July 2008 Newsletter

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July's News from Bookbag Towers

Who's been watching the tennis? It was so exciting this year Bookbag almost ran out of time for reading. But Andymonium is over for this year at any rate, and so, tennis-less, our thoughts turned to books. There's some great stuff out this month, and this what we think you should consider packing in those summer holiday suitcases...

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, Chloe loved Gypsy by Lesley Pearse. It's great women's fiction, and an absolutely amazing story of love, loss and wonderful adventures. You won't be able to put it down. Also for the girlies, Sue enjoyed Where the River Ends by Charles Martin, a weepy and a romance as Chris takes his dying wife on a trip down the river. A light read but highly recommended for holiday reading. Ruth recommends Touching Distance by Rebecca Abrams, A compulsive fictional account of the discoveries of pioneering doctor, Alexander Gordon, set in the late 18th century. Written with style by an accomplished writer, this page-turner is not for the squeamish. Paul brings you Crime by Irvine Welsh, a slick, foul-mouthed, violent crime thriller which charges headlong into paedophilia and some dodgy psychology, but still somehow succeeds on several levels.

In non-fiction, the undoubted hit of the month is You Can Think Yourself Thin by Ursula James, a a fantastic book and CD set which aims to help you not only lose weight but retain the weight loss through focusing on the state of your mind and well being. For the go-getting among you, Sue recommends Guide to Management Ideas and Gurus by Tim Hindle. It's a concise and pithy look at the management ideas and people who have championed them over the last few decades. It's an excellent starting point for further reading or for someone who is tired of geek speak and jargon. John brings his thoughts on The Fears of Henry IV: The Life of England's Self-Made King by Ian Mortimer to all history buffs. It's a life of the king regarded by some as a scheming usurper and others as the saviour of the kingdom after he deposed his tyrannical cousin King Richard II in 1399. Jill's on her soapbox as usual and recommends Aid and Other Dirty Business: How Good Intentions Have Failed the World's Poor by Giles Bolton, a lucid and cogent unravelling of Africa's problems together with a revealing commentary on the way globalisation also affects people in the West.

In children's fiction, it would be a crime to miss Ostrich Boys by Keith Gray. It's a wonderful glimpse into the world of the teenage boy. Warm, funny, heartrending and perfectly plotted, it will steal your heart and a great many awards. Jill also loved After the Flood by L S Matthews, a beautiful fable set in a post-fossil fuel Britain. It combines a slightly dystopian future existence with a story of a precious relationship. For middle readers, Sue was blown away by Barnaby Grimes: Return of the Emerald Skull by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell. The second Barnaby Grimes book is as good as the first. For mystery, intrigue and a little horror in a vaguely Dickensian London it will be hard to beat. For the little ones Mr Big by Ed Vere has bold and brash illustration and to-the-point text in a look at inclusion.

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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