I have three children, all 4 years apart, so for the past 11 years picture books have been read at bedtime. My youngest is 6 years old now and is getting to the age when it will be time to move on to the next stage.
This saddens me so much, as I love picture books. The bold colours, inventive nature, the rhyme and rhythm, every story is so musical at its core which makes them such a joy to read (not to mention a sod to write! Definitely not as straightforward as you would believe!)
One thing that has brought me so much joy is sharing the books with my children and seeing them discover them for the first time and watch as they become favourites.
What utter shock when they watch the monster eat Bernard, or reciting that brilliant rhyme “here’s a little baby, 123” (I so know lots of you carried on just then!), lifting the flaps on Where’s Spot (so sellotaped were those flaps that the book was twice the size at the end of it), the simplicity of Rosie’s Walk, getting to know the Large Family in Five Minute’s Peace, so much joy to be had.
I know I can buy them for babies born since then, but its not the same revisiting old classics night after night. It gives you a nostalgic glow like no other.
But that’s not to say, I haven’t found new classics. Books that are utterly brilliant in every way.
It has been an absolute delight discovering these. Of course so many more could have featured, I have been introduced to Julia Donaldson, Jez Alborough, Axel Shaffer, Nick Sharratt, so much talent since becoming a mother. The main difference I have found is they are so much more interactive than I remember. The child is encouraged to engage with the page!
Of course there have been duds, books that looked amazing from the cover but just didn’t quite cut when it came to what the kids enjoyed. But overall the characters we have met, the lands we have visited, the imaginations we have encountered have far outweighed these.
I may keep a few. “For Grandchildren?” Truthfully, they are just for me. Don’t worry, I won’t be down for long, the next age range is Mr Men and Little Miss, Dr Seuss, Winnie the Pooh, Peter Rabbit and so much more. I can not wait.
Until fairly recently, I had no idea trailers for books was even a thing. Turns out they are actually quite a big thing! I had never watched one, but as I’ve discovered every good book should have one. But how could a tech-amateur put together anything worthy to be seen by a person other than myself? And how do I make one with no money? I have no big PR company behind me or even any kind of agency, Is this something I could do just by myself?
So I started with the tools I had, my brain, laptop and my source material-my book. I tried to think what my book was, and what it meant to me. It is a collection of fictional stories and poems about Covid-19 and how it affected the world. So I decided to write a poem and have that as my audio, that would also solve the minefield of music and copyright (something if you get wrong, I hear can get pretty costly).
One large element of the book is that it is taken from different viewpoints, so I decided to use the viewpoint as a child. And the book is also being kept by many of its readers as a memento of lockdown to keep safe. So I thought that could be my angle.
I wrote the poem and created the storyboard. It had six verses I had to get images or video footage for, luckily I had kids. I filmed the kids running, bribed one with Haribo to sit on the grass and look thoughtful, and tried everything I could to convince them to let me tape them reading it. No luck. So thank goodness for Facebook. One shout out on social media and the slots were filled. Okay, by parents volunteering their kids, but luckily the kids obliged!
So, they sent me audio (by email eventually, messenger is very uncooperative when it comes to saving files!). And I got straight on to Google to find something easy to use to put a video together. I tried top-rated video free download, but alas they were not idiot-friendly enough for me. But I did find movie maker and after a few more googles on how to edit clips, my video was complete.
And unfortunately, I can’t post it in a blog! But if you are on Facebook or Instagram, look up Melanie Stephens and either writer or author and there you shall see it! Hoorah!
When I see a persons office, study, or house, I immediately scan their bookcase. I love to see how many books they have on show, what they are, and if I’ve read them.
If I see someone on television, especially since people show their offices in lockdown when making ‘at home’ programmes, my eyes are drawn behind them to see what’s on their shelves.
Social media feeds, photos, I cannot help myself. I am obsessed with knowing what books people own.
Even in films, I scan the books. Isn’t this distracting? Yes. Do I miss what people are saying? Constantly. Is it because I want to borrow them or buy them? Nope. Bit weird isn’t it? Umm… yeah.
But if you are a fellow bookcase weirdo, here are my shelves. Stare away. I understand your urge and lack of control, I feel your need to read. Indulge fellow case weirdo, indulge.
I must admit I am a newbie to the Batwoman character. I know about Batgirl, Babs Gordon but I knew virtually nothing about Kate Kane.
As a comic book fan, like many others, I like to give tv series a try when a new one comes along. So, I did with Batwoman.
I did not know Ruby Rose, the lead apart from she was a model but of course I knew Dougray Scott from a lot of tv and films. I really enjoyed it. Loved her, edgy, sexy, kickass,… awesome.
My only complaint was that they made the common mistake of in an opening episode the lead character solves a mystery the biggest brains in the show have been working on for decades. Oh, Batman’s been trying for decades has he? Along comes Kate after a long absence. Boom! First episode!
I was advised after chatting about it to check out a particular graphic novel of Batwoman. I obliged, and got this as suggested:
The villain Alice was the same, so it was what they based the show on. Oh. My. God. This graphic novel. Boom! TV show blown out of the water. The character Alice is a female equivalent of Joker. And Joker is my favourite villain in the DC universe. She’s insane, sadistic, but so much fun. The art is absolutely incredible, and the stories (there are two in this volume) are both brilliantly plotted and thought out.
If you don’t have a copy of it or read it already-I urge you-find one. There is even an Alex Ross variant included in the back. Can’t say better than that! Awesome!
This is a photo of a burger stack we have at home. Mouth watering isn’t it? Although delicious and gorgeous to look at, burgers have also created a divide within our household.
The talented eater (me) and umm… the other one.
Take this burger for instance. I add my sauce, wrap my hands cradling the beast, apply pressure, bite and enjoy. A moment to savour, I even pop an onion ring into my mouth whilst eating it. I carry on until my plate is empty, no fuss.
My husband sees me eating this tasty burger and thinks he is also a talented eater. Alas he is mistaken. He picks it up, takes a bite, and then somehow the whole of the inside slides out and he is left only with the burger bun. I can only watch in pity (and maybe a few chuckles)
He will then swear, wash his hands which are messy and goes to get…yep. A knife and fork. Loser. I am embarrassed for him.
I call him an “Amateur” as soon as the cutlery draw opens. I don’t know what he does next as I am yet to watch the rest of the horror show.
The burger divide motto is clear: Those who can, do and those who can’t..use a knife and fork.
Welcome to the book challenge! 30 briefs-Only respond with books you have read. A task so mighty it has been split into three posts. Third and final part today, you can find the previous parts in the post section. If you are a bookworm, I invite you to take up the challenge yourself. What would you choose?
Brief 21: An anthology you love
CHOICE: SAY YOU’RE ONE OF THEM BY UZEM AKPAN
I discovered this book through word of mouth. It is a collection of short stories, all about a different child, all set in different parts of Africa.
Although it can be described as hard hitting, it is also incredibly beautifully written. We are transported into each child’s world, their hardship is personalised. It is a powerful read and also an important one.
Brief 22: A book with a LGBTQ love story
CHOICE: WHEN GOD WAS A RABBIT BY SARAH WINMAN
When I met Sarah Winman a couple of years ago, I asked her whether the characters all being bisexual or gay was a conscious choice. She told me that being gay herself, that’s just what felt natural to her. So, it was a natural choice.
And that’s why I chose this book. Although sexuality isn’t the focus of the book, it is a coming of age story and the story of a brother and sister through the decades, it plays in the background. Its just there, naturally. In fact, I didn’t realise until I finished how many characters were. So, although a love story isn’t the plot, LGBTQ relationships of love are. It is an excellent book, and if ever you get a chance to see Sarah Winman talk, please do. She’s incredibly charming and wonderful.
Brief 23: A book quote you know off by heart.
CHOICE: THE COMPLETE POEMS BY WILLIAM BLAKE
I like many others have gone through a William Blake phase. My favourite poem he did was called ‘Never seek to tell thy love’
Never seek to tell thy love,
Love never told can be
For the gentle wind does move
Silently, invisibly.
I always remembered the first verse as I thought it was brilliant. The first line is a warning, yet the rest of the verse says if you don’t tell them you love them, time will pass and they will never know. And then of course in the rest of the poem, he tells the story of how he told his love, she rejected him and went with another. So to him, its good they never know.
If you take away the word ‘never’ in that first verse it completely changes the advice. Tell them! Tell them before it is too late! One word. That’s all it takes to completely change a text. The power of words, never underestimate them!
Brief 24: A book collaboration by two authors
CHOICE: GOOD OMENS BY TERRY PRATCHETT & NEIL GAIMAN
Most people have caught the brilliant series they made of this recently for Amazon Prime with Michael Sheen and David Tennant. The humour and characters on the page are just as good as on the screen.
My husband got me into this one, a Terry Pratchett and a Neil Gaiman fan, for him it was a perfect match. The story is all about a devil and an angel who enjoy living on Earth so try to stop it being destroyed by the son of the devil who is just a kid.
It’s a very funny book, well written and the imagination of Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman are a thing to behold. Read it if you haven’t already, it won’t disappoint.
Brief 25: A book villain you actually love
CHOICE: DEXTER MORGAN, THE DEXTER SERIES BY JEFF LINDSAY
The Dexter series had a unique angle. You see the world from a serial killer’s point of view. I have read them all, yes the are dark but they are also very funny.
Dexter is a blood splatter specialist for the police, his sister is a cop, he has an obsession with food (especially doughnuts) and he kills bad guys. And really enjoys it.
All of the books are seen from Dexter’s point of view and he refers to himself constantly in the third person (dastardly Dexter). You are in his mind, where there is no social queues or etiquette and no emotions at all. It’s a fun ride! (And Dexter is strangely loveable.)
Brief 26: A Biography you think everyone should read
CHOICE: I AM MALALA BY MALALA YOUSAFZAI
I am Malala is one of those books that is incredibly easy to read but intensely powerful. The inspiring story of not just a girl but also her whole family. The bravery of this young girl blows you away. And her important fight for education.
I have kept my copy for my daughter, I want her to learn of her privilege of school without fear. And see the courage a young girl can have against terrorism and war. I hope Malala’s story will inspire her as much as it inspired me.
Brief 27: A book you read every year
CHOICE: A CHRISTMAS CAROL BY CHARLES DICKENS
Every Christmas I read A Christmas Carol, I also always see a film adaption and sometimes a stage version if I can.
No other story embodies the spirit of Christmas like A Christmas Carol. The way materialism and greed means nothing and friendship and love with good deeds means everything. The Christmas morning when Scrooge changes still affects me and I feel absolute joy.
I also really love the ghost of Christmas past, I like seeing Scrooge happy, and his relationship with his sister Fan really humanise him where you have only seen him as an uncaring miser up to that point. His transformation shows its never too late to change. There’s always hope, no matter how grey the world looks.
My favourite film adaption? Muppets! No question! God Bless us, everyone.
Brief 28: A classic novel you haven’t read but plan to
CHOICE: LORD OF THE FLIES BY WILLIAM GOLDING
I haven’t read it. I know, I know, terrible right? I know I will love it, I know the story as I have seen it on stage. I don’t know why I have never read it, I never did it in school or anything. My husband bought me a copy and I’m really looking forward to finally crossing it off my list.
Brief 29: A book cover you love
CHOICE: THE SELFISH GIANT BY OSCAR WILDE
This is my Folio edition of The Selfish Giant. I know all Folio covers are beautiful, but I love this one so much because the Giant looks a bit like Oscar Wilde and the blossom and snow look almost magical. It makes me think of his imagination and what a wonderous place that must be.
I remember reading A Selfish Giant as a child and remembered it fondly. I wish Oscar Wilde wrote more novels, he was such a great talent. His plays are wonderful too of course, but it always feels with his novels, he had so much to say.
Brief 30: A book you’re reading right now
CHOICE: THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES BY SUZANNE COLLINS
I really loved the Hunger Games, Katniss was so cool and I loved her story. This is prequel to the trilogy, about President Snow. It is brilliant, and I am getting through it fast. Highly recommend.
Well, there we have it, all 30 briefs done. What would you choose differently? Let me know, I love talking books! Now to get back to my reading ready for the next 60 briefs. (only kidding!)
Welcome to the book challenge! 30 briefs-Only respond with books you have read. A task so mighty it has been split into three posts. Third and final part tomorrow. If you are a bookworm, I invite you to take up the challenge yourself. What would you choose? We did the first 10 briefs yesterday, lets see what today’s brings.
Brief 11: A literary character you want to have dinner/drinks with
CHOICE: JAY GATSBY FROM THE GREAT GATSBY BY F SCOTT FITZGERALD
Okay, I don’t really need to explain this one do I? If you have read The Great Gatsby then you will instantly understand my choice.
As soon as Jay Gatsby appears, you are drawn to him. His charisma, mystery pulls you in. You already know he’s handsome, stylish, and then Nick gets to go to the parties. To be at just one of Jay Gatsby’s parties would be the best night of your life. The decadence, the glamour, the clothes of the 1920s, beautiful people within a magical atmosphere. What could be better?
Brief 12: A popular book you hate
CHOICE: WOLF HALL BY HILARY MANTEL
I have a soft spot for history, and I love historical fiction, fascinated by Henry VIII. I was so ready to LOVE this book. I was ready to absorbed within the Tudor times, and at the beginning the story surrounding the life and times of Thomas Cromwell was okay. But it got worse. I hate her writing.
A group of 5 or 6 men enter a garden room.
Enter a page of dialogue similar to the following (my thoughts in brackets):
“Blah” (who said this? Who started speaking?)
“Blah de blah” (sorry, who’s this now?)
“blah” (there’s five guys here, no descriptions, who is this?)
“Blah blah” he said (he who? They are all men!)
“Blah” (this is ridiculous! who’s talking now!?!)
“Blah” he said. (who’s he? use a name! I’m gonna have to read it again!)
You can see my problem. I did read it again, five times. The same pages trying to sense any type of rhythm. There was no indication through name, clothing or anything to signify who in a room of men were talking. It drove me insane! And for this she won the Booker prize. Twice.
Brief 13: A book with a colour in the title
CHOICE: THE RED TENT BY ANITA DIAMANT
Possibly the worst cover in history, but the pages within it are pure gold. It tells the story of Dinah, a character from the bible (which explains the cover). It sounds like a book you would never pick up but it is absolutely brilliant. Forget the bible part (I am a Christian so not against religion, just clarifying for any trolls under the bridge), this is a story of a woman. And to be honest, I buy a copy of this book for every woman I know who is yet to discover it. Mostly because it is women it will speak to (sorry guys). The reason being is because it really goes into the feelings, unity and emotion behind every major female experience in life. Men still enjoy it, my husband read it okay, but they don’t “get” it, it’s hard for men to relate as its very female driven. Which is why women get the most out of it. Its incredible. (By the way, if you are a guy and loved this book, then that is brilliant- and please let me know as I haven’t met a guy who has yet. And I would love to say it appeals to everyone-it is just my personal experience and feedback from others I am basing all this on!)
Brief 14: A fairy tale retelling
CHOICE: FABLES: VOL 1 LEGENDS IN EXILE
We all knew I would get comics into this list somewhere didn’t we? This seemed a bit like a slam dunk to me. What could be more of a fairytale retelling than Fables?
From the Big Bad Wolf as Sheriff, Snow White and her sister Rose, Prince Charming, Jack, and even Goldilocks, their adventures in Fabletown have won numerous awards and are one of the most popular comic titles in all the land.
It has great artwork through out and perfect writing from its creator Bill Willingham. If you haven’t already, check it out. You won’t be disappointed.
Brief 15: A book that makes you cry sad tears
CHOICE: ME BEFORE YOU BY JOJO MOYLES
I tend to read a bit of everything, and enjoy a wide range of styles and exploring different writers. I really enjoyed Me Before you, I fell in love with Louisa and her bumblebee tights and I thought the story of her taking the part time job of Will’s carer; and making it a love story when Will has quadriplegia felt like a fresh angle.
Of course they are complete opposites, but Jojo Moyes’ writing makes Lou instantly likeable and Will interesting enough that you want to know more. Will has decided to end his life and books himself into a clinic in Switzerland, and the book places you inside an impossible situation. The end, is tear jerking and sad but also invites you to think about things you may not have before.
Brief 16: A book you have read more than once
CHOICE: MATILDA BY ROALD DAHL
I have read Matilda so many times. I completely devoured it as a child. A huge Roald Dahl fan, I loved Matilda was a bookworm, hanging out in libraries, I was no longer a nerd but a book heroine. The wonderful Miss Honey, the perfect teacher who helps her. Matilda’s tiny frame and brains vs Miss Trunchbull’s brute strength is the literary equivalent of David vs Goliath.
Roald Dahl wrote villains so well, and he understood kids. To teach the teacher a lesson after being told off, a lifetime’s supply of chocolate, the nasty lady is secretly a witch, he really tapped into their imaginations. And where gruesome is concerned he didn’t hold back. He made the adults as nasty as can be, and the kid is always the one to save the day. He could have the worst beginnings in the world but he would become the hero. Kids can do anything, they just have to believe it.
Brief 17: A book with a person’s name in the title (real/fictional)
CHOICE: MEDEA BY EURIPIDES
As a present for my birthday, I was bought a course on Ancient Greek Theatre. It focused on different plays by the Ancient Greeks. I must admit, I wasn’t familiar with many but that is where I discovered Medea.
Her tale is so shocking, many refuse to utter her name. The plays were very easy to read, which isn’t always the case with ancient text. Out of all the plays we looked, it was her that I remember as it gave me chills.
Medea is a tragedy, she finds out her husband has fallen in love and left her for another woman. To get her revenge she murders her children, to cause him the ultimate pain.
To hate someone enough to kill what matters to you the most just to cause them the highest amount of torture imaginable makes quite an impact. No wonder Medea is so unforgettable.
Brief 18: A book you like by an author no longer living
CHOICE: AGATHA RAISIN &THE QUICHE OF DEATH BY M.C.BEATON
I was in Waterstones and I saw this book and I had to buy it. The title alone sold me. The Quiche of Death. It made me chuckle and I couldn’t wait to read it. That is why my love for Agatha Raisin began.
The covers of the books are all similar so unless you keep a list, you never know which ones you’ve already read. You have to read them in order too as there is a love story running along side as an after thought that has ups and downs.
The thing that makes Agatha so appealing is that she is a city girl who is desperate for the dream of a simple country life but she’s not quite cut out for it. She cuts corners, falls over a lot in posh outfits, drinks, can’t cook and swears quite a bit whilst chain smoking. Take this first book, she can’t cook but wants to win the village fayre quiche competition. So she buys it, passes it off as her own, wins, but her quiche is poisoned and kills someone.
I have read them all, each one in a day as they are quite short. I used to treat myself at Christmas (as a new one would be released every year in December), even wrap it up (surely I am not the only person who gives presents to herself?) and return to Agatha.
Sadly, last Christmas was the last time as M.C. Beaton passed away last December. Agatha and her creator will be missed.
Brief 19: An audiobook you like because of the voice
CHOICE: HARRY POTTER & THE PHILOSOPHERS STONE BY JK ROWLING READ BY STEPHEN FRY
As you may remember from brief 7, I do not know audio books. However I do know that famously Stephen Fry does the Harry Potter ones and he has a nice voice. Perfect for Potter!
Brief 20: A book with an unreliable narrator
CHOICE: GONE GIRL BY GILLIAN FLYNN
To me, this book is perfect for this brief. The story of Amy and Nick’s relationship told from her side and his side show how important viewpoints can be and neither one can be counted on.
Brilliantly done, this book quite rightly became a huge bestseller, inspired copycat covers and an instant fanbase for Gillian Flynn hungry for more. I can’t write too much about it as I don’t want to ruin it for anyone yet to discover the tale. But trust me, it’s worth every second of your time. Just don’t trust anything else!
Well, that’s the second part of the book challenge done. Did you agree? Disagree? Want more? Well, you’re in luck, third and final part is tomorrow. Have a go yourself. I’d love to hear your choices.
Welcome to the book challenge! 30 briefs-Only respond with books you have read. A task so mighty it has been split into three posts. Second part tomorrow. If you are a bookworm, I invite you to take up the challenge yourself. What would you choose?
Brief 1: Name your Favourite book in a series
CHOICE: HARRY POTTER & THE DEATHLY HALLOWS BY JK ROWLING
I am one of those annoying people who love the books but not keen on the films. For me, the films didn’t match up. But I want to visit Harry Potter World in London just to experience the books come to life. To actually live within JK’s imagination, what an experience that would be.
Each of the books got more and more exciting and darker as they went on. The Deathly Hallows is the last Harry Potter book in the series when everything comes to a head. I know it’s predictable to choose Harry Potter but I was blown away by the last part of this book especially. Such excitement, absolutely thrilling scenes that leapt off the page and kept me at the edge of my seat. I absolutely loved it!
Brief 2: Favourite book by your favourite author
CHOICE: THE STAND BY STEPHEN KING
This one I found quite difficult as I don’t consider myself as having a favourite author. But an author I seek out and admire greatly is Stephen King. An amazing writer with an incredible imagination and I learn from every one of his books- which of course there are many. I discovered him at school when I found Carrie in the young adult section, I discovered telekinesis and was hooked. Stephen King writes so well that you identify with the unlikeliest character and will them to succeed. He is incredibly generous with other authors and fans as well, championing books you would never imagine he would read.
The Stand is a big book. An absolute epic. Yet it goes by in a flash, and you love every second with such a great cast of characters from Larry and Tom to Randall Flagg. It is very timely as its about a pandemic spreading across the globe and the survivors, but its all character driven. Its absolutely brilliantly done. If you haven’t read it already, I highly recommend it, the comic book series adaption is good too.
Brief 3: A book you did not finish
CHOICE: WICKED BY GREGORY MAGUIRE
I again found this brief hard, it takes a lot for me not to finish a book. There are only a couple. I love the Wizard of Oz, it is one of my all time favourite films and as a book club choice I discovered this book. I knew it was a musical, so I thought it must be good. The Wizard of Oz from the viewpoint of the wicked witch? The life of the Wicked witch and get to know her story? Great concept! I’m in!
Unfortunately I did not get along with it at all. To me, it did not flow well. I thought the story was all over the place, and the characters uncharismatic and unlikeable. When the musical went on tour, I went to see it even though I wasn’t keen on the book. I already loved the song Defying Gravity so I thought at least I would like the music. I absolutely loved it, bought the soundtrack, listened to it on the way home and took my daughter and best mate to see it 2 years later.
The plot of the musical was wonderful, so I obviously didn’t click with his writing. But I love the musical enough to give it a second go, so who knows…I may go back and try again.
Brief 4: A book you remember from childhood
CHOICE: MY NAUGHTY LITTLE SISTER BY DOROTHY EDWARDS
Just a glimpse at those charming illustrations and I am 6 years old again. I read these to my daughter and she was just as engaged as I was, so its lovely to know they have aged so well. In case you are not familiar with the book, its about a little girl and all her cheeky adventures filled with mischief.
There was one story in particular that I remember. Fans of the book will recall this well. My naughty little sister went to bad Harry’s birthday party, and there was a big trifle. The trifle is described so beautifully, you imagine this gigantic bowl and wonderfully decorated dessert that is the highlight of the party. Of course, my naughty little sister and bad Harry slowly devour the whole thing, the absolute glee and giggles as this happens from children is glorious. They understand how naughty they are, and know trouble is coming! You think what will happen next, when along comes the rest of the children with bad Harry’s mum for birthday tea with the expectation of the show-stopping trifle. Oh dear! Brilliantly written, and so enjoyable. I have always seen trifle as a splendid addition and such a treat thanks to Dorothy Edwards. Wonderful!
Brief 5: Your favourite Classic book
CHOICE: OF MICE & MEN BY JOHN STEINBECK
This isn’t just my favourite classic, it is my favourite book of all time. It tells the story of Lennie and George, a pair of ranch workers during the great depression. What makes this book so special is the friendship between them both. Lennie is strong but simple, and George is the opposite, small but smart. They look after each other and work their way across the land at different jobs so they can achieve their dream of having their own holding one day with rabbits. It was based on real life experiences of workers, but although it is a small book, not a word is wasted.
It is an absolute masterpiece of characterisation, setting, prose and emotion. John Steinbeck puts you right there in the story, I have this book on my bedside table so I pick it up again and again whenever I feel the need. It is the one book as soon as I finish I start again, it is a book unlike any other. I have heard teachers say they get bored of some books they have to do again and again, but they never get tired of teaching Of Mice and Men, and I think that says it all, really.
Brief 6: A book that broke your heart.
CHOICE: ROMEO & JULIET BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
I discovered Romeo & Juliet when I was at school. My English tutor described it as the play with a lot of sex in it. Teenagers with hormones raging, we all decided to pay attention.
Of course, then you get into it and for a teenage girl, it is your fantasy. Meeting a boy, fall in love and he says the most beautiful things, you offer to give each other everything, to leave everything, just so you never have to part. The story is a rollercoaster with the feuding families, you so want them to be together. And then of course the end. Love so true and pure, they could not face a life without the other and the realisation that the plan had gone so horribly wrong.
I always wanted love like Romeo & Juliet. On my wedding day, I walked down the aisle to Kissing you from the film (excellent adaption by Baz Luhrmann) and we spent our honeymoon in fair Verona. Just a nod to the two lovers, and the first time my heart was broken. For never was a story of more woe, than this of Juliet and her Romeo. Tragic.
Brief 7: Best audiobook to listen to on a road trip
CHOICE: THE SOUND OF LAUGHTER BY PETER KAY
I have no idea if this audiobook even exists. I assume it does as this book was such a big seller, and I hope it was his voice they used.
Audiobooks don’t really appeal to me. I would rather have music in the car, than an audio book. Probably as I am used to kids messing around in the back or my husband talking about the latest comic book releases. I like to chat in the car though, which why I chose this one. I thought it would sound like a mate having a natter which would be quite fun!
Brief 8: A series everyone should read
CHOICE: THE CHILD 44 TRILOGY BY TOM ROB SMITH
When I discovered Child 44 I spread the word about these books as they absolutely blew me away.
They take place in Stalin’s Russia following MGB Agent Leo Demidov. They are absolutely thrilling and each are an absolute page-turner. Every book shows the intensity of living in Russia at that time, the paranoia, the secrecy forced upon Leo and his wife, Raisa.
It is brilliantly plotted and superbly fast passed. Absoluter belter of a writer.
Brief 9: Favourite book to give as a gift
CHOICE: THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PYJAMAS BY JOHN BOYNE
I give a lot of books to friends and their children, especially if I know their taste and I am 90% sure they will enjoy it. Sometimes, through dyslexia or just not a favourite past time, some friends have classed themselves as non-readers or find reading hard.
The book that everyone can read quite easily though is The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. Told from a child’s point of view, it is accessible but no less meaningful. It tells the story of Bruno, the son of a Commander in charge and his friendship across the fence with Samuel, a Jewish boy in the concentration camp where the story takes place. Everyone I have given the book to has had a different reaction after. Most are quiet, absorbing the book and all they have read. It is incredibly powerful.
Brief 10: A book that makes you cry happy tears
CHOICE: ISOLATION TALES BY MELANIE STEPHENS
Okay, I chose mine. I don’t cry happy tears at books, sad? Sure, blub like a baby. But happy?
I remember holding this book in my hands and I cried for about an hour. I achieved my dream. But it was also a dream of people no longer with me and I felt their pride flow over me.
If you don’t know already, its an anthology of viewpoints surrounding isolation and Covid-19 from keyworkers, to parents to the virus itself. It’s funny, uplifting, sad, inspirational and just holding it made me cry happy tears. Very happy tears!
(available exclusively on amazon, all royalties goes to NHS 🙂 )
So, there you have it. Part 1. There are 30 of these briefs, but I hope it encourages you to think what you would choose, or even inspirational ideas for your book pile. See you tomorrow for Part 2! Keep reading!
Yesterday, I blogged about Pick Your Own, today is the turn of the building or shack on the grounds, the two words guaranteed to get any foodie almost giddy: Farmhouse Shop.
There is a big thing with foodies about homegrown produce. It’s pure. Exciting. Luscious. I entered the farm shop and lost my mind! Garlic the size of my fist, peppers the size of my face, leeks as thick and as long as my arms. (paints quite a picture doesn’t it? Pepper face, leeky arm garlicky hand man)
Along the shelves are jams, curds and chutneys from Country kitchens, overpriced chocolate from local chocolatiers in fancy packaging, and sacks of spuds it take two people to carry.
I turn the corner and see all eyes upon me. Dead eyes, and the unmistakeable smell of fresh fish.
I always think I’ll be adventurous, but I always get the salmon.
Next meat.
Massive slabs of beef and lamb. Steaks of every portion of the animal from back to toes. I get two burgers.
Bread aisle next. No doughnuts which is a bit disappointing. But the Ciabatta bread loaves more than make up for it. Beautiful breads and pain au chocs bigger than a plate!
I then spot one of my favourite words in the county: Rhoddas.
Fresh milk from a tap surrounded with posh glass milk bottles. Of course I filled up a bottle. It looked so fancy, and I used the tap. It might as well have a cow attached to it. In fact I felt like I just milked a cow. Totally nailed it! Came out white and everything.
Ever since I brought the milk home, I have been drinking it on its own, telling the whole household how good it is. Straight from the cow I say as it sounds so much better than straight from the Rhoddas tap! I poured this milk with my own bare hands! They are yet to care.
So I reach the till with a basket full of sexy things that give me thrills just looking at them. Oh! The meals I shall make! We shall dine like Parisians! (Of course, I spend three times as much as I normally would. Even if I was in Paris,)
They have no bags, so I have to choose a box. I look at the cardboard is disgust. My things are far too beautiful to be carried in a mere cardboard box! I spot a wooden crate. “I choose you!” I point and declare. “Only this crate is worthy!”
The cashier of course knows us foodies from miles away (I may also know I am a bit mad). He says the total smugly, I pay quickly as if the last 40 seconds did not happen. And then I spot pasties on the counter. Hot homemade pasties.
Dammit! They have to be left, my hands are full. And so is my crate. I leave with my head held high like a proper foodie person and then knock my elbow with the door on the way out,
Geek Girl Eats Cake 