The second volume of The Poppy Wars trilogy and an epic and challenging journey into Rin's world and the political, military and magical intrigues of The second volume of The Poppy Wars trilogy and an epic and challenging journey into Rin's world and the political, military and magical intrigues of the large cast of characters.
Keep the Dramatis Personae handy but the investment is worthwhile....more
If I suffered from scarcity mentality, I wouldn't write a review, as it would encourage my competitors to read Marcus Sheridan's brilliant explanationIf I suffered from scarcity mentality, I wouldn't write a review, as it would encourage my competitors to read Marcus Sheridan's brilliant explanation of how to make inbound marketing work.
As I enjoy abundance mentality, I encourage everyone to gain this knowledge - and thank Maria Cardenas in Boston, USA and Angela Auluck in Wimbledon for urging me to buy the book.
I've learned how I can ADD new activities to my own marketing and advise my clients to do the same, ensuring our positive differentiation and giving us an edge in a busy marketplace.
Brilliant stuff - and it has made me rethink my whole marketing strategy.
I now have to find the people and resources to help me put this in place.
It's common to say that books about The Holocaust should be on every school curriculum "lest we forget".
Perhaps none more so than this as Rudolf Vrba'It's common to say that books about The Holocaust should be on every school curriculum "lest we forget".
Perhaps none more so than this as Rudolf Vrba's story is a reminder of the horrors of that period and of the lack of action that followed the publication of the Vrba-Wetzler Report.
Vrba himself appears as a complex and often unpleasant character and Freedland spares no emotion in describing his faults.
I'm biased because Rachel is my business coach and a trusted friend.
Having said that, I've been sharing the book with my clients, who universally agreI'm biased because Rachel is my business coach and a trusted friend.
Having said that, I've been sharing the book with my clients, who universally agree with my praise for this explanation of the "Founder's" strengths and weaknesses and how best to manage them.
In clear and entertaining language, Rachel describes the three modus operandi of Brave Warrior, Considered Architect and Wise Monarch and explains when to "dial up" and "dial down" behaviours, so as to bring teams and businesses to their full potential.
She then explains best-practice communication styles with different audiences and ends with a useful summary of personal development tips.
The book is full of self-evaluation exercise and ends with a toolkit for further evaluation and progress.
It's a guide to success, written from a perspective of humility and experience.
Essential reading for any aspiring, beginning or experienced business owner. ...more
My first read of the year and a challenging but rewarding journey into Moore's imagination, including a novella on the (fictional) history of the USA My first read of the year and a challenging but rewarding journey into Moore's imagination, including a novella on the (fictional) history of the USA comic industry.
The short stories are fantastic and the novella takes some getting in to but is worth the effort.
I did, however, struggle with "American Light : an appreciation" - a bit too highbrow for me....more
The transcripts of Alicia's interviews with her psychiatrist, offered as a supplement to and explanation of the events in The Passenger.
My mother suffThe transcripts of Alicia's interviews with her psychiatrist, offered as a supplement to and explanation of the events in The Passenger.
My mother suffered with mental health issues, was sectioned twice and her condition formed a part of my formative years, giving me a great respect for those who struggle.
Alicia may be a mathematical child-genius with a staggering knowledge of science and philosophy but she is also, just like my Mum, a real person whose life has been blighted and suffers equally from her schizophrenia and at the hands of those who seek her "cure".
Tough to read but the effort seems a fitting tribute to those who have walked this road.
I suggest that, before you start reading The Passenger, you read the review from The Guardian, as it will help you to navigate your way through the fiI suggest that, before you start reading The Passenger, you read the review from The Guardian, as it will help you to navigate your way through the first chapter, without wondering what on earth is going on.
That done, this is a tour de force of McCarthy's skills with a splendid cast of fascinating characters led by Bobby Western and frequent excursions into science, mental health, 20th century history and the beauty of the Southern states.
I'm immediately starting Stella Maris to complete the story of Alicia....more
And so, my journey through the universe of The Expanse comes to an end - book 10 and a satisfying collection of short stories that explore, expand andAnd so, my journey through the universe of The Expanse comes to an end - book 10 and a satisfying collection of short stories that explore, expand and fill in some tantalising gaps in the main narrative.
I have loved every moment of this voyage and remain disappointed that, at the time of writing, the TV series has been decommissioned.
My journey finally comes to an end - and a satisfactory one at that. 9 excellent books that have kept me entertained and engrossed. Short stories nextMy journey finally comes to an end - and a satisfactory one at that. 9 excellent books that have kept me entertained and engrossed. Short stories next!...more
Book 8 has been a real page-turner, maintaining the excitement even after "all these years".Book 8 has been a real page-turner, maintaining the excitement even after "all these years"....more
New characters. A deeper examination of the crew of the Rocinante. The real arrival of Marco and Filip, the plot thickens and some pretty apocalypticaNew characters. A deeper examination of the crew of the Rocinante. The real arrival of Marco and Filip, the plot thickens and some pretty apocalyptical stuff! A great read and I'm enjoying the series so much....more
Yee ha! The Wild West comes to The Expanse - settlers, mining companies, gunslingers and showdowns - all set against the backdrop of a new world full Yee ha! The Wild West comes to The Expanse - settlers, mining companies, gunslingers and showdowns - all set against the backdrop of a new world full of dangers, surprises, apocalyptic events and further revelations on the history of the "people" who built the gates. Grand old space oprey. Good fun....more
At which point the plot and characters take a decidedly different course from the TV series. Took me a bit of getting used to (half the book actually)At which point the plot and characters take a decidedly different course from the TV series. Took me a bit of getting used to (half the book actually) as I came to terms with previously unknown characters and a different manifestation beyond “The Gate” - but I then settled in and enjoyed the ride....more
Left me feeling as if I needed a shower to wash away any memory of the awful characters in this cursed small town.
A talented debut novel but there’s Left me feeling as if I needed a shower to wash away any memory of the awful characters in this cursed small town.
A talented debut novel but there’s not a page that doesn’t highlight every depravity of mind, body and spirit - a cast of misfits dealing with the after-effects when a teenage girl disappears.
Who done it? Well, you’ll find out right at the end but it could be said that they all “done it”.
Having read all of the books I brought with me on our annual Greek holiday, we were browsing a bookshop in Vathi to assuage my appetite when Annie hanHaving read all of the books I brought with me on our annual Greek holiday, we were browsing a bookshop in Vathi to assuage my appetite when Annie handed me a copy of “Still Life” and suggested “why don’t you give this a go?”
Reading the sleeve notes, it wouldn’t have been an obvious choice but I instantly decided to allow fate (and my well-read wife) to guide me.
I cannot remember the last time a book made my cry with laughter and sadness or collapse in giggles every time I returned to the story.
Nothing I can write here can do justice to the characters, the settings and the sheer joy of this book. I found it so uplifting and a restoration of my faith and hope in life and its treasures.
Thank you Sarah Winman, Annie and a little tourist bookshop on Ithaca for one of my stand-out reads for many a year....more
A delightful deep dive into Indian history, culture, politics, religion, prejudice and, most of all, the dynamics of family.
Rowing our boat gently dowA delightful deep dive into Indian history, culture, politics, religion, prejudice and, most of all, the dynamics of family.
Rowing our boat gently down this stream, Shree takes us on a melodic and humorous journey, meanders off on rants and philosophies and, occasionally, plants some surprises.
Fantastic - I feel as if I was invited into a stranger’s home and made party to all of their secrets....more