Posts

Showing posts from February, 2011

A Morbid Taste for Bones.

Image
'A Morbid Taste for Bones. 'by Ellis Peters. The first chronicle of Brother Cadfael. This being the first novel in the brother Cadfael series the first part of the book introduces the reader to this kindly man. A Benedictine monk, as he is now who's main occupation is tending the herb garden in the grounds of the monastery in Shrewsbury. Cadfael's early life was as a crusader in the Holy Land, a life that encompassed many friendships including romantic attachments. Due to these life experiences his 'take' on the Benedictine life and society in general was quite worldly and as such he was a very astute man. In this novel the monks of Shrewsbury become obsessed with the bones of Saint Winifred and are keen to travel to a remote Welsh village to bring the relics back to Shrewsbury. Brother Cadfael , being fluent in Welsh is the Prior's first choice to lead the monks . On arrival in Wales the monks are confronted by one of their congregation succumbing to fits

The Final Act of Mr Shakespeare.

Image
'The Final Act of Mr. Shakespeare' by Robert Winder. A novel set in the time of James 1, the son of Mary, Queen of Scots. The year is 1613 , and William Shakespeare has retired to the genteel life in Warwickshire. His days of penning plays are over, or so he thinks until... his mind becomes restless or his writing hand itchy, but he returns to London and there reunites with his 'famous' actors ,known as the 'King's Men'. London is trying to recover from the Gunpowder plot of 1605 and many people remain nervous of the politics surrounding the city and royal spies abound. This is the reign of James 1, some may think this a peaceful time after living their time with Elizabeth 1,others still hanker after Elizabethan ways. To try and script a play in these times is dangerous work and Shakespeare and his 'men' need all their wits about them to create this masterpiece, namely writing the truth about Henry V11. Tension mounts at every rehearsal and every ti

Booking through Thursday

Here is today's meme---- What’s the most romantic book you’ve ever read? (Mind you, I don’t mean the hard-core stuff you hide in plain wrappers under your mattress. I mean True Love, Romance, deeply emotional, heart-tugging, and all that stuff.) And, secondly, did you like it? Is it your usual kind of reading, or did it take you by surprise? Well the book that comes to mind in a big way is a classic. A wonderful book about a strong, independant woman who believes that true love will never be hers. However after many trials her dream comes true. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte , I love it both the book and the Zelah Clark version of the Jane Eyre movie. More romance can be found here.

Book beginnnings on Friday

Image
How to participate: Share the first line (or two) of the book you are currently reading on your blog or in the comments. Include the title and the author so we know what you're reading. Then, if you feel so moved, let us know what your first impressions were based on that first line, and let us know if you liked or did not like the sentence. The link-up will be here at A Few More Pages every Friday. Thanks to Becky at Page Turners for starting this meme and to Rose City Reader for inspiring it. Here is my teaser---- 'The measurement of human emotions is not an exact science;there are very few remedies for real sorrow. Misery may be biological, born of some inherited uproar in the blood, or it may be circumstantial -- down to bad luck, heart-stopping loss, or the cruelty of others.' page 1. 'The Final Act of Mr. Shakespeare.' by Robert Winder. More lines can be found here.

The Book of Tomorrow.

Image
'The Book of Tomorrow' by Cecelia Ahern. Set in Ireland this book tells the story of a rebellious teenager. Tamara Goodwin is a rich kid. The type of child you really don't want to meet. She has been thoroughly spoilt by her parents, nothing is too big for Tamara and no amount of money is too large. When her father dies suddenly her world is turned upside down. She and her mother must go and live with her mother's relatives in the country. So far away from her spoilt and obnoxious friends Tamara must start a new life . A life where the most excitement is the food for the next meal. But suddenly there is a handsome boy on the scene , the librarian in the mobile library. His books are pretty old fashioned and not really to her liking till she comes across a very unusual issue . This book will change many aspects of her life and it may even change Tamara... Well I had read a review of this book in blogland and was instantly drawn to it , I thought it might turn out to be

Wordless Wednesday

Image
More pics can be found here.

One down...

Image

Book beginnings on Friday.

Image
This is a new meme for me, sounds interesting I'm going to join, how about you? How to participate: Share the first line (or two) of the book you are currently reading on your blog or in the comments. Include the title and the author so we know what you're reading. Then, if you feel so moved, let us know what your first impressions were based on that first line, and let us know if you liked or did not like the sentence. The link-up will be here at A Few More Pages every Friday. Thanks to Becky at Page Turners for starting this meme and to Rose City Reader for inspiring it! Here are my lines--- 'In a way they were born to be aunts. Emancipated, eccentric and brave, the Norchester sisters lived in a tall grey house in Bloomsbury, within a stone's throw of the British Museum.' From 'A Song of Summer' by Eva Ibbotson. These lines made me think that these characters were going to be independant women , perhaps a little out of the ordinary but adventerous. Check o

Booking through Thursday

Image
Here is today's question ---- “How would a teen-age boy who is going to work with his hands ever use Literature of England in his work?” The age-old “How am I going to use this in real life?” question. How would you answer it? My answer--- Firstly I think this teenager as do all teenagers need the ability to read and hopefully they enjoy the experience. To actually apply for a job whether one using your hands or a more academic type reading is paramount. To fill in application forms , read work contracts reading skills are needed. Now although reading in general is needed in all walks of life I am a great believer in reading for pleasure, it can be such a relaxing pastime , one to savour at the end of the working day whatever our work entails. More answers can be found here.