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.
Sunday, 29 September 2013
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
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
Hearts and 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.
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
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.
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.
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
Totally Thai 2013
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!
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
52 books 40
The High Lord by Trudi Canavan
The third book in the trilogy, fast paced and gripping storyline and a heartwarming love story. Trudi Canavan remains one of my favourite writers.
The third book in the trilogy, fast paced and gripping storyline and a heartwarming love story. Trudi Canavan remains one of my favourite writers.
Tuesday, 3 September 2013
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!
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
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
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