a.book.in.the.life

My new blog!

2008-06-29T19:47:00.000Z

http://the-library-nook.blogspot.com/

Not that much different really:)

Change of Name

2008-06-29T13:29:00.004Z

I am now posting under The Library Nook and may also change the title of my blog, my aim is to tie it all in with a website I am putting together. I may also change the location of this blog as well but will let people know!

Bookish things

2008-06-29T09:14:00.003Z

I have just finished a brilliant childrens book called Triskellion which was great although I have to wait until next year for the next one in the sequel. Over the past few months I have gone through spurts of reading and then not managed to pick anything up at all! I have started my new job which is great but still hard work while I get used to all the different systems etc- it is so different from my old school! I didn't realise how picking up classes mid way through the year would be so hard but it was! So I am looking forward to september when I can start afresh with my new classes. My new school is very different in that I have different classes for different subjects where as in my old school I had one class of one age group for all subjects.

Anyway one exciting thing is I am setting up a book group for them and the children I have asked seem really excited about it!

I spent last night visiting everyones blogs and I have a list of about ten books that I want to read so thanks all! Good to see people are still discussing books and doing much better that me at it! ;)

I have a new job!

2008-02-18T21:39:00.001Z

Life will hopefully get so much better lol!

Weather and books

2008-01-16T22:02:00.000Z

A continued thank you to everyone who has been sending the weather reports, the children are enjoying the geography project so much!

On a booky note I am currently reading The Memory Keepers Daughter but am going very slowly:) I have been reading a lot of teaching books instead and have been working with an Advanced Skills Teacher who has inspired me lots!

Thank you!

2008-01-07T20:50:00.000Z

To all those wonderful people who are volunteering to help my class out, you are all absolutely wonderful! As I say often, the more the merrier!

Help needed from people not in the UK- something for my class

2008-01-06T19:19:00.000Z

I teach primary school children and one of our geography units this term is about connecting with the world where basically we have to communicate with someone in another country and find out about the weather there etc. Ideally I should do it with another school but I just don't know where to start with that so I thought I could do it with individuals instead! If there is anyone out there who doesn't mind sending me
- daily preferably or every few days reports to what the weather is like where you live- this would be for a week or two beginning this week. The 'report' would only need to be brief ie an indication of temperature, what you see and what it feels like
- a link to your local newspaper if possible so we can get a feel of the area you live.and ...um thats it, I would be really grateful!

You wouldn't have to give your name or anything like that and in return I would be very grateful My kids may like to type you a thank you letter so if I could have a way of emailing you that would be great too!

My plan is to have a map on our wall where we track the different weathers around the world on a daily basis for a week or so. Sorry for the long post!

Bibliotherapy and bits

2008-01-05T15:07:00.000Z

A great article about all the wonderful effects of reading. As if we needed to be told:)

I am also addicted again to Read It Swap It

And this wonderful forum called Book Club Forum where I chat to even more like minded people!

A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka- Review

2008-01-04T16:35:00.000Z

Title and author of book?
A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka

What led you to pick up this book?
Recommendation from other people and an interest in the subject matter (not Tractors but Ukrainian History!)

Summary
From Amazon
'Two years after my mother died, my father fell in love with a glamourous blonde Ukrainian divorcee. He was eighty-four and she was thirty-six. She exploded into our lives like a fluffy pink grenade, churning up the murky water, bringing to the surface a sludge of sloughed-off memories, giving the family ghosts a kick up the backside.' Sisters Vera and Nadezhda must put aside a lifetime of feuding to save their emigre engineer father from voluptuous gold-digger Valentina. With her proclivity for green satin underwear and boil-in-the-bag cuisine, she will stop at nothing in her pursuit of Western wealth. But the sisters' campaign to oust Valentina unearths family secrets, uncovers fifty years of Europe's darkest history and sends them back to roots they'd much rather forget...’

What did you like most about the book?
I loved the dialogue and the exchanges by all the characters. I raced through it because I was desperate to see how it ended.

What did you like least?
It made me realise that I needed to read up more on the subject matter as it is a while since my history A-Level and lots of things have been forgotten.

Have you read any other books by this author? What did you think of those books?
No but will definitely be searching them out.

What did you think of the main character?
A great family and I loved the looks back into their history.

Any other particularly interesting characters?
The father and Mike.

Share a quote from the book:
So many from Valentina had me chuckling but your heart wrenches for the father.

Share a favourite scene from the book:
The last scene where he is saluting the sun!

What did you think of the ending?
One I was pleased with, bless him.

I highly recommend this book! There is so much more to say about it, delving into the historical aspects and immigration and I will try and comment on these later, I just wanted to give my general opinion of the book.
Rating (trying out this system!)

This is also a book completed for the What's in a Name? Challenge!
4.5/5

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak- Review

2008-01-04T16:16:00.000Z

Title and author of book?
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

What led you to pick up this book?
So many recommendations from other people and intrigued by the cover and title- anything to do with books!

Summary
From Amazon
“1939 - Nazi Germany - The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier. Liesel, a nine-year-old girl, is living with a foster family on Himmel Street. Her parents have been taken away to a concentration camp. Liesel steals books. This is her story and the story of the inhabitants of her street when the bombs begin to fall. Some important information - this novel is narrated by death. It's a small story, about: a girl; an accordionist; some fanatical Germans; a Jewish fist fighter; and quite a lot of thievery. Another thing you should know - death will visit the book thief three times.

What did you like most about the book?
I loved the narration of death and the way the characters and their relationships were presented. I loved the way that it tugged at my heart strings, especially at the end and I am not ashamed to admit I had a cry!

What did you like least?
It took me a while to get into for some reason but then suddenly gripped me.

Have you read any other books by this author? What did you think of those books?
No but will definitely be searching them out.

What did you think of the main character?
What a feisty young lady! Made me consider heavily what I would do in her situation.

Any other particularly interesting characters?
Papa. And Rudy. And Max. I loved the male characters in this book.

Share a quote from the book:
“She leaned down and looked at his lifeless face and Liesel kissed her best friend Rudy Steiner soft and true on his lips. He tasted dusty and sweet. He tasted like regret…” I was blubbing at this point.

Share a favourite scene from the book:
One of the meetings of Max and Liesel- don’t want to say more and give a spoiler.

What did you think of the ending?
Wonderful but sad. Sad at what happens and sad that it ends.
I highly recommend this book!
Rating (trying out this system!)
5/5

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

2008-01-03T20:38:00.000Z

I finished this book about five minutes ago and my goodness what a read. I was worried because it took me a while to get into the book and then suddenly I became hooked and ended up blubbing a bit at the end.

I will write a fuller review tomorrow when my head is clearer and also I have decided I need more of a structure to my reviews so I am going to read some blogs to get some ideas.

But my basic thing to put forward is read this book! And yes I know I am probably one of the few people who hadn't read this book but just in case you haven't yet and was thinking about it- READ IT! lol.

Costa Book Prize

2008-01-02T23:55:00.000Z

The finalists for this prize have been announced and unfortunately I haven't read any of them so couldn't comment! Has anyone read any of them? If so which do you think deserves to win?

Ann Kelley-The Bower Bird
AL Kennedy-Day
Catherine O'Flynn0-What Was Lost
Simon Sebag Montefiore-Young Stalin
Jean Sprackland-Tilt

Chunkster Challenge

2008-01-02T20:46:00.000Z

The Chunkster Challenge is being run by So Many Books, So Little Time
Details
"To qualify the book must be 450 pps regular type OR 750 pps large text.
You must read FOUR chunksters (one each quarter), you OBVIOUSLY may read more
The Challenge will run Jan 7th, 2008 - Dec 20th, 2008 (the only chunky thing occupying my mind over Christmas is ME! AND I am using my foresight remembering my inbox on Dec 31st/ Jan 1 of THIS year when all the challenges ended). BUT any chunkster started after Jan 1 qualifies. "

My choices are-
The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood-637 pages
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon- 506 pages
The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber- 835 pages
The Dark Tower by Stephen King- 683 pages

What's in a name Challenge

2008-01-02T18:56:00.000Z

Am hoping to sign up for this challenge too, the What's in a Name Challenge?
Dates- 2008
Challenge- Read one book from a set of given categories (details below with my choices)

1. A book with a color in its title -Crimson Petal and the White by Michael Faber
2. A book with an animal in its title- The Goldfish Bowl- Married to the Prime Minister by Cherie Blair and Cate Haste
3. A book with a first name in its title- Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee
4. A book with a place in its title- A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian by Marine Lewycka
5. A book with a weather event in its title-Nights of Rain and Stars by Maeve Binchy
6. A book with a plant in its title-Extra Virgin: Among the Olive Groves of Liguria by Annie Hawes

All to help me get down my TBR!

TBR Challenge 2008

2008-01-02T17:20:00.001Z

Remembered to sign up for this one too:)
TBR Challenge hosted by mizb
Dates- 2008
My Choices (not changeable)
1. The Crimson Petal and the White by Michael Faber
2. The Dark Tower by Stephen King
3. The Interpretation of Murder by Jed Rubenfield
4. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
5. The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood
6. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
7. Small Island by Andrea Levy
8. Himilayas by Michael Palin
9. A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
10. The Island by Victoria Hislop
11. On Beauty by Zadie Smith
12. Vernon God Little by DBC Pierre

Young Readers Challenge

2008-01-02T17:10:00.000Z

Young Readers Challenge
Dates- Jan- Dec '08
Challenge- Read 12 books or more for the under 12's, perfect challenge for getting recommendations for my class.
My Choices
I think I am allowed to choose as I go:) Will check!

Shakespeare

2008-01-02T16:59:00.000Z

Shakespeare Challenge at BiblioShakespeare choices.
Date Runs- 1st Jan '08-31st June '08
Challenge- Read four books by or about Shakespeare
My Choices
- Romeo and Juliet
- A Midsummer Night's Dream
- Othello
- Hamlet

Happy New Year!

2007-12-31T08:50:00.000Z

I know I am a little early but just wanted to say have a great New Year everyone, I hope it is a happy one for all:) As for me I am off to buy myself a few books and a notebook because this year IS the year when I record faithfully all the books I have read and what I thought of them. I will, I will, I will.

Current Read and Inspections

2007-11-17T15:34:00.000Z

Currently reading Marley and Me but things have taken a back seat as my school found out this week that we have an inspection next week so have lots of planning and preparation to do:) Oh the joys of my job!

Travelling Reading Journal- anyone want to join in?

2007-11-12T19:05:00.000Z

I was lying in bed last night thinking about bookcrossing and reading (as you do) and it got me thinking about how much I enjoy hearing peoples thoughts about books and reading. So I thought I might set up a little travelling reading journal where the book gets sent around the world (hopefully!) and people keep it for a month or so (less if they wish) and either write about books they are reading, their thoughts on books in general etc and I could even provide some prompts if necessary. Then when they have finished they email the next person on the list, get their address and it gets posted on etc. What do people think? Obviously there will be issues with where people could afford to post and the fact that you will have to let one person know your address so I don't know how people feel about that?

Anyway am I going barmy or do people think this could work? Please leave me a comment and let me know! Also let me know if you are interested.

Sunday Shout Out!

2007-11-11T19:53:00.000Z

Todays Sunday Shout out is Sam at Book Chase. He is one of my regular visits and has updated me on a few things that have happened here in the UK book world! Full of good links and interesting book reviews he is intelligent and thoughtful and I would definitely recommend you take a wander over there!

Ooh A challenge that relates to my job- so I have to do it!

2007-11-11T18:40:00.000Z

The Young Readers Challenge asks you to read 12 books for under twelves, January to December 2008. I don't think I am going to pick out a list to start with but will just see how it goes!

An addition to the household and finishing a book

2007-11-11T16:44:00.000Z

Well I am afraid my reading is taking a back seat this entry as I very excitedly tell you about two new additions to my household- some lovely gerbils! I have wanted some for ages and I finally got them this weekend. They are the cutest ever and are so friendly.

In book news I finished the House of Riverton this morning and will do a full review later. Right my little guys are clamouring for attention so see you later!

Idle chat reveals spoilers!

2007-11-06T23:33:00.000Z

Speaking in the staffroom today and someone revealed spoilers for the book I am reading! No!!!! I am now even more intent to finish it quickly to see if they were winding me up. I have finally set up google reader which will tell me when all the blogs I have on the sidebar have updated- it was taking me ages to check them regularly for updates so this should give me more reading time.

My NaNoWriMo has halted at 7,000 ish words as I feel bad while mum is visiting. Just watching a programme showing real life autopsies, strangely compelling but strange. I need a good to lose myself in to get rid of these images!

Shakespeare

2007-11-05T22:02:00.000Z

I don't know whether any of you remember me mentioning ages ago about me wanting to read some more Shakespeare, well I didn't manage it but I have joined the perfect challenge to help me. Go to BiblioShakespeare for more details! I think I am going to focus on reading the plays but might choose a book about Shakespeare's life as well.

Bonjour!

2007-11-05T17:32:00.000Z

Hello all, just got home from work and had a glorious read on the bus. However as I get older I seem to be losing the ability to read in cars and buses, I start to feel really sick. It's so annoying because when I was a young lass I could read for hours and not feel the slightest bit ill (well unless I ate a big bag of sweets or something!) I am sat here waiting to go pick my mum up at the train station as she is visiting us for a few days and watching the glorious fireworks out of the window. I do like Fireworks night although I grimace at the cost of garden style fireworks but I think the organised ones are something great! Off to grab ten minutes of reading the House at Riverton and make my heart stop beating fast after that huge rocket made me jump!
Au Revoir!

p.s And goodness knows what the French is about, it just popped out!
p.p.s I am just over 7,000 words on my NaNoWriMo- how cool is that!

Shout Out Sunday!

2007-11-04T15:14:00.000Z

There are so many great blogs out there I thought I would start a Sunday Shout Out, talking about and linking to the ones I visit. This week I am going to be naughty and list three that I make sure I read regularly when I am able. All three ladies who write them are lovely and I love hearing about what goes on in their lives as well!

First up is kookiejar at A Fraternity of Dreamers As well as keeping me up to date with Lost she does some great reviews and every post of hers is amusing and interesting. She has great links to interesting news items and is always ready with a nice comment.

Secondly is Stephanie at Stephanie’s Confessions of a Book-a-holic I think it’s for the same reasons as kookiejar above really, another interesting and amusing blog and a source of me adding lots of books to my wishlist!

Thirdly is Dewey at The Hidden Side of a Leaf Firstly I have to say how jealous I am of her wonderful site, I want it so much lol! But secondly as well as all the great reviews she gives she has set up some great things for people to get involved in.

So go visit these three! There are other blogs and sites I enjoy visiting too but I must restrain myself or I will be here all day. I just wanted to say thanks so much to everyone for creating a great community to be involved in.

Shout out Sunday signing out!

I have decided!

2007-11-03T21:02:00.000Z

The House at Riverton by Kate Morton is my choice!

When We Were Orphans by Kazuo Ishiguro and other news

2007-11-03T17:40:00.000Z

Finished this book earlier today and still haven't decided whether I liked it or not. It is my second Ishiguro book and I think it is his style that I have a problem with. In this book there was one thing I kept mentally shouting at the MC for and I think this tarnished it a bit. But in the end I liked the way it was resolved and I enjoyed how they mystery was solved.

Up next for reading is either Marley and Me or The House at Riverton, I can't decide:)

In other news I have started this years NaNoWriMo, I registered a few years ago and this is the first time that I have actually started. I am up to just over 5,000 words at the moment and am pleased with myself. Let's just hope I can carry it on.

It was really good catching up with people's blogs and already I have a few books added to my wish list so thanks everyone lol! Take care and be safe:)

My new class!

2007-09-05T19:04:00.001Z

Are mad! lol. They are great but so tiring. Put it this way I came home tonight and fell asleep for an hour because my head was buzzing so much! Haven't had time to read anything apart from some picture books -Guess who is coming to dinner? and Gorilla by Anthony Browne. Hope you are all well!

News and bits

2007-08-31T06:17:00.000Z

OK I finally finished Enduring Love and watched the film version as well. Bad idea, it was a good film but I kept screaming at the screen 'no that's not in the book!' Oh dear. Anyway I am going away for a couple of days (nowhere exciting:)) and wanted to wish everyone a happy weekend!

Enduring Love, Miss Read and nearly back to school

2007-08-28T15:11:00.000Z

Bookish stuff first. I am just over half way through Ian McEwans Enduring Love and I can't decide if I love it or hate it if that makes sense. I find the main character so blimmin' annoying but I am fascinated by how the story will pan out. Oh well I will keep plodding on! I got a copy of Brave New World through Read It Swap It today in preparation for my next read on the Dystopian Challenge. I also went to the charity shop and picked up three of the Miss Read books (example here), have never read any of them before but she apparently details an idyllic village life with some school stuff in there.

And so on to school. Just under a week left until term starts. I popped into my new classroom today and it feels more like mine every time I go in there. It is starting to look great with all the displays and bits I have up on the walls. There is very little blank space and I got loads of really great resources over the summer. I still have so much to get ready and I feel nervous about getting a new class but am excited too.

McCarthy wins award for The Road

2007-08-26T14:15:00.001Z

BBC News Article

"Pulitzer Prize-winning US author Cormac McCarthy has won the UK's oldest literary award, the James Tait Black Memorial Prize for fiction.

The Road, McCarthy's tale of a father and son in a post-apocalyptic America, was named the best novel of the year"

This is a great book, especially for those post-apocalyptic fans out there!

edited to say here is an article that tells of other nominees

Song of Susannah by Stephen King

2007-08-25T22:56:00.000Z

So tired but had to rejoice because finally finished Song of Susannah. It has taken me about a year to get that blimmin' thing finished, goodness knows why because I love the series but phew! One more to go and then the Dark Tower series is complete.

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall

2007-08-25T08:50:00.000Z

Strangely my local library had this and I read it in about two settings. I thought this book was brilliant but probably a little old for my Year 3 class. It tells the tale of some feisty young girls and their holiday to a cottage with their father. The sisters have differing personalities that get them into a variety of scrapes! If I was of a younger age I am sure I would have chosen a favourite sister, probably the writer of the eldest sister who kind of takes over the role of mother. This was a nice easy read that made me wish I could roam around a huge estate getting into mischief! It has I guess an old fashioned charm, I don’t know whether that is just me but it reminded me of books from my youth. It was a pleasant change from some of the books I have read recently aimed at children
I think what struck me about the book is the love and friendship of the family and their new friend Jeffrey, made me wish I had siblings to share things with! It is the kind of family ideal I would have relished (in some respects obviously) for example a father who loves his children dearly and supports them entirely but leaves them to their own devices.
I am so pleased to have read this book, I will certainly be getting my own copy for my classroom!

This is actually one of the books from my Something about Me challenge so yay one down!

Post 2 of the day - Booking Through Thursday

2007-08-24T15:19:00.001Z

Booking Through Thursday
I had seen this on several people’s blogs and finally checked it out today. OK so I am not strictly starting on Thursday but I will from next week! This seems like a great idea and it is really interesting seeing everyone else’s responses!

When growing up did your family share your love of books? If so, did one person get you into reading? And, do you have any family-oriented memories with books and reading? (Family trips to bookstore, reading the same book as a sibling or parent, etc.)When I was a child it was just me and my mum. From what I remember my dad wasn’t a big reader and neither was my mum but she says she read to me quite a bit. I can’t remember this at all! All I remember is having a love for books, I enjoyed nothing more than sitting inside reading and I know my mum wished I would go outside more and play with everyone else! I remember the thrill of getting new books, trips to the library where I would take ages to pick. I loved when I was old enough to go on my own because this meant I didn’t have to rush.
I think my maternal grandma is a book reader but mainly crime and horror books and I don’t remember seeing her enough for it to have an impact on my own reading, but perhaps subconsciously it did! What I do think is she was th eone who introduced me to more adult books, Virginia Andrews and Shaun Hutson! I know she was definitely the one who gave me my first Hutson but I am not sure about the Virginia Andrews. All I remember is that I devoured her from about the age of 8 to .. well I can’t remember! I was still in primary school at this point and I don’t think the teachers approved or thought I was really reading it!

Ok this is the last post for the day, promise!

Challenges and a Meme

2007-08-24T14:53:00.000Z

OK Finally catching up with my challenges- the two I have are the Something about Me and The Dystopian Challenges. While I was offline I had missed the linked email to join the Book Awards challenge so I won’t bother the organiser and ask to join again!

Something About Me
I cannot find my list of books chosen from other peoples books so I am thinking maybe I didn’t get that far, especially as I didn’t post them on my blog, only the ones chosen for other people to pick from. If I have the go ahead I am going to choose another 5 books for the challenge. These are
- Enduring Love by Ian McEwan (F) chosen by Kristin. I have also wanted to read another McEwan after enjoying Atonement so this seemed a perfect time to try another.
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (F) chosen by Pattie. I have started a restarted this book several times and really want to finish it, so this will help me along.
- The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall (F) chosen by Julie. As a teacher I am always looking out for new children’s books and I really liked the sound of this one.
- Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote (F) chosen by Lucca. After reading To Kill a Mockingbird recently and looking up the life of Harper Lee I was interested by her friendship with Capote.
- The World According to Garp by John Irving (F) chosen by Dewey and Chasida. I have seen Irving mentioned a few times on other people’s blogs and again thought this would be an ideal time to try him out!

Dystopian Challenge Books
The Road
Animal Farm
Brave New World
The Handmaid's Tale

I have also spent some time browsing other blogs, linked from some of the regular ones I visit. The thing is my list is getting so long now, there are some really interesting ones out there but my life will be spent looking through them! How does everyone else manage it?

I have also come across this meme in about a million blogs so thought I would also give it a go. I have lost track of who started it and where it is from!

What are you reading now?
I am restarting Song of Susannah by Stephen King and also various teaching books.

Do you have any idea what you'll read when you're done with that?
I will try and get started on one of my challenge books but I am also eying up my recent library haul including Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood and The Laments by George Hagen.

What magazines do you have in your bathroom right now?
None

What's the worst thing you were ever forced to read?
Some new educational government initiative probably.

What's the one book you always recommend to just about everyone?
There isn’t really one, I recommend different books to different people!

Admit it, the librarians at your library know you on a first name basis, don't they?

Not by name, well apart from one but that’s because I go to her book group! Some of the others know me by face only.

Is there a book you absolutely love, but for some reason, people never think it sounds interesting, or maybe they read it and don't like it at all?

Years ago it was The Dud Avocado by Elaine Dundy but cannot think of anything recently.

Do you read books while you eat? While you bathe? While you watch movies or TV? While you listen to music? While you're on the computer? While you're having sex? While you're driving?

Yes for eating, computer and music. I only have a shower in the flat so until someone invents a waterproof book that’s a no. I don’t have a TV but we watch films on the computer and if I am getting bored I slyly read a book. I don’t drive but get the bus and I try and read on there (unless it is one of those days that it makes me feel sick!) And sex, no. OH would kill me.

When you were little, did other children tease you about your reading habits?
Not really but they all knew I was a shy little thing anyway and left me to my books. My mum couldn’t (and still can’t) understand why I read so much and used to use that as a punishment

What's the last thing you stayed up half the night reading because it was so good you couldn't put it down?

The Road by Cormac McCarthy.

That reminds me, better do my review for The Road!

Spelling Mississippi

2007-08-23T16:42:00.000Z

by Marnie Woodrow

Just finished this book, one I picked up at the library just because I liked the cover lol! Really great read. Many attempts to write a review have stalled because I just cannot find the right words but I think some of this, lifted from Amazon.com, says it all
“Spelling Mississippi begins with a visually stunning drama that lingers ‘like the ghost scent of fine perfume’ over all the pages to come…. The narrative shifts smoothly between Cleo and Madeline, suspensefully unfurling their pasts, troubled childhoods, backstories ripe with longings and secrets, like the mini-cities of the dead, haunting the present…. Woodrow is a delicious tease, offering cool quenching sips of information, but spiked with intrigue. The story swirls compellingly on, at times funny, wise, erotic, always precisely detailed and vivid. A kind of romantic melancholy permeates the pages…. The charm and strength of the telling is the intimate reality created, the bang-on dialogue and characters [are] fully flesh and blood…. Spelling Mississippi, in the best way, is alive, both spirited and haunted.” -- Eliza Clark, The Globe and Mail

Well...

2007-08-23T10:34:00.000Z

...that was either a very long sleep or I lost the internet for a while! But I am back and have spent time catching up on some people's blogs but still have more to do! I wanted to have a brief read of everything I have missed on people's blogs so it is taking a while. But what I have to say is that people still seem lovely, they are still reading a lot and already I have a new list of books to read! It's good to be back.

Now I also have to catch up with my challenges, I can't even remember the deadlines to some of them so hope I havent missed them!

Woohoo!!!!!!!

2007-06-20T16:40:00.000Z

I have finished! Finally! I have literally worked solidly on them for the past week and feel such a sense of relief. Thanks to everyone for their comments, it meant so much to me when I read them. I am now going to sleep but will catch up with everyone tomorrow! Celebration time!

Reports

2007-06-14T21:03:00.000Z

I am afraid Real Life is taking over, having to write my clases reports at the moment which are taking up all my time so very little reading being done. At the moment I am managing a paragraph of my book before my eyes refuse to work anymore and I need to sleep.

Shakespeare

2007-06-10T10:31:00.001Z

The other weekend me and my OH went to visit the new Globe in London finally. We loved it, had a guided tour and got to see the actors warming up and the stage having last minute things done to it. As a result I was in a 'wanting to read Shakespeare' mood anyway but this has been boosted by a wonderful post by Robin at A Fondness for Reading

They describe a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the play using a variety of texts and the films. I am so stealing the idea but will leave it until the summer when I will have more time on my hands. Now to choose a play! I have read Macbeth and Measure for Measure, which one do you think I should go for?

Oops

2007-06-09T19:01:00.000Z

I have been naughty.

Firstly I have signed up for another challenge. This one is the Book Awards Challenge and I have provisionally chose my 12 books!
1987: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
2003 Vernon God Little by DBC Pierre (Man Booker Prize)
2006 Lisey's Story by Stephen King (Bram Stoker Award)
2005 - Andrea Levy, Small Island (Commonwealth Writers Prize)
2005 Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke (Hugo Award)
1983 The Color Purple by Alice Walker (National Book Award)
2002 American Gods by Neil Gaiman (Nebula)
2006 On Beauty - Zadie Smith (Orange)
2007 - The Road - Cormac McCarthy (Pulitzer)
1992 - A Thousand Acres - Jan Smiley (Pulitzer)
1987 Perfume by Patrick Suskind (World Fantasy)
2007 The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak (Book Sense)

Secondly I have joined Dewey's Blogroll game I am a little late but already finding some great new blogs to add to my list!

Black Swan Green and Purple Hibiscus

2007-06-09T17:37:00.000Z

Finished Black Swan Green this morning, started Purple Hibiscus and finished it about 5 minutes. A glorious day reading, it was lovely. I am now trying to decide what to read next!

It is wonderfully hot here and I am thinking of going for a lovely long walk along the river. Hmm decisions, decisions.

Memes

2007-06-08T20:12:00.000Z

The lovely kookiejar at Fraternity of Dreamers and the equally lovely Bookfool and Gentle Reader posted this meme type thing and I thought I would try it out and see how many I could list. So '8 random facts about myself.'Hmm stuck already lol!
1) I love to dip my finger in the marmite jar and lick it (don't worry I am the only one who eats from the jar!)
2) Many people don't know the real me including work colleagues.
3) I can't touch a tea towel with dry hands.
4) I collect hobbies-do something for a few weeks to months and then give up. Reading is the only thing that remains in my life.
5) My secret dream is to be a published writer (don't we all)
6) Linked to 5) I would hate to be famous.
7) I detest having my photograph taken. A lot.
8) I am obviously rubbish at these things because I can't think of a number 8!
There are some other memes I need to catch up on so will get to those this weekend.

Hi- dee hi!

2007-06-06T22:36:00.000Z

Thanks everyone for your comments. Recently I have been reading Fiona Walker and ...my minds gone blank!

At the moment I am reading David Mitchell 'Black Swan Green' and in fact I am about to go and curl up into bed and read it.

I have decided to stay at my school for a term, the lack of finding another job kind of made my decision for me so I will stay but will have a different year group which is good!

Loads of books have come into my possession recently to add to Mount TBR, grr. However I went to the school library today while my kids were at PE and found a Nancy drew book so that will be pushed to the top of my pile! I used to love Nancy!

Hope everyone else is ok xx

Something About Me

2007-05-13T20:03:00.000Z

Something About Me choices made here finally!

Here is a quick list
The Historian
The Mayor of Casterbridge
So Many Books, So Little Time
The Stand
Educating Esme

So Many Books, So Little Time

2007-05-13T09:31:00.000Z

I have just finished this book by Sara Nelson and managed to read it in...ooh a day! It was great to read a book by someone who gets me, basically like all the other lit blogs out there. Although I haven't read a lot of her reads, and some of them hadn't heard of them, it was still very enjoyable and I have added a few more books to my wish list. I recognised myself a lot in these pages, taking ages to choose just the right book, always carrying a spare just in case etc!

This will be one of the books on my Something About Me challenge, now I am off to go and choose some others.

The Abortionist's Daughter

2007-05-12T21:57:00.000Z

Finished this earlier today and am now reading Sara Nelson, 'So many books, so little time' which I am enjoying immensely as its about...um...BOOKS!

I have just spent about an hour or so catching up on blogs, wow you guys have been reading some good books!

This past week or so I have brought 3 books and received three books through bookcrossing.

I have also applied for a few jobs so am permanently walking around with my fingers and toes crossed for good luck.

Have also been reading some childrens books to recommend to my class, trying to vary their reading choices!

RL Reading group

2007-05-02T21:50:00.000Z

Well last night I went to my first real life reading group- it was a lot of fun but little chat about the book! this was mainly because noone really liked the choice but it was a nice group and I look forward to our next meeting. The next book up to read is To Kill a Mockingbird which I have wanted to read for ages so I am pleased with that choice!

I have been very good and not bought any books in the past few days although I have swapped some and received some bookrings on BookCrossing so my TBR pile is GROWING!

Many thanks to Dewey who ran a contest which I won! Read their blog here, very fab it is indeed!

And finally one and a half applications written, 2 and half to go. So tired but so want to make them brilliant to get a new job. But must go to sleep now, lovely to catch up with everyones blogs again!

Sorry!!!

2007-04-29T18:10:00.000Z

Wow didn't realise how long it had been, basically this week has been horrendous and good. Hmm you may be thinking... Well horrendous because some colleagues have really upset me and made me decide to def leave my school and I have spent the week feeling like rubbish and havent been able to be positive at all ( and I knew if I came on here I would moan and didn't want to put you all through that!) but the good thing is somehow I have regained my love for teaching. How did that happen!? Well to be honest I don't know but i am so enthused right now, making great plans for teaching etc and applying for new jobs so basically my reading has been limited to teaching books and I am sure none of you would be interested at all.

I have a Meme still to do and blogs to catch up on but never fear tomorrow shall be the day!

Now housepoints to anyone who can be bothered to go through my post and count the number of exclamation marks I have used! And theres another one! D'oh! Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhh...

p.s apologies for this mad post, I am just so happy to be back in love with my job.

Slow this week

2007-04-23T19:14:00.000Z

Well I have been a slower reader these past few days, am failing miserably with the Trollope but have to have it read by monday for my new book group. I am really enjoying Shadow of the Wind but trying to catch up on work in the evenings so not getting much reading done. However still finding time to catch up with the world in blog land:)

I have hopefully got one of my old friends interested in bookcrossing, I am really enjoying the whole vibe of BC at the moment, released another book yesterday and will try and release one on the bus in the morning.

But that is enough about BC, hmm other things. Shakespeare's birthday! My favourite Shakespeare is Measure for Measure, I seem to be the only one that finds that my favourite. I must read more of Shakespeare though, it is something I have not read enough of.

I am currently trying to decide whether to stay in teaching or not, I just don't know what to do instead. I do love the kids, its just all the paperwork and jumping through hoops I can't stand. So feel free to suggest alternative careers for me!

Box of free books woohoo- oh and some other ramblings

2007-04-21T20:14:00.000Z

I got a box of FREE books from freecycle today, I am so happy. The plan was to BookCross them but to be honest the pile on TBR is getting bigger and bigger. I am so happy, and obviously a very sad person for being so happy!

But something else weird today, not related to books I am afraid, went to get a joint account with OH for bills etc and it turned out the lady's niece is in my class at school. Lets hope she doesn't tell her that her teacher is a disorganised person with her finances who seems to move house every year! Argh!

Dystopian Challenge choices

2007-04-21T16:14:00.000Z

OK I have made my choices!
The Road by Cormac McCarthy- have heard about this a lot recently
Animal Farm by George Orwell- have never got round to reading so thought this would be an ideal excuse
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley- read this years ago but can't remember a thing
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood - sounds good!

Not much to add

2007-04-20T22:49:00.000Z

except it is friday! Might go to bed soon and curl up with my book. Lovely jubbly.

Added Blog Links

2007-04-19T21:46:00.000Z

I am adding some links to blogs in my links section (funnily enough!) If anyone has any objections please let me know! These are blogs I have been reading and enjoy!

Review- The Brief History of the Dead and random thoughts

2007-04-19T21:15:00.000Z

Go out and buy this book if you have not got it.

Go home and read this book if it is on your TBR pile.

Personally I thought this was a fantastic read, I know others have had some reservations but i loved the way the stories fitted together, the writing was lovely and ooh it was just great! The story details a place between the living and dead where a population has gathered, caught there while others on Earth are alive to remember them. There existence is at risk when a plague hits the world and the book details the aftermath and how it is dealt with.

I thought the author had considered characterisation carefully, I enjoyed spotting the links between Laura and people from the city. It is a tale that unwinds, no thats not the right word, unravels? so more and more is revealed and explained, but then throws up more questions. I found myself engrossed by this book, torn again by the wish to finish it to see what happens and savour it slowly and enjoy it while I could. In the end I arrived at work this morning having some things to prepare for my class today but sat myself at my desk and finished it hungrily feeling so disappointed when it ended. I was also slightly disappointed (but not in a bad way if that makes sense?) by the ending as there was much left unsaid. However this in no way detracted from the book.

OK falling asleep now so am going to stop although I may add some thoughts tomorrow after a sound nights kip.

Some brief other thoughts-

I am finding it difficult to think of books for the Something about Me reading challenge. I want to include something about teaching, something about living in the UK, something bout my love of History (perhaps The Historian for that one!). Then I have to choose for my dystopian challenge, I have a HUGE long list for that one and I am trying to narrow it down but then I get another suggestion and the list lengthens again!

My class were noisy again tonight but one great moment was when we went down to the library and I could see the transformation in them from the beginning of the year where they were not interested in choosing books, now they bound up to me and ask me if I have read this or that book, show enthusiasm and even say 'Miss book.in.the.life' you MUST read this. Ah its lovely. And one of my SEN children is showing so much improvement in his reading, writing and maths I just want to give him ten million housepoints and stickers to show him how proud I am.

Anyway, toodle-pip hope everyone is ok!

The Brief History of the Dead

2007-04-19T06:35:00.000Z

Just finished this on the bus and loved it! More details to follow:) Trouble is don't have a book for the journey home now!

Challenges, books being read and addicted to blogs?

2007-04-17T18:23:00.000Z

Last night I joined two challenges, anything to get me reading different books! First up I joined Lisa's Dystopian Challenge and then I joined the Something about Me Challenge . I already am formulating lists of what I want to read!

I am currently reading A Brief History of the Dead and am loving it! I was so absorbed this evening on the bus I nearly missed my stop.

I am also finding looking at peoples lit blogs quite addictive. I have built up a list of favourites I frequent and check back regularly to look for updates. Is it just me, am I sad? It's just so nice to talk about books without someone smiling sweetly and going 'OK...' and changing the subject.

Anyway the sunshine is / was bright, I have a lovely evening ahead of marking tests, reading and ahem...just checking if so and so's blog has been updated.

So tired

2007-04-16T17:34:00.000Z

Real Life seeping in for a moment. So tired. Children horrid. No energy to pick up books. Um actually just a little energy but only after I mark assessment papers. And check everyone elses blogs:)

Finished- English Correspondence by Janet Davey

2007-04-15T16:01:00.000Z

I really don't know what to say about this book, mixture of really disliking it and then kind of ending up liking it slightly. I need to work it out before writing a review so watch this space.

I have really enjoyed browsing through other peoples blogs and signing up for book related sites. Throughout the week I will add links and post some of what I have been looking at. I am loving Library Thing still and have been releasing some more bookcrossing books. The next thing on my list is to join some kind of challenge, there are lots in progress at the moment I can see from peoples blogs so I will look for one that comes up that I can join!

Bits and Bobs part 2

2007-04-14T11:34:00.000Z

While out posting a book for Read It Swap It I just bought a copy of Cider with Rosie for 50p. Bargain.

Book Review- The Girls

2007-04-14T10:04:00.000Z

Warning- If you haven’t read this book it may contain some spoilers for you!
Well last night I finished The Girls by Lori Lansens and was saddened when it did end. It describes the lives of Ruby and Rose, conjoined twins and how they deal with what their lives throw at them. I have so much to say about this book but am finding it difficult to find the words if that makes sense?
The book gives the reader lots of food for thought, I found myself often looking up into space trying to imagine never having been on my own, never having full control of my life and I couldn’t. The story goes back and forth in their lives, secrets are revealed that alter your interpretation of the characters. I read on one review that the story is quite morbid, almost depressing instead of tearjerking and that is a viewpoint that interested me. It was quite a depressing tale and Uncle Stash’s betrayal at one point gutted me but I think the book lifts itself out of the depressive state by the girls optimism and ….well does anybody know what I mean? There were certainly a few moments where I had tears in my eyes but I got swept up in the narrative and they didn’t fall. I think the suddenness of Aunt Lovey’s death was what clinched it, knew she was going to die at some point but the contrast with their strawberry picking etc really made an impact, which I guess was the authors intention.
All in all I would really recommend this book. It was certainly thought provoking and moving, please let me know what you thought of it!

Bits and Bobs

2007-04-13T14:42:00.000Z

"Wear the old coat and buy the new book." - Austin Phelps
"There is no mistaking a real book when one finds it. It is like falling in love." - Christopher Morley
I found these two quotes on Book Chase today, thanks Sam I hope you don't mind me reproducing these. I think it sums up what I strongly feel about books and reading.

Updated= Book Meme
Found this on so many sites thought I would have to give it a go!
Instructions: In the list of books below, bold the ones you’ve read, italicize the ones you want to read, cross out the ones you won’t touch with a ten-foot pole, put a cross (+) in front of the ones on your book shelf, and asterisk (*) the ones you’ve never heard of. In the comments, let me know if you’re up for it. I left some books in just regular old font, these are the ones I am not sure I want to read or not.
1. The Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown)
2. +Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)
3. +To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
4. Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell)
5. +The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Tolkien)
6. +The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (Tolkien)
7. +The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers (Tolkien)
8. Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery)
9. Outlander (Diana Gabaldon)
10. *A Fine Balance (Rohinton Mistry)
11. +Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Rowling)
12. +Angels and Demons (Dan Brown)
13. +Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Rowling)
14. A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving)
15. +Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden)
16. +Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Rowling)
17. *Fall on Your Knees(Ann-Marie MacDonald)
18. +The Stand (Stephen King) LOVE, LOVE, LOVE
19. +Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Rowling)
20. +Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte)
21. +The Hobbit (Tolkien)
22. +The Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger)- well read a bit of it
23. +Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
24. +The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold)
25. Life of Pi (Yann Martel)
26. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams)
27. +Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte)
28. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (C. S. Lewis)
29. East of Eden (John Steinbeck)
30. Tuesdays with Morrie(Mitch Albom)
31. Dune (Frank Herbert)- OH really wants me to read this
32. The Notebook (Nicholas Sparks)
33. Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand)34. +1984 (Orwell)
35. The Mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley)
36. The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett)
37. The Power of One (Bryce Courtenay)
38. I Know This Much is True(Wally Lamb)
39. +The Red Tent (Anita Diamant)
40. The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)
41. The Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean M. Auel)
42. The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini)
43. Confessions of a Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella)
44. The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Mitch Albom)
45. +Bible- read parts!
46. Anna Karenina (Tolstoy)
47. The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas)
48. +Angela’s Ashes (Frank McCourt)
49. +The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck)
50. She’s Come Undone (Wally Lamb)
51. +The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver)
52. A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens)
54. +Great Expectations (Dickens)
55. The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald)
56. *The Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence)
57. +Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling)
58. The Thorn Birds (Colleen McCullough)
59. The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood)
60. +The Time Traveller’s Wife (Audrew Niffenegger)
61. Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky)
62. The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand)
63. War and Peace (Tolstoy)
64. Interview With The Vampire (Anne Rice)
65.* Fifth Business (Robertson Davis)
66. +One Hundred Years Of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
67. The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants (Ann Brashares)
68. Catch-22 (Joseph Heller) -
69. +Les Miserables (Hugo)
70. The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)
71. +Bridget Jones’ Diary (Fielding)
72. Love in the Time of Cholera (Marquez)
73. Shogun (James Clavell)
74. The English Patient (Michael Ondaatje)
75. The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett)
76. *The Summer Tree (Guy Gavriel Kay)
77. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith)
78. The World According To Garp (John Irving)
79. The Diviners (Margaret Laurence)
80. +Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White)
81. *Not Wanted On The Voyage (Timothy Findley)
82. Of Mice And Men (Steinbeck)
83. +Rebecca (Daphne DuMaurier)
84. *Wizard’s First Rule (Terry Goodkind)
85. Emma (Jane Austen)
86. Watership Down (Richard Adams)
87. +Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)
88. *The Stone Diaries (Carol Shields)
89. *Blindness (Jose Saramago)
90. *Kane and Abel (Jeffrey Archer)
91. *In The Skin Of A Lion (Ondaatje)
92. Lord of the Flies (Golding)
93. The Good Earth (Pearl S. Buck)
94. The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)- partly read
95. The Bourne Identity (Robert Ludlum)
96. The Outsiders (S.E. Hinton)
97. +White Oleander (Janet Fitch)
98. *A Woman of Substance (Barbara Taylor Bradford)
99. *The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield)
100. Ulysses (James Joyce)

Umm how do I underline in blogger!

New book purchases!

2007-04-13T12:48:00.000Z

I have just been very bad. I went to an opticians appointment and had the wrong time so missed it. As a result I decided to hit the charity shops and bought myself some books.
On Beauty by Zadie Smith
2001 A Space Odyssey by Arthur C Clarke
Beloved by Toni Morrison
The Little Friend by Donna Tartt
Had to stop myself from buying The Book Thief in Smiths, I may weaken tomorrow though. Now for an afternoon of adding my books to LibraryThing. I wish I had all my books here but the flat is so tiny I have to store some in my mums loft. I have lost track of all I own. Argh I want a house so I can have all my books!

What to choose

2007-04-12T09:45:00.000Z

I am supposed to be reading the Anthony Trollope but last night I went out and because it didnt fit in my bag I took The Girls with me which was brilliant. Now should I go back to the Trollope or carry on with The Girls? Decisions, decisions.

Other lit blogs

2007-04-11T14:41:00.001Z

There are hundreds, thousands of them out there! Full of like minded people who buy and read and then buy some more! I am in heaven.

Half of a Yellow Sun

2007-04-11T13:51:00.000Z

Over the weekend I finished ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and wow what a read. I picked it up in the library after seeing it advertised and discussed in various places. I actually had trouble starting it because I was in the mood for something light and fluffy and knew I wouldn’t be getting light and fluffy with this book. Anyway I must be the worst daughter in the world because while visiting my dear mother for the weekend I became so engrossed I could barely mumble ‘Hello’ at times during my visit. OK not quite as bad as that but you get the idea.
The novel details the Nigerian Civil War of the 1960s and follows the lives of three central figures, Olanna, Richard and Ugwu. It details how their lives are affected by the turmoil, going back and forward in time to contrast their experiences. I didn’t know much about the war before reading this and although this book does little in giving you dates, facts and figures etc, what you do get is a wonderful but haunting account of peoples lives during the events.The story is beautifully crafted and as you come to know and love the characters your breath stops when trouble arise, I raced through the end of the book because I just had to know what happened to one of the main characters. I also felt a certain amount of turmoil during reading this with reference to the character of Ugwu. He is a houseboy for the Odenigbo family acting as a different perspective on events. One incident in the book led my feelings towards him to change completely, I couldn’t work out how to deal with the hate, sorrow and sadness I felt for him. I don’t want to say more and spoil it for others but I would be interested to see what other people think! I cannot recommend this book enough. While studying history at university I wrote a dissertation on the Rwandan Genocide and studied colonial literature and this is just another book that brings to my attention the struggles that have, and are, going on in the world. A history of Nigeria can be found here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigeria

Hello!

2007-04-11T13:50:00.000Z

I have created two blogs- here and on another because I want to see which is the easiest to use! This will be a place to record my thoughts and feelings about books and reading. Hopefully it will be a place to coordinate all my book related activities as I am…well a bit disorganised in that respect! I forget books I have read, books I want to read and websites and blogs I have discovered.