Sunday 29 September 2013

52 books 47

Chinese cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah

An autobiography of the authors childhood and her struggle to overcome the cruelty of her stepmother and her father and bullying by her siblings, set against the background of a rapidly changing political scene. Sad and moving but showing how striving and education can change lives.
As someone who is trying to learn Mandarin, the chapter on the construction of the Chinese language
was fascinating.

Saturday 28 September 2013

52 books 46

Sputnik sweetheart by Murakami

I've raided my son and daughters bookshelves for their collection of Murakami books despite being warned that Norwegian Wood is the most normal and least weird of his books! I was attracted by the title Sputnik sweetheart so decided to read this next. Murakami has a very distinctive style of writing and this book also has the same themes of loneliness , deep, meaningful connections and the isolation of the human condition,but also focuses on the metaphysical  nature of reality and unreality.This book was also very moving .I found it less dark than Norwegian Wood

Friday 27 September 2013

Hidden History; Smyth family memories

These dolls are very tiny

Totally Thai 2013


Hearts and Hippos!!



I made these very cute mini hippos for my aunt and uncles' diamond wedding anniversary as they both love hippos, using Aine Marriots free ravelry pattern

and the  Be my dishcloth  free ravelry pattern by Kris knits. My aunty is using it as a blanket for her hippos!!

52 books 45

The sweet far thing by Libba Bray

Libba Bray draws the readers in to the worlds she has created and despite reading this for the third time I was still reading the ending with tears streaming down my face. In my opinion a very talented writer.

52 books 44

44. Rebel Angels by Libba Bray

Deception and lies. Nothing is as it seems either in the real world or in the realms, in this second book in the trilogy

Tuesday 17 September 2013

52 books 43

A great and terrible beauty by Libba Bray

This book for young adults is one of my daughters which I reread.Gothic fantasy set in the Victorian era it blends fantasy and suspense within a repressive school setting.The flaws within the characters of the girls and their individual problems are mirrored in the imperfect nature of the magical realms with dark undercurrents running through both. Reviewers have pointed out historical inaccuracies but Libba Bray is a great story teller.

Saturday 14 September 2013

52 books 42

Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami

With a backdrop of music of the 1960s this book stays in the mind long after reading it evoking the loneliness of the human condition and the need for connectedness and meaningful interaction. The themes of death, illness and loss run throughout the book together with friendship, sex and love
and the choices we must make in life. I think this book will speak to readers in different ways and can affect readers on a deeper level. Despite the hope and humour in the book, I was left with a feeling of deep sadness. A truly great writer.

Tuesday 10 September 2013

Hidden history; Smyth family memories


Totally Thai 2013

The beautiful flower garlands can be hung in house or car to provide a natural and very fragrant air freshener.

52 books 41

The Rogue by Trudi Canavan

This is the second book in her Traitor Spy trilogy, also a reread. The first book in this series The Ambassadors Mission is currently on loan to my sister. This series has many of the same characters as the magicians guild.The third book is on my Amazon wishlist and I can't wait to read it and find out what happens next. My next read will be something completely different!

Thursday 5 September 2013

Tuesday 3 September 2013

Hidden history: Smyth family memories


Totally Thai 2013

During our stay in Malaysia we crossed the border and with friends drove to Hat Yai, a city in southern Thailand. Their car insurance is rather worrying as it only covers you for an accident in which someone dies and not for injury! The roads in southern Thailand were reminiscent of the first time I visited Malaysia in 1979. Motorcycles carrying whole families with very small children and no helmets; Taxi vans full to the brim with people standing at the back, hanging on for dear life and huge open lorries with full loads of logs with people perched precariously on the top.

52 books 39

The Novice by Trudi Canavan

Second in the trilogy. Reread it in a day. How Sonea defeats the other students who are bullying her and slowly changes her views. Brilliant storytelling!

Sunday 1 September 2013

52 books 38

The Magicians Guild by Trudi Canavan

Rereading this for the third time. This is one of my all time favourite books. I love this trilogy by Trudi Canavan. For lovers of fantasy,this is a must read book