Trashionista

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 (1)

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 (3)

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 (5)

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 Robyn Wilder on March 1, 2009 in Brand new authors, British Authors, Debut Novels, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

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 (2)

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 (2)

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 (10)

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 Robyn Wilder on January 23, 2009 in American Authors, Friday Flick, Movie Magic, Rating: 5/5, Supernatural, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

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 (2)

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 (2)

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 (2)

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 (1)

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 (0)

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 (0)

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 (3)

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 (0)

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 (2)

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 (0)

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 (3)

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 (0)

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 (0)

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 (5)

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 (0)

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 (3)

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 (2)

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 (4)

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 (0)

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 (1)

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 (0)

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 (0)

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 (0)

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 (2)

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 (2)

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 (2)

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 (1)

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 (4)

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 (3)

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 (0)

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 (0)

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 (4)

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 (2)

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 (6)

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 (2)

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 (1)

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 (4)

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 (1)

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 (1)

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 (4)

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 (6)

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 (7)

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 (0)

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 (3)

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 (9)

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 (0)

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 (0)

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 (8)

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 (3)

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 (0)

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 (0)

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 (2)

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 (0)

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 (0)

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 (0)

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 (3)

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 (6)

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 (11)

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 (0)

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 (4)

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 (6)

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 (1)

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 (5)

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 (1)

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 (1)

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 (0)

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 (2)

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 (5)

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 (0)

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 (2)

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 (5)

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 (1)

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 (0)

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 (0)

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 (0)

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 (0)

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 (1)

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 (3)

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 (8)

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 (0)

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 (0)

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 (0)

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 (12)

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 (5)

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 Co