“Books open your mind, broaden your mind, and strengthen you as nothing else can” William Feather
Below is a list of books I have read and thought you may like to enjoy for yourself.Read in 2013
Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry by Mildred Taylor
Another set book for my OU course and one I would imagine I would never think to read without being told to. Don't wait to read this during "Black History Month" an amazing story that features Cassie Logan, a young girl growing up in 1930's Mississippi. This book symbolises hope, family and freedom in a world of hate prejudice and destruction. Loved the story from start to finish.
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
Final part a trilogy, can the rebels and Katniss outwit President Snow and the Capital and win?
This book has many twists, some good some quite out of character as you would expects a character as strong as Katniss to know her own mind in some cases. I wanted to race to the end of this book as the first two were good. The ending is unexpected but to be honest I am not sure what I expected. I am happy with the choices made at the end to close the story down. Like so many children's books the main character suffers losses that almost seem unfair but could indicate how harsh their situation is.
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Part two of a trilogy Katniss is back in the arena, President Snow is out for revenge and tries to eradicate her. I cannot wait to see the film in the summer 2013 as this book has lots of twists and turns that I am sure the film cannot compete with but visually will be great. Katniss and Peeta are back in the Hunger Games with the book concluding with a horrifying twist leaving me to pick up the final book right away.
Read in 2012
Confessions of a GP by Dr Benjamin Daniels
An insight into the workings of the NHS and target setting, how being in a certain area can affect your health and how people look after themselves. Lots of hoop jumping and amusing stories in very short quick to read chapters.
Going to Sea in a Sieve by Danny Baker
I am a fan of Danny Baker, he has a certain wit on the radio if only BBC London remembered that instead of getting rid of him. An autobiography based on his early life, from working in a record shop to his first break in TV, no airs or graces Danny says it as he sees it, a happy childhood with moments of laughter and being a very lucky man.
As They Slept by Andy Leeks
A cheap book from Amazon kindle 99p. A commuter believes that those who sleep on the train are missing out, he then makes a bet that he can use the time productively and write a book whilst others doze. In a diary format its basically observations and thoughts from the 'man in the street' point of view. Its an OK read but wont be buying the follow up.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Wanted to read the book before seeing the film and I am glad I did as the film misses bits out. It is a futuristic setting about the poor different districts (12 of them) serving rich capitol. Two children are offered up from each district to play in the hunger games, brutal but the Capitol use it as a tool to remind the people from each district not to rise up against then.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Another book required by the EA300 course. Was not looking forward to reading but actually found the story charming and thoughtful. Lots of sub-plots discovered thanks to the EA300 course that may not be picked up otherwise.
100 Best Poems for Children (Puffin Poetry)
A must read for those on the Open University EA300 course, an anthology chosen by children for children. Nicely put together and illustrated. A wonderful poetry book if you have young children, available from Amazon.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J K Rowling
A good third book from J K Rowling. Harry is now in his third year and back with a bang, lots of twists and turns that kept me glued to the page. Harry is growing up and having to face his past and the fate of his parents.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J K Rowling
A good follow on book from the first Harry Potter, we see Harry back at Hogwarts for his second year facing all types of trials. Is he responsible for the terrible goings on at Hogwarts? Or will Harry save the day? A riveting read that was most enjoyable, a good follow up from the first book. Decided to read as I had to read the first book and thought I would continue with the series also helps that it is free to borrow via Amazon Prime.
No, It's Us Too! by Miranda Hart and The General Public
This book was very funny, its complied of tweets from the general public about their embarrassing incidents. I downloaded it as it was a free kindle book from Amazon and very glad I did, I ended up laughing out loud when reading it and its a keeper.
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Harry Potter and the philosophers stone by J K Rowling
Read as part of my OU course, didn't think I would enjoy it but was better than the film. Have decided as a result to read the rest of the series.
Read as part of my OU course, didn't think I would enjoy it but was better than the film. Have decided as a result to read the rest of the series.
Junk by Melvin Burgess
I would not call it a typical children's book, as the title suggests it’s about junk in other words drugs, also deals with the subject of child runaways and more sordid subjects. However, even though I was reading it under 'duress' I found that I was drawn into it and as the story moved on I wanted to know what happened next. A good read told from different perspectives and at times very unnerving and I am not even a parent, had I been a parent I could be worried! This book won both the Guardian Fiction Award and the Carnegie Medal and I can see why and I will read it again when all my studies are over as it was a good read.
I would not call it a typical children's book, as the title suggests it’s about junk in other words drugs, also deals with the subject of child runaways and more sordid subjects. However, even though I was reading it under 'duress' I found that I was drawn into it and as the story moved on I wanted to know what happened next. A good read told from different perspectives and at times very unnerving and I am not even a parent, had I been a parent I could be worried! This book won both the Guardian Fiction Award and the Carnegie Medal and I can see why and I will read it again when all my studies are over as it was a good read.
ASBO: A Novel of
Extreme Terror by Iain Rob Wright
A fictional story that could be fact, worrying and frightening insight into what 'could' happen in the real world.
Before I Go To Sleep by S J Watson.
Amazing book that I could not put down, repetitive to start with for good reason with a fantastic twist to the plot.
A fictional story that could be fact, worrying and frightening insight into what 'could' happen in the real world.
Before I Go To Sleep by S J Watson.
Amazing book that I could not put down, repetitive to start with for good reason with a fantastic twist to the plot.
Broadmoor Revealed: Victorian Crime and the Lunatic Asylum by Mark Stevens
A brilliant insight to why Broadmoor was built and some of the inmates from the early days, factual and interesting.
A brilliant insight to why Broadmoor was built and some of the inmates from the early days, factual and interesting.
The Crew by Dougie Brimson
Started off well, all about football violence in the 1990's but thought the ending was disappointing.
Started off well, all about football violence in the 1990's but thought the ending was disappointing.
Inflight Science: A Guide to the World from your Airplane Window
Read whilst on my flight to Mexico. A great little read and almost put my fears about flying to bed. Lots of facts about inside and outside a plane and around the airport.
Read whilst on my flight to Mexico. A great little read and almost put my fears about flying to bed. Lots of facts about inside and outside a plane and around the airport.
Its Your Time You're Wasting by Frank Chalk
Written by a supply teacher brilliant insight in how some schools are and the children within them. Good reasons behind behaviour by kids and staff, eye opener when you realise that some of the things described in the book happen for real.
Written by a supply teacher brilliant insight in how some schools are and the children within them. Good reasons behind behaviour by kids and staff, eye opener when you realise that some of the things described in the book happen for real.
London by Tube: A History of the Underground Station Names by David Revill
Bit of an underground geek after travelling on it for many years and wanted to understand some of the history. Was also a cheap book for the kindle and pleased I purchased it before the Olympics so I could gain knowledge of the east end.
Bit of an underground geek after travelling on it for many years and wanted to understand some of the history. Was also a cheap book for the kindle and pleased I purchased it before the Olympics so I could gain knowledge of the east end.
Shadow Of The Minotaur by Alan Gibbons
It was a 'have to read for work book' wasn't looking forward to it but once started I found it enjoyable. Good for boys if they are reluctant readers and with more than a nod to Greek mythology anyone who has an interest in that field should enjoy it.
It was a 'have to read for work book' wasn't looking forward to it but once started I found it enjoyable. Good for boys if they are reluctant readers and with more than a nod to Greek mythology anyone who has an interest in that field should enjoy it.
