Freya North "Secrets"

This is only the second book I have read of Freya North's and I liked it :) I will re-read and review the other one I read later.

This book has been my 'train-reading' for the last week or so and it was a good pick. It was compelling enough to keep my attention on the train, simple enough that it didn't need total concentration and was easy enough to put down although I looked forward to my next train trip so I could pick it up again.

I found the narration style took me a little bit to get used to. Especially I think because my last train book was "The Queen's Fool" (see earlier reveiw) and they are very different books on every level.

"Secrets" is primarily written as a narrative (I probably need a better word here but I can't think of one). There is dialouge between the characters, but most of the story is told to you and about them. It is the story of an unlikely friendship between two people who are both hiding from themselves and others. The story features:- Tess an young mum who is running away with her daughter Em; Joe who hires her as a housesitter; Wolf Joe's dog and a few other locals. It wasn't until the end of the book that I really clicked how few characters there were. The style of the book didn't really require more characters and I don't theink they were missed. Bridges, beaches, secrets and the clash of worlds feature. Themes also include lonliness, financial struggles and the plight of the elderly. These themes are not in a judgemental or preachy way but they are there.

*Warning* there were a number of sex scenes. Not detailed but to the point. Just in case you don't like this sort of thing.

I enjoyed the book and I was sorry when it ended.

Sue Townsend "Queen Camilla"

If you like the Adrian Mole books and if you like the Royal Family and if you can handle people making fun of the Royal Family, you will like this book. A sequel to 'The Queen and I' this book was fun! It is written in a similar style to Sue Townsend's other books it potters along. The story is set in an England when the monarchy has been toppled and the Queen and the rest of the Royal family are forced to live like commoners in a certain area, wear ankle tags and live under the scrutiny of what is rapidly becoming a dictatorship.

Fun bits for me include the running commentary by the dogs, which the human characters in the book can't understand, and the continual reference to all sorts of general Royal trivia and idiosyncrasies of different members of the Royal family. I have to admit, after getting caught up in the hype of the recent Royal wedding and all the general information about the Royal family in the media at the time, I found this particularly amusing.

This book is by no means anti-monarchist and talks about the Royal family with affection, even if it is deep in caricatures which is what you would expect from a book by Sue Townsend. If you don't like the Royal family, I think you would still enjoy this book for the simple fact it does make fun of them! A good read with enough substance to keep your entertained but without having to think too hard.

Meg Cabot "Avalon High"

I bought this book for my 10.5 year old daughter, Erin, on the proviso that I read it first after getting an unpleasant shock when I read one of Meg Cabot's other books for one of the girl's 8th birthday a few years ago. (I will write about this at a later date when I have re-read it. I did enjoy the book! It was just not appropriate reading for a child so young). I really enjoyed the book! And I am happy to report Erin did too and is planning on writing her own review later.

Avalon High is set in the early 21st century and is the story of Ellie who starts at a new high school and consequentially meets a whole heap of new people. As Ellie begins to meet people at her new school she beings to notice a number of coincidences which are particularly drawn to her attention as both her parents are academics with an interest in all thing Arthurian. The name Avalon High is not a coincidence!

The story has a strong element of fantasy, while being firmly based in modern times. I personally found it a little scary although Erin didn't really think so. I might just have more of an overactive imagination then she does! The book is really aimed at readers of 12+ and is reasonably long. A confident younger reader would enjoy it too although should be monitored if they have my tendency to be a little scared by the paranormal and the story line is fairly complex. It was also a great introduction to the Arthurian saga without going into too much detail.

Philippa Gregory "The Queen's Fool"

I think I had previously started one of Philippa Gregory's other books but I am not sure if I had ever finished it (not "The Other Boleyn Girl" which I still haven't read), but after reading this one I will definitely be searching my shelves to find it and read it properly.

"The Queen's Fool" is a work of historical fiction told through the eyes of a girl, Hannah, who is in fear of her life by accident of birth, as a product of times and as a victim of circumstance when she is thrust in the household of the dying King. Whilst it is set in historical times and tells the story of life in the times of (Bloody)Queen Mary it is also a story of conflicting loyalties, devotion, betrayal and of finding yourself. The book shows nothing is black and white and throughout the book Hannah is shown everything is about compromise. The book wasn't overly focused on the historical side of things but definitely gave you sense of the contemporary times in particular the controversy over religion. For those people who are interested in that side of things there was enough said to inspire further reading on the period. Similarly that while romance featured in the book I would not call it a romance novel.

The book reminded me of Jean Plaidy's books albeit less focused on the historical characters. Jean Plaidy was my first introduction to history and the beginning of a lifelong love of all things historical. I will be hunting up more of Phillipa Gregory's books after reading this one.

Cecelia Ahern "The Gift"

The book appeared in my Christmas stocking last year, although I have only just read it for the first time, and was definitely seasonally appropriate! For those of you who have read Cecelia Ahern's other books 'The Gift' had the same sense of magic found set in the real world.

A police officer on duty on Christmas morning tells the main part of the story to a teen-aged boy who is going through a tough time and has been brought in for doing something stupid. This central story revolves around two men, Lou, an ego-centric man primarily focused on himself and his position in the corporate world, and Gabe, a homeless man who changes Lou's world. The question of course is, is it too late?

Almost a modern-day version of a traditional, not a Disney style, fairy-tale. Definitely a story with a moral told by Ms Ahern with her own style of fantasy. Surrealism? I haven't quite got the word for it!

My name is Catherine and I am a Bookaholic

This really says it all! I love to read. I am not actually convinced there has been a day in my life in the last 25ish years where I have not read at least one page of at least one book. Usually it is a more. I read on the train on the way to work, before I go to sleep. I sometimes slip in a few chapters before getting out of bed, in the ads if I am watching tv or if I am stuck waiting somewhere.

I read all sorts of books and I have been known to boast that I have at least one book from every genre. This might not actually be true. I guess it depends on what sort of genres you can come up with! This said, some genres I like more then others as I am sure will become apparent.

Just in case you don't believe me here are some of my bookshelves scattered around the house.





And yes I do mean some. These were just the ones that were easily accessible and didn't look too messy! Clearly I also like ornaments and photos.

So ... stay tuned for more posts and reviews on what I have just read (or in many cases re-read).