Driving Over Lemons - An Optimist in Andalucia by Chris Stewart

Oh dear, has it really been that long since I posted a review?  I am a bad, bad, BAD book blogger.  I've been too busy reading books and not writing about them. I intend to remedy this!

So here we go!

Driving Over Lemons - An Optimist in Andalucia by Chris Stewart

Let's start at the very beginning, what is the book about?  Well....it's a non-fiction narrative about growing and ocassionally driving over lemons I suppose?  And setting up home in Andalucia in Las Alpujarras which is south of Granada.  This 'home' is actually a ramshackle farm without running water or electricity which Chris Stewart (the author) and his wife decide to fix up and turn into a working farm complete with sheep, lemon and olive groves, a couple of dogs, chickens and a lot of bugs by the sounds of it.

To be absolutely honest, it could actually be summarised as the written version of 'The Good Life' set somewhere much hotter and without the posh neighbours.  It's the sort of book that makes you want to sell all your earthly possessions, up-sticks and just go with the flow somewhere warm.  Or maybe that's just me.

There's the trials and tribulations of buying the property, living with the a previous owner who is too attached to his old home to move on, adventures in poultry keeping, sheep farming, house building, water walking (as in directing water to nourish plants, not as in Jesus & miracles), pig despatching, or is that dispatching.  I'm not sure if I've just typed about posting pigs via Royal Mail or killing them, it was the latter by the way. My english teacher would be tutting right about now.

I definitely enjoyed the book, it wasn't a 'I can't put it down' read, it was more of a relaxing meander through the pages. There are no huge heartbreaks, unless you count the death of their kitty which even then died of a surfeit of slightly dodgy smoked salmon - not a bad way to go for a cat with a taste for fish - just a journey through the days. I never felt my heart racing, wondering what would happen, but I did feel very engaged and entertained.  Imagine sitting on a National Express coach next to a really interesting person for 5 hours or so, telling you all about their life - that's the feeling I got from Driving Over Lemons.

This book is well written and has a light hearted, self deprecating sense of humour that appealed to me.  It did lack a little depth somehow, but that was almost the beauty of it.  You almost find yourself falling in love with the views that Chris describes, even though you've never seen them.  The people become familiar in the same way that they became familiar to Chris and his wife (and eventually his daughter who was born out there); it is a lilting narrative that drifts from one aspect of farm life to another.  There's no deep issues to make you think, no painful tugs on the heart strings, no huge belly laughs - but there is a quiet tale that draws you on till the very last page.  I was sad when the book ended, I wanted to know how life carried on.  Personally I think a book is a good book if you feel a pang of sadness when you realise there's no more to read.

Driving Over Lemons is a calm, optimistic, upbeat book about making the best of things and the best of people.  Definitely one to read and savour.  Apparently there is a sequel to the book, not that I'm hinting or anything......(Kay stares with lost puppy eyes at WHSmith ;O)

WHSmith.co.uk sent me a copy to read for review purposes, and for that I am very thankful!  Thank you! If you'd like your own copy they have them on sale HERE for £4.91

RHS Growing Vegetables & Herbs

RHS Growing Vegetables & Herbs

Now I'm no expert alottmenter (alottmenteer?), in fact I'm an absolute amateur.  I only began growing my own fruit and vegetables about a year and half ago and it's been a voyage of discovery, paved with greenfly and bamboo stakes.  It's been fun, but it has been difficult to know what to do or how to do things at times.  There's a plethera of information out there, in the form of books, websites, hints & tips from fellow gardeners etc - and I for one, have been mightily confused sometimes.  That's why a book like this is so helpful, it's all in one place and it works very much like a reference book.  I suspect I'll be referring to, and re-reading it for many growing years to come. 

RHS Growing Vegetables & Herbs is set out in a very practical way.  It begins with a chapter called 'Why grow your own?', moving onto 'Rules & Tools,' then onto 'Crop Protection' before digging into the subject of how to grow almost every vegetable I think I've ever heard of (and some I haven't!).    This is a very easy to follow format and one that lends itself to both casual browsing and more indepth reading.  I've found myself flicking through and gleaning tid-bits of information from the specific veg growing chapters, and spending a little longer reading and learning about the types of soil, digging techniques and protected cropping and other more general gardening topics.  It is a both a good read, and a great gardening resource. 

The illustrations and diagrams are clear too.  It always helps to actually see how things are done, as well as having techniques described.  This book includes a 'Sowing Guide' which will come in very handy, a 'Glossary' for those of us who don't know their 'Topdressing' from their 'Tilth' (namely me) and practical, down to earth advice.  

One thing I noticed which I particularly like, is that the chapters are subtly colour coded.  So if you're amidst a mass seeding frenzy and you need a little advice, you don't have to flick through the page numbers whilst scattering soil everywhere - if you know the book well enough you can quickly skip to the bit you need. 

In summary!  If I said this book was a 'grower' would you throw plant-pots at me?

RHS Growing Vegetables & Herbs was sent to me by Octopus Publishing to review.

On Nature, Unexpected Ramblings on the British Countryside

On Nature, Unexpected Ramblings on the British Countryside

I could not have been sent a more appropriate book for my interests than 'On Nature, Unexpected Ramblings on the British Countryside'.  There is almost nothing that fascinates me more than nature and the natural world.  I quite literally rubbed my hands together and squealed when this arrived in the post.

This book is written by a diverse smattering of writers from many backgrounds, all of which are anchored by their love of the British countryside.  It has been compiled by 'Caught by the River'  which is a website equally interesting and well worth a look around.  Link is above if you're curious!

Personally I thought the range of writers and their sometimes dramatically contrasting writing styles was a winning combination.  It was never, at any point boring, and at no junction did I consider skipping a few pages to find a more interesting bit.  The writers, to list them are (deep breath): Stuart Maconie, Chris Yates, Bill Drummond, Charles Rangeley-Wilson, Colin Elford, Martin Noble, Ceri Levy Tracey Thorn John Wright, Richard Adams, John Andrews, Jon Berry, Sarah Boden, Mathew Clayton, Mark Dredge, Paul Evans, Harry Griffin, Nick Hand, Dan Kieran, Richard King, Dexter Petley, Nick Small and Michael Smith.  (Bet you couldn't say all that one in one go!)  Some of the names you may recognise, others are less familiar, but equally worth their place here.

Each and every single writer is passionate about their topic and it really shows. Speaking of which, the subjects range from the experiences of a falconer; how to catch trout; a man's obsession with damsons; night fishing, the language we use to describe nature and habitat; how to be a lazy naturalist and far, far more.  I don't want to list them all for fear of spoiling the surprise in case you decide to buy this book - because I have to say each new chapter is like opening a brown paper parcel that's just arrived in the post.  You really have no idea what to expect.  Obviously the theme is nature, but the spread of interests covered is huge.

There were a few stand out favourites for me.  I loved the chapter entitled 'The Lazy Naturalist' by Nick Small.  It appealed to my lax attitude to observing nature.  Never in all my years have I set out with a pair of binoculars and sat in a bush for hours observing birds on a lake noting types of swans and marking them off in my bird book / bible - which is something I think a proper dyed-in-the-wool bird-watcher probably does.  I'm far more likely to casually stand in front of our kitchen window observing blue tits and sparrows bickering over stale bread.  However this make me no less enthusiastic about our feathered friends than the true 'twitcher' as I believe they're called.   Nick Small seems to share my thoughts exactly.  You don't necessarily have to go to Outer Mongolia to watch fan tailed eagles soaring overhead to satisfy an interest in nature, you can find so much simply in your back yard.

Another one that really intrigued me was 'On the Road to Damascus' by Bill Drummond.  You might not know the name, but if I said KLF and the 'Justified Ancients of MuMu' that might ring a few bells?  You really wouldn't expect to see him here would you, but this is the nature of the book; it is exactly as it says  in the title: 'Unexpected'.  Bill appears to have an absolute, almost pathological passion for Damsons.  He doesn't just say 'I like damsons, you can use them in gin or jam' though - he interweaves them through periods of his life, how damsons were grown at his old house whilst talking about old relationships and the history of the house for example.  He uses damsons, of all things, as a narrative tool.  Very, very clever!

Throughout the book there are beautifully simple, eye-catching, black and white illustrations. They are in themselves a feature that add so much, and I loved finding them at the start of each new chapter.  These served as a preamble for what was to come, and captured the spirit of each tale very neatly.

'On Nature' is unique, originally and exquisitely written and makes for brilliant reading.  I'd recommend it to anyone.  If you don't have an enthusiasm for nature when you start reading this, you will have by the end of it.  10/10 :O)

Sex Counsel - Suzi Godson

Sex Counsel - Suzi Godson

Now this is rather embarrassing, this book looks very well read and quite battered really, and considering the topic I'm a little sheepish about the condition it has ended up in.  In my defense, this is because it has been the perfect bathroom book.  It has sat on the shelves behind the loo and has been read in short bursts so to speak! This has also meant that it has showered accidentally, and chucked on the floor in puddles of soapy water by the kids on ocassions.  My youngest can't read so well, so it wasn't an inappropriate book to leave hanging around by the way, before you raise your eyebrows at me!

I did enjoy reading this book, Suzi Godson is a very insightful, witty, helpful person by the sounds of things.   She is The Times sex and relationships expert and in my simple terms, that means she is a posh agony aunt!  The book is set out in 21 sections, each of which features questions sent in by readers on that particular topic; these range from queries on 'Orgasms, inequities & Oscar Winning Peformances' to 'Age, expectations & dancing naked in the Himalayas with lesbian sheep farmers.'  As you can see, it is written with humour, but that humour is peppered with  sensible, practical advice that is well written and shows a great deal of understanding for the human condition in relation to sexual queries and complications.  

All manner of issues are written about in a question and answer format.  I think my favourite question is: 'I have developed a fetish for black rubber, to the extent that I practically live in black wellies.  How can I persuade my girlfriend to share my kink?'.   Now, me being the insensetive soul I am....I'd probably just giggle uncontrollably and make innappropriate jokes about sheep; but Sophie Godson actually discusses how people hide their fetishes and how that deceit can affect trust in a relationships, why people develop fascinations with kinks, how best to begin a discussion about such thing  with a partner and is generally frank and helpful.  

This is the beauty of the book, it deals with potentially embarrasing questions that people simply don't feel comfortable asking or talking about, not even with their partners or in the case of sexual dysfuctions, with their GP's.  Sophie listens carefully to each query, whether it be about porn, fantasies, kinks, impotency, sexual peformance, sex toys and is unfailingly entertaining and understanding with her observations and advice.

Sex Counsel deals with a huge range of questions, all answered in detail, with sensetivity and humour.  It's easy to read, and a book that's very easy to dip in and out of, which is appropriate at least! (ahem!)  I'd certainly recommend it as an interesting read!

On the back cover page it says 'Within 48 hours your sex life will be transformed forever.....it's a promise' - Daily Mirror.  Well, I'm certainly not telling you if this book does what it says on the cover or not, because I'm a prude probably - but that's a huge recommendation from the Daily Mail at least!

Many thanks to Octopus Books for forwarding Sex Counsel for reviewing purposes.

Santa Montefiore - The House by the Sea

Simon & Schuster sent me this book, and it claims to be 'the star of the summer' - I think they may be right.  If this isn't a 'Beach book' I don't know what one is!  I suspect there'll be a great many of these sold at airports and shoved into hand luggage for reading on a sunbed a couple of hours later.  And rightly so!  

I enjoyed this book and found it an easy read, with a plot that was simple to follow and with characters I quite liked.  The language is straightforward and you can pick this book up, put it down, drink your Sangria, go for a swim in the pool and pick it back up where you left off - effortless reading!  I have to say I loved and was frustrated in equal measure at the flowery descriptions 'The House by the Sea' specialises in.  Sometimes it was lovely to lose myself in the endless countryside descriptions, and at other times I found myself itching to skip the adjectives and find a few more verbs!  It was a bit slow moving sometimes, but then again, I think that's one of the reasons why the book is such a relaxing read.

The simplicity of it all is very attractive.  There are two storylines that work side by side, eventually linking up at the end, when all the loose ends are neatly tied up in a tidy bow.  This is a nice touch, as it does keep you guessing throughout.  I was very curious about how the characters in such different parts of the world were connected and it was very satisfying to see how deftly the author drew all the threads of the stories together.  

To summarize the plot (whilst trying not to spoil it for you...), a small orphan girl becomes friends with an older boy from a rich family, over the years that friendship blossoms into love in the midst of a lush Tuscan landscape.  The girl becomes pregnant and for her own safety is whisked away to begin another life, having to leave her baby and her lover behind.

The other storyline involves a hotel in Devon called the Polzanze, where they are struggling to make ends meet.  They employ an artist to conduct drawing lessons in an attempt to bring in custom, and he inadvertantly falls in love with Clementine, the step-daughter of the owner.  This is a rocky romance that mis-starts a number of times, while Clementine struggles to recognise her feelings and the artist (Rafa) struggles to keep his reasons for being at the hotel a secret.  Marina (the co-owner with her husband Grey) has her own hidden past which gradually reveals itself as the book progresses. 

'The House By The Sea' does all end happily, I don't think I'm ruining anything by telling you that - this is one of the charms of this book.  The whole story is 'nice', in fact I'd go so far as to say it is sugary sweet if I'm giving my personal opinion - perhaps a bit of grittiness would have grounded it in reality a little more.  Still, if you're the kind of person who loves a good romance and a happy ending, you can't go wrong with this novel.

In summary, it's a summer blockbuster!  There's enough interest to keep you reading, the characters are of different ages and at different stages of life so there's something there for everyone. Mind you, I'd be more than surprised to see any men reading this on the airplane home back from Costa del Packet.  The main themes are true love, loss, secrets, passion and if I had do describe this book in terms of a colour, I'd say it was pink - very pink!  It is a very feminine book destined to accompany a golden tan and a swimming pool.

'Silly Moo - A lift the flap book' by Karen King (illustrated by Marina le Ray)

Top That Publishing!

‘Silly Moo, A lift the flap book’ 

Top That Publishing have sent me three lovely books to review – this was first off the pile.

It is written by Karen King and is illustrated by Marina le Ray and has a very amusing little message on the back of the book:

The back cover reads ‘WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD – Small parts. Not for children under 3 years’

The book is 10 x 10 inches, and has fold out flaps – it doesn’t look like a choking hazard to me. Mind you, it could be a risk if your child is prone to ripping books up into tiny pieces and eating them.

I love the book already! (I’m very sorry, I shouldn’t be laughing at my own jokes)

Both my kids seem to like this book, and have brought it over to me to read, several times since it arrived last week. My 5 year old daughter in particular likes it, and S drew on it, so I’m taking that as a stamp of approval.

It has a matt hardback cover, with nicely toned colours on, and the pages feel very sturdy so I think this should be a book that will last a while. The reason they are so sturdy is because each page appears to be made of thin card, rather than paper, and each has a fold out flap. My kids wreck flimsy books, often within weeks, so I welcome hardy books like this. I can think of at least 3 destroyed pop up books that have been bought as presents over the last few years, some didn’t even survive 24 hours.

This is why fold out flaps are a lasting favourite, they are very simple and effective. They don’t encourage children to yank at pages and pull books in bits like the aforementioned. My only criticism is that I have to lift the flaps, neither of my two have nails that can lift the edges. I feel this is a bit of a drawback as I like them to be able to read and look at books on their own as well as when they’re with me.

The book tells the tale of a cow that is hit on the head with an apple, and therefore can’t remember where she lives. She wanders around the farm yardlooking for her home, and tries other animals’ homes to see if they fit – with comic effect. D thought the bit where the cow got her head stuck in a rabbit hole was very funny. At this point I should really warn you - this review contains spoilers ;o)

The cow, named ‘Silly Moo’ because she keeps attempting to fit herself in inappropriately sized homes, is eventually hit over the head again by an apple wielded by a helpful hen. ‘Silly Moo’ is apparently cured, but is later found in the farmer’s bed, to the Farmer’s annoyance. The cow is led back to a field, where he is again hit over the head with an apple – I can only presume that there will be a sequel….

D has asked many questions about amnesia since reading this book, a subject I didn’t expect a children’s book to raise to be honest. I suspect the next time she falls over she’ll claim not to know her name or something, and will also conveniently forget how to tidy her room. Hold on a second, she’s already ‘forgotten’ how to tidy her room, so there’ll be no change there then!

All in all, I quite liked the book and so did D & S. It is pretty enough, with friendly colours and cute animals and the fold out pages add novelty too. It is £7.99, but it is a fairly big book and is obviously good quality, so I think the price is justified. It would make a lovely birthday or Christmas present. Having said that, I don’t think it’s anything reeeealy amazing, but it’s definitely something that’s nice to pick up every now and then.

Here's a link to their site: www.topthatpublishing.com/

*This review has been posted in retrospect

 - all promotion details are now out of date 

- however, it is still a really lovely book and one to look out for!*

 Barefoot Books - The Story Tree - Tales to Read Aloud

At this time of year, I start looking thinking about ....(dare I whisper it......) Christmas.  It comes around all too quickly and every year I decide I'll be more organised and get all my presents bought and wrapped by December 1st.  That has always been the plan!  Carrying out the plan is a different matter entirely and usually I end up panic buying stocking fillers in pound shops and grabbing stuff that will 'do' from high street shops at the last minute.  To my great shame, I bought my husband a meercat last year.  He's not a fan of cuddly teddies, or meercats, I just lost it whilst wandering around Toys r Us in late December.  So, my point is -   I publicly declare...this year will be different!  No more meercats!

My first task is to put together the kid's stockings - In particular, I love buying new books to roll up and slot in the top of them.  I used to treasure the ones I got in my stocking when I was a kid because they were 'special' ones that Father Christmas had brought for me.  Even now I can remember reading stories about 'Pip' the fairy, written by Enid Blyton, in my mind's eye I can still see it poking out of the top of the old grey woollen stocking my sister and I used to tie at the bottom of our beds.  I always think books are wonderful presents that last the test of time, if they are loved and appreciated they are read and re-read and passed on through the years.  Plastic toys get broken, chocolate gets gobbled, but books tend to last.  

If you want to get on with organising Christmas in advance too and if you have kids, maybe you'd like to consider Barefoot Books?  I have in my possession a copy of 'The Story Tree' Tales to Read Aloud retold by Hugh Lupton, and illustrated by Sophie Fatus which comes complete with CD and absolutely gorgeous illustrations.  Personally I think this would roll up perfectly and fit in the top of any child's stocking and make for a very lovely gift.    It also comes with a CD at the back of the book, so you can tuck your children into bed on the night of the 25th and they can listen to the dulcit tones of Hugh Lupton reading the tales, leaving you to crawl downstairs and drink a well earned glass of sherry.

This book is written for children under five apparently, but my daughter is beyond that age and still thinks this book is fantastic.  I read a few stories and both she and her brother actually sat still, didn't try and attack each other for once, and actually listened to the tales and commented on the illustrations.  A little island of calm for a couple of minutes at least.  

There are 64 pages, and 7 stories originating from all around the world.   There's the 'Three Billy Goats Gruff' from Norway, 'The Magic Porridge Pot' from Germany, Monkey-See, Monkey-Do from India, 'The Sweetest Song' from Africa / America, 'Little Red Hen' from Blighty and 'The Blue Coat' which is a Jewish tale.   Every single page is illustrated with people and animals and places, all in great detail.  The perfect bedtime book!  And I'm not just saying that because I'm reviewing it, it genuinely is.

If you would like a copy you can click on this link to access the online shop :Barefoot Books.    Speaking from personal experience, the delivery is quick, the packaging appropriate, and the price reasonable.  Start your stocking shopping early!

This month Barefoot Books (through this link only) are also offering to donate 10% of all profits to the NSPCC - in addition to this every person who places an order this month will have their name put into a hat and will have a chance at winning a £20 voucher of their choice.

One lucky person can have this book free of charge though!  I have the review copy to give away.  All you need to do is comment and follow this blog by clicking on the 'Sign Me Up!' button. Please remember to put your Twitter or Facebook name on here.  To make the comments more interesting I'd like you to mention on of your favourite ever stocking presents.  Books aside, I used to love licorice swirls with sweets in the middle, they made my tongue go black which I always thought was amazing!  Simple pleasures eh!

I'll choose a lucky winner on the 1st December.  :O)