The Time Machine - H. G. Wells

Well this was a great book.

I got a bit hung up on the spellings, the English of the 1890's annoyed me, yet I thought it was wonderful too.

The story of a fantastical journey to some distant future of the 700,000s with Morlocks and Eloi.

Read it, you should, it's the first true sci-fi story ever.

I will read it again at some point I'm sure.

4.5/5

Legend of the Guardians, The Owls of Ga'Hoole - Kathryn Lasky

Just finished this now, read it all this morning.
Mum told me it was amazing after loving the film and the book herself.
It's part of a series and it seems like it would only get better from this one.
It was endearing and I warmed to the owls who were to be loved and thoroughly disliked the owls who were to be hated.

I might read the rest of them, if I get the chance, but if I don't I won't mind.
I think  I'd like to see the film though.

3.8/5

Airman - Eoin Colfer

To review this is on my list of things to do today so I'm getting it done now, early, at 10 past 12!

I've been reading this for about 2 weeks in the little gaps of time that I have nothing else to do when I'm at James'. It's been a very good re-read because I'd forgotten most of what happens. I really enjoyed this book both times I've read it.
The style it's written in is attractive, something about Conor's internal thoughts now and then and Eoin's general capability to tell a story.

4/5

Her Fearful Symmetry - Audrey Niffengegger

Well, this book was very compelling to read but overall left me feeling unfulfilled.

I didn't expect it to be ground breaking really but considering how I'd guessed one of the HUGE PLOT TWISTS right at the start, all I did was wait for them to reveal it.

The ghost idea she used was interesting and as I've never been into ghosts or read many stories about them (although admittedly the last book I read was about Bod, a child raised by ghosts in a graveyard!).

I doubt I'll ever read it again though, it's probably not even a keeper once Mum/Haze/Dad have read it (if they ever do). Might be one of the few I either sell on or give away.

3.5/5

The Graveyard Book - Neil Gaiman

I rather liked this book. It played on well known ideas about ghosts and the afterlife. Of those who are not fully alive or dead. A Vampire (although never said explicitly) a Werewolf and a Mummy.
Haunting and walking through walls, dream manipulation.

The man Jack was a very interesting touch and I didn't guess the name reference before it was revealed.

The way the content was handled reminded me of "The Witch's Boy" where you don't find out some main issue until the very end.

Very well written, although intended for younger teens, it's still a good book.

3.8/5

After Modern Art 1945-2000 - David Hopkins

Despite the fact I HAD to read this for Uni and it took far too long to read, I actually liked it.

Enjoyed is too much but I found it informative and inspiring.

Sometimes though whole sentences or paragraphs would just wash over me because I either got distracted by art ideas similar to those I was reading about/looking at, or the middle of a sentence was a clause that should have been a whole topic of it's own. There were often times a small link to something the author deemed "relevant" wedged in some commas that ended up distracting me so much I forgot what the original half of the sentence was about!

I'll read it again to make note on it, I have plans for my note making.

3 out of 5 for a book in general, for Art purposes maybe a 4. Overall a 3.5.

My Uncle Oswald - Roald Dahl

This is a fascinating book, a good read and one I encourage anyone reading this blog to go and try for themselves. Most people are only aware oh his books for children; from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to Matilda, the Twits or James and the Giant Peach. You might even have read "Boy" or "Going Solo" which are autobiographies of a sort.
But he wrote a plethora of other stories that are for adults.
Switch Bitch, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, Skin, Kiss Kiss and My Uncle Oswald.

It's a story that is vibrant, well written, with a strong voice of the character Oswald.

A good 4.6/5 I think and I will probably read it again at some point. (Even though this must ahve been my third reading.)

"One Day" - David Nicholls (free copy)

I picked this book up from a HUGE pile at Summer in the City. Dale had brought them and was trying to unload as many as possible.
Also, when I was at the doctors the other day I had it with me to read in the waiting room and she mentioned that she'd enjoyed it.

It was a pleasant and very very quick read although not brilliant. I probably will give it away soon enough as it isn't worth keeping.

A 3.4/5.

EDIT: I saw the full title for sale in Waterstones but decided against buying it.

Mockingjay - Suzanne Collins

I just finished it. Under a minute ago. I might return to this blog to add more thought on this book, the end of a fantastic trilogy.

I read all day. Since I signed my piece of paper for the Amazon man.

It was a fantastically well written book. Well written and structured and planned out series. 5/5 for sure.

There are tears in my eyes.

It reminded me a lot of 1984.

Oh, and here is the comment I left of Kristina's reaction:
"I just finished reading too. I feel raw and numb and overwhelmed. I have no idea how I should respond to the events I just read. Even though they came from Suzanne's mind and not from a documentary I think my reaction has been as if it was. I'm heartbroken and scared but it was such a marvellous book."

I'm going to write the next bit in dark blue.

I sympathised with the wrong romantic attachment for Katniss. I always had a favourite and this might have affected how I read the book. I still loved it though. From every time it went to her italicised thoughts to Suzanne's clearly masterful knowledge of this world she created. 

The Adventures of Monsieur Robinet - John Hegley

A very charming short book of poetry that Dad won the other night for coming up with a joke.

It struck me as I started to write this post that it would be a lovely thing to include a photo of the cover of the books I read, alas both my camera cards are in the computer completing specific functions and I plan to post this before either of them is free.

Anyway, this book has a French translation of each of the poems on the opposite page, a hark back to his mother's French roots.

I shall give it a 3.5 out of 5. :)

Artemis Fowl and the Atlantis Complex - Eoin Colfer

I'm not sure if my favourite part was the return of so many of my favourite literary characters or the optomisitc ending that didn't say "SERIES END" like the last Alex Rider book did.

The story in this one was strange, maybe not as good as it's predecessors, but then again it worked properly primarily because of it's differences. There was more consideration of possibilities that I could guess the outcome of in this one rather than fast paced unpredictable action.

I very much enjoyed this book and will happily recommend it to others (although you should read the first 6 novels in the series first). 3.8/5

Mostly Harmless - Douglas Adams

I didn't remember any of this book, I wonder if I even read it last time round.
I enjoyed this almost as much as the first in the series.
The bird was interesting, so was Random Frequent Flyer Dent.
The intricate sandwich process and the watch and the Perfectly Normal Beasts.

:)

3.8/5

The Amber Spyglass - Philip Pulman

This time I didn't cry, though I felt like it. Very close I was. I have every other time I've finished this novel and when a similar thing happened in Dr. Who. It's heartbreaking.

It's wonderful. A full 5/5 story.

I'm so glad P. Pulman decided to let Lyra have Pan outside of herself while in the other worlds (his first idea was that in worlds where daemons were inside Lyra's, and others from her world, would have them retreat within, still with a clear voice). The land of the dead bit wouldn't have worked nearly as well.

I totally adore the Mulefa and their Sraf.

Will read this again in a few years probably.

Monstroso - Charlie Higson

I read this is no time at all, it's a children's book, a young children's book. One written for the children aware of rolf and lol and noob and pwn. (All these things are referenced along with World of Warcraft).

It was sweet, but not great. Only 2/5  for me. Also, Play.com told me it would come with a free bag, that's why I paid £2 for the book in the first place.I don't have this bag. Fail.

Awkward Situations for Men - Danny Wallace

This is one of Danny's less impressive books. (Though still recommendable.) I know he has grown up, has less chances to undertake such an in-depth and time consuming venture as Yes Man or Friends Like These.

I enjoyed the whole thing, each little aspect of his awkward existence, some that ended well, some badly and some uneventfully. However, overall it was just short of being impressive. A collection of amusing instances and observations, but just that.

I got a free t-shirt with this book when I ordered it. On the front it says "Well this is awkward" and on the back "Well that was awkward". Genius.

3.7/5 (Just to be awkward).

100 Facts About Pandas - David O'Doherty, Claudia O'Doherty & Mike Ahern

This is hilarious. Nearly every page makes you laugh. My friend Alex has memorised many of them too and entertained us in the kitchen a few weeks ago by reciting the most hilarious and memorable ones aloud.

5/5 humour

3/5 readability (has to be in sporadic chunks, reading it through is tiring)

Overall 4/5. I'll pick it up again.

The Subtle Knife - Philip Pulman

Although considered by many (sometimes even myself depending on my then current feelings) as an in-between book, merely a bridge that introduces ideas and characters for the Amber Spyglass, I do adore this book.


One of the small appealing factors is that, because it is set in three worlds, the world the characters are predominantly in on a page is represented by a small image in the top outer corner of the page. Just a small editorial quirk that appeals to me.

The first time I read this the first chapter annoyed me EVER SO MUCH. Who is this useless Will? Where is my wonderful Lyra? Oh well, you get over that as soon as his character develops.

Once, Caitlin, one of my best friends, had the chance to look at some of Pulman's original drafts (alongside some other manuscripts) and in one draft the story started from the point of view of one of the intruders. Automatically sympathising with him as the focus would have introduced Will in a less appealing and indepth way so this was one of the reasons it was redrafted.

Well, anyway, it's great. 4.8/5.

Northern Lights - Philip Pulman

I remember first picking up this book when recommended by my Mum (I think just before HP4) I needed a good book to fill the gap before the next Harry Potter book and my goodness this lived up to it.

I was probably 10 or 11 at the time of first reading and now I'm 19 and I still feel that adventure, that fear and excitement, on behalf of Lyra Belacqua (now Silvertongue). I adored this re-read especially as I haven't read the physical copy for years, instead just listening to the slightly abridged version on tape.
The tiny call forwards to the story to come, the hidden commentary of Pulman's on the modern world and the tiny nuances that separate the world of Lyra to ours (and indeed Will's).

However, I've got to learn how to read for more than 30 mins at a time again, I keep falling asleep.

5/5

The Enemy - Charlie Higson

What a book this is. It ended in a way that makes me want to read the rest of them, the same way it made me want to keep reading it all the way through.

It's a well worn story of a zombie-like illness that knacks off most of the human race, this time leaving only the under 14's, the adults with the disease who are left can die and it starts a year after the disaster so we don't have all the initial hoohar malarky.

It's pretty good, gory, gripping and inspired some very strange dreams. It's not that good those overall despite the witty writing and entrancing story. It's not my kind of story. I will read the next book in the series though!

3/5

Crocodile Tears - Anthony Horowitz

Well this was long awaited too. I've had the book since Christmas but just haven't had the time until now to catch up with Alex Rider. His latest escapade was just as awesome as the last. Perhaps not the best writing, Horowitz's style is simply more, well, simple. Yet it is the story that matters, the twists and turns and excitement of the plot are what made me enjoy it!

3.5/5

Will Grayson, Will Grayson - John Green and David Levithan

(Finally a full review!)

I've been looking forward to this book for, well, since it was first mentioned. I made sure we pre-ordered it so we could read it as soon as possible. Yet I still had to wait ages to read it because it was delivered to Durham and I had to wait until my family came to visit!

I was going to hold off reading it until my exams were over but I read it within a day of it being brought to Lancaster!

Dear goodness me it was everything I expected it to be and more. Two of my favourite authors of all time came together and created and worked with Tiny Cooper.

I appreciate Tiny Cooper!

The switching between chapters of one Will Grayson to the other was neat. The lack of capitals in David's chapters concerned me at first but I forgot about it as I kept reading; the story, the feelings were far more engaging.

I was won over and could barely put it down to learn my Psychology.

I am definitely going to read it again, probably many a time. It's just coincidence and friendship and love in one eloquent literary bundle. 

5/5

Harry Potter 1-7 - J.K. Rowling (I suppose this counts)

I listened to all of these books while I revised a few weeks ago. It took hours but I sure love Steven Fry's voice.
There is so much I can say about these books. I love them. I love the world that is created, the woven narrative and the moral story.

5/5! (Always!)

So Long, and Thanks For All the Fish - Douglas Adams

These books are so bizarre. Amazing with it but I don't have much to actually say about it.

(While I'm writing this I happen to have on an episode of Celebrity Come Dine With Me. It suprises me as well that I can have such strange tastes in entertainment!)

3.5/5

Life, the Universe and Everything - Douglas Adams

I think this is the one with Bistro Mathematics in it.
I totally loved that concept.

Generally I enjoyed this book (I read it weeks ago but I'm very behind).

3.5/5

The Restaurant at the End of the Universe - Douglas Adams

Well this was another good read, not as good as the first in the series but still full of quirky moments that kept me entertained when I had to wait around at the doctors surgery.

3.75/5 :)

13 Little Blue Envelopes - Maureen Johnson

Well this was a lovely surprise and a well written jovial book.

I read it all yesterday in a few hours while James played Pokémon.

Ginny's way of 'writing' (as she was the narrator) was delightfully sweet and each character was described in such a way that you could picture them but still create parts of them yourself rather than the over analysis of Meyer's fruit and repetitive character descriptions.

One thing I found perplexing was Ginny's lack of experience of some aspects of life, I know it's strange to suddenly be in another country and have to cope with their money but other scenes showed her even more bamboozled than I think she should have been.

Despite that minor flaw I thoroughly enjoyed her adventure and the beautiful conclusion. Although I do have to say that MJ doesn't give a full conclusion to all storylines. I've heard that this is the way she always writes but this time I'm glad because it makes me want to read the sequel much more!

4/5!

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

My re-read of this FANTASTIC book took place during my stay at James' house during this Easter break but I totally forgot to review it!

I go my own set of the first 5 books (the 6th having been written by Eoin Colfer and once I've finished these I'll buy that one!) was gifted to me on my 19th Birthday and the first book (HHGttG) even has it's own "make your own cover" with stickers.
I hasten to add that I will not be using them as stickers for the front of my own book.

Anyhoozle.

It is one of the best books ever, read it.

5/5 bananas.

The Lost Symbol - Dan Brown

Well, finally finished this BEAST.

A book that gave me bad dreams about not being able to solve the riddles.

Right, well, it was good in as much as it made me want to keep reading.
Brown really knows how to leave you on a cliffhanger wanting to know what happens next.

Generally it was ok, I would recommend it if you've finished all the good books around and want one that will drive you barmy with cryptic barf...

I'll give it 3/5.

An Abundance of Katherines - John Green

This book is still amazing, still (but only by a tiny bit) my favourite of John's books and just quirky and funny and lovely enough to be worth re reading when there are plenty of other books to read.

4.5/5

(P.S. I finished this book weeks ago but forgot to blog about it!)

The Time Traveler's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger

We (our family) bought this book just before our trip to Switzerland this summer.
Dad read it first, then Mum and then Hazel.
I got hold of it the first time my family visited me at Uni, back in October.
I've been reading it on and off but the biggest chunk, when I got really gripped by it, was while travelling to and from New York.

I think it is a fantastic book and very gripping and moving. I saw the film before reading it (which is the wrong way round and something I always try to avoid) but it didn't ruin it for me.

Overall I think it is worthy or the praise it has received.

It mentions on the front that it is the next Lovely Bones... I can see why they say this. I might be going to see the Lovely Bones film today... We'll see how that goes.

4/5

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins

It's a new year.
I tried (not forcefully but I HAD hoped) to read 50 books last year.
I managed 32 (33 if you count the two Bridget Jones ones separate) and two half read books.

This year has just begun and I've just finished Catching Fire.
It's fantastic but seemed much quicker and more of a segue to the final book.
I have the feeling the first and last of this trilogy will be the best, a bit like The Subtle Knife in His Dark Materials. The story is amazing and essential but just a bit smaller than the books on either side.

OH and Katniss just seemed a tiny bit "slow" in this one, she didn't realise things at the speed I expected her too, but that might just be because I'm very practised (with the amount I've read before) at picking up on clues that characters don't.

3.5/5