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.
Thursday, 31 July 2014
Wednesday, 30 July 2014
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.
For now I am left to cycle on my own, or with EG, but I shall always remember my little trips with Penguin.
Tuesday, 29 July 2014
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.
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.
Monday, 28 July 2014
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.
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.
Sunday, 27 July 2014
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
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
Saturday, 26 July 2014
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.
Thursday, 24 July 2014
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.
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.
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