Just in case you’re curious, here are some mini-reviews of the books I managed to make my way through during my holidays
First Among Sequels
The first of probably many new Thursday Next books, it’s endlessly inventive but feels very much like the set-up for the rest of the series.
The Pig That Wants To Be Eaten
Probably the most rubbish book on philosophy I’ve ever read. Maybe I’m ‘too highly trained’ or something, but it seemed blindingly obvious with its dilemmas, less than watertight with its arguments and too airy-fairy to be of use to anyone.
Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows
A bit tat really, but some nice pay-offs.
The Surgeon’s Mate/The Ionian Mission/Treason’s Harbour
I was on a quest of sorts, you see, in Waterstone’s, looking for Aubrey-Maturin books. But there was nothing to be seen. But then my companion called to me. “Honey! Look!” he says. “The Dear knows you was partial to naval fiction and there is an entire bookcase for all of them.” I looked and – ho! – it was true – he wasn’t playing the Merry Andrew nor was he as drunk as Davey’s Sow. And on their covers, glittering like all the jewels in Araby, was written “3 for 2”. I need to buy the next ones.
Status Syndrome
Interesting, but a bit like reading an epidemiological study, rather than a book.
The Moneypenny Diaries: Guardian Angel
Sort of the Rosencrantz and Guildenstern of Bond novels. Surprisingly good and faithful to the originals, it just manages to steer clear of being fan fiction.
Hmm. Did I read anything else? Let me think…
