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This Charming Man

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Books
by: Marian Keyes

April 30, 2008
I'm always on the lookout for a books that's well written AND has an actual plot--you know, a beginning, middle, and end? You'd think this would be the norm, but if you read as much as I do, you know it's not.

Marian Keyes is one of the few writers who can actually pull you in, keep you turning the pages, and then build up to a good ending. S. Kinsella is another one, but she doesn't hit all the right spots every time.

THIS CHARMING MAN is about one, well, charming man and his connection to four women. This is a serious book with funny moments, but if you think about it, it really has some intense social ramifications. Some of the characters are better drawn than others, but still, overall, this is one heck of a book. ... Read More:

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A Thousand Splendid Suns

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Books
by: Khaled Hosseini

May 22, 2007
I must confess rather ashamedly, that I was somewhat skeptical when I was handed this book to read. They say 'never judge a book by its cover' and yet we all do it. The number of times I have walked past this book on the shelf and not even giving it a second glance is ridiculous because it actually IS a splendid story!

I couldn't help but relate to the two female characters in the story; their experience of loss, disappointment, hope, and personal strength. I even cried like a baby when I read the end of chapter 8 and then again in chapter 51. It absolutely broke my heart.

This book is a complete MUST READ!!! And it would be such a shame to miss the opportunity to read something so well written without coming across contrived ... Read More:

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Delia's How to Cheat at Cooking

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Books
by: Delia Smith

February 15, 2008
This book is totally backward and sending out the wrong message...the RIGHT idea is to try and get people back into the kitchen by tempting them with quick and easy recipes that are made from fresh ingredients. As some people have said anyway - most of the ingredients are much more expensive than buying fresh and how hard IS IT to make some blooming mash potato or fry up some mince?? Seriously?! If you're too lazy to do that, you'd be too lazy to bother making delia's "cheat" recipes anyway.

There are so many decent things we can make in LESS time than most of delias recipes take using FRESH ingredients for half the price...so, why on earth would we choose to do this? You may as well just buy a ready meal, it will take much less time, cost less and probably ... Read More:

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The Book Thief

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Books
by: Markus Zusak

January 01, 2008
I read this book as my son was bought it as a gift. It made me weep, it is so intense and very moving. Whether I would recommend it as a childs book (that is how it is advertised in my book shop!) I don't know. I think it needs an adults perception of the potential cruelty of the world and the kindness of good people to really appreciate this tale.

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A Quiet Belief in Angels

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Books
by: R.J. Ellory

January 02, 2008
I found the book to very involving and it sucked me right in. From its initial innocence of of the main character to how he developed later in life. The pace of the book was just right, starts slow and picks up pace in the second half.

One gripe I did have (and this is with most crime books), is that the authors never touch on why the bad guys do those things, as in this book, there was no real motive given for the bad guy, had a great opportunity but it seemed as though Ellory wanted to avoid the dark nature of the villain. We knew who he was and the protagonist touched on the reasons why those bad things MAY have been done, but thats all.

All in all a great read and highly recommended.

P.S. Steer clear of The Stand (Stephen king) as suggested ... Read More:

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Once Upon a Time in the North

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Books
by: Philip Pullman

April 03, 2008
He's really milking this scrawny old cash cow for all its worth, isn't he. The original books are dull and derivitive. And this is in the same league as Rowling and her 'handwritten' books.

Don't waste your time on this or put money in this man's pocket. There are actually well-written and original books out there that are far more interesting and - ooh - controversial.

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Jamie at Home: Cook Your Way to the Good Life

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Books
by: Jamie Oliver

September 06, 2007
Having watched the excellent and informative TV series I decided to part with my cash and buy the book of the series.

I have not been disappointed, the dishes I have tried taste wonderful, in particular potatoes and onions roasted in half a bottle of balsamic vinegar! Awesome!

The combination of grow it then cook it works well.

This is one of the most honest, unpretentious "celebrity" cook books you could find, full of easy recipes bursting with flavour.

The book would make an excellent present to both an experienced cook and novice alike.

Absolutly superb.

The only drawback, I now want an oven in the garden!

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Thanks for the Memories

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Books
by: Cecelia Ahern

April 01, 2008
I was absolutely thrilled when i seen this book, having loved ps i love you, if you could see me now and where rainbows end.

I main idea for the story itself was ingenious and i love the idea but i found it dragged out and that in writing the book she seemed unable how to interpretate the idea. I feel it lacked the creativity the rest of her book holds so well....

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"Grand Theft Auto 4": Signature Series Guide (Brady Games)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Books
by: Tim Bogenn, Rick Barba

April 29, 2008
If I knew this was going to be just a walkthrough of the main game (which, apart from the flying rat and jump guide it pretty much is) then I wouldn't have bothered.

You can find better walkthoughs online.

I bought this expecting it to have pics of the cars so you could identify them and more detailed info on the rest of the city.

There is only one pull out map and that's just the basic city with the same info on that you get with the game itself. It would have been better to have the weapon, armour and health maps as pull outs too.

From the thanks at the back of the guide I think the writers spent too much time being pampered in New York and drinking Maker's Mark than playing through the game and thinking how to structure their guide well.
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Aliens Love Underpants!

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Books
by: Claire Freedman

May 08, 2007
I first saw this book on Richard & Judy's childrens book club and got a snippet of how funny this book is. I promptly bought it for my neice who loves it! The rhyming is very funny and kids love the hilarious pictures also. I found this book highly amusing and fell in love with it that much that I bought one for myself!