Reason For Rhyme

This is an entertaining and thought provoking read, a collection of over 100 poems from a new author. Anthony undoubtedly had his own unique style which consistently bring a nice combination of alliteration and rhyming couplets to the forefront without sacrificing depth and meaning – in fact many of his pieces carry very profound and positive messages. There are also quirky, humorous poems and other light-hearted offerings scattered throughout helping to set a nice pace that keeps you turning the pages. Overall the book is more an account of one mans insights into the world he seems to find himself at odds with, though, perhaps ironically, they invariably end up conveying sentiments that I think many of us share. With subjects such as love, loneliness, politics, family, work and faith – the book gives good variety whilst managing to maintain a continuity in style & technique. If you're seeking a breath of poetic ‘fresh air’ in the shape of a great book then this is for you.  Amazon

See link below

 This book will make you think, laugh and cry Anthony is a gifted writer. My particular favourite is `To Your Name`  I have copied an extract below.

`We`re given feet, so we may stride,
On concrete streets or mountain sides,
They`ll let you creep or stamp aloud
They`ll help you keep up with the crowd
Your foundations, the first to grow .....
......................
Be grateful for those working feet.
http://www.lulu.com/shop/anthony-reid/reason-for-rhyme/paperback/product-18932731.html

The first 15 pages of ` Reason for Rhyme` can be read free by clicking on the link above and going to the review section. price £6.99 available on amazon.

Aleph by Paulo Coelho

ALEPH
by Paulo Coelho
published by Harper
ISBN 978-0-00-743552-4

In an extremely personal novel  bestselling author Paulo Coelho sets of on a journey of self discovery. From meeting readers in Africa crossing Europe and Asia he takes the Trans-Siberian Railway.
He is searching to find himself and renew his passion for life and his dwindling energy. He meets Hilal a gifted violinist who insists on following him on his train journey. She reminds me of a groupie awed by the world famous author, but in Paulo world she is someone he loved five hundred years before.                          
I like the idea of the train journey to discover more about yourself  though the idea that time does not run in a straight line has always been based on perception.  That Paulo feels the need to be someone powerful though remorseful in his former life is disappointing.  He clearly feels he is not taking advantage of Halal someone so besotted with him it is hard to agree with his view. The other people on the journey play a small part except Yao who comes in as the calming force when tensions run high.

This is a story of religion, cruelty, love and egos it is hard to tell with Paulo whether he is creating a  story, trying to write a self help book,  a spiritual guide book or a diary. I didn`t like this book but others my find it truly inspiring. For me I have worked too long with young people with mental health problems who say very similar things to Paulo. They struggle with reality, other worlds and different dimensions and are lost in the enormity of it all. The difference is they do not have Paulo`s credentials.

The Body in the Thames - Review

The Body in the Thames - by Susanna Gregory
ISBN No. 978-0-7515-4183-0
Published by Sphere London

I have just finished reading this book and it is the first I have read from Susanna Gregory. The book is part of several from her Thomas Chaloner Adventure books. You do not have to have read any of the others in the series as the book works well standing alone. 
The setting is London in the hot summer of 1664, temperatures are also rising as England and the Netherlands simmer between war and peace.
Men from both sides battle with the needs of their country and the ability to acheive these aims.  The plot thickens as bodies float in the Thames or die from mysterious illness. The old Savoy hospital holds the Dutch delegation and becomes a virtual prison as gangs begin attacking them. Fuelled by the dark violence from the falcon, who no-one knows the identity of, the plot centres on his wish to destroy the peace talks.
Chaloner runs from one clue to the next, while trying to protect his wife and mourn the death of his friends and former brother-in-law. The book is well researched and creates the sense of mystery and tension I am sure the author aimed for. I will be reading some of Susanna`s other books. It is a good book for anyone who enjoys a murder mystery within a historical setting.

About the author
Susanna Gregory is a former police officer who enjoys field work in the polar regions. She lives in Wales with her husband who is also a writer. Susanna has written over
twenty books.

See my Travel Reviews on
http://www.slivertraveladvisor.co.uk/ Christine Reid

Who Done It? on the Langollen Steam Train

                                                              

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The Rice Mother - Review

I read anything and everything and reading has always been a big infuence in my life.  I have just finished reading this book and so it is the first book I will review on this blog.

THE RICE MOTHER  by Rani Manicka   ISBN 0 340 82383 6 published in 2002

The book is set in Malaysia and has at its heart the story of three generations of women who struggle with war, duty, love and lost dreams. Lakshmi is the matriarch who is tricked into a lower marriage than she hoped for, and cannot then accept the humble gentle man she is married to. She struggles with her need to fullfil her own ambitions and pushes her children hard. She hides her beautiful daughter from the invading Japaness, keeps the family feed but creates a cruel household. Her grandaughter falls in love with a handsome ruthless man and though money is now plentiful happiness is still elusive. The book is a rapid torrent of emotions and struggle, intense with the unfairness of war. Lakshmi`s great grandaughter tracks long hidden truths and brings deep buried secrets up to the glare of the sunlight. A book for everyone who likes an interesting story wovern with culture and history.



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