Numbers

Numbers
Author: Rachel ward
ISBN: 9780545142991

Hi Everyone,

I enjoyed this book from the beginning to the end.  Now I find out that there are more books in the series!  I think I may need to add them to my Kindle list.

This was a very well written, well thought out book.  I could connect with the characters - from the main characters to the least.  Each one had their place in the bringing together of this story.  I liked the journey I was taken on and the way in which all my questions were tidied up in the ending.

What I did find though, was that some parts were predicable.  Some may hate this, but I actually enjoyed it.  Without a little predicatablity I think I would have found less connection with Jem and Spider.  The predicability made them human.  Having said that, there was still plenty that kept me the edge of my seat as I read... including what I predicted, as I had to read to see if I was on the right track.

I want to write about many parts of this book but as I do so I find myself deleting all that I type as it keeps containing 'spoilers'.  It is difficult to tell you what I found the best as it will ruin the story for you.  What I suggest is that you give reading it a try.  It isn't a hard read, but be warned there is a little bit of language that some may find offensive.  I noticed tonight, that this was available through my library's Bolinda Borrow Box, so I quickly snapped it up and listened to some of it on my phone.  The character's voices and accents are perfect for the story and what I envisioned of the characters. 

So overall, this is a good book.  Great concept for a plot.  Great characters and connection between each scene.  It flowed with just enough predicability which kept it real.

Description:

Since her mother's death, fifteen-year-old Jem has kept a secret. When her eyes meet someone else's, a number pops into her head - the date on which they will die. Knowing that nothing lasts forever, Jem avoids relationships, but when she meets a boy called Spider, and they plan a day out together, her life takes a new twist and turn. Waiting for the London Eye, she sees everyone in the queue has the same number - something terrible is going to happen...

This was available from: Fishpond, Amazon and Book depository

Happy reading

Don't ever look behind door 32

Don't Ever Look Behind Door 32
B. C. R Fegan

Hi Everyone,

I was sent this book by the publishers of B. C. R. Fegan and I have to say I continue to place this author on the top of my favourite picture book authors list!

This book is a simple concept really.  A couple of kids go to stay at a place and they are told not to look behind door 32.  Through the pages they discover what lies behind the other doors, and the imagination is brilliant, but they keep being reminded not to look behind door 32.  In the final pages, of course, they find out what is behind the forbidden door.  I have to say I was a little taken by what was behind this door as it was simpler than what I envisioned.  It is actually a good talking point to have with your kids, to see what they think may be behind the door.

The illustrations make this book a piece of art.  I love the pictures!  Anyone who has been following me for a while will know how much I enjoy children's books, particularly well illustrated, catchy ones.  This books ticks both the boxes.  The book rhymes, so it is easy to read... And the pictures are a real treasure.  I love the pictures! They bring this book to life :)

If you are looking for a gift, pick this book.  If you are looking for a bedtime story, pick this one.  If you are like me and like children's books, pick this one.

Description:

The magical Hotel of Hoo is a mysterious place with some very unusual occupants. As our guests explore the strange hotel, they are invited to experience everything it has to offer with just one warning… don’t ever look behind door 32.

This imaginative picture book aims to take children beyond the first ten cardinal numbers, and introduces them to the patterns of counting in a fun and accessible way. With rooms to explore and unique objects to count, children will enjoy lingering on each page as they make their way closer to the forbidden door.

   

This was available from:

• Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Ever-Look-Behind-Door/dp/0648101916/
• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36700744-don-t-ever-look-behind-door-32
• Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dont-ever-look-behind-door-32-bcr-fegan/1127094125
• Book Depository: https://www.bookdepository.com/Dont-Ever-Look-Behind-Door-32-B-C-R-Fegan/9780648101901
• Fishpond: https://www.fishpond.com.au/Books/Dont-Ever-Look-Behind-Door-32-B-C-R-Fegan/9780648101901

Happy reading

Henry and the hidden treasure

Henry and the hidden treasure
Author: B.C.R. Fegan
Illustrated by: Lenny Wem
ISBN: 9780995359277

Hi Everyone,

Here is another excellent book by B.C.R. Fegan... I think he is fast becoming my favourite children's book author. 

In this book, little Henry has pocket money which is his treasure.  No need for a bank, he will hide it!  But there is an issue called a little sister.  This is where the book gets interesting as the imagination of Henry comes alive. 

The illustrations highlight Henry's vision just perfect! 

I smiled all the way through this little gem as I remembered my boy a little younger than he is now. The minds of children are just like this story, well at least my children were like this when they were younger. 

I liked the ending which I probably shouldn't spoil the whole book as you should make it an asset to your book shelf.  With the year more than half way through it means Christmas will approach me quicker than I realise, but I think this book will be going onto my Christmas list for all the little ones in my life.  It is a beautifully illustrated, well thought out book.


Description:

Henry and the Hidden Treasure is an imaginative adventure a young child has in defending his pocket money against his little sister. Henry constructs elaborate defensive measures that he is sure will stand up to the clever ambitions of Lucy. Little does he know, Lucy has a few tricks of her own. With a focus on introducing children to the use of ordinal numbers, Henry and the Hidden Treasure also draws out some important qualities of being a kid - such as creativity, the value of listening to parental advice, and of course, being nice to your sister.show more

Author: B.C.R Fegan

Additional Links:

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Henry-Hidden-Treasure-B-C-R-Fegan-ebook/dp/B0719JXRRT

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/henry-and-the-hidden-treasure-bcr-fegan/1126325048

Book Depository: https://www.bookdepository.com/Henry-and-the-Hidden-Treasure-B-C-R-Fegan/9780995359253

Fishpond: http://www.fishpond.com.au/Books/Henry-and-Hidden-Treasure-B-C-R-Fegan-Lenny-Wen-Illustrated-by/9780995359253

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35192343-henry-and-the-hidden-treasure

Goodreads author: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16559956.B_C_R_Fegan

Author website: http://www.bcrfegan.com/

Publisher: http://www.taleblade.com/

Happy reading

The drowning

The Drowning
Author: Rachel Ward
Read by: Paul Chequer
ISBN: 9781471342981

Hi Everyone

This is the second book I have listened to by Rachel Ward (you can link to my review of Numbers here).  This book is just as good as the first book I listened to by Rachel.  I'm not sure if this is because of the reader - Paul Chequer, or the plot.  Either way I'm pleased I have experienced the book and especially pleased that I listened to this one.

First things first - the book.  The characters all have their unique part to play in this story.  I hated the aunt!  Lets get that off my chest.  I felt for the mother, although she did need extreme help in many ways.  Now to the main characters... I wanted to scream many times in this book, especially at Carl's brother.  He was too dam real for my liking.  His character was so well written that I was left wondering if he had actually died?  Now that's good writing in itself.  I liked Neesha, she seemed caught up in bizarre situation.  Really, she seemed like a normal-ish sort of girl.  But these two brothers take her on a trip beyond reality.  To Carl... you really should listen to the audio to get the fill impact of Carl's character.

The plot was weird, but brilliant.  I often wondered where it was going to take me.

Now to the audio/reader.  Brilliant!  

Listen to this book if you get a chance.  Carl's character is given so much impact through the reader of this audio book.  I don't think I could have given him so much dramatic force in my minds voice.  I could his pain, anxiety and strength due to the reader, Paul Chequer.  I can't give enough credit to the reading of this title on audio.  He gave the book more strength and the characters more creditability.  Excellent work produced.

So, this book is worth putting on your phone or device and listening to while you go about your day.  Really it makes doing the dishes do much exciting 😉

Description:

What happens if you've done something terrible, but you can't remember what? And you don't know how to put it right... When Carl opens his eyes on the banks of a lake, his brother is being zipped into a body bag. What happened in the water? He can't remember. When he glimpses a beautiful girl he thinks he recognises, she runs away. Suddenly he knows he must find her - because together they must face the truth before it drowns them.

Happy reading

The art of fully living

The Art of  Fully Living
Author: Tal Gur
ISBN: 9781549929618

Hi Everyone,

I was offered a copy of this book to read while I was in the midst of ahuge challenge to read some of my own books, and reading my last review which was beyond a crazy read.  But, I couldn't say no for two reasons.  First I am a crazy book person who loves to have my next read sitting beside my bed ready to be opened!  Second...

'1 man, 10 years, 100 life goals' 

Particularly the 100 life goals, how many people have 100 of the things?  And to only have 10 years to achieve them.  Now that is a mission in itself.  So I had to read what went on in this mans mind.

I enjoyed every page.  There were so many principles in this book which I live by, that I enjoyed reading about his tactics, adventures, mistakes (if you could call them that) and pickups.  I loved his beginnings and know he isn't finished even as I close the final page.  I can't say I live by every principle, because I don't, but I can say that many of the things he touches on are very good and worth reading about.

Some will read this book as a self help book; some will read as an adventure; some will read and take on their own journey; and some will put the book down half way through and carry on with their lives unchanged.  I like this about the concept of 'fully living' because we all have our own 'FULL'  

What is your 'FULL'?

I for one, like to achieve things.  I set the most stupid goals, but look back and think I have done so many little things with my life... so far... still more stupid ideas to come for me yet.  What are your latest goals?  Do you have 100?  I don't, but I keep finding just one more.  If you want to read about one mans journey, over 10 years, through his first 100, then this is the book to pick up.  I am sure this is just the start of his life goals.  I am interested to see where the next 10 years takes him.

Description:

"10 years to live, that's how far I look into the future."

My friend stood by an open window, looking out toward the water from his Melbourne apartment where three of us had gathered a few days after my birthday.

It was a beautiful starry night and the fragrance of a new beginning was in the air. We were all in a similar position: we had recently entered our 30's, and we had just received our permanent residency in Australia. Naturally, the conversation turned to the question of life goals—where do we go from here?

My friend continued: "My father died in his early 40's, so I am going to set my life goals based on the fact that I also may not be here after that age."

Salty ocean air swirled around us as his words sunk in. The idea of our mortality confronted us, filled the room. But instead of weighing me down, it had the effect of clarification. It was a much-needed epiphany, a refreshing perspective for three young men who had already lived three decades of life, but still felt the need for something grandiose, something important, something that would make us feel fully lived.

The concept immediately sparked something inside of me—how would I live my life if I only had 10 years left? I would certainly not waste any time. I would not delay my goals until retirement. My bucket list wouldn't stretch on until I was 80; things would have to get done right away.

Creating a list of hefty goals for the short-term, not the long-term, seemed a little like playing a trick on yourself, but really, there was nothing sneaky about this approach to goal-setting. It suddenly just made a lot of sense.

That night, we wrote down some of our life goals and shared them with each other.

As I drove home under starry skies, there was an energy surging through me. I felt filled up with life at the idea of how I was going to approach this huge crossroads in my life. I thought, "Yes, this is the perspective I want to adopt. This is how I want to live my life."

Creating bucket lists and New Year's resolutions had never been my thing. Tonight, for the first time, I felt the power of making those lists.

Back in my apartment, I rushed to write down more goals that buzzed through my mind. The list grew rapidly until I reached 100 life goals for the next decade of my life. Ten years, 100 goals—the numbers felt right.

Little did I know that this night and this list would change the course of my life...

https://fullylived.com/art/

This was available from Amazon

Happy reading