This week, we return to the Scholastic Bookfair to check out the classic Bunnicula, the story of a loyal family dog Harold who suspects the new family pet rabbit has a sinister secret... A nostalgic dive into the story behind the story and an exploration of the plot of this children's classic. Contains spoilers. This …
Continue reading Return To The Bookfair – Bunnicula by Deborah and James Howe (1979)
Set in North West London, Ruth is woken by a scream one night, and later thinks she sees something, on her quiet cul-de-sac. But no one will believe her and she's not sure that she can believe herself, because after the birth of her baby, she experienced post partum psychosis. Her delusions were strong enough …
Red Island House is loosely short stories or anecdotes about people who live on an island in Madagascar, with the perspective of Shay, a black American woman, as the observer. The through line of the stories is that Shay's wealthy Italian husband has built a gargantuan house there, and the stories take place on our …
I was drawn in by the cover of this book, with it's country house wall and a window reflecting the mountains. It's the story of Ave Maria, a woman who thought that she'd always be single, and who has married the love of her life. Living with her husband and daughter in the hills of …
There's something about Henry VIII and his wives that is endlessly fascinating. I've read a few different books about him, his wives, and also his children, most especially Elizabeth I. One of the best historians of the period, and one of the most easily accessible, is Alison Weir. Her works on the period are incredibly …
Continue reading Six Tudor Queens: Katharine Of Aragon, The True Queen by Alison Weir
I think everyone has heard of Liane Moriarty by now. Her books are huge bestsellers and are being adapted into movies and TV series. I think what makes her so enjoyable is that though she writes about serious subjects, she remains grounded, and often though her books look at complex problems, there's always a balance …
At the opening of this story by best selling author Liane Moriarty, we are told that one parent has been killed at a primary school event. The book moves back to show events leading up to the murder, and all the secrets that are hidden behind the facade of suburban life. When 24 year old …
A house made of glass, a boy whose father can't love him, a woman who finds love too late. Alice Hoffman writes about love and loss, with a hint of magic, in a way that no one else can. Her books feel like modern fairy tales, and they're always moving and a bit different. Orphaned …
This is one of the stories about London that I love. Years ago, back in 1914, a young Canadian had joined the military and was on his way to join the Veterinary Corps. His name was Lt Harry Colebourn, and he is said to have been a kind hearted man. On his way through Ontario, …
Continue reading Winnie the Bear: the Bear Behind the Books.
There's nothing quite like getting a book in the post from an old friend, with a handwritten note, especially when you're like me, and live on the other side of the world. I am also very lucky to have friends who have excellent taste in books! This book is about Alice, a 29 year old …
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