== November's News from Bookbag Towers ==
Happy NovemberHi, Bookbaggers! We hate to be the eleventy billionth people to mention it to hello and how are you, but Christmas is around the corner. Sorry, but it is! If you're looking for some bookish gift recommendations, scroll down to our features section where we have done our best to help you out.all?
And poetry lovers - have you heard the exciting newsEverything has gone a little bit crazy in dear old Blightly of late, hasn't it? Percy Bysshe Shelley's poem ''Poetical Essay on the Existing State Brexit has sent us all into a spin and there is a great deal of Things'' [http://timescolumnsanger about.typepad.com/stothard/2015/11/shelleys-poetical-essay-goes-back-Our hope, in this November newsletter, is tobring you -oxford.html has been bought] by Oxford's Bodleian Library.They're going to digitise it so this early and longwhichever side of the Brexit divide you find yourself on -lost work will be available to some of the public joy and happiness found in reading for pleasure. Reading is the first time everbest escape of all. We'll never change our minds about that here at Bookbag Towers. Hurray! This is exciting, right?
What else? Best-selling American children's author RL Stine says that he Harry Potter star Emma Watson has been spreading some of the same joy and happiness around. She [httphttps://www.independenttheguardian.co.ukcom/books/arts-entertainment2016/booksnov/features03/rlemma-stinewatson-onfree-fearcopies-streetmaya-youngangelou-adultbooks-fictionon-andtube-whyharry-he-doesnt-like-writing-about-zombies-a6729351.html doesnpotter left copies] of Maya Angelou't like zombies]! What s memoir at various locations on the what? Sacrilege, says Jill, BookbagLondon Underground for people to pick up and read. It's resident zombie-lover. But here is a story we can approve part of: publisher Short Edition has made more than 600 short stories the [http://www.independentbooksontheunderground.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/short-story-vending-machines-Books on the Underground] project, which we think is absolutely wonderful. If you live in London, perhaps you'd like to-be-installed-join in-grenoble-france-a6728926.html available to commuters] via vending machines throughout If not, perhaps you could just leave a lovely book for someone the French city of Grenobles. How cool is thatnext time you get on a bus?!
Aspiring authors should also look at the Bookseller's inaugural Collins Dictionary has named its [http://www.thebooksellerindependent.comco.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/publisherscollins-dictionarys-10-word-of-openthe-submissionsyear-authorfrom-daybrexit-316015 Author Dayand-snowflake-generation-to-jomo-a7395121.html ten words of the year]. It takes place on 30 NovemberPredictably, ''Brexit'' is the word of the year but among the other is the Danish word ''hygge'', which we mention in our review of the enjoyable memoir [[A Piece of Danish Happiness by Sharmi Albrechtsen]]. You That was in 2013, so you can also find out more on see we are ahead of the hashtag #authorday.game!
And thatThere's also some news from one of literature's about it! Happy reading most enduring controversies: the Shakespeare authorship question. Did he or didn't he write them all or indeed, write them all by himself? Well, an international team of 23 academics have decided that Christopher Marlowe’s work on the plays of William Shakespeare was extensive enough that he [http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/christopher-marlowe-to all-get-co-author-credit-in-shakespeare-editions-a7377226.html deserves a credit]in future editions of of Henry VI, Parts One, Two and Three. More notoriety for Kit!
'''Golden Hour'''
Our Ok, so it's not ''quite'' a blast from the past this month isnbut we haven't featured something for children here for a single book but an entire series. while and we think [[The Chronicles of Narnia Greatest Animal Stories by C S Lewis Michael Morpurgo (Editor)]] is fits the most wonderful fantasy series ever written for childrenbill rather nicely. It has sold over one hundred million copies Morpurgo's curated collection includes Aesop's fables, and popular fairy and been translated into more than forty languages. In Narniafolk tales including Brer Rabbit, good battles evilPeter and the Wolf, animals talk Puss in Boots and people can become more and better than they ever dreamed possiblestories from the Native American tradition. DonIt't miss it and don't let them miss it either. And don't forget to check the back s a really special collection of your wardrobeanimal tales which would make a lovely gift for any child.
'''Books of the Month'''
And on to to the new...
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In fiction, and for fans of crime, Sue Luke loved [[Even Dogs in the Wild The Dark Circle by Ian RankinLinda Grant]]. The twentieth Rebus novel sees Rankin at his best. It's bang on 1949, and with the momentSecond World War over, twisty a new decade of recovery is beginning. For East End teenagers Lenny and totally engrossingMiriam, life has been suspended. The title is from Diagnosed with tuberculosis, they are sent away to a song by The Associates which looks at how we treat each other within familiessanatorium in Kent, to take the cure. Rich in texture and an illuminating look at the harm we do each other a practice and how period that, whilst it can pass down through the generations. It's perfect for seems long past was only relatively recent, this highly recommended novelbook is worth your time and attention.
For those of you who enjoy historical fare, Ani suggests Lesley thinks crime fans will love [[The Winter Isles Night School by Antonia Senior Lee Child]], a wonderful historical fiction introduction . Jack Reacher’s lastest outing actually takes us back to Somerled, a 12th century Scottish warlord and heroan earlier one. It's action packed 1996 and yet he’s still in the army, and on the trail of something worth a hundred million dollars. This is told with an underlying sensitivitymore of a puzzle, authenticity. With less of a definite Celtic atmosphere seeping through thriller than some of the pagesReacher tales, this is literary magicbut has the same very writing that makes for a quick page-turner and a satisfying read.
In non-fiction, John recommends and since you'll be reading this newsletter at a trivia booktime when you're probably thinking about Christmas gifts, try [[1,234 342 QI Facts to To Leave You Speechless Flabbergasted by John Lloyd, John Mitchinson and , James Harkinand Anne Miller]]. It's official – Belorussian sausage contains no toilet paper. It's official – this book is an unmistakeable winnerone more entrant in the best series of trivia books, with unusual statements about the world distilled to their essence and presented in oddly linked fashion. And, as you'd expect from QI, it's the most quotable book a stonker. Many of the yearits one-liners could be used as startlingly good conversation openers. You need those conversation openers! There's something irresistible about trivia, isn't there?
John also has a recommendation for younger readers. In For teens, Olivia recommends [[Warren the 13th and the All-Seeing Eye The Diabolic by Tania del Rio and Wilhelm StaehleS J Kincaid]]. Nemesis is a Diabolic, we meet Warren the Thirteentha girl genetically engineered to bond with one specific person and whose sole purpose is to protect that one person at any cost. He's the latest Bred in a long line ofpen and trained to kill, wellNemesis is introduced and bonded to Sidonia Impyrean, Warrens, who have been running the Warren Hotel. Unfortunately for him, his father, Warren the Twelfth, passed away too early, and control heir of a senator of the building has passed not to him but to his exceedingly lazy uncle Rupertgalactic empire. Inventive This is a futuristic sci-fi teen novel with incredibly memorable characters and an absolute pleasure on the eye, it's a must-readoutstanding plot.
For teensmiddle-graders, Jill fell in love with [[The Light That Gets Lost Song from Somewhere Else by Natasha CarthewA F Harrold and Levi Pinfold]]. At just seven years of age, Trey witnesses If you were being stalked by the murder of school bully and his parents two sidekicks, and if a kindly soul rescued you from them in the grievous injuring of his older brother. He escapes the attack by hiding in a wardrobe. After thatpark, he is taken into care. Assuredly you''not'' your standard dystopian fared be grateful, this right? Or would you? This is a beautiful story finds despair and anguish but also love and of friendship, loyalty in blood and guts bullying. An otherworldly flavour, lyrical language and mudevocative illustrations combine to create a truly remarkable story. It might not sound poetic, but it is
'''Features'''
We have been talking You really must head to authors again our ''Features'' section this monthbecause we have collated all our favourite books of 2016 into genre lists for you. Ani enjoyed There's [[Celeste Three is Missing by Chris CalderTop Ten Literary Fiction Books of 2016|literary fiction]] , [[Top Ten Science Fiction and thought it was a goodFantasy Novels of 2016|sci-fi and fantasy novels]], slow burning escapist thriller. Find out more about Chris's obsession with aviation in his [[The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Chris CalderTop Ten Crime Novels of 2016|chat with Anicrime novels]] when he called into Bookbag Towers. Sue was impressed by John Searancke's story , [[Top Autobiographies and Biographies of his father's war2016|biographies]], [[Prunes for Breakfast by John SearanckeTop Ten Science Fiction and Fantasy Novels of 2016|Prunes for BreakfastSci-Fi and Fantasy]] and she had quite a few questions for John when he . [[The Interview: Bookbag Talks To John SearanckeTop Ten Teens Books of 2016|popped in to see usteen books]]. John wants his readers to be inquisitive, which we think is a fine ambition for author [[Top Children's Picture Books of 2016|picture books]] and reader alikemore.Do have a look!
Since Christmas is coming, We've also been out there talking to authors this month and since we always think have had some great conversations. Jill enjoyed [[Lamellia: The Kingdom of you, Mushrooms by Gloria D Gonsalves]] and since we believe books said that she'd be glad to read it to be any child. She and the best Christmas presents possible, we've been compiling some lists author had lots to chat about when Gloria [[The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Gloria D Gonsalves About Lamellia: The Kingdom of gift recommendationsMushrooms|popped into]] Bookbag Towers. There are suggestions for Jill also loved [[Top Ten Picture Books 2015The Darziods' Stone by Richard Smith|young childrenThe Darziods' Stone]], - a fast-paced teen adventure - and had a great time [[Top Ten Books for Teens 2015The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Richard Smith about The Darzoids' Stone|teenagerschatting to Richard]]. For years Sue has bought mostly black clothes, because they seemed ''safe'': Numba Pinkerton has shown her how to have a wardrobe which works and which she loves. When Numba, author of [[Top Ten Fantasy Books of 2015The No Black Project by Numba Pinkerton|fans of fantasyThe No Black Project]]popped into Bookbag Towers, Sue had [[Top Ten Crime Novels of 2015The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Numba Pinkerton|fans lots of crime fictionquestions]] and lots moreshe wanted to ask. Ani thought that [[The Road To see all the listsWar: Duty & Drill, Courage & Capture by Steven Burgauer]] was personal, go inspiring & insightful. She had quite a few points to our discuss when Steven Burgauer [[httpThe Interview://wwwBookbag Talks To Steven Burgauer|called round]].thebookbagOlivia thought that [[Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo|Crooked Kingdom]] was all that she could want from a book and more.co.uk/reviews/index.php?title=Features FeaturesShe thoroughly enjoyed [[The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Leigh Bardugo|talking to]] pageLeigh. Do buy someone a book for Christmas!
'''Reviewers'''
We have [[Competitions|competitions]] for some great books going this month, and every month, so get entering!
And that's about it for this month. If you're passing Bookbag Towers do pop in and see us – we're at [[The Bookbag|www.thebookbag.co.uk ]].
'''''All at Bookbag Towers'''''
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