The Red Tree
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I wasn't going to include picture books because I must read hundreds of these each year, and well they're for children! But not this one. Sometimes you find a book which was written for you and The Red Tree is mine. It depicts so beautifully and so dreadfully an awful time in my life and with a stunning simplicity the joy of its demise. This sounds horribly cryptic but this isn't the place I choose to bear my soul. I bought it for a dear friend of mine who understands - and PB of the 'eclectic taste' remark...I have one for you, I think you'll 'get it' too.
Because of you
Most of you will know that my fabulous sister was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a couple of hellish years but is now well and looking gorgeous and is more amazing than ever. When she was in hospital last week I bought this book because sometimes it is good to know about other people who made it through. Rebekah faced up to her own mortality with a new born baby and her courage is humbling. An inspiring read.
I don't mean to be rude but..
A biography of Simon Cowell.
I find people interesting, or perhaps I am just nosey, but I find driven people VERY interesting and Simon Cowell is nothing if not driven. A very controlled book, he's nobody fool and doesn't give away more than he wants to but interesting none the less.
GangLeader for A Day
Sociology student decides to get closer to his subject and lives amongst 'The Black Kings' one of Chicago's most notorious gangs for 4 years. It makes for interesting reading, partly the extent to which running the gang is treated like running any other business and much of it is mundane, albeit with guns!The Other Hand
This is a novel which tries a little too hard to be clever, from the blurb which states that we can't possibly tell you what happens in this book it's so extraordinary blah blah blah to the author's habit of dropping in little snippets of information from his own research. The characters never seem to speak in any voice other than his. However, it does address some major and timely issues; globalisation, identity, immigration and has one jaw dropping 'what would you do?' moment.
Boy A
A great, thought provoking novel. A young man is released from prison having served a sentence for a horrific incident he was involved in when he was 10 years old. (Mirrors the case of the release from prison of the boys involved in the James Bulger murder.) He is presented sympathetically as a likable, naive but troubled young man but can you escape the past and who should be allowed a fresh star? Has been made into a movie and will be on limited release in July. With the right cast this will be a powerful film.
14 to go....
5 comments:
Have you read any books about gorillas?
erm......no!
But if you want to recommend one :-)
Surely Anthony Browne books count??!!
Have read 2 of the 3 you passed on to me.
Simon Cowell, as you know, is my big crush, and I read this quickly and with interest. He has valid comments to make about the music business, but I do find it sad how much is based on TV appearances and not just ability. His behind the scenes comments about the Pop Idol finalists are amusing, but I found it hard to remember who most of them were...
The Other Hand was a compelling read, but a wee bit contrived. If you don't want it back, may I pass on to Miranda?
Just starting Boy A...will write more when I finish. Looks good though xx
yes, pass away but Anna has a hankering for Simon Cowell now!
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