We used the Kindle version of this travelling around the Golden Triangle, Rajasthan, Goa and Kerala. It's the current 14th edition published in Oct 2...moreWe used the Kindle version of this travelling around the Golden Triangle, Rajasthan, Goa and Kerala. It's the current 14th edition published in Oct 2011.
Good things:
- approximately a third of the cost of the paperback in New Zealand
- significantly lighter and smaller
- hot-linking from the map key to the text descriptions
- enjoyable contextual information and history of India
- the usual excellent travel advice (though we found Delhi and Jodhpur sections were often inaccurate in terms of places, locations and prices - strange given 4 months since publication)
Bad things:
- paging through the maps, to the key and back again to figure out where things are
- being less keen to leave it on the beach while you go swim, compared with a book
- inaccurate map distances (often a lot further than the map suggests)
- using Kindle in public
Overall, the book was the usual LP experience. A help and a hindrance at the same time but generally worth it. Though there are many positives for the kindle version I think I'll stick to a paper copy when next travelling. It's easier to bruise and abuse!(less)
I picked this up in India and read it lounging around by the sea which seems fitting. Poirot is present and centre from the beginning here, excessive...moreI picked this up in India and read it lounging around by the sea which seems fitting. Poirot is present and centre from the beginning here, excessively judgemental and actually quite obtrusive, involving himself in the affairs (literally) of others. Which is all very fun. He comes across darker than often though; the intimation is he knew murder would happen yet sat back without much in the way of interference. Almost as though he wanted it to spice up his trip.
The actual case is carefully set up and then Agatha spends the rest of the book giving us red herrings to detract from who actually killed her. In this, I felt we weren't really given enough to work this one out; often we aren't privy to the workings of Poirot's little grey cells (and I did love the self referential statement that he would explain all 'in the last chapter') but here we're actively given incorrect accounts of characters making it rather unfair. I also had a feeling of familiarity throughout though think I may have seen the BBC version with David Suchet.
Still, it's brief, enjoyable and the depiction of an English seaside holiday is charmingly quaint. Finished on my birthday.(less)
I picked this up on a houseboat in Kerala but didn't get round to reading it until the next day (I didn't want to miss the world slide by), unaware of...moreI picked this up on a houseboat in Kerala but didn't get round to reading it until the next day (I didn't want to miss the world slide by), unaware of any hype about the book though vaguely aware a film had just come out based on it.
I enjoyed it a lot. Dex and Emma both feel like real people and I appreciate them not just being staple characters in a basic rom-com. Dexter in particular, despite seemingly quite simple (semi-alcoholic, easily-led, lovable rogue) is actually more complex than first appears, particularly in the final chapters and ultimately more so than Emma who often feels a bit too perfect for her own good. They both do things that don't make them shine in a positive light but they are both likeable.
The device to drop in on them throughout their lives was nicely handled and it became unexpectedly moving and poignant; at one point I found myself completely shocked with the simple manner in which everything changes. Clear, brief, devastating and very real.
What really brought this book up from a bitter-sweet, often very funny romance to something of greater worth, was the depiction of a progressive Britain over a 20 year period, roughly corresponding with most of my life. There was a lot to relate to and the cultural and societal changes sweeping through were vivid and often biting.
A nice study in friendship and the way we often waste our lives; sad, bitter-sweet, often funny and quite moving. For a mass audience. Which is pretty impressive. (less)
I don't usually hold much stick with fantasy as a genre (my dislike for LOTRs is well known) but I'd heard good things about the tv series and then a ...moreI don't usually hold much stick with fantasy as a genre (my dislike for LOTRs is well known) but I'd heard good things about the tv series and then a couple of my female friends (also non-fantasy fans) told me the book was really good. The kindle version has the first 4 books for less than half price of the single paperback cost in NZ. You can't really argue with that.
I enjoyed it a lot. The characters are interesting, varied and suitably juggled given their number; I favoured the outcasts of the troupe (Jon Snow, Daenerys, Tyrion and Arya). The plot itself seemed rather obvious in outcome and progression but it's really the world that has been created that makes it so compelling. Put all together it makes an engaging read.
I had intended to continue reading them one after the other, but they start getting forebodingly huge in page number and I felt a break between would keep things fresh. Part two will come around shortly though.(less)
Despite being an openly huge and unapologetic Stephen King fan, when I first heard he was writing this I was in no way interested. JFK and the Americ...moreDespite being an openly huge and unapologetic Stephen King fan, when I first heard he was writing this I was in no way interested. JFK and the American political history of this era holds little appeal to this 31 year old Brit, despite my general love of history and the States. But then my wife wanted to read it so I got in on the kindle (necessarily, given the size of it while travelling).
He surprised me. Despite a rather shaky motivation for Jake to go back in time (the premise itself I happily accepted) I quickly got sucked into the world King has recreated. He doesn't shy away from the flaws of American society during that era but damn, the scene with the root beer alone was enough to make me yearn for that world myself. I suspect that nostalgic view will get a fair few readers. King also manages to make time itself a character, and a scary one at that. I thought the themes of obstinacy and harmony really made this time travel escapade something different
And then we move to Derry which completely took me by surprise. 'It' is pretty much my favourite King book and the unexpected return absolutely thrilled me. I loved this whole section, the town, the darkness, that presence in the chimney, the dancing and the kids; a special gift for King fans who've stuck around and have paid attention. It's taut, with an insidious ramping tension and state of fear leading to a bloody climax. People have downplayed the horror aspects of this book to appeal to a wider audience but the horror fans should find something to like here.
Unfortunately I found the next section of the book rather a mixed bag. I really enjoyed the scenes with Jake making a life for himself in Jodie. The characters are vibrant and lively, fixing humanity and life into that innocent age. They feel very real and Jake and Sadie's relationship was handled well. However, it gets a little baggy and the ongoing, infrequent intermissions with him stalking Oswald start to get repetitive and dull. As I had originally worried, when I came to the Kennedy section, it just didn't get me and the latter half of the book dragged.
The final outcome was ultimately rather inevitable but handled well and I found the ending touching if not bitter-sweet. Overall I liked the book, some parts more than others and would definitely recommend it to King fans and also those who've wondered about reading his stories but not that keen on 'horror'. It gets 4 stars for the inclusion of Derry.
As an aside and one thing that bugged me: how could an English teacher, who at one point mentions teaching on Ray Bradbury, have not heard of a 'Sound of Thunder'? I know Bradbury has written a lot of stories but that's one of his most famous. Seems unlikely is all.(less)
Yet another of my wife's book read on holiday. The Accident is a quick and light read, finished in a day, setting a thriller in suburban America duri...moreYet another of my wife's book read on holiday. The Accident is a quick and light read, finished in a day, setting a thriller in suburban America during the recession. All very topical.
A community finds itself deep in counterfeit goods and we discover that the recession turns pretty much everyone into a criminal or murderer. It's true. Someone else compared this to Desperate Housewives which is pretty astute. The plot is somewhat ridiculous and I was plagued most of the way through by a little voice in my head saying, 'ok, go to the police now...go and tell the police what you've found...' to no avail. Plus, midway through we get a lecture as to why counterfeit goods are bad. So we learn something too. And there's a twist...oohhh!
The writing isn't bad and it's enjoyable enough to spend some time on. Nowt special though if you have better things to do.(less)
I've never read this (or Tom Sawyer) before and won't attempt any grand critical appraisal as better people than I have done that to death. What I wi...moreI've never read this (or Tom Sawyer) before and won't attempt any grand critical appraisal as better people than I have done that to death. What I will say is that I very much enjoyed immersing myself in Huck's world, tagging along for the ride on his adventures. Historically the background and times are richly though subtly portrayed, never becoming too obtrusive. A very different world.
I liked the humour and Huck's moral compass, placing importance on doing the right thing rather than what's necessarily legal or expected. My biggest complaint is the introduction of Tom Sawyer at the end. I found him annoying and a distraction with his theatrics and overly complicated plans. I just wanted to spend more time with Huck.
Reading the reviews and opinions of The Slap is almost as diverting and possibly more enjoyable than reading the book itself. You really need to read...moreReading the reviews and opinions of The Slap is almost as diverting and possibly more enjoyable than reading the book itself. You really need to read it though to join in.
I actually liked it a lot, despite reservations about a variety of issues, the generally unpleasant characters, a difficult first chapter to get into and a somewhat depressing (at times) tone. There is very little black and white along with very little in the way of resolution or definitive statement. Like much of life, people and their interactions are complex and multifaceted and I appreciated that.
The way it's structured, repeatedly leads to a re-appraisal of your thoughts on specific characters. I sympathised in some ways with Harry until I read his chapter, I initially disliked Hector then came to relate to him more. I hated Rosie throughout and loved Aisha and Anouk. Actually, the most enjoyable chapter for me was Manolis and his rather bitter-sweet life.
The swearing didn't bother me (I personally swear a lot so have no real issues with it's use in novels - in some ways it makes the character feel more realistic to me) and the drug use amongst the kids didn't worry me (though the casual use of injectables near the end was a little unsettling) but I couldn't relate to the casual use of drugs between the adults. I just don't personally or professionally (as a doctor) know many late-30s/early-40 year olds using to that degree.
Overall I found the book thought provoking and my wife and I have discussed it extensively. I can understand why book clubs love it so. Ultimately, promoting discussion and appraisal is to me, a good thing for a book. (less)
I came to this with no real expectations (certainly not high ones anyway) yet found myself pleasantly surprised. Tarzan is an enjoyable read and made...moreI came to this with no real expectations (certainly not high ones anyway) yet found myself pleasantly surprised. Tarzan is an enjoyable read and made a nice corollary to The Jungle Books. More violent and pulpy than the rather eloquently and intellectually depicted world of Mowgli we're instead rewarded with a great period adventure story; a proper boys' own romance with a surprisingly downbeat ending.
Tarzan is wonderfully perfect in everything he does, naturally good at what ever he turns his hand to; he's a fun character to read. The animal world is rich and varied, violent and compelling and contrasted nicely with the advent of other humans (both the outdated and stereotypical black tribe and the white westerners). It's not high art but it is fun and compelling.
Sure, it's horribly offensive in some depictions and even for the era was rather old fashioned and behind the times (the odd counter evolution nature of the ape tribe was an interesting throwback) but I think that it can be understood as such and accepted as an historical article. I think this would be a great book to read to kids, boys and girls alike and should provide a lot of discussion points along the way.
I'd be keen to read some more in the series though Wikipedia informs me there are another 24 official stories and that's a bit too much for me. This is recommended though to anyone with a sense of the wild.(less)
I really can't tell why most people are raving about this (note: spoilers present). The cen...moreAnother of my wife's books, read while in India.
I really can't tell why most people are raving about this (note: spoilers present). The central concept is interesting but James doesn't go anywhere with it. We're stuck throughout with an annoying, rather generic couple who make a poor choice and then seem continually perplexed at the unusual consequences of their actions. I appreciate that they were (naively?) expecting something else but it's patently obvious to us as the reader that the mysterious doctor has a hidden agenda. He practically screams 70s-era Bond villain, private ship and secret island hideout included.
From the beginning they should realise something is not quite right, yet they never fully seem to. Even at the very end do they seem to forget everything and wonder if maybe it'll work out this time. Every time the twins do something unusual the parents act as though they cannot possibly understand what could be happening or why. They wanted the kid to be smarter yet act fearful and freaked out when they are. Despite the Dad thinking on a number of occasions that perhaps they should be treating the twins not as toddlers, but as older children/young adults (and indeed, being told the same by the psychologist) they immediately do the opposite. There is also some rather suspect parental behaviour and odd decisions throughout. Emotionally they're all over the place and rather immature, completely unprepared for what they were attempting (as an aside, I'm not sure what happened to the genetic counselling they should have received after the death of the first child but it should have explored many of their issues).
The sub-plot involving a religious assassin is initially interesting and though we don't get much characterisation, he's cold and relentless and a distraction. Until he gets to our family, when for no apparent reason he loses his cool completely, forgets how to shoot and stumbles all over the place for effectively getting killed. It seems like a completely different character.
I liked the Sussex and Brighton locations (places I've lived for years) and it's interesting seeing the Royal Sussex County Hospital show up (somewhere I've worked). That's not enough to make a good book though. Plus, as a doctor, some of the medical info in this is highly suspect. The c-section scene without anaesthesia was laughable.
And finally we come to the ending. Which is pretty much all it is. The book ends. Though some form of masterplan is revealed, it's really only the blueprint of that plan. Super-smart people will cure the world. How precisely? Well, we're not let onto that information, we're just lead to believe they will. It was unsatisfying, making the whole book seem redundant. James says that he struggled with this book for many years despite lots of research and I think it clearly shows.
The concept would probably have been better handled and expanded by a sci-fi author. We're not given much to think about in terms of nature/nurture, the ethics of genetically altering your children or the social difficulties, other than it's probably not a good idea. That's a shame.
The writing itself is fine but that's about it and I couldn't recommend this unless you're a big Peter James fan. (less)
I've never really read anything by H.P. Lovecraft so this was a new experience. I found it a compelling Victorian-Gothic style horror, filled with vi...moreI've never really read anything by H.P. Lovecraft so this was a new experience. I found it a compelling Victorian-Gothic style horror, filled with vivid description and a slowly mounting terror and sense of dread. Despite the continuous and often heavy drudge of exposition, the imagery is of the fantastic and really quite evocative, keeping you keen and focussed.
Clearly tied into the wider worlds Lovecraft created, it opened some doors that I would be keen on exploring with other of his stories. I'm not sure how successful it would have been as an attempt to stop others going there and exploring though!(less)
Another of my wife's holiday reads while travelling round India. I've never read any of this series before (and didn't even know for sure whether it ...moreAnother of my wife's holiday reads while travelling round India. I've never read any of this series before (and didn't even know for sure whether it was a series as I was reading) so came into it fairly fresh. Despite that it didn't seem to make much difference with understanding or enjoyment and I don't feel I really missed much.
In terms of a police procedural, the recent Wallander book by Mankell I read was much more competent and interesting without needing to explain everything. Harry himself wasn't really unique enough to make me want to explore his character more and I wouldn't read any others in the series. Adequate holiday reading.(less)
The 16th Poirot mystery felt somewhat lacking and rather lazy to me. I liked the start where my favourite balding moustached detective digs around to...moreThe 16th Poirot mystery felt somewhat lacking and rather lazy to me. I liked the start where my favourite balding moustached detective digs around to determine if there has actually been a murder but after the initial set up has played out, he just moves from one potential suspect to another and we're left with a lot of talking with very little action. Characterisation is as strong as always (damn those foreigners!) but it just isn't that interesting.
Aside from an amusing talking dog (really), there's very little background interest in terms of setting, venues, or period of time that often make these books something else. We just get to live in H.P.'s head (though not too deeply obviously, heaven forbid he lets Cpt Hastings in on the solution). It all plays out as you would expect (and this time I had an early suspicion who the killer was so one to me there Agatha) and it isn't bad per say, it's just that they can be so much better. If you haven't read a Poirot story before I would recommend picking up one of the others.
Again, mine has a different cover to those on GRs.(less)
Another impulse buy as I've never actually seen this before (though knew about it). I've been gradually working my way through Carver's poems but thi...moreAnother impulse buy as I've never actually seen this before (though knew about it). I've been gradually working my way through Carver's poems but this is the first prose I've read.
His language and dialogue is so sparse yet immensely real. It's impressive. These short tales are almost uniformly bleak, hard and altogether human. Violence, aggression, sorry, doubt and distrust sit together with love. They are not always nice to read (hence my 3 stars rather than higher, as I appreciate them, though not always like them) but they are exceptionally good.
My edition isn't on here currently, with a sparse white cover and the title in grey and orange.(less)
I read this while browsing in Waterstones and loved it. The simplicity, subtlety and humour of both the dialogue and illustrations are perfect throug...moreI read this while browsing in Waterstones and loved it. The simplicity, subtlety and humour of both the dialogue and illustrations are perfect throughout this very short tale of a bear who has lost his hat and wants it back. Really, just pick it up and read it; it's difficult to explain how good and funny it really is. Perfect for kids and adults on many levels, to be read aloud with funny voices.
I now have to sneak back to the store and buy it without my wife realising, as I was already in trouble for buying more books while we're travelling.(less)
I've been wanting to read the Wallander books for a while after being told about them (and the TV shows) repeatedly by friends, so despite needing to ...moreI've been wanting to read the Wallander books for a while after being told about them (and the TV shows) repeatedly by friends, so despite needing to ship my library back to NZ and spending the next month in India I took advantage of the Christmas sales to buy more books.
Having read many a police/thriller type book in the past (and not being that sold on Rebus recently) I actually quite liked Wallander. It's very much a procedural, sparse, not overly sensational with a certain relentless grind about it. I found Wallander himself to be an interesting and engaging character, even more flawed and beaten down that many other sleuths. While there's nothing too flashy about it, the careful prose and daily detailed depiction of police work inter-spaced with a disintegrating personal life, made for a good read.
The ending actually surprised me, slowing down rather than the usual ramping up of many thrillers and the outcome is rather underplayed if anything, creating a sense of realism which I appreciated.
It's certainly different to many police thrillers and based on this I would definitely pick up the next in the series.(less)
I've been meaning to read this for years, after an old flat-mate told me about it while studying for his BSc in the psychology of attraction. Finally...moreI've been meaning to read this for years, after an old flat-mate told me about it while studying for his BSc in the psychology of attraction. Finally found it in a charity shop in Tunbridge Wells and decided to finish of the year with some evolutionary pondering.
Matt Ridley freely states that the first third may not be as interesting to some as he details the background of evolutionary theory in relation to sexual activity and behaviour in animals. Dry perhaps, may be a better term. It's the later parts of the book though where things get interesting, looking at how human nature (if indeed humans can be said to have a specific 'nature') may (or may not) have been shaped by evolutionary pressures. There are many fascinating examples and case studies, compiled expertly by Ridley. As he again mentions, he has compiled these mostly from the work of others, trying to tie a lot of individual theories and evidence together. Generally he manages a good job and it's eminently readable.
Whether or not you agree or believe is entirely another matter and really, books such as this should be read to educate and promote discussion. He doesn't (and shouldn't) attempt to claim a definitive conclusion and many avenues are left open to debate. I personally found it compelling. My biggest issue is how out of date much of the evidence (and some occasional clumsy discussions, particularly around homosexuality) is now, having been written almost 20 years ago. I would certainly be interested in reading a more up to date discussion of the state of the field.
Still, a well recognised and deserved text, worth reading.(less)
I started this shortly after the first collection though got sidetracked midway (real books held sway over my kindle). Despite the interruption, I ac...moreI started this shortly after the first collection though got sidetracked midway (real books held sway over my kindle). Despite the interruption, I actually preferred this volume, primarily for the predominance of stories about Mowgli though I also appreciated the darker and older situations encountered.
The stories are touching and somewhat melancholy as Mowgli faces up to aging, power struggles and the changes therein. The writing is again fantastic, the environment vivid and alive. Well recommended. (less)
This was my Mother-in-law's book and I read it while we stayed with them for a few days.
After discovering the joy of the Wee Free Men re...moreThis was my Mother-in-law's book and I read it while we stayed with them for a few days.
After discovering the joy of the Wee Free Men recently I was very keen to read this. To start with I will admit to not being that impressed, in particular as there were more than a couple of clumsy sentences that I stumbled over (very unusual for TP who is usually so smooth with his writing).
However, the story rapidly took over and I got caught up with Tiffany (still a fantastic female character) and her new life. The Hiver is a great monster, forcing a confrontation much earlier than I was expecting and leading the story in unexpected directions.
And then just as I was enjoying it, Granny Weatherwax turns up and it gets even better. My favourite character who hasn't been around for a long while just makes the end of the book. It all becomes slightly confusing again at the end (though not as much as Wee Free Men did) but has a nicely tied up resolution making you reassess the story and the characters.
I've never actually read this before so was surprised to find it's a collection of short stories, even more so that only a few are actually about Mowg...moreI've never actually read this before so was surprised to find it's a collection of short stories, even more so that only a few are actually about Mowgli. Those were my favourites and I particularly enjoyed the story with Kaa and the Bandar-log. Kaa is a complex and dark character, clearly dangerous yet someone to have on your side. The language, mythology and story telling were fantastic, very enjoyable and understandably it's a classic. More Mowgli would have been nice though. I really should have waited to read this in India rather than China though.(less)
I'm probably going to incur wrath for this but I didn't like Emma at all. More so the character than the book. I really enjoyed Pride and Prejudice ...moreI'm probably going to incur wrath for this but I didn't like Emma at all. More so the character than the book. I really enjoyed Pride and Prejudice so the period setting and manners are fine in my book but this was just tedious.
I found Emma to be vacuous, snobbish, superficial and generally quite irritating. She's so high and mighty and so two faced (I particularly disliked her way of changing her entire opinion of people when they annoy her). I just couldn't enjoy the rest of the book. Constantly interfering in the lives of others for fun, usually to their detriment, she waltzes through without any real cares. Her life is empty which is quite sad though seemingly common at that time. I did feel for her having to look after her extremely annoying Father (reminding me of the guardian in the Lady in White, though less irritating).
Near the end, after feeling like nothing had happened for a very long time, I though she might actually get her comeuppance as her intended partners both marry off to others. Alas, no. Happy endings all round.
I understand that Emma is quite divisive for many of these reasons but for me I just couldn't get over how banal it was and how unpleasant she is. Still, is available free online.(less)
Read in continuation this was much better then Catching Fire, relegating the romance, while providing a more satisfying and surprisingly downbeat endi...moreRead in continuation this was much better then Catching Fire, relegating the romance, while providing a more satisfying and surprisingly downbeat ending. I felt a lot more for Katniss here and the character traits in the last that annoyed me seemed to make more sense. Constantly a pawn, she's a tragic character and you can relate to her refusal to play the game, especially as everyone she cares about it killed or ruined.
It's still a little simplistic, too swift and easily resolved, especially at moments of important plot points. The ending in particular feels rushed, as though she wasn't sure how to resolve it in a satisfactory manner. It didn't ruin it for me though.
Part of me thinks this series would have worked better as a more adult story, taking more time to flesh out the revolution and background over another book or two. However, I suspect it would just merge into every other revolutionary story, overthrowing the evil capitol etc etc. The simplicity of the story is what makes it work so keeping it to 3 books was probably sensible.
In total, I thought the series was a worthwhile way to spend a few days reading. Reading it in China also added an extra depth to the experience. It's generally enjoyable, very readable, and the shortcomings can be excused in light of the interesting characters and surprises. (less)
I read this straight after finishing the first one and didn't enjoy it as much. I felt the progression started off well, taking the story in potentia...moreI read this straight after finishing the first one and didn't enjoy it as much. I felt the progression started off well, taking the story in potentially new territory but then unfortunately it turns into a bit of a retread. It also turns into much more of a twilight-ish soppy romance drama, losing some of the edge from the concept.
It's slightly simplistic in the way it deals with crises and events, possibly pandering to the YA tag. I particularly disliked the page of exposition explaining away all the background events happening behind the scenes near the end. It felt sloppy and lazy. Something about her reactions at the end also annoyed me, feeling out of character.
Still, it wasn't bad and it interested me enough to want to finish the trilogy.(less)
I hadn't heard of this until the movie news started filtering through and then decided to check it out. The Stephanie Meyer cover quote didn't warm i...moreI hadn't heard of this until the movie news started filtering through and then decided to check it out. The Stephanie Meyer cover quote didn't warm it to me but the Stephen Kind quote did. I've been meaning to buy it for a while but decided to save it for our trip to China, getting all 3 on my Kindle.
I liked it. Sure, the story is rather derivative and doesn't give us much new but it's just done really well. It's a solid, well paced story with plenty of action and nicely developed central characters. I liked Katniss, though Peeta took a lot longer to get on with. It's more gory than I was expecting and doesn't shy away from the violence.
I was wondering how it was all going to end, maintaining Katniss as a heroine yet having her responsible for murder. I felt she stayed fairly true to the concept, with only the Mutts feeling a little like a cop out.
A simple, well written and very easily readable use of an unoriginal story. Recommended and intriguing enough to continue reading. (less)
I wanted to like this as it's full of interesting concepts but the execution is terrible.
There's a lot of pedestrian conversation, repet...moreI wanted to like this as it's full of interesting concepts but the execution is terrible.
There's a lot of pedestrian conversation, repetition of dialogue and thought throughout, no actual plot tying the events together; the villain of the piece randomly changes halfway through, turning from evil to good for no real reason. And then there's the absolutely awful sex scene. Really, Cory, really. Did you really think that level of detail is sexy? Also, how do you lick their glans while deep-throating someone?
I like his work on Boing Boing, I liked Big Brother, I like and support many of his view-points and campaigning but this book is outright terrible. And boring which is even worse.
The only thing that made it ok was it was free from his website as an ebook (and I do respect him for giving them away free). Unfortunately I don't have much desire to read any more of his books right now. Maybe later.(less)
My second King Kindle short story and a welcome return to his earlier sharp and nasty stories. This has a completely different feel to his earlier st...moreMy second King Kindle short story and a welcome return to his earlier sharp and nasty stories. This has a completely different feel to his earlier stories involving cars, with dark and horrific visual imagery, nasty events and a heroic child. I enjoyed this old-school story and it's very quick to read. (less)
My wife got this for her birthday and I picked it up to read before heading off to China.
I enjoyed the interesting and well composed cha...moreMy wife got this for her birthday and I picked it up to read before heading off to China.
I enjoyed the interesting and well composed characters, particularly Frankie and the interactions with his friends. I also appreciated the quite subtle Kiwi flavour throughout. The build up of Frankie and his obsessions and compulsions plays out nicely but I felt the ending was a little rushed and easily resolved. I also felt some confusion during the big reveal at the end, not certain what actually occurred. Even, re-reading didn't seem to clarify. Still, probably more me than the book as I generally enjoyed it and would recommend it as an easy read. (less)
We just used this on a month trip round China (Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Yanshuo, Longi/Dragon's backbone terraces). Great book, useful information a...moreWe just used this on a month trip round China (Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Yanshuo, Longi/Dragon's backbone terraces). Great book, useful information and good background info on China(less)
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