My company publishes this book and I felt almost obligated to read it; however, I am really glad I did. It is wonderful! The characters are very human and the plot so well conceived.

It takes place way in the future and most cities are on tractor treads and hunting each other. After centuries, the prey is getting harder and harder to find. London digs up some old technology, some engergy beam, and decides to blast its way into a defended area of cities still on land.

Two young couples join up to stop the killing…

I will say no more. Go read it.

Really good; however, I would say the end was a bit disappointing. I don’t want to give away the story, but…

- so if you plan to read this stop -

• why did Hesseth have to die the way she did? didn’t help the plot, seemed really disappointing to lose her in such a meaningless way.
• what was the Undying Prince trying to do? it was completely not explained?
• why wasn’t Calesta in the final scenes? seems unlikely
• why would the Hunter showing the Mercia ruler the divining break his pack with hell, really?
• why did the pilot from the Golden Glory have to die? really?

I could go on.

That said, I will read book three!

Normally I don’t like or read any fantasy, but Robin and Tim gave me this for Christmas with a strong recommendation. And I have to say, I really enjoyed it.

There were many things that don’t really make complete logical sense, like, why is Gerald going to the Rakhlands at all? But it is believable and moral and human. I am definitely reading the next two books in the trilogy.

The book was well written, the characters were really strong, I tried to enjoy it; however, I don’t think it was 100% able. The problem was I hated Wilberforce. He was so empty, so horrible. He never took, or had to take responsibility for himself—and I don’t like that in people real or imaginary.

Without question, this is one of the best novels of the 20th century. The devil and his crew come to Moscow for their annual ball and play with the citizens of the town - all deserving of their rewards - rewarding some, punishing others.

Its funny, timeless, political, questions the nature of good and evil all at once. If you can, read this book!

This book is the story of a young teenage boy, Sam, who has a terminal disease. Its written as a diary and the voice is incredibly authentic. You really understand the final months of this boys life.

I really recommend it.

p.s. I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of this book.

Very cleverly written as a series of journal entries, letters and newspaper articles, this is the story of a man’s journey towards faith and love wrapped up in the tale of building a salmon fishery in the Yemen desert tied up in the UK’s middle eastern politics.

I loved this book, but I have to say, I don’t completely understand the influence that John had on his parents, at least from his narrow view. Also, what exactly his psychological issues are?

Having read nearly all of Bryson’s works, this is one of his biopics, looking at his early childhood in Des Monies, Iowa in the 1950’s and 60’s. He moves easily about from describing people and places to give you a real sense of the town to laugh out loud funny stories.

The short coming of the book would have to be the lack of narrative about the Thunderbolt Kid theme and in general narrative through the book. Its really a collection of stories, not a path. The end just sort of ends. He rushed through his high school years, reminisces over the changing of the community fixtures and bomb, the story is over. Much like the fading in the book Walk in the Woods.

But if you like Bryson’s style and humour, you will like this too.

I think Giorgio is a superb chef with a real understanding of what is important about ingredients (key), creativity (less important than good) and eating (social).

We were lucky enough to hear him speak at the Richmond (London, UK) Book Festival and meet him. He was raised in a family that ran a hotel (1 star Michelin) with a restaurant and where family was important and simple and local was best. He is funny, absurd and irreverent.

The book has some of these stories, but the passion for the recipes is what really matters. If you are a foodie… this is a great book.