Books of 2014

Books of 2014 

So as history dictates, it is about time that I write up my blog post about the books I have read this year. So after about 6600 pages of reading in 29 books I have worked my way through many hours of public transport. With our moving of house in May, it actually cut down my reading as I spent less time on public transport. So I slowed up for the second half of the  year. Thanks to all those who loaned me books this  year, it is greatly appreciated. I can't wait to get our book shelves established in the new house so that I can put everything up and look at the books proudly. My book for the year this year is....... Karlology by Karl Pilkington. When a book can actually make you giggle and snort aloud on public transport, it is a winner. Special mentions to 'Tis and Born to Run.

Under a Mackerel Sky, a Memoir: Rick Stein. 320 pages.  

 Hardcover

A pleasant read, nothing too outstanding, but not offensive either. There was the odd laugh to be had but overall what I would call a decent travel read, not about traveling but something to read whilst traveling. It will make you hungry too, which is always a good thing. Rick comes across as a strange cross between self confident, self hating, an arrogant arse and a shy guy. It certainly has its ups and downs.

6,5/10

Karlology: What I've Learnt So Far. Karl Pilkington. 220 pages.
Paperback

A hilarious book. If you like the podcasts with Ricky Gervais and Steven Merchant then you will enjoy this book. He is his normal self, a little defeated, a little confused, a little perceptive and overall a good laugh. If you enjoy Karl then I suggest this book as a must, he displays his usual oddball thinking, his analysis of things that don't need to be analysed. I was snorting out loud on the tram reading this, I hope you will enjoy it as much as me.

9/10

Born To Run. ChristopherMcDougall. 287 pages.
 Paperback

A really interesting book for people who run, are interested in running or have been in the past. It might motivate you to get off the couch and hit the road again, it might change the way you hit the road or it at least might make you think about going to Mexico to see some crazy runners. Running is totally in vogue now, how long for.... who knows. It goes through these cycles, but I am enjoying it now, as much as I did when I started running 8 years ago. This book drove me on a little, helped me think about new things and just challenged me to look at what I am doing. Next year will be my first attempt at a marathon and this book was a big motivation for that too.

9/10 (for runners) 7/10 (non-runners)

'Tis: A memoir. Frank McCourt. 477 pages.
 Paperback

The man who wrote Angela's Ashes wrote 2 more books, these are not based in Ireland as was his original book, they are based in NY. Tis' talks about his early life there and how a man without any real skills or experience, bad eyes and skin, teeth problems and no real education could get on with just hard work and determination. It shows us of today who have millions of options in front of us that we don't need to be a superstar, we don't need to change the entire world, just our own world.

9/10

Goats From a Small Island: Grabbing Mallorcan Life By The Horns. Anna Nicholas. 351 pages. Paperback

The story of an expat that lives in Spain and sometimes flies back to the UK for work. I bought this book because of my love of goats and thought that this might give me some extra knowledge about goats or about Mallorca. However, it was really just a bit flat for me, it was pleasant but didn't really go anyway. I enjoy reading expat adventures but sometimes you just don't click with the writer of it. This was one of those times.

6/10

Kitchen Confidential: Anthony Bourdain. 310 pages.
 Paperback

Mr Bourdain is like licorice, an aquired taste. Where as I love licorice, like a mad man, Anthony Bourdain just doesn't get me excited about food or about life. I have watched his shows and while I envy him and his adventures and experiences, I don't think he comes across as a super likeable person. After reading his book, he comes across as an arse, who got lucky in life due to the influence of friends and companions throughout his career. Then again, that is how we all get along isn't it. Anyone out there want to give me a book deal and tv show? Anyone?

6.5/10

The Riddle and The Knight. In search of Sir John Mandeville: Giles Milton. 230 pages. Paperback

My favourite historical writer. This was, again, another great book by Giles. He really researches his subjects well. He is able to pull out a story that makes it feel like you are talking with the main character that he has researched. You get to know them quite intimately, and this is quite a job when most have been dead for hundreds of years. If you enjoy history, you will enjoy Mr Milton.

7/10

My Animals and Other Family: Clare Balding. 258 pages.
 Paperback

I had heard of Clare Balding from my time in the UK, and had just associated her with sports and not really put much further thought into her. The I saw this book and thought it would be great to learn more about animals on a farm. Well, I should have read the footnotes a little more as the book was more about her life growing up as a young girl. The book was quite bland to be honest, and I really didn;t get into the oh woe is me coming from a rich family that gave me my own horses. Just not for me.

6/10

Minding my Peas and Cucumbers. Quirky tales of allotment life: Kay Sexton. 208 pages. Paperback

I bought this as we are planning to buy an allotment, I was thinking we might get some great practical advice on how to do something, anything, maybe even everything. Alas, it was a bit of a let down.It wasn't really about gardening, or about relationships with people, or cooking just a dabble in each. It was a bit too self centred to be of practical use, and when she gave practical details it just seemed pretty boring. It had some recipes in it too, to help you deal with your vegetables in gluts. I finished it and said "M'eh" I think that is about the best review for it. Middle of the road.

5.5/10

Road to McCarthy: Pete McCarthy. 480 pages.
Paperback

After reading McCarthy's Bar a year or two ago, I was really glad to find this book and give it to my wife for her birthday (yes, so that I could read it. But she did want to read it too!) It was very much like his last book full of great yarns and humour. I have always said, if a book can actually make you audibly chuckle it is a good read. And this, was one of those books. Pete has a great way with words and of looking at things from a different point of view, sometimes like Karl above which makes for a good book all over. Again, I can recommend this especially if you have read McCarthy's Bar.

8/10

The Art and Craft of Coffee. Kevin Sinot. 176 pages.
semi hardcover

This was a book I bought as I wanted to learn more about the art of coffee, and by that I mean the art of growing, roasting, processing. Well the entire gammet of coffee. I have always thought of opening a cafe or a roaster or something to do with coffee, as it really is something I love and something I think I could be good at. But the book bordered on simplicity at times, and the weirdest part was that the smell from the printing actually made me nauseous. Not great on public transport in the wee hours of the morning.

6/10

Teacher Man: Frank McCourt. 258 pages.
paperback

Last year I read Angela's Ashes and it was a really lovely book, and earlier this year I read 'Tis (see above). Full of humour, the Irish way. This continues to tell more of his life in relation to when he became a teacher and the challenges associated with being an immigrant to the States and trying to teach other immigrants or children of immigrants. There is the regular laughs and some more serious sides as well. Another good book though, and it is a shame he only started to write later in his life, as he only wrote these three books. All, very worth a read.

7/10

Leonardo: Martin Kemp. 100 pages of 286.
paperback

This is the second time I tried to read this book. The first was about 8 years ago when I bought it to travel with. I ended up putting it aside and reading things far more interesting and fun. So I thought, maybe now I had matured enough to finish it. Well, I have to say Martin it isn't me it is you. I just cannot read it. I don't know how someone can turn such an interesting life as Leonardo da Vinci led and make it into something as boring as watching paint dry. Sorry Leo, but Martin killed you, again.

3/10

The Happy Prince and Other Stories: Oscar Wilde. 204 pages.
paperback

After reading "The Picture of Dorian Grey" I thought I should read some more Oscar, well this was a bit of a let down. Of course I am sure there were many hidden agendas and metaphores and the like in this collection of short fairy stories, but they were lost on me. It is something about the late 1800s sometimes I can love the writing and the flamboyant nature of the script other times I want to pull my eyes out instead of reading it. Sorry Oscar my dandy friend, but I am not able to enjoy your fairy stories.

5/10

The Metamorphosis: Franz Kafka. Page 88.
paperback (not my cover, but I liked it)

One of those stories you hear so much about but I had never read. It of course is a huge metaphore for being a Jew at that time in Europe and how it felt to be an outcast and something that no one should see or be associated with. A really, really well written story and one that has huge meaning when you are actually living in Eastern Europe and have experienced and learned about this era a great deal since being here. If you have the time I recommend this as a read of a classic that is not too difficult but actually really quite powerful.

7/10

Big Chief Elizabeth; how England's Adventurers Gambled and Won The New World. Giles Milton. 416 pages.
Hardcover

Another one by my favourite historical writer, Giles Milton. He must have a great team of researchers helping him, as I cannot imagine how he could do such in depth research into these subjects. This of course is the story of how Elizabeth sent forward her explorers to the far sides of the world to make something grand for the nation. For someone from a colony it is an interesting read, as are all of Giles work, he is able to get to the heart of characters and situations and provide insight into decisions made as well as repercussions.

7/10

Dickens; Public Life and Private Passion. Peter Ackroyd. 160 pages.
 Hardcover.

While I am a fan of both Peter Ackroyd after reading his fabulous book on the Thames some time back, and Mr Dickens, probably my favourite writer, this book never really took off. It was interesting and certainly taught me many things I didn't know about Chuck and his work ethic, travels and life. However, it didn't grip me and make me want to go out and find out more. Maybe it was too conclusive in that way. Either way, if you are interested in Dickens or a decent biography this should keep you relatively chuffed.

6.5/10

The Lifted Brow: Issue 20.
 papercover

An Australian magazine that has no one direction, that has no defined target market, and has no real flow. But, it is a fabulous, fabulous thing. It makes you think, it makes you laugh, it helps you remember to enjoy having a brain. Unfortunately, I only bought one edition of this in Australia, so cannot determine the consistency of said publication, but the one Issue I did, made me a very happy man.

8,5/10

Captain Courageous: Rudyard Kipling. 282 pages.
 1911 hardcover

Ok, I admit it. I have re-read a book. This was for two reasons, one, I had nothing else to read at the time and two because I had completely forgotten I had read it, until I was a few chapters in, but I decided to keep on reading as it is a pretty easy read. Also, I liked reading a really messy, torn, damaged book from the turn of the last century. The story of a rich boy learning lifes rules the hard way. Could be good for many spoiled children globally.

7/10

The Butcher Boy: Patrick McCabe. 231 pages
 Paperback cover

An Irish Modern Classic, loaned to me by a Modern Irish Lover and Poland's premier Irish Liaison Attache. The story of a somewhat simple Irish boy, from a simple Irish family and he turns out to be a bit of a nutter. The book has its own defined style. It is a style that you either enjoy or don't. To be honest this wasn't my favourite of books. The style jarred with me and I couldn't gel into the book properly until the last 1/3 which was ended in a nice thriller. Therefore, it gets a little more than a third for its score.

6/10

Ogilvy on Advertising: David Ogilvy. 224 pages.
 Hardcover Dustcover

Apparently a classic for all people invovled in the advertising world. It has some relatively dated information and examples, yet the world of modern advertisers could actually learn some very important rules from this. Such as fonts, colours, and stylising. A book which goes through some tips and tricks from one of the grandfathers of the way modern advertising appears today. But don't let that scare you, it is actually really quite interesting.

7/10

Lean In: Sheryl Sandberg. 240 pages.
 Hardcover Dustcover

A book by "the most powerful woman in America" would normally make my eyes roll so far into my head that they would dislocate and I would appear zombie-ish. But I was interested in what she had to say in the first half of the book, it really did make me think about how we run companies, how we treat each other in the workplace and how things aren't always fair or equal, for varying reasons. I think all managers should read the first half of the book, both male and female that is. The second half just felt like filler to get it to the publishers page minimum.

8/10 (first half) 4/10 (second half)

The Invisible Man: H.G Wells. 149 pages.
 Hardcover

A story of a mad scientist who wants to be famous, powerful, and right the wrongs of his previous existence. A great story written far earlier than you would expect in regards to science fiction. It was a story we all know in a form, but we never really know what happens during it. I am sure there are few who haven't ever dreamed of being invisible, but the story actually speaks of the potential problems with it. A real classic novel, not too long either so great for a train ride or flight of a few hours.

8/10

The Book of Murder: Guillermo Martínez. 224 pages.
 paperback cover

This was one of those crime stories. A story about a girl who believes that someone is murdering her family, she believes she knows the culprit and she is determined to prove it. Hoping to get help from a long lost acquaintance. Like almost all crime novels it was an easy read and didn't really have much depth to it over all. It didn't grip me, or suprise me. In fact I'd rather read an old Sherlock Holmes story for suspence and excitement.


6/10

Hommage to the Firing Squad: Tariq Goddard. 256 pages.
Paperback front cover.

A story about coming togethers during the Spanish Civil War. A Don of the village is wanted dead by all, but he is oblivious to it. It is a story told entirely through the eyes of men, some fighters, some cowards, some lovers. Again it was a bit of light fare, something that finished before it really started. Pleasant enough, especially for a first time writer.

7/10



In Defence of Food: Michael Pollan. 256 pages.
Hardcover Dustcover

This is a book describing the world through food. Why the Western diet is so bad for us and how it changes our bodies, lives and politics. The book is well researched and gives you information that you may not yet know, may have forgotten or just didn't believe. It lays things out in relatively easy reading, giving you the science and the politics behind most everything that occurs in the world of food, in the past and today, of course, mostly it is focused on the US market place. That said it can act as a great way for us all to live the lives we should, and also to help us understand what we can do to change our future and the lives of those around us.

8,5/10

The Maltese Falcon: Dashiell Hammett. 213 pages.
Paperback cover.

Having seen this Humphrey Bogart movie very,very long ago. So, much so that I only remembered it had him in it. I am sure it was a a sick day from school watching this in a blanket and eating tim tams. That said, I thought it would be good to read the book. I am glad I did, the story of Sam Spade and his adventures to land the falcon with wit, humour and a little aggression. He meets women left right and centre in the traditional chauvinistic love em and leave em way. The story is good, well paced and holds interest well, so that you don't really know what will occur. Worth a read.

7.5/10

N.B These photos are not mine and are sourced from the internet.

Books of the year, 2013.

Books for the second half of 2013 (as of the start of December)

As it is getting to the end of the year, I guess it is time to go through the books that I have read this year. I have made a good effort this year, I think, to work through some really different subjects and authors. Of course, all the reviews as purely my thoughts and should any of you be interested in any of the books I didn't like I would still recommend reading them, as reading is really good fun!

Some of this year.

 

 

paperback cover

Running with Scissors: Augusten Borroughs (Paperback) 305 pages

Wow, this hurts to read in many ways. Not in bad writing but in what Borroughs had to go through, it is amazing that at the end of it he is able to write or to be blunt even alive. The story tells the tales of his childhood and what a slightly off kilter parent (or actually parents) can do to a childs upbringing. It really is something that you would only think of in movies or a tele-drama. But according to all reports it is factual. Scarily factual. I guess at least he has made some money and fame from his pain and suffering. I think everyone who is thinking of having children should read this to show what might happen should they possibly get divorced or not really feel 100% like being a parent. It can be hard (says this childless man). Also, if you think your life is hard, read this.

7/10

Paperback cover

The Book Thief: Markus Zusak (Paperback) 550 pages

Interesting book. This is told from the point of view of death. It is a book talking about people growing up in Germany during Nazism and WWII. I tend to shy away from books about the haulocaust, and Jewish lives in Europe at the time. As it is almost always a depressing read and I don't really want to read to be depressed. This includes a touch on Jews during the time of Nazism but it really isn't the main focus. The story tells of a girl who loses her whole family and is brought up by foster parents who were anti-nazi but passive most of the time. An Australian author and was referred to me by a friend and loaned to us by a friend. The first quarter is really not that interesting but after that I enjoyed it.

6/10

Not my cover but paperback cover

The Picture of Dorian Gray: Oscar Wilde (Hardcover) 262 pages

How embarassing. I have never read anything by Oscar Wilde. All I know of the man was that he was possibly one of the funniest one liner writers ever. That is what I thought, but I was wrong. His one liners are actually normally part of long flowing sililoquays. I found the first half of this book fabulous, then in the middle quarter it died off a little and the finale was quite fun, even if predictable to an extent. Either way it was really great fun. All this said, I must provide you with a few fabulous quotes:
"Experience is merely the name men gave to their mistakes.” 
                             “The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it.” 
                                                                                    “To define is to limit.”
“Behind every exquisite thing that existed, there was something tragic.” 

and finally the one for people on twitter “I have grown to love secrecy. It seems to be the one thing that can make modern life mysterious or marvelous to us. The commonest thing is delightful if only one hides it.” 
8/10

Paperback cover

The Fatal Shore: Robert Hughes (Paperback) 720 pages

If you haven't read this book and you are Australian or English then you really must. It is fascinating. I cannot believe how well researched it is and how it must have been an extraordinary process to write such a thing. I think I read somewhere it was about 12 years or so. It shows, which unfortunately can bog it down in details and information. This said I was able to read it at crazy early times in the mornings on the way to work more than I was some other books. I am really very impressed by this book and think that if you want to understand Australia now, Australia in the past and England this is really going to help you go that way in leaps and bounds. You also have to reward the effort here. A shame that Mr Hughes passed last year.

8/10 (would have been a 9 if it wasn't so heavy at times)

Paperback cover

Throwim Way Leg: Tim Flannery (Paperback) 326 pages

I have two books by Dr Tim. This one was the first one I have finished, I will get to the other one... eventually. This is a really interesting book about the country closest to Australia which I really know very little about. PNG. It sounds an utterly fabulous place, culturally, and naturally. Tim talks us through the life of a field biologist and how life in the tropics isn't all coconuts and beaches... although there was a little of that. It goes into Geo-politcal topics, conservation, economics and anthropology/ethnography. A good read, but not going to win any awards.

6/10
 

Paperback cover

Toast: Nigel Slater (paperback) 247 pages

This is a really sweet book and I was actually surprised at how much I enjoyed it. It is the story of food as you grow up, so looking at things from a childs perspective. Also, it incorporates the loss of a parent, the next addition to parenting and the possible side effects of that, and how life can be both good and bad and how that balance can effect you as an individual. I really recomment this book if you enjoy food, and unlike me have much memory of childhood, this way you can remember things vicariously. :)

8/10

Paperback cover

Half Asleep in Frog Pyjamas: Tom Robbons (paperback) 447 pages

Ok, I have to be frank and honest here. When I started this book, I was onto the "dregs" of our book collection. The list of books that is there are the ones I have been delaying reading. This one is from the author of "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues". It is a similar to that in the way that it wants to be philosophical, or maybe metaphysical, and to think there is a "bigger" meaning than the life we see on the ground. This includes frog like space creatures. Of which you can read more in this book. I am glad it was only 447 pages, any more and it wouldn't have been finished.

4/10

Hardcover dustcover

Gastronaut: Stefan Gates (Hardcover) pages

Hmmmm what to say, what to say..... This book is a halfa. Meaning it is half writing and half cookbook, half fact half fiction and half interesting and half dull. A lot of it is Stefan trying to prove that Stefan is cool and quirky and interesting. When he actually stops doing this, the book becomes more interesting, he is even funny on occasion, his experiment into flatulence will bring out the childish boy in anyone. Let's face it, farts are funny.
It has recipes some seem interesting most not feasible or appetising.

5/10

Hardcover cover

My life as a 10 Year old boy: Nancy Cartwright (Hardcover) 271 pages

We all know that Nancy Cartwright is the voice of Bart Simpson, and the fact this book was actually written in 2000 really does show. Some parts are interesting even a little humorous but in general the book was more of a "who I have met because of the work I do" sort of thing. Some stuff was really interesting the how she got to where she was, but once there it was a little "lame" to quote an Americanism. As a fan of the show I had hoped for much much more,

6/10

Not my cover, but it will do

Frankenstein: Mary Shelley (hardcover)  250 pages

Frankybaby, I always thought I knew this story, but cartoons and movies lied to me. It was a much less "mad professor" story than I though. It was also written in 1816!!! Crazy, no? It is an interesting, if extremely verbose, story about a man who creates a creature to live and then the on goings of their relationship/lack there of/relationship again, situation. It gets a little tough to read at times because of the wordiness of it and the fact my book had really small print. That said, I think for 1816 it was a pretty darned good scary, for the times of course, story. Have a read if you have the time

7/10

Paperback cover

The Master and Margarita: Mikhail Bulgakov (paperback) 145 of 563 pages

This book was given to me by a fabulous friend, the problem being I just couldn't get into it at all. I tried on two occasions and was unfortunately only able to make it as far as 1/3 of the way through it. I am really sorry I couldn't get any further as my friend worked hard to find this book. Sorry EL :(

N/A

Dust cover.

Holy Fools: Joanne Harris (hardcover) 432 pagers

Another pleasant book by Mrs Harris, but realistically she covers the same themes as Chocolat, Gentlemen and Players etc etc. She has an outsider, something to do with magic and a theme of food and a relationship between mother and daughter as the central premise. They are always easy reads and something that won't break your brain early in the morning. To quote one of my students "It was quite pleasant". Just for you Ola K.

6/10

Front cover

In Tasmania: Nicholas Shakespeare (softcover) 382pages

A really interesting story about a man who chases his family history. Of course, he was lucky that his forefathers and mothers were good letter writers and some slightly famous people so that there was a large amount of information for him to refer to. That said, it must have been a great amount of work to find all this information, also of course it is difficult to make history interesting and Nicholas has done that here. A great read if you are interested in Tasmanian history.

7/10

Hardcover front cover

Things Fall Apart: Chinua Achebe (hardcover) 192pages

A book written about the "invasion" of white missionaries to Africa and the impact that this had on a race of people who were willing to let these people into the country to practice their religion, not knowing the problems this would cause and the remifications it would have upon traditional ways of life and the structure of communities. A sad story, not overly well written but nice to read something that is different than my normal style.

5/10

Paperback cover

In America, A Novel: Susan Sontag (paperback) 387pages

A much celebrated author, a topic that could be interesting. Talking about the most famous Polish actress in the 1800s who then proceeds to move away from Russian occupied Poland to start a commune in America, only to realise as a farmer she makes a great Juliet. She returns to the stage and amazes all of America with her skills and talents. A book that is horribly written. If it wasn't about Polish people I would never have made it to the end. When a chapter goes for 27 pages, you know the author is lacking in understanding of the reader.

3/10

Paperback cover

Saturday: Ian McEwan (Paperback) 279pages

Quite an interesting book that talks about a brain surgeon and his family. Almost sounds like a joke, "have you heard the one about the brain surgeon on Saturday?" but it is interesting story of how events can impact your life short and long term. All in 24 hours. All action.... well kind of.

6/10

Paperback cover

On Chisel Beach: Ian McEwan (Paperback) 166pages

After reading Saturday by the same author I thought hey why not try another. Well that was a mistake, this book really reads like it is a High school creative writing class, gone wrong. It is all about a young married couple and how they got to each other in the post war period. To be honest I was falling asleep reading this, often.

3/10

Dustcover

The Dig Tree: The Extraordinary story of the ill-fated Burke and Wills Expedition Sarah Murgatroyd (Hardcover) 363pages

The dig tree is down in Australian folklore as is the Burke and Wills expedition, but the fact is I really didn't know that much about it. This book was a great way to learn some more interesting facts and details about not just the trip itself, but the repercussions, associated parallel history and why Adelaide is far better than Melbourne when it comes to producing hardcore heroes. I am presuming people who are proud Victorians would not read this book. A well researched and well written book.

7/10

Paperback cover

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Millennium I (Paperback) 554pages

Well, here we have an extremely well known book from a "best seller" series. It is not my normaly reading style of material. I tend not to read crime stories, unless they are real crime ones. I can see why this is popular. It is written in such a way that you steam through it and it only took me 4 days on public transport to finish it. The story itself was interesting and you could get a little invovled with it. It wasn't an amazing piece of writing, but for people who don't read often it might be a good way to get back into the habit. A quasi detective story about a man, who lands lots of lovers and solves what he needs to and wins the hearts he doesn't need. Life is easy for a literary character these days.....

6/10

Paperback cover

White Gold: The Extraordinary Story of Thomas Pellow and North Africa's One Million European Slaves (Paperback) 352pages

I have loved all the Giles Milton books I have read previously, and this is no exception. He has a way to make individual stories come alive and really interest the reader. This is the story of Thomas Pellow who was taken slave by the Morrocan Sultan and held captive. It is amazing as the story of white slaves was something I had never heard of, yet there were over a million of them. The story talks about what happened to many, and how it happened, the violence and the depravity. It is shockingly amazing to read. A really interesting book and something very enjoyable to learn about.

7/10

Also, if you didn't see them earlier in the year.....

The books of the first half of 2013.

Paperback cover.

Extra Virgin: Amongst the olive groves of Liguria - Annie Hawes. Paperback (339 pages)

A little disappointed with this book. It had such potential. There is a basis of a really great story, but it just seemed to lose its way. While there is some great dialogue to give you an understanding of how things are in a small community in Italy, it seemed not to know really how to show this. Annie forgets to tell us when she is leaving for extended periods, and other details I would like to know about keeping a property like this or how living in an Italian provincial area would be. That said, it is still certainly readable and many would enjoy it. 

5/10

Dust sleeve cover

Nice Cup of Tea and a Sit Down - Wifey and Nicey. Hardback (180 pages)

Not a lot of anything really. It is a really sweet idea to write a book about tea and biscuits, the focus however is really the biscuits. The problem is that there is only a touch on the world of biscuits in history or contents of the biscuit. It basically reads as an advert for different biscuits. It was ok, maybe I was just expecting too much. I would have preferred more information about tea, teapots, tea cups history or modern time information. To say something like "everyone likes different tea" as your throw away line it should maybe then just be called "Book of biscuits I like" instead. 4/10

Paperback cover

Parrot in a Pepper tree - Christ Stewart. Paperback (240 pages)

A follow up to "Driving over Lemons" that I read last year. Early on a lot of the book was stories or linkages to the previous book. While the book was interesting from an ex-pat perspective, it really just waffled along and didn't seem to have any real direction. I enjoyed it, but I am not sure I would recommend it to others to read. Therefore, I think it means it wasn't a great book overall.

5/10

Paperback cover

In The Land of Oz - Howard Jacobson. Paperback (380 pages)
A story of a Jewish Englishman (not something I would normally need to mention although he does on a continual basis) and his ex-pat Australian wife. They wanted to see the "real" Australia, but it seemed as soon as they were away from "civilization" they fell apart and clamoured for the sights/sounds of a township. Then as soon as they got to a township they proceeded to ask everyone about their views on aboriginal people. Hoping desperately for something racist to note. The majority of this book is whiny and complaining, nothing is like England or similar to a city or a civilized nation. It was interesting that after asking everyone they meet about aboriginals and their views on them as soon as they arrived in Perth the home of Mrs Jacobson they never asked any of her associates their thoughts, but did seem to enjoy a very high lifestyle on yachts, in the theatre and wining and dining.  To be honest, maybe with my patriotic hat on, I would say one of the worst books I have read.

1/10

Paperback cover

Angela's Ashes - Frank McCourt. Paperback (452pages)
I had heard of the movie, but knew nothing of the book. My wife read this and loved it, so I thought as we are going to visit Ireland this year maybe I should have a look at it. It was a fabulous book. It lets you put life now into context, when people have literally nothing, no real reason to keep going other than family and the chance that things will get better shows the people of today what really is important. Also seeing the church from the perspective of the very poor it is interesting to see how they really treat the poor, a group they are regularly claim to assist. A great read, especially for anyone who has a connection to Ireland, the Catholic church, or just loves a great story.

8/10

Paperback cover.

Batavia's Graveyard - Mike Dash. Paperback (422 pages)
Wow, I am really enjoying history of late. This was a story, I probably should have known but didn't. It is a story of the Dutch boat the Batavia. It was shipwrecked on the Western Australia coast and what ensured will just blow your mind open. I can't believe that nobody has yet made this as a movie. An incredible amount of research has been put into this book and it gives a depth I would never have expected. I say, read this just to know a piece of Australian history that never was as well as to hear about how hard decisions can be made by people who could possibly be a little nuts. It will really have you wanting to know what happens.

8/10

Paperback cover.

Thirteen Moons: Charles Frazier. Paperback (500 pages)
Last year I read Cold Mountain his first book, and I surprisingly really enjoyed it. This however was a little bit disappointing in comparison, I must emphasis in comparison. It was a good solid book, but didn't reach the quality and interest that Cold Mountain did. It is full of Cherokee history and tales which I thought, in theory, I would really enjoy. The problem being that even though the story had a great deal to offer with some really interesting characters it just was a little bland and at times too verbose to keep it moving smoothly. That said, if you have a chance, it really isn't horrible.....

6/10

Paperback cover.

The Conjurer's Bird: Martin Davies. Paperback (309 pages)Overall, the book being a tale of history and taxonomy sounds a little drab, but the book was a nice lightly written story about the history (fictional I should add) of Joseph Banks and his life and the repercussions of it. The story was interesting, I found the actually Joseph Banks section a little slow compared to the more modern parts of the book and, I know this sounds harsh, it was a little amatuer in the writing. It was nice, it was pleasant, but won't win any awards.6/10

Paperback cover.

Sweet honey, Bitter Lemons: Matthew Fort. Paperback (337 pages)
A really interesting book about Sicily which is, in some ways, the forgotten island of the Med. Everyone talks a lot about the Greek Isles, Sardinia gets plenty of press, of course the Spanish Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza) are always popular with travellers, especially the young ravers, and that leaves us with the biggest Sicily. It is considered poor and hopeless by many Italians, and of course gave us the concept of the Mafia. But the history of Sicily was much more diverse than I thought. The book runs through this, but mostly it focuses on something much more interesting, to me, the food. It is a tour of the isle around the coast and across the centre. It also includes recipes. I really enjoyed this and as we are going to Sicily this year, it was a very apt present from my wife.7/10

Hardback sleeve cover

Goat Song: A Seasonal Life, A Short History of Herding, and the Art of Making Cheese: Brad Kessler. Hardback. (272 pages)

I really had high hopes for this book, as many people know I have an odd idea that I want to go out some day and raise goats and make goat cheese. So, this being what the author has done, had me very excited. While there is some very interesting information in here, and some great stories and it is well written, I just felt it lacked a little something. And the constant reference to religion did get a little tiring. Overall though, it was a very fun book and get me excited for the future in possibilities.

7/10

Hard cover, cover

Maynard, Secrets of a Bacon Curer: Maynard Davies. Hardback. (170 pages).

This is a very sweet book. From a man who grew up on the fringes of society by being dyslexic and therefore unable to be a scholastic success he entered the world of bacon. The book is written in the way I would prefer more biographies, as if Maynard was sitting by the fire, with a whisky in hand recounting tales. It is not what you would call "well written" but nor does it need to be. If you have ever wanted to read a "real" personal biography and not a celeb that has been ghost written to look intelligent then this is a great one for you. It is short and not for the vegetarians per se, but still a really lovely read.

7/10

Hardcover, dust sleeve

Mattanza: Love and Death in the Sea of Sicily: Theresa Maggio. Hardback. (288 pages).

A really interesting book, I wasn't sure whether it would be horrid, boring or fascinating. It was more the later than the other two. It tells the tale of tradition, mixed with economics, mixed with a little romance and friendship. Another easy read but still covering something I new nothing about, so, therefore it was a good read.

6/10

(please note all of these photographs in this post were sourced from the net and are not mine, other than the first one)