Sue Fairhead's Blog, page 73

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (by JK Rowling)

There are a handful of children’s authors whose works I re-read regularly. Most of them are writers I first discovered as a child, or in my early teens. But there are a couple whom I did not discover until my sons were in their early teens; one of them is JK Rowling. We bought her first two ‘Harry Potter’ books shortly after moving to Cyprus, and when I finally decided to read them - before there was any controversy surrounding them - I was very impressed.

We collected all the other books in...

Casting Off (by Libby Purves)

When I enjoy a book, I like to re-read it every ten years or so; this seems to be a good gap, giving me sufficient time to forget most of the details, even if I recall the overall theme and the basic plot. It’s been twelve years since I last read Libby Purves’ debut novel, ‘Casting Off’, so it was more than time for a re-read.

The story opens in dramatic fashion, as Ray Brewster, who works at a small marina on the South coast of England, watches a woman start her yacht, and is startled that...

Powder and Patch (by Georgette Heyer)

Amongst the large number of novels by Georgette Heyer, there are some I remember with great enthusiasm, others which I barely recall. One of the latter is ‘Powder and Patch’, which I had not read since 2007. It’s not a long book, one of the author’s earlier ones (originally published in 1923).

Slightly to my surprise I have thoroughly enjoyed re-reading this book. It doesn’t have the complex and often brilliant plot devices of some of the author’s later novels. Nor does it have one of her str...

A Head Girl's Difficulties (by Elinor M Brent-Dyer)

Although Elinor M Brent-Dyer is best known for her lengthy Chalet School series, she wrote quite a few other books too. A series I particularly liked in my teens was those set in ‘La Rochelle’; my grandmother had a couple, and I managed to borrow one of the others. It was only relatively recently that I realised that there were seven books in this series, and just this past year I managed to acquire those I did not already have.

A couple of months ago I read the first in the series, ‘Gerry Go...

Our House (by Louise Candlish)

I have read quite a few books by Louise Candlish over the past ten years, and on the whole have liked them very much. Even when the characters are not particularly likeable, her plotting is excellent, and her writing style often gripping. I was in two minds about putting ‘Our House’ on my wishlist as it was listed as a thriller rather than general women’s fiction, and I’m not really a fan of thrillers. But the reviews were good, so I added it to my list, and was given it for Christmas.

‘Our H...

I'd like you more if you were more like me (by John Ortberg)

I very much appreciate John Ortberg’s books, and have gradually acquired them over the years, fairly soon after each one was issued in paperback form. His most recent book, ‘I’d like you more if you were more like me’ was on my wishlist last year, and I was given it for Christmas.

John Ortberg is a pastor who lives and works in the US, but regularly makes the point that he is Swedish. He uses this fact as a humorous aside fairly often, to explain some of his traits and foibles. He is honest...

The Colour of Magic (by Terry Pratchett)

It’s a long time since I’ve read any of the late Terry Pratchett’s ‘Discworld’ books. I’ve lent some to a young friend, and finally decided it was time to re-read them myself. I decided to start at the beginning, even though I didn’t get very far in my last re-read. So a week or so ago I picked up ‘The Colour of Magic’, which I last read in 2007.

I remembered that this book is not as full of satire as the later Discworld books; nor do the characters have any real depth of personality. But al...

Dancing Shoes (by Noel Streatfeild)

Ever since my teenage years, Noel Streatfeild’s novels have been an important part of my comfort reading. I suppose I was about nine when I first came across some of them on my grandparents’ bookshelves. I acquired a few in my teens, and borrowed many more from libraries. In the past twenty years or so I have been gradually collecting them, and am thoroughly enjoying re-reading them again, in between others of my favourite authors, and some new books.

‘Dancing Shoes’ was originally entitled...

The Blue Bedroom and other stories (by Rosamunde Pilcher)

In my gradual re-reading of the late Rosamunde Pilcher’s books, I reached her short story collection, ‘The Blue Bedroom and other stories’. I have read these at least twice, and recalled enjoying them. I last read this book in 2008.

Short stories are ideal to read at breakfast time, or before going to bed, as they are complete in themselves. However I’m not usually particularly keen on collections, preferring to read just one or two at a time in magazines. But Rosamunde Pilcher’s are the exc...

Being Disciples (by Rowan Williams)

I have known for some years that Rowan Williams, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, was a writer. I have seen his books recommended by Amazon, referred to by other authors I respect, and mentioned by people I know with an interest in theology. So when I saw his book ‘Being Disciples’ on special offer, it wasn’t too difficult a decision to decide to buy it.

The subtitle of the book is, ‘Essentials of the Christian Life’, and there are glowing recommendations in the front of the book. It’s ca...