Magnificent! Not being American, I had no idea who Ann Landers was before reading this book, so naturally a lot of the people mentioned in the letters...moreMagnificent! Not being American, I had no idea who Ann Landers was before reading this book, so naturally a lot of the people mentioned in the letters and the political and social issues of the times meant nothing to me. I did however get a great deal out of the overall book and the relationship so close between mother and daughter. This book makes you realise how short life is and how precious family members are. Not only was I envious of the carefree style in which Ann and Margo communicated in their letters, but I also found a deep beauty in their enduring friendship throughout the years. Theirs was a relationship to be envied and something all parents and children should aspire to. (less)
This is a great book. Nigel presents his observations on every aspect of his life including fatherhood, working, trying to juggle the two, exercise, e...moreThis is a great book. Nigel presents his observations on every aspect of his life including fatherhood, working, trying to juggle the two, exercise, emigration, the different thinking patterns and mood swings of men and women, marital arguments, sexual abstinence, children squabbling, etc. It is a fantastic read. Whilst reading you will suddenly find yourself smiling and relating 100% to everything he is saying. This guy is brilliant in pin-pointing exactly what you are thinking and why we do things!!! It is amazing how often I have laughed at what is written on the pages. Sometimes I find myself wondering how his wife copes with his honesty and how their marriage has survived either her grumpiness or his bluntness. Then I'll read the next chapter and find myself in awe of their complete in-sync-ness (if that is such a term!). This guy is brilliant. He is the author of another book called Fat, Fired and Forty (or something like that). It will definitely be on my list of 'next reads'.(less)
Whilst visiting the USA we toured over to Alcatraz for a day tour. On occasions the authorities organise for old inmates of the prison to be on hand to...moreWhilst visiting the USA we toured over to Alcatraz for a day tour. On occasions the authorities organise for old inmates of the prison to be on hand to talk with the visitors to describe what life was like inside. On the day that we visited Darwin Coon was sitting on the desk selling his book. I had never heard of him before but dad bought his book and I decided to read it after returning home to Australia. It was a fascinating read and gave a real insight into Coon's wayward youth, where he went off the rails, his various prison addresses, and then finally his life in alcatraz. It is amazing that this man whose life seemed so washed up with no where to go could find pure happiness with his wife and then spend the rest of his life caring for and raising numerous foster children and devoting his life to raising well balanced, happy successful children and adults. True credit must be given to this man who has overcome a lot of hardship and barriers to turn his life around completely. A truly inspirational read. (less)
I don't know what it is about Maeve Binchy's books, but the Irish lifestyle and country-style living really get you in. Whilst the story was a great re...moreI don't know what it is about Maeve Binchy's books, but the Irish lifestyle and country-style living really get you in. Whilst the story was a great read, I found myself frustrated with the main character. Why is it that Maeve Binchy's main characters all seem to be a bit insipid?? On one hand there is a lovely storyline happening whilst behind the scenes the main character (heroine) is being hard done by by her partner/boyfriend/whatever. Everyone can see what is happening but her!! It is so predictable to know what the ending is going to be like that you feel like yelling at the main character because she is so stupid not to see it herself. Very frustrating!!! So why did I keep reading to the very end?? Perhaps just to see if she really was that stupid, or whether she would wake up to herself???? (less)
Took me a long time to read this one......... Could not get into it for a long time but persisted. I think I would have got a lot more out of it if I ha...moreTook me a long time to read this one......... Could not get into it for a long time but persisted. I think I would have got a lot more out of it if I had some idea of the historical facts that the story was based on. I was clueless though, so lost a lot of the information which I think I should have retained. Perhaps I will check out my history and then re-read the story............. A very interesting way of writing though through the eyes of all the characters. I loved how the author 'became' the characters in her speech style, thinking and even the grammar........(less)
Loved, loved, loved this book!! Could not put it down as it was so engrossing. Elizabeth Elgin certainly did her historical homework before writing this...moreLoved, loved, loved this book!! Could not put it down as it was so engrossing. Elizabeth Elgin certainly did her historical homework before writing this book as all the tiny details from the war era were included in the story to the extent that you really felt you were living the era. Her characters were brought to life through the story and I never wanted it to finish. I loved it so much and the historical facts I learnt from the book that I found myself seeking out more of Elizabeth Elgin's books afterwards.(less)
This was a really interesting book as I read it shortly after I had visited Norfolk Island and was keen to read up as much about the history of the is...moreThis was a really interesting book as I read it shortly after I had visited Norfolk Island and was keen to read up as much about the history of the island as possible. It described the isolation of the island well from the perspective of the the non-convict inhabitants, the hardship endured by the convicts, the corruption of some 'law-abiding' citizens, and the general injustice experienced during the era. (less)
BRILLIANT!!!!! Highly recommended for everyone. This book made me want to throw in the job and travel to England for an extended walking tour around the...moreBRILLIANT!!!!! Highly recommended for everyone. This book made me want to throw in the job and travel to England for an extended walking tour around the Pennines. I really cannot recommend this book highly enough. The author has a writing flair, fantastic comedic skill, and a sense of observation second to none. READ IT, READ IT, READ IT please...................... It will have you laughing out loud!(less)
A great read to take you back to the swinging war years. I learnt quite a lot of history whilst reading this book, though I am not so sure that was the...moreA great read to take you back to the swinging war years. I learnt quite a lot of history whilst reading this book, though I am not so sure that was the intention of the author! Obviously Lilian Harry has either lived through the era she has written about, or if not, then she has done a magnificent job researching the lives and times in which her story is set. An absolutely entertaining read(less)
Another great book by Erica James I just can't get enough of this author and look forward to all her new books. I love the way she introduces you to eac...moreAnother great book by Erica James I just can't get enough of this author and look forward to all her new books. I love the way she introduces you to each of her characters in such wonderful warm detail so that you feel you really know them inside and out. The relationships she builds between all of her characters is heart-warming and invites the reader in to want to read more.(less)
Oh gosh, another of those Maeve Binchy books where one of the main female characters is so insipid you feel like reaching in and throttling her yourse...moreOh gosh, another of those Maeve Binchy books where one of the main female characters is so insipid you feel like reaching in and throttling her yourself! Why oh why does Maeve Binchy feel she has to always include one of these useless female leads??????? Is it just me or can everyone else predict what is happening to her life but her????????(less)
Wow This is the first book I have ever read of Jostein Gaarder and I don't know whether I was actually prepared for it or not! His style of writing is c...moreWow This is the first book I have ever read of Jostein Gaarder and I don't know whether I was actually prepared for it or not! His style of writing is completely different to anything else I have ever read. Amazingly deep writing, makes you really think and leaves you wondering if you have actually been on the same wavelength as him or not!(less)
Not a bad read. Not the best I have read and I suppose I was expecting a little bit of comedy, since I had only ever 'seen' Ruth Cracknell in the TV s...moreNot a bad read. Not the best I have read and I suppose I was expecting a little bit of comedy, since I had only ever 'seen' Ruth Cracknell in the TV series Mother & Son before embarking on her book. I have never been to Venice so didn't really know what i was in for. It was okay, but a bit 'wet'......pardon the pun!(less)
I love Pamela Evans books! I love the way she takes you back to the war days in England so you feel you are living it. The characters are all loveable....moreI love Pamela Evans books! I love the way she takes you back to the war days in England so you feel you are living it. The characters are all loveable. The shopkeepers, neighbours, workmates, school mates, etc are all described in so much detail and have such warmth between them that you can't put the book down. (less)
What can I say??????????? I thought this book would be a lot better than it was for some reason. It was more or less just like a Mills & Boon though...moreWhat can I say??????????? I thought this book would be a lot better than it was for some reason. It was more or less just like a Mills & Boon though so definitely NOT my style. Funnily enough though I can't let a book defeat me so had to finish it. frustrated all the way through and couldn't wait to end it!!!(less)
First book of Robert Ludlum I have ever read. Was an interesting book but at times a little difficult to keep up with the storyline. I think I might ha...moreFirst book of Robert Ludlum I have ever read. Was an interesting book but at times a little difficult to keep up with the storyline. I think I might have to re-read it to get the full grasp of the issues. One of those books that you really need to concentrate on when reading.....definitely not light.(less)
Wow! this was a deep book! Gave me a good insight into Chinese history, but I might need to re-read it to make sure I fully grasped all the political i...moreWow! this was a deep book! Gave me a good insight into Chinese history, but I might need to re-read it to make sure I fully grasped all the political issues. Very political and perhaps would help if you knew a little bit of Chinese political history prior to reading to help keep up with it all.(less)
This was a book from childhood that my sister had to read at school. I never had to so didn't bother until recent years when I was introduced to it. It...moreThis was a book from childhood that my sister had to read at school. I never had to so didn't bother until recent years when I was introduced to it. It is an interesting story and I'm sure I would have loved it when I was younger.....though perhaps not so much if told I HAD to read it!!!(less)
Bit of an odd storyline. A real love story, but one that is quite sad when you stop and think that the girl put her life completely on hold for the man...moreBit of an odd storyline. A real love story, but one that is quite sad when you stop and think that the girl put her life completely on hold for the man of her dreams who would only drop in every now and then and she never knew when or where he was going to or coming from.............(less)
The concept of this book was interesting. To take a historical mystery and incorporate it into a modern story was pure genius and left me wondering wh...moreThe concept of this book was interesting. To take a historical mystery and incorporate it into a modern story was pure genius and left me wondering where fiction stopped and non-fiction took over. I would still be very interested in knowing how much fact was included in the book. (less)
this was a deep book, and like most of Jostein Gaarder's novels, requires quite a lot of concentration to read. It is definitely one of those books wh...morethis was a deep book, and like most of Jostein Gaarder's novels, requires quite a lot of concentration to read. It is definitely one of those books which would suit a Book Club to sit down and ponder over night after night whilst disecting what the author really meant.........(less)
a very inspirational book of love, persistence and success Pat Roles is a truly remarkable woman whose love and devotion to her three blind sons assiste...morea very inspirational book of love, persistence and success Pat Roles is a truly remarkable woman whose love and devotion to her three blind sons assisted them to lead as 'normal' a life as possible without being restricted by and stereotyped by their afflictions. (less)
One of those rare books you find that you just don't want to end. You become so involved in the story line and the lives of the characters that you ar...moreOne of those rare books you find that you just don't want to end. You become so involved in the story line and the lives of the characters that you are left with a feeling of loss after turning the last page.............(less)
A real tear jerker. All women reaching their late 30s or mid 40s who are still looking for Mr Right and have a deep desire to have a family will relate...moreA real tear jerker. All women reaching their late 30s or mid 40s who are still looking for Mr Right and have a deep desire to have a family will relate well to this story. It is confronting and heartwarming. (less)
What an amazing author! Whilst the offence is horrifying, you still can't help but want to reach in and just cuddle the murderer. A truly confronting st...moreWhat an amazing author! Whilst the offence is horrifying, you still can't help but want to reach in and just cuddle the murderer. A truly confronting story about the horrifying consequences of bullying(less)
What a depressing book. I couldn't put it down and read it from cover to cover and learnt a lot of Australian history at the time, but woe, woe, woe. V...moreWhat a depressing book. I couldn't put it down and read it from cover to cover and learnt a lot of Australian history at the time, but woe, woe, woe. Very dark and dismal reading.............(less)
This book got me so interested in herbs that I started attending a local herbal society monthly meeting! It was a kind of strange whacky storyline, but...moreThis book got me so interested in herbs that I started attending a local herbal society monthly meeting! It was a kind of strange whacky storyline, but kept me engrossed until the end.(less)
I read this book as an 'audio' in the car whilst commuting to and from work. What made the characters really stand out was the reading style of Michele...moreI read this book as an 'audio' in the car whilst commuting to and from work. What made the characters really stand out was the reading style of Michele Pawk. I really enjoyed it.(less)
A magnificent Australian author. What a delightful read. Great story, great family, great comedy...................something we can all relate to in her...moreA magnificent Australian author. What a delightful read. Great story, great family, great comedy...................something we can all relate to in here!!! loved it!(less)
One of the very first 'classics' I have read. Whilst it is not really my scene, I found it an interesting read and a good insight into the historical e...moreOne of the very first 'classics' I have read. Whilst it is not really my scene, I found it an interesting read and a good insight into the historical era of the book(less)
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