Archive for November, 2008
Forsyth, Frederick – The Veteran
A collection of clever, interesting and absorbing short stories by a clever and intelligent writer.
Each of the stories in this collection left me thinking for hours afterwards (unlike the short stories in “False Impression”, by another author – which left me retching for hours on end afterwards!)
There is intricate detail, not only in the research of the subject, but in the clarity and choice of words that the author uses to enchant and entertain us.
I really can’t recommend this book too highly – If you been suffering a diet of Dan Brown and Jeffrey Archer, this will seem like a Gourmet meal cooked by a Michelin 3 starred chef!
All the best
Brown, Dale – Plan of Attack
Disgraced maverick pilot discovers that the Russians are about to bomb the hell out of the USA and singlehandedly saves the world (against improbable odds).
Not a hint of Jeffery Archer in this book; which has got to be a good thing!
There is, however, a little bit about a Kurdish airbase but…. the author cleverly avoids mentioning missing charity funds (sorry Jeffwrey – I just couldn’t resist that one!)
My hat is off to Dale Brown who has managed to write an instantly forgettable book (which was quite enjoyable to read) without having to lie about going to Oxford, being the youngest MP ever elected or, trying to become the Mayor of London!
Would I read this book again?
Well, upon reflection…. Where are those rusty needles?
All the best
Brown, Dan – Angels and Demons
Dan Brown is a sort of Jeffrey Archer for grown ups.
This book is very much a Jeffwrey type story with lots of twists and turns and an improbable hero winning the battle (against almost all the evil forces ever thought of), and getting his girl, despite all the odds.
The story describes how a mild academic defeats the Illuminati (a secret religous brotherhood), gets to meet the Pope (and the remains of the last, murdered Pope, as well), saves the world and wins his girl.
Dan Brown carries the story off rather better than Jeffery Archer would have done. This is possibly because….
Dan Brown did actually go to university (and thus, didn’t have to lie about going to Oxford!)
• Has never, to my knowledge, consorted with prostitutes!
• Has never been involved in share purchasing scandals (think of Anglia TV).
• Has never been convicted of perjury (and has thus, never gone to jail!) Or..
• Perhaps it’s because Mr Brown doesn’t attempt to fill his books with all those “Look at me – see how clever I am” bits that Jeffwrey seems to love so much.
All in all, this is the sort of book that you would pack if you had to take a 10 hour ferry crossing from St. Malo, or perhaps, a 12 hour flight to a conference of retired proctologists at Staines.
The book won’t actually hurt you; you may, indeed, learn a bit or two – this, in itself, differentiates it from a Jeffrey Archer novel!
Having said that, if I were on that ferry (or on route to the Retired Proctologists Reunion), and had a choice of this book or a Jeffery Archer effort (chosen at random), I think that I would give them both a miss and spend my time far more productively, sticking rusty needles in my Todger!
All the best
Some Book Reviews
Because I’ve been ill recently, I’ve had time on my hands to read.
The following are my views on some of the books that I’ve recently enjoyed (or suffered)…
People who know my feelings about a certain author might just wish to give this article a miss and check out this site…. Meet the Author
All the best
Welcome to Gasgoine
A recent arrival at 59 Rue St. Nicolas is Gasgoine!
He turned up one morning and has been with us for nearly a week!
I kind of like Gasgoine as he has a nice big smile on his face, as though he’s always happy (or perhaps he’s just suffering from wind!) A bit like me, really
Not sure about the yellow trousers, though!
All the best
Gone fishing
In every young boy’s life, there are a few moments that transcend reality and will remain in his mind forever.
Moments like scoring the first six/try/goal for the school; the first slow dance (with a girl); the first kiss (once again, with a girl… I would hope?) and, maybe most important of all – The First Fishing Trip!
Thus, well aware of my responsibilities, I took Joshy fishing for the first time in his life, the other day!
A moving story
The Girlie moved into her new house in Josselin 2 weeks ago.
Feeling in a particularly sociable mood, I moved in a couple of days later!
So far we seem to be coping well – she hasn’t discovered all my bad habits and, the ones she has discovered don’t seem to worry her too much!
It’s nice living in the centre of town – so easy to pop out and buy a baguette of have a quick coffee!
I haven’t taken any photos yet but… watch out for some piccies of 59 Rue St. Nicholas, Josselin!
All the best
