Cats And Mice And Everything In Between

I just love this time of year because it gives me a chance to catch up on all the wonderful reading lists and to add to my every increasing to-be-read pile.  You the know the one. The one that is so long that it would probably take a whole year of dedicated reading to just get through it.  Still think of all the lovely books I could read...

Books like Firefly Hollow and Crenshaw, featuring both real... and imaginary animals.  And the fact that I am adding both of these to my to-be-read list as I type has nothing to do with my compulsive reading habit - okay it totally does..  I also want a cat name Crenshaw.  Because seriously who wouldn't.  An imaginary cat no-less. Now that is all kinds of awesome.  Just as all these books are. So check them out, share them with your kids, your friends kids and have a summery indulge of all things magical.

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

Don't you just love books with pictures.  Big, glorious, colourful pictures that tell a story in a way that words often can't.

And with summer upon us there is nothing better than stretching out upon a comfy blanket under a shady tree with a pile of picture books to wile away a hot, sunny afternoon, all while eating strawberries and drinking ice cold lemonade.  Because you have to do these things right.

Personally I want to read them all

The Twelve Posts of Christmas: Christmas Is Over... Now What?

By now you've unwrapped the presents, eaten the food and are completely ready for the next stage: relaxation.

For me this is chipping away at my endless and every increasing To-Be-Read pile.  And trust me it's a pretty big pile.

I've been waiting for Visions by Kelley Armstrong the supernatural/crime sequel to Omens for what seems like ages.  Luckily I have finally got it and it's taking pride of place on top of my holiday reading pile.

Tucked underneath it is another sequel, this time Murder of Crows by Anne Bishop and yes it's a another supernatural/fantasy book.  Because yes I have a little weakest for them.  Okay maybe a big weakest.  Don't judge me.

And just to continue on with the theme also in the pile is Midnight Thief by Livia Blackburne, a teen fantasy book that sounds like a cross between Graceling and Best Served Cold, two of my all-time favourite fantasy books, featuring kick-ass chicks.

Which leads me to Winterkill by Kate Boorman, whose cover reminds me of that movie The Village, which may or may not be a good thing.  It also sounds vaguely apocalyptic and if I have a big thing for supernatural/fantasy I have an even bigger weakest for dystopian/apocalyptic. Because angst and adventure is what it's all about.
 
The Rain by Virginia Bergin fits nicely into this theme and is another book I can't wait to read along with The One Safe Place by Tania Unsworth which has been described as the new Giver and which has already begun appearing on Best 2014 lists.

Of course my To-Be-Read pile is not all supernatural or end of the world goings on, I do have some lighter reads such as The Year I Met You by Cecelia Ahern, a book that I keep putting on the top of the pile then dropping back down because having read all of her previous books it's one I want to save until last... or at least until it's due back date.

There's also I Will Marry George Cloony By Christmas by Tracy Bloom and Unleashed by Rachel Lacey which are light and romantic and utterly perfect to read on sunny day, accompanied by a bowl of cherries to eat your way through as you do so.

And finally for a SyFyGirl like me the absolutely best book to round out a reading feast; one with aliens and the ending of humanity, Firefall by Peter Watts

Summer Reads Just For Us Chicks

There are times when I almost hate my job or, more accurately, regret my job.

Just when I think I've got my reading list under control I start browsing through web pages and book lists hunting for new titles to blog about and suddenly I find myself adding more and more titles to my own reading list.

It's a bit like the finger in the dyke story only the idea of being flooded with books actually sounds quite nice.  Though if they were to come all at once it could, I think, be quite painful.

Death by book avalanche anyone?

There is, I fear, no hope for me and my never ending reading list.

Even if I wasn't a librarian my reading list would still be out of control.  There's just something about their glossy covers and blurbs that tempt me with whispered words that I can't resist.

I'm an addict I know and it's an addiction that I hope never leaves me however much I sometimes regret my endlessly long reading list.

This year there seems to have been particularly busy year in the book world with a plethora of new titles streaming out or perhaps it's just that my reading has reached epic proportions, either way I know that I'm going to be having a very busy summer working my way through an increasingly large pile of books.

From fashion to murder to romance hopefully there is something here for everyone.

Summer Reads For The Man In Your Life

"It's not the men in your life that matters, it's the life in your men."
- Mae West

Men.

They say that we're mysterious but really it's them who are the confusing ones.

There's their unconditional love of sport for one thing.  Even when their team is losing they are there cheering them on and yelling at the TV all sorts of bad words about the ref.

Then there's their love of gadgets.  From cellphones to chainsaws to cars nothing seems to give them more pleasure than playing with whatever new toy that has caught their latest fixation.  It's kind of sweet really how their faces light up as if they have seen the holy grail or something.  Weird but sweet.

And don't get me started on the truly weird phenomenon of how they can never find things without our help even when said "missing item" is staring them right in the face.

Still we wouldn't want to be without them.  From father to son to brother, to lover and BFF, they are there for us providing their unique attitude to life and their unconditional support.

They take care of the scary monsters even if they are only tiny little daddy-long legs.  They tell us we're beautiful even when we are looking our worst and they're the strong shoulders we cry on when we've had a bad day.

One way we are the same is that like us they like to read. 

From sports books to science books to spy thrillers there is a wide selection to choose from so here are some picks for that man in your life.

Happy reading! 

Richie McCaw : the open side / Richie McCaw with Greg McGee.

Even I know who Richie McCaw is, non-sporty person that I am, and here in his own words is the story of his career so far.

Rockin' garages : featuring Billy Joel, Keith Urban, Brian Johnson, Nick Mason, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Sammy Hagar, and more/ by Tom Cotter and Ken Gross 

As a wanna-be rock chick this book appeals even to me featuring as it does interviews with some of the biggest names in rock music who talk about their passion for cars all highlighted with wonderful photos throughout.  One for any music fan or petrol head.

The last man / Vince Flynn

Joe Rickman, head of CIA clandestine operations in Afghanistan, has been kidnapped and his four bodyguards executed in cold blood. But Mitch Rapp’s experience makes him wonder if something even more sinister isn’t afoot when he is dispatched him to Afghanistan to find Rickman at all costs.

Newton's fire / Will Adams

A chance discovery in a dusty attic plunges academic Luke Hayward into a race to uncover the truth behind some seemingly random scribblings - a race which pits Luke against a fundamentalist madman with dangerously powerful friends.

50 years of James Bond.

What can we say except James Bond rocks.  The greatest spy ever created.  50 years after the first movie Dr No screened Bond is still going strong.

A little history of science / William Bynum.

A look at what some consider the greatest adventure of all - the quest of science discovery.


The Stig : the untold story / Simon du Beaumarche.

Who is The Stig? Where did he come from? Why does he never speak?  These questions and others are answered in this tell-all-book.

I suck at girls / Justin Halpern.

A humorous collection of stories about the author's relationships with the opposite sex told chronologically, from his first kiss to getting engaged.

Red country / Joe Abercrombie.

Joe Abercrombie is considered one of the fantasy authors to watch out for out.  His books have consistently appeared in top ten fantasy must reads and his latest book is proving to be just as popular.  A stand-alone book this time, it sees the return of one of the fans favourites.

 The devil in silver : a novel / Victor LaValle

Placed in a mental institution, Pepper discovers that the terrifying creature he sees might not be a delusion and with three other inmates plots to fight back against the the monster that is stalking them, but can the Devil ever really be killed?
 
Petrolheads in sheds : unique kiwi car collections / Steve Holmes.

A look at the the hidden and private world of kiwi car collectors.

The Kiwi man cave / Steve Hale with Matt Elliott.

Man caves?  Mmm I'm not sure what they are but this book is sure to tell me.  Sounds very blokey, which is exactly how our kiwi men are and we love them for it.

Summer Reading For The Kid In Us All

I love books.

Okay no surprise there.

I love them in all shapes and sizes.  Big books and little books. Hardback and paperback.  Kids books and adult books and everything in-between.

Books are amazing. and I love that my mum introduced me to the world of books and reading and imagination at a young age.

Thanks Mum!

Nothing is more wonderful than reading.

And yes I know I'm probably bias since I love books so much and I'm a librarian - but trust me, books are one of life's greatest pleasures and something that everyone should get into.


During the lazy days of summer, when you've had enough of swimming in the sea or building sandcastles on the beach, curly up in a hammock or on a deck lounger under a shady tree with sunlight sprinkling through and the sound of crickets chirping in the background while reading a good book is pure bliss...

Kids books in particular are a particular joy.  There is so much variety and so many to choose from.

There are books about cats and books about bears.  Books about robots and books about dinosaurs.  There are books about being brave and books about being scared.
 


There are books of adventures to far off places, to the past, present and future and books about your very own backyard.

 It's an amazing world and one that every kid can enjoy, whether their 5 or 105 so in the spirit of Christmas and lazy days of summer here are just a handful of picks of kids books for you to enjoy.

"I’ve travelled the world twice over,

Met the famous; saints and sinners

Poets and artists, kings and queens,

Old stars and hopeful beginners.

I’ve been where no one’s

been before,

learned secrets from writers

and cooks,

All on one library ticket

To the wonderful work of books."---Janice James

 

Fun summer reads

The holidays are coming soon (yay, one month to go!), and if you've been waiting a while since your last one, your brain probably resembles something like...hmm, I'm thinking pan drippings left out overnight. Burnt crunchy bits included, if you're feeling particularly fried.

At this time of year, it's nice not to have to think too much about what you're reading. Your mind should just drift peacefully on a soothing, gentle sea of words as it washes you along. There are two kinds of book that do this:

1) Action novels.
You know the ones I mean. The ones where everything follows a certain pattern: bad guys, good guys, no doubting who's who, and the good guy always - always wins. There's a girl somewhere too, so the hero can prove how hot he is in every way. Stand up, Clive Cussler and Lee Child.

2) Romances.
Don't need to spell this one out. Some can be erotic, some can be screwball (whoops, no pun intended), and some can be "sweet" like a Nicholas Sparks. Whatever you're into, you know pretty much exactly what you're getting. Like a Griffins sampler.

So here is a list of new and forthcoming books that might just put the sauce on your chips this summer.

Fifty Bales of Hay - Rachael Treasure

Just love the title of this one! Saddle up for a collection of "agricultural erotica" from Australia, featuring lots of luscious cowboys, cheeky farmhands and fun with a stock and a whip. Whoa, Nelly.









Friends and Rivals - Tilly Bagshawe

Record label Jester boasts some of the hottest musicians on the planet, but their shining star is super-diva Kendall Bryce - the girl with the voice of an angel and the attitude from hell. To the world it seems like owners and old college friends, Jack and Ivan, are living the dream - until the betrayal. Jack has no choice but to walk away from Jester and start up his own label and with the help of his own new discovery - the talented, beautiful and sweet Ava Klein - he is ready to take on Ivan. As passions rise and the desire to win becomes all-consuming, the two young and brilliant pop beauties and the two bitter ex-friends race for the Christmas number one record.


Dirty Little Secret - Jon Stock
Described as one for fans of Jason Bourne and James Bond. Salim Dhar, the world's most wanted terrorist, has disappeared after an audacious attack on an American target in the UK. The CIA believes Daniel Marchant, renegade MI6 officer, was involved. But Marchant has a bigger secret: Dhar has agreed to work for MI6. In return, Marchant must help him with a final strike against America. Should Britain sign up to this Faustian pact or hunt them both down? Fast and furious with the inevitable romance thrown in.

Threat Vector - Tom Clancy and Mark Greaney
Jack Ryan has only just moved back into the Oval Office when he is faced with a new international threat. An aborted coup in China has left President Wei Zhen Lin with no choice but to agree with the expansionist policies of General Su Ke Qiang. They have declared the South China Sea a protectorate and are planning an invasion of Taiwan. A new breed of powerful Chinese anti-ship missile endangers the US Navy's plans to protect the island. Meanwhile, Chinese cyberwarfare experts have launched a devastating attack on America. Jack Ryan, Jr. and his colleagues at the Campus may be just the wild card that his father needs to stack the deck. There's just one problem: someone knows about the off-the-books intelligence agency and threatens to blow their cover sky high.

It Happened in Venice - Molly Hopkins
For fans of sweet and funny romances. Evie has a handsome fiance and a fantastic job that takes her to fashionable Dublin, in-vogue Marrakech, cool Amsterdam and romantic Paris. But her fiance hates her job and her flatmate hates her fiance. And when an unexpected event strikes the epicentre of her happiness, Evie is driven to gin and tonic. If she doesn't sort herself out, her liver and her bank manager will hate her. So when she's offered a luxury trip to the sensual city of Venice, with its shifting silver canals and rose and vanilla hued architecture, Evie jumps at the chance. Four days in the city of light and love is exactly what she needs. The sumptuous Grand Hotel, the gondolas, the wine, the Italian men...But within hours of Evie's arrival, her life is poised to change for ever...

Newton's Fire - Will Adams

Luke Hayward is adrift. Blacklisted out of academia, he is in no position to refuse when a client asks for his expert help in recovering some lost Isaac Newton papers. But a chance discovery in a dusty attic plunges Luke into a race to uncover the truth behind some seemingly random scribblings - a race which pits Luke against a fundamentalist madman with dangerously powerful friends. Luke discovers connections between Oxford, London and the Old City of Jerusalem in a breathless chase to uncover a secret hidden in the eccentric ramblings of a mathematical genius; a secret that, in the wrong hands, could be used to spark the holy war to end all holy wars.

The Husband List - Janet Evanovich and Dorien Kelly

A historical romance that evokes the glittering world of the Rockefellers and the Vanderbilts. New York City, 1894. Caroline Maxwell would like nothing more than to join her brother, Eddie, and his friend, Jack Culhane, on their adventures. While they are off buying up businesses and building wildly successful careers, Caroline's stuck at home frightening off the men her mother hopes will ask for her hand, like the questionable Lord Bremerton. She longs for adventure, passion, love, and most of all, Jack, an Irish-American with new money and no title. But Caroline's dark hair, brilliant eyes and quick wit have Jack understanding just why it is people fall in love.

The Hunters - Chris Kuzneski
A team of renegades - an ex-military leader, a historian, a computer whiz, a weapons expert and a thief - financed by a billionaire philanthropist are tasked with finding a vast treasure lost nearly a century ago. Fearing a German victory in World War I, the Romanians signed a deal with the Russians to safeguard their national treasures. In 1916 two trains full of gold and the most precious objects of the Romanian state - paintings, jewellery from the Royal family, ancient Dacien artifacts - were sent to the underground vaults in the Kremlin, only to be lost after the Russian Revolution. With a haul valued at over $3.5 billion, everyone wants to claim the vast treasure, but its location has remained a mystery - until now.

Ultimatum - Simon Kernick

8am: an explosion rocks a London cafe. Minutes later a call is made to a local radio station: 'We've just detonated a bomb. Another will explode shortly to prove what we are capable of.' The government has until midnight to meet all of the terrorist demands before a far greater attack takes place. Sixteen hours is all DC Tina Boyd and Mike Bolt have to find and stop the killers - before it's too late.







Bianca - Bertrice Small
Florentine silk merchant Giovanni Pietro d'Angelo and his wife want nothing more than to marry their daughters to wealthy men of distinction. But when their son's dangerous indiscretion implicates him in a tragic accident, it is their eldest daughter who must pay the price. Blackmailed by the powerful and debauched Sebastiano Rovere, the Pietro d'Angelos must give beautiful Bianca in marriage to Rovere to buy his silence. It is the shocking murder of her husband that allows her to find the possibility of love at last. But Florentine society would never approve of the man she's chosen: Prince Amir, grandson of Memhet the Conqueror. Two passionate lovers...two different cultures...two worlds determined to keep them apart.

Do enjoy, won't you?