Category Archives: Book reviews

Diana’s October Book Review ~ The Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert ~ (Many eureka moments!)

Hey, what a wonderful gift from a friend, who just knew I would love it!

I’m so glad I have a copy in paperback, because I will definitely read it again, but also dip into it.

Timing was everything! So many occasions whilst reading The Big Magic I had eureka moments; laughed out-loud, exclaimed, nodded my head in affirmation or just sighed with joy. I even read out bits in bed, to my patient, but puzzled husband.

As an author, you often wonder where inspiration comes from. Elizabeth Gilbert has her own theory, but I’ll not divulge it to you 😉 She also explains that, once you have had this moment of inspiration, lots of coincidences brings it more into focus, as if nudging you to get on with it!

I’m so glad that doesn’t just happen to me!

If you are a writer, this book is a must. If you have a friend, niece, daughter or Mum who aspires to write, it would make a brilliant gift!

(I just loved The Signature of all Things too, but didn’t realise Elizabeth Gilbert was one and the same, famous for Eat Pray Love of course!)

Leave a comment

Filed under Author Diana Jackson, Book reading, Book reviews, Inspiration, Writing

Diana’s September Review ~ The Book of Fire by Christy Lefteri

I read Songbirds some time ago and was impressed by Christy Lefteri’s power to conjure an unfamiliar world in my mind, and yet with similar themes as my own current writing of race, migration and heart rendering human emotions.

The Book of Fire is no less heart rendering but with pertinent issues for today ~ the devastation of forest fires and the loss of homes and loved ones. From what appears to be a paradise to grow up in and live we move to a living hell. But, what happens to the human emotions when the fire is started deliberately? It doesn’t bear thinking about does it?

I highly recommend this book, but it is not an easy read and challenges a belief that people’s values are unwavering. What an evocative title too. Extremely Old Testament!

Leave a comment

Filed under Book reading, Book reviews

Diana’s August Book Review ~ The Paper Cup by Karen Campbell

I stumbled upon this delightful novel in Waterstones and have added it to my ‘signed books’ collection, to treasure or share with others. In fact, I enjoyed it so much when I first read it a year ago that I picked it up again the other day ~ savouring its detail this time and moments I had long forgotten.

Kelly is homeless and living on the streets of Glasgow. The harsh realities of her life of drink and drug abuse does not hide her beautiful soul. At times she pushed away family, friends and even strangers, who saw glimpses of the real Kelly and wanted desperately to help.

I loved the way she stumbled on a Pilgrimage. I loved her honesty, but also her generosity in times of sheer poverty, seeing the needs of others beyond her own. Above all I loved her inherent goodness, not saying Kelly was a saint. By all means no! Beyond the cold, the wet, the hunger and fear of her addictions, it was her connection with humanity which was so heart warming.

A magical book which I’m sure I shall read again.

Here’s a review in The Scotsman

At Waterstones

On Amazon

If you’d like to read a book with similarities to The Paper Cup then why don’t you try mine:

MISSING Past and Present ~ Is Life Just a Roll of a Dice

Leave a comment

Filed under Book reading, Book reviews, MISSING Past and Present, Scotland