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9 November 2014
Title
| Harbour Views |
Author
| Philip Chatting |
Publisher
| Book Guild Publishing |
Publication Date
|
May 2014
|
Pages
| 384 |
Genre
| novel |
<blockquote>Blurb:</strong>
Swedish expatriate Jakob Obergaard rules his successful furniture corporation with a ruthlessness and egotism that draws comment even in the merciless cut and thrust of the Hong Kong business world. His tyranny warps the lives of all around him – his imperiously bitter wife Dagmar, his estranged hippyish daughter Sigrid and his sexually frustrated administrator, Mrs Tung, among them. Not even the blithely laddish Anil Patel, a company courier, is immune. In this jet-black comedy, lives are as tangled, messy and precarious as the streets of downtown Kowloon. In a world where ambition collides with passion, tradition with modernity, East with West, no one comes away unscathed.
This is the accomplished debut novel by Hong Kong resident Philip Chatting, a sharply witty portrayal of one of the world’s great cosmopolitan cities.
<blockquote>My review:
A good start which got me straight into the book. As an immigrant to another country (though nothing like Mr Odergaard and certainly not as rich!), I wanted to know his story. But the book took me a bit by surprise, as it is not so much a 'story of his life' but more of a character study of various people in Hong Kong. The book is clearly very much character-driven.
There is the very rich and obnoxious Mr Odergaard and his even more obnoxious wife Dagmar, their hippy daughter and her somewhat humble teacher husband who has his own problems with his son. Than Carol Tung who works for Odergaard and is sexually frustrated, her son Wai Pang and their domestic helper Budiwati. Claude Halt, the Odergaard's company 2nd in command who in turn is pathologically obsessed with small-time actress Mandy Plumpkin. Than there is Anil Patel, a driver at Odergaards company, and probably my favourite character. I very much like his closing sentiments in the last chapter. A bit of a lad, but honest. I also liked the fact that almost all of the characters link up during the course of the book as their lives intersect.
The book is described as black comedy, and I will agree with this. You have to look behind the scenes here. The clever structure of the sentences makes it not always a very easy read, but if you do take your time, you will be rewarded with the author's clever way with words. Here is a quick example I picked out as I liked it so much:
...."Only the cook, who relished the fruits of her precession too much for her own good, was left to patch and recycle apparel purchased years ago to accommodate a once-younger girth...."
Excellent example of the black humour and way of words here. Can't we just all picture that rather oversized cook now?
Chatting lets us in into Hong Kong behind the scenes and some of those will stay with me, for example the way the domestic helpers are treated as a matter of norm or how children are educated just to get results i.e. Art is discouraged as a subject which does not bring a good job.
This is not a cosy 'all is good at the end' read. I would recommend this book if you are interested in expats stories, live in foreign countries and would like to read a different, more darker version which engages you to think. The characters may be exaggerated caricatures, but than maybe they are not, but that's the beauty of the book.
<blockquote>About the author:
Philip Chatting was born in Chester and schooled in London and California. He has spent the majority of his working life in human resource management, located variously in Africa, the Middle East, the USA and Asia, and for industries including copper mining, construction, newspapers and publishing. He is presently the Vice President of Human Resources for an export marketing company based in Hong Kong, where he lives with his wife and son.
2 November 2014
Title
| Essential Hindi |
Author
| Richard Delacy |
Publisher
| Tuttle Publishing |
Publication Date
|
2014
|
Pages
| 192 |
Genre
| non-fiction, languages |
Blurb:
Start speaking Hindi right away with this Hindi phrasebook, basic grammar and pronunciation guide to help you. Essential Hindi presents the practical Hindi language of everyday interactions in a way that's clear, concise, accessible and enjoyable. It includes fundamental sentences to use when meeting people, starting conversations, and asking and replying to questions. All Hindi words are presented in both romanised form and Hindi script. Terms and phrases cover all your conversations via mobile phones, internet, and social media in a way that will help you make the most of the language. In addition, sentences on the essentials of travel make it easier for visitors to navigate the basics of arranging accommodations, dining out, dealing with transportation and emergencies, and much more. Essential Hindi includes: Over 1,500 necessary sentences for everyday use. A glossary containing over 2,000 terms and expressions. A handy format for finding the information you need quickly and easily. Look up the latest Hindi vocabulary and phrases for smart phones, blogging, Facebook and Twitter. Let Essential Hindi guide you in making the right word choices when communicating with friends and business colleagues, and the world!
My review:
Thank you to Tuttle Publishing who gifted me this book.
I have been interested in South East Asian Languages and studied Urdu for a while. I have to say at the beginning that I did not study Hindi as it is very different from Urdu in the script, though in spoken word it is very very similar. Therefore, this review will look at the book from the view of someone who intends to buy it in a book shop or online and has not fully used it.
The short introduction tells us that the book is aimed as a basic guide for getting you started in communicating in Hindi. As such, I think it would be particularly useful for anyone who has connections to SE India (whether business, private or as a tourist) and would like to take their knowledge of the language further than just 'hello' and 'my name is'.
The book starts with a pronunciation guide and basic grammar. These are not too complex and even for a complete beginner easy to understand. In my opinion, you have to work through those in order to go on to the first lesson and actually learning words. But fear not, there are only 5 pages of pronunciation and 13 pages of grammar.
As with most language learning books, the chapter start with simple and basic information (Personal Details, time, numbers) etc and coach you on to more complex sentences. The chapters have example sentences and a list of words as well as useful information (i.e. holidays, info on religion ) The chapters do not cover exercises - I think that would require a much more extensive book and this one here is only intended to get you started.
Again...I did not learn the language yet, but I think this can not only an excellent starting point, but it may also help you decide whether this is the language for you.
The short introduction tells us that the book is aimed as a basic guide for getting you started in communicating in Hindi. As such, I think it would be particularly useful for anyone who has connections to SE India (whether business, private or as a tourist) and would like to take their knowledge of the language further than just 'hello' and 'my name is'.
The book starts with a pronunciation guide and basic grammar. These are not too complex and even for a complete beginner easy to understand. In my opinion, you have to work through those in order to go on to the first lesson and actually learning words. But fear not, there are only 5 pages of pronunciation and 13 pages of grammar.
As with most language learning books, the chapter start with simple and basic information (Personal Details, time, numbers) etc and coach you on to more complex sentences. The chapters have example sentences and a list of words as well as useful information (i.e. holidays, info on religion ) The chapters do not cover exercises - I think that would require a much more extensive book and this one here is only intended to get you started.
Again...I did not learn the language yet, but I think this can not only an excellent starting point, but it may also help you decide whether this is the language for you.
1 November 2014
You read the book - now go out and watch the movie!
I couldn't wait for this movie. I absolutely loved the book. Here is my review of the book. I even liked the ending of the book (I know lots of reviewers didn't).
It is difficult to review the film without giving away major plot lines. Simple enough story. Amy and Nick are a young couple who both lose their jobs in the recession in New York and move to Missouri. It is the morning of their fifth wedding anniversary and Amy goes missing. What follows is the search for Amy and Nick slowly becoming a suspect. Things don't add up for him. But all is not what it seems here. In the words of Nick's defence attorney Tanner Bolt (and I paraphrase here because I can't find the exact quote...): "I have seem some messed up people in my career, but boy, you two are something...".
Honestly, even though I was looking forward to the movie, I was also a bit hesitant. Mainly because I am always disappointed when I read a book and than watch the movie. It usually just doesn't compare. And for the first 1/2 hour of the movie, I almost prepared myself to be disappointed. I mean, I knew the story - importantly knew the twists - so could I enjoy the movie. But than it happened - the movie really took me in and I almost forgot that I knew what was going to happen.
Both Rosemunde Pike as Amy and Ben Affleck as Nick are doing a great job and are very believable. In fact, the became Amy and Nick for me.
What was slightly missing for me was the extent that Amy's parents are also very very messed up. And I personally felt that Margo (Nick's sister) was given a bit too much time? But no big deal.
Honstley? This is one of the best book to movie adaptations I have seen in a long time. If you haven't seen it yet, go now. I can't wait until it is on Netflix.
Peggy xx
10 October 2014
Title
| By all Men's Judgements |
Author
| Brad Cotton |
Publisher
| Prinia Press |
Publication Date
|
April 2014
|
Pages
| 418 |
Genre
| novel, Western |
Blurb:
Knowing she doesn’t have long to live, Liza Meacham summons local newspaper writer Nathaniel to her bedside to share a story she’s kept to herself for seven decades. It’s the story of a man named Joseph Tilley, a man she came to know quite well. With her granddaughter, Madeline, also by her side, Liza begins to reveal how an innocent Oklahoma farm boy fell into a life of crime to become a notorious outlaw in the early 1920s.
Over the following weeks Madeline and Nathaniel begin piecing together the mysteries that remain where Liza’s recollection leaves off. The secrets they uncover may change their lives forever – if they can find their way to the end . . . and to the truth.
Over the following weeks Madeline and Nathaniel begin piecing together the mysteries that remain where Liza’s recollection leaves off. The secrets they uncover may change their lives forever – if they can find their way to the end . . . and to the truth.
My review:
This sweet story needs more exposure.
I absolutely loved this book from the very first page and it is clear that Brad Cotton can tell a story and keep you hooked. The book has structure and the writing style is not over-complicated. (I have a pet-hate for long and windy sentences in books. Books are meant to entertain - I don't want to read an academic essay)
By all Men's Judgements plays in two different time frames. Firstly, there is grandma Liza, her niece Madeline and writer Nathaniel in present day. Liza is terminally ill and knows she has not a lot of time left so calls local writer Nathaniel to her house. She has a story to tell and wants Nathaniel to write it down. Not quite sure what to expect, Nathaniel and Madeline is quickly enthralled with the story - and so are we as readers.
Liza takes us back to the 1920's Oklahoma where young Joe witnesses his parents murder and gets send to stay with his cousin's family. Joe quickly develops a friendship with his cousin Buck.This is prohibition-age America, and Buck knows where money is to be made with home-brewed alcohol. They quickly start to make a name for themselves, starting out as rookies working for the big boss and almost innocently going about their business. But Joe, of course, can never forget what has happened to his parents. The story cuts back in intervals to Madeline and Nathaniel who slowly start to put the pieces of the puzzle together.
There is a bit of a 'Western-like' feel to this story. I am not usually one for Westerns and surprised myself that I liked this book so much. It had me rooting for Joe and ... and I finished the book in 2 days. A story about friendship to the end, betrayal, courage. And yes, there is a twist at the end which I did not see coming.
Anything I didn't like? I think I would have liked a different cover. Maybe a 1920's style picture of Joe? The current cover picture is, in my humble opinion, a bit non-descriptive and as many readers do pick up their books by the cover (yes, it has been proven to be true!!), I think this lovely little book will be overlooked.
I absolutely loved this book from the very first page and it is clear that Brad Cotton can tell a story and keep you hooked. The book has structure and the writing style is not over-complicated. (I have a pet-hate for long and windy sentences in books. Books are meant to entertain - I don't want to read an academic essay)
By all Men's Judgements plays in two different time frames. Firstly, there is grandma Liza, her niece Madeline and writer Nathaniel in present day. Liza is terminally ill and knows she has not a lot of time left so calls local writer Nathaniel to her house. She has a story to tell and wants Nathaniel to write it down. Not quite sure what to expect, Nathaniel and Madeline is quickly enthralled with the story - and so are we as readers.
Liza takes us back to the 1920's Oklahoma where young Joe witnesses his parents murder and gets send to stay with his cousin's family. Joe quickly develops a friendship with his cousin Buck.This is prohibition-age America, and Buck knows where money is to be made with home-brewed alcohol. They quickly start to make a name for themselves, starting out as rookies working for the big boss and almost innocently going about their business. But Joe, of course, can never forget what has happened to his parents. The story cuts back in intervals to Madeline and Nathaniel who slowly start to put the pieces of the puzzle together.
There is a bit of a 'Western-like' feel to this story. I am not usually one for Westerns and surprised myself that I liked this book so much. It had me rooting for Joe and ... and I finished the book in 2 days. A story about friendship to the end, betrayal, courage. And yes, there is a twist at the end which I did not see coming.
Anything I didn't like? I think I would have liked a different cover. Maybe a 1920's style picture of Joe? The current cover picture is, in my humble opinion, a bit non-descriptive and as many readers do pick up their books by the cover (yes, it has been proven to be true!!), I think this lovely little book will be overlooked.
9 October 2014
Just found this on Sky News today. So what do you think? I would say anything to support book sales,. In reality, of course, it is the big High Street book chains who, if anyone, profits. And as they are called in the article ' hotly anticipated hardbacks' it's probably authors who don't need a lot of publicity and sell in any event? Still, anything which promotes books and reading I suppose.
High street book shops, facing competition from online retailers and supermarkets, will hope to receive a boost from Super Thursday.
The nationwide event sees the largest number of titles being published in a single day this year.
Some 315 of the most hotly anticipated hardbacks are coming out today.
Super Thursday is the book world's equivalent of Black Friday and Mega Monday - where there are promotional sales deals in the run up to Christmas.
And the event is aimed at getting more customers into high street book shops and increasing revenue.
There are now only just over 2,300 such shops in the UK with many closing due to customers opting for cheap prices at the supermarkets and on the internet.
Sheryl Shurville from Chorleywood Bookshop in Hertfordshire owns a very successful independent shop but has had to diversify to survive.
She puts on events and festivals to boost sales and is very enthusiastic about initiatives like Super Thursday as a means of increasing business.
She said: "Super Thursday is a great time of year for us. It creates a big buzz in publishing and in the book selling industry.
"So it creates a lot of interest which is really important at a time when we're up against a lot of competition from Amazon, ebooks and supermarkets.
"So anything that brings attention to the independent bookshop and the passion we have for reading and selling books is great for us".
Shane Filan's autobiography My Side of Life reveals all about his days in boyband Westlife.
It is just one of the many celebrity reads that publishers rely on over the festive period and Filan told Sky News it can only be a good thing to be included in the book push.
He said: "To be picked to come out on this day is a great thing to start off with.
"There's a lot of books out and it’s the one of the biggest ever for autobiographies so I'm chuffed to be chosen to be out this day."
Super Thursday is not new - it was first identified in 2008 - but it is only now the industry is pulling together and the latest tool in the fight against low price competition.
Katy Guest, literary editor of The Independent on Sunday, said it was about time the industry was unified in its approach.
She said: "Maybe the fact that publishers and booksellers are all coming together - instead of working against each other and pitting their books against each other for sales - will help."
23 September 2014
Title
| Hollow Shotguns |
Author
| Khalid Patel |
Publisher
| Severest Inks |
Publication Date
|
Dec 2013
|
Pages
| 265 |
Genre
| Horror, YA, Apocalypse |
Blurb:
"To stop a demon, sometimes you must become a demon."
The apocalypse hits. A fierce disease twists civilians into fire-obsessed, flesh-consuming ferals. The threads of society fray, burn...
A band of boys traverse an increasingly darkening world to reach their lone hope of safety.
As the battle for survival escalates, the bounds of the human psyche are bleakly tested.
Hollow Shotguns is the subversive debut of British writer Khalid Patel. Inspired prose, mesmeric dialogue, harrowing gut-wrenches and throat-burning humour sculpt a rebellious narrative that point-blank refuses to conform to convention. This is a bold, breathless dark ride.
Hollow Shotguns is innovative and artful apocalyptic fiction, a socio-political examination of modern society, cerebral horror, and a blood-pulsing trip that challenges as much as it entertains. The offbeat, slang-loaded style of dialogue Khalid Patel employs for Hollow Shotguns is as hypnotic as his beautifully brain-tickling prose.
Hollow Shotguns is subversive literature at its most brutal...
The unsanitized violence.
The scalding social commentary.
The raw challenge.
Be warned, this is not a fucking beach read.
The apocalypse hits. A fierce disease twists civilians into fire-obsessed, flesh-consuming ferals. The threads of society fray, burn...
A band of boys traverse an increasingly darkening world to reach their lone hope of safety.
As the battle for survival escalates, the bounds of the human psyche are bleakly tested.
Hollow Shotguns is the subversive debut of British writer Khalid Patel. Inspired prose, mesmeric dialogue, harrowing gut-wrenches and throat-burning humour sculpt a rebellious narrative that point-blank refuses to conform to convention. This is a bold, breathless dark ride.
Hollow Shotguns is innovative and artful apocalyptic fiction, a socio-political examination of modern society, cerebral horror, and a blood-pulsing trip that challenges as much as it entertains. The offbeat, slang-loaded style of dialogue Khalid Patel employs for Hollow Shotguns is as hypnotic as his beautifully brain-tickling prose.
Hollow Shotguns is subversive literature at its most brutal...
The unsanitized violence.
The scalding social commentary.
The raw challenge.
Be warned, this is not a fucking beach read.
My review:
A story of growing up as much as a story about zombies and an apocalypse.
4 teenagers - Mills, Cade, Slash and Zeth form 'The Set' who live in a not-so-desirable part of town. Each have their own problems with parents and siblings. But they stick together, mostly against their arch enemy Thumb, the estate's bully. But after a short intro chapter about each character, things quickly happen here. A virus attacks people and quickly turns them into flesh-eating zombies. The four boys are thrown together and than happen to come across their old enemy pick Thumb - who now, that there is no-one left, becomes their buddy in a fight against the zombies. Old enemies aside, there is now a new battle ground Well, is not that simple. The five of them try to find their way to the supposed 'safe zone' into the unknown with many adventures on the way. Thumb was probably my favourite character. The bully everyone hates.
For me, this was not only a flesh-ripping zombie story, but very much a story of growing up, friendship, boys becoming young man. Which is quite ironic actually, because the vaccine they have had against turning into zombies only works as soon as they are not adults.
I suppose you would need to like the zombie genre to fully enjoy this book. Admittedly, it is probably not for everyone, and definitely not for someone looking for a cosy read. There are nasty things at work, and bloods and guts splatter about. You would also need to get used to the teen language Patel is using - a language these children use in their own communication - no need to use proper language when you have known each other for such a long time and are that good friends. But this took me all but one chapter and than I could easy understand their teenage speak (being a woman of 40+ years :)
4 teenagers - Mills, Cade, Slash and Zeth form 'The Set' who live in a not-so-desirable part of town. Each have their own problems with parents and siblings. But they stick together, mostly against their arch enemy Thumb, the estate's bully. But after a short intro chapter about each character, things quickly happen here. A virus attacks people and quickly turns them into flesh-eating zombies. The four boys are thrown together and than happen to come across their old enemy pick Thumb - who now, that there is no-one left, becomes their buddy in a fight against the zombies. Old enemies aside, there is now a new battle ground Well, is not that simple. The five of them try to find their way to the supposed 'safe zone' into the unknown with many adventures on the way. Thumb was probably my favourite character. The bully everyone hates.
For me, this was not only a flesh-ripping zombie story, but very much a story of growing up, friendship, boys becoming young man. Which is quite ironic actually, because the vaccine they have had against turning into zombies only works as soon as they are not adults.
I suppose you would need to like the zombie genre to fully enjoy this book. Admittedly, it is probably not for everyone, and definitely not for someone looking for a cosy read. There are nasty things at work, and bloods and guts splatter about. You would also need to get used to the teen language Patel is using - a language these children use in their own communication - no need to use proper language when you have known each other for such a long time and are that good friends. But this took me all but one chapter and than I could easy understand their teenage speak (being a woman of 40+ years :)
-----------
Here an example/ extract"Unseen, hombre."
"Head-dick better not have dets again, else..."
------------
I enjoy the writing of this author and his prose enormously.
Here is one example:
The shotgun screams.
See what I mean. I shotgun does not simple shoot, but screams. I can hear it scream, I can hear the people scream.
At the same time, if you do enjoy the genre and are a bit fed up of 'same, same' stories, than I would recommend trying this story. Also anyone who likes apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic stories. With under 300 pages, this is also not a huge time investment and could even go as a quick weekend-read. Give it a try.
Here is one example:
The shotgun screams.
See what I mean. I shotgun does not simple shoot, but screams. I can hear it scream, I can hear the people scream.
At the same time, if you do enjoy the genre and are a bit fed up of 'same, same' stories, than I would recommend trying this story. Also anyone who likes apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic stories. With under 300 pages, this is also not a huge time investment and could even go as a quick weekend-read. Give it a try.
About the author:
Khalid Patel is the British writer of cult, underground literature. His works are known for their subversive, unconventional qualities. Challenging narratives, unusual dialogue& beautifully offbeat prose are a staple of his writings. His words, also frequently laced with scalding social commentary & sneaky dark humour, wrenches readers out of their comfort zone for an unforgettable, jolting experience.
An English Literature graduate & culture junkie, Khalid breathes movies (particularly South Korean cinema), comic-books & videogames…passions which frequently seep into his works. He also copiously digs New York, pasta and wearing black shirts.
Khalid Patel advocates activism & the questioning of the status quo. He has supported greater rights for Burma (the birth country of his mother) long before the mass media began highlighting the brutalities & human right atrocities perpetrated by its military junta government. He is also a fierce critic of far-right, fascist outfits such as the English Defence League (EDL); he has attended anti-racism & anti-hate protests where he has engaged in running street battles with Neo-Nazis.
Khalid's stories are often laced with searing socio-political asides, quietly making his readers mull deeper issues whilst they're being entertained. With his writings, Khalid also seeks to disintegrate media-reinforced stereotypes of Muslims & people of brown colour. He is keen to raise the literacy rates of British South Asians, especially males, & hopes his stories more shall catch an interest in literature.
An English Literature graduate & culture junkie, Khalid breathes movies (particularly South Korean cinema), comic-books & videogames…passions which frequently seep into his works. He also copiously digs New York, pasta and wearing black shirts.
Khalid Patel advocates activism & the questioning of the status quo. He has supported greater rights for Burma (the birth country of his mother) long before the mass media began highlighting the brutalities & human right atrocities perpetrated by its military junta government. He is also a fierce critic of far-right, fascist outfits such as the English Defence League (EDL); he has attended anti-racism & anti-hate protests where he has engaged in running street battles with Neo-Nazis.
Khalid's stories are often laced with searing socio-political asides, quietly making his readers mull deeper issues whilst they're being entertained. With his writings, Khalid also seeks to disintegrate media-reinforced stereotypes of Muslims & people of brown colour. He is keen to raise the literacy rates of British South Asians, especially males, & hopes his stories more shall catch an interest in literature.
11 September 2014
The autumn selection for the Richard and Judy Book Club is out! I'm going to get my order in with WH Smith's. I they give you all 8 books for £29.99. I'm not affiliated to them in any way, but I think this might be the cheapest if you want to get all 8. But check each individual on Kindle - might be even better value. Now just one question remains... when I can find the time to read just for myself and not for review / academic purpose arrrghhhh
What I do like about the R&J book club is that they are promoting quite a few new authors - in fact I don't think I read any of those introduces this autumn before. Apologies, I'm not sure whether all of them are first time authors (I don't think so). And there is something for everyone, from crime to historical to Sci Fi to Autobiography.
Here are the books:
----------------------------
1. Daughter by Jane Shemilt
When a teenage girl goes missing her mother discovers she doesn't know her daughter as well as she thought in Jane Shemilt's haunting debut novel, Daughter.
The Night Of The Disappearance - She used to tell me everything. They have a picture. It'll help. But it doesn't show the way her hair shines so brightly it looks like sheets of gold. She has a tiny mole, just beneath her left eyebrow. She smells very faintly of lemons. She bites her nails. She never cries. She loves autumn, I wanted to tell them. She collects leaves, like a child does. She is just a child. Find her.
One year later - Naomi is still missing. Jenny is a mother on the brink of obsession. The Malcolm family is in pieces. Is finding the truth about Naomi the only way to put them back together? Or is the truth the thing that will finally tear them apart?
2. The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North
Harry August is on his deathbed. Again. No matter what he does or the decisions he makes, when death comes, Harry always returns to where he began, a child with all the knowledge of a life he has already lived a dozen times before. Nothing ever changes. Until now. As Harry nears the end of his eleventh life, a little girl appears at his bedside. 'I nearly missed you, Doctor August,' she says. 'I need to send a message.' This is the story of what Harry does next, and what he did before, and how he tries to save a past he cannot change and a future he cannot allow.
3. The Fortune Hunter by Daisy Goodwin
In 1875, Sisi, the Empress of Austria is the woman that every man desires and every woman envies. Beautiful, athletic and intelligent, Sisi has everything - except happiness. Bored with the stultifying etiquette of the Hapsburg Court and her dutiful but unexciting husband, Franz Joseph, Sisi comes to England to hunt. She comes looking for excitement and she finds it in the dashing form of Captain Bay Middleton, the only man in Europe who can outride her. Ten years younger than her and engaged to the rich and devoted Charlotte, Bay has everything to lose by falling for a woman who can never be his. But Bay and the Empress are as reckless as each other, and their mutual attraction is a force that cannot be denied.
4. The Martian by Andy Weir
I'm stranded on Mars. I have no way to communicate with Earth. I'm in a Habitat designed to last 31 days. If the Oxygenator breaks down, I'll suffocate. If the Water Reclaimer breaks down, I'll die of thirst. If the Hab breaches, I'll just kind of explode. If none of those things happen, I'll eventually run out of food and starve to death. So yeah. I'm screwed.
5. Someone Else's Skin by Sarah Hilary
Called to a woman's refuge to take a routine witness statement, DI Marnie Rome instead walks in on an attempted murder. Trying to uncover the truth from layers of secrets, Marnie finds herself confronting her own demons. Because she, of all people, knows that it can be those closest to us we should fear the most...
6. The Memory Book by Rowan Coleman
When time is running out every moment is precious...When Claire starts to write her Memory Book, she already knows that this scrapbook of mementoes will soon be all her daughters and husband have of her. But how can she hold onto the past when her future is slipping through her fingers...?
7. The Devil in the Marshalsea by Antonia Hodgson
London, 1727 - and Tom Hawkins is about to fall from his heaven of card games, brothels and coffee-houses into the hell of a debtors' prison. The Marshalsea is a savage world of its own, with simple rules: those with family or friends who can lend them a little money may survive in relative comfort. Those with none will starve in squalor and disease. And those who try to escape will suffer a gruesome fate at the hands of the gaol's rutheless governor and his cronies. The trouble is, Tom Hawkins has never been good at following rules - even simple ones. And the recent grisly murder of a debtor, Captain Roberts, has brought further terror to the gaol. While the Captain's beautiful widow cries for justice, the finger of suspicion points only one way: to the sly, enigmatic figure of Samuel Fleet. Some call Fleet a devil, a man to avoid at all costs. But Tom Hawkins is sharing his cell. Soon, Tom's choice is clear: get to the truth of the murder - or be the next to die.
8. Under a Mackerel Sky by Rick Stein
'All men should strive to learn before they die what they are running from, and to, and why.' Rick Stein's childhood in 1950s rural Oxfordshire and North Cornwall was idyllic. His parents were charming and gregarious, their five children much-loved and given freedom typical of the time. As he grew older, the holidays were filled with loud and lively parties in his parents' Cornish barn. But ever-present was the unpredicatible mood of his bipolar father, with Rick frequently the focus of his anger and sadness. When Rick was 18 his father killed himself. Emotionally adrift, Rick left for Australia, carrying a suitcase stamped with his father's initials. Manual labour in the outback followed by adventures in America and Mexico toughened up the naive public schoolboy, but at heart he was still lost and unsure what to do with his life. Eventually, Cornwall called him home. From the entrepreneurial days of his mobile disco, the Purple Tiger, to his first, unlikely unlikely nightclub where much of the time was spent breaking up drink-fuelled fights, Rick charts his personal journey in a way that is both wry and perceptive; engaging and witty.
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