The Mis-Education Years - August 2011

41. The Mis-Education Years - Ross O'Carroll-Kelly (Paul Howard)

256 Pages; Charity Shop

Ross O'Carroll-Kelly is a fictional teenager from the southside of Dublin, Ireland. The book is a diary giving us the characters "hilarious" exploits in his own posh Dublin 4 accent. He plays on the school rugby team, "roids the arse" of various girls and generally behaves like an "orsehole".

The Ross O'Carroll-Kelly series of books is very popular in Dublin and I guess most of Ireland but to be honest, I didn't enjoy the book. Probably a case of hearing how good it was for so long that by the time I got around to reading it my expectations had been raised beyond what was ever going to be possible for the book to live up to.

The Dublin 4 accent annoyed the "orse" off me too.

I might read the next book in the series to see if my attitude changes but I won't go out of my way to hunt it down. If it happens, it happens.

I give the Miseducation Years 2 "Total Filthies" out of 5

The Complete Book of Food Combining - August 2011

40. The Complete Book of Food Combining - Kathryn Marsden

480 Pages, Borrowed from Local Library

Food Combining (sometimes known as The Hay Diet) is something I've looked at a few times, especially after reading Fit for Life by Harvey Diamond a few years ago.

To be honest, it sounds like it makes sense but Harvey Diamond made it so complicated I didn't bother trying it. He had all these rules on when to eat, what sequence to eat in etc. and it really put me off.

Having said that, the one rule about only eating fruit on an empty stomach and no later than 30 minutes before a meal cured me of fruit-related acid reflux...so he's not all bad!!!

Anyway, the Complete Book of Food Combining is a different kettle of fish altogether.

Not too many rules other than the don't eat concentrated proteins with concentrated carbohydrates in the same meal. (and only eat fruit on an empty stomach!)

It's a straight-forward explanation of food combining, how to do it, how it has helped others and how it may help you, and loads of different recipes to try.

It's a great book that will take you from novice to master food combiner in just one read.

I award this book 5 "Easy to Follow Food Charts" out of 5

Green Living in the Urban Jungle - August 2011

39. Green Living in the Urban Jungle - Lucy Siegle

160 Pages, Bought online

I got this as a 3 for £10 deal online from a  bookseller I bought a book from a few years ago.

It offers various examples of how you can live a more "Green" life while living in an urban setting.

It's told with humour and there's plenty of examples of what the author did. It covers from absolute beginners which was great as I'm petty clueless about things like this. I recycle as much as I can but it's almost unconscious as we have a recycling collection every 2 weeks here so all I have to do is rinse and sort as I go.

I'l definitely try growing something in the garden and maybe using my bicycle more.

On the whole this book is a great user-friendly introduction to green living.

I give it 4 "Green Fingers" out of 5. It would have got a five if there were more step by step examples and projects.

July Round Up

Suzanne Collins 

July Round Up

Books Read in July: 4

Total Pages: 1372
Average Pages Read per day: 44.2

Sources of Books:
Charity Shop: 1
Library: 3

Genres:
Fantasy: 2
Sci Fi: 1
Non-Fiction: 1

For more about Suzanne Collins check out her website: http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/

2011 so far:

Books Read: 38

Total Pages: 10,583

Average Pages Read per day: 49.91

Reading less as the days are now officially warmer and brighter, even in Ireland!

Sources of Books:
Charity Shop: 13
Library: 23
Amazon: 2 

Genres:
Fantasy: 8
Sci Fi: 14
Non-Fiction: 11
Crime: 2
Thriller: 2
Historic Fiction: 1

Dragonflight - July 2011

38. Dragonflight - Anne McCaffrey

356 pages, Bought in Charity Shop

A very popular book on Fantasy lists and the first in a series covering the Dragons of Pern.

I rarely finish a book if it hasn't hooked me by page 50.

I made myself finish this book as I figured it would improve...for me, it didn't.

I know there are a lot of fans out there but this book just didn't do it for me.

I tried.

I give this book 2.5 "Threads" out of 5

The Hunger Games - July 2011

37. The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins

464 Pages, Borrowed from Local Library.

A new Sci-Fi classic in the making, soon to be made into a film.

Like a mix of "The Running Man" and "Battle Royale" this book focusses on Katniss Everdeen, a 16 year old girl who ends up in "The Hunger Games" a fight to the death competition that takes place every year in this post-apocalyptic tale.

But Katniss already has skills to help her survive...and maybe win.

What can I say, it's a belter of a story! It races along and the characters and situation they find themselves in seem real.

I read this in a day, and as it's the first book in a trilogy, I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series.

If you like action, plot and characters you like and start to care about very early in the story then this is the book for you.

I should mention that it's a Young Adult book. Don't let that put you off, it's still a great read.

I give The Hunger Games 5 "Mockingjay Birds" out of 5

American Vampire - July 2011

36. American Vampire (Vol. 1)- Stephen King & Scott Snyder, Illustrated by Rafael Albuquerque

200 Pages, Borrowed from Local Library

This is the first graphic novel of our list and a very enjoyable read.

It is a book of two stories, one by King, the other by Snyder.

Both stories were entertaining, showing a fresh take on vampires.

One has a girl who is attacked by vampires and left for dead. She's found by another vampire who bites her and turns her into an "American Vampire"; a vampire with teeth, claws and no problems with the sun!

The second story follows Skinner Sweet, the original American Vampire.

For once, the artwork perfectly complements the tale. I know art is a personal thing, but when it comes to graphic novels sometimes it can take away from the storyline...that is not the case here. I would have Rafael Albuquerque do all illustrations for Stephen Kings works from now on...and re do The Dark Tower comicbooks too.

If you're a fan of vampires, and NOT the lame-ass Twilight versions of them, then this book is one to chase down.

It's the first in a series so there plenty more to look forward to.

I give American Vampires 5 "Pearl Jones" out of 5.

Teach Us To Sit Still - July 2011

35. Teach Us To Sit Still: A Sceptic's Search for Health & Healing

352 Pages, Borrowed from Local Library

This book, by novelist Tim Parks, charts his experiences in trying to free himself from distressing pain that he describes as "a general smouldering tension throughout the abdomen, a sharp jab in the perineum, an electric shock darting down the inside of the thighs, an ache in the small of the back, a shivery twinge in the penis itself". As a man, I can't help wincing as I read that sentence!

He goes to doctors, who subject him to a battery of tests...all of which come back inconclusive. He undergoes operations that do nothing to free him from this constant debilitating pain.

Finally, while in India, he consults a doctor who tells him the pain is a manifestation of a struggle going on in his mind. Then he discovers a book written by two doctors that related the pain he's experiencing with muscle tension.

What follows is the authors journey into the mind/body connection and how he discovers the benefits of meditation...the "Sit Still" of the title. It's not a self-help or "How To..." manual but it is a fascinating glimpse at a man who has been let down by conventional medicine finding peace with himself and relief from his pain. It's laced with humour, and sometimes cringe-inducing descriptions, but is a very worthwhile read, maybe more so for people with health problems or who are just getting a bit older and starting to feel it!

I'm not in pain and I'm not a meditator but having read his story I am a lot more willing to try meditiation/relaxation techniques just for the sense of peace side of it.

I give this book 4.5 "Wee Samples" out of 5.

June Round Up

Alex Haley

Books Read in June: 4

Total Pages: 1584
Average Pages Read per day: 52.8

Sources of Books:
Charity Shop: 1
Library: 2
Amazon: 1

Genres:
Sci Fi: 2
Non-Fiction: 1
Historic Fiction: 1

Find out more about Alex Haley check out his Wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Haley



2011 so far:

Books Read: 34

Total Pages: 9211

Average Pages Read per day: 50.88
Reading less as the days are now officially warmer and brighter, even in Ireland!

Sources of Books:
Charity Shop: 12
Library: 20
Amazon: 2

Genres:
Fantasy: 6
Sci Fi: 13
Non-Fiction: 10
Crime: 2
Thriller: 2
Historic Fiction: 1

The Postman - June 2011

34. The Postman - David Brin

400 Pages, Borrowed from Local Library

Civilisation has been destroyed; not by nuclear weapons or a plague but by violent survivalists...

..kind of a BS premise for the book but once you get past that it's a great story.

A guy wandering through the former U.S. of A. hides in an old postal van and finds a warm postman's jacket and a bag of letters. He takes both, hoping to trade the letters for food; and slowly takes on the role of "The Postman"; an everyday hero destined to rid the land of the bad guys and restart civilisation to boot!

A cracker of a read, great way of looking at a post-apocalyptic land and a fun and entertaining read as well.

What more could you want ?!?

I give The Postman 5 "Holnists" out of 5

Roots - June 2011

33. Roots - Alex Haley

704 Pages, Bought in Charity Shop

I was too young to remember the classic 1977 TV mini-series based on this book but was familiar with the general story from it being mentioned online and on various TV shows over the years.

So I was delighted when I saw the book on the shelf in our local charity shop.

I found the story just amazing. It was great that the author had traced his own family "roots" all the way back to Africa and had used their lives as the framework for the novel. I also liked the way it jumped from character to character and generation to generation but I did kind of wish I could find out how the original characters lived out the rest of their lives.

I had very little knowledge of the hardships slaves endured from the moment they were stolen from Africa and using the narrative this book doesn't shy away from letting the reader know just how horrific it could be. Sadly, I believe there was plenty of worse things done to slaves that maybe the author just didn't want to mention.


It's a great historical novel and something I feel everyone should read, just to remind ourselves that humans can survive under terrible conditions...and unfortunately that suffering is nearly always at the hands of other so-called humans.

I give this book 5 "Chicken George's" out of 5

P.S. I've since learned online that Alex Haley was accused of plagiarism for a hefty chunk of the book and had to settle out-of-court with the author; and also there are doubts about his being able to trace his family history all the way back to a village in Africa. I don't care, I still loved the book and still recommend it!

Starship Troopers - June 2011

32. Starship Troopers - Robert A. Heinlein

224 Pages, Borrowed from Local Library

Another day, another classic Sci-Fi novel!

If you're a fan of the 1997 Paul Verhoeven film and hoped this was the novelisation of it...you're in for a shock!

The book bares only a passing similarity to film. Whereas the film was all fightin' buggers and gallons of blood everywhere;  in my opinion the book is almost an homage to how much the author loved being in the mobile infantry and how everyone should join and do their bit for God and country.

It was interesting but really the science fiction setting was the backdrop for talking about armies and war.

Great if you're into that sort of thing...not so great if you're not.

It WAS an interesting book though so I'd still recommend it...but more as a military book than Sci-Fi.

I give Starship Trooper 2.5 "Citizens" out of 5

Yes! 50 Secrets From the Science of Persuasion - June 2011

31. Yes! 50 Secrets From the Science of Persuasion - Noah Goldstein, Robert B. Cialdini, Steven J Martin

256 Pages, Bought from Amazon.

Also sold as "Yes! 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Persuasive"

While researching something for work, I came across mention of this book and had to buy it immediately! [Although as this book is about persuasion, maybe I fell under the spell of a carefully crafted persuasive advert based on the contents of this book !?!]

Basically, this is 50 chapters of varying length that pose a problem and then offer a persuasive solution based on scientific research. Stuff like "Does Fear persuade people to buy" and "Can a simple question improve support for your idea?"

Very interesting topics are covered and if you're in the business of having to "sell" your product, business or ideas than this is a worthwhile read.

In my opinion, this book has one major problem though. The chapters aren't grouped together by topic, so each chapter covers something interesting but the following one covers something completely unrelated. Then 6 chapters later something comes up that is related to the first chapter and so on, and so on. For a book on persuasion, I thought it could have been compiled a bit better.

I give this book 4 "Jedi Mind Tricks" out of 5, it lost one because of the structure of the chapters.

May Round Up

Books Read in May: 4

Orson Scott Card

Total Pages: 1917
Average Pages Read per day: 61.8

Sources of Books:
Charity Shop: 3
Library: 1

Genres:
Sci Fi: 1
Non-Fiction: 1
Crime: 1
Fantasy: 1

Find out more about Orson Scott Card check out his Wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orson_Scott_Card



2011 so far:

Books Read: 30 

Total Pages: 7627

Average Pages Read per day: 50.5
Reading less as the days get warmer and brighter!

Sources of Books:
Charity Shop: 11
Library: 18
Amazon: 1 

Genres:
Fantasy: 6
Sci Fi: 11
Non-Fiction: 9
Crime: 2
Thriller: 2

Speaker for The Dead - May 2011

30. Speaker for The Dead - Orson Scott Card

323 pages, Bought in Charity Shop

This is the sequel to Ender's Game and is unlike any sequel I've ever read! Like Ender's Game, it won both the Nebula Award (1986) and Hugo Award (1987)

If you're looking for Ender's Game 2 then you're going to be disappointed.

It is vastly different to the original book, following a grown up Andrew "Ender" Wiggin on the planet Lusitania, as he acts as "Speaker for the Dead" for a murdered Xenologer, and tries to understand the third sentient species to be discovered ; the Pequeninos.

Totally unexpected story that took me by surprise at how much I enjoyed it. Once again, worthy of all the accolades it has received.

I give this 5 "Piggies" out of 5

Nine Dragons - May 2011

29. Nine Dragons (A Harry Bosch Novel) - Michael Connelly

385 pages, Bought from Charity Shop

I really enjoy Michael Connelly's books, especially the ones featuring Detective Harry Bosch. There's a real gritty realism to them which I guess the author picked up while working as a crime beat journalist.

Having said that, in my opinion, this book was not of the high standard of his previous books. Maybe it's because Bosch's estranged wife and daughter are involved in the main plot. I don't know. But, for me, this book just didn't gel like the others.

I'm still a big fan and look forward to the next book as eagerly as ever.

I give this book 3 "Tunnel Rats" out of 5

Assassin's Quest - May 2011

28. Assassin's Quest - Robin Hobb

769 Pages, Borrowed from Local Library

The final book of the Farseer Trilogy and a great end to the series.

I can say this, because I already know there's another trilogy featuring Fitz, The Fool and others!

If I didn't know that there were more books, I'd say this book is a little bit of a downer. It's still very enjoyable though, and once again I'm not going to say anything more as I want you to read these great books and not have me spoil them for you ;)

Beg, borrow or steal to get this trilogy...you'll enjoy them I promise!

I give this book 4.5 "Wits" out of 5

Chicken Soup for The Soul - May 2011

27. Chicken Soup for The Soul - Jack Canfield & Mark Victor Hansen

440 pages, Bought in Charity Shop

I am very happy to admit that I am a 38 year old man and I have recommended this book on many occasions and have lent it out to people on many occasions too.

In fact that's why I had to buy it again...someone never returned it and I can't remember who!

This book, and it's many, many other titles in the series, are like Marmite. [For those who don't know, Marmite is a yeast-based food spread which an equal number of people either love and despise. I am very much a member of the latter community who thinks Marmite should be killed with fire]

Anyhoo...Chicken Soup for The Soul is a collection of 101 stories that will cheer you up when you're sad and will restore your faith in humanity, simple as that! OK, maybe not that simple but it's a book that is really worth a read, regardless of how cynical you may be.

Sometimes it's OK to enjoy a story that pulls at the heart-strings and maybe brings on a tear or two.

For the record, my favourite story in this book is the one about the teacher who got each member of a class to write something about each of their classmates on a sheet of paper. Oh man, the onion ninjas are everywhere when I read that one :)

Having said that, I haven't read any of the other titles in the series (which I just looked up online and discovered there's something like 200 of them so far!!!)

I give this book 5 "Campbell's Soups Cans" out of 5

April Round Up

Books Read in April: 7

John Christopher

Total Pages: 1616
Average Pages Read per day: 53.8

Sources of Books:
Charity Shop: 3
Library: 4

Genres:

Sci Fi: 3
Non-Fiction: 3
Thriller: 1

Find out more about John Christopher on Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Christopher




2011 so far:

Books Read: 26

Total Pages: 7627

Average Pages Read per day: 63.5

Sources of Books:
Charity Shop:8
Library: 17
Amazon: 1

Genres:
Fantasy: 5
Sci Fi: 10
Non-Fiction: 8
Crime: 1
Thriller: 2

Theodore Boone - April 2011

26. Theodore Boone - John Grisham

272 Pages, Bought from Charity Shop

I'll be honest about it up front and admit that while I was reading this book I wasn't aware that it had been written for a younger market.

It was only after I'd finished and went online to see if anyone else agreed with my thoughts that the standard of Grisham's writing had seriously declined that this important fact came to light!

When I did find out it was a relief because I though either:

a.) John Grisham had been taking the piss with the half-assed attempt at a book

or

b.) he'd suffered some kind of brain injury and no one wanted to tell him so they let him publish anyway!

Having found out it was neither, I realised the book was much better than the crime ones I read when I was younger (and yes, I'm talking about you Frank and Joe Hardy! I didn't bother with Nancy Drew; and the Famous Five were just annoying!)

So all in all, it WAS a good book, just read in the wrong frame of mind ;)

I give Theodore Boone 3.5 "Kid Lawyer" out of 5