Monthly Archives: June 2012

Literary Giveaway Blog Hop: the winner

June 28, 2012 – 5:56 pm

Literary Giveaway Blog Hop

And the winner of my lovely hardback copies of 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami is..

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How do you judge a human being?

June 28, 2012 – 7:00 am

The Bicentennial Man and other stories
by Isaac Asimov

Just over a month ago watching a certain Hollywood film starring Will Smith led to a conversation about Asimov, which led to my being told I really should read some of the SF great man’s work. It took me a while (I am a little slow on the reading front right now) but I have now read a book by Asimov. And it was good…

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Retinas oxidized in the ether

June 24, 2012 – 12:01 pm

The Jump Artist
by Austin Ratner

Although I knew that this novel was based on a true story, it was only in the last few pages that I realised I knew a little of its subject, Philippe Halsman, and his famous photographs. Which was perhaps for the best, because it meant that the story was new to me. But I don’t think it would matter if you already knew the story, because the writing is by far good enough to keep you enraptured…

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It’s giveaway time! Literary Giveaway Blog Hop (23–27 June)

June 23, 2012 – 5:00 am

Literary Giveaway Blog Hop

This giveaway is now closed. The winner will be announced shortly.

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Crossing the Rubicon

June 19, 2012 – 5:58 pm

Y: the Last Man
The complete series
by Brian K Vaughan and Pia Guerra

This is a series of comic books that Tim really really wanted me to read so I told him I would if he would help me write the review afterward. Here is our joint effort…

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Sunday Salon: Books in series

June 17, 2012 – 1:59 pm

The Sunday Salon

I have been thinking recently about how I review books in a series. I have not exactly been consistent up until now. Do you guys have any rules that you follow?

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Local bookshops: Beware of the Leopard

June 16, 2012 – 5:36 pm

Beware of the Leopard is a secondhand bookshop in the heart of Bristol’s Old City, overflowing with books and a particular treasure trove of old annuals. Not to mention that awesome name (a quote from Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy)…

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The places to which your blood is anchored

June 12, 2012 – 9:30 pm

The Tiger’s Wife
by Téa Obreht

I am trying not to let my jealousy of young, beautiful, successful Téa Obreht colour my feelings about this book because she is undeniably talented and deserving too. This novel felt original and inventive by using traditional folktale-type storytelling…

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Coming soon: Literary Giveaway Blog Hop (23–27 June)

June 6, 2012 – 4:57 pm

Literary Giveaway Blog Hop

It’s back! Once again, Judith of Leeswammes’ Blog is hosting the Literary Giveaway Blog Hop. Quite simply, 50+ book bloggers will be giving away literary books between 23rd and 27th June. Brilliant, right…

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Let our life stories become tragic art

June 5, 2012 – 1:51 pm

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
by Lisa See

This is the kind of book I went through a phase of reading several years ago – Asian country, female narrator, historical setting (often during a civil war) and generally following the daily life of poor(ish) folk. So I have some comparison. This one stood up well in terms of teaching me new stuff but less well as regards quality of story. Sadly…

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