'The Teacher'

The blog book I have been reading is by Vanessa Feltz and it's called 'Raw Voices'. It tells true stories of hardship and hope, having to overcome great difficulties to change their lives and others around them. One of the stories is called The Teacher.

'The Teacher' by Paul Lloyd - Paul Lloyd was a teenager in trouble with the police, in and out of prison with no future and no education. What could get worse? Whilst working in the prison library Paul decides, probably just picking up these books, maybe I should read them. A prison officer helped him by bringing him some books and comics to read. It was about this time things changed for Paul. He read slowly at first as he was never a good reader, but he had the time to improve his reading skills, especially as his supported prison officer was encouraging him. He found a new belief for himself. And ultimately through his own changes he decided he would become a teacher and help other prisons like himself to read and write.

Had I been born to different parents, like Paul Lloyd, things could have been different for me. Despite the appaling education I had and treating me as an idiot I knew I had a good brain, but not knowing how to use it. I think I was very fortunate that my parents instilled in me a great sense of respect and honesty and other strong attributes of a determination to do the best I can.

Gary Whiting

Jennie by Paul Galico

This story is about a little boy who turns into a cat and Jennie, a female cat who helps him to be a cat.The style of writing is difficalt but I liked the book.
It's a sad story but when he wakes up as a boy again, he gets a little kitten.
Nicolene Dutrieux

Girl on a Platform

I read this book because I heard the author was good and talented as a story teller.

It is about a man seeing a girl on the station platform. It is about the strain that can be put on a relationship by a man's fantasy about another woman.

I would recommend this book if you like a Quick Read book.

Mabel Chapman

The Monkey's Paw

The Monkey's Paw is a book about a family that was happy in spite of the fact that they didn't have much money. Mr and Mrs White were old and had a son, Herbert, who worked in a factory. They were very happy and father and son spent their evenings together playing chess.

However their happeness was destroyed when one evening Mr White's friend Tom Morris came to visit them and told them stories about his time in India as a solder and strange things that happened in that part of the world to him and one of his friends.

Tom Morris told the White family about the Monkey's Paws that had magic, if one made three wishes they came true but also brought unhappiness. They didn't believe him and asked him to give them the monkey's paw. He did so unwillingly and they made a wish for £30,000 to buy their house and have money.

They got their wish but it also brought sadness because their only son died the next day at the factory where he worked.

They got the money but because of greed lost their most precious gift and happiness - their son Herbert. Life was never the same again.

So we should be ahppy with what we have if our family is well.

Rukia Shambe

The Pirates of the Caribbean in 3D

(Vanessa has found blogging books very difficult so she had a go at blogging a film. She finds it easier to remember what she saw than what she read.)

I saw this film in the Empire Cinema in Sutton - The Pirates of the Caribbean in 3D. The reason I went to see this film is because if I watched the film with my younger sister it would give me more confidence to write a summary about the film. Also if I watch more films then it will give me more confidence to talk to my classmates at college to give them a brief description about what happened in the movie.

It was about when Jack crosses paths with a woman from his past (Penelope Cruz) - he is not sure if it's love or if she's a ruthless con artist who is using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. A boat was riding and a girl fell off and got wet in the water and then she had to swim back to the man - then he had to kiss her. Then about in the middle of the film they went through the dark woods to start to kill people.

I would definitely recommend this film to friends, classmates and all my younger brothers and sisters if they asked me if this is a good film to see. It was a very exciting film to see. I would say the film is also a love story and there are a few good performances. It is colourful, fantastic, brilliant and scary. I would rate this film 8 out of 10.

CALL THE MIDWIFE

AUTHOR: JENNIFER WORTH

PUBLISHER: WEIDERFELD & NICOLSON 2007


Jennifer Worth worked as a nurse in Reading. She later moved to London and trained as a midwife. She joined an order of nuns, the Midwives of St. Raymond Nonnatus, who had been working in the slums of the Docklands in the East End of London since the 1870’s.

Her work took her to the bug-infested tenements and the poverty and deprivation was beyond measure. She writes about the women she treated and the close community of the nuns. Despite this the cockney people, who survived the war, showed a side of life, a true sense of community with their extended families, warm, funny and bawdy humour.

Sadly it was reported that she died this year at the age of 75.

I found this book to be emotional, disturbing, funny and incredibly enlightening of a bygone age. I would recommend this book.

Rating: 5*

Jean Lyons

A Mother For The Italian’s Twins

by Margaret McDonagh

Publisher: Harlequin Enterprise

GP Luca D’Azzaro’s wife died giving birth to twin girls. His ambition was to be a paediatric surgeon but his change in circumstances led to him switching specialities and qualifying as a GP. As the new GP in a friendly Cornish town, he hadn’t set out to find romance but…

Another main character is Polly who, after her mother died when she was four years old, was brought up be her selfish and controlling father. She left the little town at the age of seventeen and eventually became a GP in London. When she eventually returned, she married but things went wrong with her marriage and there were various tragic events.

Once Luca meets Polly, there was an instant attraction but all was not straightforward.

I give this book 5 stars.

Barbara Hill

My Dad’s a Policeman

by Cathy Glass

Published by : HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd

The story is about a boy called Ryan from a very disturbed background. He lives with his brother and alcoholic mum and a false memory of his dad, in his mind a policeman. Even though various bad incidents happen to the boys, Ryan loves his Mum dearly and wants to care for her. However, the boys get taken into care. Ryan runs away and plots to get his brother out of care and to go back to mum. The story is about the journey they took and how they get through it all. He does everything to be able to keep the family together and with all that that entails.

This is a very sad story with a lovely ending. Well worth reading!

4*

Katharine Stevens

Survival

During the Second World War, Roald Dahl was flying a Gladiator plane over the desert. He got carried away and totally forgot to land at Fouka in Libya for an airfield.

He noticed that his fuel was running low, and there was no way he could get back to Fouka on what he had left.

The serious problem was he could not find an airfield where he was supposed to land and it was getting dark.

He realised that he was in trouble.

Read this book please for you to know what happened to Roald Dahl.

Regina Muzinda

The Voice of Death

This is a scary story. It’s about a certain poor lady called Blanche. She was a distant relative to a wealthy man called John.

When this man died, Blanche became cruel. She killed John’s close relatives with the aim that she could inherit all his wealth and forget all about her poverty.

Unfortunately, when she attempted to kill John’s last relatives, something mysterious happened to her, and she died on the spot.

I would recommend you to read this story if you want to know what was going on.

Regina Muzinda

Little Red Riding Hood

Once upon a time there lived in a certain village a little country girl, prettiest creature who was ever seen.

One day her mother asked her to go and see how her grandmother was doing, for she had heard that she’d been very ill. Going through the wood was the only way to go to the Little Red Riding Hood’s grandmother’s village.

She set out immediately. The poor child met with a wolf. He asked the girl in a polite way where she was going.

The child told the wolf the address where she was going and who she was going to see. The wolf who hadn’t eaten for more than three days told the little girl that he wanted to see her grandmother too.

“I’ll go this way and go you that and we will see who will be there first,” the wolf said to the Little red Riding Hood.

If you’re really anxious to know what happened later, I would urge you to read this story. It teaches you to never put your trust in strangers!

Regina Muzinda

The Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank

This is a true story about a Jewish girl who hid from the Germans in the Second World
War in a house in Amsterdam and was reported to the Gestapo and was found in a secret hide away in her house. Some time later, the diary was found in the Warsaw ghetto in Poland and her story about her time there was told. Somehow, the diary was shown to the outside world and became the most famous story of the time. Just like many of her people who were interred in Auschwitz Concentration Camp, until her death,

I think the story was very moving. I didn’t what to read it all but I would like to say that this must not happen ever again.

I would recommend this book because it told the truth about an important time in history.


(Reviewed by John Chapman)

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

The text is about the life and times of this horrible man and his ship the ‘Hispanola’. The thing about this book is its charm, simple but unique and a very good story to follow. To my mind, the sea faring life of those days was bad and many people were killed on the high seas. The things I don’t like about the book was the intent to kill, if anything, and walking the plank, keel hauling and fighting with cutlass and the knife and the deadly hook of Long John Silver.

The book should be recommended for all ages right across the spectrum because it is an adventure story and a thriller.

At the end of all this, there was a clear message for all people. Somehow, we all have a little bit of Long John Silver in us.

John Chapman

Woodstock Remembered by Jean Young and Michael Lang

This reviews a book called ‘Woodstock Remembered’ by Jean Young and Michael Lang. This book brought back memories of my time performing at Woodstock.

The book describes what it was like to be there and explains in detail what actually happened but the whole show was very interesting.

This book made me look at myself in a different light because the book was very explicit and honest. All the bands that were featured in the book were magnificent. What I didn’t like about the book was the exaggerated hype.

I would recommend the book to anybody who would like to think that they know about modern music and the rock n roll era.

John Chapman

Jack and Jill

by Lucy Cavendish

Publishers: Penguin 2011

Lucy Cavendish, a journalist author and founder member of the Contemporary Women Writer’s Club, has written her latest novel - A Storm in a Teacup.

Jack and Jill is an endearing story about the sister’s extreme love for her younger brother who cannot speak. She cannot remember her brother talking at any time. Jill understands Jack’s every need more then anyone else. Mum forbids Jill to ask any questions about their father and so all she knows is that Dad has left them.

The Children get moved to Devon where they stay with an Aunt and Uncle.
Whilst there, they befriend a local boy called Dick. It is Dick who overhears a conversation in a shop about the children. When he tells Jill about the incident, they decide to investigate. This is how the mystery of why Jack cannot speak gets solved.

This is an enjoyable story and very well written.

Rating 5*


Katharine Stevens

The Elephant Man by Tim Vicary

This is a true story about a man who was born deformed back in the 1880’s.

No-one liked him because his face looked like an elephant and he had big feet and he only had one proper hand whilst this hand was bigger than a usual size hand.

He lived in a shop with his adopted mother who didn’t like him either, he lived in a small dark cold room at the back of the shop.

One day a doctor walked passed the shop and in the window there was an advert saying two pence to see the elephant man, the doctor went in and had a look but because of the smell he got out as quickly as possible. The next day he went back and asked if the elephant man could visit him in hospital so he could see if he could help him.

In time the doctor managed to raise money for his keep to stay in the hospital so that he could look after him, the doctor introduced lots of ladies to him and he made lots of friends.

He stayed there for three and a half years but one night he decided to sleep on his back like normal people do, but because his head was so big and heavy it slipped off the edge of the bed and broke his neck.

With the money the doctor raised for this poor man, what was left over he put towards the hospital.


THE ELEPHANT MAN DIED A HAPPY MAN.

This book was very interesting, I had heard of the elephant man but had never read about his life until now.

I would recommend this book to anyone as it was a sad but happy book to read, very enjoyable.

Caroline Barnes

Anne Frank

My best book was Anne Frank. Her life was sad and short because of the war. Her father survived and was very lucky to find her diary. He published her diary so the world would know Anne’s story.

It sold over 2 million copies.

The house in Amsterdam had a secret hiding place. People from all over the world go to look at it and when they see it they think of Anne Frank.

I have been reading lots of books this year because it helps me with my reading and spelling.

I don’t like reading that much but I make myself do it because I enjoy the stories. But they must be ‘Quick Reads’.

The reading book review writing has been so helpful this year because I have improved in reading, writing and spelling.

May Chapman

The Dare

by John Boyne

Publisher: Transworld Black Swan 2009

Novel in the Quick Reads series

It’s a sad and unusual story about two families going through an awkward time and is told by a twelve year old boy. His mother had an awful experience involving the second family and that affected her badly. This led to her neglecting the boy. His life was changing and nobody took any notice of him.

I read the book in a day - I just kept on reading it. It doesn’t keep you hanging around - there’s always something happening and it draws you in and you want to find out what happens to the child.

John Boyne is the author of six novels, including the best seller “The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas” which was made into a film. I loved The Dare so much that I’m going to read his other five novels.

Ruth Ede

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Heinemann Educational Publishers 1937

Of Mice and Men is the story of two men and a friendship. Brought together during the depression in the 1930s, they travel together looking for work.
George, who is a small thin man, likes things simple. He talks straight and is not afraid to speak his mind. Lennie is a gentle giant with the mind of a child and the strength of five men. He loves animals more than people and is desperate to have a pet of his own. He depends on George to find them work and food. George looks after him even though Lennie gets himself into trouble wherever they go. Their dreams of one day owning a small piece of land and keeping rabbits don’t turn out as planned…

Steinbeck writes with warmth and tenderness and draws you into the characters’ lives and their struggle to survive hard times.

I would give this book 5 stars out of 5 *****

Angela Brent

Never too late to learn

My best book was SHEILA O’FLANAGAN. The story is about family with two girls. It is during the war and they didn’t have any money. Time was very hard for them Maggie’s husband went to the war and she had to look after her two daughters on her own.
I have enjoyed reading this book. It was so interesting to read that it made me read more books this year. This is because it is better than looking at T.V. There are so many things you would learn when you are reading anything.
Before I couldn’t read or write. It took me 16 years to learn how to read and write. Therefore now I can read that helps me with my college work and it gives me confidence to read books. Now I know how to write a book review, that makes me happy.
I would advise anyone to read SHEILA O’FLANAGAN. Every book you read is a different story. The more you read it will help you with your spelling and will improve your writing.
Parwathi Ranchod

A Very Convenient Marriage

by Dallas Schulze

Publisher: Silhouette Books 1994

This book is about two people with the same need - they both need money. Sam needs money for his niece's operation and Nikki needs money for the day centre she runs. She could have the money her grandfather left her. He left instructions for his lawyer saying Nikki had to get married before her 27th birthday in order to inherit the money. Her lawyer is Max, a friend of both Nikki and Sam. His advice is for them to get married. They don't like that idea but what else could Nikki do? There was no time to find someone else...

The story is very interesting so I give this three stars ***

Barbara Hill

Spilling the Beans

by Clarissa Dixon Wright

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton Ltd (2007)

The book gives an insight into the author's affluent family life which was made very turbulent by the domination of her alcoholic, surgeon father.

She became a barrister and was the youngest person, age 21, to be called to the Bar. The death of her dear mother caused Clarissa so much grief that it led to a decade of over-indulgence during which she drank and partied away her entire, enormous inheritance. She also became homeless at one stage in her life. It was a long hard road to her recovery and it was cooking that brought her success as one half of the much loved TV partnership with Jennifer Pattison as 'Two Fat Ladies' as well as 'Clarissa and the Countryman'.

As well as being the author of 10 cookery books (the most recent being Sunday Roast), she is also passionate supporter of rural life and pursuits.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would read it again.

I would rate this book with 5*

Jean Lyons

East End Tales

by Gilda O'Neill

Published by: Penguin Books

The author wrote this book about her experiences in the days from when she was born til early twenties. My favourite part is that she shows how different life is now and how close all neighbours were in those days. They were like a big family together. She also included quotes from other people she encountered throughout her life with their outlook on particular times. Her additional research on life in the East End was between the years 1950 and 1970.

This book gives a good insight for anyone who is interested in what happened in the East End at that time. It is pleasant and easy to read.

Rating: 5*

Katharine Stevens

Full Hearts & Empty Bellies

by Winifred Foley

Publisher: Abacus 2009

This book describes the hardship and abject poverty the author, a miner's daughter, endured the 1920's in a small mining village in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. She was the yougest of four children and, at the age of fourteen, had to leave her much loved Forest of Dean for a life in service in London. She married, had four children and, after living in London for many years, moved back to the Forest of Dean when the children were still young. She stayed there until her demise in 2009.

She describes in great detail the various chapters in her life with such humour and honesty. I really enjoyed reading this book as it gives a clear insight into a forgotten age.

5*

Jean Lyons

Don't Tell Mummy

by Sally East

Penguin 2010

This is a gripping true story, well written and easy to read.

It's about a young family going through difficult times. It was sad and made me cry a little. As Sally lost her innocence as a small child, her life spiralled out of control. My heart went out to her as she told her story and I wanted to read more and more of this book. Her school days were unhappy and she had few friends. Sally's only company was a dog that she took for a walk every day. She had a natural mother and a stepmother. Both mothers were guilty of extreme neglet and were exceedingly selfish people.

In spite of it being a most tragic and detailed description of unhappiness, it carries you along page after page.

I would give this story 3 stars

Ruth Ede

Twenty Tales from the War Zone by John Simpson

John Simpson is a war journalist. This is a collection of his war stories.

The book is straight to the point. It is a very good read with plenty of 'very close to the bone' and 'near-death' situations.

I wouldn't have wanted to have been John's mum!

Recommendation: 5 stars *****

Bob Wells

The Dying Wish by Courttia Newland

The Dying Wish is a mystery story. The main character is Ervine James. I found this book very hard to follow. It is about assisted suicide.

I give it 2 stars **

Derek Gunnell

East End Tales by Gilda O'Neill

In the East End of London - they were hard days when the war was over. People were very friendly, they all knew their neighbours. They were all familiar, so on Sunday they all went to tea at their nans’ houses. They all played outside. When the kids went to bed the people were talking or singing.
The book was good but it’s all history now so we must look ahead to the future and try and make it good for all of us.



Tina Kavanagh May 16 2011

Pins and Needles by Rosie Harris

I chose this book because my friend said this is a good book and you will love to read it and I looked at the young woman on the cover which made me think it was a good book.
This book is a about a mother Gwyneth Evans who was at this moment- the beginning of the story –regarding her two fourteen-year-old twin girls proudly. Gwyneth didn’t have much money and time was very hard for them. Their mum’s dressmaking paid little money. But the girls’ wages will help bring more money in to the house.
I say the story was so good that when you are reading it you don’t want to put the book down. It is a warm-hearted family story .I read this big book and it gave me confidence and enthusiasm with 445 pages and it is so interesting. I want to read more books rather than watch T.V.

Parwathi May 16 2011

Titanic by Paul Shipton

A Penguin Reader

I saw the film that was very good. Titanic was very big - they said it would not sink. They went into an iceberg and broke in two parts.
Lots of people died on the water. The book of the Titanic was very good and the film even better.


Tina Kavanagh May 16 2011

Humble Pie by Gordon Ramsay

A Quick Read
I’ve just finished reading Gordon Ramsay’s biography, as part of my Monday morning class.
Everybody thinks they know the real Gordon Ramsay, rude, loud, driven, stubborn, but this is the real story.
I find it very interesting reading about his early childhood, and possibly seeing insight into the making of the man. The alcoholic physically abusive father and being constantly put down gave no stability in life.
Reading this book has given me a different perspective of Gordon Ramsay, watching some of the programmes, like Hells Kitchen and others.
Gordon Ramsay, had to prove to himself that he was worthy of getting the Michelin awards for his restaurants and himself as a way of showing the world how good he and his chefs were and how he made it happen.
Of course he hasn’t done it all on his own. He created an incredibly strong team that he has also trained. Likewise, to do the best they can do for themselves as well. So although it seems tough to work in his team he also empowers them to want to give the best they can.
My personal feeling is that it seems so unfair that your past has to be so damaging to make you a strong and determined person who will ultimately achieve. It makes me wish me that everybody should be nurtured, rather than taken over by nature. Those people who think that Gordon Ramsay is ‘a horrible piece of work’ will find there is another side to him as well if they read this book – and it is an easy read. Being there. Life Story.

Gary Whiting

Pulling Myself Together by Denise Welch

Published by Sidgwick & Jackson 2010

When I was browsing in the library the other week, I came accross a very attractive picture of Denise Welch on the front of a book, "Pulling Myself Together". It was her autobiography. My first thoughts were this is going to be depressing. I sat down to read the book only to find I was totally wrong. It seemed as if Denise Welch had it all - a loving husband, two loving sons, Matthew and Louis, and a career. But it wasn't always that way. It seemed as if Denise acts her best when she is depressed which is extraordinary. The depression made her husband feel inadequate.

As well as being an actress, Denise has had two records in the charts, one was 'You don't have to say you love me' and the other one was 'Cry me a river'.

It is not a depressing book at all. It's down to earth, funny, witty and in fact I couldn't put the book down. It also made me laugh a lot.

Denise has had to deal with alcohol, drugs and depression. Definitely a good book to read.

Rating: ****

Ruth Ede

Lorna Doone by R D Blackmore

published by Oxford Bookworms

The look and beauty of the girl on the front cover which is kind, gentle and yet reserved made me want to read it and find out what 'Lorna Doone'(the girl), was about.

It's about outlaws in Doone Valley that people all over Exmoor live in fear of who killed John Ridd's father, Lorna's mother and brother and then took Lorna to raise as their own. One of the Doones (Carver) wanted to marry Lorna but then young John Ridd and Lorna fell in love. John is a farmer's son yet Lorna comes from a family of Scottish kings. She's Lady Lorna Dugal. Would she marry John Ridd now that she knows who she is? Their love is tested, it's a struggle of life and death for young John Ridd.

One has to go on adventure with it and explore, it's scary and exciting. To sum up:
Good always prevails over evil. Good always wins over bad.

Rukia Shambe
April 2011

Grace Darling by Tim Vicary

I chose this book because the write up sounded interesting plus the picture on the front cover appealed to me. When I was younger I enjoyed reading Robinson Crusoe. I enjoy reading about ships.

The book is about an iron ship that went out to sea during a storm. Whilst out at sea they became ship wrecked. With luck there was a lighthouse nearby so the people who were trying to save their lives climbed up onto a rock and started waving to the lighthouse. Grace Darling the daughter spotted them and went to rescue them.

The story is fun and interesting to read.

Caroline Barnes
4 April 2011

Anne of Green Gables by L M Montgomery

I chose this book because the description of what the book was about on the back cover got me interested and I wanted to find out more about the story.

It's about an orphan a brother and sister wanted to adopt to help on their farm at Green Gables. They had asked for a boy instead they got a girl.

If I was asked by a friend if it was a good book to read I would tell them to go for it because it's interesting, passionate and not only does it teach compassion it shows that if you give one a chance anyone can succeed and be a good boy or girl.

The writer put in a lot in an orphan's eyes and the adopting parents with compassion. Given a chance in this world anyone can be somebody rather than a nobody.

Rukia Shambe
April 2011

Within High Fences by Penny Hancock

The reason I chose this book is because it is a simple read and I sometimes get put off longer stories. The book has different chapters with different storylines including 'Talking to George'.

The thing that I would say to any friend if they asked me is that it is a very enjoyable and interesting read.

Vanessa Avbulimen
March 2011

The Railway Children by E Nesbit

I chose this book because I have seen this film so many times as my daughter Hazel loves this film. She has seen it so many times with and without me that she knows it inside out and back to front.

This story is about a happy, wealthy family (mother, father and 3 kids - Roberta, Peter and Phyllis) who had everything they could have wanted until one day their father had to go away unexpectedly. Their mother didn't tell them anything as she was told not to tell them. Because of this they had to move house to a smaller house in another village. They are now poor whereas in the other house when they were cold they could put the fire on.

I would say this is a fantastic book as it is interesting and exciting. It keeps you gripped to the story and you can't wait to finish the book to see what happens.

I would rate this book ten out of ten because it was interesting and a joy to read.

Caroline Barnes
14.03.2011

A Dream Come True by Maureen Lee

The pictures in this book looked like an old time and the title sounded good. It is about real life. The book is about a woman whose marriage goes stale. She had a one night stand. Her husband did not have lots of time for her. When he found out he was very upset. She left her house and found out that she was having a baby. She did not tell the father to help. She always wanted children. The father was married with two young children and he would't leave his wife.

I enjoyed this book because it's like real life.

Tina Kavanagh
March 2011

Girl on the Platform by Josephine Cox

I chose this book because it sounded good - like a romance. It's about Mark and Peter. They are going to London to see a show. First they go to the pub, then the show. Peter saw a girl he could not get out of his mind. He had it bad and wanted to get to know her.

It is a good read and I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed it very much. I would rate it 10 out of 10.

Tina Kavanagh
March 2011

Abigail's Party by Mike Leigh

This play is a comedy of manners - a social satire.

Beverly is the main character She thinks she is upper class, and adds a lot of pressure to her husband. She is a snob. She invites her neighbours to her house to show off.

For me, the play was boring in the beginning, but it grew more and more exciting, humorous and interesting. I found myself laughing, and I was amazed at the ending.

Recommendation: *****

Desree Jordan

The Dare by John Boyne

Published by Quick Reads Transworld

This is a heart warming story. The main characters are Danny Delaney and Rachel Delaney (Danny’s Mother).

When Danny’s mother is escorted home one night by two police officers, his life is turned upside down.

This is an easy read, with a believable, engaging storyline.

I would give this book a 4 star rating, as it is a moving story, sad at times and engaging.

Denise Collier

The Perfect Murder by Peter James

The Perfect Murder was the first book that I have ever read from start to finish in my life. I found it a very good read, “in deed”. I do find it very hard to get in the mood to just read anything at all “but” I only read a page or so a day, and I don’t get so bored with it.

Two of the main characters are Mr and Mrs Smiley, who are trying to kill each other. It has some very near-to-the-bone words and has some true to life comments. If you read this book, have an open mind.

I would recommend this book.

5*****

Robert Wells

Norton by Peter Gethers

This is a true story. Peter hated cats. Then he met a Scottish Fold kitten. He named him Norton. They traveled the world together on trains and boats, in planes and cars.

Nicolene Dutrieux

The Perfect Murder by Peter James

Published by Quick Reads.

The Perfect Murder is an amusing murder story. The main characters are Victor Smiley, and his wife, Joan, who have been married for nearly twenty years.

Joan has tried to change her appearance by using Victor’s credit cards, making her more attractive for Victor but doesn’t seem to get any attention. Soon he realises that the only way he can achieve his dream of setting up home with Kamila is to get Joan out of the picture. But unknown to Victor, Joan has also got something up her sleeve too.

I enjoyed this book as it has a twist to it and I didn’t expect what the ending turned out to be. It wasn’t too long to read and it was easy to read.

I would really recommend this comical and tongue-in-cheek book.


Rating: *****


Liane Corfield

I Can See Angels by Dawn Rawlings

This is a book about Dawn’s own experiences.

A true life adventure, Dawn Rawlings takes you on a journey to a magical world that can be yours. She shows you how to communicate effortlessly with your guardian angels. Dawn proves that seeing angels is possible.

When I began to read this book it felt like I was telling the story; I was experiencing it for myself, like a self-help book.

I would really recommend this book as it gives you reasons to believe that angels are looking down upon you.

Rating: *****


Liane Corfield

Clouded Vision by Linwood Barclay

This is a murder mystery and suspense story. The main characters are Melissa, Keisha Ceylon and Wendell Garfield.

The victim tells the reader of her injury and describes her whereabouts to set the scene. From then on, you are left in suspense as to who actually did the act; even at the end I was still confused.

I loved this book. I found it easy to read. Curiosity made me keep on reading to the next chapter even though I wanted to sleep! As for the ending, I was amazed – frightened, stunned, in fact a little disappointed.

The book excited me and when I told my husband and children around the dinner table, they said, “It was as though I was there.”
Recommendation and Rating (1-5 stars)
*****
Desree Jordan

Abigail's Party by Mike Leigh

Published by Penguin Books.

Abigail’s Party is a comedy. It involves 5 main characters, including: Beverly and Laurence Moss (married), Angela and Tony (married) and Susan Lawson (divorced) and Abigail who is Susan’s daughter, but we don't meet her.

Beverly invites all the neighbours to her house to show off and have a few drinks.


I would recommend this play if you enjoy dry humour and like old fashioned people.

Rating: ***

Liane Corfield

A Dream Come True by Maureen Lee

Published by Orion Quick Reads

This is a Romance, and the main characters are Maggie Holt, John Holt and Connor O’Reilly.

Maggie lives a pretty average life, until she is sent to Brighton for a work conference. There her new life begins to unfold.

An enjoyable, lifelike read with gripping twist and turns. This book has a lovely unexpected ending.

I would recommend this book as the story line is engaging and lifelike.

Rating ****

Denise Collier

A Woman on her Own

'A Woman on her Own' is written by Margaret Fulcher. I think this book was pleasant to read and interesting to know that it is never too late to go to school. I have rated this book 4 ****

Parwathi Ranchod

White Chin

I chose this book because I love cats. The book is about the cat White Chin who was abandoned in the woods. He was very frightened. It's about how he survived in the woods and met a girl and found his lovely new home in the end.

If you are a cat person you will love the book. It is amazing. It is also emotional.

Nicolene Dutrieux

Chicken Feed

The title of the book I read was Chicken Feed. The author of the book is Minette Walter. It was a thrilling story and a true story from December 1924. I thought the story was very good.

May Chapman

The Perfect Murder by Peter James

Published by Pan Quick Reads.

The main characters are Victor and his wife, Joan.

Their marriage has reached crisis point, after being married for almost 20 years.

Victor is plotting to murder Joan, not knowing that she is having an affair and he is about to get a nasty surprise.

This book is very humorous and easy to read. The story has a great twist. I recommend this book because it is very funny, and has a gripping story. You will not want to put it down.

Rating: ****

Denise Collier

Twenty Tales from the War Zone by John Simpson

Published by Pan Books Quick Reads

This is an autobiography about John Simpson's life as a journalist in war zones.

Some people may like this book, but it did not do anything for me. It was disappointing.

Rating: **

Derek Gunnell

Abigail's Party by Mike Leigh

Published by Penguin Plays.

Abigail's party is a comedy of manners, set in 1977. The main character is Beverly.

Beverly invites her neighbours, Angela and Tony, to have a drink and nibbles party, at her house, where she lives with her husband, Laurence.

She is trying to be something she is not. As a consequence to this, the party is full of embarrassing silences and awkward conversation. At the end of the play, there is a fatal twist.

I didn't like this play. However, if you like reading plays, try this one.

Rating: **

Vicky Cooper

The Perfect Murder by Peter James

Published by Quick Reads - This book is a murder suspense. Mr and Mrs Smiley are the main characters. Victor plans to murder his wife, not knowing she plans to do the same to him.

It’s sad to know that after 20 years of marriage, neither one of them really tried to work at their marriage and just tormented each other, but I felt that Joan did love Victor, from the use of flashback of their youth. She put her memories to the back of her mind to proceed with vengeance.

I recommend this book as a good night story – but not for those who are having a marital problem!

Rating: ****

Desree Jordan

The Perfect Murder by Peter James

Published by Pan Books Quick Reads - a comic murder story

The book is about a married couple called Victor and Joan Smiley. They have been married for nearly twenty years. Over that time they have fallen out of love and now love has changed to hate. They both have their own secret lives and own secret deadly plans.

A very easy read, the book keeps your interest over the chapters making you want to read on. The two main characters are more alike than they will ever realise as they plot to murder each other.

I would recommend this book if you enjoy a good murder mystery that can make you laugh at the same time.
Rating: ***
Helena Dean

How to Change Your Life in 7 Steps by John Bird

Published by Quick Reads

How to change your life in 7 steps is a self-help book. The main character is John Bird; he is talking about his own experiences.

It gives us advice on how we can help ourselves through difficult times of our lives; it encourages you to shake yourself off and reach for the goal that you’ve always dreamt of. Don’t be put off when you get asked to give a whole 100%; all you can do is your best.

This book gives you many different steps on how to change your ways and start enjoying yourself. I enjoyed reading about starting off with only 3%, because that’s all you can do. Start small; aim big. However, towards the end of the book, I felt I had better advice to give than John Bird has written.

I would recommend this book if you are completely stuck in a ditch and you need some advice on how to lift yourself back up. Also, if you enjoy reading self-help books.

Rating: ***

Liane Corfield

A Dream Come True by Maureen Lee

Published by Orion Books Quick Reads

A Dream Come True is a romantic story. The main characters are Maggie Holt, her husband John Holt, her boss Hugh Miller and her lover, Conner O’Reilly.
After a twenty year marriage, a short affair changes a woman’s life for the best and makes her longing dream come true.

I enjoyed this book very much. It is a truly romantic and exciting love story.

I highly recommend this book. It is a good read and should not be missed.

Rating:*****

Vicky Cooper

The Perfect Murder by Peter James

Published by Pan Books, Quick Reads

The Perfect Murder is a murder story. The main characters are Victor Smiley and his wife, Joan. Victor and Joan have been married about 20 years. Victor was plotting to murder his wife, but she had the same idea.

For me to read this book, it had to be good. It has a good twist in the tail.
If you want a book, I can recommend this one.

*****

Derek Gunnell

Book Review - The Perfect Murder by Peter James

Published by Pan Books - Quick Reads

The Perfect Murder is a humorous murder story. The main characters are Victor Smiley and his wife Joan.

The couple have been married for nearly twenty years. They are both plotting to murder each other, without the other knowing.

I enjoyed this book. It is well written and easy to read. It is very gripping with an enjoyable plot. A very powerful story.

I would recommend this book as it is very entertaining and humorous. A must read!

Rating: ****

Vicky Cooper