The White Tiger - Journey into the Light...

I enjoyed reading this book, the storyline was straightforward and easy to follow and having never been to India myself, I found it refreshing to read about it the way it really is, without having to sit through fantastical descriptions with no correlation to the real world.
I noticed that many have said they found the character two dimensional. On the contrary, I found him to have quite an interesting character, and as I read along I couldn't help but wish he finds what he is looking for, that he manages to escape the 'cage' holding him in (be it due to lack of education, of money, or simply due to the difficulties he is faced with, born in the Darnkess but straining to move into the Light).
I also think that the fact that it is written as a series of 'letters' to the Chinese premier shouldn't be taken seriously, it could just be taken to be directed straight at us, as readers...

not yet available in Nice

WHY is the book called AZINCOURT? The famous battle was fought at AGINCOURT but the French, having lost the battle, changed the name of the village to AZINCOURT. The U.S. edition of this book reverts to the original name. One-up to the Yanks!

Didn't Quite Steal my Heart

An interesting ploy to have DEATH narrate this quaint tale of a young German girl stumbling upon and stealing various books whilst World War 2 and the holocaust is buzzing all around her.

For me it didn't quite hit home as a GREAT, but nonetheless it has a certain charm - and worth a run if you've got the time; at 560 pages you're going to need it as the events are fairly pedestrian.

Oh, give it a go...then tell me I'm wrong!

A timely and inspirational book

I make no apology for being an unashamed fan - nay, a disciple! - of India Knight's work. I have done her (brilliant) IDIOT-PROOF diet, made the (IDIOT-PROOF) recipes, and bookmarked her recommendations in THE SHOPS (I've yet to be convinced that the latter was not written specifically with me in mind!!). I love Knight's witty and big sister-ly style, the warmth of her writing, her joy in life's indulgences as well as her feel for the reality (and compromises) of our lives. She has an innate knack for unpicking the emotional reasons we do the things we do - from shopping, to overeating, to (in this case) spending money on things we don't need that make the world a greedier, more polluted and morally lazy place.

THE THRIFT BOOK is a delight. Not only is it a beautiful book (which always helps to inspire one towards worthy-ness!), it's genuinely a motivational call to arms and while some of the recommendations are arguably pure common sense, others are incredibly clever and imaginative. I, for one, would never have guessed that a paste of aspirin and water would have the same cleansing properties as a chemical peel (in a good way) or that vinegar can be used for so many different purposes from cleaning to rejuvenating tired flowers - suggestions that I've already adopted with v. pleasing results.

I admire Knight's frankness in explaining the impulses behind her own drive towards thriftiness. At this of all times, her book helps address the need for us to live in a more considered, neighbourly and environmentally concerned way. That it is such a lovely package (with nary an allotment or home-knit jumper in sight) and written with such good humour, intelligence and humanity means that I won't feel embarrassed or evangelical in giving the book to friends and relatives. THE THRIFT BOOK is a genuinely lovely thing and every home should have a copy.

mikee's thoughts

Nation
Having an" almost" complete collection of Pratchett I was not surprised by this book.
It has been described as 'juvenile' but I cannot accept that as it introduces many concepts that would not be of interest to juveniles.

I enjoyed the book, but it did not keep me reading until 4am as some SCI FI does. 'DUNE'first edition, and Cherryh's Foreigner series hold the record for this.

In general a well written, interesting book, worth the cash and a worthy addition to a Pratchett collection.

From Cover to Shining Cover

Having read the three and four star reviews, I had second-thoughts about purchasing 'Stephen Fry in America'. But after purchasing the book on the back of watchin three episodes of the TV programme I was compelled to write a review and it is one of 5 stars, as I'm sure you may be aware of! I can tell you my friends, that this well put together travelogue of a quintessentially Englishman's journey through and into the heart of America is almost definitely a book everyone who 'views' this item on amazon should purchase.
I don't want to slate the former reviews (apart from the 5 star one, great outlook ol' chum) because they're entitled to create their own opinions but they are wrong! To quote Mike D of the Beastie Boys,"I don't speak what I hear, I just say what I know" and this will form the basis of my own review, which I hope will prove informative and may tip the balance in favour of you buying this book. And I am an independent source, I'm not on Stephen Fry's payroll (NB* If he has one, can somebody please get in touch with me).
Firstly, the price of this book, as of 2/10/08 (or to be topical 10/02/08), on Amazon is £9, which is £1 cheaper than the low price of ASDA and Waterstones, is very reasonable especially seeing as it is in hardback and vibrant in colour, and perhaps more central, priceless with in the qualitative and quantitative information it is crammed with.
Fry starts off in Maine, following an interesting and humorous introduction. From the off, one can simply tell that this tale is going to be an insightful and intriguing journey through all 50 states. Fry does not fail to miss out the `little man' which he seems to stress as being so important in the fabric of the American global blanket.
I won't list every single tale from every single encounter in every single tale for I feel it is a story you need to embark upon yourself. But I can tell you he meets one very special Hollywood A-lister, and this isn't even the highlight of the saga!
This very factual and delightfully subjective account avoids falling into that massive cavity of the all-too common `America-bashing', something the man makes clear he is not a fan of. This book is not a fact-by-fact, number-by-number tale but rather an engrossing book which will see you turning the page faster and faster, your fingers will be moving faster than a New York Minute, or faster than a mid-western diner waitress swiftly topping up the `bottomless coffee' of her thirsty patrons.
Stephen Fry, the stand up for America guy! A warming and enlightening tale that is sure to warm up your autumn. Purchase in confidence of owning a great book that I'm sure you will be able to go back to again and again, until Fry embarks upon another such journey, perhaps of England!

Magical!

One of the best books I've ever read (previously my favourtie Cecilia Ahern book was Where Rainbows End). Didn't want to put it down but didn't want it to end either. A wonderfully original idea for a story with a moral. Excellent descriptions and comparisons with the story told from different viewpoints. Can't wait to read it again - genius!

Just as good as the TV show...

I absolutely love this book. I have hundreds of quotation books, but they almost all lack the editorial style of Messrs Lloyd and Mitchinson. The big difference is that quotation books are normally only really reference books, this one flows so that you find yourself absorbed and taken along by it.

Other reviewers suggest it's nothing to do with the TV show QI. I don't agree. John Lloyd and John Mitchinson dreamed up and produce the QI TV show, and you can tell the humour and approach is from the same place. The great thing about the TV show is nothing is off limits. If it is interesting and it is funny, it is in. From Greek philosophy to the profane and odd, anything goes. The same applies to this excellent book, and that, along with the Johns' comedy and editorial talent is why this is different from the others.

Poor

Can't see what the fuss is about. Weak plot, stilted prose, very preachy, weak theology.

A great gift for any Dr Who fan!

My son aged 10 is heavily into Dr Who and was dying to get this annual. He was impressed by this new one and found it both interesting and entertaining. Although a cheap gift he rated it above some of the PS2 games he was given!!! Would recommend this annual for any Dr Who fan.

Good but not that good.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I was completely caught up in it as I read it. I loved every second and was so enthralled I ignored everything except school, sleep and food or two days. I loved the ending, but when I reread it I could see there were serious flaws in the ending. The whole series is about Bella making a choice - living with the love of her life and making huge sacrifices or having a normal human existence. In the end she gets both. Bella had always been simply a voice to tell the story, without much personality. But what little she had ebbs away in the last book. I still think of it as one of my favourite books, but I feel shallow doing so because all it did was give me, a tween girl, exactly the fairy tale I wanted to read.

Better than 'The Kite Runner'?

This is a book to be savoured, like 'The Kite Runner' this book is focussed on Afghanistan as a country, and with war and Islam as the back drop paints pictures in the mind much like the KRnr.

The book is not for those who want an easy read. The characters, though fictional, are written so vividly by the author that if you are at all sympathetic to those in war and loss, it is hard not to share their sense of desperation and hope. Kabul is under siege from within and without and so are the characters. This is also true to say of the Kite Runner.

I have read both and loved both. For me this is a better book, though I felt no less compelled by the Kite Runner. Others may have different opinions on the better book, but I am sure that if you are able to show empathy you cannot fail to be moved by both. Sublime writing!

Reads like a true story

When this book was first published I wasn't sure I would like it, but because I've enjoyed Rose Tremain's other work I decided to give it a try. I was not disappointed.

There are plenty of reviews that outline the story in some detail. Suffice it to say, therefore, that the novel follows the journey of Lev from his Eastern European homeland to Britain in search of work that will enable him to better the lives of his mother and daughter in his unnamed home country. His experiences in the alien environment of London and picking asparagus on a Suffolk farm, and his eventual return to his native land may, as some reviewers have suggested, be stereotyped, but that in many ways is their strength. Rose Tremain writes beautifully, and through her pen we see how strange British society must seem to someone from a former communist regime. Her descriptions are vivid and real. We can imagine Lev's daughter Maya in her small village school, sitting on a wooden bench eating her lunch of `goat's milk and bread and pickled cucumber, with, sometimes in summer, wild strawberries from the hills above the village'; or the `two-point-five metres of stainless steel draining top' gleaming in the kitchens at GK Ashe.

As the book progressed, I felt I really got to know Lev, faults and all, and was desperately hoping everything would work out for him. There were some wonderfully drawn supporting characters too: Lev's mother, Ina; his life-long friend Rudi; and his landlord, Shane Christy, with whom he developed a lasting friendship.

I wondered if Lev was luckier than most migrant workers in his position, which is perhaps why some readers felt the story didn't ring true. But Lev's luck stemmed from his tenacity, from never shirking hard work or long hours, and from being quick to learn from those around him. These were among his strong points. It was his weaknesses and failings that made him so real, and vulnerable, and that threatened to derail his plans.

Ultimately, the book is about loss, determination, friendship, and the will to succeed. The ending is upbeat though by no means conclusive, which is how it should be, leaving the reader wondering about the future. I found the story interesting and satisfying, although some reviewers clearly did not. In my view it is well worth the read. Highly recommended, in fact!

not his best

couldnt wait to read this as i am a big fan of the alex crosss novels and have read some of them several times over.i was extremely dissapointed as it was nowhere near as good as the others! the story was boring and definately not a page turner,a random appearance by kyle craig at the end was odd to say the least and felt as if if was just thrown in at the last minute,the story was far too obvious and i could see the ending a mile off.

Run and get the Kite!

Here's a book everyone should read. No exception. Please do so.

I was totally taken by this book, cried a couple of times whilst reading it and even sometime after i had finished it i still remembered the characters so well. Haunting but oh so worth it!

A must have in you own private collection of books, even if its a small one.

I have also read 1000 splendid suns. top book too! waiting for Khaled's next book... please hurry!!!

Loved it!

I loved this book! It was unputdownable! Kate Morton's writing was beautiful, descriptive but not long winded and the mysterious tale kept me turning the pages. The story was complex, well thought out and keeps you guessing. Not normally a fan of period literature, I found the inclusion of past and present characters captivating. This is an epic story spanning more than a century and four generations of a family the characters know nothing of at the beginning. A fantastic read. If you like the TV show"Who do you think you are?" you will love this book!

Another great fun read

Another Matthew Shardlake novel this time set in 1543. The times are turbulent. Catherine Howard has been executed and Henry VIII is turning away from radical Protestantism but still wants no links with Rome. Different religious factions vie for supremacy and few people can feel completely safe. Although the bible is now translated into English laws are being passed to prevent women and the lower classes from reading it. Into this heady mix comes a serial killer who seems to be selecting his victims among people who have rejected radical Protestantism and killing them in accordance with the atrocities listed in Revelations. Believing there could be a link to Catherine Parr (who Henry is hoping to marry) Archbishop Cranmer enlists Matthew Shardlake to help find the killer without letting the general public (or the king) know what is afoot.

This book is the usual great fun read that we have come to expect from the series. The characters from the earlier books (Jack Barak, Guy Malton and Bealnap) continue to be well developed. Matthew is a wonderful central character - thoughtful, wise and generous of spirit. The religious and political problems of the times are described in a way that doesn't disrupt the flow of the narrative.

At the end everything is resolved. Catherine Parr marries Henry and seems to have a calming influence on him. Cranmer feels he is once again secure in his situation. But, of course, we know what happens to him when Mary comes to the throne......

The uncommon writer

Before reading this book I had never taken any interest in Alan Bennett. I was aware of his existence of course. In the same way that you are aware Belgium but there is no earthly reason you would think of going there. I had never seen any of his plays, watched any of his TV shows or read any of his books. Then he wrote a novel about the Queen and it didn't even occur to me to wonder why anyone would bother to read a story about the Queen. Not that I am against the monarchy, they have done a fine job protecting this country against dictatorship, it's just that I have no interest in the incumbent's private activities, just the abstract value of monarchy.

Then I heard this book being discussed on Radio 4 and it actually sounded rather amusing. And it is. It is hilarious! It is almost like a children's book, the writing is so simple, a bedtime story for adults. Best of all it gives the most accurate sense I have ever read of how it feels to be in love with reading. I imagine this must be how Alan Bennett himself feels about books otherwise he wouldn't have been able to capture this. I read this book and felt as though he were describing me.

If you love books, you will love this.

timewarp

In this latest in the Dalgleish she continues to write in a style that was very fashionable in the 80's and hasn't evolved, so now is very dated. The action is very slow. The ambience stuffily middle class. All her characters are such cold fish, I can't feel involved with any of them. There is no warmth or passion to her writing. I feel she is emotionally detached from her characters. They are statues in her carefully described landscapes, like a Claude Lorraine painting.