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.