Monday 28 January 2013

Book Two - 7 Days to say I love you by Ashley Hames





I chose to read this book after spending some time flicking through my kindle for a book that wasn't too big so that I could get this year's 52 book challenge back on track but I also wanted to read something different. I wasn't sure what I was going to get myself into when I looked at the excerpt and didn't know how such a book would make me feel. It is the true story of a young man who discovers that his father is dying of terminal liver cancer and how it affects his life and the life of his family. I knew straight away that this read would be different (and difficult) but I simply had no idea how different.

First of all I must say that I have never come across Ashley Hames before, he is a broadcaster, a presenter and a writer but I have never seen any of his work before. But after reading this very personal and emotional story I feel as if I know him better that a lot of the people in my life! If you are looking for an edge of your seat thriller or the latest action filled blockbuster then this book isn't for you. But if you are looking for something that will move you and get to you emotionally and spiritually and something that will be thought provoking on all levels then read this.

I could go on about '7 days' until my fingers go numb but I think I will sum it up by saying that it is simply emotionally powerful, encouraging, helpful and thought provoking. I will say something now that I haven't had the chance to say before as well. I like books that make me feel something, whether that is joy, excitement, fear, happiness or sadness but this is the ONLY book I have ever read where I have been in tears at the end. Real tears. I was emotional touched by this man's story and I am sure he was feeling each and every emotion as he wrote those final devastating accounts of his father's farewell. I'm sure 7 days to say I love you will be a great help to anybody who is grieving or who has gone through the loss of a loved one. I am not going through anything like that at the moment but it has helped me on an emotional level as I go through the many challenges life has thrown at me. I work as an Oncology nurse and I feel this book has given me more than just an insight into what families go through, it has opened my mind.


This book will linger with me.I'd really love to see a photo of Ashley's father and I wish I had had the pleasure of knowing him. 5/5

Saturday 26 January 2013

2012 Summing up and list of favourites.



OK even though I didn't quite hit 52 books in 52 weeks I am happy to have had some great reads and the following is a list of my favourites from the year. They are in no particular order but S.J Watson's superb book has to top the list.

1 Before I go to sleep by S.J Watson.

2 Room by Emma Donoghue

3 The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stievater

4 The Diary of Anne Frank

5 Heroes by Robert Cormier

6 The Black House by Peter May

7 Instant Confidence by Paul McKenna

8 Tollesbury Time Forever by Stuart Ayris

An honourary mention must go to the late John Blackburn, author of the highly amusing and thought provoking 'Keeping your sense of tumour' who finally lost his battle against Multiple Myeloma last year. I was fortunate enough to meet him and he was lovely enough to let me interview him for this blog. He was an inspiration and I have learned a lot from him. Goodnight and god bless John x

Book One - Away with the fairies by Jenny Twist




Ok it's a new year and I fell short of the 52 book target in 2012 but that's ok, 47 is still a good amount of books! Had a few life traumas over the last few months and this is my first read of the year!

It is a small children's book but it is still a book, even though it is short! I enjoyed this quick little read and it brought out the child in me. It is a cool tale about a young girl who disappears into a crack in her wallpaper and finds her very own fairyland. It is well written and enjoyable to read, funny and entertaining. It kept my interest and I think any kid (or big kid in my case) would love it. It would make a brilliant bed time book for any child, young or old. Must keep a look out for this author.

4/5 Enjoyed

Happy belated new year and I am hoping this year is going to be fun as far as my reading and my own writing is concerned. I am working on various fiction projects as well as a few interesting non fiction ideas. It seems if I am to get near 52 book in 52 weeks I had better get reading! Hopefully I can read a whole host of different genres.