Posted by admin on Apr 14, 2010 in
books,
lists 
I’ve been so busy the last two months I’ve read a really low amount of books. Still, amongst the random ones I selected I did discover one or two amazing new authors, as well as some texts that felt like I was wasting my time-on purpose. Read my mini reviews below. (And yes, I’m aware that it’s not April- the combined March/April version will be out soon.)
Martians Go Home, Frederic Brown
An alien invasion commonly sums up visions of explosions, violence and misery. The idea that aliens might invade and simply annoy had not really ever been dealt with before this quirky book. Aliens have appeared on earth and seem bent on frustrating people to death by invading their space with their presence and foulness, rather than with any weapons. Martians have landed, and they’re little green men who are insubstantial as they just zip from place to place and cause chaos by being inappropriate. Ridiculously entertaining and a very novel concept- this book was an accidental purchase that I haven’t regretted for a second. Read more…
Tags: And Another thing, anne enright, books, Douglas Adams, Eoin Colfer, science fiction, The gathering
Posted by admin on Aug 3, 2009 in
books 
Another two months, another rather random selection of books under my belt- some of which have greatly troubled the boyfriend (see image above). I’m 5 books closer to finishing all the Booker novels (yippee!) and have read a startling amount of vampire themed kids books as well, which tie in quite nicely with watching Season One of True Blood. In no particular order, here are the latest on my literary adventures.
Night World, two anthologies by L.J.Smith
The first rule of fight club is that nobody talks about fight club, and the same principle applies even more closely to the Night World - where a mere mention of it means death to all. Think shadowy creatures of the night such as Vampires, witches ‘n werewolves , who lead a supernatural existence feeding off vermin (humans), but what happens when the rule of silence is broken- for love of vermin? The theme may be repetitive in the genre AND the books, but the prose is fast paced and easy to read, and written in a lighthearted yet compelling manner. I remember reading some of these when I was younger, and quite like how they’ve re-jacketed the book- very spooky- more angst ridden Harry Potter reader than a whimsical magic loving ten year old. Read more…
Tags: booker prize, books, science fiction, self help, vampires
Posted by admin on Jun 5, 2009 in
books,
lists 
The last couple of months have seen me whittle down my Booker Novels list even further and resort to reading lowbrow kiddie books when I’ve run out of novels. My office bookshelf has been firmly raided (we’re on a Penguin Kids and chick-lit mailing list) and I’ve been working my way through a variety of novels featuring boarding school, magic and vampires- and often all three. Who said children books were predictable? Read the short summaries here!
We need to talk about Kevin, Lionel Shriver
Dark, depressing and delicious, a book that you can’t help but adore despite yourself.
How the Light gets in by M.J Hyland
Gifted but troubled Australian sixteen year old heads to the USA on an exchange programme. Her disaffection and alienation slowly blight her relationship with her host family, and we get so see the prejudices of both nations exposed under a harsh light, with a side helping of alcoholism.
Read more…
Tags: books, childresn books, science fiction, vampires