Ukranian woman neither of them has met, the sisters are concerned. Their concern increases when they finally do meet Valentina - a brash, big-bosomed woman, who is clearly only interested in their father for his money and British citizenship. Their father though, is smitten.

Valentina and her son Stanislav move in and Valentina’s treatment of Nikolai soon changes. He is no longer her “holubchik” (little pigeon) he is “no-good-bad-stink-corpse”. The sisters realise they have to get Valentina and Stanislav out of their father’s life, but how?

And if all that's not enough for Nadia and Vera to deal with, there’s also their own antagonistic relationship, their mother’s memory (and their unequally-split inheritance), plus the terrible details of the family’s history that Nadia has never known, but Vera remembers all too well.

I was blown away by A Short History of Tractors in Ukranian. It managed to balance humour with terrible tragedy, while being eminently readable and though-provoking. Don’t be put off by the title, the cover, or the Orange Prize, just read it.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try The Girls by Lori Lansens

Posted by Keris on April 30, 2007 in British Authors, Debut Novels, More On Monday, Prize Winners, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (4)

April 23, 2007 1:07 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: Television Without Pity by Tara Ariano and Sarah D Bunting

Anyone who reads (and like me, LOVES) the website Television Without Pity will understand what to expect from this book: the same snarky, madly observant tone of that brilliant site, delivered in encyclopaedia format. Subtitled ‘752 things we love to hate (and hate to love) about TV’,  Television Without Pity is an A-Z about everything televisual: from Acting, Wooden to Zeiring, Iain... (I swear that juxtaposition was unintentional!)

I got this for my birthday (thanks, Mum!) and spent a whole weekend totally absorbed, often screeching with laughter and recognition at Ariano and Bunting’s brilliant insights.

Often the section headers were enough to set me off: Weakest Link, British-Lady Edition or Fashion, Hilarious Attempts of TV Guys in the 90s at. Their take on watching a whole show on DVD over a weekend is exaggerated, yet familiar: "We try to ration the 24 episodes, one at a time, but we can't... the next thing we know it's Sunday night and we're sitting in adult diapers on the couch, surrounded by forty-eight hours' worth of snack bags and Diet Coke cans, heads pounding, cracked out on Keifer..." Fellow TV addicts will relate. Except maybe about the 'diapers'...

As you might have guessed, this book is American, and the one drawback for UK readers is that a lot of the cultural references will be unfamiliar (I’m an American-TV junkie from way back and there was a lot I didn’t understand). But that didn’t stop me laughing at and loving this book. It’s not all fun and games though: there’s also a lot of intelligent, thought-provoking analysis about the way pop culture functions.

In fact, it’s pretty much the perfect book.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster.

Television archives | TV Scoop: Blogging the Gogglebox

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 23, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 18, 2007 10:59 AM

BOOK REVIEW: A Bad Boy Can Be Good For A Girl by Tanya Lee Stone

We actually included Tanya Lee Stone’s A Bad Boy Can Be Good For A Girl in our Top 10 Young Adult Books last year, but we hadn’t actually reviewed it ... until now.

The first thing I must say about this book is that it’s written in verse. But don’t let that put you off. It’s the stories of three high school girls - Josie, Nicolette and Aviva - who all date the same unnamed bad boy, though not at the same time. All three think they can change him and I don’t think I’m giving too much away when I say that none manages it and the girls get hurt instead.

I flew through this book, in fact I read it in one sitting. It’s clever, funny, though-provoking, inspiring, in fact, I think it should be compulsory reading for all teenage girls (and probably boys too).

I didn’t notice while I was actually reading the book, but once I’d finished and I started reading it again, I realised that each poem could easily stand up on its own. It’s an incredible achievement. Plus it features an inspired use of a copy of Judy Blume’s Forever. What more could you possibly want.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try The Boyfriend List by E Lockhart

Posted by Keris on April 18, 2007 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Rating: 5/5, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (7)

April 17, 2007 10:35 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Emma by Jane Austen

I wanted to read this ever since I saw (and loved) the 1996 film version starring Gwyneth Paltrow. A couple of years ago, I finally got around to it!

Although not as hyped as Pride and Prejudice, I think Emma is just as good. It's the story of (and this will surprise you) a young woman called Emma - Emma Woodhouse, who lives with her elderly father, who is ill, yet also a terrible hypocondriac (a great combination!) He and Emma love each other very much though, and after Emma's friend and former governess Mrs Weston marries and moves away, they're almost each other's only companion. Except for Emma's sister's brother-in-law (keep up!) that is - the slightly older but very charming Mr Knightley... Then Harriet Smith comes to town, and suddenly Emma has a friend her own age for the first time. She can't resist trying to use her self-proclaimed talent for match-making to try to set Harriet up with one of the eligible men around Highbury... Perhaps Mr Elton? Or even Mr Knightley?...

Emma meanwhile has her interest aroused by charismatic newcomer Frank Churchill - but could he just be playing with her emotions? And is Mr Knightley's constant teasing his way of covering his love for her? (Oh it's Austen, what do you think? Er, I mean, read it and find out!)

Emma's a wonderfully entertaining, intelligent but flawed character (with a lot more guts than Lizzie Bennett). Perhaps most controversially, I think Mr Knightley is a MUCH more interesting and sexy character than old repressed Darcy. Yes, he patronises Emma a little, but she needs someone to bring her down to earth -  and he needs someone to stop him being too serious, which Emma is great at. (Plus, and purists will hate me for saying so, he's pretty darn foxy in the film...)

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Persuasion.

*DID YOU KNOW?* Nora Ephron once wrote an essay saying she'd love to be Lizzie Bennett, but she's much more like Emma Woodhouse - flawed, gossipy - but fun.

PS: Check out the new pretty cover - even Austen's been given the butterfly treatment!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 17, 2007 in Austen Week, Book related, Classic Novels, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (3)

April 13, 2007 12:28 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Ice Queen by Alice Hoffman

I'd been wanting to read something by Alice Hoffman for quite some time and just never got around to it. So when she released her latest book The Ice Queen and it started getting great reviews, I quickly snapped up my local library's copy!

When the nameless first-person narrator (catchy name, eh?!) of this book is eight she is upset with her mother one day, so when her mum goes out for the evening, she wishes for her never to return. She doesn't: she dies in a car crash and TNFPN and her brother Ned go to live with their grandmother. From then onwards, our narrator is convinced she has a gift: when she wishes for something bad, it always happens - but she can't seem to stop herself from wishing. In adulthood, she half-heartedly wishes to be hit by lightning, and then she is. It has strange and devastating  physical consequences including colorblindness, limping and pain. But in other ways, it begins a new and exciting chapter in her life - especially when she meets mysterious fellow lightning strike survivor Lazarus Jones - a man who is literally too hot to touch...

Although this book has an ethereal, ghost-story quality to it, it's told in simple, easy to read language rather than being all airy-fairy! The events are sometimes strange and there's elements of fairytale and magical realism here, but it's all kept tethered to the ground by great writing and a strong and constantly unpredictable (but believable) storyline.

Simply put, it's a wonderful read that made me realise that by missing out on Alice Hoffman all these years, I've really been missing out.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Read the opening of the book here.

Like this?

Try A Complicated Kindness by Miriam Toews.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 13, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (5)

April 12, 2007 6:16 PM

BOOK REVIEW: 31 Dream Street by Lisa Jewell

Like Marian Keyes' books, I look forward to Lisa Jewell’s books desperately, with only her occasional newsletters, full of travel, glamorous dinner and photos of her gorgeous daughter to keep me going in the meantime. 31 Dream Street is Jewell’s sixth book and, like her others, it’s completely wonderful.

Leah has lived opposite the huge “Peacock House” for years. She’s watched the residents come and go, dying to know their stories, but has never spoken to a single one. But when she finds “Old Skinny Guy” face down on the pavement in front of the house, she finds herself being introduced to - and learning the stories of - all the residents. And so, of course, does the reader.

We meet “Girl with the Guitar” - Ruby, a wild and promiscuous singer who’s been living in the Peacock House since she was 16; “Young Skinny Guy” - Toby, a shy, stuck, failed poet whose father gifted him the house and then disappeared from his life, as did his wife after just three weeks of marriage; “the Teenager” - Con, a post boy at Conde Nast, brought up by his grandmother after being abandoned by his mother; “the Air Hostess” - Con’s mother, desperate to make it up to him; and “Sybil” (so-called because she changes her image so often) - an actress researching a role ... or is she?

Through a series of letters we learn that Toby advertised for creative types who needed a place to live with rent on an ad-hoc basis and ended up with the above motley bunch. But when Toby learns that a) the house is now probably worth close to £1million and b) his father’s coming back to see what he’s done with his life, he realises that it’s about time he ... er ... did something with his life. And that Leah’s just the person to help him. So the two of them come up with a plan to learn about the residents, find out what will make them happy, help them achieve it and get them out of the house!

Written down like this, 31 Dream Street actually seems much more far-fetched than it actually is. As always, Lisa Jewell makes you believe these people actually exist and by the end of the book you feel as if you’re reading about friends. Leah is wonderful, Toby is gorgeous and there are no caricatures here (with the possible exception of Ruby).

Although the book is tied up neatly and conveniently, none of it is unbelievable or unconvincing. Jewell’s been called the most “emotionally intelligent” of the chick lit authors and I agree. Despite the fact that it’s almost 500 pages long, I read it in a day with no effort at all. (Plus Jewell always writes evocatively about London and, since 31 Dream Street is set in East Finchley, where I used to live, it was a lovely nostalgic read too!)

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Vince & Joy by Lisa Jewell

Posted by Keris on April 12, 2007 in British Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 11, 2007 8:50 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Bitter Is The New Black by Jen Lancaster

Jen Lancaster fully admits that at the height of the dot-com boom (heck, in the years leading up to it, too) she was rather a demanding beyotch.

But after the American economy took a nose dive in the early '00s she and her husband Fletch both lost their well-paid jobs and had to downsize their life until they were living almost at the breadline, not knowing how they would pay their rent. Jen decided to blog about their troubles (yes, she's a blooker) and eventually this book was born...

Bitter Is The New Black describes their riches to rags story, and has to have the best subtitle of all time... (Are you ready? Take a breath):  Confessions of a condescending, egomaniacal, self-centred smart-ass, or why you should never carry a Prada bag to the unemployment office.

OK, I admit it: I didn't exactly warm to Jen at first - her sense of entitlement coupled with her arrogance wasn't exactly a winning combination. (Plus, y'know, she's a staunch Republican...) But over the course of the book she shows both her human side and her inner strength and I really came to enjoy her story, and to hope her situation would turn around. Most of all, this book is full of cynical humour (is there any better kind?) that often had me in stitches, and I really admire the way Lancaster is so open about her flaws and sometimes skewy motivations.

If you're anything like me, you'll start off hating her, and end up loving her. Roll on her next book: Bright Lights, Big Ass: A Self-Indulgent, Surly, Ex-Sorority Girl's Guide to Why It Often Sucks in The City, or Who Are These Idiots and Why Do They Live Next Door To Me?

Hee.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Queen of the Oddballs by Hillary Carlip

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 11, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

April 10, 2007 12:32 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Fortune Quilt by Lani Diane Rich

I’ve loved every one of Lani Diane Rich’s books and her latest, The Fortune Quilt, is no exception.

When TV producer Carly McKay goes to interview a psychic quiltmaker, Brandywine Seaver, she has no idea that her life is about to change completely ... until, that is, Brandy gives her a reading on a quilt she's made for Carly.

Carly doesn’t believe in psychics, but when her TV show closes down, her runaway mother returns after 17 years and her best (male) friend tells her he’s been in love with her for years, she returns to the arty town of Bilby to ask Brandy what the hell’s going on.

Partly due to the town's charms (not least sexy neighbour, Will) and partly because she's afraid to go home, Carly finds herself making a life in Bilby, but when the quilt inspires her to make things right and get back what she’s lost, Carly's forced to risk everything she’s found.

This is the type of book I would have bunked off work to read (when reading books wasn’t my job). Carly’s a lovely, funny, charming and flawed character and Will is incredibly sweet and sexy. I love the town of Bilby with its cast of eccentrics (I really hope Rich will return there in future books) and Carly’s family - father, sisters, repentant mother - are perfect too.

A lovely, sweet, funny book that I read with a great dopey smile on my face. Oh and if you’re a fan of Lani Diane Rich’s books, you might find a clue as to what one of her previous characters is up to. Brilliant.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try A Boy of Good Breeding by Miriam Toews

Posted by Keris on April 10, 2007 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (7)

March 26, 2007 5:11 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: About Alice by Calvin Trillin

"I wrote this for Alice. Actually, I wrote everything for Alice."

That was the poignant dedication at the front of Tepper Isn't Going Out - the last book Calvin Trillin wrote before the death of his wife Alice in 2001. Alice had been the star of many of Trillin's autobiographical stories and articles, his muse and mentor, as well as the mother of his two children and a brilliant writer and teacher in her own right.

About Alice is his tribute to his much-loved and much-missed wife, friend and partner, and it's just as poignant and heartbreaking as that dedication.

Which isn't to say that it's sentimental; it isn't. Everything about this book is understated, from the plain cover to the emotional tone to the length (it's just over 77 pages). Trillin chooses not to dwell on the details of Alice's death, which was caused by heart problems brought on by chemotherapy from lung cancer - although she was never a smoker - many years earlier.

Instead he writes with great humour, love and restraint about their life together, Alice's tenacity and intelligence, the support she gave him and their life together. It's wonderful to read this account of a truly happy marriage, and sad to realise it's over. Thankfully, this book made me laugh, but it also made me cry, not least at the end. I won't spoil it by quoting any more of Trillin's words for you now, but read them yourself - you won't be sorry.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

*DID YOU KNOW?* Calvin Trillin is one of Sara Nelson's most favourite authors, although the book of his she loves best, Floater, is sadly out of print.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 26, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: Any Way You Want Me by Lucy Diamond

Lucy Diamond's debut Any Way You Want Me was described as "racy" in a recent Observer newspaper mum lit round-up and it is racy indeed, but it's also so much more.

Sadie's got a great life, loving husband, two gorgeous kids, but she misses her wild and crazy sex kitten single days. At first she finds herself embroidering the truth (okay, lying) when people (okay, an attractive man) ask her what she does. But then when her partner's boss's husband (keep up) comes on to her, she can't resist a steamy affair. All is excitement at first, but of course things get out of hand and it looks like Sadie may lose everything.

Carry on over the cut to find out what we thought of Any Way You Want Me and for your chance to win a copy.

I absolutely loved this book. I read it curled up on the couch laughing, gasping, shouting (yes, I shout at books) and even crying a little. Diamond brilliantly captures that awful feeling of being away from your children, full of guilt and unexpressed milk, having to cut all social engagements short because the baby won't stop crying, not to mention lying about what you do because you know telling someone you're a "stay at home mum" is a real conversation stopper. And the sex scenes are great too. 

Highly recommended.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Getting Rid of Matthew by Jane Fallon

We've got 5 copies of Any Way You Want Me to give away. To be in with a chance of winning one all you need to do is sign up for our mailout before the 31st March 2007.

Simply enter your email address in the box on the right of the screen where it says "get mailout" and follow the simple instructions. Not only will 5 lucky subscribers be chosen at random to win a copy of Any Way You Want Me, everyone who signs up will also get all the latest Trashionista news and goss via email each day! Plus there will be more competitions over the next couple of days, so if you don't win this one, you may win something else. Good luck! 

Posted by Keris on March 26, 2007 in Debut Novels, New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

March 23, 2007 12:59 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Dear Zoe by Philip Beard

Dear Zoe has been compared to The Lovely Bones (which unlike some people, I found a brilliant read) but I'm going to state this right now: it's much, much better.

It's narrated by Tess, in the form of one long letter (divided into chapters) to her three-year old sister Zoe who died in a car crash almost a year earlier - on September 11, 2001.

It includes her recollections of the past and details of where her life is now, leading up to her attempts to get down on paper what happened the fateful day that Zoe died - and her own part in what went wrong.

It's intended to be a young adult novel, I think, but anyone could read and enjoy it. It's the best YA I've ever read, totally unputdownable. It's subtle and poignant and heart-rending, but doesn't layer the sentimentality on with a trowel, which The Lovely Bones (much as I loved it) did. I also thought the exploration of private grief on a day associated with public grief was compelling and heartbreaking. It made me think of all the people whose loved ones died on that day, both in the Twin Towers attack and for unrelated reasons. I'm not ashamed to say I cried. A lot.

But this is by no means a depressing book - it concentrates a lot on normal teenage life. At times, I found myself thinking it really was written by a 15-year old girl, rather than a grown man! Philip Beard has perfectly captured the life of a teen girl and the inner workings of a teenager's mind. He must have done some research into the grooming rituals of an image-obsessed teenager, as he has this down pat.

He's created a flawed but intensely likeable character in Tess. He's also created a very vivid and true-seeming depiction of a family's loss and I highly (highly!) recommend it.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Anybody Out There? by Marian Keyes

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 23, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Prize Winners, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (2)

March 9, 2007 10:32 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The History of Lucy's Love Life in 10.5 Chapters by Deborah Wright

Lucy is dissatisfied with her life. She works in a job that's more about paying the bills than satisfaction and self-worth, she's in a relationship with a lovely bloke but can't tell if he's The One or if she'd be better off playing the field, and she's lonely. Nights are spent awake, fantasising about Lord Byron, and the days encompass endless lectures from her boss, a successful scientist.

One day Lucy arrives at work to find a mysterious parcel sent to her boss by a former suitor. The letter reveals that the suitor has been working on a time machine - included in the package - which he hopes will win the scientist's heart. Out of curiosity they build the time machine, and it does nothing.

But then Lucy loses her job, and is given the time machine as a parting gift. Determined to give it one more try, she assembles it in her flat. As is the way with technology, a swift kick is all it takes to make the time machine operational. All of a sudden, whole new worlds are open to Lucy, and she attacks them with aplomb, making friends with Byron, Ovid, and Casanova, to name but a few.

Through her travels, Lucy learns about poetry and art, and has the opportunity to reassess herself, her life, and her relationship.

While this may sound unbelievable and twee, it's not. There is some suspension of disbelief to deal with, but no more than can be found in other books, where we are told that women working as editorial assistants can afford flats with views of Hyde Park, and every girl has a best friend with a wardrobe of designer gear to be loaned at the drop of a hat.

What the book is, instead, is  a fresh take on the personal inventories we all do, and a lesson to appreciate what we have when we have it - the plot offers much more than adventures in the past. In fact, the plot offers so much more that the book could really be reviewed as two separate novels. For a bit of escapist fun with extra culture and more excitement than is found in most Boys' Own Adventure books, you couldn't do better than this. [Kate Walker]

Rating: 5 out of 5
Liked this? Try: Under My Spell, by Deborah Wright

Posted by Aigua Media on March 9, 2007 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Romance, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (1)

March 6, 2007 12:20 PM

BOOK REVIEW: I Love Capri by Belinda Jones

Trashionista makes no secret of our love affair with Belinda Jones. She's a master of writing fluffy escapist fiction set in glamorous locations, and I Love Capri is no exception.

Kim is down on love and down on life. Having had her heart badly broken a few years before the book begins, she healed herself by retreating from the world - lots of nights in and dodgy telly in place of a jet-set lifestyle and exciting trips abroad as a professional translator. Making matters worse is her mother, who is never happy with Kim's appearance, and who has a worrying tendency to meddle in her daughter's love life.

Following the death of a grandfather she's never met Kim inherits £5,000, which she plans to spend on liposuction for her and her long-suffering flatmate. Before she can book an appointment, however, her mother whisks her off to Capri, home of the deceased grandfather, to do the translating as her mother prepares to take over her grandfather's boutique.

Initially terrified of leaving her comfort zone, Kim finds that life in Capri is better than she could have imagined. Despite being surrounded by high-end designer goods and miles of bling too ostentatious for J.Lo, Kim feels energised, not intimidated. Add to the extra energy a gradually improving relationship with her mother, more male attention than she knows what to do with, and a growing affection for the island and its inhabitants, and Kim finds herself to be a whole new woman.

But self-discovery isn't all that Capri has in store for Kim. Oh no. After all, it wouldn't be chick lit without a love affair, and spokes in wheels, and heartache, and more love, and extra suitors - inappropriate, natch - hiding in the wings. The difference between this novel and standard chick lit, though, is all in the quality of Jones' writing. The plot hinges on a fresh spin on an age-old question, one that will leave you reassessing your moral compass. Making it even more unique, I Love Capri doesn't end predictably, although the ending is entirely in keeping with the characters you've grown to love. [Kate Walker]

Rating: 5 out of 5
Liked this? Try: Divas Las Vegas, by Belinda Jones

Posted by Aigua Media on March 6, 2007 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

March 5, 2007 9:45 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Good Good Pig by Sy Montgomery

I must admit, when a publisher sent me Sy Montgomery’s The Good, Good Pig, I laughed. A memoir about raising a pig? Not exactly my kind of thing. How wrong I was.

When Sy and her husband Howard’s friends asked them to adopt the “runt of runts” of one of their pigs’ litters, they had no idea how much they would come to love him or what he’d mean to them. Tiny and sickly and cute, they named him Christopher Hogwood and built him a makeshift pen. Almost immediately they noticed he was special. Everyone who saw him loved him and, as he got healthier, he began to show signs of prodigious intelligence (pigs are very intellligent animals - who knew?).

Christopher loved his food and, with the assistance of slops and leftovers provided by practically everyone in the neighbourhood, got bigger and bigger, finally topping out at 750 pounds (that’s over 50 stone!). Local children came to feed him and bathe him. He was photographed for national newspapers and “interviewed” for TV and his loving, accepting and joyful personality profoundly affected those who got to know him.

Despite my originaly misgivings, after hearing Sy Montgomery interviewed on To the Best of Our Knowledge I knew I’d love this book and I was right. Montgomery writes delightfully about the joys of Christopher’s life and the joy he brought to her life. As an award-winning naturalist, Montgomery enthusiastically conveys inforrmation about the lives of pigs and other animals in such a manner as to make me think about the place of animals in our world in a completely different way.

This book made me cry, laugh out loud, look at the world in a different way and want a pig of my own. And there are not many books you can say that about.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Woman's Best Friend edited by Megan McMorris

Posted by Keris on March 5, 2007 in American Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 1, 2007 1:04 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Girls by Lori Lansens

"I have never looked into my sister's eyes. I have never bathed alone. I have never stood in the grass at night and raised my arms to a beguiling moon. I've never used an aeroplane bathroom. Or worn a hat. Or been kissed like that...So many things I've never done, but oh, how I've been loved. And, if such things were to be, I'd live a thousand times as me, to be loved so exponentially."

So begins Lori Lansens' The Girls, one of the books chosen for Richard and Judy's 2007 bookclub. Who could fail to be moved by such a tender and evocative beginning? And it just gets better and better.

Rose and Ruby Darlen are as close as sisters can be. Born joined at the head, they have lived a life full of spectacle, ridicule, love and wonderment. Now approaching 30, the girls are telling their own story in two contrasting styles, capturing all the hopes, fears, crashing disappointments and ordinary yet tender moments in two extraordinary lives.

I found Lori Lansens' evocative tale deeply affecting. It’s a long time for me since any fictional characters leapt from the page like Rose and Ruby, remembering their beloved Aunt Lovey and Uncle Stash.

As a mum of two eight-year-olds, I'm no fan of stereotypical portrayals of twins in fiction (and there are a few about – they’re not all pairs of good or evil you know) so the warm and subtle storytelling in this for me, unforgettable book, comes like a breeze of fresh air over a sea of mediocrity. I've savoured every page - reading passages aloud to my mum or partner, as I go. At turns laugh out loud funny, heartbreaking and shocking, The Girls is an absolute gem – a book I could read and re-read.

I even found myself nodding in agreement when it came to Aunt Lovey’s musings about three different types of people in this world - those who love children, those who love their own children and those who hate children but call their pets "Baby." Oh that sounds familiar. I think I’ve met a few of that last lot. [Linda Jones]

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

Posted by Aigua Media on March 1, 2007 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Richard and Judy | Permalink | Comments (4)

February 19, 2007 11:07 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: Millions by Frank Cottrell Boyce

Frank Cottrell Boyce's debut children's novel was made into a film directed by Danny Boyle, but the book is far superior. Set at an unspecified date in the near future, two boys discover a bag of stolen money that's been thrown from a passing train. The trouble is it's Sterling and the Euro is due to come in any day, making the cash obsolete and unspendable, so the boys go about trying to get rid of it as fast as they can without attracting the attention of any responsible adults, not least their father and the thieves themselves.

As if the above wasn't enough to cope with, their mother has died and 9-year-old Damian deals with his grief by hiding in a cardboard box "hermitage" and obsessing over saints. The boys' father has no idea how to deal with this or indeed his own grief.

I can't recommend this book highly enough. It's entertaining, innovative, exciting, sweet, funny and well-written. The boys' grief is dealt with sensitively and also amusingly (which I know sounds odd, but trust me). I'd imagine it'd be an excellent book to read to children from about 8 years old. I really loved it.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Bee Season by Myra Goldberg

Posted by Keris on February 19, 2007 in British Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 16, 2007 4:39 PM

BOOK REVIEW: What Would Barbra Do? by Emma Brockes

I’m not ashamed to admit that I love a good musical. I was brought up on Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Singin’ in the Rain, Calamity Jane and some of my earliest crushes were Howard Keel, Gordon McCrae and Gene Kelly, so when I heard about Emma Brockes’s What Would Barbra Do? How Musicals Can Save Your Life, I couldn’t get hold of it fast enough.

Emma has always been mad about musicals and, at university, formed the Young Fogies club with a friend. She describes how she came to love musicals, how they informed her relationship with her mother, father, friends, even with colleagues, and goes on to look at specific musicals, unpicking the appeal of The Sound of Music and describing “bad” musicals Xanadu and The Jazz Singer in such a way as to make me immediately stick them on my LoveFilm list.

This is a fascinating and very funny book. Emma writes intelligently and fondly about everything from Barbra Streisand to Andrew Lloyd Webber (Elton John gets short shrift though). I absolutely loved it. In fact, it was the type of book I would have bunked off work to read (if I wasn’t self-employed and working from home, which takes all the fun out of skiving).

If you’ve ever felt your heart lifted by The Surrey with the Fringe on Top or cried at Tony’s death in West Side Story (and what kind of cold-hearted creep would you be if you didn’t?) then you’ll love this book. Utterly fabulous.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Queen of the Oddballs by Hillary Carlip or But Enough About Me by Jancee Dunn

You can read an extract here.

Posted by Keris on February 16, 2007 in British Authors, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

February 2, 2007 4:45 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Think Pink by Lisa Clark

How I wish I’d had Lisa Clark’s Think Pink when I was 14.

Subtitled ‘the ultimate “go-for-it” guide for girls!’ Think Pink takes us on ‘a kick-ass road-trip to self discovery’ accompanied by 14-year-old Lola Love and her friends.

It includes advice, anecdotes and quizzes on subjects from increasing your self-esteem to making (and keeping) friends, avoiding toxic boys and making future plans, and is not only entertaining and useful, but looks gorgeous too - Holly Lloyd’s illustrations complementing the text perfectly.

The first in a much-needed series (have you looked at the teen non-fiction shelves lately? There’s nothing there!) Think Pink will show you how to ‘fill your life with sunshine-filled, candy-kissed moments.’ And who wouldn’t want that?

And it’s not just for teens, I found it entertaining and inspiring and I’m *cough* in my thirties.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Being a Girl by Kim Cattrall

Posted by Keris on February 2, 2007 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Self development, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (2)

January 29, 2007 10:14 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: My Lucky Star by Joe Keenan

Joe Keenan was a scriptwriter for Frasier, which might give you an idea of his kind of humour. My Lucky Star is his third book featuring Gilbert, Philip and Claire, a trio of screenwriters (well, Philip and Claire are, at least) who manage to get themselves into the most unlikely of scrapes (generally thanks to Gilbert). I enjoyed the first (Blue Heaven) and haven’t yet read the second (Putting on the Ritz), but it didn’t hinder me from enjoying My Lucky Star to the fullest.

Gilbert (the loose-cannon of the three) has been out in LA and has, against all expectations, managed to drum up interest in his screenplay. He invites Claire and Philip out to LA to assist him in adapting a novel for a major producer. They’re understandably suspicious, but assume Gilbert has passed off one of their scripts as his own. They’re wrong, it’s not one of their scripts Gilbert has appropriated, but the script of ... Casablanca (with a few identifying details changed).

Claire and Philip are horrified by the prospect of exposure as unwilling plagiarists, but for various reasons too convoluted to explain here, they stay to help out and find themselves embroiled in ever more outrageous, disastrous and hilarious scenarios.

Like a demented cross between early Jackie Collins, Tales of the City and Will & Grace, My Lucky Star is enormous fun. I laughed out loud loads of times and actually went back a few times to re-read the funniest jokes (and laughed again). It’s intricate and clever and must have been incredibly difficult to write (it took Keenan ten years, fitting it around his all-consuming day job).

There are some fabulous characters (Monty was my favourite, but I love Gilbert too), brilliantly amusing situations, even a bit of Hollywood satire. Plus - and this may put some of you off - if it was a film it would be a 15 (R or even NC17 in the US, I think) due to a number of gay sex scenes, and though they are fairly graphic, Keenan’s dry humour imbues every scene. Plus they’re essential to the plot. No, really.

I loved this book and never picked it up without smiling (and, frequently, saying “I love this book” to the consternation of my ignored husband). If you like dry humour and Hollywood farce, you’ll love it too.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try How I Paid for College by Marc Acito

Posted by Keris on January 29, 2007 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Series | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 24, 2007 6:01 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Cooking for Mr Latte by Amanda Hesser

Amanda Hesser is a trained chef and food writer for the New York Times. For her, food - preparation, appreciation, contemplation, and consumption - is more than a passion, more than a way of life, it is who she is and what she does. So when she meets a man who is happy eating in restaurants that have more in common with frat houses than haut cuisine, and who unashamedly orders lattes after dinner (the Italian rule is no milky drinks after 11am), she's not convinced they're well suited.

Fortunately for her, and us, time and Mr Latte prove her wrong. Cooking for Mr Latte is the history of their courtship as told through food. Food eaten in restaurants, glamourous and neighbourhood stalwart; food cooked for each other, and each others' parents; food cooked with friends, for parties, for solitude, comfort, or nostalgia.

While the book is technically a memoir, that makes it sound drier than it is. Latte is rather a touching tribute to a developing relationship, and an imaginative take on the traditional love story. Although not fiction, it bears many of the hallmarks of successful chick-lit - there are celebrity encounters, New York apartments, glamourous cast members who are the cream of the Manhattan media elite, cocktails, and chance encounters in the places to be seen. The fact that all these things happen to a real person would be enough to have me screaming with jealousy were Hesser not so obviously likeable.

Like all good chick lit heroines she is flawed, and admits her mistakes. She obsesses, and nitpicks, and starts fights over nothing. She has kitchen disasters, gets food poisoning in front of gods of the food world, and is in hiding from one half of the Merchant Ivory film-making duo. Best of all, however, she cooks.

Hesser ends each chapter with a selection of recipes based on meals described on the preceding pages. Although she's been trained to professional standards, each recipe is accessible, and I've cooked four in the two weeks since finishing the book. None have gone wrong.

While this is a book tailored to foodies, anyone with a sense of romance will enjoy watching their relationship develop. It may be as predictable as many works in the chick-lit oeuvre, but I defy anyone to put it down without a renewed enthusiasm for food, for cooking, and for eating, and to read the recipes without doing a mental kitchen inventory. Fabulous as she is, how often can you say that about Marian Keyes?

Rating: 5 out of 5

Liked this? Try Heartburn, by Nora Ephron

Posted by Aigua Media on January 24, 2007 in American Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (3)

January 17, 2007 8:46 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Everyone Else's Girl by Megan Crane

I wasn’t entirely convinced by Megan Crane’s debut novel, English as a Second Language, so I picked up Everyone Else’s Girl with a bit of trepidation. I needn’t have worried though, the writing was just as great as Megan’s first book, but the main character, Meredith, was nicer, the love interest hotter and ... well, I’m getting ahead of myself.

When Meredith McKay goes home to New Jersey for the hen night/bachelorette party of her brother’s fiance (and Meredith’s former best friend), Jeannie, she has no plans to stay any longer than strictly necessary. She’s got her own life in Atlanta with an apartment, job and boyfriend she loves.

But when her father has a car accident on the way back from driving Meredith’s mother to the airport for a dream trip to Europe ... and neither Meredith’s older brother nor younger sister have any intention of looking after him (or his collection of tropical fish), Meredith finds herself stuck in the life she’d tried so hard to escape.

The funny thing is, not much seems to have changed since she left. All of Meredith’s old high school embarrassments, tensions and humiliations are just waiting to catch up with her. As is Scott, formerly the butt of the McKay family’s jokes (which he knows all about, by the way), now a seriously sexy lawyer out for revenge on Meredith (sexy revenge, as Homer Simpson would say)!

But Meredith’s already got a life in Atlanta, she wouldn’t be interested in making one in New Jersey, would she?

I LOVED Everyone Else’s Girl. Meredith is sweet without being a pushover (most of the time) and I totally identified with her mixed feelings about her home town, her family, even her former friends. Every part of the book felt realistic and true to me. The supporting characters are great (particularly Meredith’s cooler sister, Hope who should get her own book) and it’s funny and painful and have I already said true? Loved it.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Why Moms are Weird by Pamela Ribon

Read our interview with Megan Crane

Posted by Keris on January 17, 2007 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

January 16, 2007 11:29 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

I have not survived against all odds.

I have not lived to tell.

I have not witnessed the extraordinary.

This is my story.

So begins this wonderful book.

Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life is Amy Krouse Rosenthal's autobiography - kind of. It's an alphabetised account of her experiences and thoughts on life, large and small, interspersed with a chronology of her life experiences, from how she came up with the idea of the book ('evolution of this moment') to why she could never concentrate during Laverne and Shirley...

I love the odd touches throughout the book: from the photocopied documentation of Amy's attempts to get out of a parking ticket on the grounds of karma (read the book to find out if it worked) to the reader's agreement that begins with a standard 'you agree not to reproduce, replicate or reprint...' and continues to 'at the end of each page you agree to thrust your arms upward and emit a loud, staccato hey!') But although it's a very funny book it's not a superficial or silly one - Amy shares some very personal facts and difficult experiences, including unexpected deaths of loved ones. It's a completely absorbing read.

Although this was without doubt the best book I read in 2005, I've hesitated in reviewing in for this long because I wasn't sure I could do it justice. The only way to really grasp how great it is is to read it, but you can read excerpts on the book's own site. It's definitely quirky and might not be to everybody's taste, but I think most people will appreciate the witty chronicling, the dry humour, the superb writing and the occasional moments of real sadness and poignancy.

This is one of those brilliant books that makes you wish you'd written it yourself.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Cancer Vixen by Marisa Acocella Marchetto.

DID YOU KNOW? In a lovely gesture, if you read the book and love it, you can email the author via the site and tell her so - and she promises to write back individually and thank you (I've done this, and she's fab).

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 16, 2007 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

January 15, 2007 10:08 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: Screen Burn by Charlie Brooker

A collection of Charlie Brooker's Guardian TV columns, Screen Burn is acerbic and hilarious.

Brooker mainly reviews things he hates which makes for fantastically vicious and entertaining reading. His description of Jonathan Wilkes replacing Lisa Riley as presenter of You've Been Framed is a perfect example:

'... like substituting a lump of sick for a lump of snot: equally bad yet somehow worse.'

I can't recommend this book highly enough. Yes he's violent (frequently suggesting, fantasising about and delighting in stabbings, massacres and even the beating of children) but he's always hilarious and there are so few books which provide a laugh-out-loud on every page. And how can you not love someone who calls mediums 'corpse whisperers'.

Put it in the loo and you'll look forward to going.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Things My Girlfriend and I Have Argued About by Mil Millington

Posted by Keris on January 15, 2007 in British Authors, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Television | Permalink | Comments (2)

January 9, 2007 12:22 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Beyond Chocolate by Audrey and Sophie Boss

Yes, it's that time of year again - resolution time. And the most popular resolution year after year is apparently to lose weight, which is something sisters Sophie and Audrey Boss hope to help you do with their book Beyond Chocolate.

But it's not a diet book, or even a traditional weight loss book. And no, it's not even one of those 'no diet' diet books that try and convince you the weight will fall off if you don't eat protein or only eat protein or eat porridge for every meal. No, Beyond Chocolate is part of the 'mindful eating' revolution, a similar method to the one promoted by Paul McKenna: eat whatever you want, when you're hungry, pay attention and stop when you're full. Good advice, but does it work?

Well ... I don't know. Beyond Chocolate is an excellent, practical, encouraging and, yes, liberating book, but I haven't lost any weight ... yet. Then again, losing weight isn't the most important thing, changing your attitude to food is and that is something to do in the long-term, not to be undertaken lightly just at the beginning of the year.

Sophie and Audrey write from their own experience and there are numerous examples of behaviours around food that many women will identify with. Plus there are worksheets to complete and numerous tools to help do this on the website to help keep you on the right track.

I absolutely believe that if I stick with the Beyond Chocolate 'method' then I will lose weight and change my feelings about food. Unfortunately, I'm still at the 'eat whatever you want' point and it'll probably take me a while to move on, but if one of your resolutions is to lose weight (or even to have a healthier relationship with food), I'd definitely suggest you start with this book.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Behind with the Laundry and Living off Chocolate by Lynette Allen

Posted by Keris on January 9, 2007 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

January 8, 2007 3:35 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: Story of My Life by Jay McInerney

I didn't think I would like Jay McInerney. He was part of an '80s group of writers (along with the more famous Bret Easton Elis - author of American Psycho - and the less famous Tama Janowitz) known as the (literary) 'Brat Pack', who chronicled life in Manhattan in the decade of greed. I've also seen him in interviews and assumed from them that his books were anarchic but vapid, shallow cocaine-glorifying romps. Story of my Life proved me seriously wrong. Not that it isn't about drug use and shallow people - the novel features a lot of both - but it doesn't glorify either and offers some hope of escape by the end. It's also brilliantly sharply written and very, very funny.

Alison Poole is a twenty-year old aspiring actress living in New York City. Her rich father is supposed to be funding her education, but keeps flaking on her, so she has to survive on her wits (which she does brilliantly, if not always morally). She's quick-witted, clever, promiscuous and a regular drug-user who has seen and done too much, too young. Ye somehow McInerney also makes her sweet, charming and a wonderful narrator for this slice-of-life story...

Alison bursts onto the page and into your mind from the first sentence: "I'm like, I don't believe this s***." Then she holds your attention completely throughout this short but sweet (and occasionally sour) novel. I'm not someone who relishes reading about drugs and sex and cocaine (I edit a chick-lit website after all), so trust me when I say this book is brilliant. And it doesn't take things too far either - it might occasionally border on crude but is so funny and relate-able you don't care. Mostly it's about the emotional impact of such a lifestyle and it certainly doesn't glorify living the way Alison does.

It's bold, intelligent and as I said before, very very funny. It's definitely a different read to the books we usually cover, but I think most chick-lit fans will love it: it's about a strong, bright female heroine making her way in the world, despite the obstacles of her past. And who can't relate to that?

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Postcards from the Edge by Carrie Fisher.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 8, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (4)

December 26, 2006 1:00 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Things My Girlfriend and I Have Argued About by Mil Millington

Mil Millington’s debut, Things My Girlfriend and I Have Argued About, was inspired by his enormously successful website, but it’s been fictionalised - so Mil becomes Pel and his German girlfriend Margret becomes Ursula and adventures, rather than just arguments, are had. That’s not to say there aren’t arguments, because there are - many, many arguments and each is hilarious.

Pel works in a university library and spends his time trying to avoid doing any work at all. When his supervisor disappears he’s asked to “act up” in the role, while still doing (or rather, not doing) his original job. While working hard to avoid doing either job, he discovers that there are scary, dodgy and downright dangerous things going on at the university and, of course, he tries desperately not to get involved with any of them. And fails miserably. At the same time, Ursula has decided they must move house and this, of course, just adds to Pel's woes.

None of the above is really important. Yes, the book has a plot, but it’s far-fetched and unbelievable and it really just serves to string together the constantly fantastic jokes and dangerously funny set pieces (do not read the scene when Pel gets stuck in the loo window in a public place, trust me). This really is the funniest book I’ve ever read and I also spent a lot of time waving the book at my husband and saying, "Listen to this! This is just like you!"

Yes, it is sarcastic and facetious, but it somehow manages to be charming and sweet at the same time. Most of all though, it’s just really, really funny. Read it. You won’t be sorry.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Marry Me by Carey Marx

Posted by Keris on December 26, 2006 in British Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 20, 2006 1:26 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Goddess Guide by Gisele Scanlon

The title page of The Goddess Guide says ‘Gisele Scanlon, a writer, illustrator and seeker of all things stylish and eclectic, has exhausted her passport and gathered together the best of her findings into one unique collection ... From the practical to the frivolous, the fun to the profound, the stylish to the surprising ... sprinkle a little Goddess magic into you life.’ I couldn’t have put it better myself (which is why I didn’t bother.)

Chapters include Style, Beauty, Travel, Home, Havin’ Fun, Joie de Vivre and Pillow Talk and are illustrated with photographs, drawings, hand-written notes from such style luminaries as Serena and Joe from Agent Provocateur and Tracey Emin (although I can’t read her writing at all.

Absolutely packed with information and tips; it’s practically an encyclopedia of 21st Century style. It looks and feels gorgeous and it has clearly been a labour of love on the part of Ms Scanlon.

Some of the tips and recommendations are beyond me - I won’t be spending $38,000 to get my teeth done by Sarah Michelle Gellar’s New York dentist any time soon - but it’s no more aspirational than most women’s glossies and there is great advice within for everyone, whatever their age, earnings or lifestyle. Indispensible.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try The Shops by India Knight

Posted by Keris on December 20, 2006 in Girly Stuff, Irish Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 18, 2006 12:13 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: Feel by Chris Heath

A few years ago I read Literally, a biography of The Pet Shop Boys by Chris Heath. It was utterly compelling, brilliantly written and totally transporting. So I was excited to see that Chris Heath had written a biography of Robbie Williams, whom I lurve.

I was a bit worried it wouldn’t meet the high standard set by Literally, but Feel is everything I expected and more. It's not just a biography of a star, it's a meditation on - and expose of - celebrity and modern culture. And it's really very funny.

Chris Heath got to know Robbie extremely well and has captured brilliantly the contradictions that, in my opinion, make Robbie such a fascinating character. For example, if Robbie values his privacy as highly as he claims, why did he agree to a journalist spending a year with him and writing a book which includes intensely private moments and emotions? You don’t get any answers (well, not many), just more questions about why anyone would choose to be famous in this age of total celebrity obsession.

Feel is a brilliantly written, thought-provoking, gripping, funny book. Whether you love, like, hate, or are indifferent to Robbie Williams, I highly recommend you read it.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try But Enough About Me by Jancee Dunn

More on Monday archives

Posted by Keris on December 18, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Richard and Judy | Permalink | Comments (4)

December 8, 2006 1:08 PM

BOOK REVIEW: My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

Another one I can't believe we haven't reviewed yet, My Sister's Keeper is the novel that Jodi Picoult is best-known for. After it was picked as a Richard and Judy book club selection in late 2004, it snowballed in popularity, largely due to the brilliant and intriguing premise of the story, which is, as the cover's tagline has it: "If you use one of your children to save the life of another, are you being a good mother or a a very bad one?"

Thirteen year-old Anna is a human pincushion, who's been through countless invasive surgeries and blood transfusions to help save her sister Kate, who has leukaemia. She was never given a choice in this - in fact she was born for this very purpose. But now she's had enough. She's taking her parents to court to ask that they stop harvesting her body to help her sister. As you can imagine, this tears an already disparate (and desperate) family apart...

The book moves from perspective to prospective, and kept me hooked as it explored all the possible implications of the upcoming trial, and each member of the family's feelings about Kate's illness and Anna's life. At first, I didn't think I could ever be persuaded to side with Anna and Kate's parents, but reading their chapters I had compassion for them, if not always agreement with their choices. I would imagine for someone who has children, this aspect of the book would have even more depth.

Some people don't like the ending - you certainly won't expect it! - but I thought it was sad and moving and a good conclusion to the story.

If you haven't read this book, you should. It's definitely the best Picoult I've read, and an intriguing, suspenseful, thought-provoking story that will stay with you for a long time. Oh, and if you don't cry copiously, you have no heart...

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Salem Falls by Jodi Picoult.

Related posts: Spotlight: Jodi Picoult / Jodi Picoult, Wonder Woman? / My Sister's Keeper: Yay or Nay?

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on December 8, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Richard and Judy | Permalink | Comments (3)

December 7, 2006 11:30 AM

Top ten non-fiction chick lit

Continuing Trashionista's Top 100 Extravaganza, we bring you....

The top 10 non-fiction chick-lit books! After all, there's nothing to say that chick lit has to be fiction, is there? And we've reviewed some fabulous non-fiction chick lit since Trashionista's incarnation. But what were our favourites? (And why?) Read on for the Top 10 Non-Fic Chick Lit, and what we said about it - in quotes, below - and find out!

10. You'll Never Nanny in this Town Again by Suzanne Hansen. Aka: The book that spilled the beans on nannying for the Hollywood elite... truly jaw-dropping.

"I'd definitely recommend it to anyone else who loved The Nanny Diaries, for a real-life perspective (truth really is stranger than fiction)."

9. Conversations and Cosmopolitans by Robert Rave and Jane Rave. A gay man and his mother write alternate chapters about their lives and experiences after Robert gave out as gay via a typo-strewn letter. Cute, funny, and surprisingly  moving:

"I'm a sucker for a good memoir, and this is a very good one. It made me cry in a couple of places, and some of Jane's experiences showed that sometimes straight people are looked down on for their sexuality too- which was a very interesting and unexpected angle... But mostly, it made me laugh and kept me hooked."

8. But Enough About Me by Jancee Dunn. Rock chick / journalist Dunn dishes about interviewing famous stars, dodgy boyfriends and an unfortunate cocaine episode... oh, and journalism too, of course!

"If you're at all interested in music or journalism or even if you remember the Eighties (although if you can remember the Eighties you weren't really there, right?), you'll love this charming and funny book."

7. Tabloid Love by Bridget Harrison. The story of a British journo looking for love in New York - a real life Bridget/Carrie hybrid!

"I found her story particularly fascinating being a frustrated Lois Lane myself, but you don't need to be a journalist-wannabe to enjoy this book: if you like reading about big cities, love, and the ups and downs of a modern woman making it on her own (and if none of those things interest you, what are you doing here?!) then you'll love this memoir."

6. Mama Lama Ding Dong by Ayun Halliday. A wonderful and unconventional mothering memoir!

"Mama Lama... is a feel good story about being yourself and having fun- even if you have children or are on the verge of giving birth! Ayun and her family are loving and happy, but far from conventional- they dress their little boy in girls' clothes if they fit him and look cute and their little girl was born with an extra thumb! Plus, their ultra-aggressive cat has an embarrassing sexual fetish..."

Carry on over the cut for our top 5 non-fic chick lit books, and to see if you agree!

5. I'm Celibate, Get me Out of Here! A true-life venture into the world of internet dating... with hilarious results.

"This book is witty, fast-paced and highly entertaining. You really feel the roller coaster sense that is associated with the search for Mr Right - at the end of the day we're all either doing it or have done it. The anecdotes are hugely amusing at times, but Elliott never feels the need to be downright rude about any of the men she came across. The idea for the book is very original, who knows it may join the likes of Adrian Mole and Bridget in years to come."

4. Mixed by Angela Nissel. Full of warmth and laughs, but tackles some serious race-related stuff too. My only complaint? It's not long enough!

"This book made me think, while entertaining me, making me laugh and just generally being a joy to read. That's not an easy feat so I can't wait to see what Ms Nissel writes about next..."

3. Cancer Vixen by Marisa Acocella Marchetto.  Bit of a departure, this one: a chick-lit memoir in graphic novel form! But if you're not into comics, don't be put off... or you'll miss out, big time.

"There are some sad moments, of course. There's a moving interlude about Marisa's experience of 9/11 and something that happens as a result of her [cancer] treatment actually made me sob, but in the main this book is hilarious, uplifting and, yes, unputdownable. Read it."

2. Queen of the Oddballs by Hillary Carlip.

"I simply loved this book... Hillary really is an interesting and unique individual who's taken an inspiring yet down-to-earth "Oddball" journey through life. And I'm so happy she decided to write about it!"

And now for number 1! Can you guess what it is yet? Drumroll please...

It's...

1. Under the Duvet by Marian Keyes! Yes, it has to be, didn't it? Arise, Queen Marian of Keyes, goddess of chick lit - fictional or not! The book that made us discuss kidnapping an author for the very first time (see the comments...) We also said:

"Can she be as successful in non-fiction as she is in fiction? Course she can, silly! This is Marian Keyes we're talking about! The signature humour, warmth and poignancy that we love in her novels is all here as she talks about her real life... If you want a book to curl up with, laugh at and just generally cherish (particularly if you're having a 'duvet day' yourself) then you can't go far wrong with this. And if you've only ever read Marian Keyes's fiction, then you're missing a treat!"

Trashionista Top 100 archives / Non-fiction archives / Memoir archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on December 7, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Top 100 Extravaganza! | Permalink | Comments (3)

December 5, 2006 10:27 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Me vs Me by Sarah Mlynowski

Sarah Mlynowski's Me vs Me has been compared to the Gwyneth Paltrow film Sliding Doors and the premise is similar. Just before Gabby is about to leave Arizona for her dream job in New York, her boyfriend Cam proposes. She loves Cam, but she really wants to move to New York and he won’t even consider it. Frightened of making the wrong decision, Gabby wishes she could do both and suddenly finds herself living two lives: one in New York and the other in Arizona. The difference between Me vs Me and Sliding Doors is that Gabby knows about both her lives: every night after going to bed in one life, she wakes up in the other and lives each day twice. And for a while it works out fine ...

Gabby’s New York life seems to be going swimmingly - if you ignore Heather the psycho roommate and the fact that Gabby misses Cam. She’s great at her news producing job (having only just mentioned the novelty of a chick lit heroine who’s good at her job, here’s another - I hope it’s a trend) even if her boss is getting a little over-familiar. She’s even losing weight and she’s stopped biting her nails.

Meanwhile her Arizona life gets worse and worse thanks to Cam’s beyond-controlling mother taking over the wedding plans. Arizona is a nightmare and her nails are a mess, but at least there she’s got Cam.

Gabby has literally got the best of both worlds, but before too long she realises she has to choose - in other words, she’s back where she started.

I really loved this book. It’s an original and interesting idea, entertainingly executed. I preferred the New York side of the story - I found Arizona-Gabby too irritatingly spineless (even though she’s aware that she is) plus I could happily have battered mother-in-law Alice to death with her own wedding binder (on the plus side, it takes real skill to create a character this infuriating!). The only sour note for me was Cam. In the Arizona half he is such a controlling, patronising mummy’s boy that I didn’t want Gabby to end up with him in either life.

I’ve enjoyed almost all of Sarah Mlynowski’s books, but with Me vs Me and the fab All About Rachel series, she really is at the top of her game.

Rating 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Enchanted Inc by Shanna Swendson

Related posts: See Jane Write review / Chick lit for little chicks / As Seen on TV review / CNN on chick lit

Posted by Keris on December 5, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (7)

November 29, 2006 4:21 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Vanishing Point by Mary Sharratt

I have a confession to make: My natural tendency is that I hear 'historical fiction', I think zzzzzz... so it takes a really great book set in the past to get me hooked. The Vanishing Point is just such a book.

Mary Sharratt 's third novel is the story of May Powers and her sister Hannah and it begins in Gloustershire, England in 1689. Known as the local 'trollop', 22-year-old May discovers one day that she's been promised in marriage to her father's cousin's son all the way across the pond in Maryland. She leaves her sister, father and housekeeper/surrogate mother Joan behind, not knowing if she'll ever see any of them again, and makes the trip to start her new life in the USA.

When she gets there, she's unimpressed by what she finds: touted as tobacco farmers, her father's cousin's family own little land and only very basic property. They live in the middle of nowhere, and work from dawn til dusk - and she now must, too. What's more, her new husband is four years younger than her, inexperienced, shy and unimpressive. In the face of such disappointment, and the temptation of some charismatic Irish farm workers, May finds it hard to curb her wanton ways...

When Hannah arrives to join May two years later, after the death of their father, she finds the cabin where she's expecting to see May almost deserted - what has happened here, and where is her sister?

All this happens within the first 100 pages, so I could give away a lot more of the plot, but I won't because all the plot's unexpected twists are a large part of the enjoyment of this novel. It's so well-written (dispelling any idea that historical novels are boring or old-fashioned), well-researched (but not in a way that forces facts down the reader's throat) and brilliantly-plotted. It's also easy to read and understand, with just the right mix of historical and modern language so that it's realistic but never stuffy. And turns out people were pretty bawdy back then!

I learned a lot from this novel (do you know what the traditional red and white-striped barber's pole used to represent?!) and really got a feel for life in the 17th century. I'd never thought about how hard it must be for emigrants from England to America, who would d never see their families again and have to start all over in a place that had a  far less advanced civilization (living conditions were much more basic, and someone with kidney stones would certainly die, due to the shortage of doctors, for example). Sometimes this book is brutal, and violent, especially the descriptions of animals being slaughtered, but it's never gratuitous.

More than anything, this book is haunting, and stayed with me long after the final heart-wrenchingly unpredictable twist revealed the truth I'd been waiting all novel to find out.

You don't have to be interested in history to love this book - you just have to read it. It's a book that doesn't seem to have received the coverage it deserves in the UK, but I'm crossing my fingers that the Orange panel gives it some serious consideration...

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try The Other Boleyn Girl by Phillipa Gregory; Property by Valerie Martin.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 29, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 28, 2006 10:49 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Plotting for Beginners by Sue Hepworth and Jane Linfoot

Despite the title, Plotting for Beginners by Sue Hepworth and Jane Linfoot isn't a writing guide, but, as the subtitle says, 'a novel for new beginnings.' Sally Howe and her husband are spending a year apart, as he wants to live in a cabin in the American wilderness and she wants to write a novel and launch a career in journalism. Says Sally, "Women reach fifty and think they're on the verge of liberation and excitement, and their broken-down men just want to stay home and fart. Or in my case, go and live in a cabin in the Rockies and fart."

On dropping Gus off at the airport, however, Sally is shocked that he considers the Rockies just the start of his overseas adventures - the year after, he's thinking of Australia! So instead of happily singing along to Fred Astaire and facing a self-indulgent year ahead, Sally spends the journey home worrying about the possible disintegration of her marriage - and its effect on her writing plans...

She soon finds out she won't be as alone as she thought, when her newly-separated brother comes to stay (and insists on keeping interrupting her writing for her opinion on his DIY), her youngest son keeps coming home for a visit and her brother's attractive single friend keeps calling in to see her...

Plotting for Beginners is a wonderfully funny novel about starting again after your children have left home, your husband is AWOL and you want to fulfill your dreams. I loved Sally's voice, the diary format, the secondary characters and the  book as a whole. Anyone who's interested in writing, or lives in the same are of the country as Sally (or both, like me!) will find it especially entertaining, but they're by no means prerequisites for enjoying the book. Please don't think that the fact Sally is in her 50s means you won't relate to her - she's so likable that anyone will, and you'll be willing her on to literacy success, and laughing out loud at some of the ups and downs of her year alone. You'll also be hoping that she'll find a satisfactory solution to her relationship difficulties...

I found this an enormously satisfying, well-written and perfectly-plotted novel with a main character who's as lovable and funny as Bridget Jones - if a tad more prone to a hot flush...

Read it!

Rating: 5 out of 5

Sue Hepworth has a blog where you can even read a short-lived blog by main character Sally, and see pictures of some of the sites mentioned in the book- very postmodern! You can also find out more about the author...

Like this? Try Having it and Eating it by Sabine Durrant.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 28, 2006 in Book related, British Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 27, 2006 12:44 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Joy Diet by Martha Beck

Martha Beck is not just a life coach, she's "Oprah Winfrey's life coach", and if you need a better recommendation than that, there's probably no helping you!

The Joy Diet isn't a weightloss diet. Martha explains in the introduction that she's using the original meaning of the word diet, "a way of living or thinking," and the book's subtitle is "10 daily practices for a happier life".  The thing I love about Martha Beck is though she's that very new agey thing - a life coach - she's profoundly practical.  She's also extremely funny. 

The ten practices (or "ingredients") of The Joy Diet are "nothing" (i.e. meditation), "truth" - telling the truth about your life and situation (you should also, as Martha puts it, "offer compassion to your inner lying scumbag"), "desire", "creativity", "risk", "treats" (my favourite), "play", "laughter", "connection" and "feasting".  See, Martha is all about being good to yourself and listening to your body (and soul) to work out what's wrong with your life and how you can make it right. 

It is impossible to read anything written by Martha Beck without feeling inspired.  She recommends that you work through the practices in order, making sure each one feels like second nature before moving on to the next.  I've had the book for years and I've never managed it (she flummoxed me by putting "nothing" - which she admits is the hardest one - first) but I will often pick the book up and read whichever chapter feels most meaningful to me at the time. 

I know I sound like an infomercial or something, but I really am evangelical about Ms Beck.  I first discovered her when I read an article she'd written on "seizing the day" in an American magazine.  It's absolutely not too strong to say it changed my life.  Her book, Finding Your Own North Star, is brilliant if you're still looking for your "right life", but if you are doing what you love and yet still feel a bit "bleh" then you need The Joy Diet.  (Even if you're not doing what you love, I'd still recommend The Joy Diet, but I'd suggest you run to a bookshop - or click like you've never clicked before - and buy Finding Your Own North Star first). 

Rating 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Gulp! by Gabriella Goddard

More on Monday archives

Posted by Keris on November 27, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Self development | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 17, 2006 12:28 PM

BOOK REVIEW: I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron

Nora Ephron is one of my heroes. Not only is she a wonderful novelist (read our review of her novel, Heartburn), she also wrote and directed my favourite film of all-time, When Harry Met Sally. So when I sat down to read her latest collection of journalism, I Feel Bad About My Neck, I was excited.

Subtitled 'and other thoughts on being a woman', this is a slim book and I read it in about an hour, but it was a blissful hour. Chapters include 'I Hate My Handbag' and 'Anything you think is wrong with your body at thirty-five you will be nostalgic for at the age of forty-five' and every word is intelligent, insightful and often very funny.

Nora writes about her love affair with an apartment building (it sounds gorgeous), her failure to have an affair with JFK, despite working as a White House intern, and just how much time and money it takes to stay looking good as you get older (she says it's a second job). Plus her chapter on parenting offers some of the best advice I've ever read (and I've read a lot). The 'What I Wish I'd Known' chapter offers more of the kind of life tips I'd like to cut out and stick on my walls or carry around in my purse - 'If the shoe doesn't fit in the shoe store, it's never going to fit', 'The plane is not going to crash'.

It's not all funny - she writes wryly about accepting the inevitability of death and movingly about the death of her best friend - but it is all honest, beautifully written, and so true.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Confessions of a Failed Grown-up by Stephanie Calman

I Feel Bad About My Neck isn't out in the UK until 1 March 2007 (though the US version is available now). The UK version has a different, somewhat softer, cover. Which do you prefer?

Posted by Keris on November 17, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (6)

BOOK REVIEW: Something Borrowed

I guess we've kind of reviewed Emily Giffin's books the wrong way round: Something Borrowed was her debut, but we reviewed Something Blue first. That doesn't matter though- these books complement each other and can be read in either order. Something Borrowed is told from the point of view of Rachel, who is about to turn thirty and having a bit of an early mid-life crisis. Her best friend since school Darcy seems to have everything: a wonderful man, a glamorous job in PR and a wedding to plan. Rachel on the other hand, feels lost and overlooked. Especially whenever she's with Darcy.

Life perks up a little when she finally realises she has great chemistry with a man she's known for years... shame he also happens to be Darcy's fiance, Dex....

You would think that a woman lusting after her more beautiful friend's man would come across as desperate and nasty, but Giffin is careful to make sure that doesn't become the case. Although sometimes I felt frustrated with Rachel, most of the time I was sympathetic to her feelings and wanted Dex to pick her!

It helps that Darcy isn't a very sympathetic character, and we want Rachel to step out of her shadow. I thought the exploration of the two women's friendship was excellent, especially the idea that your friends may be more of a habit than people you have true connections with- and the way we stay in close contact with people out of familiarity, even if they're not good for us... But also that the thought of losing a friendship, even an imperfect one, can be devastating. I think most women will relate to that. Plus, I love the New York taxi cab cover!

I better not give away the ending, although if you've read Something Blue (or our review of it, oops!) you'll already know how things turn out. Even so, it's still a great read, highly recommended. And not just by me- according to the cover Marian Keyes, Meg Cabot and Lauren Weisberger couldn't put it down either!

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Something Blue by Emily Giffin; Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 17, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (4)

November 16, 2006 11:29 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Nanny Diaries by Nicola Kraus and Emma McLaughlin

As one of the biggest chick-lit books of the last five years, and an upcoming film (starring Scarlett Johanssen, of course) I can't believe we haven't reviewed The Nanny Diaries yet. But I don't mind, I'm more than happy to do the job! I might be a bit biased though- this is one of my favourite chick-lit novels of all time. If you've read the execrable sequel Citizen Girl, don't be put off - The Nanny Diaries is nothing like. Which means it's fresh, fun, fast-paced and highly enjoyable. Nan the Nanny (yes... get over it) is studying for her master's in child education and turns to nannying for rich Manhattan families to pay the bills. Suddenly she has to juggle her studies with the ever-more demanding family she works for whilst also trying to avoid her difficult flatmate (which isn't too hard, as Nan barely has time to eat or sleep anymore!)

Demanding, unreasonable and distant, it's hard to care about Nan's employers, but they do show occasional moments of compassion... VERY occasional! Although a potential love interest enters the story, it's Nan and her little charge Grayer whose relationship is the focal point, and this is told with great love and sweetness. Nan is the only person who really seems to make time for little Grayer, although sadly she has to attempt to undo some of the obnoxious behaviour his parents have inculcated in him. The book really provides a great insight into the emotional issues around caring for children who are not your own. On a lighter note, the book also allows a great deal of "I wonder if someone really did that!" speculating, as Kraus and McLaughlin really were nannies to the rich and famous...

I loved the insight into the rich and snobby New York world of Mr and Mrs X, and I found Nan empathetic, capable and intelligent, even if I was frustrated at times by her lack of assertiveness (but assertive would equal fired in her job, so it's understandable). I raced through this book twice, and now I've been talking about it I'm thinking of reading it a third time- I know I'll enjoy it just as much.

A modern chick-lit classic.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try You'll Never Nanny in this Town Again by Suzanne Hansen.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 16, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Movie News, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (5)

November 14, 2006 11:39 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Under The Duvet by Marian Keyes

Show me a chick-lit fan, and I'll show you a woman who loves Marian Keyes (at least 99% of the time). Her book Under The Duvet was a bit of a departure for Marian though. It's a collection of pieces of journalism, opinion pieces and slices of autobiography- some previously published, some published only in Ireland and some that had never before seen the light of day. First published in 2001 (and with a sequel, Further Under the Duvet released in paperback this autumn) it seems about time we reviewed it. We 'Yay or Nay'-ed you on whether you wanted La Keyes to just stick to fiction, and the answer was a unanimous no, even from those who hadn't read about any of her Under The Duvet experiences (um, so to speak!)

So can she be as successful in non-fiction as she is in fiction? Carry on over the cut to find out.

Course she can, silly! This is Marian Keyes we're talking about! The signature humour, warmth and poignancy that we love in her novels is all here as she talks about her real life. She sets the record straight about what life as a writer is like, letting fans into her daily routine (lots of typing and banana-eating in bed, apparently!) talks about her research trips and travel experiences and why she can never get enough shoes. But this isn't just a cosy romp through chick-lit subjects. Marian comes across as intelligent and astute, very kind and very appreciative of her good fortune. She also handles more serious subjects than those I've just described, telling the story of her alcoholism, her recovery, and how she came to be a writer as a result- which is extremely moving.

If you want a book to curl up with, laugh at and just generally cherish (particularly if you're having a 'duvet day' yourself) then you can't go far wrong with this. And if you've only ever read Marian Keyes's fiction, then you're missing a treat! When I told my co-ed Keris I was reviewing this she said, "LOVE it. Doesn't it make you just want to move to Ireland, hunt her down and force her to be your best friend?" Much as that makes us sound like stalkers, it's true.

(My one complaint is that more women writers don't try this type of non-fiction collection!)

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Anybody Out There? by Marian Keyes.

Marian Keyes archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 14, 2006 in Book related, Girly Stuff, Irish Authors, Marian Keyes, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Opinion, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

November 7, 2006 10:11 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Stupid and Contagious by Caprice Crane

I'd heard a lot about Caprice Crane's debut novel - not least that Courtney Love shoplifted a copy - so my expectations were high.

Like many chick lit heroines, Heaven Albright has a brilliant PR career until that is she's unfairly dismissed. Procrastinating about starting her own agency, she takes a waitressing job in a trendy restaurant. Independent (and unsuccessful) record company owner Brady Gilbert leaves his psycho girlfriend and moves into the apartment next door to Heaven's. Of course they don't get on at all to begin with. Heaven doesn't think Brady's all there and Brady thinks she's crazy, but from the very beginning the reader knows they're made for each other (reminding me a little of When Harry Met Sally - and I imagine Heaven's surname is a nod in that direction).

Their friendship develops when Heaven invites herself along on Brady's trip to Seattle to try and sign a Next Big Thing band and also wangle a meeting with the head of Starbucks to interest them in his invention, Cinnamilk. Plus Heaven wants to go to a vigil for the anniversary of Kurt Cobain's death.

Things, of course, don't go according to plan, but one of the things I loved the most about this book was that it was all believable. Heaven and Brady have a couple of the misunderstandings required to sustain the plot - and they both make mistakes - but they're never stupid or far-fetched and you always feel that they care for each other. Like Harry and Sally, they may not be perfect, but they're perfect for each other.

Full of pop culture references and more than I ever needed to know about the disgusting things wait staff to rude customers, Stupid and Contagious is extremely funny, it made me cry and when I finished it I could happily have turned back to the first page and started it again. One of the best chick lit books I've ever read.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Time Off for Good Behavior by Lani Diane Rich

Like Megan Crane, Caprice Crane is another member of The5Spot blog

Posted by Keris on November 7, 2006 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (5)

November 6, 2006 11:37 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Woman who walked into Doors by Roddy Doyle

The Woman who walked into Doors by Roddy Doyle is not the most enjoyable or pleasant book you'll ever read, but it is probably one of the very best.

It's the story of Paula Spencer, a working-class Irish woman whose husband and father of her children Charlo subjects her to appalling physical abuse throughout their marriage until finally, and violently, he dies. (I'm not spoiling the plot here- that's made clear in the first few pages).

It's also emotional, incredibly real and often gut-wrenching.

It's hard to believe this book is written by a man as the first-person narrator, Paula, is so real and vivid and the narration is always believable, even as it becomes more horrifying. We learn the history of her relationship with Charlo- how he made her knees go weak when she first met him, to the horrific abuse he dealt out. We also learn about Paula's childhood and upbringing and her family background and there are moments of wonderful although dark humour, too.

Doyle has a particular gift for capturing cruelty and realism, and it's used to great effect here. The scenes of abuse are genuinely disturbing and frightening and although it's not a true story, obviously (unfortunately) it's a story that will ring true with many people and that makes the emotional impact stronger.

It's a dark book, not a read to cherish or 'enjoy' as such, but one that's so addictively well-written you can't help devouring it to the very end. And when you do, the reward is that things are starting to look up after Charlo's death; finally Paula has the chance to move forward. We have to believe she'll take it.

Rating: 5 out of 5

*DID YOU KNOW?* Ten years on from the publication of this book, Roddy Doyle has brought out a sequel, Paula Spencer, which is getting very good reviews.

Like this? Try We Need to Talk about Kevin by Lionel Shriver.

More on Monday archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 6, 2006 in Book related, Irish Authors, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 2, 2006 8:31 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Heartburn by Nora Ephron

We've talked before about how we're big fans of Nora Ephron (expect a review of her latest before too long!) and for me, Heartburn was her finest hour. (Okay, joint finest hour with When Harry Met Sally!) The story of Rachel Samstat, a food writer whose husband has an affair with the wife of a prominent politician... during month seven of Rachel's second pregnancy. It's heavily based on Nora's own life (her husband was Pulitzer prizewinning journalist Carl Bernstein). It's also fast, funny and furious.

It's a slim volume, but it's sharp, very moving and we feel Rachel's pain. The fact that it's based on real life also adds a gossipy quality that I (being nosy!) loved. Some readers can take or leave the recipes which are dotted throughout the text (I really liked them, although I might give the sorrel soup a miss). The characterisations are deft, the humour stands up well, even twenty-three years later, and the anger never becomes bitter. And we finally get a sense at the end of the book that things are going to turn out well for Rachel, thank goodness.

Fans of When Harry Met Sally will spot some of the events and lines from the movie, which were used here first (but still made me laugh). Probably the best compliment I can give it is that I've read it at least three times- and can't wait 'til the next three! A classic of the genre, and as the quote on the cover says, "proof that writing well is the best revenge"!

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Postcards from the Edge by Carrie Fisher.

Related: Thursday Three: Cooking Good! / Thursday Three: In The Club / Book Review: Hanging Up by Delia Ephron / Movie News: Julie and Julia

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 2, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Celebrity Authors, Classic Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

November 1, 2006 1:43 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Time Off for Good Behavior by Lani Diane Rich

As you may know, I love Lani Diane Rich's books and have done since I read her first, Time Off for Good Behavior which was originally written - under the title of Boom! - for NaNoWriMo 2002. (We're going to be giving a copy of Time Off for Good Behavior some time during NaNovember - so don't miss that!)

You'd think that ending up in a coma after falling down while attempting to hit a lawyer would be enough, but Wanda's also got an abusive ex-husband and estranged parents to deal with. The ex, George, has taken to phoning Wanda frequently - either to beg forgiveness or threaten to kill her. When he turns up in Tennessee, things become even more serious (and he is genuinely scary).

And that's not all, Wanda is also being driven crazy by a piece of music she can't identify and can't get out of her head. So when she finds herself falling for Walter - another lawyer, but a total sweetheart - she realises she needs to sort herself and her life out before she makes a mess of his too. So she goes to confession (even though she's not Catholic), puts an advert in the paper, and writes her to do list on post-it notes which she sticks to the wall (they include 'get a new haircut' and 'do something meaningful').

I loved this book. Like all of Lani's books, it's very funny, but it's also sad and - I thought - painfully true. The supporting characters are great, but the best thing about this book is certainly Wanda herself (and Lani admits Wanda's her favourite chick lit character). She's bright, brash, bolshy and ballsy. And she swears like a docker. But she's also vulnerable and real. I loved her and I really wanted it to work out for her.

Time Off for Good Behavior is a great book and an excellent introduction to a wonderful author.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Welcome to Temptation by Jennifer Crusie

Related posts: The Comeback Kiss / Ex and the Single Girl

Posted by Keris on November 1, 2006 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, NaNovember, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

October 31, 2006 5:23 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Bee Season by Myla Goldberg

Unlike The Secret Life of Bees, Myla Goldberg's Bee Season actually is a book about bees, although not the buzzing black and yellow kind but the culturally-entrenched American tradition of spelling bees. Eliza Naumann is a mediocre pupil and unremarkable in every way until one day, aged eleven, she discovers a sudden talent for spelling. Her father Saul, a Jewish cantor and scholar of Kabbalah (the serious,  mystical orthodox version rather than Madonna-style Kabbalah lite) who's never paid her that much attention before is suddenly her biggest fan and mentor, and together they travel the country as Eliza's prodigious talent grows.

But back at home, Eliza's brother Aaron is feeling neglected and finds an unusual way to cope and Miriam, Eliza and Aaron's mother, is reverting to an unhealthy compulsion that she thought Saul's love had cured. Maybe Eliza's new-found talent isn't quite the blessing she once thought?

With elements of mysticism/magical realism plus explorations of faith, mental health issues and family dynamics, this is a book that simultaneously manages to be very deep and very readable. Myla Goldberg's style is witty yet understated and unpretentious and this is a book which handles several issues whilst never becoming depressing. It's poignant yet funny, sharply drawn but sympathetic and the characters are very believable. It's a great example of 'show don't tell' writing, in which characters' motivations and feelings are revealed through the smallest actions and the reader is credited with the intelligence to understand them. It's also interesting to get an insight into spelling bees, a curiously American phenomenon which most of us have heard of yet never participated in! [The film Spellbound is worth a watch for the same reason, incidentally].

Much more than a coming of age story or a book about spelling, Bee Season deserves the buzz (sorry!) that its publication recieved.

Rating: 5 out of 5

*DID YOU KNOW?* Bee Season was made into a film in 2005, starring Richard Gere, Juliette Binoche and Kate Bosworth.

Like this? Try We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 31, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (2)

October 30, 2006 11:55 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

I know I mentioned last week that the word "unputdownable" is overused in book reviews, but it got me thinking about the books I didn't want to put down and The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins was definitely one of those.

It's a melodramatic mystery thriller (in fact Collins is often credited with being the originator of the modern mystery). Told by a selection of different narrators, along with diary extracts and other documents, the book begins with Walter Hartright accepting a position as a drawing master to two "young ladies" - Marian Halcombe and Laura Fairlie. But before taking up the position he meets a mysterious woman all dressed in white and helps her escape from her pursuers. He is horrified when he hears that she has escaped from an asylum.

On arriving at his new home, Walter falls immediately in love with Laura (who looks a lot like the woman in white), but Laura has promised her father that she will marry evil Sir Percival Glyde. And then - and I don't say this lightly - all hell breaks loose.

Don't be put off by the fact that The Woman in White is a "classic", it's amazingly readable and seems much more modern than anything by Collins's friend and contemporary, Charles Dickens. With wonderful, original, infuriating and dreadful characters, a tragic love story, twists and turns, shocks and reversals, you'll want to stay up all night to finish this book.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Fingersmith by Sarah Waters

Did you know? The Woman in White has been turned into a musical.

Posted by Keris on October 30, 2006 in British Authors, Classic Novels, Crime / Mystery, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 24, 2006 2:31 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Cancer Vixen by Marisa Acocella Marchetto

We recently told you that Marisa Acocella Marchetto's Cancer Vixen is to be made into a film starring Cate Blancett.

I was desperate to read it from the minute I heard about it and I got the chance last weekend. The word 'unputdownable' is overused in book reviews. I mean, it's not true, is it? There's no book that you literally can't put down, but there are some books that once you start reading you don't want to stop and, for me, Cancer Vixen was one of those books. I've never read any graphic novels so I opened the book not knowing quite what to expect, but it sucked me in from the very first page. Carry on over the cut to find out why.

Marisa was a successful New York cartoonist and about to get married - quite late in life, it has to be said - when she found a lump in her breast. We find out that it's cancer on page 2 and from there we're thrown straight into her reaction, and that of her family and friends. Plus how is she going to tell her fiance? And how's she going to pay for the treatment? She's freelance and she's let her insurance lapse.

Luckily Marisa's friends, family and fiance are all wonderful and she keeps her spirits up by working and making sure she wears the most fabulous shoes to all her chemo and radiotherapy appointments.

It sound stressful and sad, doesn't it? But Marisa's very funny and her illustrations add to the humour. Her drawing of 'angry' cancer cells 'magnified 3 gazillion times' giving the finger with their tongues stuck out made me laugh out loud. There are some sad moments, of course. There's a moving interlude about Marisa's experience of 9/11 and something that happens as a result of her treatment actually made me sob, but in the main this book is hilarious, uplifting and, yes, unputdownable. Read it.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try My (So-Called) Normal Life by Erin Zammett

Posted by Keris on October 24, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (5)

October 18, 2006 11:44 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Queen of the Oddballs by Hillary Carlip

Author of Queen of the Oddballs Hillary Carlip is a bit of a female Forrest Gump. Not because she has sub-normal intelligence and rambles about the similarities between life and Thorntons's finest (she doesn't!) but because she seems to have been on the edge of so many pop cultural moments: from stalking (sorry, "befriending") seventies songbirds Carly Simon and Carole King, to having a bit part in Xanadu with Olivia Newton-John, seeing John Cusack with his zit cream on and being all but ignored by Oprah on an episode dedicated to her first book (and much more besides!)  Hillary's seen it, done it and taught herself to juggle and breathe fire (really). Her memoir's subtitle is "...true stories from a life unaccording to plan". Very, very apt!

I simply loved this book. Part of its charm is, to be honest, that Carlip has a lot of quirky celebrity stories to share (I guess growing up in L.A will do that). But the biggest selling point of the book is Hillary's sense of humour, wit, and honesty. She's not afraid to make herself look stupid or insecure if it makes her story more honest and true, and that's what I responded to most. There are moments of almost unbearable poignancy, especially towards the end of the book, which made me weep. But more than anything, this book made me laugh.

The book moves chronologically and at the start of each chapter, there's a summary of events from that time period (usually illustrated with a picture of the author at the time) which I found informative and very entertaining. Example from 1980: " I use a whole sheet of paper to remind myself to try the newly released new product by 3M- post its." The author also uses different formats for some of the chapters (a script, a diary, a letter to Olivia Newton-John) but this never becomes gimmicky or annoying, which must be a reflection on the talent of the writer.

Hillary really is an interesting and unique individual who's taken an inspiring yet down-to-earth "Oddball" journey through life. And I'm so happy she decided to write about it!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

*DID YOU KNOW?* Hillary is also a talented web visionary. You can check out her home page here, with links to her other fabulous sites, including the Queen of the Oddballs site. (So pretty!)

Like this? Try But Enough About Me by Jancee Dunn.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 18, 2006 in American Authors, Bafab, Book related, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (3)

October 16, 2006 3:38 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: We Need to talk about Kevin by Lionel Shriver

This is one of the most controversial books I've ever reviewed for Trashionista, a real 'love it or hate it' novel (many of my friends fall into the latter category, but I know a lot of people who really enjoyed it too- if 'enjoy' is the right word for such a bleak story). It won the Orange Prize in 2005, and deservedly so. But what's all the fuss about?

We Need to talk about Kevin is narrated by Eva Katchadourian in the form of letters to her estranged husband, Franklin. Their son Kevin is in prison for mass murder and Eva is struggling to pick up the pieces of her life. Shunned by the community and feeling isolated from her family, she's also lost her business and can't see any kind of future for herself. So she looks to the past, going over the events of the last twenty years to try to make sense of why her life ended up this way. She wants to know why Kevin turned out the way he did: was it nature or nurture?

That's a question that the reader has to draw their own conclusions about and one of the things I loved about this novel was this moral ambiguity- although Eva wants a child for all the wrong reasons, can she really be blamed for the way Kevin turns out? She isn't a likeable character, and yet at times I identified with her and understood why she came to hate Kevin. At other times, it's clear she loves her son very much- and a terrible mother surely wouldn't, after all he's done. There's lots to think about and debate here: when does a parent stop being responsible for their child's behaviour? Is an overbearing parent better or worse than a slightly detached one? Who sees Kevin's true character, his mother or father? How reliable a narrator is Eva? I've got a feeling that multiple readings of the book would yield new interpretations and layers of meaning.

I also admired the way Shriver created a story in which none of the characters come across as at all likeable, and she skilfully controls the reader's reactions- at times I was sad for Eva, at other times I disliked her intensely, and I hated Kevin almost from the beginning but had to remind myself that I wasn't hearing about him from a necessarily reliable narrator. It's a complex book, very well-structured. By about half-way through you know how it will end, and yet the ending is still a shocking and compelling read.

I can see why some people wouldn't like it: it's not a pleasant story, and I'm sure it makes parents rather uncomfortable! It's also rather slow to get started, and takes concentration in the early chapters to pick up on what the narrator is talking about. But then it takes off, and you're gripped! It's a hugely affecting story that stays with you long after you've finished reading, and one of the best books I've ever read.

Rating: 5 out of 5

*DID YOU KNOW?* Lionel Shriver changed her name to sound like a man's, as men have greater literary success...

Like this? Try The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 16, 2006 in American Authors, Classic Novels, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, Prize Winners, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (6)

October 11, 2006 11:34 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Boy Book by E Lockhart

I discovered E Lockhart's books via her wonderful blog, which is probably the wrong way round, but no matter. The Boy Book is the sequel to The Boyfriend List, which is my absolute favourite, non-Meg Cabot, Young Adult book! Although having said that it would probably be up there with my favourite books full stop.

In The Boyfriend List, Ruby Oliver becomes a social outcast after a former friend circulates a list she made of 'boyfriends'. But they weren't really boyfriends, just boys with whom she's had contact - still her former friends and the rest of the school think she's a tramp. Does she have any better luck in The Boy Book? Read on and find out.

With her ex-best friend Kim away for the summer, Ruby thinks she might be able to recover some semblance of her former life. Her friend Nora seems happy to hang around with her and Noel seems to like her and even her ex-boyfriend Jackson's paying her some attention, but when Kim's return coincides with a school trip to Canoe Island, it looks like Ruby's in danger of losing everything all over again.

Interspersed with extracts from The Boy Book itself (a study of habits and behaviours, plus techniques for taming them), this book is funny, sweet and so true. Like The Boyfriend List, it serves as a reminder of how appalling girls can be, but Ruby is a fabulous and intelligent heroine. I loved it.

Rating: 5 out of 5

If you like this, try The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot

Posted by Keris on October 11, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Romance, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (6)

October 9, 2006 2:13 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson

If you haven't read any Bill Bryson yet then all I can say is where have you been? Since Notes From A Small Island hit the bestseller lists, Bryson has been enormously successful and popular. Books about travelling around the US and Europe, Africa and Australia followed and earlier books on the English Language were quickly rereleased. A departure into popular science with A Short History of Nearly Everything was another hit and now, with The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid, he's written a memoir. Except he hasn't really. Read on to find out why not.

Bryson was born in 1951 and this book is predominantly about the 1950s, most of which he presumably was too young to remember. I've read a number of reviews that claim The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid just doesn't cut it as autobiography, but that's missing the point. This book is less an autobiography and more a travelogue of Fifties America - a fascinating time in a fascinating place. (I imagine it has been marketed as memoir to capitalise on people's interest in and goodwill towards Bryson himself - he really does come across as a sort of lovely favourite uncle.)

We do learn about his childhood and family - his mother was absent-minded and an appalling cook, his father liked to walk around the house naked from the waist down, and we of course learn about Bill's "Thunderbolt Kid" alter-ego - but the majority of the book is given over to a time before couscous, but of enormous wealth and change (in the US). I found it absolutely fascinating and often hilarious.

No, it's not really a memoir, but it's still a fabulous and funny read.

Rating: 5 out of 5

If you like this, try Candyfreak by Steve Almond

Posted by Keris on October 9, 2006 in American Authors, Memoirs, More On Monday, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 2, 2006 11:36 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: Tales of the City by Armistead Maupin

With the film version of Armistead Maupin's most recent book, The Night Listener, about to hit cinemas, I thought it was time to mention another of my all-time favourites, the Tales of the City series.

Tales of the City is the first in a series of six books set in San Franciso in the late seventies and early eighties. Mary Ann Singleton is a sheltered secretary from Cleveland when she visits San Francisco for the first time and decides to stay. Moving into 28 Barbary Lane she meets and befriends a cast of outrageous but totally believable and charming characters, pretty much all of whom I fell in love with.

Probably the most popular and best-known character of the series is Michael "Mouse" Tolliver, apparently based on the author himself. Mouse is just gorgeous, vulnerable and real, and even though he's a gay man I identified with him more than Mary Ann so I was very excited to hear that Maupin his finally signed a deal for a new book. It's called Michael Tolliver Lives and, though some other Tales characters may appear, it's primarily about Mouse aged 55 and living with HIV.

But I digress. The Tales of the City series is a modern soap opera. It's far-fetched, melodramatic, unbelievable, stuffed with ridiculous plot twists and coincidences, but I defy you not to fall in love with it. I read the first and then could not rest until I'd read the other five. I've recommended them to everyone. I exclaimed out loud - with shock or delight - when reading them (sometimes in public). Yep, as so many reviews say, I laughed, I cried, I couldn't put it down. Really. I can't recommend this series highly enough.

Of course, if you're obsessed as me, you'll know that Tales of the City, More Tales of the City and Further Tales of the City were all made into TV mini-series (starring Laura Linney and Olympia Dukakis) and are available on DVD.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Did you know? If you're heading to San Francisco you can take the Tales of the City tour (yes, I've done it).

Posted by Keris on October 2, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Classic Novels, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, Prize Winners, Rating: 5/5, Romance, Series, Television | Permalink | Comments (5)

September 29, 2006 12:02 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner

Back in 2001, Jennifer Weiner was a single Philadelphia newspaper journalist who wrote novels in her spare time. In 2006, she's a famous and highly successful chick-lit (although she apparently hates the term!) novelist with a husband, daughter, and cash from Hollywood in her back pocket. We've reviewed all of her other books (including her latest, The Guy Not Taken), recommended her blog more times than I can count- and she's been the subject of a Trashionista Spotlight profile. So it's a little scandalous that we've never reviewed her debut novel Good in Bed.

The story of Cannie, who finds out her boyfriend Bruce has left her for another woman by reading about it in his new magazine column, it addresses issues of family, self-image and love in a way we hadn't seen in chick-lit before. Cannie isn't a Bridget Jones style diet-obsessive- she has phases where she's unhappy with her body, but generally she likes being a larger lady. And she is, we're assured, very good in bed...

If Bruce thought that their break-up was going to destroy Cannie, he was wrong. At first, she's betrayed and devastated, but gradually she starts to re-assess the relationship and realise that she's better off without him. And then he comes back into her life, bringing an added complication... But that's not all she has to think about! Bruce getting a column spurs Cannie to concentrate on her own writing, and good things start happening there, too. And then in a moment of low self-esteem she signs up for a weight-loss workshop and realises one of the doctors there seems to have taken a special liking to her...

This book is unpredictable, yet has a happy ending- but one where not everything is solved. It's more realistic than that. (In fact, I was a bit disappointed that there wasn't one more final conversation settling things between Cannie and Bruce, but that perhaps wouldn't have been very realistic). On the other hand, Cannie's writing success story seems miraculous in terms of the time span of the book but gives the novel a fairy-tale aspect which I think many readers will enjoy and feel she deserves. My only real criticism of the book is that Cannie is supposedly happy with her body, with not being thin. She exercises, is confident and has a good life (when she's not being dumped in the national press, that is) but there's too much mention of how she looks and what she wears for her to come across as truly happy. She should be able to be happy with being a larger size, of course- I'd love there to be more different-sized women in chick lit who aren't desperate to be thin. But with Cannie we're not there yet... Again, maybe because Weiner wants to be realistic? Despite these slight qualms, the writing is so good that I still loved every second of this book. I laughed, I cried... and I only read it by accident!

You see, I was in one of those book clubs where you have to send in a form each month or you're sent the book-of-the-month and the month that Good In Bed was the BOTM, I'd forgotten. I almost sent it back unread but something compelled me to keep it and I'm so glad I did. It's one of my favourite chick-lit books of all time: sharply written with an aspirational yet poignant story and a lot of heart, you'd have to be a hard-nosed Trashionista not to love it.

Rating: 5 out of 5

*Did you know?* A few years ago, Good In Bed was bought by HBO (makers of Sex And The City, of course) to be turned into a TV series, then... nothing.

Like this? Try Conversations With The Fat Girl by Liza Palmer; In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 29, 2006 in American Authors, Book Websites, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Television | Permalink | Comments (4)

September 25, 2006 11:46 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: Out of Sight by Elmore Leonard

If you've never heard of Elmore Leonard, you'll doubtless have heard of Out of Sight, made into a 1998 film starring J-Lo (before she was J-Lo) and the Cloonster. Or you might have heard of some of his other books: Get Shorty, Jackie Brown, Be Cool...? Leonard is a living legend. His books have inspired Tarantino and many other movie makers, and with their fast pace, snappy dialogue, pop cultural references and just general hipness, it's easy to see why.

Out of Sight is the story of Jack Foley, a career criminal who's become a celebrity in the bank-robbing business and who's hatched an elaborate plan to break out of jail and evade the law. He makes it out of jail, but deputy US Marshall Karen Sisco is smarter than the cops he usually has to give the slip to, and she's not about to let Jack go without a fight...

Like all Elmore's books, this one is so cool! It's very cinematic, with little description and lots of talk (he's one of the masters of dialogue) and lots of action (never a dull moment). There's violence and bad people in Out of Sight, but it's not dumb violence- it's always integral to the story and adds an air of authenticity. And Elmore always stops before it gets too much- which is perhaps why his books appeal to as many women as men. This is the kind of book where you're actually cheering on the 'bad guys', but you feel for the good guys too. I love this mix of moral complexity and escapism. The characters are morally complex, too- Karen Sisco's job is to bring in Jack Foley, but after being taken hostage by him for a few days, she feels herself falling for him, and is conflicted about putting him back behind bars...

I read this book after seeing the film years earlier, and I'm glad I did it that way round- I imagined Sisco and Foley as Lopez and Clooney (they allegedly hated each other, but it made for great sexual tension, which is a large part of the book too).

A quote from The Guardian on the back of the book says, "Out of sight contains all the best qualities of Leonard's writing: humour, black and good; timing; just the right amount of action, and major cool."  Too right. Leonard is one of the coolest writers of all time- effortlessly conveying the struggles of the criminal underworld. It almost spoils the illusion to discover he's an eighty-something white guy from a posh area of Georgia...

Rating: 5 out of 5

*Did you know?* Out of Sight was the inspiration for Karen Sisco, a short-lived TV series that was actually not half bad (ITV1 used to show it at around midnight) and which starred Robert Forster (Max Cherry in Jackie Brown).

Like this? Try One Shot by Lee Child.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 25, 2006 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5, Television | Permalink | Comments (1)

September 21, 2006 11:25 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Mixed by Angela Nissel

I loved Angela Nissel's first book, The Broke Diaries, which was taken from the blog of the same name that she wrote as a VERY poor student in Philadelphia in the nineties. Her second book, Mixed takes on a completely different subject: growing up mixed race in the eighties, and how it affected Angela. It touches on her parent's divorce, her self-esteem issues, family relationships, romantic relationships and mental health issues.

And it's brilliant.

Angela Nissel (pronounced 'nizzle') was born to a white father and a black mother, and that's what she always told anyone who questioned her about her origins- which they often did, and still do. Growing up, she never knew anyone who looked like her, and in an effort to reassure her, her mother would tell her that swarthy-looking white people were mixed-race, too. This culminated in Angela giving a school report on well-known biracial TV star, David Hasselhoff... and her mother re-thought her tactics.

When her parents split up, Angela, her mother and brother (who had darker skin than hers) moved to all all-black neighbourhood, where Angela still didn't fit in. Back and forth she went to different schools, never fitting in, always singled out and adding to the problem bu being deeply uncomfortable in her own skin.  This book moves from the hilarious to the heartbreaking within pages- and I mean that in a good way!

It's not a heavy book, and it's not a long or difficult read at all. Somehow Angela manages to be both moving and thought provoking whilst never hectoring, lecturing or allowing herself to become a victim. She's been through some difficult times and struggled to fit in as a child (and a young adult) but she's now made peace with herself and her life so far. I'm sure it helps that she's happily married, living in L.A and working on Scrubs as a consulting producer, too...

Seriously though, this book made me evaluate my own attitude to race- I think most white people are like the people Angela meets, who class her as black. But isn't she as much white as black? Or does being mixed race automatically make you part of the black experience (whatever that may be)? We'd all like to think race isn't important, but aren't we classifying people every day without even thinking about it? The quotes at the start of each chapter were illuminating and brought homes these points. This book made me think, while entertaining me, making me laugh and just generally being a joy to read. That's not an easy feat so I can't wait to see what Ms Nissel writes about next...

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try My (So-Called) Normal Life by Erin Zammett.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 21, 2006 in American Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 20, 2006 6:55 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Confessions of a Failed Grown-up by Stephanie Calman

I loved Stephanie Calman's Confessions of a Bad Mother (subtitled: in the aisle by the chill cabinet no-one can hear you scream!) - I was relieved to find there are other mothers who are bewildered and improvising - so considering I also don't feel at all grown-up (I bet you're shocked to hear that, aren't you?) I was really excited about reading this book.

Did it live up to expectation? Read on over the cut to find out.

Stephanie is married with two children. She's (sometimes brutally) honest about her marriage, her children, her parents and upbringing and she writes movingly about her father's death, but there is a laugh (or at least a smile) on every page. Plus I lost count of the times I said, 'That's just like me' or 'Listen to this!' to my husband (who just rolled his eyes).

She doesn't want to exercise (but she really wants to eat - scoffing pillow chocolates within seconds of arriving in a hotel room), she lets her children watch Saturday Night Fever (and if I remember anything about that film it's that it's not suitable for children) and thinks about leaving her husband (but decides that once you've got the kids up and packed, it's easier just to stay), and she can't believe she's allowed to drive. In other words, she's a real woman.

Reading this book is like reading emails from your funniest friend - the one who always understands, makes you feel better and then makes you laugh until you wet yourself. Probably.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try The Shops by India Knight or Marian Keyes's Under the Duvet and Further Under the Duvet

Posted by Keris on September 20, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

September 14, 2006 11:52 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Yes Man by Danny Wallace

When Danny Wallace realised he'd been saying no far too much and limiting his life as a result, he decided to say yes more. Well, not more - all the time. To everything. "Every favour, request, suggestion and invitation."

Yes (yes!), I know it seems far-fetched, but Danny Wallace is a man who has formed a collective (not a cult!) and started his own country, so saying yes to everything should have been a piece of cake.

Read on over the cut to see if it was.

Well, yes. And no. He won £25,000 on a scratchcard, but then lost it again almost immediately. He learned that accepting an invitation from your ex-girlfriend to join her and her new man for dinner leads to an extremely uncomfortable evening. But not as uncomfortable as being asked, 'Are you looking for a smack in the mouth?' He buys a car, he meets a girl, he even goes to see We Will Rock You. And his life improves immeasurably.

If you've ever seen Danny Wallace on TV, you'll know how charming and funny he is and that totally comes across in the book. You want to go to the pub with him, look after him, be his best friend. Some aspects of the book stretch credibility, but I for one didn't care.

I really want to say 'should you read it?' but that's too cheesy even for me. So just read it, okay?

Watch the Yes Man book trailer here.

Like this? Try The Year of Yes by Maria Headley or Marry Me by Carey Marx

Posted by Keris on September 14, 2006 in British Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

September 13, 2006 5:14 PM

BOOK REVIEW: A Boy of Good Breeding by Miriam Toews

I unabashedly adored A Boy of Good Breeding. Oops! Think I'm supposed to keep you in suspense about my verdict for a little bit longer, but when you read something this great you want to tell everyone about it as quickly as humanly possible! A fugly cover and a quirky story with some oddly-named characters (you'll see) might not sound like the makings of a modern literary classic but trust me, they are.

Mayor Hosea Funk is intent on keeping the population of Algren down to 1500, so it will officially be Canada's smallest town and the Prime Minister will pay them a visit on July 1st, Canada Day. But with all manner of new arrivals coming to town and some older residents stubbornly refusing to die, his plans look set to be shaken. Young single mother Knute and her daughter Summer Feelin' (yep!) are just the latest to arrive...

Hosea's ledger of "newly moved to town" and "dead or dying" is going to need some careful juggling, as he has Knute and S.F's arrival to balance along with the insistent pleas of his girlfriend Lorna, who's about to dump him if he doesn't show some willingness to move in together. The story also focuses on S.F, Knute and and her family, including her parents Dory and Tom (an old friend of Hosea's who isn't doing too well, and may be about to make an appearance in the "dead or dying" column himself...)

If any of this sounds slightly farcical, that isn't at all how it's written. As the book progresses, we learn more about the character's motivations and the novel is heartfelt and moving. There's occasional silliness and moments of great humour, but written in a wry, observant way that's always intelligent and never carries a joke too far.  It's easy to believe in this quaint little town with its slightly unusual residents, as the characters are never as weird as they sometimes initially seem.

A Boy of Good Breeding is superbly written and the kind of book you want to re-read immediately. It didn't surprise me to learn from the inside back flap that every one of Miriam Toews' books (and some of her journalism) has won awards.

A recent Guardian article pondered whether there's been a scarcity of good "Can Lit" (ie. Canadian books from talented authors). As long as Miriam Toews around, the answer is clearly no.

Rating: 5 out of 5

*DID YOU KNOW?* A Boy of Good Breeding was originally published in 1998. It was re-released recently after the huge success of Toews' last novel, A Complicated Kindness, last year.

Like this? Try Between Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 13, 2006 in Modern Fiction, Prize Winners, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 11, 2006 11:41 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: Dorothy Parker: What Fresh Hell is This? by Marion Meade

If you haven't heard of Dorothy Parker, you'll at least have heard one of her poems ("Men seldom make passes at girls who wear glasses-" yep, that's the whole poem!) or witty/barbed remarks ("If all the girls who attended the Yale prom were laid end to end, I wouldn't be a bit surprised"; "She runs the gamut of emotions from A to B"... etc.) One of the founder members of the Algonquin round table, an influential group of writers in 1920s and 30s New York, Dorothy Parker was a gossipy journalist, well-known short story writer, clinical depressive with a tendency to suicide attempts- and a famous wit.

"What Fresh Hell is This?" was her favoured reply to anything from the doorbell or telephone ringing, to a friend's new outfit. It's also the title of Marion Meade's magnificent biography.

From her grandparents' lives, through to her childhood, disastrous love life, alcohol abuse and depression, this is a through and brilliantly well-researched look into the life of Dorothy Parker.  Pondering whether her fiction is underrated (due to sexism or her own inability to take herself seriously, perhaps?) or just not as good as her male counterparts, and why she married an alcoholic and a gay man (surely the ultimate in self-sabotage?) as well as why she was such a funny and warm woman in print but an often spiteful human being, Meade pulls no punches.  Parker comes across as frequently nasty and misguided, but talented and ground-breaking too- she was one of the first female Hollywood screenwriters, campaigned vigorously against the death penalty and helped set up the Hollywood Anti-Nazi League.

A lot of her mental instability could probably have been helped by modern treatments, and perhaps if she hadn't drunk as much as she did, she could have been happier and made better decisions.  But maybe part of her enjoyed being a tortured artiste.

This is a hefty book, with a large index and impressive photo collection.  It's sometimes heavy in tone as well as volume, but well worth reading and not hard to whizz through, as the story of Dorothy Parker's life, whilst often sad, is always compelling.

Rating: 5 out of 5

*Did you know?* Jennifer Jason Leigh won plaudits for her portrayal of Dorothy Parker in the 1994 film, Mrs Parker and the Vicious Circle.

Dorothy Parker is an inspiration for many women writers including Sandi Toksvig and Nora Ephron.

Like this? Try My Life So Far by Jane Fonda; Postcards From the Edge by Carrie Fisher.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 11, 2006 in American Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 5, 2006 5:56 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Between, Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson

Anyone who read our interview with Joshilyn Jackson will know we're huge fans of her work, and anyone who reads this book will know why. Between, Georgia is the story of Nonny Frett, adopted into the Frett family when her fifteen-year old mother Hazel Crabtree abandoned her shortly after delivering her on the Frett's living room floor. Unfortunately, her adoption by her birth family's most hated rivals inevitably worsened the resentments that festered between the two clans, and in a town of only ninety people, it was only a matter of time before the tiny town of Between was taken to the brink of disaster by the burgeoning intra-family feud...

Nonny finds herself literally and metaphorically Between and doesn't know what to do. To add to her confusion, she's mired in indecisiveness: should she stay close to her family, continue avoiding her maternal grandmother and settle down for good with her loser-ish husband Jonno?  Or is there something (and someone) better out there if she dares to go for it?

Joshilyn Jackson's first book, gods in Alabama was a great book, but this is ten times better. Jackson has matured as an author and keeps the reader hooked without any fancy tricks or flashy revelations- which isn't to say there aren't deep-seated secrets, none of which I guessed at. This novel is tightly-bound unpredictable and pacey, but thoughtful and intelligent too. There are so many interesting characters, like Nonny's adoptive mother Stacia, who's deaf-blind, and Stacia's twin sister Genny, who is highly neurotic. It's clearly been meticulously-researched but that's never shoved down the reader's throat.  The book lovingly but truthfully recreates the deep south, a place totally unfamiliar to me but now deeply intriguing.  I think the author's love and knowledge of place is a huge factor in making this book so captivating. 

Dealing with themes of abandonment, betrayal, family loyalties and nature vs. nurture, this novel is addictive, thought-provoking reading that's practically perfect in every way.  I defy you not to fall in love with it!

Rating: 5 out of 5

Liked this? Try The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd, Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 5, 2006 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, Prize Winners, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

September 4, 2006 10:24 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay

This week's More on Monday isn't a book I've just read - it's my favourite book of all time: Bryce Courtenay’s first novel The Power of One.

It's the story of Peekay, a white boy growing up in South Africa in the 1940s. We meet him first aged five and at boarding school where he is mercilessly bullied (‘I had had no previous warning that I was wicked and it came as a fearful surprise’ ), his only friend a rooster he names Granpa Chook. You won’t be surprised to hear that the chicken doesn’t make it to the end of the book. But Peekay - Peekay becomes a champion boxer - and I, for one, fell completely in love with him.

I have two memories of reading this book. The first: on a train, breathless and shocked by the brutality of Peekay’s first boxing match, glancing around the carriage expecting the other passengers to look as bright-eyed and enthralled as me. The second: lying on my bed forcing myself to slow my reading and savour the last few pages, but still finishing all too soon and in tears. I dreamt about Peekay after finishing the book - the first, last and only time I’ve dreamt about a fictional character.

The Power of One is gripping, funny, sad, inspirational. Everyone should read this book.

If you like this, try The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Did you know? The Power of One was made into a (quite good, but not as good as the book) movie starring Stephen Dorff and Morgan Freeman.

Posted by Keris on September 4, 2006 in Classic Novels, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

August 25, 2006 10:32 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Inn at Lake Devine by Elinor Lipman

Elinor Lipman is one of my all-time favourite authors and The Inn at Lake Devine is probably her best book. It begins in 1962, when Natalie Marx's parents send out a query about accommodation prices to a small inn in Vermont.  They receive a surprising letter in return, which informs them in polite but anti-semitic terms that they would not feel at home there.  "It was not complicated, and as my mother pointed out, not even personal. They had a hotel; they didn't want Jews; we were Jews."

Her parents are willing to let it lie, but Natalie is enraged- and thus her fascination with The Inn at Lake Devine begins...

The fascination only grows when she infiltrates the inn by making friends with Robin, a girl she considers boring, in order to wangle an invitation on her family's summer vacation to the Inn.  Slowly, and over a series of several years, she finds herself becoming more involved in the lives of the family who run the place, the Berrys- and is determined to one day confront Ingrid, the writer of the letter, exposing her for the hateful racist she is.

If all of that sounds very cloak and dagger, then it's in the politest possible way.  Elinor Lipman has often been compared to a modern-day Jane Austen and she shares the same subtle wit and sly intelligence. This is by no means a revenge thriller- Lipman is more subtle and stylish than that.

You'll have to read the book to see what happens, but trust me when I tell you it's moving, sad, funny and finally hopeful.  The fact that Lipman's mother really did receive a "no Jews, thank you" letter- and remembered the exact wording thirty-five years later- adds extra poignancy.  (But with this wonderful book, I think Lipman gets to have the last laugh).

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try The Wonder Spot by Melissa Bank.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 25, 2006 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

August 24, 2006 7:39 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

When her horrendous divorce is followed by a devastating break-up, Elizabeth Gilbert decides to take a year out just for herself. She comes up with a plan to spend the year pursuing three very different things in three very different countries: pleasure in Italy, devotion in India and balance in Indonesia. The fact that the countries all being with "I" is coincidental, but, Gilbert thinks, a good sign. Can she recover from her past and find herself and her future all in the space of a year? Read on and see.

In Italy Elizabeth learns the language, makes friends, eats tons of pasta, and gains 23 pounds, but her depression and loneliness have followed her there and she's afraid she'll never be able to leave them behind. The Indian part of the book, i.e. the "Pray" of the title, was the part I was a bit worried about - I'm not religious and I thought reading about someone's experiences on an Ashram would be a bit much, but Gilbert never loses her sense of humour and that, combined with the vivid descriptions of the characters she meets there make this section completely different from, but just as enchanting as, the first third of the book. But it's in Indonesia that Elizabeth really starts to recover and find what she was looking for all along.

I loved this book. Gilbert writes beautifully and the book is threaded through with gorgeous description (I need to go to Italy - the food!) and self-deprecating humour. Like this (about the devastating post-divorce break-up):

His withdrawal only made me more needy, and my neediness only advanced his withdrawals, until soon he was retreating under fire of my weeping pleas of, "Where are you going? What happened to us?" (Dating tip: Men LOVE this.)

If you've ever wanted to take a year off, if you've ever wondered if there's more to life than this, if you've ever had to recover from a bad break-up - surely that covers everyone? - you'll enjoy this book.

Like this? Try The Year of Yes by Maria Headley

Posted by Keris on August 24, 2006 in American Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

August 23, 2006 9:44 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

This book is the first in the Sookie Stackhouse series. Charlaine Harris’s books are popular in the US, rating on the New York Times Best Sellers List and so they should do.

Dead until Dark introduces Sookie, a character I really identify with. She is beautiful and thin (okay I don’t identify with that bit), but she’s a freak who finds it impossible to relate to people (that’s the bit like me) because she’s psychic and can read every lecherous and nasty thought that people have about her. That is until she meets a vampire (they’ve just been made legal citizens in America you know).

Bill must be the most unglamorously named vampire in the kingdom, but to Sookie he is irresistible as his thoughts are completely blocked from her and so the romance and adventure begin.

I loved this book because the characters were so real (apart from all the blood drinking of course). They made me feel as though this world could really exist. It was quite a shock not to see bottles of O negative (or A positive for the adventurous) in my fridge. Or perhaps that was just me!

This is a great book and just the thing for a fantasy virgin.

Like this? Try Bitten by Kelley Armstrong.

[Angela Richardson]

Posted by Keris on August 23, 2006 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

August 17, 2006 12:06 PM

SECOND CHANCE BOOK REVIEW: Fashion Victim by Sam Baker

It looks like Fashion Victim gets the double thumbs up! Camilla liked it,and just for confirmation here's what Danielle has to say...

With the pink cute-to-boot cover and title suggestive of the usual (and totally addictive, let's not forget that!) chick lit, Sam Baker's debut novel Fashion Victim appears to be a shout-out to all those who love their fashion stories. Well we do, right? We've all read The Devil Wears Prada, but this? This is ten times better....

It’s not every day I come across a book like this (though I may be biased seeing as the heroine is a journalist). With a gripping mystery and a down-to-earth yet sassy heroine, coupled with the realities of the fashion industry, Cosmopolitan editor Sam Baker is definitely one to watch in the world of women's fiction.

Fashion Victim chronicles the life of journalist Annie Anderson as she switches from hard-hitting correspondent of a newspaper to fashion editor at top magazine Handbag. Shoved mercilessly into the midst of New York’s fashion elite, Annie is just getting to grips with her new role when famous fashion designer Mark Mailer, who Annie just happens to be doing a piece on, is shot dead in a restaurant.

It appears to be the usual robbery, but somehow Annie is far from convinced. There's something amiss about the whole situation, and being a renowned investigative journalist, it's up to her to solve it. Especially as this isn't the first time a tragedy has happened in her presence...

As Annie tries to piece together the Mark Mailer puzzle whilst also having to deal with his equally-intriguing ex Patty, she is putting herself in danger of being the next fashion victim. Literally.

Straying slightly from the usual chick-lit style of office-bound girls and their humorous lives, Baker stands out with her murder mystery that's quite frankly guaranteed to keep you hooked. It's a whodunnit and sassy tale rolled into one, with suspense that'll make you not want to leave your chair. Trust me, I've been there.

So, for a more serious spin on career-girl chic; give this one a read. Bring on the next one, Sam!

If you liked this, try One For The Money by Janet Evanovich.

Posted by Danielle Symonds-Yemm on August 17, 2006 in Crime / Mystery, Fashion-Lit, Girly Stuff, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 16, 2006 12:45 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Lucia, Lucia by Adriana Trigiani

Adriana Trigiani is probably best-known for her much-loved Big Stone Gap series (there's a fourth book on the way) set in the mountains of Virginia, but Lucia, Lucia is a bit of a departure in that it's set in New York in 1950. So does it match up to the earlier books?

Lucia Sartori is beautiful and eligible but more interested in her career in the fashion department of a Fifth Avenue department store than in getting married, even breaking off her engagement when she learns she's expected to give up work. But when she meets John Talbot - a man who reminds her of her beloved father - she falls hard. So hard that she takes a risk that changes everything.

I love this book. The descriptions of Lucia's job (and her colleagues Delmarr and Ruth) are beautiful and evocative of a more glamorous time. Her descriptions of New York not only make me want to live there (no change there), but make me want to live there in the 1950s!

This is a gorgeously old-fashioned book, but funny, page-turning and heartbreaking at the same time. I insist you read it!

Like this? Try Love Walked In by Marissa de los Santos

Posted by Keris on August 16, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (7)

August 15, 2006 1:52 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Postcards From The Edge by Carrie Fisher

Carrie Fisher is a former Hollywood actress and former alcoholic and drug addict with a famous (and famously pushy) mother.  Postcards From The Edge is her novel about a Hollywood actress who's a recovering alcoholic and drug addict with a famous... well, you get the idea!  Suzanne Vale has accidentally overdosed on drugs  and realises that this might be a good time to reassess her life- but starting out clean and sober takes some getting used to: working on small-time films where she has to take a drugs test every day and listen to everyone's opinions of her work is almost as little fun as dating without the help of alcohol... 

The book begins with a fast paced, black-humoured first-person tense rehab diary ("maybe I shouldn't have given the guy who pumped my stomach my phone number, but who cares?") then switches to third person narrative as Suzanne gets out of rehab and starts over.  I admire writers who play about with form, it keeps me guessing, and in this case, it isn't hard to keep track of. The scholar in me (who knew?!) thinks it also serves a literary purpose and shows how disconnected Suzanne feels from those around her and even her own body, now there's nothing more toxic than diet coke in her system.

Postcards is a cult classic- a book to be read and re-read, gawped at and laughed over.  It's also full of eminently quotable conversations such as  Suzanne and her friend Lucy discussing their lethargy:

"...Maybe it is food allergies, maybe my mom's right.  Maybe this is all tuna"...

"Could we be having a nervous breakdown- a controlled nervous breakdown?"

"I don't know... I'm not that nervous, and it's not really a breakdown.  It's more of a backdown, or a backing off.  A pit stop... that's what we're having, a not-so-nervous pit stop."

Clearly a lot of material here is based on Carrie's own experiences, and if you've seen Ms Fisher interviewed you'll know the voice of Suzanne- so sharp and clever- is a thinly veiled version of the author.  But they say "write what you know" for a reason: this is a fantastic look at addiction that (as Tom Robbins says on the back of the book) "shows us what despair is like when it refuse to take itself seriously." 

James Frey could take more than a few lessons...

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Hanging Up by Nora Ephron, Delusions of Grandma by Carrie Fisher.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 15, 2006 in American Authors, Celebrity Authors, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (20)

August 14, 2006 1:43 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: My Life So Far by Jane Fonda

I was more familiar with Jane Fonda as workout queen than anything else so I probably wouldn't have picked this book up, but I read a preview and was hooked. Fonda has had an incredible life (so far). From enormously successful actress to (enormously successful) exercise instructor to (enormously successful) activist, she is an inspiration.

Much more than a movie star memoir, My Life So Far covers everything from Fonda's mother's suicide and her lonely childhood to her three marriages, two children, and the scandal surrounding her anti-Vietnam War campaigning. Of course, her painful relationship with her father is threaded throughout as is her own growth and development as a person (and a woman). Occasionally a bit of ego creeps through - I wonder if the guests at her 60th birthday party were as delighted with the gift of a 20 minute video of her life as she imagined - but with someone as famous Jane Fonda you can't really complain.

Not only is this book enthralling and inspiring, it's also brilliantly written (I don't know if it's ghostwritten, but from what I've just read I wouldn't put it past her to have written the whole thing herself). This is a wonderful book everyone should read.

Posted by Keris on August 14, 2006 in American Authors, Celebrity Authors, Memoirs, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 11, 2006 12:47 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

The Secret Life of Bees isn't really about bees, but it is about secrets- and much more besides.  Fourteen year-old Lily has grown up bowed by the secret knowledge that she killed her mother when she was four, and she longs for forgiveness and a way out of her horrible home life with her strict yet neglectful father.  Her only friend in the world is the family's maid, Rosaleen, the one person who will tell her about her mother.  But in the American deep south in 1964, white teenage girls and their black maids aren't supposed to be friends- or even seen together in public.  So when Rosaleen gets beaten up by a gang of white men and fears for her life and Lily decides to go with her on a dangerous flight of passage, they need to find somewhere safe to run to- and quickly...

After some nights on the road (literally- this is an escape on foot!) they finally find refuge with a trio of eccentric bee-keeping sisters, who let them stay and work for them for a while, teaching them about bee-keeping and introducing them to the legend of the Black Madonna, who adorns their jars of honey.  Can Lily and Rosaleen stay here safely- and for how long?  And what was the significance of the Black Madonna honey label that Lily's mother kept in her secret box of mementos?

I just adored this book: it's so evocative of the sixties, and of South Carolina- and really made me think about what life was like then in the deep south.  We all know about the horrific racist abuse and murder, the Ku Klux Klan etc.  But this book reminded me that white people who were appalled by bigotry were almost as attacked and oppressed as the black people around them.

But there's hope in the book too- we see the possibility of change in characters like Lily, who won't grown up to be like her father.

Lily is a fantastic narrator- awful things happen to her but she never loses her hope or sense of humour.  I loved the other characters too:  Rosaleen and the bee-keeping sisters and their collection of oddball friends.  And the spiritual aspect of the book was very powerful too, although I don't think you need to be religious to appreciate it.  Despite dealing with some heavy topics, The Secret Life of Bees is never depressing- and that's an impressive feat.  It's the ideal summer read- escapism that makes you think, a hopeful but never unrealistic story of sorrow, forgiveness and finding peace... and simply wonderful writing. 

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try The Prize Winner Of Defiance, Ohio by Terry Ryan, Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 11, 2006 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 7, 2006 12:52 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell

This week's More on Monday is even more of a departure than usual: not only is it not chick-lit, it's not even fiction- and it's written by (gasp!) a man, albeit one with a reassuringly funky afro hairdo.

"The Tipping Point" refers to the moment in time when an idea grabs hold of the public consciousness: when something becomes a trend, or a popular behaviour, or a best-selling book.  How and why these things happen is of course partly due to media hype, but how does the media know what to hype?  Why do some ideas take off and not others- and how can this be accurately predicted?  The Tipping Point answers all of these questions and more and its revelations will challenge your long-standing beliefs and turn some popular misconceptions on their head...  For example, did you know that environment has a huge influence on behaviour, that suicide can be catching, or that Blue's Clues is the most educational TV show ever?   You soon will...

Subtitled how the little things can make a big difference, that's exactly what this book sets out to prove.  Using examples from popular culture and real life, Malcolm Gladwell shows that the best way to consider word-of-mouth, fashion trends and even human behaviour is to think of them as epidemics, and then consider how they are spread.  He looks at the different personality types that facilitate these 'epidemics' (connectors, mavens and salesmen) and the set of circumstances that have to be in place (the 'stickiness factor' and the law of context) in order for them to spread.  He also explains how using this information has helped clothing companies stay in business, New York City reduce its levels of crime and why teenage smoking will always be a problem unless Tipping Point-type principles are used to help combat it.

I always thought that Sesame Street held kids captivated, that suicide was only the province of the seriously mental ill and that teenage behaviour could usually be blamed on the parents... but it turns out I was wrong about all of that and more- and Gladwell has the case studies to prove it.

If you'd told me that a book that talks about principles of science, sociology, epidemiology (!) and economics would be fun, interesting and downright unputdownable, I'd have found it hard to believe- but The Tipping Point IS that book!  It's a book that everyone should read, so powerful and interesting are the ideas it contains.  It's not just a book of ideas though- it's written with warmth and humour, and in a general interest style, aimed at everyone, rather than a dry thesis just for academics.  Perhaps the review from The Telegraph puts it best: A wonderfully offbeat study of that little-understood phenomenon, the social epidemic ... THE TIPPING POINT is a very subtle piece of work, coming out with ideas -not necessarily his own -that make conventional solutions to social problems seem criminally naïve ...

You'll even learn why the well-known game should be changed to "Six Degrees of Rod Steiger", instead of Kevin Bacon... and if that's not worth the cover price,  then frankly, I don't know what is.

For more info, check out Malcolm Gladwell's website.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try The Kite Runner by Khaled Hossieni, Blink by Malcolm Gladwell.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 7, 2006 in American Authors, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

August 2, 2006 10:10 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Anyone But You by Jennifer Crusie

I first discovered Jennifer Crusie with her book "Crazy For You" and since then not only has she written a number of great books (including the recent collaboration with Bob Mayer), but her old Harlequin romances have gradually been reissued. "Anyone But You" is one of of these and was originally issued in 1996. So does it stand up to her recent stand-alone titles?

Nina has recently turned 40 and divorced a doctor. Finding herself living alone for the first time in years she decides to get a puppy. But when she goes to the pound she falls for Fred, an aged, depressed half-beagle, half-basset hound. ER doctor Alex is about to turn 30 and has no interest in growing up or settling down. But when Fred climbs through his window and leads him to Nina ... well, you can imagine. And that's pretty much it.

The amazing thing about this book is it's completely predictable - you know from the back cover blurb just what's going to happen, or rather, how it's going to turn out, because barely anything happens at all. There's very little conflict or excitement or anything (though, as with all Crusies, there is some good sex), but despite that it's a lovely, charming, sweet and romantic book. I loved it. And I really loved Alex, daffy duck shorts and all. Sigh.

Rating : 5 out of 5

Like this? Try 'Ralph's Party' by Lisa Jewell

Posted by Keris on August 2, 2006 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 19, 2006 6:05 PM

RICHARD AND JUDY SUMMER READS : The Island by Victoria Hislop

This week's featured book in Richard and Judy's Summer Read campaign is Victoria Hislop's debut novel, "The Island".

The book tells the tale of 4 generations of one family. Alexis Fielding has never known where she comes from, her mother is a closed book as far as the past is concerned. She knows her mother grew up in a village on Crete, but thats it. She knows nothing of her family or what made her mother move to England. When Alexis heads for Crete for a holiday, Sofia (her mother) gives her a letter to take to an old friend who still lives in Plaka  - the village where she grew up. It is there that she discovers the family secrets, and how Spinalonga - the former Greek leper colony played a key role in her family's history.

Carry on across the cut to here what I thought about the book.

This book is thoughtful and artistically created. The watercolour of the front cover is a good indication to the book it contains inside, the author paints broad landscapes of Crete, village life and the island of Spinalonga. Each character is well written, and highly believable - I found myself wondering how many months of research the author must have undertaken.

I would find it difficult to pigeonhole this book into a specific genre. Many are calling it a saga, but I'm not sure that fits quite right. It is simply a fantastic book that tells a emotive story set over 6 decades. Definitely one to read!

Rating : 5 out of 5

Posted by Jenni on July 19, 2006 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Richard and Judy, Romance | Permalink | Comments (4)

July 12, 2006 6:05 PM

RICHARD AND JUDY SUMMER READS : The Righteous Men by Sam Bourne

This week's book featured in Richard and Judy's Summer Read campaign is Sam Bourne's debut novel "The Righteous Men". This is a book with a lot of expectation attached to it - some are heralding Bourne as the new challenger to Dan Brown's throne, whilst others are labelling it as 'the Jewish Da Vinci Code'. I have to admit this instantly made me worried, both for the book and for the author - these are big statements to have to live up to.

The book tells the story of Will Monroe, a journalist for the New York Times. When he is sent on his first murder report he's unaware of the fact that the investigating he is about to do will plunge him into the murky depths of a worldwide assassination plot. When his beloved wife Beth is kidnapped as part of the plot he starts to wonder how he has ended up in the middle of this, but he has no time to ponder about it as he begins to receive cryptic clues to solve.

Carry on across the cut to see what I thought of the book.

Let me begin by saying that everything I was worried about was unfounded. The claims being made about this book are spot on, this is an author who can better play Dan Brown at his own game. As a book this is definitely better than 'The Da Vinci Code' and comparable with 'Angels and Demons' which is arguably Brown's best effort.

The plot was full of twists and turns, and it was impossible to put down. The characters were richly written, and highly believable. You really cared about the characters, and when another twist happened you felt it almost as keenly as they did.

This is a brilliant book - go and buy it now!

Rating : 5 out of 5

Posted by Jenni on July 12, 2006 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Richard and Judy | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 11, 2006 11:52 AM

LOVE WALKED IN by Marisa De Los Santos

It's hard to write about Love Walked In without giving anything away and I really don't want to give anything away. Let's start with the basics. It tells, in alternating chapters, the stories of Cornelia and Clare. Cornelia is 30 and when a man bearing a striking resemblance to classic Hollywood star Cary Grant walks in to the cafe she manages, she thinks he is her destiny. And he does seem perfect.

He's gentlemanly, stylish, charming, funny and mad about her. Clare is 11 and her mother is behaving badly. And increasingly irrationally. Clare is frightened, but has no-one to turn to except her father whom she doesn't know particularly well or like very much.

I can't say anything else about the plot - I really can't. But Love Walked In is a beautiful, magical book. It's old-fashioned, cleverly crafted and constantly surprising. The characters all seem utterly real - they are flawed, intelligent and interesting.

The film rights have apparently been bought by Sarah Jessica Parker's production company and I really can't wait for the film. If it's anywhere near as good as the book, it could be a classic.

Rating : 5 out of 5

Liked this? Try 'Lucia, Lucia' by Adriana Trigiani

Posted by Keris on July 11, 2006 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 7, 2006 11:21 AM

BOOK REVIEW - Househusband by Ad Hudler

Linc Menner had it all : gorgeous career wife, Jo, spacious home, a daughter,Violet, with an IQ bordering on genius, bustling landscaping business, well-trained nanny, full checkbook, and a well-stocked refrigerator. What more could a man want? Little did Linc know his world was about to come crashing down around his well-heeled feet...

Jo Menner earned a significant promotion, along with a transfer from warm,sunny California, to the icy blizzards of the Northeast. Linc has a strong aversion to daycares, believing,not only do they rot your child's teeth and cause diaper rash and lice infestations, but also rot their brain. Nannies that are reliable and trustworthy are hard to come by, so Linc makes the monumental decision to be a stay-at-home dad. Little does he know he is entering that world where the fine line between sanity and complete mental breakdown blurs on a good day,and on a bad day is indistinguishable  - the home.

Linc fast dives into the business of being a house-husband, attempting to master potty-training and the alphabet at the same time, while searching for a 'worthy' career. Numerous challenges come his way: the hot housemama next door, the 'bum from the slum' nanny and her drug-dealing, prison-inhabiting pals, being the 'non-earner' in a distinctly masculine world, and attempting to convince the paranoid women of the town he is not out to molest innocents, but rather to train (and learn from) his daughter.

'Househusband' serves as a source of enlightenment to the male species as a whole, and a source of encouragement, hilarity, and commiseration to the female housewife population. [Shaley Melchior]

Rating : 5 out of 5

Like this? Try "The Ivy Chronicles" by Ivy Quinn.

Posted by Aigua Media on July 7, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

July 5, 2006 6:00 PM

RICHARD AND JUDY SUMMER READS : The Highest Tide by Jim Lynch

Today sees the true start of Richard and Judy's Summer Reads campaign. The first book, covered this week is "The Highest Tide" by Jim Lynch.

This is a coming of age story that feels like a modern take on "Catcher In The Rye". It tells the story of Miles, who finds a giant squid when out one night on the hunt for shellfish. This discovery makes him the focus for news crews and catapaults him to a state of fame. All the while Miles is trying to cope with the simpler things in life; dysfunctional familes, unrequited love and everything that makes our formative years real.

Carry on across the cut to see what I thought of the book.

Its difficult to describe this book without sounding like you've swallowed a dictionary. Its beautifully written, and whilst easy to read this doesn't detract from the well created characters and plot. It is filled with key moments, some that will make you laugh and some that will make you reach for the tissues.

This is definitely a brilliant summer read - I defy you to put it down mid read, or to forget it once you've finished reading.

Rating : 5 out of 5

Posted by Jenni on July 5, 2006 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Richard and Judy | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 3, 2006 12:49 PM

MORE ON MONDAY : The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Last week I promised you something new to look forward to on a Monday, and here it is. The new feature you can look forward to on a Monday is 'More On Monday. Each week we will feature a book that isn't chick lit, but that we think you will enjoy all the same.

The first book featured in 'More On Monday' is Khaled Hosseini's "The Kite Runner". Carry on across the cut to read the review.

This book tells the story of Afghans Amir and Hassan. Childhood friends, there is one major difference between the two boys; Hassan is the son of Amir's father's servant. Despite their respective social standings the two boys are brought up as brothers, until one day an incident occurs that means life will never be the same for either boy. When Afghanistan falls into conflict first against the Russians and then the Taliban, Amir and his father flee. It is a letter many years later that leads Amir back to the country of his bith and the demons he thought he'd left behind.

The 'Kite Runner' of the title is Hassan, and this tradition is described in great detail within the book. This detail is one of the finest features of this book - Hosseini describes everything in such a way that you can almost believe you're there within the plot of the book. You can see everything unfolding around you.

This book is truly marvellous. The plot is enthralling, and the characters are vibrant. It is impossible to put it down so make sure you have some free time in which to read it. I really can't recommend it enough!

Rating : 5 out of 5

Posted by Jenni on July 3, 2006 in Classic Novels, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

June 27, 2006 7:54 PM

BOOK REVIEW : The Make Up Girl by Andrea Semple

What would you do if you didn't have the perfect job? Or the perfect boyfriend? What if your proud mother thrived on thinking you worked for a top PR company and went out with the wonderful, handsome Adam? One girl certainly knows the answer: make it all up.

In Andrea Semple's fast-paced second novel The Makeup Girl, heroine Faith Wishart does exactly that.

Faith has a nasty habit of fictionalising her life in order to please her cleaning-obsessed mum. While Faith is meant to be working at a top PR firm, she's actually getting by as a makeup girl. Not a model, not a makeup artist – but a department store makeup-counter assistant. She has also invented a wonderful, caring, lawyer boyfriend named Adam, so when Faith's mum is absolutely intent on a weekend visit, it's up to her to either tell the truth – or go out find a real Adam to pass off as the original.

Well, it wouldn't be that hard to find one, would it?

Even more troubles arise when Faith's newly-famous sister arrives home from Australia with the news of her engagement to a TV star. Things are starting to look bad for Faith as she realises it's only days before the whole charade could be blown. But still, is it worth owning up? Being a store makeup girl is hardly impressive, or so Faith thinks.

The Makeup Girl is one of those read-in-a-day titles that will keep you from doing anything else until you've finished it. Therefore, you have been warned. It's a quick, light read that's funny in places (damn, I sound like a weathergirl) yet serious in others. Sure, Faith's fantasy life is hardly a believable set-up, but that's what makes this book so much fun. It's witty, with perfect little twists (and very short chapters) that make it such an addictive read, and will have you pleading with yourself, 'Just one more chapter…' to the mental tune of the Cornetto ad before devouring the whole thing in one go. (The book, I mean. Though a Cornetto would be rather nice.)

This is a bit different to Semple's first offering, The Ex-Factor, but it's just as enjoyable. If it's a funny, non-serious tale about a compulsive liar you're after, then this is most definitely the one.  [Danielle Symonds-Yemm]

Rating : 5 out of 5

Like this? Try 'The Shopaholic' series by Sophie Kinsella

Posted by Aigua Media on June 27, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

June 23, 2006 10:00 AM

BOOK REVIEW - Practically Perfect by Katie Fforde

Regular readers of Trashionista will know that whilst I've been serving my time at university in the South East of England for the past few years, my heart truly belongs to the countryside where I grew up. This is probably the reason why I love books set in the country, particularly those written by people who don't think all country folk wear cords and dungarees and have red rosy cheeks all year round. Over the years this is the reason that Katie Fforde has worked her way firmly into my heart and I find myself eagerly anticpating her new book. This tale of property development and rescued greyhounds was no expection...

The story centres around Anna. She's a qualified interior designer, but this doesn't mean she sounds like Linda Barker and throws scatter cushions all around the place. The job actually is far closer to being an architect - it is her job to design the interiors of buildings, including the placement of key features (such as stairs) and all of the fittings. She decides to spend her inheritance money on a little cottage in Amberford. It doesn't look much at the moment, the previous owners had gotten as far as to rip everything out of the cottage but then they gave up before they put anything back in. The only way to reach the first floor is via a ladder, and she must sleep in a sleeping bag on a roll mat for the forseeable future.

Quickly Anna begins to wonder if she has bitten off more than she can chew. She feels worse still when her next door neighbour, Chloe, mentions the fact that the row of cottages is listed and extra planning permission is required to do anything. Chloe though is a breath of fresh air. Along with her three adorable sons she lifts Anna's spirits, though Anna's not quite so sure about being landed with the care of Caroline the rescue greyhound. As if looking after a dog and effectively rebuilding a house is not enough to contend with, Anna soon finds herself crossing swords with Rob Hunter who happens to be the one person she could do with keeping on side!

This story is well paced, and holds the reader's interest throughout. Its humorous throughout, though I made the mistake of beginning to read it late at night when there were people sleeping in the next room. I had to stuff my hand in my mouth on more than one occasion to quieten my laughter! All the way through I felt like I could see the book playing out in front of my eyes, it would make a brilliant Brit Flick.

This should be on everyone's beach read list this summer!

Rating : 5 out of 5

Like this? Try "How Was It For You?" by Carmen Reid

Posted by Jenni on June 23, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 22, 2006 10:00 AM

BOOK REVIEW - How I Paid For College: A Novel of Sex, Theft, Friendship and Musical Theatre by Marc Acito

How I paid for College… is a fabulous, over-the-top, brilliantly written, laugh-a-minute American lad-lit (is that enough adjectives yet?!) novel that I can’t recommend enough to anyone with a sense of humour and a pulse. It tells the story of Edward, a high-school senior in 1980s New Jersey, who is desperate to study acting at the prestigious Julliard in New York City but his overbearing father has refused to pay and his flaky mother is incommunicado on her latest hippy retreat. Perhaps most people wouldn’t hatch the outrageous schemes that Edward comes up with to fund his college education, but then most people couldn’t write a book this original and funny either. Not that paying for college is Edward’s only problem: he has a permanently stoned sister, wicked stepmother and his own confused sexuality to contend with.

This is not a book for the prudish - there's a lot of sex (or more accurately, a lot of thinking and talking about sex, in all its forms - and some action) but although the characters are sometimes in fairly seedy situations, the book is always funny and compulsive, never sordid. Acito’s tongue is firmly in his cheek as he creates a narrator who at times contradicts himself and makes bad decisions but is always lovable and sweet.  In fact, all the main characters are so engaging you always want them to do well, even in their most ill-advised attempts to make money.

The nicest thing about the book is the open-minded and supportive friendships Edward forms - not quite like my experience of being a teenager, I must admit, but an essential part of making this book so enjoyable. Even the minor characters, although sometimes very broad stereotypes, are funny and well-drawn.

It’s been compared to The Catcher in the Rye, that classic story of teen alienation, but I’d say it more closely resembles all those great eighties teen flicks, from the Breakfast Club to Ferris Bueller, where teenagers make the most of being young and foolish, and bring you along for the ride. (The film rights have been optioned, so it will be fascinating to see the film that results).

So, to sum up: a brilliant read that you should run, not walk to the bookshop and buy. I really can’t think of a single criticism about it, apart from the fact that it ended. My only worry is how much of it might really be true…[Diane Shipley]

Rating : 5 out of 5

Like this? Try "Adored" by Tilly Bagshawe

Posted by Aigua Media on June 22, 2006 in American Authors, Bonkbusters, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (4)

June 20, 2006 11:52 AM

BOOK REVIEW - The Nervous Girl's Guide To Nip & Tuck by Patrick Bowler

I have an admission to make. I'm secretly hooked on TV makeover shows. When there was a series on weekday tv about women having their lives transformed by a combination of surgery, restyling and therapy I couldn't miss an episode - my VCR was overworked for a few weeks. So when I got my hands on "The Nervous Girl's Guide To Nip & Tuck : Look 10 Years Younger With 80 No-Surgery Treatments" written by Dr Patrick Bowler from the UK series '"10 Years Younger" (another personal favourite) I couldn't wait to get reading.

The book is simple, and well organised. Bowler begins by explaining what he aims to do with the book - to explain what no-surgery options are, what they can and can't do, and to highlight the risks associated with them. The book is then split into two major sections. The first contains chapters devoted to specific parts of the body e.g eyes, cheeks, lips, chin. Each one talks first about the possible problems that people might want to seek treatment for, and then explains the procedures that are available. Each procedure is explained, including risks associated with it, the cost you should expect to pay, and how painful it is reported to be (something I think anyone contemplating one of these procedures would want to know!) The second section then deals with the major treatments available e.g. botx, peels, light treatments and includes accounts of the procedure by some of Bowler's own patients.

The book aims to find a balance between being light hearted and entertaining, and being informative and educational. I felt at the end of it that Bowler had achieved this completely. I found the book a fascinating read, but came away with things to think about.

Being in my early twenties, I'm still lucky enough that many of the problems recounted in the book haven't hit me yet. The book explains preventative actions you can take to look after your skin, circulation etc. I know I'm going to get a lot better about my daily routines and avoid being tempted by a lot of these procedures in twenty years time!

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. Its not gory and squeamish, its just a thorough and informative guide to a currently growing industry.

Rating : 5 out of 5

Like this? Try "Everything A Girl Needs To Know About Football" by Simeon De La Torre and Sophie Brown

Posted by Jenni on June 20, 2006 in British Authors, Debut Novels, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 9, 2006 10:52 AM

BOOK REVIEW : Chloe by Freya North

I only recently discovered the brilliance of Freya North, when after an unsuccessful attempt to start reading 'Fen', I eventually progressed past the difficult first chapter and am now working through her back catalogue. 'Chloe' is the third in her series of six books following the fortunes of their namesakes.

Similar in concept to Cecelia Ahern's 'P.S I love you'. Chloe travels round the four countries of the United Kingdom following instructions in letters written by her godmother before her death. From beyond the grave Jocelyn guides her round the countries in turn, and as per Jocelyn's advice she rids herself of her no-good boyfriend, then her thankless job, and proceeds to find her true self while gallivanting around the UK and living on her godmother's inheritance. The intrigue behind the secret love life of Jocelyn keeps the pages turning, and Chloe's 'man for each season' adds the necessary quota of romance.

She is guided throughout her quest, not only by the letters of her godmother, but also by the words of Mr and Mrs Andrews, a couple from a 18th century Gainsborough painting. This touch is ever so slightly disconcerting when the character suddenly launches into dialogue with her fictional friends, although by the end I actually grew to quite like them, even if they do live in a painting!

If you do start reading Freya North's books, then do them in order, not haphazardly like I did, else you'll end up unwittingly discovering the ending of her other stories as her characters are often linked. Right at the start of 'Chloe', I realised I had glimpsed her fate while reading 'Polly', and Sally, the protagonist of her fourth novel (named, you guessed it, 'Sally'), also pops up in 'Chloe'.

In 'Chloe', from the shores Loch Lomond in Scotland to the cliffs of St Ives in Cornwall, Freya North describes each country with such vivid and enticing imagery that I couldn't wait to visit them all. Her descriptions of Cornwall in particular were so accurate and enjoyable that I was practically packing my bags as I read.

Much as I wanted to read this book all at once and reach the conclusion of Chloe's round-the-UK tour as quickly as possible, the delicious depictions of Chloe's locations made me want to prolong the trip, and I treated my many brief sojourns into this book as mini holidays.  If you ever needed a reminder of the beauty and diversity of the United Kingdom, then this book certainly succeeds in extolling its many delights.

Combining lust, friendship and love in equal measures, 'Chloe' is magical escapism at its best.  [Charlotte Howells]

5/5 stars

Like this? Try 'Where Have All The Boys Gone' by Jenny Colgan

Posted by Aigua Media on June 9, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (6)

June 8, 2006 12:51 PM

BOOK REVIEW : Isabel's Bed by Elinor Lipman

Elinor Lipman’s 1995 novel Isabel’s Bed has just been re-issued, with good reason.  It might be a bit different from the chick-lit you’re used to: for a start, the ‘chicks’ in this book are two women in their early forties.  But don’t let that put you off: this witty and unpredictable love story against a murderous background is taut, funny and addictive.

Secretary-slash-wannabe writer Harriet Mahoney has just been dumped by her (decidedly unlovely) long-term lover when she spots an ad for a ghost-writer/companion at a luxurious Cape Cod mansion. Her new employer is the eccentric and glamorous Isabel, who has an incredible but true near-death story to tell. She’s got the showbusiness agent, now she just needs Harriet to help her write her life story. Also living at the house is Isabel’s estranged artist husband Costas and gorgeous but mysterious handyman Pete (and anyone who can’t spot any romantic potential in this situation better turn in their chick-lit-reader credentials, quick-smart!)

As in all the best stories, things don’t turn out as smoothly as planned: Harriet’s ex re-enters the picture, and another prospective suitor from her old life comes calling, too. Isabel has to deal with a blast (or two) from her past and work on the book keeps being stalled by Isabel’s short attention span and Harriet’s new role as house chef.

So what will happen? Will their book make the women millionaires, as Isabel has promised? Will Isabel’s devil-may-care nature encourage Harriet to take some risks and stand up for herself? And which men will the heroines end up with? Lipman keeps things unpredictable right until the end, leaving the reader surprised but satisfied by how things turn out.

I’m a huge Elinor Lipman fan, and this is definitely one of her best. [Diane Shipley]

Rating : 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Welcome to Temptation by Jennifer Crusie; Goodnight Nobody by Jennifer Weiner.

Posted by Aigua Media on June 8, 2006 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

June 5, 2006 11:40 AM

BOOK REVIEW - Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

Today in the UK sees the DVD release of "Memoirs of a Geisha", the adaptation of Arthur Golden's classic novel. A tale of geisha girls in Japan during the first half of the twentieth century sounded like a decent premise for a book, but would it hold much interest for a western girl in the twenty first century? The film received rave reviews, but was the book itself any good? There was only one way to find out, so after a brief visit to my local bookstore I sat down and began to read...

Golden's tale tells the story of Chiyo, a girl growing up in a poor fishing village in Japan. The story begins in 1929; when her mother becomes progressively ill her elderly father arranges for Chiyo and her sister Satsu to be taken away to Kyoto where they will be trained as geisha girls. Upon arrival in Kyoto the girls are separated and sold to different okiya where they will be trained. Chiyo quickly realises that the life she has been sold into is one of labour and hardship.

The book follows Chiyo through her training until she becomes Sayuri, a geisha. It continues then through her experiences as a geisha, and the ways in which world events affect her. Reading it you get a real sense of what it was like to live as a geisha, but also to live in Japan during the 1930s and 40s. All of the expected themes run through the book, those of love, friendship, rivalry and family are all well covered.

This book is very cleverly written. I had to check a few times, as its autobiographical style is utterly convincing. The fact that it was not in fact written by Chiyo, but by an American man in the 1990s truly escaped me. As I read the book I felt transported to Japan, the highly descriptive manner of Golden's writing makes you feel like everything is happening around you.

This book has to be one of the best books I have ever read. I felt a real sense of loss when I got to the final page. A definite must read!

Rating : 5 out of 5

Like this? Try 'Sun At Midnight' by Rosie Thomas

Posted by Jenni on June 5, 2006 in American Authors, Classic Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

May 23, 2006 12:40 PM

BOOK REVIEW - The Prize Winner Of Defiance, Ohio by Terry Ryan

This is one of my favourite memoirs of all time: witty, poignant and most of all thoroughly entertaining, it captures a more innocent era whilst conveying the struggles of a typical 1950s American family with too many mouths to feed.

Terry Ryan’s mother Evelyn had ten kids, no money, and an alcoholic husband prone to drinking his wages. So how did she manage to feed and clothe her family and put a roof over their heads? Simple: by winning competitions...

During the 1950s and 60s, the golden era of natty sloganeering, she blagged everything from the deposit on a house to new bikes, holidays and household appliances all through her genius at the art of ‘comping’. Comping involves anything from collecting sweet wrappers to inventing new slogans or writing poems for use in advertising in order to win prizes ranging from bars of chocolate to huge sums of money. Working diligently from her ironing board ‘office’, Evelyn became one of the most successful competition winners of the time (if not of/ all time/) and, as the subtitle of the book says, raised her kids on ‘25 words or less.’

The ‘Defiance’ of the title is the town the family lived in but it equally describes Evelyn’s attitude to life. Housewives and mothers in small Ohio towns in the pre-feminist era weren’t supposed to upstage their husbands by becoming the main breadwinner (or prizewinner!), but she did what she needed to do to support her family- gaining self-respect along the way. Her skills really were quite extraordinary: to win one of these major competitions was a huge feat; to win such huge amounts, and then keep on winning, shows true talent.

One of the best bits of the book is Evelyn’s winning entries, which are dotted throughout the story. Over forty years later, some of them seem incredibly quaint, but her talent at writing, especially Ogden Nash-style poetry, is still evident. Anyone who enjoys writers like Nash, Dorothy Parker and Erma Bombeck will find lots to appreciate here- but then so will any reader, in my opinion.

It’s a really uplifting read despite some of the hardships the family goes through. In fact, my only slight reservation about the book is that the tougher side of life is a little glossed over- life with an alcoholic must be really rough at times, but Ryan, perhaps out of loyalty to her dad, barely touches on this.

Now an upcoming film starring Julianne Moore, this heart-warming story deserves the wider audience a movie should bring. If the film captures even ten percent of the warmth and joy of the book, it will be wonderful. [Diane Shipley]

Rating : 5 out of 5

Like this? Try "Life Isn't All Ha Ha Hee Hee" by Meera Syal

Posted by Jenni on May 23, 2006 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 19, 2006 11:30 AM

BOOK REVIEW : Wicked! by Jilly Cooper

Many chick lit readers will agree that Jilly Cooper is one of the queens of the genre. Her books are meaty, raunchy and impossible to put down. Its been four long years since her last novel, 'Pandora' and I found myself wondering about this new book. Would the lengthy break mean that she had struggled for a new idea, and writing it... would her increasing age affect the relevance... or would it turn out to be another masterpiece? I was actually quite excited as I opened up the cover and began to read...

Wicked! follows the formula tried and tested by two of England's greatest writers - Dickens and Shakespeare. Whereas one had opposed cities, and one had opposed families, Cooper takes two diametrically opposed schools. We are introduced first to Larkminster Comprehensive - pretty much imagine the worst school you've ever heard of, and make it about a million times worse. The school is so firmly in 'special measures' no one can imagine it lasting the school year... and to be honest with the rate of vandalism there probably won't be a school left to last. So enter Janna Curtis, part of a team which successful pulled a school in her native Yorkshire out of 'special measures', the newly appointed head teacher. She's not prepared to let this school close, deep down she knows that these troubled teenagers need love and support, not someone else giving up on them.

The second school is the affluent Bagley Hall, run by the charismatic Hengist Brett-Taylor. An independent school only a few lines further down the league table than such institutes of education as Eton and Harrow, the pupils include the offspring of politicians, world reknowned opera divas, and siblings of the local MP. To retain the financial support the government awards them, they need to show that they're giving back to the community - what better way than to offer support toward Larkminster? The fact that Janna is pretty and passionate is only a minor fact as far as Hengist is concerned.

The book follows the fortunes of the two schools, their pupils and staff. The range of characters is vast (the book begins with twelve pages of humans and one page of animals) but they are surprisingly easy to keep track of. I only had to check three times in the entire book to make sure that somebody was the person I thought they were. Long time Cooper fans will be pleased to see the presence of characters met in previous books. The plot is imaginative and completely enthralling - I really found myself sucked into it... losing a couple of hours at a time whilst reading it. It is firmly rooted in the present, events from 2001 onward are all included, and not gratuitously. The characters are all richly created, I found myself routing for many - including ones I wouldn't have expected to.

I really enjoyed this book. I felt it was well written, and highly entertaining. The only word of caution I would leave you with is this - don't pick this as your holiday read if you're flying... at a massive 864 pages long it may just put you over your luggage limit!

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try'The Perfect Age' by Heather Skylar.

Posted by Aigua Media on May 19, 2006 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 12, 2006 11:00 AM

BOOK REVIEW: High Society by Sarah Mason

I must confess I wasn't expecting much from Sarah Mason's High Society. I'd not read any of her work before, and with a cover that showed a girl surrounded by glamorous clothes and handbags , I was expecting another predictable tale of a rich PR girl in London. So it was a surprise on reading the first chapter to find our heroine, Clemmie, was a likeable Cornish waitress with a madcap family...

High Society blends a tiny bit of mystery with lots of comic chick lit, a bit like mixing Janet Evanovich with Sophie Kinsella. Clemmie is younger sister to Holly, the girl we read about in 'Playing James' (and on that note, I suggest reading Playing James first, if only because High Society gives away the ending). With no sense of direction, the ghost of an ex-boyfriend plaguing her life and a mother who pays more attention to her pet dog and injured seagull than she does to her family, Clemmie's life is going nowhere fast.

Then a girl from Holly's office disappears and the sisters, their family and friends get thrown into a mystery which sees them travelling to tiny Cornish Islands, racing around Bristol and hiding out in the South of France. Throughout, we learn all about Clemmie, from her horrific dress sense to the odd relationship she has with Sam, her younger brother's best mate.

As always with these books, certain elements are predictable, but there are enough little twists thrown in to keep it moving along. For once, the romance isn't what keeps the book going, it's more of a sub-plot that meanders along nicely as the story moves on. The characters are exaggerated enough than you never lose interest, and Clemmie is a great protagonist who you really root for by the end. All in all, I was surprised how much I enjoyed this. It's real proof that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover! [Gemma Cartwright]

Like this? Try 'The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic' by Sophie Kinsella

Posted by Aigua Media on May 12, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 4, 2006 11:00 AM

The Party Season - Book Review

This is Sarah Mason's second book. Now unfortunately second books can sometimes tend to be rushed out and often signal a definite drop in standard which thankfully is resolved by the third and then subsequant books. It was with this in mind that I felt a sense of concern as I began to read this book - I really didn't want for it to fall victim to this pattern...

Isabel Serranti had the pleasure of spending some of her childhood years living on the Monkwell country estate. She and her sister Sophie grew up alongside the two Monkwell boys, Simon and Will. It all went swimmingly until one day Simon changed from the sweet boy she was so close to into a horrible bully. Now they're grown ups, and Simon receives a lot of press as a successful entrepeneur. Unfortunately this press is rarely complimentary and party planner Izzy is sure that Simon hasn't changed. So when Monty, Simon's father, asks her to help host a charity ball on the estate she worries about the past coming back.

As Izzy and her best friend Dominic arrive at the country estate she is surprised to quickly find that things aren't quite as she remembers. This coupled with the company of Monty, his mad sister Aunt Flo, the stern housekeeper Mrs Delaney and her son Harry (currently in the middle of bob-a-jobbing - no job too large or small), and Izzy's own aunt Winnie begin to help Izzy to put some of the demons of her childhood behind her. That is however until Simon returns prematurely from his business in America and Izzy finds herself face to face once more with the boy who hurt her so badly.

The plot is fast paced and surprisingly believable (if not a little far-fetched at times). I could easily see it becoming a well-received Brit Flick. The characters all work well together and you really find yourself routing for them - even the ones you don't expect yourself to.

I really enjoyed this book. It was well written and conceived. Thankfully Mason doesn't fall victim to the second book syndrome - this just carries on from where 'Playing James' left off. Definitely worth a read!

Like this? Try 'Divas Las Vegas' by Belinda Jones

Posted by Aigua Media on May 4, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 1, 2006 11:00 AM

I'm Celibate - Get Me Out Of Here

The premise of this memoir really caught my attention. This book chronicles author Jo Elliott's real life experiences using an internet dating agency. This is a topic that seems to hit most of the magazines on a pretty recent basis these days, and even some of our favourite television programmes have hit on it (Dr Karl was semi-successful really) but is it really as easy as people would have us believe? I couldn't wait to read and find out.

The book begins with Jo explaining how she became persuaded to give an internet dating agency a try - in a nutshell, she's thirty-something, working in advertising in London, and hasn't managed to find Mr Right via any traditional routes. So when a friend of hers jokes that she ought to try the internet, to her own surprise Jo registers with 'Digital-Cupid' and waits to see if she gets any responses. The book then chronicles some of the responses, the email and instant message interchanges between Jo and her would be suitors and the various dates that she ends up on.

The book follows Jo's progress for a couple of years and charts her highs and lows... or more often the men that lie only a little, and the men who ought to be recruited for the secret service they're so accomplished at creating an alternative life for themselves. Along the way she punctuates events with her own observations, and here her sense of humour shows itself. I found myself laughing from only a couple of pages in - not because the author was trying to amuse, but because everything she was saying I could identify with.

This book is witty, fast-paced and highly entertaining. You really feel the rollercoaster sense that is associated with the search for Mr Right - at the end of the day we're all either doing it or have done it. The anecdotes are hugely amusing at times, but Elliott never feels the need to be downright rude about any of the men she came aross. The idea for the book is very original, who knows it may join the likes of Adrian Mole and Bridget in years to come.

Posted by Aigua Media on May 1, 2006 in British Authors, Debut Novels, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

April 21, 2006 10:47 AM

Playing James

I have to admit, I started reading Sarah Mason's books in the wrong order. I started with 'High Society' the sequel to this, her debut novel. I enjoyed that so much that I made it my mission to track down 'Playing James' to see what had started it all off. Whilst 'High Society' features Clemmie Colshannon primarily, this concentrates on Holly, her older sister. Holly is a journalist whose writing so far has stretched only to the pet obituary column. When she gets transferred to the crime reporters job she experiences a sense of dread - this is the job no reporter wants... what can she make of it?

The story begins with Holly's promotion to crime reporter. Eager to try and make the best of a bad situation she heads straight for the local police station to see if she can work out what on earth it is she's supposed to be doing. She's met at the front desk by Dave, the desk sergeant, who seems less than thrilled to have to stretch his finger the two inches to the door release button. Just when she's feeling like its going to be a long day she bumps into Detective James Sabine... last time she met him he yelled at her and made her feel about two inches taller - now she knows its going to be a long day. Robin the press officer is the only glimmer of hope in Holly's first day, she thinks that having Holly as beat reporter is going to be great.

Holly feels particularly stitched up when she is summoned to the Chief's office to find she has been assigned to a detective to write a daily diary about her experiences shadowing him. And yes, you've guessed it, the detective in question is James. Neither Holly or James are particularly keen on the idea, but their respective bosses think that it will be the idea way to improve relations between the paper and the police. Stuck with the situation Holly is soon following James as he begins to investigate a series of burglaries. As they totter from one mishap to another it seems like a thaw is beginning to hit their relationship, but surely that can't last...

The characters in 'Playing James' are all fantastic. Holly and James are a perfect pairing, but it is all the bit-part players who work together to make this book so enjoyable. Holly's parents, and best friend Lizzie, comined with Vince the paper's favourite photographer and James' best friend Callum all compete for the award of best supporting character - I have to admit I can't pick my favourite out of them. The plot is cleverly thought out without veering too far from the chicklit standard.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, its possibly my favourite read since... well... 'High Society'. The only thing I would advise is that for those of you who haven't yet read anything by Sarah Mason then read the books in order - whilst it doesn't make a lot of difference it will just make a little more sense. I recommend this highly - it would make a great beach read or liven up a boring train journey.

Like this? Try Asking for Trouble by Liz Young

Posted by Aigua Media on April 21, 2006 in British Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Prize Winners, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

April 6, 2006 3:56 PM

Sheer Abandon

'Sheer Abandon' marks Penny Vincenzi's first novel since completing the hugely popular and successful 'Spoils of Time' trilogy. As a long time fan of Vincenzi I was desperate for its arrival (there was a gap of two years between publications)... but could it possibly live up to the huge expectations I now had for anything she wrote?

'Sheer Abandon' tells the tale of Kate, a foundling. Abandoned in a cleaning cupboard at Heathrow in the 1980s, Kate is now a teenager and curious about where she came from. This is entwined in the tales of three women who met as they all began a gap year of travelling, Jocasta - now a tabloid reporter, Clio - a GP, and Martha - a lawyer ensconced in the world of corporate business. It quickly becomes apparent that one of these three women is Kate's birth mother, but the question is which one?

The issue of which woman is the mother is resolved relatively early in the book from the reader's point of view. To the rest of the characters however it remains a secret until far nearer the end. I felt this was an interesting choice of storytelling style for Vincenzi to make - revealing the big secret as early on in the book may have put some people off finishing the book. However I strongly hope that all who start this book finish it, as it is in the continued reading of the book that you realise what a stroke of genius it is to reveal the secret to the reader. It provides an added element of interest in various meetings and coming-togethers of the various plotlines - almost a sense of "I know something you don't know."

The book to me was truly representative of all that makes Penny Vincenzi one of my favourte female authors. Her books contain well written characters woven carefully around each other in intricate plots and this is certainly no different. Whilst not every character is likeable, you care about all of them and what happens to them. Vincenzi regularly pushes past the 600 page mark, and again this is true to form. The fact that these pages zoom by is testament to Vincenzi's ability to engage the reader.

I would highly recommend this to anybody, and for the average speed reader I'd say you could pack this in your suitcase and not need any other book for your week's holiday. [Jenni Nock]

If you liked this, try The Family Way by Tony Parsons.

Posted by gcartwright on April 6, 2006 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 27, 2006 11:00 AM

After You'd Gone

At the beginning of Maggie O'Farrell's novel, Alice Raikes travels to Edinburgh to visit her sisters. Within minutes of arriving at Edinburgh Station she sees something so distressing that she gets straight back on the train and travels back home to London. That evening she walks into the path of an oncoming car, which leaves her in a coma...

‘After You’d Gone’ moves through Alice’s consciousness, piecing her life together bit by bit, deftly bringing us closer to the disturbing event at Edinburgh Station that led to her attempted suicide. This is an emotional and moving story of love and loss. Don’t read it in public. You WILL cry!

Although the story takes place with the main character in a coma, it shifts through various stages of Alice’s life giving us an insight into her childhood and her recent past. Alice hears the voices around her mixed with voices from her memories. We explore her childhood in Scotland, her close relationship with her grandmother and her sense of not quite fitting in with her sisters. Her mother is prevalent in the story and Maggie O’Farrell’s dedication at the front of the book, ‘to my mother for not being like Alice’s’ hints at her significance.

And then there’s John. John who chooses Alice, despite his father’s wishes. We learn about their passionate, aching love for one another. And then . . . well, you’ll have to read the book to find out what happens.

This is the first book I’d read by Maggie O’Farrell and I was so moved by it that I went out and bought everything else she’d written. Although extremely sad in places, it doesn’t in any way become depressing. The author feeds us information little by little and that is what compels us to read on. I think what makes it so successful is her grasp of relationships and particularly those between family members. The dramatic opening chapter, the different voices piercing Alice’s consciousness and the weaving plot send us reeling towards a disturbing, emotional and heart-rending conclusion.

If you enjoy gripping, beautifully crafted fiction, you’ll love ‘After You’d Gone’. And if you do read this, could you tell me what on earth an axolotl is? [Jenny]

If you liked this, you might like 'PS I Love You' by Cecelia Ahern.

Posted by Aigua Media on March 27, 2006 in Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (5)

January 20, 2006 1:22 PM

Angels

Marian Keyes has slowly but surely become, to most, the Queen of chick lit. Not only does she churn out incredibly readable novels every couple of years, but she has a much-coveted column in ‘Marie Claire’. So where to start if you haven’t read any Keyes before? ‘Angels’ is an excellent introduction...

‘Angels’ opens with quiet, unassuming Maggie (the only sensible sister out of five) leaving her husband. This completely out-of-character decision shocks her outrageously brilliant family as much as it does Maggie herself. When her contract at work isn’t renewed, nothing is keeping her in Dublin, and the sights and sun of Los Angeles and lifelong best friend Emily come a-calling.

One of Keyes best skills is observational fiction. Somewhere in this book, you will find a character you identify with. Be it Maggie’s instant LA crush – the commitment phobic Troy – or Emily’s sweet-yet-annoying New Age neighbours, there’s something for everyone in this book.

The book follows Maggie as she embarks on a less sensible way of living for the first time in her life. Immediately accepted by Emily’s friends, she finds herself living the high life in LA, her marriage and Ireland well behind her.

However, this isn’t a fun and quirky all-fluff novel. Keyes deals with sensitive subjects (like trying to have a child) with the greatest of care. We learn more and more about Maggie’s past as she enjoys her present in LA. We soon find out why the ever-reliable Walsh sister lost her job and why her marriage fell apart.

Maggie spends a lot of time experimenting with a different way of life, but when her family make the trip across the Atlantic to visit her, real life comes crashing down. Will she continue on her new, exciting-but-unstable life or will the reappearance of husband Garv take her back to the life she left behind?

This book is truly one of the best books I have ever read. Buy it then set aside a day or two so you can devour it in all of it’s glory. Simply brilliant! [Toni Kelly]

Liked this? Try Watermelon by Marian Keyes!

Posted by gcartwright on January 20, 2006 in Irish Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 9, 2005 3:36 PM

Love Overboard

This is the second of the Janet Evanovich romance novel re-releases. Originally published as 'Ivan Takes a Wife', Evanovich promises this is the book as it first existed... just with a title that actually shows a bit of imagination. This is a brilliant tale of a boat, it's captain and crew, with a couple of supernatural beings thrown in...

Ivan is the proud owner of a two-masted schooner, and a descendant of pirates. During the holiday season he takes a charter of passengers out every week, the success of which relies on his trusted crew. Imagine his horror when, as he's preparing to take his final trip of the season, he's greeted by Stephanie - the woman he sold his beloved family home to only a matter of weeks ago. He's been waiting for her to complain to him, Stephanie's been experiencing a few problems with the house since she bought it, but he's not expecting to be spending the next week with her aboard his ship. Her cousin, his trusted chef, has swapped a week's work for the promise that Stephanie's plumbing problems will be solved. It would be a slightly smoother ride if Stephanie, a former cop, could cook. Well, not to be fussy, but if she could stop setting the galley on fire it would be a good start!

The story chronicles the week aboard the 'Josiah T Savage' and then the aftermath, as the season draws to a close and everyone moves back onto dry land. Ivan struggles to regain his landlegs, and has to restrain himself as Stephanie refuses to return any of the approaches he makes. And then supernatural things begin to happen... what's haunting the house?

This is yet another fantastic offering by Janet Evanovich. There are times when you can't help but laugh out loud - so be prepared if you're planning on reading it in public! The characters are all immediately loveable, and whilst some share vague similarities with character we later grow to love in the Stephanie Plum novels, this is as far as the comparisons go. This originality is what, in my opinion, makes it stronger than 'The Rocky Road to Romance' - the first book released in this series. Its great to see a different set of characters and a different plot from Evanovich.

A must-buy for any fan of Janet Evanovich, and anyone after a cracking read! [Jenni Nock]

If you like this, try The Rocky Road To Romance, also by Janet Evanovich.

Posted by gcartwright on December 9, 2005 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (3)

December 8, 2005 5:31 PM

Salem Falls

There can't be many women's fiction fans who've not at least heard the name Jodi Picoult over the last few months. I would go so far as to doubt that there aren’t that many who won't have read ‘My Sister’s Keeper’ after Richard and Judy put it on their Reading Group booklist. For a while it was difficult to find a beach, train or trendy coffee shop without at least one person clutching their copy. So after the runaway success of that, would any of Picoult’s other books live up to expectations? Or was she a literary ‘one-hit wonder’…

‘Salem Falls’ tells the story of Jack McBride. Accused of indecently assaulting a female pupil at the school he taught at, Jack’s reputation is destroyed overnight. Despite his continual protestations of innocence, Jack spends 8 months in jail. Upon leaving he decides to pick up the pieces, and start over. When he arrives in Salem Falls, and manages to pick up a job washing dishes at the local diner, he begins to think his life may be starting to pick up. That is until he meets Gilly, Meg, Chelsea and Whitney – a group of friends bonded closer than the outside world realises. When they target him with spiteful accusations, Jack begins to wonder if he is doomed to relive the past over and over. Once more he must fight to prove his innocence, and risk losing the woman he loves.

I could not bear to put this book down. It was what I’ve come to term a rug-pull novel – just as you think you know what is going on, something happens and the rug is pulled from beneath you once more. However, the crowning glory of this book is the ending, with one sentence Picoult manages to change everything that has been said in the previous 450+ pages. The choice of setting it in a small town also seems to be a stroke of genius. There is a different mentality that goes with living in a small town to the one that accompanies city living, and this gives a whole different flavour to the tale.

The book is very well written, keeping you hanging on every page turn. The characters are brilliant, I particularly enjoyed some of the more minor ones. Thomas, son of Jack’s defence lawyer and slightly geeky admirer of Chelsea was, surprisingly, one of my favourites. That may just be for the little peek he gave into the state of mind of the high school male though!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as the bags under my eyes for the days I was reading it told the rest of the world. Highly recommended! [Jenni Nock]

Like the sound of this? You might also want to try Notes On A Scandal by Zoe Heller

Posted by gcartwright on December 8, 2005 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 6, 2005 4:35 PM

The Family Way

This is the first book I've ever read by Tony Parsons. As an avid reader of his weekly column in The Mirror, I've been meaning to give one of his books a go for a while. There was just one thing that put me off - the only people I ever heard talking about his books were my parents friends, all in their 50s. Did this mean he wrote books for middle-aged people? Was I just too young to be bothering with Parsons? I decided to risk it - and am incredibly pleased that I did. I think that within the first couple of chapters 'The Family Way' became my favourite book of the autumn.

'The Family Way' tells the story of three sisters (see its onto a chick lit winner already!) All of them are reaching the time of their lives when society expects them to begin contributing... in the shape of offspring. However, as is often the case today, their reactions are all very different. Jessica, desperate for a baby, is becoming so obsessed with becoming pregnant that her husband Paulo is beginning to worry for both their sanities. Megan, a junior GP, finds herself pregnant and alone after a one-night stand with Kirk, an Australian beach-bum. And then there's Cat - a surrogate mother to her sisters from the age of 11 when their mother decided parenthood wasn't fun anymore- who only wants to be free.

The book follows the trials and tribulations of all three sisters as they follow the path their hearts have set them. Have they all made the right choices? How will they know? What happens if fate decides to take over and send them in a different direction?

One of the best parts of this book is the way in which you know every character. Whether you yourself have been in their shoes, or a friend has, you can identify with the situations playing out throughout the story. Some bits had me straight on the phone to my mum - over 100 miles away - I couldn't believe that I was reading the very conversations we'd already had. There is an intense reality to Parsons' writing which only makes the plot and characters feel stronger. There is no question of whether any of it is appropriately believable - when you've been there, or nearby, yourself then of course it is.

This is a book that will take you through a complete rollercoaster of emotions. I laughed, I cried, I even shouted out loud at a couple of points - would have been great if the characters could have heard me! I would definitely recommend this book very strongly to anyone. It has something for everyone, irrespective of age or gender. [Jenni Nock]

Posted by gcartwright on December 6, 2005 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 5, 2005 4:47 PM

Divas Las Vegas

Frequent readers will know I am a big Belinda Jones fan. Her books are reliably hilarious, escapist and frothy, and make perfect no-nonsense beach reads (or at this time of year, curled-up-in-front-of-the-fire reads). As far as I'm concerned, she's one of the queens of chick lit, and Divas Las Vegas (her first novel) definitely ticks all the boxes...

Jones' books always take place in glamourous locations and it will come as no surprise to know that in this one Jamie and her best mate Izzie leave dull Devon for the bright lights of Las Vegas. And their aim? To find menfolk in a city where the atmosphere is (according to the blurb) 70% oxygen and 30% confetti. They're both leaving their dodgy romantic pasts in Blighty and are on the hunt for a husband. And what a hunt it is!

In order to facilitate the plot, the girls are a little larger than life, and it doesn't take long before they've found potential mates, new friends and fabulous outfits. They're the type of women who'll strike up a conversation with a stranger, stalk a sexy man on the strip and accept the offer of a hotel suite from a hillionnaire they've only just met. It's all a little far-fetched, but this is Vegas, and anything can happen!

How much you love Divas really depends on how much you love Vegas. As well as being a great, feel-good read, the books also serves as a fabulous travel guide. I went to Vegas last year, and the information in this was far more useful than the Rough Guide! The author is a big Vegas fanatic herself, and it shows in every gushing description of the home of all things tacky-fabulous.

The plot is possibly not as strong as later offerings from Jones (The California Club, for example) but the book still plods on with great pace and serves up some fantastic one-liners, and is a great read if you like your chick lit fun and frivolous. Jamie is a sweet, funny and self-deprecating lead character who you'll adore, and frizzy-haired man-eater Izzy is just as wonderful. And then there's the men - if Belinda Jones does one thing well, it's in creating sickeningly perfect love interests. It's just a shame they don't exist in real life!

If you liked this, you might like to try The Paradise Room by Belinda Jones.

Did you know?
Belinda Jones' next novel is set in Costa Rica, and is due out in July 2006. You can pre-order the bound-to-be-fabulous Cafe Tropicana already!

Posted by gcartwright on December 5, 2005 in British Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 1, 2005 11:00 AM

Something Blue

I’ll begin my first ever Trashionista review by saying, simply, that I love chick lit. My shelves are stacked with all the Keyes, Green, Parks et al you could ever need. So it is with gusto that I search Amazon for the latest chick lit offerings. Thanks to Heat magazine, I came across a review for Emily Giffin’s ‘Something Blue’, a love story with a difference. I bought it, read it, and here's what I thought...

When we first meet Darcy, our main character, she doesn’t do much to endear herself to the reader. The Manhattan Queen who thinks looks are everything begins the book by discovering her fiance, Dex, is cheating on her with her long term best friend (the deputy to Darcy’s star), Rachel. Why do we immediately not sympathise? Darcy’s been having an affair as well.

Dex leaves her, and through a series of unfortunate events and encounters she eventually finds herself pregnant and alone. For the first few chapters of this book I thought Darcy was a cow who deserved everything she got. But slowly but surely excellent writing turned our superficial heroine into someone you wanted to cheer for.

The story kicks in when Darcy visits an old friend, Ethan, in London. At first she’s the same old girl who drinks alcohol despite being pregnant, spends all of her money on designer clothes that won’t fit in two months time and bullies the introverted Ethan into letting her stay longer.

Of course, this isn’t much of a story so far, and the crux of this book is seeing how Darcy changes and develops into an all-round more loveable person. Her story is one of sadness that ultimately becomes hope.

All in all, I found this a delicious read that I couldn’t bear to put down. Considering this is only Emily Giffin’s second book, her writing style is fast, well-paced and attractive, but she also manages to build interesting and complex characters. As the ad said, it is different from normal chick lit, but that makes it all the better. [Toni Stokes]

If you liked this, you might like Solo by Jill Mansell.

Posted by gcartwright on December 1, 2005 in Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 28, 2005 1:37 PM

Asking For Trouble / The Wedding Date

Elizabeth 'Liz' Young's feel-good modern romance is the perfect easy read. It's the tale of Sophy, a woman who hires a male escort to pose as her boyfriend at her sister's wedding, just to keep her mother happy. The ensuing chaos fills 350 pages with great jokes, witty prose, loveable characters and loads of love and laughter...

You may recognise the plot of this book as being similar to the Debra Messing film 'The Wedding Date'. That's no surprise, since the film is based on the novel, and the book was recently re-released under the new title 'The Wedding Date'. However, the name is really where the similarities end. In my humble opinion, the book far outshines the film and the plot is so far removed you'd be excused for thinking the shared 'girl hires escort for wedding' theme is down to pure coincidence.

Sophy is a typically average Brit (fabulously described 'size 13 and three quarters') and  she's perfectly happy with her singleton lifestyle (sort of). But her pushy mom is desperate to see her settled down (if only to keep her end up with the neighbours) so Sophy invents Dominic - the ideal boyfriend - to keep mum happy. It's all going fine until the invitation to her baby sister Belinda's wedding arrives...addresses to Sophy and Dominic. Desperate to keep her mother happy, Sophy hires male escort Josh to play Dominic for the day, and from there the lies spiral completely out of control...

Liz Young writes with great wit, and both Sophy and Josh are well-described and believable characters who you quickly grow to love. Great support from a Bridget Jones-esque pushy mother, fab flatmates Alex and Ace and Tamara, the slightly crazy old schoolfriend, keep everything ticking over nicely. Obviously, this isn't a groundbreaking piece of literature, but it is great unassuming chick lit that exceeds your expectations. You'll love so much you'll read it twice (I did)!

Asking For Trouble - Liz Young £6.99 (also sold as 'The Wedding Date')

If you liked this, you might like The Little Lady Agency by Hester Browne

Posted by gcartwright on November 28, 2005 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 22, 2005 3:16 PM

The Food Of Love

Could it be? Yes, it is! A bloke has infiltrated these pages. Anthony Capella's debut novel 'The Food of Love' is a culinary masterpiece, fusing together the art of cookery (and believe me, this book makes it an art) with fluid prose to make it a romantic feast. The book is a modern-day re-telling of the classic story 'Cyrano be Bergerac', set to a backdrop of gorgeous Italian cuisine...

In Rome, American college student Laura Patterson is fed up of slimy men and decides that she would much rather go out with a chef. Overhearing this is Tommaso, a charismatic waiter without a culinary bone in his body. He doesn't let that stop him though. In his pursuit of Laura he tells her that he is a fantastic chef and thus begins a comedy of masked identities.

As Laura falls in love with Tommaso's amazing food, we are introduced to Bruno, the less good-looking, less talented-with-women friend of Tommaso who has a unique ability… he's a great chef and is the one really making the food that Laura adores. However, Bruno too is falling in love with her, with a slight problem… she doesn't know he even exists in Tommaso's shadow.

So, here's the problem. If Tommaso comes clean, he may lose her but if Bruno doesn't come clean, he will lose Laura for sure. And when the truth comes out where will she turn and what will happen to the Italians' friendship?

This book is a great read but beware, it's written with such passion that it makes you want to eat, so make you have stocked up on all the ingredients for a good Italian meal prior to reading because you will suddenly become convinced that you can cook. A bowl of olives won't go amiss either, especially once you find out what Laura does with them! [Camilla Chafer]

The Food Of Love - Anthony Capella

Want to give it a go? Why not download an extract from the book here?

Posted by gcartwright on November 22, 2005 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

November 7, 2005 3:34 PM

The Three Day Rule

If you're looking for the perfect book to curl up with this Christmas, I doubt you'll find anything better than Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees' latest bestseller. I honestly couldn't put this down, and it re-affirmed my faith in co-written novels. If you thought your family were dysfunctional, you wait until you meet the Thorne clan!

The Thorne family are communing at their father's house on a remote Cornish Island for Christmas, and none of them are very happy about it. Stephanie, David and their two young children are still dealing with the aftermath of a family tragedy. Her brother Elliot can't wait to escape his pushy wife and obnoxious teenage daughter in order to see Kellie, his mistress, whom he has carefully ensconced in five star luxury on one of the larger islands. And poor unfortunate Gerald just can't get a word in edgeways as his children and grandchildren squabble and fight for attention. Three days is far too long to be confined with your family, but as the snow begins to fall and they all get stranded, things get much worse as the truth begins to come out.

When I first read the back cover, I wasn't convinced a story about one family in a confined space would be enough to fill the 300 or so pages, but carefully woven into the Thorne's page-turning story are subplots about other people who're on the islands for Christmas, including ferryman Ben, and Michael, the put-upon son of the local pub landlady. These extra characters actually ended up being my favourites, which was a nice surprise after expecting a novel purely about the Thorne family.

Lloyd and Rees are a husband and wife writing duo who're obviously well in tune with each other, and you'd never guess this was a co-written novel until you think about how well crafted each and every character is, from the young boys to the grown women. They're not without their faults (especially Elliot’s side of the family), but that just makes them human, and the back-stories are dragged out to the point where you just can't bear to put the book down because you want to know what’s going to happen.

I truly wasn't expecting anything amazing when I opened this book, but a couple of pages in and I was already hooked. I'd go as far as to say that this is one of the best books I've read this year. It doesn't try too hard, it touches on a lot of issues without ramming them down your throat, it’s equal parts funny and tragic, and it all ties up nicely at the end in perfect 'happily ever after(ish)' Christmas style. Definitely recommended for escaping your family this Christmas!

The Three Day Rule - Josie Lloyd & Emlyn Rees (£9.09)

If you liked this, you might like Vince & Joy by Lisa Jewell

Posted by gcartwright on November 7, 2005 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 27, 2005 5:49 PM

Notes On A Scandal

Zoe Heller's book was a real surprise. I bought it expecting what the blurb in my book club magazine had said - the tale of Sheba Hart, a teacher, who falls for one of her 15 year old pupils. However, whilst this was the basic theme, the sub story running through it transformed what could have been a fairly ordinary story into a clever and thought-provoking psychological tale.

The narrator, Barbara, is a teacher at St George's School. As soon as Sheba starts teaching at the school, Barbara sees something special in her, and forces her way into her life and becomes her closest confidante. So, naturally, it is Barbara who Sheba tells about her illicit affair. It is also Barbara who is there when the press find out about the affair, and when Sheba's marriage crumbles it is Barbara who provides the shoulder.

The interest in this book is two-fold. The main storyline is quite revealing - I doubt many of us have read the stories in the newspapers of teachers having affairs with their pupils without wondering how they could possibly have fallen for someone in this circumstance. The subplot however is fascinating, the relationship between Sheba and Barbara, and the motivations that drive each character are a real study into human behaviour, and in particular the effect loneliness can have on a person.

Zoe Heller's account of a somewhat controversial subject is a wonderful example of writing at its best. The plotline is actually surprisingly simple and without event, it is instead the characters that she creates and the way in which she uses them that is the real genius in this book. [Jenni Nock]

Notes On A Scandal - Zoe Heller

Liked this? Try 'All He Ever Wanted' by Anita Shreve

Posted by gcartwright on October 27, 2005 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

October 25, 2005 3:14 PM

P.S I Love You

What happens when young love ends too soon? That is the fundamental theme of this stunning debut novel from Cecilia Ahern. Holly and Gerry had the type of love many of us can only ever dream of; childhood sweethearts who grew up together and became best friends, lovers and soulmates. So you can imagine Holly's grief when at the age of 30 Gerry is tragically taken from her, the victim of a brain tumour. Ahern carefully chronicles the time after Gerry dies, and Holly has to learn to live again, with a guiding hand from above...

In the years Holly and Gerry were together, they often joked that if he went first Holly would not be able to cope. The solution was 'the list' - Gerry decided he'd better leave a list of instructions and guidance for Holly. Of course when they were joking about this they never dreamed that they were be parted so prematurely.

At the time the story begins, Holly is starting to face life without Gerry. This seems to her to be an insurmountable task - how is she supposed to live without him? Then her mother reminds her that there is a letter waiting for her at her parents house...when she mentions it has the words 'The List' on it, Holly finally decides to have a look. Inside the envelope she finds a letter from Gerry and a set of envelopes - one labelled to be opened on a specific day each month. Each message ends with the line 'P.S. I love you'.

The story centres around these envelopes, and the tasks they contain. They range from the simple to the extravagant, from the touching to the downright hilarious. Supported by a range of well written characters and events, this original plot creates a fantastic book. It is one of those books you can not help but enjoy - at the moments it makes you laugh out loud, and the moments you have to reach for the tissues you realise its been a long time since you've read a book this good. Whether you want a beach read, something to travel with, or just a good book to kill some time with, this book should be top of anybodys' 'to read' list. [Jenni Nock]

P.S I Love You - Cecilia Ahern (£3.99 or from 75p used)

If you like this, you might like Under My Spell by Deborah Wright.

Posted by gcartwright on October 25, 2005 in Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Irish Authors, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (8)

October 19, 2005 12:58 PM

The Shops

After bashing out two successful chick lit novels, India Knight managed to pursuade someone to let her write a book about shopping. 'The Shops: How, why and where to shop' is an unashamedly self-indulgent gem filled with tales of the author's shopping excursions and littered with product recommendations, shopping favourites and gift ideas. If you love shopping, you'll love this...

Though essentially a non-fiction shopping guide, the narrative thread running through 'The Shops' makes it as easy to devour as any good girly novel. How much you get out of it depends on how much you agree with Knight's shopping habits, but regardless of that, her tales of early shopping trips (throwing up after drinking Dr Pepper, a secret passion for cheap chocolate, finding the 'Pants of Steel') are described in such a laugh-out-loud, relatable fashion that you feel like you're reading an email from a good friend, choc full of secret shopping tips 'just for you'.

Where India Knight succeeds in constructing a good shopping guide is that she doesn't just relay the same information as every magazine in the country. There are a lot of online finds, which is great considering most of Britain is still scared to shop online and needs some serious education. Even a seasoned shopper will find herself discovering new secrets when reading this book. Knight obviously loves being pampered and enjoys life's little luxuries, and spends pages discussing the perfect way to shape an eyebrow, how to lose pounds without going on a diet (it's those Pants of Steel again) and why kareoke is so brilliant. The product and gift recommendations, though generally expensive, are great. This was one of the first places I read abou Liz Earle's unfaultable cleanse and polish hot cloth cleanser, and I love the idea of buying a live butterfly or bug farm (from insectlore.co.uk) for a child!

Whether you're a seasoned shopper or the kind of person who dreads a trip to Oxford Street, this book is a mine of information and a great read to dip in and out of. It covers everything from maternity clothing to organic food, and is full of top tips, personal recommendations and silly stories. Invest in it now and halve your christmas shopping time!

This book is also available in paperback for £5.59

Posted by gcartwright on October 19, 2005 in Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 13, 2005 11:43 AM

The Last Available Man

This book by Cindy Blake is everything you could ask for in good chick lit. The story follows step-sisters Georgina and Jessica, who decide that they are sick of ending up on dates with no future. They feel the solution is to put their skills as head hunters into action to find themselves some real romantic prospects...

With their lengthy client list, and the help of Sadie their trusted PA, Georgina and Jessica begin their search. This leads them to cross the Atlantic and suffer more twists and turns than the scariest white knuckle rollercoaster. The ending is just one twist after another, which may take a little concentration but is so unexpected you really won’t mind.

Some of the initial dates will make everyone cringe – even if you haven’t been on a date that bad, you will remember one similar or know a friend who has. The nature of the book with all its twists will again make you cringe, if this book was made into a film or tv series its definitely one you’d end up screaming at the screen!

One of the nice things about this book is that even the smallest of characters is well written and believable, and Blake’s writing instantly conjures a mental image of each new scene and character. This combined with many genuine laugh out loud moments makes this book a really great read. Its definitely one you could take on the beach, the tube, or even sit curled up with it and a cuppa and box of chocolates in the middle of winter and still enjoy it. [Jenni Nock]

Buy The Last Available Man from 1p a copy!

If you liked this, you might like Getting Personal by Chris Manby.

Posted by gcartwright on October 13, 2005 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 4, 2005 4:50 PM

Dancing With Mules

'Dancing With Mules' is the debut novel by Morag Prunty, and with it she firmly positions herself in the company of other great Irish chick lit writers. This is a cleverly written book, combining a varied cast of rich, likeable characters with a classic plot turned on its head. It's fluffy fun with an unexpected ending that helps seal the deal!

Early in the book we are introduced to Xavier Big, an Irish American billionaire who is looking for an Irish wife. Cue a selection of the ladies hoping he will sweep them off their feet. Each of the major players in the running are endearing, and no matter how different they initially seem to yourself, you quickly begin to identify with them. The means and ends they seem prepared to reach, to win his hand in marriage, range from the honest to the underhand to the downright dirty and provide opportunity after opportunity to laugh out loud.

One of my favourite things about this book was that whilst the ending was perhaps not the one I was expecting, it was one I agreed with. The change in writing style for the concluding pages was perhaps a bit of a gamble, but one that paid off. It was a refreshing change of pace that left me feeling happy and content as I closed the book. Definitely one to add to the collection. (Jenni Nock)

Dancing With Mules - Morag Prunty

Posted by gcartwright on October 4, 2005 in Debut Novels, Irish Authors, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 22, 2005 2:58 PM

The Little Lady Agency

'The Little Lady Agency' may be Hester Browne's debut novel, but she can already count the likes of Sophie Kinsella and Chris Manby as fans, and with good reason. This is a great read with adorable characters and a fabulously witty writing style that pulls you in instantly. Our heroine Melissa lacks any kind of self confidence, so when she loses her job at an estate agents she invents Honey, a sexy alter-ego with a blonde wig and a killer wardrobe to run 'The Little Lady Agency'...

Honey's job is to help hapless men by doing all the things women do best - shopping, socialising and generally charming the pants of people. She's a rent-a-girlfriend of sorts, getting gay men off the hook with their mothers and buying christmas presents for difficult secretaries. But the line between Melissa and Honey gets blurred when she meets the gorgeous Jonathan, who just happens to be the roundabout reason she started the agency in the first place. Chaos ensues as she tries to keep her business running, cope with her overbearing dad, justify her job to her best mates, and keep her ex-colleagues off the trail.

This is the kind of funny, fast-paced book you'll devour in one sitting, and it has just enough twists and turns to stop you predicting the ending the moment you finish the first page. This one is definitely near the top of the pile as far as this year's new releases are concerned, and a must-have addition to any chick lit collection!

The Little Lady Agency - Hester Browne

Posted by gcartwright on September 22, 2005 in British Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (7)

September 21, 2005 6:13 PM

One For The Money

One of Amazon's customer reviewers has it right when she says "If you looked up the word 'desperate' in the dictionary, you'd probably see a picture of Stephanie Plum." The heroine of Janet Evanovich's blockbuster 'Plum' series is a ballsy New Jersey native struggling to make ends meet in any way possible. In 'One For The Money' we're introduced to Stephanie, her wardrobe of spandex shorts, her pet hamster Rex and her highly dysfunctional family (a gun-toting grandma, a mother who won't shut up and cousin Vinnie with his fondness for ducks) for the first time...

Stuck for cash after being fired from her job as a lingerie buyer, she’s put on the books at Vinnie’s bail bond agency, and soon has her first assignment as a bounty hunter - tracking down Joe Morelli, a cop on the run who just happens to be the man who took her virginity.

This is a stellar debut in a new genre from ex-romance writer Evanovich. Stephanie is a wonderful character - warm, witty and charming - and her constant struggles with money, men, her job and the odd exploding car will soon have you hooked. The comedy / mystery plot makes this a real page-turner, and a great supporting cast of unforgettable characters, including a 200lb hooker and a mysterious stranger who knows all the right people, mean you’ll be hard pushed to put it one down. The Plum series is now onto number 11, but many agree the first is still the best. Definitely one to add to your collection!

One For The Money - Janet Evanovich

Posted by gcartwright on September 21, 2005 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

The Paradise Room

I've been a fan of Belinda Jones ever since she wrote about hairdos for 'Looks' magazine. She's not afraid to write unashamedly feel-good fiction, and her novels are always great reads that take place in the most fabulous locations. Jones has such a good descriptive style that you instantly want to visit the places she writes about (not that I went to Las Vegas after reading 'Divas Las Vegas' or anything, honest) and to top it off, her characters are believable, likeable and (most importantly) human.

Her latest offering takes us to Tahiti, and islands so beautiful they even melt the heart of Amber Pepper, a woman who's usually much happier with a brolly than a bikini. The novel is a great read, as well as being a 482-page excuse to book a tropical holiday. Without giving too much of the plot away, our troubled heroine is dragged to paradise on the arm of her jeweller boyfriend Hugh, and despite her best efforts she begins to fall in love - and not just with the location. It's in Tahiti that she really begins to find herself, and that means a few very important decisions need to be made.

Fans of Belinda Jones will know her knack for mixing fact with fiction, and in this book it's the musical group 'Soul Desire' - who Amber discovers at the bar that gives its name to the book - who actually exist off the page. There are loads of pictures on the Paradise Room website, but I strongly suggest you read the book before ruining the surprise and browsing the photos of the real Tony and Tezz!

The Paradise Room - Belinda Jones

Posted by gcartwright on September 21, 2005 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 3, 2005 4:55 PM

The Secret Dreamworld Of A Shopaholic

What better way to begin a book blog than with some fabulous feel-good chick lit? The ultimate in girlie escapism, the first of the super-successful 'Shopaholic' series from Sophie Kinsella is a laugh-out loud cautionary tale of what happens when you lose track of your spending. Becky Bloomwood is a financial advisor who hasn't got a clue how to save. From racing away from work to buy designer scarves to filling her house full of greetings cards for no apparent reason, her impulse spending makes even the most seasoned shopper look like a spendthrift. Despite her (many) faults and unbelievably stupid spending sprees, our heroine is still the kind of character you can't help rooting for throughout. From the hilarious letters to her bank manager that start each chapter to the tales of her burgeoning romance with the lovely Luke Brandon and her warts-and-all friendship with Sloaney Suze, the pages fly by. Luckily for you, there's three more where this came from.

Did You Know? Sophie Kinsella is a pen name. Madeleine Wickham, already a published author, adopted the new name and submitted the first Shopaholic novel to her publishers without revealing her true identity. And it wasn't until she released the aptly named 'Can You Keep A Secret' that she let it slip to the rest of us. Now that's savvy PR!

'The Secret Dreamworld Of A Shopaholic' - Sophie Kinsella
(Published in the US as 'True Confessions Of A Shopaholic)

Posted by Aigua Media on August 3, 2005 in British Authors, Rating: 5/5, Series | Permalink | Comments (2)