Tag Archives: book recommendation

Two Book Reviews ~ ‘Eden’ in the Titles

What makes you choose a book to read? Recommendation? Newspaper review?

If I am browsing in Waterstones, I like to see what catches my eye and ‘This Other Eden’ by Paul Harding, did last month.

Why? Last year I read a brilliant book called ‘Ticket to Eden’ by Ian K Pulham, and so when I saw Paul Harding’s book, I knew nothing about it, but I thought I would give it a go.

Similarities

Characters ~ Both books have brilliant characterisation; folks who intrigue me and yet are quite unusual.

Setting ~ Both describe a ‘utopia’ at some point, which would be seen as hell on earth by others; the first set in the past and the second in the future.

Writing Style ~ both books are extremely well written.

Plot ~ both books quickly draw you in and you are gripped right up until the end, both ending with a twist, and for me an ‘oh no!’ moment. Both books have a message too.

Reviews ~ Both have great reviews: “Masterful” or “Powerful message

Differences

This Other Eden’ was published by Penguin Books and has over 3,000 review on Amazon to date whereas

Ticket to Eden’ was published by a small Indie Press, Eventispress, and has only 16 review to date, but I can highly recommend it.

Why don’t you give it a chance?

Ticket to Eden is only £4.99 on Kindle, only £1 more than a cup of coffee. Why don’t you risk giving it a try? “ A must read with a powerful message!

I thought I would give it a go. How about you?

1 Comment

Filed under Book reading, Book reviews

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 Winter Book Review 10 ~ Little Wing by Freya North

Click on the cover picture for Amazon UK

Why did you choose this book?

Waterstones in #Kirkcaldy had become my regular haunt of mine over the winter. I am reading more paperbacks, rather than books on Kindle, because of my RSI problem, which I am managing relatively well now.

I was browsing on Waterstone’s ‘Buy 1 Get 1 Half Price‘ tables and stumbled upon ‘Little Wing‘ by Freya North. I found the title intriguing, followed by the name of the author ‘North’, and wondered if it is Freya’s real name. Then it was the cover which spoke immediately of Western Scotland, or even the Outer Hebrides. I was not wrong. On reading the blurb next, it pointed in that direction. The novel was clearly set in three different time zones and just looked my kind of book.

Did I feel empathy to any particular character?

I felt particular empathy to Nell (2005) who was working in a café, where the employees needed support in order to fulfil their amazing roles. I am a great believer in folks being allowed, with loving and caring guidance, to reach their potential. Nell was an extra special person and I identified with her patience and fondness for her charges, but also with her at the moment when her life was ‘turned upside down’ by a discovery about herself. As far as I know this hasn’t happened to me, but I warmed to her quest and also to her eventual feeling of belonging in the Outer Hebrides.

Is there a lasting thought or memory from the book which remains with you long after the novel is finished?

Having visited Harris and Lewis, and also having relocated to Scotland from Bedfordshire myself, I can visualise Nell and even Florence (1969) and their sense of belonging to what might appear initially to be a bleak and distant place. I can easily imagine the girls walking on the machair, along the sandy beaches, picking up pebbles and shells and watching the seals. I can feel the warmth of the folk she met and their desire to make her feel welcome; one of them even.

It was a great book and I might even keep it and read it again one day, (which is an unusual high accolade from me) maybe when we are travelling further north once more.

Highly Recommended.

Leave a comment

Filed under Book reading, Book reviews, Book Shops, Scotland