Monday 27 February 2017

Why...Little Miss Muffet?


Hi Everyone,

Why Little Miss Muffet?  Because last night the clock beside my bed read 2:03am and I was lying there wide awake! 

Again, why?  Because this nursery rhyme and memories of my mother were running over and over in my mind.  I remembered my mother often saying "What are you doing Miss Muffet!"  and "Are you ever going to be ready Miss Muffet!"  I remembered all this with a smile.

As the words ran through my mind I realised the poetic qualities in the rhyme.  I had never done so before.  I wish we had been given these kinds of poetic devices to study over the last few years.  It is simple, but there are many avenues that can be looked at with it.  The rhyme is obvious, the repetitive sounds also are easily distinguished.  But what about the metaphoric options that could be dragged out.  I know it is just a nursery rhyme, but we could use these simple rhymes to teach kids metaphorically also. 

How?  Well why did she run away?  In all the picture books the spider is cute!  In my country spiders are harmless but we still carry the genetic fear of them.  Why?  And, if we took the spider as metaphoric what was she running from.... what could the spider metaphorically be?  To some this may sound like a little too much thinking! But for a child trying to understand poetic devices this could be so much more understandable.

Anyway, I did get back to sleep and enjoyed the memories and the poetic form that I discovered from a treasured childhood nursery rhyme.  What is your favourite nursery rhyme?

Happy reading

Sunday 26 February 2017

Booktuber of the month...


Hi Everyone,

This month I have didn't get a lot of time to watch Youtube because... it is summer here!  So, I have chosen my Booktuber of the Month based on the booktubbers that I like to continually look in on.  My choice from that being The Book Leo who tubes regularly and I find her quite creative. 

One of the best things I find with this Booktuber is she isn't always reading what all the other booktubers are reading.  It can become quite dull when you look for book reveiwers, both via blogs and Youtube, only to find they are all reviewing the same thing.  The Book Leo reviews a vast range of books and she also places on clips like above, which recommends books because of the movie. 

Take a look in on her and you will see she has quite a genuine style.  I feel like she has an honesty behind her clips... see what you think.

Happy reading




Thursday 23 February 2017

Revealing you


Hi Everyone,

My daughter and I were out for a bush walk and she took this photo.  I just had to find a quote to add to it so that I could share the beauty of the world we live within.


Happy reading


Wednesday 22 February 2017

Tepmpt...

Tempt
By: Love food
ISBN: 978-1-4748-0470-7





Hi Everyone,

Take a look at this!  It is one of the most beautiful, chocolate fulled, recipe books I have ever seen!




I look through the pages of this book and just want to look over and over again.   I have shown it to visitors who do exactly the same as they have a coffee with me.  They are probably wondering why I haven't dished them up some of the treats, but start that and where will it lea?.  And, I would want to hide them all away for... me.



We have tries a couple of the recipes and they are delicious.  If you come across this book in the bookstore get a copy.  I don't think you will be disappointed. 


Maybe someone could challenge me to try making all the recipes... I wouldn't be disappointed to try.
😀


Description:

Let 'Tempt' seduce you into the wonderful world of chocolate.  

 Including over 80 tried and tested chocolate recipes, perfect for any occasion, and with each accompanied by stunning photography; you can nibble, lick, pour, snap, drizzle, dip and drink your way through the ultimate indulgence, from Chocolate & Caramel Cups to Triple Chocolate Mouse, and the ultimate Gooey Chocolate Pudding.

Featuring recipes to inspire the novice cook as well as enhance the chocolatey repertoire of the competent confectioner, this beautiful collection of lavish recipes will prove irresistibly invaluable.  Coupling delectable recipes with all the chocolate know-how you need to create chocolate creations sure to please the most discerning chocolate lover.  Also includes additional information to really hone your skills from the technicalities of tempering and caraque to the different types of chocolate available and quality control.


Happy reading

Tuesday 21 February 2017

Choices...



What choices are you making today?  What choices are you avoiding and why?  Choices...

Happy reading



Monday 20 February 2017

Nobody's safe here

Nobody's Safe Here
Author: Bill Percy
ISBN: 978-1-61296-787-5


Hi Everyone,

I have to say 'This book took me by suprise'.  The title gave little away about the book, in accordance to what the book was actually about.  This was a novel about minds.  Far from what I expected.  I think this book even played mind games with me, as I tried to figure out where each character was going.

It starts with a teen (Jared) and a container load of guns, a fear of the government out to kill him, and an idea to mass shoot the kids at school.  The problem comes when they try to find him guilty of anything, as he is a shining example of perfection in society.  Every avenue is thought of in the pursuit of an answer as to why this young man is showing signs of paranoid delusion. 

Then, there is Magnus who is suicidal and soon becomes set on murdering a monk who  *spoiler*...

Add to all this a friend who is dying, a detective that is a tosser(to say the least), a love life on the brink (or is it) and a demanding daughter whom I found adorable but spoilt... put it all together and you have 'Nobody is Safe Here'. 

By the end of the book I thought no-one was safe from themselves!

This book really took me on a journey, one of which I have never read the likes of before.  I was waiting for more action, but I got mind games to the max.  I have to say though, that I really enjoyed the plot.  It wasn't really like any other book and this was refreshing.  Often one can read several books in a row and they all have the same plot with different characters and scenes.  Definitely a book of mystery, as the description foretells.  As for a psychological thriller... not so sure.  I would say psychological 'yes', thriller 'not really'.  But definitely a book I'm pleased to have picked up.


Description:

When cattle baron Magnus Anderssen collapses mentally, psychologist Ed Northrup struggles to find the cause - a terrible event buried in Magnus's past leaving him veering between suicide and murder. Meanwhile, Deputies Andi Pelton and Boyd Ordrew clash as they investigate Jared Hansen, a boy caught with rifles and a paranoid plan to kill his schoolmates. Their problem? Jared, a great kid, a school leader, has no previous problems. Ordrew’s convinced Jared’s a mass shooter-in-waiting, but Andi’s not. Ed joins their search for whatever caused his radical transformation from great kid to psychotic killer. It’s a race against time: Magnus grows more irrational and homicidal, Jared's insanity may not be controlled before it’s too late, and Ed’s risky plan to save the boy may destroy his relationship with Andi. Nobody’s Safe Here, a psychological thriller, tells the story of a community of ordinary, decent people facing terrifying mysteries.



Happy reading





This was available from Fishpond, Book depository, and Amazon

Friday 17 February 2017

Hi Everyone

I thought it was time to find you a poem.  I sat thinking of one which had made me think over the years.  Then I got talking to my daughter about her studies and how the teachers interpret poem and writings, then expect her opinion which doesn't actually matter if their opinion is too strong to understand hers. 

I knew all too well a tutor's impression/interpretation of  writing through this poem.  While studying this one in one of my papers a year ago, I had an argument with my tutor.  I had read interviews by Seamus Heaney and then analysed particular lines and stanzas of 'Digging'.  Hence when I gave my analysis I was wrong!  Even though it was Heaneys writing and interpretation taken from his interview quotes.... It was not my tutors interpretation.  It became a good talking point between my tutor and I as we became more in touch with the writings.  This poem ended up giving us both insight into Seamus Heaney, more than the poem. 

My daughters point was 'what if the poet has just written and enjoyed the poem and play with words.  What if we don't need to make a deep analysis because there is none, the poet was just writing and enjoying words and language.  What if we are just to enjoy it, not analyse every word and stanza until the poem is dull'. 

I agree, mainly due to 'Digging'.  I love to analyse deep within a piece of writing, but I also like to just enjoy words too.  Especially poetry.  I like to read it sometimes, and just take the joy I gain from the first reading.  I like to hear the sounds in the words, especially those within 'Digging'.  I like the visionary that I gained from my first reading of 'Digging ', before I had to tear it apart and analyse it.

I enjoy poetry from many angles depending on my mood and place in life on a particular day.  What do you make of poetry?  Do you analyse and try to make an interpretation?  Do you just enjoy the words from the first meeting with the poem? 

Happy reading




Tuesday 14 February 2017

3 strikes and out!




Hi Everyone,

What if we all tried this!  Worry about something, that you can't change, no more than 3 times.  After that the worry is out! Yes, out for good!  It is getting you know where other than closer to anxiet,y so isn't it worth trying. 

My last blog post was a review of Hardwiring Happiness by Rick Hansen.  This is just one of the suggestions in the book that I connected with and thought "Worthy of Repeating".

Happy reading

Monday 13 February 2017

Hardwiring Happiness

Hardwiring Happiness
The New Brain Science of Contentment, Calm, and Confidence
Author: Rick Hanson


Hi Everyone,

I thought it was about time I read another book about the brain.  Anyone who has followed my for a while will know that I find the mind and brain an amazing part of our being.  This book inspired me more.

I have studied education over the last few years and if there is anything you learn through doing this it is the brain is wired by making the same connection over and over until it is strongly connected.  Why then do we connect negative thoughts and experiences over and over rather than our positive ones?  This book address this.  After reading Hardwiring Happiness you will think about what you are dwelling on.   We learn from our very first breath that crying will get us attention.  Then as we grow just a little we find that whineing will get us attention.  Crying and whineing... probably the first two actions we learn get us attention and love.  After many years of this we have learnt more than we realise and take it into adulthood where it no-long bring us a cuddle, food or the attention we want.  Rather, it brings us anxiety and depression and many other things which may not be necessary if we can rewire our thinking. (Please note: I know full well that anxiety and depression is also a medical condition and this book does not undermine the fact either). 

Such rewiring doesn't happen over night, just as our brains have taken many years to think the way they do now.  But maybe it is possible, just maybe.  Maybe it is worth looking more into.  If I can still study a subject and gain new qualifications; learn to cook a different meal; discover something new on the Internet and give it a go, then why cant I give some of the concepts in this book a go!  I'm up to putting his theory to the test.  Read it yourself and see if your intrigued with the information presented within it's pages.



Description:


Why is it easier to ruminate over hurt feelings than it is to bask in the warmth of being appreciated?

Because your brain evolved to learn quickly from bad experiences but slowly from the good ones.

You can change this.

Hardwiring Happiness lays out a simple method that uses the hidden power of everyday experiences to build new neural structures full of happiness, love, confidence, and peace. Dr. Hanson’s four steps build strengths into your brain ‒ balancing its ancient negativity bias ‒ making contentment and a powerful sense of resilience the new normal. In mere minutes each day, we can transform our brains into refuges and power centers of calm and happiness.


Happy reading









This was available from: Book depository, Amazon, and Fishpond

Friday 10 February 2017

Benet's Reader's Encyclopedia

Benet's Reader's Encyclopedia
Edited by Bruce Murphy
ISBN: 0-06-270110-X

A Completely Revised and Updated Edition of the Classic
Encyclopedia of World Literature


Hi Everyone,

I purchased this book a few months ago and I have to say I am impressed.  I had no idea there was an encyclopedia just for reader's.  Now, there is Google and Wiki but having this on my bookcase is just beautiful.  Is there still a place for an encyclopedia on a bookcase....Yes!  Especially one like this.  It is a resource that I would encourage every home to have for their children to flick through, especially those who have children/young adults of exam age.

The description tells of everything I would like to comment on...

Description:

For nearly fifty year this unique single-volume encyclopedia of world literature has been hailed as the best available.  Here are over 10,000 informative entries, covering everything a reader could wish to know:
  • Biographies of poets, playwrights, novelists, essayists, and belletrists from around the world and through the ages, from Aristophanes to Toni Morrison, from Chaung Tzu to Juan Rulfo.
  • Plot summaries of important literary works, ranging from Salome to Leopold Bloom.
  • Myth, legend, and folklore, covering everything from Isis to the Midgard Serpentto the paladins.
  • biographies of artists, musicians, philosophers, and other historical personages - ranging from Roman emperors to U.S presidents - who figure prominently in literature.
  • Accounts of significant schools and movements in literature such as the Bloomsbury Group and the Beat Writers.
  • Original titles, as well as the most familiar English titles, for works in languages other than English.
  • Recipients of major literary awards, including Pulitzer and Nobel Prise Winners.
And more...


What more can I say than this is worth its value and is an asset to any bookcase. 

Now the weekend is approaching for some and here for others of us.  I hope you all have a great weekend and get some time to open a book and relax within its world.

Happy reading

This was available from: Amazon.  Trying to find places with this looks a little tricker than a few months back.  If you are wanting to purchase this I would suggest you look into it sooner rather than later.

Thursday 9 February 2017

Dr. Seuss...


Hi Everyone,

The older the get, the more I love Dr. Seuss.  I must go back and read some of the classical Dr. Seuss books I see the protential of his written words.  This quote is one of the drives behind a great passion of mine... every child should be given the gift of reading.

Who is the creater behind such brilliant writting anyway?  I had to do a little Googleing to find out and what I came up with was this:

Theodor Seuss Geisel
Lived from March 2, 1904 – September 24, 1991
He gained his pen name while in university at Dartmoth College
Translated into more than 20 languages...
His publications sold over 600 million copies!

I was one of these readers 😊

I will keep searching for more inspirational words from the minds of great authors.  They are worthy of discovering, acknowledging and repeating.

Happy reading






Wednesday 8 February 2017

The Blemished

The Blemished
Author: Sarah Dalton
ISBN: 9781492700203


Hi Everyone,

This book seemed to take a while for me to read with all the 'back to school' and 'back to work' commitments and the added National holidays that are thrown into the start of our year.  Anyway, I have really enjoyed this book!  So much so that I have needed to purchase the rest of the series. 


It was plot that enticed me.  The concept of Blemished and Gems became a reality as I thought of the possibilities of science today.  The blemished are the normal every day person, un-tampered with by science.  The Gems are the perfectly constructed DNA human beings.  The Blemished are trained to serve the Gems.  The blemished girls are given an operation at sixteen to stop any possibility of pregnancy.  The Gems on the other hand are the opposite.  They have everything!  Beauty, mansions and the Blemished. Are you getting the picture? Mina is a Blemished.  She also has powers that make her special.  This twists the whole story at every angle.  Add to all this the rebellion; a teacher that will drive you crazy; friendships and a love triangle (or square as Mina puts it), and you have one fantastic plot.  Hence the reason I now own the rest of the series.

For all who enjoyed the Divergent series, I think you will enjoy this too.  Now that does not make me an expert in the comparison of young adult reads.  For me, I think the two series have their place together on my book shelf.

Here is a look at the description, but I don't think it give enough justice to the book.  If you have Kindle it doesn't cost a lot to read the first book in this series.  Actually, if your reading today, it is free from Amazon in Kindle format, so you have nothing to lose in trying it.


Description:

A beautiful world comes at a price... In a world filled with stunning clones Mina Hart is Blemished. Her genes are worthless and that takes away her rights: her right to an Education, her right to a normal life and her right to have a child. Mina keeps a dangerous secret which she never thought she could share until she meets Angela on her first day at St Jude's School. But their friendship is soon complicated by Angela's adoptive brother Daniel. Mina finds herself drawn to his mysterious powers and impulsive nature. Then there is the gorgeous clone Sebastian who Mina is forbidden from even speaking to... The Blemished is a frightening take on a fractured future where the Genetic Enhancement Ministry have taken control of Britain. It will take you on a ride filled with adventure, romance and rebellion.


This was available from Fishpond, Amazon and Book depository

Happy reading







Friday 3 February 2017

The best advice I received


Hi Everyone,

I woke up this morning thinking of all the advice I have ever been given.  All the quotes and poems I have read also ran through my mind.  I have spent years adoring poetry and quotes but this morning as I sat quietly reminiscing, I remembered my mother speaking the above words to me. 

I was a teen at the time and wanted to save the world.  She told me I didn't need to save the world, it was only important to live one day at a time!  She then turned on the music (in the car) and played me the song 'One Day At A Time'. 

The song has stuck with me ever since but the words seem more neccessary as I get older and the world moves faster around me.  I want to share her words with you, especially to anyone who needs to be reminded of the beauty which this simple sentence holds in its words.

As the weekend rises on us all, may you find enjoyment in words.  Be it in a novel, poem, quote or spoken language, there is something to learn somewhere today.

Happy reading


Thursday 2 February 2017

Hill of Angels

Hill of Angels
Author: Sue Mayfield
ISBN:  9780281076413


Hi Everyone,

Hill of Angels is different from what I envisioned, yet I enjoyed it to the very end.  It is told in first person but from from two perspectives, that of Abigail Booth and Grace Fowler.  Each chapter switches between the two girls as they tell their story.  I found this a little confusing for the first few chapters but soon became engulfed in the two perspectives.  What starts as an innocent friendship soon becomes stories of survival as the friends are torn apart by the beliefs of their family members.  It was the two perspectives that gave life to the story.  It is easy to focus on one perspective and believe it to be utterly truth.  That is, until one hears the other side of the same argument.  This is what I found most interesting in this novel. 

To read of a civil war, written of friends yet from different perspectives, gave me an understanding of the impact war has on friendships and families.  Amongst these perspectives was a historical writing of a civil war, which is highlighted in the documentation following the story.  The writing of this novel has been cleverly presented in a manner that takes the reader deep into each character and family, while writing of historical events.

I give this author credit for the brilliance of her writing.  The perspective analysis of each character; the family bonds; the friendship that although torn is never forgotten; and the historical elements, all make this a great read.



Description: