Bought as a set book for my Open University Module.
There is nothing to add about Dickens that hasn't been said already. It was a little hard-going in places, but that is more down to the style of its writing than the substance.
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My rating:
Recently in my Uni group there was a discussion about whether some books have narration that specifically sets out to deceive the reader. This book was one on a list of 5 that it was felt did just that.
I had never read it before, but was aware of an Opera based on the book, which although I had not seen I had heard discussed.
Although I was aware that the narrator may try to deceive me, I was a little dubious that I would, indeed even notice that that was what was happening.
The book is skilfully written, and at the finish I did indeed have the strong feeling that the narrator did not only seek to deceive, but probably was fully aware of much, much more of the circumstances, and deliberately set out to side-track, divert and subvert my understanding of the whole, and there fore certainly stands up to its reputation.
Happy reading.
Kay
Macbeth by William Shakespeare
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Oh come on, it's never going to score higher than a 4 Stars from me ... it's a reference book! Although, as they go it was extremely useful.
I've not had the mark back for my Macbeth Controlled Assessment (AQA English GCSE) yet, but this was the reference book I used. Handy notes regarding the text on the facing page for each piece of the Act and Scene.
Without a doubt Mr Shakespeare wasn't just put on this earth to think up torture for future generations of children, he was an expert wordsmith.
Product Details:
I have a paperback version, which is now covered in pencil notes and highlighting as well, but you can get a copy of this HERE. The paperback version is listed for £6.18 and the Kindle file £3.79. On balance, if you are studying, then the paperback version would be a better bet.
Errors/Bug Bears:
Not one .... obviously!
Happy reading and/or studying.
Hugs
Kay
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have to admit to this book being my Nemesis, it was the book that put me off all those years ago doing 'O' Level English Literature ... and it has been the book that I've hated the most since that tender age of 16.
Quite by chance earlier this year I had a discussion with my Daughter about the standard of GCSE teaching, and Examination. She said it was hard and I maintained that it was easy - so a challenge from her ensued and I before I knew it I'd been signed up to take my GCSE English as a very immature student!
You can therefore imagine my horror when it was revealed in a big TAH DAH!!!! moment by the Tutor that this book was going to form one of my Controlled Assessment pieces - oh crikey, I was dreading it.
I'm happy to report though that not only has the standard tuition improved vastly since my long ago days at School, but having read it about four or five times now, and gone over every nuance with the Tutor .... I've actually come to appreciate the standard of writing. Steinbeck was certainly on his 'A' game when he wrote it. I was also to astonished it wasn't the tome akin to War and Peace I had remembered, but a Novella.
I hate to admit this but a big fat 5 Stars from me, and a recommendation to try it again if you only studied it as a child all those years ago.
As for the exam, the course work is proving to be challenging, but I am determined to get an A* grade ... maybe that this a dim hope, but I won't be let down by lack of work to prove to my scoffing Daughter that there is life in the old girl yet. I'm also putting Grapes of Wrath and other Steinbeck on my WTR list!
Product Details:
Seriously, give this book a go, and don't be like me and let childhood prejudice get in the way of enjoying a true classic. Also, take the challenge and up date your Qualifications if you have time, it's proving really enjoyable.
If you fancy giving this Classic a go, then you can purchase it HERE.
Errors/Bug Bears:
Unsurprisingly, there were none.
I will update John Steinbeck on my Authors page, but it might be in a few days time, as I am currently converting that to a list.ly file for ease of use - it seems to be working out really well for the Reviewed and Waiting for Review Lists.
Whilst I think about it, I am also in the process of setting up a wordpress blog for the Toodles Book Club, as it is more user friendly for book blogs, and you can get list.ly and other really cool book blog specific plug ins. It won't be going live for a good while yet though.
Happy reading.
Hugs
Kay
The Toll-Gate by Georgette Heyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A
lways a delight to dip back into the world of Georgette Heyer. I cut my reading teeth on her fabulous work, and so was delighted to be handed an old copy by my Aunt the other day.
I seriously consider her novels "classic reading".
This one is delightful, and packed to the rafters with cant language .................. so entertaining, definitely worth a read.
Captain 'Crazy Jack' John Staple late of the Dragoon Gaurds, and seasoned campaigner in the Peninsula has returned home from Waterloo. Living in peacetime is rather dull for this giant of a man, and he gets himself into one or two adventures, so his friends are well used to him by now.
This time he finds himself lost on a terrible night, ending up at an unmanned toll-house in the Pennines. There is a small and terrified boy who needs his help, so he decides to stay for a lark and man the toll until the boy's father returns.
He also finds a woman along the way that steals his heart, which has never been given away before.
A 4 star read with loads of humour.
Buy it at Amazon HERE.
Happy reading.
Hugs
Kay
