Book Club....Reviews

[Rose]

So this is the thread that was asked for to review books and magazines. We can review anything that we enjoy or not. But we are going to have a seperate thread for discussion.

Agi gave us a wonderful review of an on-line mag so I thought it would be great to have it as our first posting.

I have only seen two issues so far, plus the free downloadable one (without the charts) - and I love it. It is a very distinguishable style, though, so it may not appeal to everyone. Unlike some other magazines that tend to try and serve many different tastes at the same time.
I am so sorry that I cannot name this style to help you but the sample issue should give you a good idea. http://www.thegiftofstitching.com.au/sample.php" target="_blank

There is a really interesting calendar design that I want to do (you can see it in the sample), they give you the patterns in four consequitive issues, some nice samplers and many small designs good for needlecases, biscornus, cards etc.

What I really like is that they give you very detailed, step by step instructions on finishing, and they do other counted stitches, too, not only cross stitch. In the October issue they have, for example, a piece on shading with blackwork, and a whole page of different stitches diagrams.

It is also good, to me at least, that they publish articles, interviews with designers etc, so there are pages to READ, as well, not only pictures and charts. I like this.

So far I am really happy that I ordered it, especially with that really cheap discount price I got - but I think the whole price ($ 18) wouldn't have been too much for a whole year.

By the way, the discount I got was only because in May I downloaded their sample issue - and in September they offered me a discount (half price) subscription.

[Fljotsdale]

Oh, that's great, Rose! I do hope it takes off!

Well here's some recommendations from me:

As people may know, I recently started to do Blackwork and so bought 4 books on the subject:

1. Blackwork Embroidery by Elizabeth Geddes & Moira McNeill

This is not really what I expected, though I have to say it is very interesting. It's an A4 sized softcover book of 115 pages containing a short history of blackwork, a discussion of techniques, and sections on Design, Patterns, and Materials and threads. It is well-illustrated with b/w photographs of historical blackwork, drawings, and modern blackwork sketches. From my point of view, the most useful part of the book are the 16 pages of filler stitch designs. I would not recommend it for a beginner, but someone who has done a fair amount of blackwork would find it very interesting. Cost $8.95 US (and about £5 UK)

2. The New Anchor Book of Blackwork Stitches

Slightly larger than A4 sofcover book of 63 pages. There is a brief explanatory chapter followed by designs, materials and equipment, clear drawings of how stitches are worked, some very attractive small charts with clear diagrams of how to stitch the fillers. Perfect for a new blackwork stitcher! I really like this book. Cost £6.99 UK, $11.99 US

3. Blackwork by Lesley Barnett

Another A4 softcover, of 48 pages. Again, this book starts with a brief history of blackwork, deals with design, materials and equipment, discusses the use of colour in blackwork, and, interestingly, has a good section on the use of blackwork on non-evenweave fabrics, such as hand made felts and papers. A fascinating book with some interesting and beautiful designs, but no real charts. For the experienced blackwork stitcher. £5.95 UK, $11.95 US

4. Beginners Guide to Blackwork by Lesley Wilkins

Another A4 softcover, 64 pages. This is an absolutely perfect book for the beginner blackwork stitcher. Intro, materials equipment, as before, but it discusses design, using charts, mounting your work - nice clear pics! Attractive border designs/charts, alphabet chatrs, filler stitch sampler chart, small bird, animal and flower designs, and nice clear illustrations of Holbein stitch, backstitch and even cross stitch. This lady doesn't assume you know stuff - she assumes you don't and tells you how. £8.95 UK, $17.95 US

Of the four books, I found the most useful were books 2 and 4 of the above, but I like them for different reasons: I love the designs in the Anchor book. I love the nice, simple, clear and short explanations in the Beginners Guide!

[Fljotsdale]

I hope I'm not going to be the only one posting in here!

Anyway, another book:

Next Steps in Cross Stitch by Angela Beasley



This is not a new publication; it's a 1996 hardback that does just what it says in the title - takes cross stitch techniques one step further. Chapter headings: Simple cross stitch; Blending threads; Double cross stitch; Stitching patterns; Decorative beading; Applying ribbons; Knots and loops; Semi-sheer fabrics; Simple goldwork; Painting and dyeing. It also contains sections on basic skills, conversion chart, suppliers, and an index.
This is a beautiful book, well illustrated with pictures of completed projects and with charts and brief but clear instructions and illustrations of the new stitches introduced. Some of the designs are quite reminiscent of blackwork! Some of the stitches illustrated are: couching, detatched chain st, eyelet st, fly st, french knots, larks head knot, long cros st, rice st, tent st, wheatsheaf st, straight st.
This is not only a beautiful and useful book, it contains charts of some very attractive projects, including a kingfisher, and several very nice stitched cards, besides other nice stuff.
I really like this book, but it was not cheap. £15.99 in 1996. It is not in print at present, but Amazon have much cheaper copies available:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/next-steps-cros ... stripbooks" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank

[Rose]

I would like to suggest for those of you that are interested in suspense books to check out Iris Johansen. She has a wonderful way of developing characters. Thoughtful stories and intrigue in a realistic manner. She carries characters from one story to the next but each book can stand on it's own. I believe that her best book is named "The Search" and right on the same level "The Killing Game.

I highly recommend her books. My daughter is a huge fan also.

[Rose]

Another Book I would recommend is 365 Designs by Sam Hawkins. I have had this book for many many years. I have used these designs alone and combined to make different designs for friends and family over the years. The patterns are small but very rewarding.

[PaulaH]

Are we limited to craft books or is it any book?

I've just rejoined our local library - I can get through 8 books a week when Mum isn't sleeping well - someone recommended Sophie Hannah, I've read Little Face and Hurting Distance, both very good with amazing twists at the end.

Paula xx

[Mabel Figworthy]

The Beginners Guide to Miniature Embroidery by Elizabeth Anderson -- if you've ever considered doing miniature embroidery and venturing into silk gauze, start here! It's got great tips and lovely designs, too.

You can have a look at some of the pages here

[Fljotsdale]

Are we limited to craft books or is it any book?

I've just rejoined our local library - I can get through 8 books a week when Mum isn't sleeping well - someone recommended Sophie Hannah, I've read Little Face and Hurting Distance, both very good with amazing twists at the end.

Paula xx

Well, Rose put in some suspense novels! And I'm going to add another fiction one to the list.

[Fljotsdale]

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Not at all the sort of book I normally read: I'm a fantasy and pre-19c historical novel reader.
BUT: this is a fantastically good read.

I was first attracted to the cover, which is sort of old-parchment coloured with a pic of a robed skeletal figure dancing with a young girl. The figure is, of course, death, and the girl is the main protagonist of the story.
The story itself is set in Germany during WW2 - and no, the girl is not Jewish, just a normal German girl. Sort of...
The storyteller is Death. That appealed to me! but it may not appeal to you; don't be put off! It is beautifully done, wonderfully written, poignant, moving, and sometimes funny - I can't read books totally devoid of humour - and hugely compelling. There is love in it, there is tragedy in it, there is danger and compassion; and most of all there are wonderful, unforgettable characters.
Do read it. It is the best book I have read in years.

The softback issue costs £7.99

Oh - and it's 'The No1 International Bestseller', though I didn't notice that until after I started reading it - in the shop! And I did something I haven't done since I was in my late teens - I walked along the road reading it!

[Genevieve]

Just read 'When Will There Be Good News?' the new novel from Kate Atkinson. Terrific read with lots of suspense. It's made me go back and order her earlier books from the library.

'Doors Open' by Ian Rankin has made me forgive him for finishing the Rebus books. Set in Edinburgh - of course - and thoroughly enjoyable.

Non-Fiction. If you're a Paul Theroux fan - as I am - I'm reading his follow-up to 'The Great Railway Bazaar' in which he follows the same journey thirty years on. It's called 'Ghost Train to the Evening Star'. I'd love to follow in his footsteps, but reading all about it in the comfort of my home is second best. Fascinating stuff.

I've read a review about 'The Book Thief', Fljotsdale and I'm certainly putting it on my 'to read' list. Thanks for reminding me about it.

Don't forget that, certainly in Nottinghamshire anyway, it only costs 25p to order a book through the library system. You have to wait a little while, but, hey, you can order as many as you want.

[Sarah Gixxer]

My favourite author is probably Nora Roberts - she writes dramatic and thrilling romances often with mysterious twists. I've got about 10 of her books in paperback. I bought the first couple in W H Smiths (UK book store) at £6.99 each - then the last time I went to the USA (I've been 4 times) I saw they were US$6 in a book store, Borders, less than half the price of the UK, so I bought half a dozen to bring home!

I love Catherine Cookson as well (English writer whose stories are mostsly set in the north east of England). She writes a lot about poverty and hardship from her own experiences growing up.

[Mabel Figworthy]

If you like your reading matter slightly quirky, I can thoroughly recommend Jasper Fforde's "Thursday Next" series. It is set in a sort of alternative version of the England we know and love, but literature is really big with people getting all het up about what happens to characters, and Will-speak machines (Shakespeare automatons that recite bits of the plays) on the corner of every street. And Jane Eyre does not marry Mr Rochester, which is a grave disappointment to the book's many fans. But then characters from various books are kidnapped and held to ransom so the books are suddenly incomplete -- and they're threatening to kidnap Jane next! In steps Thursday Next of the Litera Tec division; and she steps not only into the case, but into the book.
Add to this (not necessarily in the first book of the series) an uncle who has found the recipe for unscrambling eggs (and therefore for time travel), a cloned pet dodo called Pickwick, and cheese smuggling in the People's Republic of Wales, and you've got a heady mixture, with lots of allusions to well-known works and puns (well, if they were good enough for Shakespeare...)

[Fljotsdale]

Thurdsay Next goes straight onto my shopping list, Mabel!

[nettie]

I have just finished The Quest by Wilbur Smith. It is set in Egypt kind of around the seven plagues time. It is about a Mage of the Truth who sets out to destroy a goddess of the Lie who has set the plagues on his beloved Egypt.

I can't say if I enjoyed or not really as I am not sure if I did. All I know is something about the way Wilbur Smith has written it made want to just keep reading until the end.

I have also just finished Nation by Terry Pratchett. A very funny take on early twentieth century earth and western values in particular. I really did enjoy this one from start to finish and was sorry it ended.

Thats it for now if I review all the books I have read recently we will have to change the name of the forum!!

[scotia]

I'm reading a Linda Fairstein novel called Bad Blood, it's a detective novel set in New York and has quite good so far.
I've also just got 1000 Great Cross Stitch Designs by Marie Kelly from the library and it has some great designs in it.

[Fljotsdale]

Alan Bennett: The Uncommon Reader.

"Led by her yapping corgis to the Westminster travelling library outside Buckingham Palace, The Queen finds herself taking out a novel by Ivy Compton Burnett. Duff read though it is...." (Excerpt from blurb on back of book)

A gently amusing book. I highly recommend it!

[Fljotsdale]

A Winter's Tale. (No, not the Shakespear version!)

It's by Trisha Ashley, is recommended by Katie Fforde, and described on the back cover as "A charming romantic comedy for fans of Katie Fforde and Jill Mansell - guaranteed to thaw the coldest of hearts!"

I've never read anything by Mss Fforde or Mansell, so have no idea what sort of books they write, but THIS book I like. The 'heroine' is 30-something. There is a ghost in it. Each chapter has an extract from the diary of the ghost, when she was living, as the chapter header. Thus, you get two stories for the price of one. There is a mystery in it. There is no-one truly horrid in it, though three people are very dubious characters, and not likeable at all. The hero... uh, no... I don't wanna give too much away. There is drama in it - sort of; and tension - sort of. Nothing too dramatic. There is a house in it. A nice run-down house, perfect for the heroine, who absolutely LOVES cleaning!
This is a nice book. You'll like most of the people. I think you should run out and buy it.
I'm looking forward to her next book, which she is currently writing, and intend to buy her previous book, 'Sowing Secrets'.

[Fljotsdale]

Strictly speaking, this isn't a book. But it is an adaptation of a book by Elizabeth Taylor - a film on BBC2 this afternoon called "Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont".

I have a strong tendancy to avoid films on tv, but I'd just watched The Night Before Christmas, couldn't sew, didn't feel like reading, was very tired, and had a kitten asleep on my lap, so I watched it. It's a uk film, made in 2005. The actress who played Mrs Palfrey is the great Joan Plowright, and the young man who is the other principle is a young man called Rupert Friend (VERY dishy, reminded me of Orlando Bloom). I expected to be bored. I was hooked right in - and no, not entirely because Rupert Friend is so dishy! It's about an accidental friendship between a young man and a lonely, elderly widow with a not very caring and largely absent family. The film Brief Encounter forms a sort of background theme to the story, because their friendship is, in the nature of things, brief.
It's funny, sad, sort of romantic, very touching, and I ended up in tears. The acting was brilliant, by all the cast, which included Anna Massey, among others.
Highly recommended if you can get it on Catch-up tv.

[Fljotsdale]

And today I finished Sowing Secrets by Trish Ashley. I really like this author. She is sort of on the same level as Georgette Heyer, inasmuch as they are amusing and have a romantic theme (and if you enjoy Heyer, as I do, I think you will like Ashley), but otherwise they are not alike at all, as Ashley's stories are set in today's world and her 'heros' and 'heroines' are nothing like Heyer's. But they are a delight! And concerned with matters evey woman will feel instant understanding of. But the heros are as unrealistic and as desireable as any of Heyer's! Which is, of course, what every woman wants in a man: sexually attractive, strong, handsome, and with sufficient money to keep us comfortable!

Sowing Secrets made me feel right at home, and the hero is JUST the sort of Knight on a White Charger I always wanted - only a bit more down to earth than the white charger types!

A bit of the blurb on the back cover:

"If only daughter Rosie - the result of an uncharacteristic one-night stand 18 years ago - wasn't so curious about her real father, and if only husband Mal spent less time on his hobbies, everything would be blissful."

Ya just know it's all going to unravel, don't you? But if you like light, amusing, and unputdownable reading, this is for you!

[Midge]

Here is what it says on the back of my favorite MARTINA COLE - The Lady Killer.

An explosive thriller of corruption and violence from one of the most original voices in fiction today.

George Markham has a nasty little hobby.
He pursues it in secret, behind closed doors. but now George's hobby is becoming an obsession.
Patrick Kelly is a hard man - the most feared in London. His one soft spot is his daughter, Mandy. When she falls victim to "The Grantley Ripper" Kelly wants revenge - with or without police help.
The DI in charge of the case is Kate Burrows. It's a tough job and one that has already cost kate her marriage.
As the forces of law and order and London's underworld converge in a mammoth manhunt, Kate fears she'll lose everything she has ever cared about to the LADYKILLER.

I hope you read and enjoy this as much as I did.