September 2008 Newsletter

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September's News from Bookbag Towers

Well, the summer we didn't have is over. Sigh. Rain is on the way. However, we can look forward to warming casseroles for dinner already, and spend wet afternoons absorbed in a book or two, so there's always a silver lining to every (rain) cloud. Enjoy this short time post-summer but pre-Christmas build up, and make sure you get some reading time in.

We've been prettifying a little here at Bookbag Towers, and you'll notice that we've added a link to Waterstone's and Amazon at the bottom of each review. Click them and you'll be able to see what other people think. It's not that we don't want you trust us, but we do want you to know as much as possible before you make a decision to spend your hard-earned money.

But let's get on to the important stuff - our monthly round up.

If there's anything you'd like to tell us, or anything you think we've left out, please drop us a line and let us know.

What we've been reading...

In fiction, Elaine was captivated by The Magic Thief by Sarah Prineas, the first of a projected trilogy is a stunning novel from Sarah Prineas. It comes highly recommended, and if you check our review, you'll see we have a competiton with a signed copy up for grabs! Sue thinks crime fans should look at Doors Open by Ian Rankin. Rebus might be resting but Rankin has lost none of his skill in creating a pacy plot set in Edinburgh. It's a compelling story with some great characters, at least one of whom she wouldn't be surprised to see in a future book. Sue also enjoyed The Stepmother's Diary by Fay Weldon. It used to be that the daughter's nose was put out when the father remarried, but what happens when the daughter fights to win - at any cost? Ruth is enthusing about The Case Book of Victor Frankenstein by Peter Ackroyd. Ackroyd creates his own monster in this fine work of the imagination. He suggests that Victor Frankenstein was not fictional, but a friend of Percy and Mary Shelley. Creepy, imaginative and an essential read for the lovers of Gothic novels.

In non-fiction, you really shouldn't miss Keith waxing lyrical about Bad Science by Ben Goldacre. It's an hilarious, useful and essential look at the appalling misuses of science throughout society. Part exposé and part educational tool, it's the best book of its type around at the moment. John loved Oscar's Books by Thomas Wright; a biography with a difference, exploring the life of Oscar Wilde through his lifelong love of books, reading, reviewing and writing.

In children's books, Sue thinks Shine Moon Shine by David Conway is an inspirational story about how the moon was persuaded to return to the night sky with wonderful illustration which will delight any child from 3 to 103. She also recommends Bambert's Book of Missing Stories by Reinhardt Jung. Bambert releases his stories from his attic window and waits to see from where they will return. A unique book which is beautifully written and illustrated which will be a delight to share with the older confident reader or teen. Jill fell in love with Oath Breaker by Michelle Paver. Part historical fiction and part magical quest, this is fine, fine fiction for children. Paver hasn't lost the pace in this latest instalment of the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness. The Carbon Diaries 2015 by Saci Lloyd is a completely gorgeous, if terrifying, diary novel about a future Britain under carbon rationing. It's entirely plausible from both teen girl and climate change perspectives, and it has a wonderful energy giving optimism amidst the doom and gloom. For the older ones, Bloodchild by Tim Bowler is an absorbing fantasy thriller in which a young boy's accident leaves him without memory. Great tension, wonderfully atmospheric, and a nice dollop of the unexplained makes this a must-read.

Reviewers

We're always on the look out for people to join our panel of reviewers at Bookbag. We need people who understand that the reader wants to know what the reviewer thinks about the book and not just what's written on the back cover. If you think that you're one of these special people that we're looking for, we want to hear from you. You can find details of how to apply here on the site. Don't be shy!

Competitions

We have 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 www.thebookbag.co.uk.

All at Bookbag Towers

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