Book of the Month - July '14

I seem to be enjoying Dan Brown's novels at the moment. As such July's book of the month is Deception Point by Dan Brown. I enjoyed that I was able to get lost in a book that was about science and politics, my least favourite subjects.

It was nice reading something that I didn't think I would like and then finding that I did enjoy it. The one part of the book that I maybe didn't like was the scene with the sharks. In my mind there is nothing worse than being out to sea, but being surrounded by sharks while you're out there - not happy in that scenario. As an aside there is an ad on the TV now for something to do with sharks. I won't be watching.

Another reason that this book makes it to book of the month is because it has inspired me to expand my reading further. You can read more about what I thought here,  but I recommend that you read it for yourself.

What happened to Penguin?

In previous posts I talked about my nephew's toy penguin had come along on a few bike rides. Unfortunately Penguin's health deteriorated and he was unable to cycle with me after that. Before I left, Penguin was on the road to recovery and I am sure looking forward to his summer holiday.

For now I am left to cycle on my own, or with EG, but I shall always remember my little trips with Penguin.

Sofa Shelf

One new book this week:

How Children Succeed - Paul Tough

Last week I was watching a program about child geniuses and it got me thinking. My thinking sort of revolved around how there are so many theories about the best way to bring up children. I don't have children so it's not a massive worry, but I am curious so I picked up this book. Hopefully I will enjoy and become better informed. That's the aim anyway.

Reading on the Shelf

The Prince of Thieves - Alexandre Dumas

At times this is a little on the ridiculous side. I am over half way through now and it looks obvious how things are going to turn out. Not a fan of Robin Hood as portrayed by Dumas, bit of a muppet, although a brave muppet in fairness.

The Neopolitan Lovers - Alexandre Dumas

Much drama so far. If every chapter is like the first three I shall need a holiday when I have finished it.

Wonder-Book and Tanglewood Tales - Nathaniel Hawthorne

This has been surprisingly good! Never thought I could enjoy Greek myths as much as I have. I hope to finish it this week so watch this space.

Digital Fortress - Dan Brown


At the minute I'm not enjoying this as much as some of the other Dan Brown books I've read. Maybe it is because I don't enjoy codes and maths and things like that.

 Mastermind - Maria Konnikova

Another one that I'm really enjoying. Right now I'm reading a bit about memory and how we can chose what to remember. I think what makes it good is that there is a lot of Sherlock Holmes references so that makes it more understandable. If that makes sense.


Neil Gaiman's 'Make Good Art' Speech

Read and dusted. This is what I thought.

What's on the Shelf?

A Book of Narrative Verse - compiled by V. H. Collins

The Cuckoo's Calling - Robert Galbraith

Racing Through the Dark - The Fall and Rise of David Millar

A Life's Ambition - Alexandre Dumas

The Journal of Madame Giovanni - Alexandre Dumas

The Prince of Thieves - Alexandre Dumas

Le Tour - Geoffrey Wheatcroft

Sweet Poison - David Gillespie

On Looking - Alexandra Horowitz

Time Warped - Claudia Hammond

Wonder-Book and Tanglewood Tales - Nathaniel Hawthorne

Digital Fortress - Dan Brown

Mastermind - Maria Konnikova

Chosen by God - R. C. Sproul

It's all about the challenge

The challenge continues and this week I got  myself a star by reading Neil Gaiman's 'Make Good Art' Speech. It was an easy star to get but it doesn't put me above EG's total. I'm five books behind, with my 20 books read, but progress has been made this week with other books. My only hope now is that EG has some slow weeks and I can catch up. Although it's not looking good for reaching my total of 66 books by the end of September. 

Sofa Spotlight - Neil Gaiman's 'Make Good Art' Speech

What's it about?

Told you that it wouldn't be long before I finished this one. This is a speech that Neil Gaiman gave to Philadelphia's University of the Arts. It is of the inspirational type and encourages people to think outside of the box and make art no matter what happens to them.

What was good?

There was some stuff in there that helped me think about how I respond to challenges. It was definatly worth a read, particularly when he talks about making mistakes.


What was bad?

The layout of the book was a little interesting. Not always the easiest to read. Also I reckon that if bad stuff happens in life it isn't all that easy to make good art.


Who is it for?

Creative folk, would also make for a good gift.

Sofa Shelf - Russian/American Stuff

Three new books:

Digital Fortress - Dan Brown

Last Dan Brown I'll be reading for a while. Hope it's a good one

Mastermind - Maria Konnikova

This is about how you think and it aims to help you think like Sherlock Holmes. So it should be fairly elementary then! (Sorry, couldn't help myself)

Neil Gaiman's 'Make Good Art' Speech

It's in the title. This is a speech Neil Gaiman made about making good art. It won't take me long to read so I won't say much about it here.

Chosen by God - R C Sproul

This was recommended to me about three years ago, so here I am reading it. From what I can gather it is about predestination.

Sofa Shelf Update

The books I've been reading this week are:

Deception Point - Dan Brown

I finished this. Find out what I thought here.

Wonder Book & Tanglewood Tales - Nathaniel Hawthorne

I've finished the Wonder Book part and that has been very entertaining. The Tanglewood Tales looks to be a similar kind of book. The Greek myths are retold for children. Just finished the one about the Minotaur. Edge of the seat stuff!

The Prince of Thieves - Alexandre Dumas

It's Robin Hood and it's getting tense. He has just had his first encounter with Nottingham and escaped from his castle. The merrymen are coming into view too.

More cycling with Penguins!

Penguin has come for another ride, sadly for my last ride he wasn't well enough to come along but these are a couple of the pics that we got:

New career: lighthouse keeper?

A perfect day

For those of you concerned about Penguin's health, he has visited a doctor and is now on the road to recovery. One more ride has been planned, at the time of writing we are unsure (and by we I mean my nephew) if Penguin will be well enough to attend. Watch this space.

Sofa Spotlight - Deception Point, Dan Brown

What's it about?

There's something odd about the meteorite buried in a load of ice at the top of the world. They say that it could have landed there a couple of centuries ago. What is certain is that is causing problems in science and politics now. It could decide who wins the next election. Of course it wouldn't be a Dan Brown novel without a few dramatic murders, and there are a few thrown into the mix. At the centre of the drama is the current President, Zach Herney, and his opponent Senator Sexton. The topic they are fighting over in their campaigns is NASA. So a meteorite found by NASA puts an interesting spin on the fight.

What was good?

What surprised me was how much I enjoyed the political side of this novel. I thought it would send me to sleep - politics has that effect on me. If I had a favourite character it would have to be Gabrielle Ashe. She might not have been having arctic adventures but she was influential in a subtle way that I enjoyed.

What was bad?

The death count was high, maybe a few too many deaths for me.

Who is it for?

It has suspense, and it isn't all action, although it has that too. If that appeals to you, then this is one to read.

Picnics and Reading

It's been hot and sunny; perfect weather for picnics and reading. I've earnt myself three stars this week. And enjoyed the sunshine too. This is what our sunny afternoons have looked like:

Hope the summer lasts beyond the end of the week so that this sort of stuff can happen again. Do you have any summer reading planned? Let me know what you have planned.

Sofa Shelf

Wonder-Book and Tanglewood Tales - Nathaniel Hawthorne

I haven't started this properly, but from what I can work out it is two books in one. Hawthorne retells the tales of Greek Mythology for children. Should be good. My edition was printed in 1907 and it smells like old churches. Think it's probably worth more than the £1.40 I paid for it.

Sofa Shelf Update

Only been reading two books this week:

The Scarlet Letter and Selected Tales - Nathaniel Hawthorne

I finished this one, this is what I thought.

Deception Point - Dan Brown

I have no idea how this is going to turn out. I've nearly finished, and it has kept my interest all the way through. I'm hoping to get it finished this week so watch this space.

What's on the Shelf?

A Book of Narrative Verse - compiled by V. H. Collins

The Cuckoo's Calling - Robert Galbraith

Racing Through the Dark - The Fall and Rise of David Millar

A Life's Ambition - Alexandre Dumas

The Journal of Madame Giovanni - Alexandre Dumas

The Prince of Thieves - Alexandre Dumas

Le Tour - Geoffrey Wheatcroft

Sweet Poison - David Gillespie

On Looking - Alexandra Horowitz

Time Warped - Claudia Hammond

Deception Point - Dan Brown

Cycling Adventures with a Penguin

I went cycling the other day, and my nephew wanted me to take his toy penguin along for the ride. This is the adventure that we had:

Helmet on and ready to go

The view we had

Penguin getting to grips with the handlebars

Lunch break at Horsey Windpump

Penguin spotted a boat

The road is long...

Home and shower time

Chilling with the Tour de France

Tour de France Stage Two

Another 2am start. This time we set up camp on Penistone Hill, just outside Haworth. It would have been good to have seen the riders come up the cobbles, but we couldn't be sure we would get a good spot. So Penistone Hill it was. We had a good long view down the hill so we saw them for a bit longer.

The difference this time was that there were way more people around than we had seen on the first stage.

But it was all good. We had a laugh and had a brilliant view.
The only downside being that Cav wasn't there.

Sofa Spotlight - The Scarlet Letter and Selected Tales, Nathaniel Hawthorne

What's it about?

The first story in this book is The Scarlet Letter and tells the tale of a woman living in a Puritan society who has been found guilty of adultery. Only she is punished as her partner in crime has not been found. The story follows his guilt and what it results in. The other stories in the book are The Gray Champion, The Maypole of Merry Mount, The Minister's Black Veil, Young Goodman Brown and The Gentle Boy. 


What was good?

The short stories in this book are some of the best that I've read of Hawthorne. He keeps to the point and draws you in from the start. For me I enjoyed seeing a bit of what the culture of the new settlements in America would have been like. I know very little about that period/area of history so it was good to get a feel for it.

What was bad?

I get the impression that Hawthorne didn't like the Puritans. Sometimes it becomes tiring hearing his negative opinion. He paints them as the villains in most stories and I can't help but think he may be creating a stereotype. I plan to do some research to see if his view is based on something solid.

Who is it for?

If you like stories that are shorter this might be a good book for you. American literature fans, this one is also for you.

Tour de France Stage One

On Saturday EG and I got up at two in the morning and made our way to Yorkshire. The pouring rain didn't put us off, although we didn't envy the volunteers who were stood at the entrance to car parks from 1:30 in the morning. We made it to our chosen spot just before 4am.






A bit of napping happened, but at 7 we went to explore potential viewing sights. Back to the car and found the battery was dead. Ooops. Off to find a ranger to help fix it. We start to worry that we will be caught on camera looking at a car engine rather than the cyclists. But it gets fixed and we hurry off again to our spot, a little later than planned.

It felt like thousands of people came past us on bikes, heading for the summit further up. Behind them came the madness of the race caravan.









And then the break. Was very pleased to see that Jens Voigt was in the break. But the biggest excitement was when the peloton came through.

We could have touched them they were so close. It didn't feel real
but it was brilliant!

We went in for a book and came out with a bike...

Because ice cream and cycling
go so well together

It's true, it happened. We went into a charity shop to look for a book (not for myself I might add) and couldn't find it. But we did find a bike in there. So we (and by we I mean EG, who I may have persuaded) bought it.

All well and good until we tried to get it home. Both tyres were flat and it wasn't in that good a shape for cycling, nor could we fit it in the car. Well we did manage to get it in the car eventually. After we had removed the front wheel and prayed very hard.

Possibly the strangest impulse buy I have been involved in.

Some days are meant for reading...

I may only have got one star on the chart this week, but I have had some days

Waiting for the tour!

recently that have been perfect reading days. Days where the sun has been shining and sitting out on the grass has made for a lot of fun.

This weekend I went to see the Tour de France, and now I can add that location to my odd places to read list!

Bikes and Bananas

EG and I went on a little adventure one weekend. We took our bikes down to the path by the river and had a pleasant hour or two cycling up and down. What we saw as we stopped to eat our fruit made us laugh a fair bit.

Trying to blend in with other odd cyclists

From what we could tell the cycling club that stopped by the bridge were a bit lost. We could tell this by the fact that they spent fifteen minutes looking/arguing over maps. Some members expressed boredom at the situation and contemplated the waters flowing beneath the bridge. Or maybe their interesting choice of clothing was inspiring suicidal thoughts. As we cycled on we saw more of this cycling club, perhaps the slower part, trying to catch up with their team mates.

I hope they made it!

Sofa Spotlight - The Life of God in the Soul of Man, Henry Scougal

This book was in the 17th Century by a Professor of Divinity at Aberdeen University. Its original form was a letter to a friend to help him work out what it would be like to be a follower of Jesus and not someone who just practiced religion. Scougal talks about how following Jesus means that you will do some things that look religious. The difference between that and practicing religion is the reason for doing it. If you are following Jesus you are doing those things because you love Him and want to grow in your love for Him. The other option is practicing religion to try and earn your way into God's good books. Scougal explains it better than I do - read the book and you will see what I mean!

At the start there is a brief section on Scougal's life. Sadly he died at the age of 27 from tuberculosis. The hard thing about this book is that the language can be tricky. It was written for a 17th century audience (of one, his friend) and so you have to do a bit of work to understand what is going on,  but it is worth it.

Book of the Month - June '14

June has gone quick. More surprising for me is how I've not finished many books this month. But I do have a book of the month, and it goes to Inferno by Dan Brown.

It goes without saying that I enjoyed this book, but I think that one sign of a good book is that I find myself still thinking about it, long after I have put it down. And I am still thinking about Inferno. It scared me enough to be afraid, but not so much that I couldn't sleep. Which was sort of the problem that I had with The Lost Symbol - that villain was scary. While we are on the scare factor, what I liked about Inferno was that I find death by invisible disease way more frightening than a knife wielding assassin.

There are other good things about this book, but I think you should read it to find out what they are. However, if you want to know some of my other thoughts about this book check out the Sofa Spotlight - Inferno.

Sofa Shelf

Three newbies this week:

The Neapolitan Lovers - Alexandre Dumas

Would love this to be about ice cream, but it is not. Very dramatic start though, with the French ambassador declaring war on France and then storming out. Brilliant beginning.

How to Find Fulfilling Work - Roman Krznaric

I'm not reading this book because I'm on the hunt for a new job, I am in hurry to leave my present job, but because I know a lot of people who have just graduated and are looking for work. I'm curious to know what drives people to choose their careers and why they don't always find them fulfilling. What I want to know is, how does what the Bible says about work change what I think of as fulfilling. I don't expect to find the answer in this book, but I hope that it will help to get me thinking.

Intuition Pumps and Other Tools for Thinking - Daniel C. Dennett

I like to use my brain, and I'm hoping this book will help me use it better. So far it seems very readable, but not read much yet.