Seven Days in the Art World - Sarah Thornton

A pleasant read about some aspects of contemporary art.
It was written in a simple manner and wasn't quite the book I was expecting.

I didn't learn too much that was very useful though as I originally borrowed it from the library in an attempt toward starting work for my thesis.
I don't even know if I'd recommend it because it's not an unbiased presentation of facts. It's a personal account that's quite often about her personal situation than the art she is discovering.

Maybe for a complete outsider but not for me.

2/5

Scorpia Rising - Anthony Horowitz

The final instalment in this fantastic series about Alex Rider that started over 10 years ago.

It was one of those books that I borrowed from the local library; back when I used to visit all the time.
Perhaps Mum suggested it because a child at her school had enjoyed it or maybe I chose it myself. I don't remember now. What I do remember is enjoying it. From book 4 onward I started buying them and I once won the second book on audio CD (so I know that story best).
At that point in my life, aged about 11, I had no previous interest in spy stories. I'd never seen a full James Bond film and yeah, characters in books I read did sneaky business that I suppose could be classed as spying, it wasn't like this.

Since reading this series I've been encouraged to read quite a lot of the original Ian Fleming - James Bond novels and also the spin of young Bond series by Charlie Higson. All very much appealing.

The story of Alex Rider, the 14 year old reluctant spy, drew me in and I have since enjoyed all 9 books in the series. It has been a long process to reach the end of this story but it has also been a worthwhile one.

This novel in fact has kept my brain ticking over today while I've been feeling rather ill. I'm glad to say that it didn't disappoint me and was a thoroughly good read.

The books may be about a 14-15 year old boy but the adventures he goes on are told in a brilliant style that will keep you wanting to find out more. Worth looking into.

4.5/5

Dave Gorman vs. the Rest of the World - Dave Gorman

I've been a huge fan of Dave's books and his comedy in general since I read "Are you Dave Gorman?" when it was first released. Around the year 2002.

Anyway, I listen to his radio show every week and I returned home this summer to this new book of his.

Somehow I'd been oblivious to his twitter conversation that sparked his latest adventure but I'm sort of glad. It made the whole story new (except for some of the darts stuff which had been on the radio) and it was a wonderful story.

Yes, it may just be a man's recounting of a load of games he played over a few months but it is written in Dave's wonderfully witty dialogue.

Worth a read and I really want to play Khet now. A game with lazers sounds fun!

4.7/5

The Midwich Cuckoos - John Wyndham

I'm fascinated by John Wyndham's books and when I heard an advert for this one (It's going to be on Radio4Extra soon) I thought I'd read it first so as the audio version doesn't spoil it for me. They're often abridged which can be irritating.
Anyhow, I searched out an online pdf version of this book, which would have cost 70p if you'd bought the physical copy when it was released.
To be honest I'm contemplating searching out a full set of his books to own in physical as they're all so intriguing.

The story is about a mysterious event that leaves almost every woman of child bearing age, in Midwich, pregnant. The story then focuses on the oddities of the children born.
I'm aware that it has been made into a film called the Village of the Damned (or something similar, I'm not online while I'm writing this) and although I haven't yet seen it, the book makes me curious to view it soon.

My opinion of it is positive, I adore the strange world and even that is created yet once again it feels like Wyndham knows a lot more about the events than the narrator can tell you so you never get all the details because they're coming to you second hand.
It sure is strange and the language used is a little out of touch with contemporary life and yet fully understandable. This book could have been set in 2000 and it wouldn't have been much different!

Very much worth reading if you don't mind feeling a little unsettled.

4/5

Audio Books

I've always been unsure whether they count on this blog but I've heard SO many I have to write about them.

I'm addicted to Radio 4 Extra.

I heard 3 Peter Davidson Doctor Who Stories which were awesome.

I've now heard 14 Sherlock Holmes stories.

John Wyndham's Chocky, The Chrysalids, and The Trouble with Lichen were all great too.

Tulip Fever by Deborah Moggach too.

They're all the ones I remember specifically but there have been more!

Ghost World - Daniel Clowes

I saw the film of this graphic novel/comic book story in lower sixth and adored it for it's oddness but wonderful characterisation, dry humour, cinematography, casting, and many other attributes. I've watched it at least 5 times if not a few more. It's great even if it is odd.

It was strange then to read the book. I bought it for myself for Christmas but only got around to it last night!
I really loved the images, it's really rather wonderful.
The elements of the book that are in the film transfer very well but I have to admit I found it a little bit lacking.
If I'd only read the comic I'm sure I'd adore it yet because I know the complexities of the film I just was upset that Seymour doesn't even properly exist in the comic. The Bob character looks a little like Steve Buscemi but he had few of the traits of Seymour.

I'm sure to read it again but I'm more likely to return to the film with the art class and the record collection and Scarlet Johansson.

4/5

Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - J. R. R. Tolkien

Well, this was a tedious read.
I'm sorry to the book fans but I am not fond of these books.
I will gladly watch the films over and over but the book drags along and also sends me to sleep.

I had a marathon reading session on Sunday and pushed through this book but I won't be reading it again.

3/5

Uglies - Scott Westerfeld

The first in the series.

It was great, it was strange reading it as if it was a prequel but it clarified some relationships and gave me much more information about the world it's set in.

I'm very much looking forward to reading the last 2 books!

4/5

The Lover's Dictionary - David Levithan

I read this one this morning.
Hazel was given it as one of her Easter Eggs.

I've talked before about my adoration for David Levithan's writing style. He knows how to engross a reader in the lives of his characters and he never gives too much away.

He is a master of "show not tell".

This book is a wrench, a verbal wonder and an emotional journey.

Read it. I will again probably because it's one of those books that is already to me like Sharon Creech's Love That Dog.

4/5 bananas, because no matter how beautiful it was also lacking in completion.

Pretties - Scott Westerfeld

I am aware now that this book is the second in the series.
I wasn't aware when I bought it but I read it out of sync with the knowledge it was the second.
I considered waiting until I'd got hold of the first one.
I'd never read a series in the wrong order before (unless you count Animal Ark and I don't).
I decided I needed to see if it was worth buying the first one so I read it.

It was great. Compelling and intriguing.
There are some books where you fall in love with the characters.
Some the world they live in.
Other books you read just so you can know "what happens next".

While I was reading this I found the characters a bit distant. However that's probably my fault for not reading the first book where I hope our protagonist is introduced in more depth and also because of her (and many others) being "pretties".
The world the book is set in and the subsequent battle with authority is what intrigues me most and it will probably annoy me to have to go back and not forward in the plot when I read the first book.

I am looking forward to reading Uglies (book one, which I now own) and Specials/Extras which follow.

4/5

The Dead - Charlie Higson

I bought this one with a Waterstone's card that I was gifted on my Birthday.
Expecting a sequel but getting a prequel was a little bit disappointing but that was until I read the story within.
This series may be about children under the age of 14/15 but it is not for children of that age, well not really any younger than 12. I read all sorts as a child but I wouldn't have wanted to read this then.
It was shocking and gruesome and he is not afraid to let you get emotionally invested in a character and then kill them. (This happened in The Enemy too).

It is a gripping read but not one for before bed. Higson is weaving a world that I want to know so much more about, I wished this book would just go on and on and tell me everything.

The small links between the two books were fantastic too, even though they were guessable from early on, the sinister nature of revealing who the man in the England shirt is from the first book or where Sam's story fits into this one make it wonderful.

Give this series a go, I dare you.

4/5

Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers - J.R.R.Tolkien

This one was really great for the first half and then a bit dreary in the second.
Following Merry and Pippin and the Ents was a wonderful tale but Frodo and Sam is dull and the films do it so much better.
Another book I'd not read again but it is worth it to get all those extra snippits of the world.

Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring - J.R.R.Tolkien

I enjoyed reading this book, finding out more about the world. reading about Tom Bombadil who was missed out from the films.
However, there is a very very small chance of me ever reading it again when the films are so amazing and the book is so wordy.

Boys Don't Cry - Malorie Blackman

When I saw an advert for this book I knew I would enjoy reading it.
I've loved every word of Malorie's I've ever read before.

James gave it to me for Christmas and I started it during the day and found it gripping.
Both Dante and Adam have stories that draw you in, make you concerned for those involved and compel you to read through to the end. Twinned with beautifully crafted writing it is a pleasure to read.

In a few years I wouldn't mind reading it again either!

4.5 bananas!

Also, there is the phrase "Damn it, Adam!" printed more than once and as this is a phrase I hear often at Uni and so made me laugh out loud.

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.