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Acheron (Dark Hunter) (Dark Hunter)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Fiction
by: Sherrilyn Kenyon

August 07, 2008
I have waited for so long for this book, I just snapped it up when it came out - although I had to wait for some time before starting it because I wanted to 'take my time'. I've always loved Ash's character in the DH books and we got hints of his life throughout the Dark Hunter series - especially in Zarek's book, where Ash lets Zarek 'see' his a part of his past where he too was treated badly by his father.

I absolutely adored it! It's over 700 pages long and, from the very first page, we're riveted. I resented having to put it down - even to sleep! Drove my husband crazy - oops...!

Having read a most of Sherilyn's 'DH' books, all JR's 'Black Dagger' books, and all Christine's 'Dark' series, I have to say that ... Read More:

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Slaughterhouse 5, or The Children's Crusade - A Duty-dance with Death

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Fiction
by: Kurt Vonnegut

October 17, 1991
Catch 22 exposes the ruthless realities of war and subsequently the harsh realities of life, as the novel depicts war as a microcosm of life itself. By doing this Heller are showing to the reader that war is just as inevitable as life itself and that life is sometimes as harsh and unyielding as war.

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Darkly Dreaming Dexter

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Fiction
by: Jeff Lindsay

July 27, 2005
... Books are even better. Simple as that. If You enjoyed the show the books are the icing on the cake. Ok technically the other way round, but I went from the shows to the books. Well worth it.

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The Importance of Being Earnest (Penguin Popular Classics)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Fiction
by: Oscar Wilde

March 30, 1995
In my quest to read more work by Irish literary greats this year, I recently purchased a newly repackaged Penguin Popular Classic version of Oscar Wilde's 1895 play The Importance of Being Earnest. This edition, with its vibrant green cover and tracing-paper thin paper (all 100 per cent recycled), retails for a meagre £2 -- that's a very cheap price for a masterpiece, in my opinion.

I had seen a film version of this play a couple of years ago (the 2002 version starring Rupert Everett, Colin Firth, Frances O'Connor, Reese Witherspoon and Judi Dench) and I remember laughing out loud at a lot of it. But seeing the words in black-and-white print makes them seem even funnier -- if that is possible.

For those who don't know the storyline, ... Read More:

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We Need to Talk About Kevin (Five Star Paperback)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Fiction
by: Lionel Shriver

May 09, 2006
There can only be one true word to describe this novel, Dire.

Without any apprehension, I can honestly say this is by far the worst book I have ever read. Anyone who thinks the whining and whinging of the irritating 'Eva' to be a compelling read needs to get out and buy another book, any book is better than this.

Not only do we know what happens before the story begins, we have to endure what seems like a never ending tide of drival about how Kevin's mum felt before his birth, after his birth and after the event.

This really is a case of 'The Emperors New Clothes', one critic says its brilliant and the mindless masses go and buy it, only to find it's rubbish. Not wanting to be singled out, they all nod and agree how wonderful ... Read More:

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The Bone Garden

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Fiction
by: Tess Gerritsen

September 11, 2008
I have only read one other Tess Gerritsen book Body Double,and I enjoyed it very much.

When i read the back of The Bone Garden i felt captivated by it straight away, its the best book ive read all year and would recommend it to anyone.

I really felt for Norris and Rose,and even when i had finished this book it played on my mind for days, which i feel is always the sign of a great book.

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The Host

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Fiction
by: Stephenie Meyer

May 06, 2008
Like many of you out there sci-fi novels aren't really on the top of my list of reading materials, but this is definately one not to be missed. Yet again Meyer has created a fantastic group of characters and a beautiful story of love, prejudice and humanity. Once you put aside your love of Edward and Bella (if you've read the Twilght Saga) you'll find yourself wrapped up in the new world of Melanie and Wanderer that will have you laughing, crying (literally) and waiting for more.

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Sea of Poppies

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Fiction
by: Amitav Ghosh

May 01, 2008
I was very disappointed by this book, it starts promising, with lots of good character description, one can hear and smell 1832 India. Unfortunately, that is all there is! As the book moves forward you realise that certain characters are simply superfluous.

The ending appears to be the ending because the writer: (1) ran out of time with his publisher, (2) ran out of ink, and/or (3) simply decided to cut his losses.

Up to halfway through the book I was really enjoying it and was expecting to be sad at finishing, but when the book moves into the "on board" phase the paucity of the plot becomes apparent and the end comes as a relief.

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Winnie the Pooh: Complete Collection of Stories and Poems

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Fiction
by: A.A. Milne

July 01, 2001
Very special book, very special bear :)
Great rendition, though I must admit, I prefer having the individual books! (Maybe one day I shall have...)

Beautifully done tho :)

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Winter in Madrid

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Fiction
by: C.J. Sansom

October 06, 2006
I picked this book up while on tour and read it within a couple of weeks. At first I thought it had potential with the prologue showing the Civil war and focusing on one of the communist soldiers Bernie and then the air raids on London and how the people of London coped with this. However once the character goes to Madrid the plot slows right down and then doesn't seem to pick up again until the end and the plot twist, which I won't ruin for you.
I think the book is worth a read just for the historical value. It does show how bad the civil war was in Spain and if like me you don't know much about that part of history it does explain a lot.
By far not the best book I have read but still enjoyable