September 2009 Newsletter

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September's News from Bookbag Towers

Before we begin, 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.

It's been a stressful month at Bookbag Towers. Our host's server had a major malfunction and we spent several days trying to sort out the aftermath of being hurriedly moved to a new one. After much weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth - Jill's children retired to their bedrooms with sandbags, and Sue's dogs did much the same - we think it's all ok now. We're very sorry if you experienced an interruption to service and we hope you'll forgive us. We promise to make it up to you, we do. Starting with our features section, which has the low down on this year's Booker prize. Jill is rooting for the utterly sublime Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. What would you like to see win it?

In August, our most read review was Shame on You by Clara Salaman. About a fundamentalist sect in today's London, it's clearly struck a chord. It's both gripping and heartbreaking and we can see why it has proved such a well-read review.

What we've been reading...

In fiction, Lesley fell in love with Under This Unbroken Sky by Shandi Mitchell, a stunning debut novel that gets to the heart of breaking a homestead in the Canadian prairies during the Great Depression. Melony recommends Under Fishbone Clouds by Sam Meekings - the Kitchen God is tasked by the Jade Emperor to discover the secrets of the human heart in an examination of the pressures that modern Chinese politics are causing. Zoe is waxing lyrical about When I Found You by Catherine Ryan Hyde, a stunning piece of fiction that explores family ties that go far beyond a pure genetic relationship. Fans of Jodi Picoult will enjoy this well-crafted story that is impossible to put down.

If you're interested in history and particularly the Tudors we can recommend Elizabeth's Women by Tracy Borman - we never tire of this period in history, but Borman really does add some extra interest in writing about the women surrounding Elizabeth I. Lovers of trivia and mini-biography shouldn't miss Curing Hiccups with Small Fires by Karl Shaw, a thoroughly entertaining, well researched and frequently hilarious book of peculiar aristocrats, soldiers, politicians and generally odd people from all walks of life.

In children's books, the littlest ones shouldn't miss Ernest by Catherine Rayner. Ernest the moose is so big that he won't fit into his own book. Luckily he has a resourceful friend to help him out. It's highly recommended by us. Middle readers will love Iggy and Me by Jenny Valentine. Its simple tales of family life are brimming with humour and interest, and are wonderfully readable. Teens will be glad to know that Meg Rosoff isn't off her game with The Bride's Farewell. It's a beautiful road trip-come-fable-come-quest novel, in Rosoff's trademark understated but vivid and romantic style. The journeys are physical and emotional, and this book will appeal to a wide range of readers.

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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