"Warm-hearted and moving, Kisses On A Postcard is a vivid and intimate portrait of a neglected part of our wartime history; a compelling and uplifting memoir of growing up in an extraordinary time"
A glimpse into another world, good and bad alike. I found this a fascinating insight into the world of an evacuee.
Where dreams become reality
Sunday, 28 February 2010
Friday, 26 February 2010
Received books
I have been very excited to recently get several books in the post- 2 ring/rays and a RABCK :)
So this is just a brief thankyou to those people who have sent:
When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit
Kisses on a Postcard
The Painted Veil
(you know who you are ;)
So this is just a brief thankyou to those people who have sent:
When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit
Kisses on a Postcard
The Painted Veil
(you know who you are ;)
When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit (a review)
It's been a long time since I last read this book, so I was particularly looking forward to another look at it. So when the book arrived in the post (just as I was about to finish my current book) I was very excited.
I'd forgotten the charm of the book and the way in which it was written from a child's point of view. I'd forgotten the way in which it explores the effects of war and becoming a refugee without going into the nitty-gritty political and battles of WW2. In short I rediscovered the joy of this book. I hope it can do the same for many others during its BokoCrossing journey, as well as bringing a new world to many children.
I'd forgotten the charm of the book and the way in which it was written from a child's point of view. I'd forgotten the way in which it explores the effects of war and becoming a refugee without going into the nitty-gritty political and battles of WW2. In short I rediscovered the joy of this book. I hope it can do the same for many others during its BokoCrossing journey, as well as bringing a new world to many children.
Wednesday, 24 February 2010
REview of Moab is My Washpot
An honest and interesting look into the childhood and teenage years of Stephen Fry. Challenging at times, you can almost hear the man speaking at times.
Monday, 22 February 2010
Funny signs- look carefully at the words
Teach this person writing!
Write in it then!
Apart from in your case, it seems
Saturday, 20 February 2010
Fun quote
The eminent linguistic philosopher J. L. Austin of Oxford once gave a lecture in which he asserted that there are many languages in which a double negative makes a positive, but none in which a double positive makes a negative — to which the Columbia philosopher Sidney Morgenbesser, sitting in the audience, sarcastically replied, “Yeah, yeah.”
--Steven Strogatz, NYT
--Steven Strogatz, NYT
Wallingford Methodist Church Book Sale
...Was 11am until 1pm today.
I went down and (guess what) treated myself to some more books. The lady who served me seemed surprised at how many books I'd bought in-fact. I told her about BookCrossing and explained that this was why I could afford to buy books without worrying about the space they took up.
Anyway, here's what I bought:
The Shadow of the Wind- To be included in the 4 elements release challenge next month
Leakey's Luck- Hoping that Leak might be a viable word for the 4 elements challenge
Guppies for Tea
House of Orphans
The God of Small Things- Had heard that this was good, so thought I'd give it a go
And Another Thing (Jeremy Clarkson)
The Book of General Ignorance- Might keep me amused for a while. Think I annoyed several people with me quotes when I read The Book of Animal Ignorance
Me Cheeta- Supposedly an autobiography by a chimp, interesting idea that
I went down and (guess what) treated myself to some more books. The lady who served me seemed surprised at how many books I'd bought in-fact. I told her about BookCrossing and explained that this was why I could afford to buy books without worrying about the space they took up.
Anyway, here's what I bought:
The Shadow of the Wind- To be included in the 4 elements release challenge next month
Leakey's Luck- Hoping that Leak might be a viable word for the 4 elements challenge
Guppies for Tea
House of Orphans
The God of Small Things- Had heard that this was good, so thought I'd give it a go
And Another Thing (Jeremy Clarkson)
The Book of General Ignorance- Might keep me amused for a while. Think I annoyed several people with me quotes when I read The Book of Animal Ignorance
Me Cheeta- Supposedly an autobiography by a chimp, interesting idea that
Wild Release #25 At My Mother's Knee
http://bookcrossing.com/journal/7816292/releasedone
A new town and an historical place- two release challenges in one!
A new town and an historical place- two release challenges in one!
Friday, 19 February 2010
Bought 4 new books!!!!
Saw Stephen Fry's autobiography in HMV and just couldn't resist it at £3:
Moab is my Washpot by Stephen Fry
Waky title. I enjoy QI and that endangered animals series he did (the one with the Douglas Adam's style images inbetween), so I'm hoping that I'll enjoy this as well. Having just finished Paul O'Grady's autobiography, I'm ready for that of another funny person so have started it already. Will probably go up on BookCrossing when I've finished (I rarely read biographies twice).
Then, as I was in town anyway, I decided to pop into Waterstones. They had a buy 2 get the 3rd free offer on, so I ended up getting 3 books.
Naked Name of Love
The Wilderness
The Spy Game
Will read these alongside the others on my TBR list (in no particular order) and then decide whether I'm likely to ever desperately want to read them again. If not, they'll go up on BookCrossing.
Moab is my Washpot by Stephen Fry
Waky title. I enjoy QI and that endangered animals series he did (the one with the Douglas Adam's style images inbetween), so I'm hoping that I'll enjoy this as well. Having just finished Paul O'Grady's autobiography, I'm ready for that of another funny person so have started it already. Will probably go up on BookCrossing when I've finished (I rarely read biographies twice).
Then, as I was in town anyway, I decided to pop into Waterstones. They had a buy 2 get the 3rd free offer on, so I ended up getting 3 books.
Naked Name of Love
The Wilderness
The Spy Game
Will read these alongside the others on my TBR list (in no particular order) and then decide whether I'm likely to ever desperately want to read them again. If not, they'll go up on BookCrossing.
Short Review: At My Mother's Knee
From the blurb:
"At My Mother's Knee is a book which really does contain something for everyone and which reminds usthat, when all's said and done, there's a bit of savage in all of us..."
My review:
A sometimes hilarious account of Paul O'Grady's upbringing and escapades. It was easy to see how his experiences made him the person that is loved by TV viewers.
"At My Mother's Knee is a book which really does contain something for everyone and which reminds usthat, when all's said and done, there's a bit of savage in all of us..."
My review:
A sometimes hilarious account of Paul O'Grady's upbringing and escapades. It was easy to see how his experiences made him the person that is loved by TV viewers.
Wild Release #24 - The Road
Released this whilst out in Oxford yesterday. Seemed to be several people nearby who might have appreciated it. Hopefully one of them picked it up.
http://bookcrossing.com/journal/7804251
http://bookcrossing.com/journal/7804251
Monday, 15 February 2010
Sunday, 14 February 2010
The Road (a review)
Blurb:
"A father and his young son walk alone through a burned America. heading slowly for the coast. Nothing moves in the ravaged landscape save the ash on the wind. They have nothing but a pistol to defend themselves against the men who stalk the road, the clothes they are wearing, a cart of scavanged food- and each other"
My review:
It took me a little while to get into this book as the wording is a little awkard. However, by a few pages in I had forgotten this thanks to the gripping images and emotions which the author clearly portrays in his writing. You will want to read right to the end, just to find out what happens to them.
"A father and his young son walk alone through a burned America. heading slowly for the coast. Nothing moves in the ravaged landscape save the ash on the wind. They have nothing but a pistol to defend themselves against the men who stalk the road, the clothes they are wearing, a cart of scavanged food- and each other"
My review:
It took me a little while to get into this book as the wording is a little awkard. However, by a few pages in I had forgotten this thanks to the gripping images and emotions which the author clearly portrays in his writing. You will want to read right to the end, just to find out what happens to them.
Saturday, 13 February 2010
If you're in or near Birmingham.....
..... do pop into Urban Coffee Co tomorrow
See this video for more info
(Note that this has nothing to do with me expect the link with BookCrossing- I just thought it was a good thing)
See this video for more info
(Note that this has nothing to do with me expect the link with BookCrossing- I just thought it was a good thing)
Friday, 12 February 2010
The Shack (a review)
Deep, profound and thought-provoking, this contraversial book really spoke to me. It made me reconsider all my preconceptions and rediscover the God at the heart of my feelings, as well as my faith.
Take the book as a true story or fiction, the events as a dream or reality, the essence of this book is the getting back to basics view of God's spirit which it offers readers. It speaks of a true salvation, real forgiveness and offers some ideas about the existence of evil in this world. Of course it doesn't give all the answers, no man can do that (and it is important to remember that the author is simply a man), but it does begin to make you question if you really need those answers.
It is clear that this book does not appeal to everyone whether Christian, belonging to other faiths or of no faith at all. But for me it is the controversy which reveals that its heart is in the right place. For if it was no contraversial, could it truly present a view of God's world which speaks against the accepted thinking of a material world?!
Read it and then make your own mind up!
Take the book as a true story or fiction, the events as a dream or reality, the essence of this book is the getting back to basics view of God's spirit which it offers readers. It speaks of a true salvation, real forgiveness and offers some ideas about the existence of evil in this world. Of course it doesn't give all the answers, no man can do that (and it is important to remember that the author is simply a man), but it does begin to make you question if you really need those answers.
It is clear that this book does not appeal to everyone whether Christian, belonging to other faiths or of no faith at all. But for me it is the controversy which reveals that its heart is in the right place. For if it was no contraversial, could it truly present a view of God's world which speaks against the accepted thinking of a material world?!
Read it and then make your own mind up!
Link to The Oldest Book from the Americas
Amazing Mayan manuscript, shown of BibliOdyssey:
http://bibliodyssey.blogspot.com/2010/02/oldest-book-from-americas.html
Please do check it out
http://bibliodyssey.blogspot.com/2010/02/oldest-book-from-americas.html
Please do check it out
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Wild release of The Secrets of Love
Released The Secrets of Love in Tetsworth, Oxfordshire, this morning:
http://bookcrossing.com/journal/7774108/J_13583753
http://bookcrossing.com/journal/7774108/J_13583753
Tuesday, 9 February 2010
Heartlands Release
Wild release of Heartlands in Didcot- http://bookcrossing.com/journal/7773978/releasedone
A short review for The Secrets of Love
An easy to read tale of the ups and downs of teenage love and life. Easy to get into the minds of the characters, although their personalities could be fleshed out more.
BookCrossing reference: http://bookcrossing.com/journal/7774108
BookCrossing reference: http://bookcrossing.com/journal/7774108
Monday, 8 February 2010
I've joined Goodreads!
I've just joined GoodReads!
I've been a member of LibraryThing.com for a while, but was finding that the recommendations weren't enough to keep me there. On BookCrossing they were talking about GoodReads and saying how (well) good it was, So I had a quick look and thought it was worth joining.
I particularly like the social network side of it and the trivia linked to what you've read.
If you're on GoodRead feel free to add me as a friend. My username is AbigailAnn.
I've been a member of LibraryThing.com for a while, but was finding that the recommendations weren't enough to keep me there. On BookCrossing they were talking about GoodReads and saying how (well) good it was, So I had a quick look and thought it was worth joining.
I particularly like the social network side of it and the trivia linked to what you've read.
If you're on GoodRead feel free to add me as a friend. My username is AbigailAnn.
My first RABCK
Was very glad to be able to send out my first RABCK today. I'm glad to know that definatly get to be read again.
For anyone who's interested: http://bookcrossing.com/journal/7774125/J_13626660
And for those who don't know: RABCK stands for 'Random Act of BookCrossing Kindness'
For anyone who's interested: http://bookcrossing.com/journal/7774125/J_13626660
And for those who don't know: RABCK stands for 'Random Act of BookCrossing Kindness'
Random Acts of Heroic Love by Danny Scheinmann- A Brief Review
Just finished reading this book yesterday : )
'Random Acts of Heroic Love' is a compelling and thorough look at love through two men's eyes and how love can act as a driving force. The two stories are weaved and interlinked expertly, interrupted only by notebook style extracts showing quotes about love and pictures of animals in love. The more I read this book the more hooked I became. I was particularly impressed with the wide scope approach taken by the author.
This book is now being sent to another BookCrossing member who requested it. This review will appear on BookCrossing along with the release entry.
'Random Acts of Heroic Love' is a compelling and thorough look at love through two men's eyes and how love can act as a driving force. The two stories are weaved and interlinked expertly, interrupted only by notebook style extracts showing quotes about love and pictures of animals in love. The more I read this book the more hooked I became. I was particularly impressed with the wide scope approach taken by the author.
This book is now being sent to another BookCrossing member who requested it. This review will appear on BookCrossing along with the release entry.
2 book released
Released two books in Swindon yesterday.
See if you can find them:
http://bookcrossing.com/journal/7774058
http://bookcrossing.com/journal/7774035
See if you can find them:
http://bookcrossing.com/journal/7774058
http://bookcrossing.com/journal/7774035
Saturday, 6 February 2010
The Historical Fiction Book Club
I've been looking into joining a book club for a while, so when I saw this one on BookCrossing I jumped at the chance.
I've always been interested in history (although mostly Ancient History). I also love reading historical fiction. If you look at any list of my favourite authors you will always see Christian Jacq, who writes fiction about Ancient Egypt. I also enjoy books which give a glimpse into a different sort of life- this is why I was keen on joining this book club.
I'm hoping that I will be able to read some different books and talk about them with people all around the world. I will, of course, post info on any of the books I read here so feel free to leave your own comments if you've read them as well.
I've always been interested in history (although mostly Ancient History). I also love reading historical fiction. If you look at any list of my favourite authors you will always see Christian Jacq, who writes fiction about Ancient Egypt. I also enjoy books which give a glimpse into a different sort of life- this is why I was keen on joining this book club.
I'm hoping that I will be able to read some different books and talk about them with people all around the world. I will, of course, post info on any of the books I read here so feel free to leave your own comments if you've read them as well.
1 Wild Release and 2 new books bought
Just popped out to Tesco.
While I was there I did the following release: http://bookcrossing.com/journal/7774008/releasedone
The book's called Enduring Love (there's a short review there on BookCrossing)
Also couldn't resist buying a couple of books from their 2 books for £7 section (worked out basically half price).
So, I bought 'The Children's Book by AS Byatt' and 'The Road by Cormac McCarthy'. Now I am supposed to be clearing my shelves, but its always so hard to resist buying interesting books when they're reduced. When I'll read these they'll probably end up in BookCrossing (unless they're so good that I know I'm going to want to read them again), so at least I know they won't clutter up my shelves for too long.
Reviews on here when I've finished reading
While I was there I did the following release: http://bookcrossing.com/journal/7774008/releasedone
The book's called Enduring Love (there's a short review there on BookCrossing)
Also couldn't resist buying a couple of books from their 2 books for £7 section (worked out basically half price).
So, I bought 'The Children's Book by AS Byatt' and 'The Road by Cormac McCarthy'. Now I am supposed to be clearing my shelves, but its always so hard to resist buying interesting books when they're reduced. When I'll read these they'll probably end up in BookCrossing (unless they're so good that I know I'm going to want to read them again), so at least I know they won't clutter up my shelves for too long.
Reviews on here when I've finished reading
Extract from Random Acts of Heroic Love
"On the quantum level everything is made up of tiny sub-atomic particles. Imagine then the universe as a sea of timeless electrons extending to infinity. What is a human being in that sea? A human being is merely a beautiful bag of particles. There is not much that distinguishes us from our surroundings others than shape and colour. But when we die our little electrons live on and blend into trees, flowers, sky and animals. Those we have lost are with us for ever, only a whisper away, in a new shape and colour. It's a kind of life after death"
Friday, 5 February 2010
Book Costume for your MacBook
http://twelvesouth.com/products/bookbook/
I just love this. I only wish I had a MacBook to go in it now.
I just love this. I only wish I had a MacBook to go in it now.
BookCrossing
See the books I've set free at:
From BookCrossing.com:
BookCrossing is earth-friendly, and gives you a way to share your books, clear your shelves, and conserve precious resources at the same time. Through our own unique method of recycling reads, BookCrossers give life to books. BookCrossing books are not stagnant dust collectors, but living entities travelling the world as true BookCrossing emissaries. Our books find new readers and introduce them to the wonders of BookCrossing.
Grab a book, any book.I found BookCrossing last May when I came across a free book stall that Molyneux was running at a summer fete. I thought that it sounded like a brilliant idea- to release books for other people to find. I also thought that it could be a way for me to begin emptying my bookshelves a bit.
Register it with www.bookcrossing.com and jot its unique BookCrossing ID (BCID) down in the book, along with the website url Get nifty labels here or here. If it's already a BookCrossing book, you can skip this step.)
Read your book and then use the BCID to make a journal entry on it. You’ll find a place to do that here on the home page or through the link on the left side bar
Release the book out into the wild and wait for it to write home to you. (You can also give the book to a friend, send it on a book ring etc-- just be sure to make a release note on it when you send it off into the world.)
Since then (for me) its become more about sharing my love of reading with others. I hope that people will find the books I release and enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy reading those which stay on my shelves. Maybe someone will find a book that means something special to them or have fun reading for the first time. Maybe it will just relieve the boredom of someone journeying without a book of their own.
Its also become a way of allowing me to read more widely through bookrings, allowing me to try books for only the price of postage to the next person. It started posting on the forums and recently bought wings to help support of the project. I've also discovered the joy of release challenges (releasing as many books as possible which fit certain criteria or in a certain type of place).
I hope that after reading this post you too will discover how much fun BookCrossing can be. If you do join, please put abigailann down as your referring member.
Welcome (and my intentions for this blog)
Welcome to 'The Story Factory Reading Zone'.
First, I better explain the title. Quite a while ago I started a website called 'QNN Story Factory' where I posted my Queen fan-fiction writings. As I started writing non-Queen stories as well this became known as 'The Story Factory'. It also began to include writings by other Queen fans.
The reason for this blog?
I've always loved reading, but since joining BookCrossing I've been increasingly reading more and more books. One of the forum posters there talked about their book blog and this reminded me of an old blog that I had on blogger. So, I decided to start a book blog as well
What will be in it?
Anything to do with books basically.
I'm hoping to post reviews of books that I read, information on my activities on BookCrossing, any book signings or meetups that I go to, interesting reading-related information from the internet and links to some of my stories (I may even include a few extracts here).
First, I better explain the title. Quite a while ago I started a website called 'QNN Story Factory' where I posted my Queen fan-fiction writings. As I started writing non-Queen stories as well this became known as 'The Story Factory'. It also began to include writings by other Queen fans.
The reason for this blog?
I've always loved reading, but since joining BookCrossing I've been increasingly reading more and more books. One of the forum posters there talked about their book blog and this reminded me of an old blog that I had on blogger. So, I decided to start a book blog as well
What will be in it?
Anything to do with books basically.
I'm hoping to post reviews of books that I read, information on my activities on BookCrossing, any book signings or meetups that I go to, interesting reading-related information from the internet and links to some of my stories (I may even include a few extracts here).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
