Goodbye Book Island......

Hi all, just to let you know I am no longer using this blog as my book blog. I have started a new one over at -

http://thebookexperience.blogspot.com/



I'll keep this one up for now for reference. But I will no longer be posting on here.

I hope to see you at my new book blog, which I am slowly building up.

Thanks.

Maggie.

Watership Down by Richard Adams

Author: Richard Adams
ISBN: 9780140306019
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 480
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Penguin Books






"Fiver could sense danger. Something terrible was going to happen to the warren - he felt sure of it. So did his brother Hazel, for Fiver's sixth sense was never wrong. They had to leave immediately, and they had to persuade the other rabbits to join them. And so begins a long and perilous journey of a small band of rabbits in search of a safe home. Fiver's vision finally leads them to Watership Down, but here they face their most difficult challenge of all...Published in 1972, "Watership Down" is an epic journey, a stirring tale of adventure, courage and survival against the odds."


I first heard about Watership Down when I was a child when it was shown on TV. I grew up loving this movie, and kept it so close to my heart ever since. As I loved the movie so much, I discovered the book and so purchased it.

My expectations of the book were that it would be wonderful and I was hoping that it would have me gripped throughout the book.... But sadly it is not the case, it just did not keep me gripped. Usually when I find a book a chore to get through I stop reading it, so this book can't be that bad, as it had something that made me want to keep picking it up to read. It started off well but half way into the book is when I began to get bored with it, and I did rush through the last 50 pages because I just wanted to be finished with the book, not because I was enjoying it but because I wanted to end it. I also felt it was 180 pages too long. That was my main issue with the book, the story just seemed to be drawn out too much, and I kind of got fed up reading about rabbits.

However on a positive note, reading it, I learned about Rabbits behaviour and how they live, and also the chapters with the stories of Frith and El-ahrairah were brilliant. I really did enjoy those.

I most probably won't read this book again, but instead I'll watch the dvd.

I give it 6/10.

LOTR's - The Fellowship of the Rings by J R R Tolkien

Author: J R R Tolkien
ISBN: 978-0-261-10320-7
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 386
Format: Hardback
Publisher: Harper Collins







This book was bought for me by my eldest son last Christmas, it's the 50th Anniversary edition and is complete with all three books in this huge and heavy hardback. At first I kept seeing the size of it and thought, I'm never going to get through that with it being way over 1000 pages long. It is a book I have wanted for a long time, and my son knew this. It was actually number 1 on my book list to get all three. Well my dear son made sure I had them all and I can tell you it was a shock at Christmas as I had no idea he had bought me it! It was a wonderful surprise.

Anyway, after picking the book up and beginning the first part The Fellowship Of The Rings, I became quickly hooked on it. Having seen the movies I knew what to expect, but having read the first part the book it's so much better as I was introduced to Tom Bombadil, who I had no idea existed in LOTR's. Tom Bombadil is one of my favourite characters of the book.

I have totally enjoyed this first part to the trilogy, and didn't know I loved fantasy so much. Well this book has me hooked. Now all I've got to do is get through the next two parts (The Two Towers & The Return of the King) and I can't wait!

10/10 from me!

Don't Go To To Sleep

I watched a movie on You Tube yesterday called 'Don't Go To Sleep'. It's a 1982 movie and I watched it years ago, and loved it. I really enjoyed watching it again. The quality wasn't very good but it was worth watching.

It's about a prank that goes wrong and the child comes back to haunt the family.

Here's the link to the first part, and you just click the link and watch the first part and then click the rest as you watch them till you get to part 10.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlH6zDMsYBM&feature=related

The Subtle Knife By Philip Pullman.

Author: Philip Pullman
ISBN: 978-0-439951-79-1
Genre: Fiction/Science Fiction.
Pages: 325
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Scholastic

"What is he? A Friend, Or an Enemy?" "He's a Murderer"

"Will has just killed a man. He's on the run. His escape will take him far beyond his own world, to the eerie disquiet of a deserted city, and to a girl, Lyra. Her fate is strangely linked to his own, and together they must find the most powerful weapon in all the worlds."

This is the second in the 'His Dark Materials' series. Having enjoyed the first 'Northern Lights' I was looking forward to following the story about Lyra and how it all turns out. From the first page I was hooked, and I very quickly became attached to Will. In fact I prefer Will to Lyra.
Having read two of the books, although I enjoy them I don't really connect with Lyra. But I like her Daemon. I don't know why? I just don't feel enough from her in the book, may be that will change in the third book for me? I loved The Witches, The Shaman and the different world in this book, in fact I loved a lot of things.
I did see some similarities in this book compared to J K Rowling Harry Potter series. The Spectres in this book, seem no different to the Dementors in Harry Potter.

In The Subtle Knife, how the different worlds are explained, is actually similar to something I believe in. But I won't go into all that stuff lol.

Anyhow, the story is about how Will after making sure his mum is safe, goes on the run in search of his father. He finds himself in a different world to his own where he meets Lyra. This worls is very different from his own. There they begin to help each other and a new journey begins in Lyra's quest.

In my opinion this book is better than Northern Lights, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was quickly drawn into the book, was able to visualize the scenery the people and the adventures that took place. A very good read and so far a brilliant series!

Easy Tarot Handbook by Josephine Ellershaw

Author: Josephine Ellershaw
ISBN: 978-7387-1150-8
Genre: Mind, Body, Spirit/tarot
Pages: 223
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Lewellyn Worldwide

"You don't need a special 'gift' to read tarot," insists
Josephine Ellershaw. And to prove it, she has boiled down thirty years of
experience into a straightforward, easy-to-use tarot guide for beginners.
More than just a manual, Easy Tarot is a boxed kit that also includes The
Gilded Tarot--a stunningly beautiful and popular deck by the well known
Ciro Marchetti.

Ellershaw gently guides novices to become proficient, sensitive, and
responsible readers. Suit by suit, she introduces the distinct
characteristics of the minor arcana, court cards, and major arcana. You
will learn how the cards link to one another and produce insightful
relationships as their unique energies merge in the Cross of Truth, the
Celtic Cross, and other spreads. There is even a list of card combinations
that commonly indicate specific events-such as pregnancy, a wedding, a new
job, and more."

I bought this box set of the Gilded Tarot cards with this book, as I am interested in the tarot, and have struggled to read my Thoth deck for years. So I decided to buy a self help book on the tarot and a new deck. The cards are beautiful, but most importantly the book is fantastic! It has helped me so much, and finally I have learned the basis of each card and now feel relaxed using them.

Josephine teaches you to work through each card slowly starting with the Minor cards, then the Court and lastly the Major. She then takes you onto the spreads. One thing that really helped me to learn the cards, is when you draw a card she asks you to write down a situation that you remember happened in your life, it's something what each card reminds you of and it helps when drawing the card. It was really good and really does help.

The book feels like good quality, the pictures are black and white, and it would have been nice to see them in colour. But the information in this book made up for it.
If you're a beginner to tarot, this box set will be invaluable to you. It is so worth it and I highly recommend it. To top it off, the cards are stunning and are worth having in your Tarot collection.

The Thoth Companion by Michael Osiris Snuffin.

Author: Michael Osiris Snuffin
ISBN: 978-0-7387-1192-8
Genre: Mind, Body, Spirit/tarot
Pages: 216
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Lewellyn Worldwide

"Aleister Crowley's Thoth Tarot - one of the most popular and enigmatic tarot decks - offers rich rewards for those who can penetrate its complex symbolism. Written by a ceremonial magician and tarot expert, "The Thoth Companion" is a comprehensive guide to understanding and using this fundamental deck. All seventy-eight cards are examined through the lens of Thelema, Qabala, and ceremonial magic - the spiritual foundations upon which it was built. These detailed interpretations reveal valuable insights, significant correspondences, and Crowley's encoded secrets. Once you've mastered the meaning behind this legendary deck, this user-friendly guide can help you use it for divination, developing intuition, meditation, and pathworking.Ceremonial magician and professional tarot reader Michael Osiris Snuffin has been studying the Thoth tarot for over a decade. He joined the OTO (Ordo Templi Orientis) in 1996. Seven years later he founded the Temple of Light and Darkness, a group dedicated to performing Golden Dawn initiations in accordance with the Law of Thelema."


I got this book as I was trying to work with the Thoth tarot more, being a novice at tarot, I wanted a book which would have a good explanation of the Thoth tarot. I've had the Thoth tarot for years, but have never felt connected with it.

This will be a great book for experienced readers of the Thoth deck, and those who are progressing with learning it. But if you're a beginner struggling to learn the Thoth tarot, then I think you'll struggle with this book. The reason is, you need to have some background of the tarot, astrology and kabbalah first.

However I do think it's a really good book, and I have put it away until the time I feel ready to pick it up again, when I am more advanced in tarot, and ready to learn the Thoth deck. This book has lots of charts in it, in the Appendix section at the end of the book, to help you with identifying the planets, elements, colors, chakras, symbols and god/goddess etc in relation to each card.

So for a beginner in the Thoth tarot, you're better off finding a book which is more simple and easier to understand. For experienced readers, it will be great. It is a nice large paperback, the paper feels like good quality. The only down side, it would have been nice to have the pictures of the cards in color, and not black and white.

Northern Lights by Philip Pullman.

Author: Philip Pullman
ISBN: 978-0-439951-78-4
Genre: Fiction/Science Fiction.
Pages: 397
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Scholastic


""Without this child, we shall all die."

Lyra Belacqua and her animal daemon live half-wild and carefree among scholars of Jordan College, Oxford. The destiny that awaits her will take her to the frozen lands of the Arctic, where witch-clans reign and ice-bears fight. Her extraordinary journey will have immeasurable consequences far beyond her own world..."

It was last year that I first heard about Philip Pullman. After J K Rowling had released her last installment of the HP series. I saw a lot of people on the internet recommending Philip Pullman. My sister in-law also recommended the 'His Dark Materials' but I never got around to getting them until, the release of 'The Golden Compass' on the Cinema (which I haven't watched).
I was a little put off by all the hype with this book (due to the Cinema release) but I decided to try it. I am pleased I did.

I really did enjoy this book, I liked Lyra, and I loved the whole thing about having Daemonds, and not being able to live without the other, and the search for Dust.
Lyra was a likeable character and a strong willed one who won't let anything stop her. I also liked her Bear friend, Iorek Byrinson, he was a strong character and I am hoping we'll see him in the next book (not sure about that though considering....)
This book was fast paced and easy to get into, there was barely a boring moment and I was gripped all the way through. It was easy to visualize the scenery described, and feel the emotions that were expressed, and to also have a good vision of the characters throughout. Both children and adults will enjoy this book. I just wish my son would sit down and read, as he'd love it!

There's two characters I didn't like in the book and yes of course it's Mrs Coulter and Lord Asriel. Nasty nasty people!!!! :)


Definitely worth reading, and I am really looking forward to reading the next installment which I shall start today. I am hoping to see Lyra grow more as a person and to find out more about what it is she must do. She seems a very lonely person, with only the love of her daemon to comfort her. But I'd better shut up or I'll end up giving some of the story away to those who haven't read it.

Oh yes and, I'm not even going to compare this to J K Rowling's HP series, as I loved her books too.

Name Change

Ooopsie!!!!! I just can't stop myself can I?
Well I changed the name of my blog one more time, and this time it is gonna stay!!!!!
The reason I did it, is because I had changed mine to books and stuff, and then I realized Daphne's was Shelf and stuff, and so I felt it just didn't seem right to have the same sort of title. So I reverted back to the blogs original name which is Book island.
Phew!

Books I Keep Avoiding.

There's a few books I keep avoiding. They're sitting on my shelf and I can't help feeling guilty that they're still there, unread.

The books are:

IT by Stephen King
Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Little Women by Louise M Alcott

I really want to sit down and read these. But I wasn't enjoying Pride and Prejudice and so gave up half way through the book. The size of Stephen King's IT, puts me off. Little Women was boring so I gave up, and Mists of Avalon, I was enjoying but I stopped reading it to read Anne Rice's Interview with a Vampire, and didn't go back to Mists.
So after I have read Philip Pullmans His dark material series, I shall challenge myself to get through these books once and for all!!!!

But I am slowly also making my way through the Lord of the Rings series, so it's gonna be a while!!! LOL

A Bit of Spring Clean!

I've been having a bit of a spring clean here, and have changed the lay out of my blog and have in the process had to delete some stuff. I'll be adding some of it back over the next few days. I felt that my blog needed a change and I quite like the new look. I've also changed the name, and this time it's going to stay.

I got this theme from 3 Columns Blogger I've put the link here so that if anyone was to have a mess about with their blog, here's where the codes are.

Have fun!

The Magic Cottage by James Herbert

Author: James Herbert
ISBN: 0-330-37625-x
Genre: Fiction/Horror
Pages: 394
Format: Paperback
Publisher: PAN

"We thought we'd found our haven, a cottage deep in the heart of the forest. Charming, maybe a little run down, but so peaceful. That was the first part of the Magic. Midge's painting and my music soared to new heights of creativity. That was another part of the Magic. Our love for each other - well, that became the supreme Magic. But the cottage had an alternative side - The Bad Magic." "What happened to us there was horrendous beyond belief. The healings, the crazy sect who wanted our home for themselves, the hideous creatures that crawled from the nether regions, and the bats - oh God, the bats! Even now those terrible things seem impossible to me. Yet they happened..."

This is the second time I've read this book, having read it for the first time years ago. I had forgotten the story so reading it again, was really enjoyable. Although James Herbert is not my most favourite author I really do like some of his books. Reading his books are a little like reading Stephen King's books, I have to be in the 'mood' for it. Otherwise, I'll soon get bored.

Anyway, it took half of this book to get through for anything to really happen, the first half is learning about Midge and Mike, and them moving to the cottage and some of the strange things that begin to happen. Midge is getting over her parents deaths and they both move out into the Cottage. Things happen that they can't explain, and the cottage seems to have a life of it's own. Not too far is a group of people, who are part of a sect. Things seem OK at first, but Mike is suspicious, and as Midge begins to become more friendly with them, the sect begin to get in between them both. There is more to this story but, if I carry on I'll be telling you the whole story!!!

This book is pretty spooky, I was especially spooked when Mike's friend 'Bob' comes to stay with his girlfriend Kiwi. They're awoken to Bob's screams as he sees something 'unnatural' in the cottage, and swears never to return again.

Overall, this is a good spooky ghost book. Which will have you shouting down at the characters, saying No! Wake Up! RUN! I loved the way Mike was described, and the whole relationship he had with Midge. It was sexy in places and had me laughing and smiling a long with them.
I loved how the Cottage was described, it made me want to move in there.

If you're a James Herbert fan, you'll love this book. If you haven't read this book, give it a go. You may find you'll love it.

Peter Bjorn And John - Writers Block

Format: Muisc CD
Artist: Peter Bjorn And John

1. Writer's Block

2. Objects Of My Affection

3. Young Folks - Peter Bjorn And John/Victoria Bergsman

4. Amsterdam

5. Start To Melt

6. Up Against The Wall

7. Paris 2004

8. Let's Call It Off

9. Chills

10. Roll The Credits

11. Poor Cow

This is an album I bought a month or so ago. I absolutely 'love' this album.
I first heard about them on the music channels, where their recently released single 'Young Folks' was played. I love this catchy song, so bought the album, never having heard anything else by this group or even knowing they existed before.
There's only a couple of songs on the album I skip past, the rest are really good in my opinion.
My favorite songs on the album are; Young Folks, Objects Of My Affection, Amsterdam, Let's call It Off.

It's very different from what's out atm, and catchy.

Will Young - Keep On.

Format: Music CD
Artist: Will Young

1. Keep On

2. Switch It On

3. All Time Love

4. Ain't Such A Bad Place To Be

5. Think It Over

6. Who Am I

7. Happiness

8. Save Yourself

9. Madness

10. All I Want

11. Think About It

12. Home

I got this album just the other day while shopping at my local Sainsbury's. It was a smashing price at just £4! I love Will Young's music and supported him throughout 'Pop Idol'.
I had just never got around to buying this album (it came out in 2005), and when I saw it while shopping I snatched it thinking it was such a bargain!

I've listened to the album, and I love two of the songs he released 'All Time Love & Who Am I'. (in my opinion are by far the best songs on the album)
I also like 'Save Yourself & Home' the other songs are growing on me.....

All in all, not a bad album. Some songs are good while some others I don't like. At the moment, I prefer Will's 2nd album - 'Fridays Child, and in my opinion it is by far the best album so far.

Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom

Author: Mitch Albom
ISBN: 978-0-7515-2981-4
Genre: Non Fiction/Biography
Pages: 210
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Sphere

"Maybe it was a grandparent, or a teacher or a colleague. Someone older, patient and wise, who understood you when you were young and searching, and gave you sound advice to help you make your way through it. For Mitch Albom, that person was Morrie Schwartz, his college professor from nearly 20 years ago. Maybe, like Mitch, you lost track of this mentor as you made your way, and the insights faded. Wouldn't you like to see that person again, ask the bigger questions that still haunt you? Mitch Albom had that second chance. He rediscovered Morrie in the last months of the older man's life. Knowing he was dying of ALS - or motor neurone disease - Morrie visited Mitch in his study every Tuesday, just as they used to back in college. Their rekindled relationship turned into one final "class": lessons in how to live. This is a chronicle of their time together, through which Mitch shares Morrie's lasting gift with the world."

I wanted to read this book after reading both The Five People You Meet In Heaven, and For One More Day by the same author. Both books I loved, and so I was hoping I would enjoy this one too.

I don't really read Biographies, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Any how, as I was reading this book I had to keep reminding myself that this is a 'true' story, and that it wasn't based on fiction.
The reason for this; I found Morrie to be so lovable. Even now, I find it hard to believe it's true.
I really enjoyed every page of this book and found myself drawn to it. It made me think about certain things going on in my life, and all this comes from a man who near the end of his life, wanted to share his wisdom and love with the world. I easily found myself drawn into the book, and could picture and visualize places and scenery, and the people with how they had been described and written. I can also tell you, I cried and cried at the end of this book, it was so very sad. You're gonna need your tissues!

This a true story of how a Mitch Albom lost contact with his uni professor, his most favourite teacher. Who he had promised to stay in touch with, after he graduated. Life moved on and the years passed, until one day Mitch heard Morrie's name announced on TV. He then gets in contact with his dying teacher and their lessons with each other begin again, until the end.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. It's such an easy book to read, and I know there's a few people who'll finish it in a day. I'm so pleased I read it, and I will certainly be looking out for more books by Mitch Albom.

You Make My Day

I was given this award from Rhinoa from Rhinoa's Ramblings and Clare from Confessions of a Book Addict.
Thank you both, I didn't expect to receive these, and it is so nice to be tagged in meme's and especially to be awarded an award, as it shows you have friends out there. :)

Ok so now, I have to give this award to 10 people. I have thought about this hard.


The first award goes to my Dad, who past away on Dec 1st last year. I know he's passed and I am not sure it counts? But, we had had a rocky relationship and due to personal reasons, I didn't get to say goodbye. It has made me do a lot of soul searching and made me think about my life and decisions I made. Since his passing, I have felt him with with me, sending out his love. I've had dreams of him, and just sense his presence. So I want to say to him in this award. 'Dad, I always did love you, and there was never a day when I wasn't thinking of you. If I could turn back time, I would, but I know this has been a lesson we both had to experience. I've learnt loads from it, and you were and always will remain very special in my heart. I know we had troubles from both sides, but you really were the best Dad I could have ever had. I know we will meet again, and until then I want to say, I love you and thoughts of you make my day.'

The rest of the awards goes to members of the blogging community....

The Second award has to go to my Sis Jess, she does have a blogger account. It was Jess, who got me into reading years ago, she used to lend me books, and I remember reading The Magic Cottage by James Herbert, and a novel called Dirty Weekend, but I can't remember who it was by now? I loved those books. Not just that, Jess is the best sis in the world, she has been there for me through thick and thin, it was her and her hubby who helped me to get my garden into shape, and she has been there through all my troubles and strife, and when I have been feeling down. She's there to pick me up again. She makes sure I view things from an earthly perspective, making sure I'm not always 'away with the faeries'. Jess is quite independent and she inspires me to take driving lessons etc. We have been very close sisters from the very beginning, and I love her to bits.

The Third award goes to my Mum, who also has a couple of blogger accounts. Her passion for researching our family history inspires me. She also has a passion for researching The Tudors, and I love this too. One thing I love about my mum, is she is so understanding, and loving. She's had a bit of a hard life, but has come through it. She does make me laugh through her funny ways, mainly her forgetfulness. I won't mention the bins hehehe, she knows what I mean ;)
She's always there to chat to if I need her, and I love her to bits.

The Fourth award goes to Clare, she has been my closet online pal, and one person who I admire a lot. We have a lot in common, and she has also been there for me through some tough times. She has never judged me, whereas, in the past some other 'ex' online pals have, she has stuck with me through thick and thin. Clare is a genuine person, and one of the very best. She has introduced me to some great authors, and although we don't like 'all' the same books we've both read, we always respect each others opinion. Her love for The Tudors, the Trees, the Forests and especially the Moon inspires me. She's very independent which inspires me, and she makes me laugh many times with tales of her work. She is always there for me and is very thoughtful, and caring. She is someone I would like to meet one day in the future, when the time is right. I'm sure spirit will have us bumping into each other one day.

The Fifth award goes to Rhinoa, I like reading her blog, as not only does she cover books, she covers movies and everything else that goes on in her life. I love looking at her photo's. Rhinoa is someone I have known for a long time, I first met her on her site The Cult Following a few years ago. I always find what she has to say interesting. I am amazed at how she is able to keep up with all the challenges she does, and she inspires me to read more!

The Sixth award goes to, Daphne, I love reading her blog because of the books she reads. She has a passion for Historical fiction and I also love the Mosaics she does on her blog too. I find them so interesting and fun to look at.

The Seventh award goes to, Aarti, I like to read her blog because she reviews books I have never heard of before. So I am discovering even more authors. Also, she made my day when I had tagged her for a meme, and she said she had never been tagged before. This made me feel good inside, like I had done a good deed, because I knew I had made Aarti smile and made her happy.

The Eighth award goes to, Tylluan Pendry, I find Tylluan fascinating. She's a very wise lady and is a pagan, and has strong beliefs in them. She has currently finished writing her own book about walking the green path (which I will be purchasing). I can't wait for it to be released. She has taught me loads, and although I don't always understand everything she talks about, I know she is a lady with so much knowledge. She also makes me laugh, with some funny things she says. I really respect her.

The Ninth award goes to, Nymeth,
I like her blog, and often have a peek from time to time. One thing I really like about her blog is her reviews are very detailed. We have read some of the same books, and I do look forward to reading her reviews. I also love the colour of her blog, it is so calming.

The Tenth Award goes to, anyone else who has a blog, who comes to read my blog. This award is a 'Thank you' for taking the time to come here and read. I'm sorry I haven't mentioned everyone. There were more people I could have mentioned, but the list is for only 10.

Book Meme 123

I was tagged by Aarti from Booklust to do this meme. :)

The rules of this particular meme are:
1. Pick up the nearest book (of at least 123 pages)
2. Open the book to page 123
3. Find the fifth sentence
4. Post the next three sentences
5. Tag five people

OK, I just reached for the nearest book to me, which is, The History of Love by Nicole Krauss (happens to be one of my all time favourites!)

Don't be an idiot I told myself. And yet. I grabbed my coat.

Very short eh? From my understanding a sentence ends with a full stop, so I must have done this right?! LOL.


And now, five blogs to tag!

Confessions of a Book Addict
Breaking Fourth
Rhinoa's Ramblings
Bookaholic
Its All About Books

I Can Make You Thin by Paul McKenna

Author: Paul McKenna
ISBN: 0-593-05054-1
Genre: Self help
Pages: 141
Format: Paperback & CD
Publisher: Bantam Press


" Do you want to lose weight easily? Would you like to feel really happy with your body? Are you unable to lose those last 10 pounds? Are you a late night snacker? Do you find it hard to say no to second helpings? Do you get disheartened about your eating habits and your weight? Yes? Well, Paul McKenna has written the book for you. "I Can Make You Thin" will change your attitude to food for ever."


This is the second time I have read this book, and the first time was back in 2004, where after reading it and following it's four simple rules I lost over a stone in weight in just five weeks. I had given my copy to a friend over seas who wanted to read the book. Anyway, I borrowed my sisters copy last night and finished it this afternoon. My enthusiasm is back for it again.

Over the last year, I had begun to emotional eat again, I put it down to having a hard time last year. Anyway, I have put on a few pounds although, I'm still slim, I mainly want to stop emotional eating so this is why I have re-read this book. I've been eating to make myself feel better but its actually been making me feel worse.

Anyway enough of that, this book in my eyes is a gods send. It isn't a diet, it is a healthy eating system. It does work, if you want to really give it a try. It's more to do with changing the way you think about food, and teaches you to love your body. It's filled with some good exercises to help boost your self esteem. The best thing about this book is, you can eat what you like, there are no forbidden foods, unlike diets where they tell you what you can and cannot eat. You can loose weight with it and you can change how you view yourself and your relationship with food. All you have to do is

1. Eat when you're hungry. (yes when your hungry, not emotionally hungry lol)
2. Eat what you want. (yes anything from cakes to your favourite foods)
3. Eat consciously and enjoy every mouthful. (meaning slowly and pay attention, no woofing it down!)
4. Stop when you are full. (as soon as you think you are full STOP)

That's it, and it does work. My hubby did it too, and lost 5 stone in 6 months.
If you want to try it, you really need to read the book though, as it comes with a CD to help to boost your self esteem.

Eva's Book Meme

I was tagged by Rhinoa from Rhinoa Ramblings who was tagged by Gautami Tripathy and Annie the Superfast Reader.



Which book do you irrationally cringe away from reading, despite seeing only positive reviews?
IT by Stephen King, and the reason is, it's a huge book. I nagged my hubby for that book, and he bought me it and now it's just sitting on my shelf collecting dust, much to hubby's disappointment. But it looks like such a chore to read!! I know, I'm crazy and one day I will get around to reading it. :)

If you could bring three characters to life for a social event (afternoon tea, a night of clubbing, perhaps a world cruise), who would they be and what would the event be?
Hermoine, Ron and Harry from the Harry Potter series. I love the adventures they get into. The HP series has been one of my most favourite reads. I'd love to go and snoop on Snape with them. :)

(Borrowing shamelessly from the Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde): you are told you can't die until you read the most boring novel on the planet. While this immortality is great for awhile, eventually you realise it's past time to die. Which book would you expect to get you a nice grave?
Well the most boring book I've ever read was Katherine the Virgin Widow by Jean Plaidy, and also Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult, so anyone of those..... *yawn*

Come on, we've all been there. Which book have you pretended, or at least hinted, that you've read, when in fact you've been nowhere near it?
I've never done that, not yet anyway. But there's always time 'he he he'.

As an addition to the last question, has there been a book that you really thought you had read, only to realise when you read a review about it/go to 'reread' it that you haven't? Which book?
I don't think that's happened to me either? I keep a blog so I know all the books I have read.

You've been appointed Book Advisor to a VIP (who's not a big reader). What's the first book you'd recommend and why? (if you feel like you'd have to know the person, go ahead of personalise the VIP)
That's easy! The Time Travelers Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. Why? Because I love that book, it is most probably the best book I have ever read. It's the first book I read about time travel, and reading this book I felt as though I was really there, I just couldn't put the book down. My emotions were pulled in all different directions. Everyone should read that book, it's just too good to be collecting dust on a shelf. I would even beg the person to read it, that's how passionate I am about that book.

A good fairy comes and grants you one wish: you will have perfect reading comprehension in the foreign language of your choice. Which language do you go with? Mmmm Japanese.


A mischievious fairy comes and says that you must choose one book that you will reread once a year for the rest of your life (you can read other books as well). Which book would you pick?
For Fiction: The Time Travelers Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. I told you it was great! ;)
Non Fiction: Journey of Souls by DR Michael Newton. Also I have to include this one; I Can Make You Thin by Paul Mckenna.

I know that the book blogging community, and its various challenges, have pushed my reading borders. What's one bookish thing you 'discovered' from book blogging (maybe a new genre, or author, or new appreciation for cover art-anything)?
New Authors, I wouldn't know half of the authors I've found without visiting online blogs and forums.

That good fairy is back for one final visit. Now, she's granting you your dream library! Describe it. Is everything leatherbound? Is it full of first edition hardcovers? Pristine trade paperbacks? Perhaps a few favourite authors have inscribed their works? Go ahead-let your imagination run free.
OK, you remember the Library in Beauty and the Beast? Well that would be my Library. Need I say more? ;)

And the final portion of this assignment is to tag four others:
Confessions of a Bookaholic
Tanzanites Shelf and Stuff
Jess at My Front Room
Aarti at Booklust

*And, for extra credit, if you leave a comment letting Eva know you've done the meme with a link to the post, she will give you some link love via a big list of who's participated. Additionally, if you link back to her original post, she will enter you in a drawing to win The House at Riverton. If you're an American, this is especially exciting since it isn't going to published until April. ;) To be in the drawing, you must have posted the meme (and commented) by February 5th, which is when she is holding the drawing.

Alicia Keyes - As I Am

Format: Music CD
Artist: Alicia Keyes

1. As I Am (Intro)
2. Go Ahead
3. Superwoman
4. No One
5. Like You'll Never See Me Again
6. Lesson Learned (featuring John Mayer)
7. Wreckless Love
8. The Thing About Love
9. Teenage Love Affair
10. I Need You
11. Where Do We Go From Here
12. Prelude To A Kiss
13. Tell You Something (Nana's Reprise)
14. Sure Looks Good To Me
15. Waiting For Your Love

This is the new fabulous album by Alicia Keyes, and I love it! I was just saying to my hubby before Christmas, where are the really good 'unique' artists? People like Barbra Steisand, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey. I said we have no one that is 'special' lately, that was until I heard Alicia Keyes new album.I have never really been a big fan of hers, but after hearing this I am!
Mariah carey is good, but Alicia Keyes has 'class'. This album has been written by a woman for women. When you hear Superwoman, you'll feel like a Superwoman!

My favourite songs on the album, are: Go Ahead, Superwoman, Lesson learned, Like You'll Never See Me Again, The Thing About Love.

When A Man Loves A Woman.

Format: Dvd
Theme: Romancing Drama.
Year 1997
Cert: 15
Duration: 120 minutes
Actors: Meg Ryan & Andy Garcia

"Two of Hollywood's hottest stars, Meg Ryan and Andy Garcia give critically acclaimed performances in this extraordinary motion picture hit. Ryan and Garcia portray Alice and Michael green, a passionate couple who have worked hard to build a good life for themselves and their two young daughters. But a dark secret from Alice's past is about to surface - a secret that threatens to destroy them as lovers, as a family and as individuals. Ignited by riveting star performances, When A Man Loves A Woman is the "must-see" hit of the year - a story of fiery passion and the enduring power of love!"

Want a movie that will have to balling your eyes out? Well, this is it.

I have always loved Meg Ryan in her movies, and although in most of them she comes across as pretty much the same, this one was different. She played a more serious role, more down to earth.

This is a movie about a woman who is a secret alcoholic, things become bad when she passes out in front of her daughter. It rips the family apart, comes between her and her husband, and her children. But will they survive this, will all be OK? Well, you'll have to watch it.

I liked how Meg Ryan played this part, sometimes when you see people in movies, it's like they play the same sort of role each time, especially with those who star in Comedies. But it isn't the case with this one. (It's the same with Jim Carey, in most of his movies, he acts in comedies, and comes across as the same character each time, which can become boring. But in 'The Majestic' he played a serious role, and I loved him in this movie.)

I have to say though, for anyone who does like their drink (like me), this movie is a bit of a wake up call. It makes you realize to make sure you have your drink in moderation, and not to take it for granted, as no one sets out to be an alcoholic, it just happens.

This is a heartfelt touching movie, and make sure you have your tissues with you!!!

Journey of Souls By Michael Newton

Author: DR Michael Newton
ISBN: 9781567184853
Genre: Non Fiction
Pages: 278
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications,U.S


"In this groundbreaking book, 29 subjects under hypnosis reveal graphic details about how it feels to die, what the spirit world is really like, where the soul goes and what it does there, why souls come back in certain bodies, how to recognize soul mates, and much more. They confirm the existence of an immortal soul whose journey between lives confers meaning on our earthly existence."

I got this book a few years ago, after it was recommended to me. I became especially interested in life after death, after my youngest son who was 5 years old at the time, fell ill one day, passed out and stopped breathing and was rushed to hospital. When he came around in the hospital, he looked at me and his first word to me was 'died'. Since that day, I have researched about life after death, and my research still carries on today.

This book is about how Dr Michael Newton, has regressed his patients back to their 'super conscious' the part of their soul that can remember what's it's like to die, how it feels when we pass away and step over into the spirit world. What happens to our souls and how and why we come back in reincarnation.

This is a wonderful book, with so much information. It's not one of those books to be taken lightly. It isn't about a mediums experience, where it just skims the top of the spirit world. This book digs deep into the spirit world. Filled with so much information. Which is comforting and helps you to view your own life in a completely different way. I believe it can help you to deal with stressful situations in your own life, because you can understand the bigger picture in life, in your own life.

I did find it to be hard going in some places, due to the fact that it digs deep into this subject. Although some of it was hard going, I took my time, and read it slowly when I was drawn to read it. It has been my most favourite book about the spirit world, this book isn't based on fiction, it is true accounts of people in deep regression, with Dr Michael Newton talking to their souls.

This book is truly fascinating, so educational, and comforting. 10/10 from me.

Stardust by Neil Gaiman.

Author: Neil Gaiman
ISBN: 978-0-7553-3751-4
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Pages: 216
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Review

"There is a way into Faerie, beyond the fields we know, and it lies in a village called Wall, somewhere in the early Victorian era. Every nine years there is a fair on the other side of the wall, where Faerie sells its wares to the mundane. Farmer Duncan Thorne had his moment of mad love with a witch's bondservant; Tristan, his son, turned up in a basket nine months later. Now Tristan is old enough to fall in love, and promises Victoria a falling star... This is a fairy story in the tradition of George MacDonald and Hope Mirlees; a book of passion and terror and wit which reminds us that Faerie is not a safe place, or a fair one. And at its edges there lurk other stories--Neil Gaiman's work in comics and television has previously shown his capacity to evoke mystery and glorious magic by telling us just enough and no more, but he excels himself here. Charles Vess's illustrations, (Vess collaborated with Gaiman on key episodes of The Sandman), have charm and occasionally more--the stars dance, Pan looms from the forest, a witch queen rides a chariot driven by goats and Tristan journeys by candlelight leagues at a step."

This is another book, my eldest son bought me for Christmas. I had seen the movie which I thought was good, but the book is so much better. In the movie they had changed some things and left some important other factors out which are included in the book.

This novel was magical and fun to read, it was the first of this kind I have read. I enjoyed being taken into the world of faerie and reading about unicorns, goblins and witches, and stars ;)
I put this down as a young authors book, from teenage upwards, the reason for this is, there is some sexual reference in the beginning chapters, not much though.

This story is about how a young boy Tristian Thorn, promises to collect a fallen star for his love Victoria Foster, he sets out on his travels as she promised him, his hearts desires if he brings back the star for her. He has to cross the Wall into faerie land, and his adventures begin.

If you like fantasy, you will enjoy this book.

For One More Day by Mitch Albom.

Author: Mitch Albom
ISBN: 978-0-7515-3750-5
Genre: general Fiction
Pages: 200
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Sphere


"This is the story of a man named Charley who loses his job, leaves his family, and decides, one night, to end his life. Somewhere between this world and the next, he encounters his mother, who died years ago, and he spends one last day with her - a day he never had on earth. This 'ordinary' day covers the whole of their existence, and reveals how Charley, like many children, was constantly forced to choose between his mother and his father. He gets the chance many of us yearn for - to ask the questions never asked while our parents are alive. In the end, Charley learns how little he really knew about his mother, how her love saved their family, and how deeply he wants the chance to save his own."

I borrowed this book from my sister, after reading 'The Five people You Meet in Heaven' which I loved.
This book is about how a man finds himself becoming distant from his family, and his story is told by another. In this novel, 'Chick' tries to take his own life, and in doing so, is met by the spirit of his mother.

It's a really lovely book, an easy read and again, some would finish it in a day. This book helps you to look at your own life, and will may be make you realize not to take things for granted, especially your family.

Definitely worth having on your book shelf.