From the category archives:

Reviews

Review of Sexing the Cherry

August 12, 2010
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It wasn’t greatly liked – “twisted melon” it was re-named by some!  But I defended my love (renewed) for this old friend.  I acknowledged that it isn’t and won’t ever be a classic but it’s youth in all that it expounds (love, philosophy, arch feminism, mother nature) allowed me to appreciated it differently but again.  And yes I would re-read [...]

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Review of Unaccustomed Earth

June 29, 2010
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Overall, a luke warm reaction to this lauded collection.  It was agreed that the first story spoiled us and it, as the rest of the stories could not match up. This story was like a masterclass in short story writing, it was perfectly formed (Lisa); a tender story told with restrained but palpable emotion. Beautiful.  [...]

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Review of 1984

May 12, 2010
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What can be said about 1984 that has not already been said and re-said.  Insightful, scary, visionary, philosophical and quite realistic coming from the OTHER side of 1984. The discussion went from the Nazi’s to Doublespeak; Siberia to betrayal; gulags to sex and then love! oi!  And that is without hardly mentioning Winston or Julia. I [...]

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Review of War of the Worlds

April 14, 2010
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This was liked, not universally but definitely liked. How so….. well it is early science fiction and not sensationalised in a “run for the hills, grab your wife , girlfriend blah…” kind of way.  The style of writing is succint, unemotional and to the point.  Also an interesting study on how language has evolved and how words, while [...]

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Calling All Twilight Fans…..

April 1, 2010
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Coming June 5th 2010
 
“I never intended to publish this story as a stand-alone book,” said Stephenie Meyer. “I began this story a long time ago—before Twilight was even released. Back then I was just editing Eclipse, and in the thick of my vampire world. I was thinking a lot about the newborns, imagining their side [...]

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Orange Prize 2010 Longlist

March 22, 2010
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Rosie Alison: The Very Thought of You
Eleanor Catton: The Rehearsal
Clare Clark: Savage Lands
Amanda Craig: Hearts and Minds
Roopa Farooki: The Way Things Look to Me
Rebecca Gowers: The Twisted Heart
M.J. Hyland: This is How
Sadie Jones: Small Wars
Barbara Kingsolver: The Lacuna
Laila Lalami: Secret Son
Andrea Levy: The Long Song
Attica Locke: Black Water Rising
Maria McCann: The Wilding
Hilary Mantel: [...]

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Review of The Debt to Pleasure

March 16, 2010
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This one scored high  – sixes; nines and a TEN!  Obviously with scores like that the discussion was complimentary but diverse
 ”stick with it as it was worth it in the end” Lisa;
“excited by it” Jack
“stood the test of time and second/third re-read” Susan
Of the three people who did not finish the book, two were persuaded to finish [...]

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Books read over Christmas

December 30, 2009
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Davy Byrnes Stories
The Davy Byrnes Irish Writing Award is sponsored by Davy Byrnes in Dublin.  It  is Ireland’s biggest competition for a single short srtory and it aims  to honour the great tradition of short story writing in ireland and to encourage and reward excellence among current practictioners of the form. More than 800 entries were [...]

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Look Fab for Christmas

November 28, 2009
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Work Your Wardrobe – Gok Wan
Gok breathes new life into your existing wardrobe, showing you how to transform the basics we all have into a fabulous new look. You will love your look without breaking the bank balance.
 
Love Your Look – Off The Rails
Great guide to creating a fully functioning wardrobe and styling yourself gorgeous.
 
 
Beauty Steals [...]

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Some Christmas Fiction Recommends

November 25, 2009
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 Book 1 – Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
Winner of the 2009 Booker Prize
England, the 1520s. Henry VIII is on the throne, but has no heir. Cardinal Wolsey is his chief advisor, charged with securing the divorce the pope refuses to grant.
Into this atmosphere of distrust and need comes Thomas Cromwell, first as Wolsey’s clerk, and [...]

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