Difference between revisions of "Features"

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Check out the full lists of [[:Category: Interviews|interviews]], [[:Category: Lists|top tens]] and [[:Category: Comments|articles]].__NOTOC__<!-- Remove -->
 
Check out the full lists of [[:Category: Interviews|interviews]], [[:Category: Lists|top tens]] and [[:Category: Comments|articles]].__NOTOC__<!-- Remove -->
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Anthony Gardner
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|title=Self-Improvement Through Reading: How to Choose Books for Personal Growth
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|summary=Jill thought that [[Fox by Anthony Gardner]] was plot-focused and had twists to suit every thriller fan. She was impressed by the serious depiction of the downtrodden individual against the erosion of hard-won civil liberties.  There was quite a lot to chat about when the author popped into Bookbag Towers.
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|summary=Reading provides insights and techniques for both personal and professional development, making it a potent tool for self-improvement. However, the impact of reading largely depends on choosing the right books to match your objectives. To simplify this process, consider using the Headway app – a platform that provides users with key insights from top research-based books through audio and text summaries, making it easier to incorporate learning into a busy schedule.
 
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|title=February 2016 Newsletter
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|title=How to Write a Book Report: From Choosing the Book to Final Draft
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|summary=Need help on how to do a book report? Check out our step-by-step guide at thebookbag.co.uk and learn to craft compelling reports that impress today!
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Hi, hello and a very happy February to all our readers. It's been a long slog but we are nearing winter's end and that's a relief, isn't it? We're looking forward to some spring sunshine and some fabulous spring books.
 
  
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David Bowie died. And the nation was shocked and grief-stricken. We were no different. And so, in memory of one our great cultural icons, we perused this list of the great man's [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/books/what-to-read/david-bowie-the-man-who-loved-books/ top 100 books]. The list is as eclectic as you'd expect and inspirational, too.  
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Book report writing shouldn't be a headache! It's almost like telling a friend about a book but with a bit of structure.
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|title=How Serialized Stories Are Revolutionizing the Way We Read
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|summary=With technology gradually encroaching on every area of our lives, the change extends to literature as well. This brings serialized stories into focus, which overtook our reading habits with its stages, or small sequential parts of a narrated story. In this sense, this new approach is doing more than just changing how we read but also how authors will write, publishers, promote, and readers experience these works. The rise of digital platforms and book writing apps (e.g. [https://www.chapterly.com/ Chapterly]) are at the forefront of this change.
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|title=Top Ten Self-Published Books 2023
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|summary= We've seen some really good self-published books this year: they're up there with the best of traditional publishing. Here's our top ten, in alphabetical order, by author.
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Michael Pronko about 'Motions and Moments'
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Jeffrey Dunn
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|summary=Last year Rebecca enjoyed Michael Pronko's [[Beauty and Chaos: Slices and Morsels of Tokyo Life by Michael Pronko|first book]] of essays on Tokyo life and she was delighted to be able to review his [[Motions and Moments: More Essays on Tokyo by Michael Pronko|third book]], Motions and Moments: More Essays on Tokyo. She had quite a few questions for Michael when he popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
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|summary=Jill enjoyed [[Radio Free Olympia by Jeffrey Dunn|Radio Free Olympia]], a story blending prose and poetry with themes of ecology, folklore, love and loss. She didn't think it was the easiest read, but a rewarding one.
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Haraldur Erlendsson and Keith Hagenbach
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|title=How To Write a Fantasy Novel: The Full Guide
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|summary=Stacey thought that [[The Man Who Drew Triangles: Magician, mystic or out of his mind? by Haraldur Erlendsson and Keith Hagenbach]] was a thrilling, plot-twistingly good tale of folklore, legends, spirits and ultimately of thinking a little differently. She had quite a few questions for the authors when they popped into Bookbag Towers.
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|summary=Fantasy has always been our way out of the real world's limitations. It's a space where magic is real, mythical creatures roam, and heroes go on epic quests. This genre is loved by people of all ages and backgrounds. It allows us to explore new worlds and face unimaginable challenges, all without leaving our homes.
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But what if you could do more than just visit these magical lands? What if you could create your own? This is the magic of writing a fantasy novel. You have the power to build worlds with your words. You can turn simple ink and paper into landscapes that readers can explore.
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So, get ready for an adventure. This journey is not just about castles and wizards. It's also about the craft of writing. You'll learn to use language and imagination to make a rich, varied story. And who knows what unexplored realms you'll discover along the way?
 
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|title=January 2016 Newsletter
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|title=How Can Reading Improve Your Vocabulary: Best Practices
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|summary=Reading is one of the most effective ways to improve your vocabulary. Not only does it expose you to new words and their meanings, but it also allows you to see them used in context, which is essential for understanding and using them correctly. With the rise of language learning apps, such as Promova, many people have turned to technology to improve their vocabulary. However, reading remains a tried-and-true method that has been used for centuries.
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!
 
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We hope you had a wonderful festive season and if you were affected by the awful floods, you have our sympathy, solidarity and very best wishes. And at least one book in your Christmas stocking.
 
 
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|title=Top Ten Self-Published Books 2015
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|title=3 Things You Didn't Know About Ghostwriters
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|summary= We've seen some great self-published books this year and had great fun choosing our top ten books. Here they are, in alphabetical order by author.
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|summary=How much do you know about ghostwriters? These professionals lurk in the shadows of the publishing industry (both self- and traditional publishing), with most members of the public having only ever heard of them because of the Pierce Brosnan film. Given the awkwardness a lot of people feel toward ghostwriters, it's no surprise that there are a number of misconceptions about what they do, so I'm hoping to clarify three important things in this post.
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Spadge Whittaker
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Conrad Delacroix
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|summary=Jill thought that [[Braver Than Britain, Occasionally by Spadge Whittaker]] in which Spadge researches Britain's top ten fears and faces them all over the course of a year was funny and silly and, yes, brave. It's a joyous little book. EXCEPT FOR THE SPIDERS.
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|summary=Sue really enjoyed [[The Lensky Connection by Conrad Delacroix|The Lensky Connection]], a thriller set primarily in Russia. She had quite a few questions for author Conrad Delacroix when he popped into Bookbag Towers.
 
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|title=Bookbag's Christmas Gift Recommendations 2015
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|title=Top Ten Self-Published Books 2022
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|summary=We know that you could do your Christmas present book shopping from Amazon's best seller lists, but we like to suggest more unusual books that we've enjoyed over the year. Hopefully you'll find something for everyone here.  
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|summary=We're constantly amazed at the quality of the self-published books which come our way and we've seen some real gems in 2022. Here they are, in alphabetical order, by author:
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Dr Kris J Sime
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|title=3 Things You Should Know About Literary Agents
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|summary=Jill thought that [[Dragon's Flight by Dr Kris J Sime|Dragon's Flight]] was ''FUN'' and that's not something she often says, so she had quite a few questions for authgor Kris Sime when he popped into Bookbag Towers.
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|summary=If you're all set to publish your novel, it might be time to [https://blog.reedsy.com/how-to-find-a-literary-agent/ get yourself a literary agent]. Since you're essentially picking the person responsible for presenting and marketing your book to the world, this is no easy task. When you've sent your [https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/how-to-write-a-query-letter/ query letters] and started getting responses, these tips will help you choose the right person for you.
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|title=Lolita Book Review: Most Important Things to Know
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|summary=Lolita, a highly controversial book, is not subject to bans in American schools. Here are the most important things you need to know about it.
 
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|title=Top Ten Women's Fiction 2015
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|title=Stylish Restaging of The Crucible is All Show and No Substance, According to Reviews
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|summary=We've been looking for intelligent women's fiction that provides a good read and we think that we've found some crackers. Here they are, in alphabetical order by author.  
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|summary=The Crucible is a tragedy that’s been debated and discussed for many years. Its current running in theaters has received a rather intriguing review. Keep reading to find out more.
 
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|title=November 2015 Newsletter
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|title=How Bar Modeling Makes Word Problems Easy in Singapore Math
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|summary=  
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|summary=Singapore Mathematics is a unique way of presenting this science. Parents and teachers will be able to understand and explain to children the simplest mathematical processes using images.  
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Happy November, Bookbaggers! We hate to be the eleventy billionth people to mention it to 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.
 
 
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|title=Top Ten Crime Novels of 2015
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|title=Finding More Time For Reading
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|summary= We've tried to give you a varied selection of crime novels for 2015.  They come from several continents and some have been translated and there are old favourites as well as some talented newcomers. Here they are, in alphabetical order by author.
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|summary=If there is one thing that a lot of people could benefit from having more of in their lives, it's [[A Bookbagger's View:What it's like to be a reviewer|literature]]. Plenty of us have gone through this experience of suddenly finding that we are not reading as much as we used to. There are a lot of possible reasons for this, and it's something that you might be able to approach in a number of ways if you want to make sure that you are getting back into reading again. But one of the most important parts of this is probably that you are able to find enough time for reading, and that can be harder than you might initially think.
 
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|title=Top Ten Fantasy Books of 2015
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Gerry Brown and Randall S Peterson about Disaster in the Boardroom: Six Dysfunctions Everyone Should Understand
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|summary= We had a fun time choosing our top ten fantasy novels of 2015, not least because it got us into a lot of ''do you remember...?'' conversations! It took quite a while to whittle our choices down to ten, particularly as we've excluded any books which are part of a series where you need to have read earlier books to appreciate this one.  Here they are, in alphabetical order by author.
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|summary=Sue was absolutely riveted to [[Disaster in the Boardroom: Six Dysfunctions Everyone Should Understand by Gerry Brown and Randall S Peterson]].  It's brilliantly readable but rather frightening: people's lives and livelihoods could be in the hands of company boards which are dysfunctional.  Sue wanted to know more.
 
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|title=Top Ten Historical Fiction Books of 2015
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|title=Top Ten Self-Published Books 2021
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|summary=We've noticed a growing appetite for top class historical fiction and there have been some very good examples in 2015. In making our selection we've avoided books which are the later parts of trilogies and where you really need to have read the earlier books to get the best from them, but here's our selection, in alphabetical order by author.  
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|summary= We thought that 2020 was a strange year but 2021 has been equally so. Once again we've been amazed by the quality of self-published books which have come our way. Last year's top ten consisted of eleven books (maths never was our strong point...) but this year we're going to have to make it a baker's dozen as we really couldn't split them apart. Here they are, in alphabetical order, by author...
 
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|title=Top Ten General Fiction Books for 2015
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|title=How to Write a Standout Book Review in a Saturated Market
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|summary= 2015 has been a good year for those books which you just want to enjoy reading and we think that we've found something for everyone's taste. Here they are, alphabetically by author.
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|summary=Book reviews are a crucial tool for the reading community — it’s via these that opinions are exchanged, ideas discussed, and recommendations found. But though the growth of book review sites is promising for readers, a saturated market also means that it’s getting increasingly difficult to make your mark as a book reviewer.
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If you’re looking for ways to freshen your voice and make a stronger impression, I’ve got a few tips that might help. As an avid reader of book reviews, I’ve noticed that the ones that stay with me usually follow these three guidelines.
 
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|title=Top Ten Books for Teens 2015
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Gerry Brown, Andrew Kakabadse and Filipe Morais about The Independent Director in Society|summary=Sue was an enthusiastic reader of [[The Independent Director in Society: Our current crisis of governance and what to do by Gerry Brown, Andrew Kakabadse and Filipe Morais|The Independent Director in Society: Our current crisis of governance and what to do]] and she had several points she wanted to discuss with the authors when they popped into Bookbag Towers.
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|summary= Choosing our top ten books for teens is always difficult and 2015 was no exception.  We think there's something here for everyone and they're in alphabetical order by author
 
 
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|title=Top Ten History Books 2015
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|title=Comic Books Where the Bad Guys Won
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|summary= We seem to be celebrating a lot of anniversaries - and the books which accompany them - at the moment, but in selecting our top ten history books of 2015 we've tried to give as wide a selection of periods and subjects as possible so that there's something to appeal to everyone.  Here they are in alphabetical order by author.
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|summary=Comic books and movies, in general, have been given the portrayal of good; always winning and saving the day. however, thanks to the creativity of writers, we have a few writers of comics who have managed to alter this unsaid rule, 'evil wins at the end of the day'. While it may not be a great thought to bear in mind, it is still something a bit fascinating to dwell on. And, we believe that it is a breath of fresh air to discover that we have something different from the cliché where the hero always emerges as the victor.
 
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|title=Top Ten Books for Confident Readers 2015
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Gerry Brown About Making a Difference: Leadership, Change and Giving Back the Independent Director Way
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|summary= We stayed up late and ''argued'' about which books should be included in this top ten - and as 2015 has been rich in good books it wasn't an easy job. But - we finally managed to pick just ten and here they are in alpabetical order by author
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|summary=Gerry Brown is so keen to see people geting involved that there's a free digital [https://www.degruyter.com/view/title/580618 download] of this £42 book.
 
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|title=Top Ten Picture Books 2015
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|title=Top Ten Self-Published Books 2020
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|summary= We really struggled to pick just ten picture books from the brilliant editions we've seen this year and some of our personal favourites had to be left out, but here they are in alphabetical order, by author.
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|summary= In this strangest of years we've been delighted by the self-published books we've read and they're all books which compare well with traditionally-published books in the same genres. We really couldn't narrow the choice down any further - so this year's top ten consists of eleven books and here they are, in alphabetical order by author...
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To John Searancke
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Olga Kokshagina and Allen Alexander
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|summary=Sue was impressed by John Searancke's story of his father's war, [[Prunes for Breakfast by John Searancke|Prunes for Breakfast]] and she had quite a few questions for John when he popped into Bookbag Towers.
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|summary=Sue was so impressed by [[The Radical Innovation Playbook: A Practical Guide for Harnessing New, Novel or Game-Changing Breakthroughs by Olga Kokshagina and Allen Alexander]] that she wished that she had a good business idea of her own so that she could use the book.  Perhaps that was what she was talking about when Olga and Allen popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Chris Calder
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Andrew Hampshire
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|summary=Ani enjoyed [[Celeste Three is Missing by Chris Calder]] and thought it was a good, slow burning escapist thriller.  She had quite a few questions for the author when he popped in to see us.
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|summary=Technology can seem frightening to people who don't have the background. In [[Creating Value Through Technology: Discover the Tech that Can Transform Your Business by Andrew Hampshire|Creating Value Through Technology: Discover the Tech that Can Transform Your Business]] Andrew Hampshire discusses the tech that can add quantifiable value to your business and how to get the most out of it.  He and Sue had a lot to chat about when he dropped into Bookbag Towers.
 
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|title=October 2015 Newsletter
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|title=Stand Up to Bullying With a Pulitzer Prize Winner
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|summary=  
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|summary=In every generation, there are kids who become bullies. They bully their siblings, neighbor kids, and their classmates. They seem to believe that other kids look up to them and respect them. That is self-delusion, as most adults are aware, but kids don't have the experience to properly judge what is respect and what is merely fear.
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Hi, hello, and how the devil are you? Good, we hope!
 
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The wait is over and we now know that Marlon James [http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/oct/13/marlon-james-wins-the-man-booker-prize-2015 won the Booker Prize 2015]. He's the first Jamaican to win and we couldn't be happier for him. Ani loved [[A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James]], calling it ''multi-layered epiphany of a novel'' and if you haven't read it already, you really, really should. You can also find our reviews of all the short listed books [[Man Booker Prize 2015|here]]. They're all fabulous.
 
 
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|title=Man Booker Prize 2015
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|title=From Sci Fi to Reality: How Dreams Turn Into Innovations
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|summary= We're eagerly awaiting news of the winner of the 2015 Man Booker Prize and we have some exciting books on the shortlist.
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|summary=The gap between sci-fi and reality is not so big anymore. You don’t have to go that far back in time to see huge developments in technology. For example, the smartphone has been around for over 10 years now, but if you don’t have one in today’s society, you’d either be seen as crazy or just out of touch.
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Sandy Hogarth
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|title=5 Great AI books to read in 2020
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|summary=Rebecca enjoyed [[The Glass Girl by Sandy Hogarth]], an exploration of the psychological effects of sexual trauma and relationship betrayals. She had quite a few questions for the author when she popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
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|summary=Artificial intelligence (AI) has expanded into one of the most important technologies in human history. It comes with so many benefits, from improving the efficiency of simple, basic tasks to helping to solve advanced problems by quickly analyzing large data sets.
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Frances Brody
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|title=A Baker's Dozen of Books to Keep the Kids Occupied When They Can't Go Out
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|summary=Sue is a long-standing fan of Frances Brody's Kate Shackleton mysteries. She thought that the latest - [[A Death in the Dales by Frances Brody|A Death in the Dales]] - was ingenious, well researched and a darned good read.  There were quite a few questions when Frances popped into Bookbag Towers.
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|summary= Are you running out of inspiration for what to do with the kids when they can't go out? We've come up with a baker's dozen of books to give you some brilliant ideas.
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Jill Thrussell
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|title=Top Ten Self-Published Books 2019
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|summary=Ani thought that [[I'll Meet You In Heaven by Jill Thrussell|I'll Meet You In Heaven]] was a story of love, loss and new beginnings which would be a great comfort to those who have suffered loss.  She had quite a few questions for author Jill Thrussell when she popped in to see us.
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|summary= We've seen some cracking self-published books this year and they're all books which compare well with traditionally-published books in the same genres.  We really couldn't narrow the choice down any further - so this year's top ten consists of eleven books and here they are, in alphabetical order by author...
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Kim Staflund Again
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|title=Desiree Villena Talks To Bookbag About 5 Key Tips for Writing a Critical-Yet-Fair Book Review
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|summary=Sue's always been just a little bit keen to avoid the limelight, so when Kim Staflund's latest book, [[Successful Selling Tips for Introverted Authors by Kim Staflund|Successful Selling Tips for Introverted Authors]] landed on her desk she ''devoured'' it and had quite a few questions to ask the author when she popped into Bookbag Towers.
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|summary=Writing a book review isn't difficult, you know, but there are a few things you need to keep us in mind.  Desiree Villena gives us five tips.
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Matt Addis
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Melanie Martin
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|summary=Sue has spent some very indulgent hours recently listening to books narrated by Matt Addis.  Most recently she's wallowed in [[Rape of the Fair Country by Alexander Cordell|Rape of the Fair Country]] and [[The Hosts of Rebecca by Alexander Cordell|The Hosts of Rebecca]], both by Alexander Cordell, which she thought were amazing.  When Matt popped into Bookbag Towers she wanted to know how it was all done.
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|summary=|summary=In [[War and Love: A family's testament of anguish, endurance and devotion in occupied Amsterdam by Melanie Martin|War and Love: A family's testament of anguish, endurance and devotion in occupied Amsterdam]] Melanie Martin reconstructs what happened to her family in occupied Amsterdam in WWII.  It's a highly compelling if occasionally shocking read.  Days after she finished the book Sue could not stop thinking about what she had read and was delighted when the author agreed to chat with her.
 
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|title=September 2015 Newsletter
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|title=Framing the Brexit narrative: immigration, myths and public perception
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|summary=  
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|summary=Loobna Joomun looks at how Brexit is likely to affect the publishing industry - and the wider country.
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Well, they say summer is the silly season but so much has been happening since we last wrote! And so much of what has been happening has tied into the world of books in our thoughts. MPs, given a free vote, [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/mps-overwhelmingly-reject-plans-to-legalise-assisted-dying-for-people-with-terminal-illnesses-10496918.html rejected] an assisted dying bill. And that made us remember beloved Terry Pratchett, who so strongly [http://www.theguardian.com/society/2010/feb/02/terry-pratchett-assisted-suicide-tribunal supported] the idea. We miss you, Terry.
 
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Antony Wootten Again
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|title=8 ways to motivate yourself to write, right NOW by Jessica Jarlvi
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|summary=After she finished reading [[The Grubby Feather Gang (Bigshorts) by Antony Wootten|The Grubby Feather Gang]] Sue couldn't get the characters out of her mind.  The book had given her a lot to think about and she had quite a few questions for author [[:Category:Antony Wootten|Antony Wootten]] when he popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
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|summary=Ever felt that you've hit a brick wall with your writing? Jessica Jarlvi has eight tips yo get you writing again.
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To C B Calico
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|title=Greg Hickey Talks To Bookbag About The Old Guard of Dystopian Fiction
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|summary=Rebecca was impressed by [[Dandelion Angel by C B Calico|Dandelion Angel]] and had quite a few questions when debut author C B Calico popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
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|summary=Where do you go when you move beyond classics like ''1984'' and ''Brave New World''?
 
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|title=August 2015 Newsletter
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|title=Top Ten Self-Published Books 2018
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|summary= Choosing the top ten self-published books we read in 2018 was difficult as we're constantly surprised at just how good some self-published books are. Here's our final top ten in alphabetical order by author...
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Hi, hello and how are you? Good, we hope. We have some summer reading recommendations for you as ever this month. If you haven't been on your holidays yet, hopefully there's something there you'd like to take with you. If you have, well, you can still take a look - perhaps for some reading in the garden during the long evenings. Either way, happy summer reading everyone!
 
 
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|title=July 2015 Newsletter
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|title=James Donald Talks To Bookbag About The Death Of Norman Breyfogle
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|summary=  
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|summary=One of the finest storytellers you've never heard of, who died in September 2018 at the age of 58.
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How are you all doing with the summer weather? Aside from sweltering and moaning, that is. We can allow you to swelter but not to moan about it. Sorry! Did you watch Wimbledon? As we write, the tournament is still ongoing, so our fingers are still crossed for Andy Murray, as they were for our fabulous footballing lionesses. We need to review more books about sport, we really do.
 
 
}}
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Sarah Bourne
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Melissa Leet
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|summary=When she read [[Two Lives by Sarah Bourne|Two Lives]] Rebecca thought that author Sarah Bourne was definitely going to be one to follow.  They had a lot to chat about when Sarah popped into Bookbag Towers.
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|summary=Sue was impressed when she read [[Landslide by Melissa Leet|Landslide]] by Melissa Leet and was surprised to find that it was a debut novel.  She had quite a few questions for Melissa when she popped into Bookbag Towers.
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To John Piper
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|title=Faiz Kermani talks to Bookbag about how a blue frog is helping Malawi's vulnerable children to live safe, healthy and happy lives
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|summary=Ani was impressed when she read John Piper's [[Hibernia Unanimis: "Pro Deo, Rege et Patricia, Hibernia Unanimis" (For God, King and Country, Ireland is United) by John Piper|Hibernia Unanimis]] and she had quite a few questions to ask the author when he popped into Bookbag Towers.
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|summary=Every child has a right to medical care
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Gerry Brown
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|title=Abi Silver Talks To The Bookbag About A Few Of Her Favourite Things
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|summary=Sue thought that [[The Independent Director: The Non-Executive Director's Guide to Effective Board Presence by Gerry Brown|The Independent Director: The Non-Executive Director's Guide to Effective Board Presence]] was fascinating and certain to become the go-to book for anyone thinking about taking on an independent directorship.  There were quite a few questions she wanted to ask when author Gerry brown popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
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|summary=''We could definitely make a flying car – but that's not the hard part. The hard part is, how do you make a flying car that's super safe and quiet?'': Elon Musk
 
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|title=June 2015 Newsletter
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Daniel Peltz
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|summary=Hi, hello and how the devil are you?
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|summary=Sue wasn't expecting to enjoy a novel about a ''building'', but was surprised by just how compelling she found [[The Indomitable Chiesa di Santa Maria by Daniel Peltz|The Indomitable Chiesa di Santa Maria]]. There was a lot to chat about when author Daniel Peltz popped into Bookbag Towers.
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The days are getting long and for us here at Bookbag, it means the evenings are perfect for reading. Hopefully you feel the same and hopefully this newsletter will give you some ideas about what to read next.
 
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So, what's been going on in the book world? Well, there's been a flurry of laureate-related news.
 
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Firstly, the redoubtable [http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33046917 Chris Riddell has taken over] from the equally redoubtable Malorie Blackman as the new Children's Laureate. Hooray! We love Chris. He says he wants to put ''visual literacy'' front and centre during his tenure and he'd love to see children drawing every day. So would we. Good luck, Chris.}}
 
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|title=May 2015 Newsletter
 
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|summary=Hi, hello, how goes it with you? Post-election blues? Or post-election euphoria? Or simply thankful it's all over for another five years? Whichever, it's good to get back to talking about books, right? Right?!
 
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Penguin are hoping to raise £25,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust through their [http://penguinblog.co.uk/2015/05/05/a-night-of-infinities/ Night of Infinities] on 26 June. Over the past three years, millions of people around the world have connected with the story of Gus and Hazel in John Green’s life-changing [[The Fault in Our Stars by John Green|The Fault in Our Stars]]. Night of Infinities is a a UK and Ireland wide, TFiOS-themed sleepover that will include all sorts of online fun. The Teenage Cancer Trust does remarkable work, so if you know anyone that might like to take part, do let them know.
 
 
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|title=April 2015 Newsletter
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|title=Top Ten Self-Published Books 2017
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|summary=Hi there! Spring is in the air! Isn't it a relief? Politics is also in the air. There's a general election campaign on, in case you hadn't noticed. Somewhat less of a relief for many, we fear. If you're looking to escape Cameron, Miliband, Farage et al, and are looking for anything to read that isn't a party manifesto, stick with us. We have some great book recommendations for you this month.
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|summary= Choosing the top ten self-published books we read in 2017 was one of the toughest jobs we did all year and involved a great deal of discussion. Here's our final top ten in alphabetical order by author...
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In other news, author David Nicholls says that browsing bookshops then buying online is a genteel form of shoplifting. Do you agree? We think bookshops are precious so we are inclined to concur. Having said that, there's nothing wrong with a choice of format. Not everybody feels the same way about books as objects. Perhaps, rather than the gladiatorial combat Nicholls describes, it would be better if people browsed in bookshops and then chose the physical book or a download at the checkout?
 
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To John Kemp
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Chit Dubey
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|summary=Sue thought that John Kemp’s book [[Caring for Shirley by John Kemp|Caring for Shirley]] was a remarkably upbeat, life-affirming read considering that it was about looking after his wife who was suffering from dementia and no longer recognised him as her husband.  it’s probably one of the most feared fates as you get older, and Sue had plenty to discuss with John Kemp when he popped into Bookbag Towers.
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|summary=Sue was quietly impressed when she read [[21 Doors to Happiness: Life Through Travel Experiences and Meditation by Chit Dubey]] as it chimed with her personal view of life.  She was delighted when Chit Dubey popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Michael Pronko
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|title=Melita Thomas Talks To Bookbag About The King's Pearl: Henry VIII and his Daughter Mary
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|summary=Rebecca enjoyed Michael Pronko's whimsical, poetic [[Beauty and Chaos: Slices and Morsels of Tokyo Life by Michael Pronko|essays on Tokyo life]] and she had quite a few questions for the author when he popped into Bookbag Towers.
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|summary= Melita Thomas tell us that Mary was a true Renaissance Princess
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Tricia Callow, sister of Lesley J Nickell
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Elizabeth Fox and Martin le Comte
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|summary=Ani is an enthusiast about 15th and 16th century history and enjoyed the different approach to the Wars of the Roses which she found in [[The White Queen of Middleham: Sprigs of Broom 1 by Lesley J Nickell]].  She'd have loved to chat to Lesley, but unfortunately she died in 2013.  Fortunately, Lesley's sister, Tricia Callow had the answers to many of Ani's questions.
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|summary=Peter thought that [[The Ten Golden Rules of Leadership by Elizabeth Fox and Martin le Comte|The Ten Golden Rules of Leadership]] was the best book on leadership he'd ever read and he couldn't resist asking authors Elizabeth Fox and Martin le Comte quite a few questions when they came to Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
 
}}
 
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|title=March 2015 Newsletter
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Gabe Riggs
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|summary=Hello dear readers. We hope you're well and that winter is slowly seeping from your bones.
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|summary=Luke thought that [[Punk Love Foucault by Gabe Riggs]] was an intense, emotional and visceral read that illuminates and educates with a strong voice and clear, capable prose. There was a lot to talk about when Gabe popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
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This last month has brought sad news. Sir Terry Pratchett, creator of Discworld and advocate of right to die reform, [http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/mar/15/sir-terry-pratchett-1948-2015-an-appreciation has died]. Lovely Sir Terry, whose stories satirised every aspect of the modern world and the human condition but who, in person, was kind and funny and twinkly, without a nasty bone in his body. We are all a little bit less without him.  
 
 
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|title=February 2015 Newsletter
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Sandra Aragona
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|summary=Hi, hello, and how the devil are you? Reading feverishly, we hope. As ever, we've rounded up our favourite books out this month and hopefully you'll find something you - or your children - will enjoy in the picks.
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|summary=Sue loved Sandra Aragona's lightly-fictionalised [[Sorting the Priorities: Ambassadress and Beagle Survive Diplomacy by Sandra Aragona|autobiography]] of life as a diplomatic spouse. There was a lot that she wanted to ask about when Sandra popped into Bookbag Towers.
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The first reviews for the film adaptation of [[Fifty Shades Of Grey by EL James]] are out. Most are suggesting that the film is better than the book. It's a polarising volume, isn't it? Our reviewer Zoe is in the positive camp but there are many who aren't. It will be interesting to see what readers think: few of us ''ever'' prefer the film to the book.  
 
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Virginia Burges
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To K J Lawrence
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|summary=Rebecca thought that [[The Virtuoso by Virginia Burges|The Virtuoso]] was a sensitive portrayal of a life in transition.  She had quite a few questions when author Virginia Burges popped into Bookbag Towers.
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|summary=Sue was delighted when she read [[The Cossack by K J Lawrence|The Cossack]] as it restored her faith in the thriller genre.  When the author, K J Lawrence, popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us, Sue had quite a few questions ready!
 
}}
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To P J Davitt
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Stuart Burrell
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|summary=Jill thought that [[One Shot at Glory by P J Davitt|One Shot at Glory]] was a truly relatable story about football hopefuls and author P J Davitt makes it warts and all.  She had quite a few questions she wanted to ask when Paddy popped into Bookbag Towers.
+
|summary=Sue found Start Burrell's book [[Twelve Times To The Max: One Man's Journey to, and Recollections of, Setting Twelve Verified World Records by Stuart Burrell|Twelve Times To The Max: One Man's Journey to, and Recollections of, Setting Twelve Verified World Records]] an inspiring, feel-good read.  She wanted to know more when Stuart popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
 
}}
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Nigel McClea
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Wes Stuart
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|summary=Sue thought that [[A Word Glittering with Spikes by Nigel McClea|A Word Glittering with Spikes]] was a long, indulgent, romantic read and she had quite a few questions for author Nigel McClea when he popped into Bookbag Towers.
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|summary=Luke enjoyed the combination of compellingly-written science fiction which blends themes of innocence and growth with some well depicted moments of horror in [[My Name is Sam by Wes Stuart|My Name is Sam]] and he had quite a few questions for author Wes Stuart when he popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
 
}}
 
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|category=comments
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|category=interviews
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|title=Leonce Gaiter Talks To Bookbag About Why Men Are Only 20% of all Fiction Readers
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To B C R Fegan
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|summary=Leonce Gaiter is a prolific African American writer and proud Harvard Alum. His writing has appeared in the NYTimes, NYT Magazine, LA Times, Washington Times, and Washington Post, and he has written two novels.  His newly released novel, [http://bit.ly/ZyqSuN In the Company of Educated Men] is a literary thriller with socio-economic, class, and racial themes.
+
|summary=Sue giggled like a child when she read [[Henry and the Hidden Treasure by B C R Fegan and Lenny Wen]]: it's a good story with some valuable lessons.  It was a real pleasure to chat to writer B C R Fegan when he popped into Bookbag Towers.
 
}}
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To R D Shanks
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Annie Ingram
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|summary=Ani was quietly impressed by debut author Rachael Shanks' [[A Reverie of Brothers by R D Shanks|A Reverie of Brothers]] and she had quite a few questions when the author popped into Bookbag Towers.
+
|summary=Very few people believe that dogs can talk so it was something of a relief when Sue met author, Annie Ingram.  She has lengthy conversations with her cocker spaniel Kammie and has shared them with us in her [[Conversations with Kammie by Annie Ingram|book]].  There was a lot to talk about when she popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{newfeature
 
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|category=newsletters
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|category=interviews
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|title=January 2015 Newsletter
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Stephan Santiago
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|summary=Hi, hello and a very happy New Year. May 2015 be healthy, happy and fulfilling for each and every one of you.
+
|summary=Ani was quietly moved by [[Returning Home by Stephan Santiago|Returning Home]] and there were several points she wanted to discuss with author Stephan Santiago when he popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
−
 
 
−
We have the most wonderful book story for you this month. For the last three years, an anonymous artist has been leaving sculptures made from old books in and around Edinburgh. The sculptures are absolutely beautiful: delicate, evocative, inspiring. We at Bookbag love a bit of book art. Anf finally, the artist has spoken in an [http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-30697553 interview with the BBC]. She still doesn't say who she is, though! We love this story.
 
 
}}
 
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{{newfeature |category=interviews
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Femi Bolaji
 
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|summary=Sue was moved when she read [[God Tells the Sun to Shine: An Amazing Story of Love and Forgiveness by Femi Bolaji|God Tells the Sun to Shine: An Amazing Story of Love and Forgiveness]] and there were was quite a bit to chat about when author Femi Bolaji popped into Bookbag Towers.
 
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}}
 
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Check out the full lists of [[:Category: Interviews|interviews]], [[:Category: Lists|top tens]] and [[:Category: Comments|articles]].
 
  
 +
Move to [[Recommended Resources]]
 
[[Category:Features|*]]
 
[[Category:Features|*]]

Latest revision as of 08:41, 3 October 2024

Check out the full lists of interviews, top tens and articles.

Bookcomments.jpg Self-Improvement Through Reading: How to Choose Books for Personal Growth

Reading provides insights and techniques for both personal and professional development, making it a potent tool for self-improvement. However, the impact of reading largely depends on choosing the right books to match your objectives. To simplify this process, consider using the Headway app – a platform that provides users with key insights from top research-based books through audio and text summaries, making it easier to incorporate learning into a busy schedule. Read more...

Bookcomments.jpg How to Write a Book Report: From Choosing the Book to Final Draft

Need help on how to do a book report? Check out our step-by-step guide at thebookbag.co.uk and learn to craft compelling reports that impress today!

Book report writing shouldn't be a headache! It's almost like telling a friend about a book but with a bit of structure. Read more...

Bookcomments.jpg How Serialized Stories Are Revolutionizing the Way We Read

With technology gradually encroaching on every area of our lives, the change extends to literature as well. This brings serialized stories into focus, which overtook our reading habits with its stages, or small sequential parts of a narrated story. In this sense, this new approach is doing more than just changing how we read but also how authors will write, publishers, promote, and readers experience these works. The rise of digital platforms and book writing apps (e.g. Chapterly) are at the forefront of this change. Read more...

Booklists.jpg Top Ten Self-Published Books 2023

We've seen some really good self-published books this year: they're up there with the best of traditional publishing. Here's our top ten, in alphabetical order, by author. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Jeffrey Dunn

Jill enjoyed Radio Free Olympia, a story blending prose and poetry with themes of ecology, folklore, love and loss. She didn't think it was the easiest read, but a rewarding one. Read more...

Bookcomments.jpg How To Write a Fantasy Novel: The Full Guide

Fantasy has always been our way out of the real world's limitations. It's a space where magic is real, mythical creatures roam, and heroes go on epic quests. This genre is loved by people of all ages and backgrounds. It allows us to explore new worlds and face unimaginable challenges, all without leaving our homes.

But what if you could do more than just visit these magical lands? What if you could create your own? This is the magic of writing a fantasy novel. You have the power to build worlds with your words. You can turn simple ink and paper into landscapes that readers can explore.

So, get ready for an adventure. This journey is not just about castles and wizards. It's also about the craft of writing. You'll learn to use language and imagination to make a rich, varied story. And who knows what unexplored realms you'll discover along the way? Read more...

Bookcomments.jpg How Can Reading Improve Your Vocabulary: Best Practices

Reading is one of the most effective ways to improve your vocabulary. Not only does it expose you to new words and their meanings, but it also allows you to see them used in context, which is essential for understanding and using them correctly. With the rise of language learning apps, such as Promova, many people have turned to technology to improve their vocabulary. However, reading remains a tried-and-true method that has been used for centuries. Read more...

Bookcomments.jpg 3 Things You Didn't Know About Ghostwriters

How much do you know about ghostwriters? These professionals lurk in the shadows of the publishing industry (both self- and traditional publishing), with most members of the public having only ever heard of them because of the Pierce Brosnan film. Given the awkwardness a lot of people feel toward ghostwriters, it's no surprise that there are a number of misconceptions about what they do, so I'm hoping to clarify three important things in this post. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Conrad Delacroix

Sue really enjoyed The Lensky Connection, a thriller set primarily in Russia. She had quite a few questions for author Conrad Delacroix when he popped into Bookbag Towers. Read more...

Booklists.jpg Top Ten Self-Published Books 2022

We're constantly amazed at the quality of the self-published books which come our way and we've seen some real gems in 2022. Here they are, in alphabetical order, by author: Read more...

Bookcomments.jpg 3 Things You Should Know About Literary Agents

If you're all set to publish your novel, it might be time to get yourself a literary agent. Since you're essentially picking the person responsible for presenting and marketing your book to the world, this is no easy task. When you've sent your query letters and started getting responses, these tips will help you choose the right person for you. Read more...

Bookcomments.jpg Lolita Book Review: Most Important Things to Know

Lolita, a highly controversial book, is not subject to bans in American schools. Here are the most important things you need to know about it. Read more...

Bookcomments.jpg Stylish Restaging of The Crucible is All Show and No Substance, According to Reviews

The Crucible is a tragedy that’s been debated and discussed for many years. Its current running in theaters has received a rather intriguing review. Keep reading to find out more. Read more...

Bookcomments.jpg How Bar Modeling Makes Word Problems Easy in Singapore Math

Singapore Mathematics is a unique way of presenting this science. Parents and teachers will be able to understand and explain to children the simplest mathematical processes using images. Read more...

Bookcomments.jpg Finding More Time For Reading

If there is one thing that a lot of people could benefit from having more of in their lives, it's literature. Plenty of us have gone through this experience of suddenly finding that we are not reading as much as we used to. There are a lot of possible reasons for this, and it's something that you might be able to approach in a number of ways if you want to make sure that you are getting back into reading again. But one of the most important parts of this is probably that you are able to find enough time for reading, and that can be harder than you might initially think. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Gerry Brown and Randall S Peterson about Disaster in the Boardroom: Six Dysfunctions Everyone Should Understand

Sue was absolutely riveted to Disaster in the Boardroom: Six Dysfunctions Everyone Should Understand by Gerry Brown and Randall S Peterson. It's brilliantly readable but rather frightening: people's lives and livelihoods could be in the hands of company boards which are dysfunctional. Sue wanted to know more. Read more...

Booklists.jpg Top Ten Self-Published Books 2021

We thought that 2020 was a strange year but 2021 has been equally so. Once again we've been amazed by the quality of self-published books which have come our way. Last year's top ten consisted of eleven books (maths never was our strong point...) but this year we're going to have to make it a baker's dozen as we really couldn't split them apart. Here they are, in alphabetical order, by author... Read more...

Bookcomments.jpg How to Write a Standout Book Review in a Saturated Market

Book reviews are a crucial tool for the reading community — it’s via these that opinions are exchanged, ideas discussed, and recommendations found. But though the growth of book review sites is promising for readers, a saturated market also means that it’s getting increasingly difficult to make your mark as a book reviewer.

If you’re looking for ways to freshen your voice and make a stronger impression, I’ve got a few tips that might help. As an avid reader of book reviews, I’ve noticed that the ones that stay with me usually follow these three guidelines. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Gerry Brown, Andrew Kakabadse and Filipe Morais about The Independent Director in Society

Sue was an enthusiastic reader of The Independent Director in Society: Our current crisis of governance and what to do and she had several points she wanted to discuss with the authors when they popped into Bookbag Towers. Read more...

Bookcomments.jpg Comic Books Where the Bad Guys Won

Comic books and movies, in general, have been given the portrayal of good; always winning and saving the day. however, thanks to the creativity of writers, we have a few writers of comics who have managed to alter this unsaid rule, 'evil wins at the end of the day'. While it may not be a great thought to bear in mind, it is still something a bit fascinating to dwell on. And, we believe that it is a breath of fresh air to discover that we have something different from the cliché where the hero always emerges as the victor. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Gerry Brown About Making a Difference: Leadership, Change and Giving Back the Independent Director Way

Gerry Brown is so keen to see people geting involved that there's a free digital download of this £42 book. Read more...

Booklists.jpg Top Ten Self-Published Books 2020

In this strangest of years we've been delighted by the self-published books we've read and they're all books which compare well with traditionally-published books in the same genres. We really couldn't narrow the choice down any further - so this year's top ten consists of eleven books and here they are, in alphabetical order by author... Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Olga Kokshagina and Allen Alexander

Sue was so impressed by The Radical Innovation Playbook: A Practical Guide for Harnessing New, Novel or Game-Changing Breakthroughs by Olga Kokshagina and Allen Alexander that she wished that she had a good business idea of her own so that she could use the book. Perhaps that was what she was talking about when Olga and Allen popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Andrew Hampshire

Technology can seem frightening to people who don't have the background. In Creating Value Through Technology: Discover the Tech that Can Transform Your Business Andrew Hampshire discusses the tech that can add quantifiable value to your business and how to get the most out of it. He and Sue had a lot to chat about when he dropped into Bookbag Towers. Read more...

Bookcomments.jpg Stand Up to Bullying With a Pulitzer Prize Winner

In every generation, there are kids who become bullies. They bully their siblings, neighbor kids, and their classmates. They seem to believe that other kids look up to them and respect them. That is self-delusion, as most adults are aware, but kids don't have the experience to properly judge what is respect and what is merely fear. Read more...

Bookcomments.jpg From Sci Fi to Reality: How Dreams Turn Into Innovations

The gap between sci-fi and reality is not so big anymore. You don’t have to go that far back in time to see huge developments in technology. For example, the smartphone has been around for over 10 years now, but if you don’t have one in today’s society, you’d either be seen as crazy or just out of touch. Read more...

Bookcomments.jpg 5 Great AI books to read in 2020

Artificial intelligence (AI) has expanded into one of the most important technologies in human history. It comes with so many benefits, from improving the efficiency of simple, basic tasks to helping to solve advanced problems by quickly analyzing large data sets. Read more...

Booklists.jpg A Baker's Dozen of Books to Keep the Kids Occupied When They Can't Go Out

Are you running out of inspiration for what to do with the kids when they can't go out? We've come up with a baker's dozen of books to give you some brilliant ideas. Read more...

Booklists.jpg Top Ten Self-Published Books 2019

We've seen some cracking self-published books this year and they're all books which compare well with traditionally-published books in the same genres. We really couldn't narrow the choice down any further - so this year's top ten consists of eleven books and here they are, in alphabetical order by author... Read more...

Bookcomments.jpg Desiree Villena Talks To Bookbag About 5 Key Tips for Writing a Critical-Yet-Fair Book Review

Writing a book review isn't difficult, you know, but there are a few things you need to keep us in mind. Desiree Villena gives us five tips. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Melanie Martin

In War and Love: A family's testament of anguish, endurance and devotion in occupied Amsterdam Melanie Martin reconstructs what happened to her family in occupied Amsterdam in WWII. It's a highly compelling if occasionally shocking read. Days after she finished the book Sue could not stop thinking about what she had read and was delighted when the author agreed to chat with her. Read more...

Bookcomments.jpg Framing the Brexit narrative: immigration, myths and public perception

Loobna Joomun looks at how Brexit is likely to affect the publishing industry - and the wider country. Read more...

Bookcomments.jpg 8 ways to motivate yourself to write, right NOW by Jessica Jarlvi

Ever felt that you've hit a brick wall with your writing? Jessica Jarlvi has eight tips yo get you writing again. Read more...

Bookcomments.jpg Greg Hickey Talks To Bookbag About The Old Guard of Dystopian Fiction

Where do you go when you move beyond classics like 1984 and Brave New World? Read more...

Booklists.jpg Top Ten Self-Published Books 2018

Choosing the top ten self-published books we read in 2018 was difficult as we're constantly surprised at just how good some self-published books are. Here's our final top ten in alphabetical order by author... Read more...

Bookcomments.jpg James Donald Talks To Bookbag About The Death Of Norman Breyfogle

One of the finest storytellers you've never heard of, who died in September 2018 at the age of 58. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Melissa Leet

Sue was impressed when she read Landslide by Melissa Leet and was surprised to find that it was a debut novel. She had quite a few questions for Melissa when she popped into Bookbag Towers. Read more...

Bookcomments.jpg Faiz Kermani talks to Bookbag about how a blue frog is helping Malawi's vulnerable children to live safe, healthy and happy lives

Every child has a right to medical care Read more...

Bookcomments.jpg Abi Silver Talks To The Bookbag About A Few Of Her Favourite Things

We could definitely make a flying car – but that's not the hard part. The hard part is, how do you make a flying car that's super safe and quiet?: Elon Musk Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Daniel Peltz

Sue wasn't expecting to enjoy a novel about a building, but was surprised by just how compelling she found The Indomitable Chiesa di Santa Maria. There was a lot to chat about when author Daniel Peltz popped into Bookbag Towers. Read more...

Booklists.jpg Top Ten Self-Published Books 2017

Choosing the top ten self-published books we read in 2017 was one of the toughest jobs we did all year and involved a great deal of discussion. Here's our final top ten in alphabetical order by author... Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Chit Dubey

Sue was quietly impressed when she read 21 Doors to Happiness: Life Through Travel Experiences and Meditation by Chit Dubey as it chimed with her personal view of life. She was delighted when Chit Dubey popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us. Read more...

Bookcomments.jpg Melita Thomas Talks To Bookbag About The King's Pearl: Henry VIII and his Daughter Mary

Melita Thomas tell us that Mary was a true Renaissance Princess Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Elizabeth Fox and Martin le Comte

Peter thought that The Ten Golden Rules of Leadership was the best book on leadership he'd ever read and he couldn't resist asking authors Elizabeth Fox and Martin le Comte quite a few questions when they came to Bookbag Towers to chat to us. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Gabe Riggs

Luke thought that Punk Love Foucault by Gabe Riggs was an intense, emotional and visceral read that illuminates and educates with a strong voice and clear, capable prose. There was a lot to talk about when Gabe popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Sandra Aragona

Sue loved Sandra Aragona's lightly-fictionalised autobiography of life as a diplomatic spouse. There was a lot that she wanted to ask about when Sandra popped into Bookbag Towers. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To K J Lawrence

Sue was delighted when she read The Cossack as it restored her faith in the thriller genre. When the author, K J Lawrence, popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us, Sue had quite a few questions ready! Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Stuart Burrell

Sue found Start Burrell's book Twelve Times To The Max: One Man's Journey to, and Recollections of, Setting Twelve Verified World Records an inspiring, feel-good read. She wanted to know more when Stuart popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Wes Stuart

Luke enjoyed the combination of compellingly-written science fiction which blends themes of innocence and growth with some well depicted moments of horror in My Name is Sam and he had quite a few questions for author Wes Stuart when he popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To B C R Fegan

Sue giggled like a child when she read Henry and the Hidden Treasure by B C R Fegan and Lenny Wen: it's a good story with some valuable lessons. It was a real pleasure to chat to writer B C R Fegan when he popped into Bookbag Towers. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Annie Ingram

Very few people believe that dogs can talk so it was something of a relief when Sue met author, Annie Ingram. She has lengthy conversations with her cocker spaniel Kammie and has shared them with us in her book. There was a lot to talk about when she popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Stephan Santiago

Ani was quietly moved by Returning Home and there were several points she wanted to discuss with author Stephan Santiago when he popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us. Read more...

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