The Other Side of the Story by Marian Keyes

 I have been re-reading some of the books on my shelf and Marian Keyes books are always worth multiple reads. She writes books that can only be described as chick lit and yet its not the kind that irritates me in any way. Instead it is just lovely and comforting and funny and I get [...]

More Children’s Books

 Mutt Dog is a homeless dog and when he finds a home, he finds all kinds of other things too. A great reminder about how important families are
 
 
 
 Gilbert The Great is a shark who is missing his friend. He soon makes a new friend, but not before working his way through the stages of grief [...]

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

One of the advantages of not feeling well is the sense that laying on the couch reading a book all day is perfectly acceptable. In such a situation, I always find myself drawn to a relatively simple book, preferably one I have read many times before. I brought only about half of my books with [...]

The Potato Factory by Bryce Courtenay

Bryce Courtenay has written some  pretty readable books and while they verge on the super-dramatic, they are definitely hard to put down, engrossing and easy to read. The Potato Factory is probably one of the best of his books. I also enjoyed April Fool’s Day (although “enjoyed” might not be the right word, given that [...]

Plan B by Emily Barr

This one was on the bookshelf and since I wasn’t feeling well, I grabbed it. Chick lit is always good for that. Doesn’t require a lot of effort, can be skimmed through in a few hours and is amusing. The quick storyline is woman moves from England to France with her partner and child, only [...]

Some of my favourite children’s books

The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson – this a great book. It has a real rhythm to it so its fun to read and kids love it. Its has many clever aspects to it as well. There is a sequel – The Gruffalo’s Child which is also good. This author has written many books and they [...]

Tully by Paulina Simons

Love this book. Again, its the internal dialogue and the choices people make that fascinates me. Story of a girl and her best friends growing up …

The Lazarus Child by Robert Mawson

Here’s a book that will mess with your mind a little. It definitely makes you think. I like the storyline generally although it has a touch of that “too tragic” to it. Deals with kids in a catatonic state and some people who try and help.

The Hobbit by JRR Tolkein

I love this book. I don’t understand why they made Lord of the Rings  into a movie and not this. I think this book is better than the oh so lengthy, oh so descriptive Lord of the Rings. I like the story of LOR, but there is just too much bulk to it. The Hobbit [...]

Blackbird by Jennifer Lauck

Again, its the style of this book that appeals to me. Its one of those tragic childhood stories, and comes with a sequel (Still Waters) but its written in a unique way and the story is well told.