One of the great personal tragedies of 2013 has been the departure of one of my very best friends, Lauren, to the exotic climes of Singapore. We have shared many memorable and completely bizarre experiences, not least a somewhat spontaneous backpacking trip through the Baltics. In mid-February. Among the greatest memories we share, however, are … Continue reading Just For Fun Friday: Literary History UK Style
Apologies for yesterday's absence (assuming you noticed, of course). Thankfully, I am finally getting back into the swing of existence, helped in no small part by some serious literary indulgence. I have got some truly fantastic reads on the go at the moment and am really excited to share over the next couple of weeks. … Continue reading The Weekly Reader: 20/06/13
In last week's edition of The Weekly Reader, I mentioned an interesting article about demands from Britain's independent bookstores for government assistance in combating Amazon's market dominance. I also declared my intention to forgo Amazon book purchases in favour of supporting the nation's bookstores (one week later and I am still going strong). I was … Continue reading A Book Buyer’s Guide To Bookshops
Happy Monday, chaps! I hope that you have all had a fantastically refreshing weekend and are ready for the week ahead. Now fully back in blogging mode, I have some exciting reviews and other literary-minded posts to carry us through June and into the height of summer. Please keep the post suggestions coming in - … Continue reading Monday Musing: 17/06/13
About A Boy is a book that I have had on my radar for some time. Yet, in a strange reversal of my typical process, I have been pretty content to restrict my familiarity with the story to what is depicted in the film adaptation. I am fully aware that, in saying this, I am … Continue reading Review: About A Boy by Nick Hornby
And so begins the period of aimless wondering. I have cleaned, ironed, been running, watched two seasons of The West Wing, and begun to diminish the book stacks. Still feeling somewhat directionless, I set myself the task of putting together another edition of Just for Fun Friday: Writers on Writers, working through the wonderful Poisoned … Continue reading Just for Fun Friday: Writers on Writers Take 2
One of the greatest benefits of working at Knebworth House is the sheer variety of people, tasks, and events I am exposed to over the course of the Season. No two days are the same and every summer brings something entirely different. I have watched David Suchet strut his stuff as Poirot and get to … Continue reading Review: Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K Jerome
There is one sure way that you will know exams have ended in Laura's flat (other than the non-stop West Wing marathon and a general failure to wear anything but pyjamas for at least a week) and that is a sudden massive increase in the size of the book stacks. Since finishing my final exam … Continue reading What I’m Reading Wednesday: Return of the Bookstacks
Hello friends! Well, exams are officially over and I have emerged with mind relatively intact. Regular posting schedule now to resume, with a small backlog of book reviews to work my way through. But more of that later (once I have had a proper night's sleep and feel able to communicate in a somewhat coherent … Continue reading Monday Musing: I’m ALIVE
Really, I should just rename this particular feature 'In Homage to Roald Dahl' because it really is becoming a theme. But I am in serious need of a little light relief. And there truly is no better source. So with that in mind, please brace yourself. Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf by Roald … Continue reading Just For Fun Friday: Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes
The Book Habit 