Top Ten Books

Inspired by Erica at The Sweet Life , I thought maybe a top 10 might be a cosy way to spend an hour or so over Easter (in between sneaking over to the lovely What a Peach! for a guest post and errands that never ever seem to finish).


Books can be amazing companions, always available in a tight and boring spot, they can create adventure when you are stuck in the day-to-say doldrums, they provide never-ending conversation with other bookworms and can change the way you think and view the world.

Our wee beastie loves curling up with a good book. In fact she likes to nibble new ones..

I've usually got a few different books on the go (and haven't quite managed to stifle the habit of using anything lying around as a bookmark - TV remote, socks, receipts. I've got beautiful bookmarks that sit in my pen jar, gorgeous but unloved, they seem to have a habit of shimmying our of sight when there's some real work to be done).

At the moment I'm reading:
- The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared
- The Crimson Petal And The White (R18, but the language and writing is sumptuous and some phrases and paragraphs you have to read it twice to really savour them properly)
- The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cakeis  newly started and looks promising

I try to vary what I'm reading, much like flavours of chocolate - your mood suits different treatments and temperings. Also, this way if I get sick of a book or can't find it because it's being used to turn the TV Channel over I can dive into another one. Ahh, a positive side to commuting!

After some lengthy consideration (aka. the most memorable, well paged or most recommended) my top ten, in no particular order, at the moment are:

- The Secret Garden (free on Kindle at time of writing) Beautiful tale of an incredible spoiltchild raised by servants, who discovers a secret garden and goes on a journey of learning to make friends and take joy in simple things. A timeless Children's tale.

- Twilight I know, I'm sorry, but I loved it. Bella is quite a bit spineless, but there is something spellbinding about the story that weaves a blatant suspension of disbelief.

- The Night CircusI simply couldn't put this down. It was fascinating, captivating, mysterious and funny. Two magicians are training apprentices, and have set the circus as a playing field for the apprentices, in a duel that, unknown to the duellists is one to the death. Reviewed here.

- The Longest CrawlWitty, informative and thirst-inducing, this is the authors journey both personal and researched, reflecting an integral part of British Life - the Pub. Reviewed here.

- I Am Ozzy"People ask me how come I'm still alive, and I don't know what to say." I don't think much else needs to be said, bar that hubby & I kept reading bits our to each other they were so insane yet matter of fact.

- The Flavour ThesaurusIt's a mixture of taste pairing information, science, experience and a few recipes accompanied by some lovely memories and restaurant recommendations. You could just read it cover to cover, forget the Foodie side! Reviewed here.

- EmmaClassic, she is quick-witted, beautiful, headstrong and rich and above all has a great name. My copy is well thumbed, and I can probably blame most of my worst traits on Jane Austen, except the rich thing. Must work on that.

- Almost anything by Terry Pratchett. I live for his footnotes. Mort, the book and stage show is reviewed here for your interest, featuring the Grim Reaper taking a working holiday discovering dancing, drinking, his new-found skills as a short-order chef and a love for kittens).

- Belgariad 1: Pawn of ProphecyMy favourite favourite series as a teen - when the horrendous hormones flew about and everyone started to slag each other off, I just retreated into this fantastic made-up world.

- The Little Book of LondonThe ultimate Loo Book - chock full of halarious and downright random facts of London.

When writing the above, it struck me as weird that there is a little bit of self-social pressure to look educated and a bit high-brow. I know I don't, and I'm cool with that.

via Google Plus through +Terry McNeil 

(Please note any links to Amazon are through my Amazon Associates account, which means I make a little money (less than 5%) from any purchases made after clicking through these links and it adds nothing to the price of your book. This helps support my book addiction, so if you are interested in buying the book, please click through the top link)
Any suggestions that you think knock out one or more of the above? What is your most paged through book?

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Gone Girl: Book Review

Have you ever found a book you want to like, but couldn't? Every day for weeks I walked  past a display in a booksellers window, made entirely of copies of this book. I heard reviews of it, listen to friends gush about how incredible it was and generally heard a lot of good things about this popular novel.

 

It's a fascinating idea: a crime/thriller set in the modern day US, a woman's disappearance and presumed murder by her husband. The twists and turns are really interesting - let's put it this way, I wouldn't want to annoy anyone with a mind like Gillian Flynn.

Maybe it was just too long, but the characters didn't pull me in - I did finish it, and I didn't necessarily see the twist coming, but it missed a spark for me. The characters sounded a little forced in my view, but I really enjoyed the multiple view/hall of mirrors style of narration, but for such a long book the characters were flawed and not full enough. You may be thinking that it's out of my normal genre, but I loved Before I Go To Sleep review recently and grew up on a diet of crime/thriller (Dean Koontz is one of my top 5 favourite authors) as well as my favourite fantasy and history books.

I read a lot (having a commute to fill will do this to you), and I don't often pick up books that are currently popular. Maybe it's the hippy side my Mother raised me with, but I often find that books that are over-hyped tend to be disappointing. Maybe it's the expectation setting it up for a fall, but this was the same - really interesting, clever premise and idea, but it just didn't rock my world as much as I though it would.

It was however on the New York times bestseller list last year for eight weeks and (date date of posting this) has sold over two million copies (print & e-book, according to Wikipedia). Just #keepingitreal

(Ps. just found a website for suggesting books (ahem above) when you are searching for a new one to read: Book Country)

Have you read it? Do you agree/disagree?

(Please note any links to Amazon are through my Amazon Associates account, which means I make a little money (less than 5%) from any purchases made after clicking through these links and it adds nothing to the price of your book. This helps support my book addiction, so if you are interested in buying the book, please click through the top link)

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Xenophobes guides to Kiwis: Reading Recommendation

"Vowels sounds can be a trap" Oh how my husband laughed - he always asks me what happened - "Captain Cook went to Nuu Zullund with 5 vowels, but you all seem to have lost 3 of them..." the worst words seem to be six/sex and pin/pen.

 

 

Last week, I ran through the Xenophobes guide to the English, so for all intents in being fair (got to have Fair Play) may I present the Xenophobes guides to Kiwis. It touches on our relationship with Mother England, our Anti-nuclear stance, our joy of understatement, icons, and sense of humour.

It's nice to think that Kiwi's like to tell other nations about our famour personalities; Edmun Hilary, Ernest Rutherford, Kiri te Kanawa and Karen Walker, but did you know that William Atack was the first person to use a whistle to stop a game, Godfrey Bowen used to be the worlds fastest sheep shearer and Ernest Godwin invented the spiral hairpin? Neither did I. It is very interesting though, how Kiwis have infiltrated the world and seem to be everywhere - my old boss had a 17 strong team of Kiwis in his business. How bizarre is that? We seem to have a good name for ourselves which is nice!

"There are more passports in New Zealand per million that any other country in the world" not a bad stat for a flightless bird!

 

"A common preoccupation of abroad Kiwis is to see how often their country's name comes up in the paper" - I am absolutely guilty of this, and all of my UK family are just the same. What amazes me, is how often we're mentioned considering that there is only a few of us. On a side not, it amuses me, and I was only talking about this at a blogger thing last night, is how often characters running away from home/work/crazy people run to New Zealand, seemingly the end of the Earth. Though to be fair even my hubby remarked when flying from Sydney to New Zealand, it does seem like you're flying off the ends of the Earth!

I have only one complaint about the book, which otherwise is a funny, true and informative read. The author makes the claim that heaven help any Brit who criticises New Zealand, but the "Australian visitor is given leeway to criticise." Um hello, are you sure you're a Kiwi, sir authors?? It could be re-written to say that anyone who isn't an Australian can poke fun at Nuu Zulland, and will be gently smiled at, but an Australian will just be called an Okker. Sorry, it's true.

 

Read it, if only to translate a few of your Kiwi friends/colleagues/family sayings. It will be sweet as, I promise.

 

Have any of you come across any of the above Kiwi traits?

(Please note any links to Amazon are through my Amazon Associates account, which means I make a little money (less than 5%) from any purchases made after clicking through these links and it adds nothing to the price of your book. This helps support my book addiction, so if you are interested in buying the book, please click through the top link)

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The Xenophobes Guide to the English: Book Review

"Heat waves bring out the beast in the English. Cold and drizzle calm them down"

This was an amusing read about the stereotypes of English characters - it probably would have been quite good to read earlier in my travelling, but a page-turner nonetheless. It covers the importance of the cuppa (Tea), Cricket, stoicism (a much admired trait), how house-proud they are (especially oop north), how much they enjoy queueing, mentions their obsession with poo, and their sense of humour.

Lucky for us Nuu Zulunders, "The English have a special relationship...with the Kiwis who have model manners, but have an annoying tendancy to thrash them at rugby"

It does discuss the English preference to not make a fuss, or a "to do, a hullabaloo, a palaver, a kerfuffle, a song and dance". This is very much the bastion of the English character; for instance I've been in a restaurant several time with my hubby, and they have gotten his order wrong and he has said nothing, just looked po-faced, even when I've offered to mention the problem to the staff.

"Supplication, gratitude and, most important of all, apology are central to English social discourse."

So is getting your round in at the pub. It's a real social faux pas not to.

This is a good chuckle-read, to assist deciphering your pommy workmates and educate yourself a little on commuting. Written by English authors, it's very tongue in cheek, but quite apt. It's quite a good series, I particularly enjoyed the guide to New Zealanders, it even taught me a little something.

(Please note any links to Amazon are through my Amazon Associates account, which means I make a little money (less than 5%) from any purchases made after clicking through these links and it adds nothing to the price of your book. This helps support my book addiction, so if you are interested in buying the book, please click through the top link)

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The Flavour Thesaurus: Book Review

This isn't a recipe book, not really, it's so much more. The author has taken 99 common flavours and sorting them into flavour families, matching them, exploring tradional pairings - such a Lamb and Mint and less tradional - such as Avocado & Coffee or Ginger & Egg.

A 3-year labour of love for the author, it's not exhaustive but really interesting for broadening your cooking horizons. It's a mixture of information, science, experience and a few recipes accompanied by some lovely memories and restaurant recommendations. You could just read it cover to cover, forget the Foodie side!

The author goes into some interesting scientific detail as well - (your fact for the day:)Globe Artichokes "contain a phenolic compound called cynarin, which has the peculiar effect of making anything you eat directly afterwards taste sweet".

The Flavour Thesaurus: Niki Segnit

I really like the idea of using bridging ingredients, and it may be that extra 'something' I sometimes find wanting in my cooking eg. I love Salmon Bagels with Cream Cheese, but tried them today with the addition of fresh Lemon Juice. Delicious!! A book like this is good for a noob like me - I doubt I'll ever be a Michelin Chef, but I enjoy pairing flavours and playing with new interesting combinations of good quality ingredients. It's also interesting how once you have played with a recipe, you can tweak it to improve it, and how you can begin to try dishes from restaurants, but cooking them in the comfort of your own home.

The book is based around the food 'families and include a really funky circular diagram. The book itself is really handsome - perfect for a gift to a budding Foodie. My only grumble - it missed Honey & Kiwifruit (oh yeah, I had to go there!).

Reportedly, Heston Blumenthal buys all of his new staff a copy for reading. Did I mention this book begins with Chocolate? Winner!

I've also discovered a new English-ism - the tradition of going into a pub and burying a pickled egg in a packet of scrunched up crisps - apparently Salt & Vinegar is good, but Worcestershire is better. Challenge accepted.

(Disclaimer: the above links to an Amazon Associates UK account, which means I make a little money (less than 5%) from any purchases made after clicking through these links, but at no extra charge to you. So if you are interested in buying the book, please click through the link under the image. Help support a book addiction...)

What is your favourite pairing of flavours - traditional and non-traditional? Lately I'm obssessed with Ginger & Dark Chocolate, and Fries & Soft Serve.

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The Modern Pantry: Restaurant Review

I think I've said it before, but Brunch is swiftly becoming my favourite meal of the day. A few friends and I have checked out another few of London's Kiwi brunch spots - Kopapa (which I've found out recently means "Meeting Place"), the Providores and Caravan (Kings Cross) all run by Kiwi chefs with a passion for good food and great atmosphere.

The Modern Pantry was no exception.



Found in fashionable Clerkenwell, the Modern Pantry is housed in two Georgian buildings, the larger of the two buildings was originally part of an adjacent steel foundry, while the other was a townhouse.

The interior of the restaurant (we were downstairs in the cafe part) is nicely full of crisp clean furniture with warm highlights. We couldn't believe how large the place was - our floor, another floor above us and a floor above that with the facilities. It was so quiet it was hard to believe how many people were there being served.

Service was really nice - friendly, funny, happy to answer any questions and make substitutions and not overbearing in anyway, they wierdly just popped over whenever we started to think about ordering something. Maybe telepathy is a hiring condition there?

Our biggest problem was deciding what to eat from the extensive menu in the sunshine away from the bitter North wind. Every plate that came out of the kitchen - usually a good indication of what's good - looked delicious. As with most of the restaurants we've tried with Kiwi links, the menus are modern, focus on the ingredients, but don't have a particular food style - they do have a few Kiwi twists though - Marmite soldiers for instance.

We settled in the end for a variety of dishes:

Turkish Menemen Baked Eggs with Nigella Yoghurt and Sourdough Bread - a in essence a Turkish ratatouille of onions, tomato, peppers and lovely spice topped with two perfectly baked eggs, a spiced flavoured yoghurt and sourdough bread perfect for dipping.

Eggs Benedict withYuzu Hollandaise (Yuzu is a small oriental citrus fruit) and Bacon or Salmon; The Yuzu Hollandaise was met with mixed reviews, but the perfectly poached eggs looked delicous atop their salmon or bacon and Muffin brunch-fellows.

A delicious looking Grilled Breakfast (Bacon, Scrambled Eggs etc.) Everything seemed to cooked really nicely as you'd expect, this certainly isn't a greasy spoon.

And the Pièce de résistance: Ricotta filled pancakes with berry compote and Cream Fraiche. As per our very freindly waiters advice, we kinda had them as Breakfast Dessert, sharing between the table. Oh Boy were these delicious.

Crisp batter filled with soft creamy Ricotta cut with the sweetly sharp berries. This was... well it's making my mouth water. You load your fork with a bit of everything and just enjoy.

 

We tried several coffees (Kiwi's definately know how to make a mean flat white - full bodied without being burned, full fat milk (gasp) at just the right temperature) and whilst we didn't order any of the delectable smoothies or delicious sounding 'reviving cocktails', we were tempted into ordering some of the hard to pronounce Teas made locally. We were also advised (laughingly) by our waiter that the Tea company recommends their Teas are served in stemmed wine glasses. Ever the adventurers we had a try, and thankfully had no incidents of smashing (though it steam a few specs).

 

Overall we really enjoyed ourselves. Unobstrusive friendly service, good food and a nice atmosphere it is a place that is very easy to linger in on a Saturday morning.

 

 

I definately recommend going to The Modern Pantry for a nice brunch near to Farringdon Tube Station (watch out at the station for marauding Kiwis but only near the 6th of Feb though). Be warned the menus are extensive, they have daily changing menus (including separate Saturday and Sunday Brunch menus) and I understand that you're advised to book as it can get very busy.

Eggs Benedict: Bacon or Salmon? Discuss. 

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The Ginger Pig Meat Book: Book Review

One of my most beloved Christmas pressies this year, was the Ginger Pig Meat book. Intended to be a reference book explainining buying, preparing and cooking meat, it's also recipe book filled to the brim with tantalising recipes.

The first quarter is dedicated to cuts of meat and more information about them than you can shake a stick at. Each chapter thereafter is organised into monthly chunks, prefaced with a diary page of the happenings on the 3 Yorkshire farms that supply the shops.

Tim Wilson, the farm and shop owner started farming 'accidentally' 15 years ago due to some pigs he bought multiplying, and began selling the meat. Such a great idea combining both, and Tim Wilson's passion for what he does really shines through. Good meat, looked after well. He is passionate, which really comes through the book and the magnificent meat, about traditional breeds, food and the intensive flavours that result.

The specially commissioned photography shines through, and is just beautiful.

I can't wait to begin cooking with the recipes, and I will let you know how I get on (though just as a reference guide this book is brilliant). In the meantime, I have dinner to finish cooking (sorry this is half cooked hence the brown edges), just look at that beautiful meat.

People are really beginning to care where their meat comes from, it's a revolution and can only be a good thing. This sort of book showcases what can be done, and just how hard Farmers work to produce food for us. I come from a farming family and have seen it first hand, but to know where it has come from, and that the animals have a quality of life makes it worth paying that little bit extra.

There is something so inviting about making your passion into a job - a lot of hard work - but more rewarding than your usual 9-5 slog.

What's your favourite meat dish?

(Please note any links to Amazon are through my Amazon Associates account, which means I make a little money (less than 5%) from any purchases made after clicking through these links and it adds nothing to the price of your book. This helps support my book addiction, so if you are interested in buying the book, please click through the top link)

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Desert Island Discs

Your task - should you accept it - is to choose 6 books, 6 songs and 6 movies which you would like to take with onto your desert island ... plus one "luxury item" which may not be a means of escape or communication or a living creature.  You do get:

 

Sufficient food and water
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare
Whatever Religious book you would care to follow
A gramophone (or CD player in this day and age)
and
A Video and TV with which to play movies

 

Off the top of my head I think I would choose;

6 Books:
The Night Circus, Erin Morgenstern - Beautiful and dreamlike it's a wonderful escape.
The Twilight Saga Omnibus, Stephanie Meyer (is that cheating?) - Yes, I'm a little bit of a Twihard, it's a guilty pleasure that I enjoy re-reading occasionally.
The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett - This is a childhood favourite of mine, I wonder why is came to mind?
A guide to tropical plants - It always pays to be prepared on a Desert Island.
War & Peace, Leo Tolstoy - It's a life goal to read this baby, and let's be honest,being marooned on a Desert Island with no real distractions is probably the best time to read it.
The next book in whatever series I'm reading at the time.

6 Songs - This one is really hard:
The Spirit of Radio, Rush - To remind me of my husband.
Eye of the Tiger, Survivor - Reminding me to never give up
What You Want, Evanescence - Brilliant Rock song I can't get enough of at the moment.

Broken, Seether feat. Amy Lee - Beautiful rock duet.
Hope (the long version), Fat Freddy's Drop - The perfect summer jam by an awesome Kiwi band. Perfect for sitting under a Palm tree.
Small World, Roddy Frame - I love this song, and would love to have the time to the singing timings right.

6 Movies
Robin Hood, Men in Tights - The funniest movie ever.
The Second Twilight Movie - I just loved it.
Memoirs of a Geisha - for the sheer stunning cinematography.
Airplane - The second funniest movie ever.
Lord of the Rings - to remind me of NZ & because I was an extra in it (my 15 second claim to fame).
Silence of the Lambs - I've not seen it in a long time, but I would like to again.

An acoustic guitar would be my luxury item - I always wanted to learn to play it properly, I could try charming the locals, write songs, use the strings for fishing wire if I ran out of food, and could use it to collect water, or a weapon in case of danger.

I must admit I'm not very good at these 'favourite lists' for instance favourite foods the answer tends to be "Er," and whichever one I fancy at that given moment.

 

I would love you to leave your picks in the comments section below, or link to a post in your own blog, also in the comments section.

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A Game of Thrones

This book reminded me of Marmite. You know how it is; some people love it, some people hate it, and you occasionally see a lone jar on the shelf, and think 'Oh, what the heck (or something more punchy depending on the kind of store you're in) it's been aaages since I tried Marmite'.

A Song of Ice and Fire (1) - A Game of Thrones George R. R. Martin

Sometimes you are in the mood for Marmite; hot buttery toast beckoning, crackers with cheese and other times you are served it, thick as tar and the smell makes you feel gross.

"In the Seven Kingdoms, its all a power struggle between the different families. And the largest struggle happens between the Starks and the Lannisters. If you are not a Lannister, then you are not safe once the King dies. Everyone is out for your blood. Its a story of falsely accused treason, dragons, Kings and Queens, Lords and Ladies."

I'm still unsure about this book. I finished it, and considered getting the sequel, but haven't gotten around to it (much like the reason I haven't read it before - I never got around to it). I've never been a fan of the multi-character point-of-view novel as you don't really get to know the characters; their development usually non-existant. This is essence why the book ends up being like Marmite. You like it, you don't, you like it, you don't...

There are a variety of characters embroiled in the fight for the throne of the Seven Kingdoms; and to be contrary, the ones I enjoyed the most aren't the heroes, but were Tyrion (the dwarf brother of twins angling for the throne, and Danerys, the last 'true' dragon heir for the thronw. Tyrion is probably the most multi-faceted character - equal parts mischevious, charming, devious and sad. Danerys is quite unique in my experience - she has the makings of a supreme evil character - but what is interesting is seeing how she begins to develop, shaped by the world and events around her.

These are the best developed characters, and the ones I looked the most forward to, but the rest left me a little cool. J R Martins descriptions of the Seven Kingdoms were beautifully textured though - I particularily loved the Moon Gate. Chilling.

The direwolves are cool.

The plot and speed of the very very long novel keep your interest piqued, but I'm glad I've got this on my e-reader - in 'real life' this book is 2 inches thick. Definately a book for the long haul reader. I was discussing this with my work colleagues and they very puzzled asked "Why on earth are you reading it when it's out on TV?"

It might be a good call actually ... accompanied by some hot buttery toast.

(Please note any links to Amazon are through my Amazon Associates account, which means I make a little money (less than 5%) from any purchases made after clicking through these links. This helps support my book addiction, so if you are interested in buying the book, please click through the link under the image)

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Tales from a Secondhand Wand Shoppe - E-Book Review

Charting the adventures and mis-adventures of two gnomes, I lighted on this e-book, and thinking it sounded delicious, appealing to my love of Terry Pratchett I devoured this in an afternoon or so. Really funny, slightly discombobulated (a few editing errors which make things a bit odd) I think Robert P. Willis is someone that I'm going to keep an eye out for.

Basically, two gnomes selling wands (one from a shoppe, one from a cart - often being moved on) join forces. "City ordinances are broken. Neighbors are annoyed. The Constable becomes involved. Even the Magician's Guild sends over some Enforcers to deal with them. Things are looking up for the Gnomes! "

Such great characters - Grimbledung and Drimblerod, "a neurotic Jousting Dummy, an immortal (so far) Rat, a Trolless who runs the Tavern and Restaurant across the street, a Dwarf next door with (alleged) Mob ties, and the Head Mistress of the local School of Magic (with definite Mob ties)". This series the beginnings of a great Terry Pratchett-esque world. I felt the plot could do with tightening in places, it does wander a bit, but the characters and writing is just so funny. I also loved the creative chapter names.

Tales From a Second Hand Wand Shoppe (Book 1) {They Were The Best of Gnomes They Were The Worst of Gnomes}: Robert P. Willis & Rio Taylor

A good commuter read, certainly a 'Willing suspension of disbelief' it's a great, funny escapist fantasy read. I'm really looking forward to this writer and future series - not to mention the fantastic illustrations scattered throughout the book.

(Please note any links to Amazon are through my Amazon Associates account, which means I make a little money (less than 5%) from any purchases made after clicking through these links but it doesn't add any cost to your purchase. This helps support my book addiction, so if you are interested in buying the book, please click through the top link)

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Saturday Brunch at The Providores

Mother restaurant to Kopapa, we've heard so many rave reviews about The Providores in Marylebone Village we had to head over and check it out. With two lovely wing-ladies, a rendezvous was arranged for 10.30am, knowing that the restaurant gets busy, hoping we could get a table in the lower non-book Tapas (known as such because of the Tapas cloths on the walls) portion of the restaurant. We had pretty poor seats as the luck of the draw went, so enquired about getting a table upstairs, enjoying our scrummy Spirulina's in the meantime.

After a wee bit of confusion we were sent upstairs to the where it was much quieter - no loud music  and more formal. The service was fine, nice and unobtrusive without being over attentive.

Overall the food was good; my Turkish Eggs were delicious as usual, the French Toast looked incredible (though a wee bit too Banana heavy) and the "Goats’ curd, baby beets, candied walnuts, char-grilled artichoke, chestnut and pomegranate salad with tamari ginger dressing " looked amazing, though again I think a wee bit small for the price. C'mon peeps, it's a salad for goodness sake; make it a bit more beasty! Presentation was good.

We felt the (undisclosed by the Tapas Room staff) £5ish cover charge unfair as there is also an added 12.5% service charge, but it was offered to be removed at the point of paying when requested.

Verdict? The Providores is Peter Gordon's first baby, with Kopapa a relative newcomer to the fold, but the consensus is that Kopapa is better. More brunch friendly; not as noisy, slightly larger and the food is just as good. Another mark against The Providores - no Date Scones. It doesn't take much to make a happy Kiwi does it! Maybe The Providores is a better evening venue, though it's certainly busy enough.

However the company and conversation was excellent, a lovely way to begin the weekend.

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The Little Book of London - Reading Recommendation

The ultimate Loo Book - chock full of halarious and downright random facts of London. It's really mean to be a dip in and out of book, but I must admit that I read it in 3 sessions - from the comfort of my couch.

The Little Book of London David Long

Including the reason that policemen are called "Coppers and the Old Bill" and that Members of Parliament are still forbidden to attend the House wearing a full suit of armour. One thing I've always wanted to do though, is excercise my entitlement to drive sheep across London's bridges - this was done as recently at 1999 where a 60-year-old man did so, and was stopped by the police who investigated and then let him continue.

The illustrations are great as well - get this, it's seriously funny.

And yes, I finally gave into hubby's cry of "Get an e-reader to save the rainforests!" It's not bad, really handy especially for commuting; but I still prefer books. In fact I bought a couple the other day that weren't available on my e-reader. Ahhhh, paper.

Perfect for Anglophiles, Anoraks and Antipodeans. It's light-reading, it's full of 100s of facts and the awesome fact that Prince Charles once wrote a "Guide to chatting up girls".

(Please note any links to Amazon are through my Amazon Associates account, which means I make a little money (less than 5%) from any purchases made after clicking through these links but it doesn't add any cost to your purchase. This helps support my book addiction, so if you are interested in buying the book, please click through the top link)

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Mort - Book and Theatre Review

I have a confession to make. I am a huge Terry Pratchett fan. I love his combination of fantasy, wit and comments on life.

His fourth book is Mortis a witty, cynical parody romp through perils of a first job, but this is a first job with a difference - Mort's boss is Death himself. We've all experienced first days, but at least our first day's couldn't destroy the very fabric of reality. "As Death's apprentice, he'll have free board and lodging, use of the company horse, and he won't need time off for family funerals. The position is everything Mort thought he'd ever wanted, until he discovers that this perfect job can be a killer on his love life."

With great character development of Death (an otherwise shadowy bit-figure in the Discworld Series), once Mort thinks he gets the hang of being a Grim Reaper, Death takes a working holiday discovering dancing, drinking and his skills as a short-order chef until - inevitably - he has to be summoned back to fix the problems that compassionate Mort causes.

What I liked there is a rich seam of British humour running through all of Terry Pratchet's books, and this is no exception. With some fabulous one-liners, but a saddening dearth of footnotes, and footnotes of footnotes (my favourite part of Terry Pratchets books) it's a great easy read, that has you laughing out loud.

The only problem is it is a wee bit patchy with a couple of spectacular leaps in narrative, but it's such a crazy idea in the first place, all is easily forgiven.

Mort: (Discworld Novel 4): A Discworld Novel (Discworld Novels)

Terry Pratchett

What I really loved: Mort the Musical


Photo Credit (and a far superior review methinks!)

Yeah, you read that right! One of my work colleagues (another bookworm) mentioned in passing that she was going to see Mort: The Musical, and I had to go, dragging hubby all the way. Whilst the edges were a bit raw, it was so much light hearted fun. Brought to the stage by Jenifer Toksvig and performed by Youth Music Theatre UK's production, it's neat little adaptation of the book. As ever, it doesn't cover the whole book but to be honest I didn't expect it to.

With some amazing prop use, and a few natty dance numbers & songs, we grinned from start to finish. They way it's been adapted was also quite successful - leaving in enough 'in-jokes' to keep the Pratchett fans happy, but un-convoluted enough to appease the non-fans (read better halves dragged along).

(Please note any links to Amazon are through my Amazon Associates account, which means I make a little money (less than 5%) from any purchases made after clicking through these links without adding any cost to your purchase. This helps support my book addiction, so if you are interested in buying the book, please click through the top link)

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Rivers of London - Reading Recommendation

Peter Grant is your average Central London PC; street-wise, loves his curries, beer and football but not so great at concentrating on the finer detail. It just so happens that one day he takes a statement "from a man who was already dead but still disturbingly voluble."

 

I really enjoyed the clever mix of life in London with a supernatural twist. The characters are flawed and funny - narrated by Peter Grant, it feels that as a character he begins to find himself, instead of being banished the drudgery of the paperwork based 'Case Progression Unit' and finds a niche in which to use his unique perspective on the world. As a result of this 'awareness' he is approached by a fairly secretive branch of the Met Police, and he begins to train as a magician because as the character says "I want in Sir, I've got to know." I think I would do the same.

The secondary characters of Lesley and Nightingale are good foils for Peter Grant, as he begins the process and discovers there is much more to London than thought. London itself is almost a character in the novel, and as a card-carrying antipodean, this was one of my favourite aspects of the book - not to mention the personifications of the London Rivers.

It took me a couple of chapters to get into it, much like Terry Pratchet when I was younger, but once I was hooked, that was it. It may be that as it's narrated by a man which is fairly unusual for a Fantasy/Fiction book.

 

Rivers of London (Rivers of London 1) Ben Aaronovitch

Definately a great commuting and travel read, and nice for something out of the ordinary (even compared to usual Fantasy books). The researching seems to be spot on, but doesn't overwelm and dry out the book; and insights to the London Bobbies are very quick witted. This was so enjoyable, I'm already reading the second book in the series.

(Please note any links to Amazon are through my Amazon Associates account, which means I make a little money (less than 5%) from any purchases made after clicking through these links with no added cost to your purchase. This helps support my book addiction, so if you are interested in buying the book, please click through the top link)

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