Nik > Recent Status Updates

Due to being in hospital since February 25th 2020 and no allowing any visitors allowed, plus my sight deteriorated since having had COVID-19 - I've had to amend my 2020 goal. It was 37 books but I've had to downgrade my goal to just 12, but I do hope to read a few more than that. I sincerely apologise for failing to read sufficent to complete my original Challenge of 37, will aim higher next year, hopefully!

Finished. Well that was the strangest, if not beyond weirdest book I have ever read.
In in 40 years of reading I can honestly say this book was possibly the most confusing book certain say that the book had nothing to do with the ,'weather' whatsoever. I did not like the format of individual paragraphs which did not, on the whole, connect to the next one. I really cannot find ANYTHING positive, so cannot recommend!!

Finished. Never really read historical fiction before this book. I enjoyed the book tons more than I thought it I would. The book was well written, and gave you a clear picture of what the East End of London and around the River Thames at that end was like back in the 1720s. The characterd in the book are partly based on true people
The book is well written. Rattling good story . First of trilogy. Yes I recommend!

Finished. Another brilliant poetry book by Carol Ann Duffy. It is very apt to, being released in Winter. A very evocative book that really brings to life London's River Thames in the latter part of the 17th Century, during what was termed 'The Little Ice Age'. The descriptions bring vivid images of the Fairs that took place on the frozen river. Thoroughly enjoyable. I very highly recommend. Sit back and relax

Finished. An amazing book by an amazing woman who describes herself as a 'black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet'! A great collection of 4 essays. The two I particularly loved 'Uses of Anger: Women Responding to Racism' and 'Learning from the 1960s'. Four very thought provoking essays. Thoroughly immersed. I'd advise you read the essays carefully, re-read if necessary - I did. Highly recommend to read

Finished. An unusual novella book of three short stories. All the stories are scientific based with the central background theme of the universe. Every character is each story have very strange names, eg 'Qfwfq' or 'Eggg' or 'Ayl', very odd! Yeah the stories were ok. Science Fiction mixed with accurate scientific fact. Strange. Mixed whether to recommend or not, certainly worth saying you've read them

Penguin Modern Mini Classics #21 of 50

Finished. This is, as the title says, a collection of four Russian short stories. I simply adore translated Russian literature. All the stories are by different authors. I found them all interesting in their own way. I thoroughly enjoyed them all. 'Requiem' had me in tears it was so beautiful. Yes yes yes I very much recommend this book. Well worth the time, enjoy it

Penguin Modern Mini Classics #20 of 50

Finished. A novella of three short stories. All the stories are complete and thoroughly enjoyable to read. I have to say I liked all of them. They were very well written. Kept you wanting to turn the page. I really enjoyed this book. Yes well worth reading

Finished. A wonderful collection of prose + poetry. Some very poignant pieces, some wonderfully uplifting pieces. A real eclectic collection. First time I've come across material by Pessoa. I have enjoyed reading this book. I would recommend others to read

Faber 90th Anniversary Mini Series #20 of 20

Finished. Another shirt story in Faber's series of books. This story is about the relationship between the main character, Gopal, and his neighbour Mrs Shaw. It covers a few months in Gopal's life, and his he so wants a full relationship with Mrs Shaw. Well written. I would say the ending could have been better. Recommend to read

Faber 90th Anniversary Mini Series #20 of 20

Finished. Another shirt story in Faber's series of books. This story is about the relationship between the main character, Gopal, and his neighbour Mrs Shaw. It covers a few months in Gopal's life, and his he so wants a full relationship with Mrs Shaw. Well written. I would say the ending could have been better. Recommend to read

Faber 90th Anniversary Mini Series #18 of 20

Finished. I am not reading this series in order, but do intend to read all the books; alphabetically by author, this is number 18 out of the 20 books in the series.

This is the first book I've read by Plath. It is a novella. Well written. Interesting story that leaves a lot to the imagination. Set in a dystopian environment. Yes I enjoyed the book. Yes I do recommend it

Finished. What an amazing young woman Greta Thunberg has become. This is a collection of eleven speeches she has given between September 2018 and April 2019. All the speeches she was written herself. Amazing. Poignant. To the point. They are straightforward, no fluffiness. Greta tells the facts. Everybody NEEDS to read this book. The Earth is in crisis. Everyone needs this wake-up call NOW!

Finished. Admit, I made a bit of a mistake and misunderstanding when I chose this book. I thought it was a collection of short stories. I was very wrong. The book is about a prostitute and her antics. It is very explicit, believe me. I dont give up once I've started a book; this applies here. It leaves nothing to the imagination. It is up to you if you wish to read the book. I'm not interfering on this one

Finished. Another of Penguin's Modern Mini Classics. A book of three short stories. All very well written, and each of it's own particular theme. I particularly enjoyed 'Family Ties', a story that makes you pause and think. Enjoyed all the stories, all complete in their own right. All translated from Spanish by Katrina Dodson. Yes I would recommend, but read carefully and pause to digest and think

Penguin Modern Mini Classics #13 of 50

Finished. A very interesting book of four short stories. Well written throughout. My three favourite stories were 'The Day They Burned The Books', 'Rapunzel, Rapunzel', and 'Til September Petronella'. Each story was perfect in that they were well rounded and complete. I want to read other books by Jean Rhys now. I would recommend this book is read

Finished. A book of two short stories. Very strange book. In some respect, and definitely in the second story, it is biblical in its storyline. As for the first story, that seems to be one question after another. I read them both but was NOT impressed whatsoever, and they did not fulfil any interest I normally have. I'm afraid to say read it if you wish, but I have no wish or I mention to recommend!

Finished. Another choice book translated from its original Japanese. These translated books from Japan I have so far found, on the whole, very gentle. A very interesting story concept, and there may be some basis to the story, depending on each individual opinion. A little long winded in places, and on a few occasions repetitive too. Still I enjoyed it. However, the abrupt ending was very unsatisfactory, not happy!

Finished. First Michael Morpurgo ever read. Gentle story, which I think might be based on true events which, I again think, happened to the Author. Lovely descriptive writing. A complete story. Yes it's meant for older children, but who cares, it was a good read. Definitely recommend.

Finished. I love Jan Morris' writing. I have thoroughly loved this book of her thought, views, opinions, and anecdotes, plus some dips into poetry. Follows her musings written through 2017. Very well written. Very much highly recommended to read. Can dip in and out as and when you like!!

Finished. One of my favourite author's to read. This is another collection of short stories, 12 of them this time. My favourites were 'Text for the Day', 'To the Cinema', 'College' and 'Scary'. As always Ali Smith's writing is brilliant and evocative. I simply love reading her writings. Yes I thoroughly recommend others to read Ali Smith's books!

Finished. A short novella by Ian Mcewan to celebrate his 70th Birthday. An intriguing and clever storyline. Well written for only being 34 pages in length. Thoroughly enjoyed. Recommended to read

Penguin Modern Mini Classics 5 of 50

Finished. I really enjoy foreign literature that is translated into English. This book is translated from Japanese. Three very interesting short stories. My favourite was 'Closet LLB', by Uno Koji. Language in them is wonderful. Very much enjoyed. I recommend others to read

Penguin Modern Classics Mini 4 of 50.

Finished. A short Modern Classic with 3 short stories. My favourite was 'Big Blonde'. All the stories were well written. The stories kept your attention. Yes I would recommend to read these stories

Finished. A sweet little poetry book by the wonderful Pam Ayres. Follows the last ever hedgehog and his family that are gradually killed by various ways under the hand of man. Beautifully written. I do recommend

2 of 50 Penguin Modern Classics Mini

Finished. This book is a mixture of poems. Profane and prophetic verses about sex, death, Revolution and America "by the great icon of Beat poetry". Two of my favourite poems are: 'Death to Van Gogh's Ear!' and 'Personals Ad'. Very varied book, some great, some only ok, but well worth reading.

Finished. This book has been translated from Spanish. It is a work of 'faction'. The two main themes of the book are true events but they are embellished in fiction. Very good book with a well rounded story. Translation was good too. Very much enjoyed reading. Can definitely recommend.

Finished. Excellent book. Thoroughly interesting and enthralling. Very gripping and informative. Eleven brilliant lectures from the Royal Institution. My favourites were the lectures by Sir James Gray, Desmond Morris, David Attenborough, Richard Dawkins and Lloyd Peck. I am not going into detail as this is a must read book. Very highly recommend!!

Finished. One of the best books I have read. This is highlights and aspects of James/Jan Morris' life and the many travel books written. It is brilliantly written. A thorough joy to read. It definitely makes me want to read many of the travel and historical books that Morris has written. Cannot recommend more highly to read.

Finished. Another great collection of six of PD James' short murderous stories. I particularly enjoyed "The Victim" and "A Very Desirable Residence". All the stories were brilliantly written, and, thankfully, well rounded and complete stories. Highly recommended read