Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J. K. Rowling, John Tiffany and Jack Throne

It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overlooked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school age children. While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albud must struggle with the weight of s family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places. 

So I know this came out today but I’ve finished it already. And it is so good. It is in the form of a play, but it still feels like a book. I love everything about it and how we can see the relationship between Harry and Albus. I would definitely recommend it and I hope you enjoy it. 

Going into book shops vs buying online

This is one of those posts that can applied to other areas and not just books. As some of you know I work in a bookshop. And there is a certain joy to walking around and seeing what is available. You never know what you will find or discover walking into the shop. 

The one disadvantage is that if they don’t have a book and they can’t get it for whatever reason, going online is great for this. You can find whatever you need, be it some clothes or that book you’ve been looking for. 

The one annoying thing is that you have to be looking for something specific, which can take the fun out of shopping (especially book shopping). It also takes away from finding a book that you weren’t looking for, that could be your next favourite book. 

Either way, both have advantages and disadvantages and are a great way of getting books. Personally, I prefer the bookshop, as very often they are local and you can get some great advice if you ever are looking for a book. 

Let me know what you think. 

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel by Deborah Moggach

Enticed by advertisements for a luxury retirement homes in India, a group of strangers leave England to begin a new life. On arrival, however, they discover the palace is a shell of its former self, the staff are more than a little eccentric abc the days of the Raj appear to be long gone. But, as they soon discover m, life and love can begin again, even in the most unexpected circumstances. 

I have to admit this is one of those books where I saw the movie before I read the book. In my defence, I didn’t realise there was a book when I saw the movie and I am glad I read. Now there are some differences. For example, in the book the families involved with the main characters are more involved and Sonny is a lot older. And, without naming names, some people end up dying. I think I prefer the movie coz it’s a bit more optimistic. Having said that I love the fact that their families are in the book. I would definitely recommend it and I hope you enjoy it. 

James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

When James accidentally some magic crystals by the old peach tree, strange things start to happen. The peach at the top of the tree begins to grow, and before long it is as big as a house. When James discovers a secret entrance into the fruit and crawls inside, he meets new friends – the Old Green Grasshopper, the Dainty Ladybug and the Cenitpide of the multiple boots. After years of feeling like an outsider in his aunts house, James finally found a place where he belongs. With a snip of the steam, the peach household starts to roll away and the adventure begins. 

This is such a good book. I love everything about it. The characters, the story, the fact that they are living in a giant peach. Everything about it will charm you and make you fall in love with it. I would definitely recommend it and I hope you enjoy it.  

Still Me by Christopher Reeve

The whole world held its breath when Chrisopher Reeve struggled for life on Memorial Day, 1995. Thrown headfirst from his horse the screen idol adored by millions, the critically acclaimed actor, the man who was Superman, was left incapable of movement. Yet, despite his paralysis, Reeve  never lost faith or his will to make a difference. Despite being told that he could never move, he could shrug his shoulders and breathe alone for increasing periods. He talks about how he came to this and what would do to help others in his position. 

This is a very inspiring book. Reeve was an amazing man. I love how he goes between his accident and his own life. My only complaint is that there are parts of this book that seem like ‘look at me and my influential friends and what we can do for each other’.  It’s one of those things where he was an actor and he has worked extremely hard to get where he did. But at the same time, there are parts where he is ringing people or talking to them and it’s like he is bragging about them. One of the things I really like about it is that he is able to use some of the science involved with medical research, and specifically with his case in his book. I would definitely recommend it and I hope you enjoy it.  

Dreamcather by Stephen King

This follows four life long friends, who gain special powers after they save Douglus ‘Duddits’ Cavell, a boy with Down Syndrome, from a group of sadistic bullies.  The four friends go on to live their own separate and equally problematic lives. While going on their annual Hole in the Wall, an isolated lodge in the Jefferson Tract, they get caught between an alien invasion and an insane U. S. Army Colonel, Abraham Kurtz. 

This is the first Stephen King book I have ever read and I really enjoyed it. I think read somewhere that King had cancer when he wrote this and there are parts of this book where some of them are in pain and that kind of pain you don’t write about unless you have actually felt it. (I could be wrong about that though) It is a good book and I enjoyed the banter between the different characters. I would definitely recommend it and I hope you enjoy it. 

Nefertiti by Michelle Moran

Nefertiti and her sister, Mutnodjmet, have been raised in a powerful family that has provided wives to the rulers of Egypt for centuries. Ambitious, charismatic and beautiful, Nefertiti is destined to marry Amunhotep, an unstable young pharaoh. It is hoped by all that her strong personality will temper the young Amunhotep’s heretical desire to forsake Egypts ancient gods, overthrow the priests of Amun, and introduce a new sun god for all to worship. From the moment of her arrival in Therbes, Nefertiti is beloved by the people. Her charisma is matched only by her husbands perceived generosity: Amunhotep showers his subjects with lofty promises. The love of the commoners will not be enough, however, if the royal couple is not able to conceive an heir, and as Nefertiti turns her attention to producing a son, she fails to see the powerful priests, along with the military, are plotting against her husbands rule. The only person wise enough to recognise the shift in political winds – and brave enough to tell the queen – is her younger sister, Mutnodjmet. Observant and contemplative, Mutnodjmet has never shared her sisters desire for power. She yearns for a quiete existence away from family duty and the intrigues of court. Her greatest hope is to share her life with the general who has won her heart. But as Nefertiti learns of the the precariousness of her regin, she declares that her sister must remain at court and marry for political gain, not love. To achieve her independence, Mutnodjmet must defy her sister, the most important woman in Egypt – while also remaining loyal to the needs of her family.

This is such a good book. I love the detail and the history in this book. The characters really come to life in this book. Moran is such a good writer and the research she put into it is amazing, and it really shows. It is a really enjoyable book. I would definitely recommend it and I hope you enjoy it. 

Love Inc. by Yvonne Collins and Sandy Rideout

Zahra, Kali and Syd have each been triple-timed by the same nefarious charmer, Eric, aka Rico, aka Rick. Now all three girls have one mission: to show that cheater the error of his ways. Project Payback is such a success, the girls have soon have clients lining up for their consulting lining for their consulting services.

This book got me to do something I haven’t done in a while: I was up till 12.30 last night reading this book. I really wanted to know what happened to the people in the book. I love how Zahra’s Pakinstini culture was mixed in with her American up bringing. Each girl brings something to the overall story. Zahra is the mediator, Sud is the bad girl, with a soft side and Kali is a terrible flirt. Each is able to bring something to Love Inc. and through that help those they meet. The book makes you laugh and parts of it make you ‘really? Really?’  But I definitely enjoyed it. I would definitely recommend it and I hope you enjoy it. 

Photo books

So, one of my other loves is photography. And a friend and u are thinking of doing a photo book of some kind (I won’t go into much detail, as it still in the early stages) and it got me thinking of those kinds of books. 

I think it is always nice to have photo books around, as they are always a good vocal point in any room. They can be useful as a way to start conversations and make any room that bit more attractive. 

This is possibly an unusual topic. But books, no matter what kind they come in, are always a good thing to have in any house. 

Let me what you think. Do you have any photo books and how do you use them? 

The Perfect Gift by Emma Hannigan

Ever since she was small, Roisin has received a letter in the post. Signed with love from the birth mother she has never met. Brought up by her adopted parents, Keeley and Doug, Roisin has never wanted for anything. But on her 30th birthday, Roisin received a letter that shakes her world. For Keely, it reminds her of a secret she’s kept for 30 years. For Nell, working in the lighthouse, the past is a place she dare not go. Until a runaway seeking shelter, and unwraps a gift of hope for them all. 

This is such a good book. Hannigan really gets you to care about the characters. My only complaint is that Mouse, who can’t read or write, seems to learn pretty quickly. Now maybe I am being a little too harsh but it seems that she learns in little under four months. If anyone is a teacher, please tell me if this normal. Apart from that I really enjoyed this book. It is funny and engaging and well worth reading. I would definitely recommend it and I hope you enjoy it.