The Summer of the Bear is one of those family-centred stories that will appeal to most people who enjoy making jam and going for walks along the blustery Scottish coast. Although I have yet to do that latter, I still thoroughly engaged with this book and the tight family unit that the story orbits around. Split between Bonn, Germany and the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, the tale tracks the interwoven lives of a family of five. After tragedy strikes them a hard blow you come to understand how they are each dealing with their grief and how important communication is in transient times. My favourite character was little Jamie, the youngest brother he often bares the brunt of his middle sister Alba, who dislikes having a young annoying brother hanging off her coat-tails. Older sister Georgie is sensitive and devoted soul who is torn between discovering love, pleasing her parents and acting as the diplomat, advising Alba to remain respectful to Jamie's curious nature.The great Bear is obviosly the lynch-pin in this tale and some chapters are completely devoted to the inner thoughts of Bear as he hides out in the caves of the northern most tips of the Scottish Islands. It is Bear's relationship with Jamie that is both endearing and beautifully crafted by Bella Pollen as she seamlessly ties the connection between a child's toy-bear and the real great beast of a Bear that Jamie encounters.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a story of love, devotion and healing. This book deals with some very sore points for those who have experienced a tragedy, but Bella Pollen writes with such a peaceful pen that the tragedies are never far from being lulled by the Scottish tide.
This was one of the most talked about books on The TV Book Club list and I can vouch for it being one of the most refreshing summer reads. Don't get me wrong, this book isn't for everyone, but I munched through it so quickly that by the time I had stopped to think if it was for me I was finishing the last page and wishing the book was longer. This is the ultimate coming-of-age and going-past-age story. Filled with angst, love, depression, murder, suicide and of course punk-rock music, this novel encapsulates a time in the not so distant American past when the American Dream was just about tangible. Of course it does have quite a few characters that are so smarmy you really love to hate them and there are a couple that you wish would just get a grip, but over all they are such a ridiculous bunch of goofy people that you can't help but empathise with them.My favourite chapter is told through a series of Power-point slides. Jennifer Egan is now in my top favourite list of authors for this chapter alone. Using a series of diagrams she adds a new, younger and arguably wiser voice to the book and it is fascinating how much insight you can gain into a character's family through a series of diagrams. I won't spoil it for you because it really is a fantastically original book, but I will say that I think I have spotted the odd goon at a few gigs I've been too and boy do they look like an interesting group of rockers... A 8/10 for the dark humour and subtle poignancy that deals so well with self-adjustment and growing pains.
- An independent young woman
- A mysterious young man
- An unlimited supply of black and white material
- An array of cats, candles, twigs and/or branches
- A complicated pre-destined agreement
- A house that both welcomes and confuses
- A circus train
- A brave young boy
- Courageous flame-haired twins
- A whole load of make-believe
- An assortment of jars of various sizes
- And one man who can make time tick
One whisk is also advised, although you should ask an adult for assistance and always put the lid on to prevent any magic escaping.
This my friends, is a list of the assorted wonders that you will find within the realms of Erin Morgenstern's fantastical new fairytale, The Night Circus. Summoning up characters from the 19th Century, Erin welcomes you to Le Cirque des Rêves. You will need good walking shoes and a torch to find your way back home. This travelling circus is only open at night, so if you want to visit it is advised you catch a kip at work or have an afternoon snooze. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the circus and can be seen cavorting in red scarves as the autumn leaves start to fall.
PS. Look out for the fortune-teller, she really is quite good!
I read Night Road before going on holiday and I have to say I wasn't expecting much from it. I hadn't come across Kristin Hannah before and I hadn't really seen any publicity for this novel. I was really surprised to find that a day later I had finished the book and was ready to read it all over again.Kristin admits to being a 'helicopter mom' hovering over her own son as he grew up and being on hand to assist him in any decisions he had to make; be it his choice of jumper to which university to apply to. With this in mind she builds her story around a wealthy couple Jude and Miles Farraday who are blessed with twins, Mia and Zach. Seeing their children grow up as polar opposites - Mia shy and geeky, Zach sporty, handsome and popular - Jude is relieved when Mia makes a new friend on her first day of High School, Lexi who brings the timid Mia out of her shell.
The story of Lexi, Mia and Zach is both exhilarating and heartbreaking. It defines teenage pressures and challenges parenting methods adopted by so many loving parents. Jude and Miles have clearly been created from Kristin's own experience with her son and the relationships that they forge with Lexi is a subtle balance between gratitude and caution. A teenage tragedy which can effects many families each year, hits the Farradays and it is Kristin's portrayal of the breakdown of the tight family unit that really tugs at the heart strings.
I think Night Road is really under-rated and its simplistic nature is its best quality. Anyone can relate to this story in some way or another and this is what makes it a classic story. I give it a 7/10 for its nonconfrontational tone and its ability to remain composed whilst still depicting grief as a healing process.
Strewth Bruce, what a month August has been! A holiday in (very sunny I'll have you know) Cornwall, a joining of the wonderful SYP committee, and a brother moving to Japan - all very exciting and all distracting my blog entries. I've also been making a very snazzy WordPress site and once I am ready I shall link you all and you shall marvel at my whizzy skills. For now though I apologise for my lack of presence on the blogosphere and I shall reassure you that I have not been slacking on the reading front. This weekend I will be writing up a selection of tasty books including:
The Night Circus - Erin Morgernstern
The Night Road - Kristin Hannah
A Visit from the Goon Squad - Jennifer Egan
Roadside Crosser - Jeffrey Deaver
Miss Peregrine's School for Peculiar Children - Ransom Riggs
aaaand I've just received a toe-wiggling proof-copy of Legend Press's Looking for Mrs Dextrose by the uber talented Nick Griffiths. Hurrah!
For now it's time to catch some zzzzzzzzzzzzzs but watch this space - it's going to get pretty meaty!
The Night Circus - Erin Morgernstern
The Night Road - Kristin Hannah
A Visit from the Goon Squad - Jennifer Egan
Roadside Crosser - Jeffrey Deaver
Miss Peregrine's School for Peculiar Children - Ransom Riggs
aaaand I've just received a toe-wiggling proof-copy of Legend Press's Looking for Mrs Dextrose by the uber talented Nick Griffiths. Hurrah!
For now it's time to catch some zzzzzzzzzzzzzs but watch this space - it's going to get pretty meaty!
