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A Guide to Looking and Feeling Fabulous Over Forty

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by: Twiggy

September 25, 2008
I was hoping to find something of use in Twiggy's book - but it's nothing but a random, waffly set of anecdotes with lots of advertisements for products and clothes shops. If you're looking for real advice - about what suits your shape, what colours to wear past a certain age, some thoughts on styles - look somewhere else.

I returned my copy, because I was so disappointed - and thumbs up to Amazon for letting me!

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I Used to Know That: Stuff You Forgot from School

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by: Caroline Taggart

May 22, 2008
This book is split into chapters based on the traditional school subjects, such as geography, history, maths, and then within each chapter split into 'typical things we were taught', ranging from the list of British kings to trigonometry to Charles Dickens.

There are certain chapters you'll skip, either because they were your specialist subject at university or because you're still not interested years later. But there are chapters you'll definitely be saying "I used to know that!" for.

It doesn't take very long to read the entire book, but that's only half the usefulness, because my copy will be taking a prominent place on my shelf- because next time anything that relates to these subjects comes up, I'll remember ... Read More:

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Heart and Soul

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by: Maeve Binchy

October 02, 2008
It's something comforting about Maeve Binchy's books. The cliché about a book being like a good friend, is so very right in her case. Of course, one is interested in finding out what happens to the characters, but there is no hurry. In the case of this book, it is much more preferable to sit down with a cup of tea and read quietly a couple of hours before going to bed.

"Heart and Soul" is a book to be devoured and there are many actors on the stage in Dublin. First there is Clara Casey, senior cardiac specialist at a new heart clinic at St. Brigid's Hospital, Clara's two daughters Adi and Linda, who in their twenties are having trouble settling down and finally her ex-husband Alan, who is asking Clara for a divorce in order to marry ... Read More:

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The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

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by: Stieg Larsson

July 24, 2008
This book has sold 5 million copies. What makes a book sell 5 million copies? Judging by this, the formula is: a fairly mainstream plot, some mild sex, a so-so conspiracy, and a style of writing that neither jars nor excites.

Let me first say that there is nothing actually wrong with this book. Aside from being much too long - common and acceptable in a first novel - there is nothing that will make you throw this book across a room. Nor, in my view, will you be riveted. It is like a three-part thriller on television, where you'll watch the final part if you happen to be in the room, but you wouldn't break a hot date to see it.

Larsson does a fair job of dissecting and explaining the `corporate fraud' part of the storyline, ... Read More:

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No Time For Goodbye

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by: Linwood Barclay

June 12, 2008
This book grabbed me from the word go. The easy and quick pace throws you straight into the story and takes you on a roller coaster ride to the end. Nearly every chapter leaves you wanting to know what happens next. A good thriller from start to finish.

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Apache

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by: Ed Macy

September 01, 2008
As an ex-military person (30+ years, including many in the middle east), as a military consultant and as a military historian who has also read the other books and been given access to a number of official MOD accounts about the same period in Helmand Province, I came to review Apache with a wide-open and inquiring mind.
I agree with a number of other Amazon reviewers that it is a good story (albeit in a Sun newspaper style that, as an historian, is not to my taste!) and so offer two stars on that count but am unable to offer more when it comes to content.
I have been at great pains to reconcile the version of various events as told in Apache with the same events seen through the eyes of other pilots and of those in the infantry at just about ... Read More:

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How Children Learn: From Montessori to Vygotsky - Educational Theories and Approaches Made Easy

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by: Linda Pound

January 01, 2005
Great book, great for all levels - good mix of theorists, excellent links to more information. Good links to those who oppose the theorists cited and why - would recommend as a good basic book for any level of learning

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A History of Modern Britain

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by: Andrew Marr

May 02, 2008
I took this book on holiday with me and I feel a week by the pool is a perfect way to enjoy this book.

I really enjoyed the pace of this work. I felt it gave just the right amount of detail without dwelling on unimportant facts.

For me it was constantly enthralling. As a 23 year-old I certainly learnt a great deal. The detail is far greater than the BBC series that accompanied the book. My only doubt is whether had I lived through the times discussed I would have found it a little lightweight.

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Social Research Methods

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by: Alan Bryman

March 06, 2008
It's comprehensive covering all you would need whilst studying social science research methods. I've found it extremely helpful in my studies.

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Doctor Who: The Writer's Tale (Doctor Who)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Books
by: Russell T. Davies, Benjamin Cook

September 25, 2008
A fascinating insight into the mind of a TV writer. I hadn't realised that RTD worked so hard - heavily rewriting almost everyone's scripts (apart from Steven Moffat's) including the much lauded Human Nature/Family of Blood.

What I also found interesting about this collection of emails between RTD and Benjamin Cook is that it could almost be said that RTD was using the exchange as therapy - who could have thought that the talking head crying "Marvelous!" and "Hooray!" during Doctor Who Confidential was so wracked with self doubt and self criticism during the creative process? Whatever you may personally think about the episodes he wrote, reading this will give you massive respect for the man.

Despite Russell's disclaimers in the ... Read More: