One August Night

 

I have awaited this sequel to The Island for a very long time - it's been 15 years!  Having supported the Leprosy Mission charity for 40 years, The Island gave me a visualisation of the colony on Spinalonga, off the greek island of Crete.  Victoria Hislop is a favourite author of both myself and my husband - he has read all the books in between The Island and this one, so, newly published I felt it an ideal Christmas present - we don't read many hardback books, preferring paperbacks and receiving this newly published edition was a temptation too far.  I secretly read it first handling it with great care.  Shhh don't tell him....

Anna, having gone into depression after the birth of her baby girl, Sofia, began to recover when her husband arranges the christening and asks his cousin to be the Godfather.  She puts on a red dress and her affair with her sister's fiance continues.  The reader suspects he, Manolis, may be the child's father.  Her sister, Maria, has been away on Spinalonga in the Leprosy colony.  News is increasing that there is now a cure and people are being sent home.  Anna fears for her relationship with Manolis, she doesn't want to lose her lover.

A tragedy befalls the family whereby Anna's husband is imprisoned and her lover flees to mainland Greece.  Maria marries her doctor and they take Sophia in, raising the child as their own.  Manolis and Maria then become the main characters and the story unfolds with thrilling and graphically told events.

It is so exquisitly written, plain and simple to understand and follow; it's gripping.  The intermingled, intriguing relationships leads the reader to rush to the end.  I think it's the best book I have read all year. 

Sometimes hubby reads the last page before he gets to the end. I KNOW! Sacriledge.  However, if anyone else has this habit it will NOT give you an idea of what goes on between the beginning and end.  The end, however, does leave you wanting more.  Will a grown up Sofia trace her roots?  Will Manolis marry?  Will he ever return to Crete or mainland Greece?  What becomes of Maria?

Perhaps readers will not have much knowledge of Leprosy and think it is assigned only to biblical times.  Or perhaps they have some recollection of Princess Diana visiting such patients in the 1990's.  A cure for this dreadful, disfiguring disease was found in 1957 but it is still contracted in third world countries today.  It has been around since early 1900's.  Imagine 50+ years of Covid19!!  How fortunate we are that a vaccine has been made against the world-wide disease.  It doesn't mean Covid19 will disappear and neither has Leprosy.  I hope one day both will be irradicated.

The island of Spinalonga would be a place to visit now as an historic site, much like the war museums and underground hospital on Jersey.  Perhaps I should visit it when we are out of this pandemic; when flights and holidaying become safe again.  I know that this precious book will grace our bookshelves and be a favourite of both mine and my husband's (I will tell him I have read it when the time is right!)  There are not many books we would both read and Victoria Hislop is the only author that has inspired us both.

 

Reflections of 2020

There are SPECIAL MOMENTS in every year and as this crazy/sad/awful/surprising year of 2020 comes to an end I reflect here on moments that stand out for me. 

However, firstly I acknowledge the fact that the Virus, Covid19, has dominated the news, destroyed businesses, lives (66,000+ in the UK to date), relationships etc. I truely hope it has also taught us all lessons in kindness, endurance, what really matters and globally, I hope the environment and our way of living will be changed for the better. It highlighted our mental health, our NHS and keyworkers, our need to wash hands frequently, wear face masks and keep social distance. Being in the 'vulnerable' category I have never 'stayed home' so much but totally thankful I have a nice one, a garden and places to walk to. I am thankful too that I have a laptop and i-phone, have had on-line shopping delivered and partaken in many a Zoom meeting, Facebook live events, FaceTime calls and other platforms to keep in touch with family, friends and people in the world of writing/publishing. The blues didn't hit me until this month of December when the dark, dank days leading up to an unusual Christmas drained me of energy, happy hormones and excitement about the end being in sight with a vaccine on the way. Thankfully it only lasted a weekend and I remembered my mantra of: THIS TOO WILL PASS .

So now for the good news, my special moments, in this year that will go down in history.  Before the word 'Pandemic' reached our ears I took a winter break back in February to the Highlands of Scotland where I was fortunate to see wild deer at the foothills of snowy mountains and, due to Storm Dennis I led a Writing Group in the hotel where we were kept inside for safety.  This tale was later printed in the People's Friend magazine and I felt so proud of my courage to step up and amuse residents on a dismal day.

In March, just before things became worse, I was in Bournemouth having won tickets to the Russian Ballet.  It was a fabulous show and although tense about attending such a large gathering as the news was stepping up a pace, I enjoyed the time away from home in a B&B, eating meals out and taking a taxi to the pavillion and being engrossed in the ballet.  

Also in March I visited Chesterfiled to see a friend and saw this famous spiral spired church.

So then we were all into LOCKDOWN LAND and I spent time in the garden, planting and growing vegetables, creating window displays for cheering passersby and neighbours, celebrating VE day on the driveway and Thursday nights clapping the the staff of the NHS.  So proud of my nephew:

Wasn't May and the summer wonderful?  Sunshine, actual FRESH air (no pollution), appreciation of nature and a little respite before lockdown restrictions/tiers came into force again.  Hubby and I did manage a weekend away in the remote Derbyshire village of Castleton where we had some lovely country walks and an outside coffee stop.

As the year drew on I felt I was adapting well.  I took pleasure in the garden far more than ever and grew vegetables for the first time in over 30 years.  The cherry tomato plants produced so much; peas, potatoes, lettuce, raddishes and herbs were experiemental too.  The flowers bloomed giving colour and joy as well.

Bird watching was another joy - we had a regular robin visiting and numerous other varieties, but what an absolute treat that a pair of great tits used the bird box on my cabin to nest and raise their young which we anxiously awaited to see how many fledged.  There were five in all but sadly the last one didn't make it onto the nearby fence and perished overnight.

My biggest special moment was when one baby tit flew into the open door of my cabin and allowed me to rescue him, hold him in my hands for a short while before freeing him to fly again.  Not sure I've ever had that priveledge in my life before.  

Another special moment was my great-niece's first birthday.  Thankfully we were able to have a small family gathering to celebrate but no hugs were shared (something I've missed dreadfully). 

There have been many special moments of meeting friends outdoors, walking, chatting, finding a bench and sitting apart with a flask and cake.  Being outdoors and walking has helped keep me positive and this tree hug was for all the people I love.  Tyson the Bengal cat came to stay to keep us company for a few weeks and he wanted to be part of my window display!  Doorstep visits have been appreciated but so unnatural not to ask people in, especially our lovely daughter.

We made the big decision to put our home of nearly 30 years on the market but to date we have been disappointed with very little response.  However, we are in no hurry so I guess the timing is not right just yet.  Another highlight of this year was that I, at last, received my pension and bus pass.  I join the Senior Citizens rank not feeling as though this is real, but having waited six years for my pension it is very welcome.  

My other passtimes have been card crafting, knitting, reading novels and writing. Those who follow me on Twitter (@tweetsue13) or Facebook (Sue Flint, Author) will know that as I write this blog my manuscript is out for appraisal and novel 2 has been harder to be disciplined about.  However many zooms have been extremely helpful and hopefully I will spring back into writing action again very soon.  Here's my knitted snowmen - I managed a small amount of the 1,000+ that the local church wanted to spread cheer in the Parish of Wigginton; and just a few of all the Christmas cards I made.   

 

Sadly we lost the son of our dear friends, to that other dreadful disease - Cancer.  John was such a big hearted young man, aged 41, who was an inspiration to all who knew him.  Funerals this year have been so different from the 'norm' and John had made arrangements for his own way of people 'saying goodbye' which was close family celebrating his life on a nearby beach.  We paid our own respects by

planting trees through the woodlandstrust.org.uk in his memory.

And now as the year comes to an end we have news of the first vaccinations against Covid19 being administered here in the UK giving us all hope that next year will see the relief of Lockdowns, Tiers and closed venues of enjoyment.  I guess it will take us all sometime to feel 'safe' again but this at least is a step in the right direction.

Special moments are there in every day, every month, every year if we but notice them.  I hope you have many stored in your memory bank and that you draw on them whenever life throws a curve ball.  Thank you for reading my blog, comments can be made below or on Twitter @tweetsue13 or email: sueflint13@hotmail.com. 

May your Christmas and New Year celebrations be safe and wishing you all the best for 2021.

                           

 

 

  

Guaranteed to get you singing....

How lovely to be transported from a dismal year to the beautiful scenery of the Swiss mountains and villages.  Let it Snow by Sue Moorcroft will certainly delight you and get you feeling seasonal. 

❆❆❆

Lily learns that her mums both had baby girls by different methods which leads her on a quest to meet up with biological half-brothers.  In a temporary bar job in Middledip she ponders on whether she will ever tell her boss Tubb they are related.  There is much conflict between her sister, her mums and her own heart too.  

She has a trip to Switzerland with her other job for the Food, Lifestyle and Health show and arranges to take the Middletones choir with her to help promotional work.  Singing well known British carols will attract attention to her stall.

❆❆❆ 

Isaac, having broken up with his girlfriend Hayley, moves into the flat above the pub and soon finds Lily attractive.  An accident to Lily's hand prevents her from driving the mini bus of excited members of the Middletones, so Isaac steps in to save the day.  Doggo the dalmation joins the trip too.  However, a tragedy with his ex has him dashing back to the UK just as he and Lily are finding love.  Will they hook up back in the UK or was it to be a holiday romance? Will Lily's brothers accept her into the fold?  Will she manage driving back with her injured hand?  There is a lot of tension, drama, health issues and family relationships to keep you turning the pages.

The trip to Switzerland has it all - snow ❅, lights🎄, expensive gifts🎁, romance, work, play and singing 🎸.  It is Christmas in text, fueling the imagination and reminding us of better times.  I don't think I'll ever hear Michael Buble singing 'Let it Snow' without thinking of this book and its contents.  

❆❆❆

Well done Sue Moorcroft, five star reviews on Goodreads and Amazon.  Looking forward to reading this years' Christmas novel - Christmas Wishes. 

 

Who doesn't love a toy panda?

 Pandemonium

By Gail Aldwin

I was asked by the author to review her book and it was a priviledge to do.  I think it will make an ideal Christmas or Birthday present - this beautifully illustrated book is aimed at children between the ages of 2 – 7 years.

The adorable purple Panda will warm hearts as each page captures a scene even without the words.  An adult reader can point out other elements to the growing child – where is Peta, what else is in the picture, who else is in the picture, what are they doing, what colour is Peta the Panda?  Conversations the story evokes can be interesting and encourage the child’s imagination to build more into the story.  It will be one they remember when they are older.

 Early readers will enjoy the bold lettered short sentences.  There are new words to learn the meaning of – Pandemonium and haberdashery – explanations again encouraging conversations between the child and reader.  Also an opportunity to tell young readers about breaking big words down into syllables to make reading and spelling easier – the cover is a good ‘showing’ example.

 As the book progresses Peta’s purple is disguised to make her look like the other Panda’s but her peers mock her which makes her unhappy.  Lessons on how to deal with unhelpful comments from friends at school could take place from this page and how Mama Panda rescues Peta by undoing the disguise, freeing her and encouraging Peta to be herself.  Conversation about love could be had here and how being accepted as we are makes us happy.

 I love the messages –

• It’s ok to be different
• It’s ok to have fun
• It encourages and affirms
• Love and acceptance help us be true to ourselves

 It is also sweet and cute.  It will appeal to lively children and make quiet children laugh at Peta’s antics.  Ideal for girls or boys, schools, parents, grandparents, childminders, nursery nurses, etc etc.

Five star rating.  Well done Author Gail Aldwin and Illustrator Fiona Zechmeister.

Available from www.victoriapress.com and https://www.waterstones.com/book/pandemonium/gailaldwin/fiona-zechmeister/9781999369675  pre-order now, publication December 2020.

Other reviews can be found on https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55315976-pandemonium

You can follow the author on Twitter @gailaldwin or Facebook: Gail Aldwin, Writer

 

A Year to Remember?

                                       

 Pandemic.  Covid19.  Masks.  Washing hands.  Social Distance.  Death rates.  Covid Cases.                        Prime  Minister's announcements.  Lockdown.  Job losses.  Economic Crisis.  Stay Home.                         Cheer for the NHS.    Food banks.  Captain Tom.  Fundraising.  Regional lockdowns.                                 Black lives matter.  Herd  immunity.   Schools & University returns.  Social bubbles.                                    Pubs close early.  Elderly.  Virus carriers.    Mental Health matters.  Sanitizer.

These words and phrases are just some of the things that have been in my brain, and probably everyone else's thoughts, since about February this year.  2020 will be written in the history books of the future.  As a compulsive writer I started a new notebook in March and wrote in it each day thinking this event was too big to cope with.  Writing my thoughts down has long been a way of  safeguarding my mental health - once its on paper it's out of my head and therefore I can get on with the day.  I have now begun a second notebook as the situation has continued far longer and devastatingly than I could imagine.  But adapting to a new way of being, I turned days into opportunities to rest, read, write and walk.  My four favourite pastimes.

Zoom's, Skype and FaceTime have become a 'norm'.  Ordering food and any other needs on-line I am now adept at.  You may have thought that as a writer I would have by now become a published author.  I have not been idle, everyday new challenges abound and both novel 1 and 2 have been attended to.  I have also had on-line workshops to attend.  Here's my progress report -

• I had a letter printed in The People's Friend Magazine and a book review published in the SWWJ journal.  Yay.
• I have read and reviewed lots of books on this blog site, Goodreads and Amazon.
• Novel 1 - I had a very good meeting with Laura Williams, Literary Agent via Blue Pencil Agency zoom conference.  Having sent Novel 1 to several publishers/agents over previous years, this zoom inspired me to revamp my synopsis and covering letter which, together with the first 50 pages, has gone off to her for her consideration to accompanying me onto publication.  
• Novel 2 - that fact that I've sent Novel 1 off to several publishers/agents and received rejection letters has not put me off.  However the time it takes to do each submission delays me getting on with Novel 2.  Each submission is unique.  Each covering letter, synopsis and manuscript has a unique requirement from the publisher/agent.  So many words, include this, single/double spaced manuscript, first three chapters, first 5,000 words, first 50 pages etc. etc.  So work on Novel 2 gets delayed.  However, I can report I am back on it and up to 40,000 words.  Ideas are scribbled on notepaper and although I pencil in times to be in my garden cabin to write, other things creep in and now I am having to limit my zoom workshops as, as useful as they are, they are a distraction to ACTUALLY writing.

Here's some of the zoom meetings I have attended:

•     Tamworth Writers - weekly
•     Writing for Wellbeing - monthly
•     Facebook Live & Tamworth Bookclub - meet the author events
•     Society of Author events
•     Society of Women Writers & Journalists events
•     Writing West Midlands events
•     Writers & Artists events
•     Swanwick Writers Summer School events
•     Birmingham, Derby & Bristol Literary Festival events

The advantage of Zoom meetings is not having to travel to venues!  But of course the downside is that you don't meet people in person and I'm quite a sociable person.

My next blog will be about the walks I have done during this year - A Year to Remember.  But in the meantime here are two 'pause for thought' pictures:

   

THE BEACH HUT

I so L O V E  beach huts.  My bathroom is 'beach hut' themed with white towels that are embroidered with navy and red beach hugs, a Snug Rug mat with light blue beach huts on it and a variety of seaside ornament decorate the window sill including a mini row of beach huts.  I even have mini beach huts and light house on sand around the base of a fuchsia bush in my garden.  I have taken many photographs of places I have visited that have beach huts - favorites would be Holkham beach, Norfolk and Bournemouth.

Somewhere in my brain is a very distant memory of a beach hut on Looe beach, Cornwall.  We used to go there as a family when I was a child.  We would meet up with Aunty Olive, Uncle Bing and cousin John; my paternal grandparents and sometimes my father's cousin Roy and his family or his brother Jack and my cousins Christine and Ann.  I have black and white photos of us eating ice creams on the beach.  We would all sit in deckchairs in the same place each visit which was in front of a beach hut (who it belonged to I can't recall) where we children were sent to change into or out of our swimming costume although I do remember trying to do this with mother's help behind a large towel on the beach which was embarrassing and sandy.  I guess my love of the shape of beach huts: the wood and the colours came from this early life experience.

Before the Pandemic of Covid-19 struck I attended a book event where someone criticized books with beach huts on the front cover and I was incensed by the comments.  Not usually brave to reply, I found myself defending such books, speaking up and saying how some of us like these type of books.  The critic's voice rankled for months afterwards so when I saw Veronica Henry's novel I gladly bought it knowing I would not be feasting my eyes on a beach or row of beach huts this year.  The virus spreading has put paid to any holidays in 2020 as the message 'Stay Safe, Stay Home' rings out.

So I dip into fantasy land and on the pages of this book am instantly transported to a place that reminds me of Branksome Chine.  This little book promises a big heart as I am soon introduced to Everdene Sands, North Devon and the owner of a beach hut that has been in the family for 50 years.  It quickly became a torrid affair between a young innocent typist and an acclaimed author.  Passion and innocence clashed and the author's manuscript and Jane disappears for 50 years

Soon I was reading about Harborne and Hagley - familiar places having been born in Birmingham.  However the book progresses with different tales in different beach huts - an affair, a one-off fling, a marriage, two children, financial commitments and status, property and a beach hut.  

I loved going to the nearby pub - The Ship Aground - and wondering if Jane would connect with her first love - the author.  It captivated me to the end and it was hard to put down; the ending uplifted the soul.

I so enjoyed it and wanted to stay by the seaside a while longer so I purchased another by Veronica Henry - 

For those of you who, like me, love the beach and especially beach huts, I can't recommend these books highly enough.  They are a sublime escape from the reality of this Annus Horribilis year, where days are sunny and carefree, where the waves in the sea are inviting and the friendships and relationships work through issues to find happiness.

5 star reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.  

Escape to Giddywell Grange

Book ReviewThis book is a charming tale of how life can change due to circumstances beyond your control, a perfect read during a pandemic which forced us all to stop and reconsider life.  Enforced stopping, taking stock and going with the flow of whatever each new day brings is good for the soul.  Maddy reconnects with the importance of friendships, family and caring for your community.  Dog lovers will find delight in these pages too.  Sometimes things happen for a reason and when Maddy finds a tin in her Mum’s loft it opens up a whole new way of thinking about who she is and where she comes from.  A previous relationship too gets under her skin – should she reconnect with Jamie?

There is romance, hospital visits, new home and loving family ties.  It will make you miss your mum more if you have lost her or want to spend more time with her if she is still around for you.  During our lives, when work and home life are busy, we often neglect those closest to us and don’t really know them at all.  A holiday break for Maddy and her mum brings them very close and there is more to her mum than she realises.  

The men in the book are charming, sexy, hunky and two cause Maddy to have quite a dilemma on her hands.  You will be willing her to make the right choice.  

There are some very tender moments that will pull at your heartstrings and have you reaching for the tissues.  

I am usually a very slow reader but I amazed myself by reading this lovely book in less than a week – a record for me I think!

Well done Kim Nash.   *****

The Gift book review

 

This Lockdown year is certainly helping me get through my TBR (to be read) pile and I was ready to have a change of genre and open The Gift.

Louise Jenson is a very talented writer.  Having read The Sister I was aware of her style and knew I had to be in a good head space to read another of her psychological thrillers.  Being rested and relaxed due to the enforced 'stay home' of Covid19 pandemic I reached a place of 'coping well' and was able to read the twisting episodes of this novel.  Her books are ones you never forget, the telling of the story being cleverly weaved through the pages like a tapestry - the whole picture/story not becoming clear until near the end of the book.

I applaud the research Louise will have done for the storyline.  The Cellular Memory and Secondary Traumatic Stress disorder educates the reader into a world within the mind not many of us will have experienced.  On the other hand many of us will have had thoughts and doubts that are sometimes irrational.  I did, on occasion, have to put the book down to process what I was reading and remind myself it was fiction, using facts to make the story realistic.

The story grips you and pulls you into a scenario that is scary, tense, weird, realistic, fascinating and the characters all jump out like its a pop-up book.  To say I 'enjoyed' it would be the wrong word for me - it was after all a traumatic and tragic tale of a heart transplant with serious repercussion.  It was however a wonderful piece of fiction, so believable and another I will never forget.  It really should be televised or made into a film - although for me, I would be pressing the pause button to catch my breath with it.  It's fast paced and yet there's a steadiness too, going back and forth through time reaching a combining of past and present in a clear way through a mine-field of events.

The protagonist, Jenna's life, is consumed by Callie, her donor, as the search for the circumstances of Callie's death is sought.  Her new heart feeds Jenna's dreams and mind which opens a can of worms for Callie's family, friends and Jenna's workmates and boyfriend.  She follows her instincts and finds answers to everyone's questions and reveals unspoken issues.  A thrilling seaside beach scene opens up; the drama is tangible and it is heart-pounding reading as you gallop towards the end.

Thankfully the conclusion settled my buzzing mind and I could be pleased I had read The Gift.

Ps readers:  It's a love story too, so have tissues at the ready.

Well done Louise Jensen.  *****

The Summer Getaway

Still stuck in Lockdown Land (Day 102 or thereabouts!) very few of us are getting away this summer.  However, through reading books I have travelled to Malta with Sue Moorcroft, USA with Michelle Obama, places in the UK and more recently to France with Tilly Tennant.  No planes, no suitcases, no foreign currency.  Just me, my back garden, a sun lounger and birds tweeting.

There is power in reading - getting lost in imagination, escaping the reality of Covid19; people flooding beaches and leaving litter behind, riots, stabbings, murders and all that is bad in the news at the moment can be blotted out as you are transported to another place, another world, another time.

Published by Bookouture, The Summer Getaway sees two families collide whilst staying in neighbouring holiday homes for a week.  The connections reveal secrets, joy, love, fun, excitement and fear.

Romance blossoms for the single parents and their teenage girls form special bonds too.  Ashley and Haydon's relationships turn into real complications.  Being at a birthday party for a 100 year old French lady turns into a nightmare and opens a can of worms.  The teenagers go missing and caring family and friends help the search which is fraught with anxious thoughts and tense with fears.

Leaving France for the UK brings about a dilemma of how the relationships will continue but the reader is left feeling sure of a happy ending.

Well done Tilly Tennant - a lovely novel that is hard to leave behind.  Where will I go next, I wonder?

A Malteser anyone?

Book Review – Summer on a Sunny Island by Sue Moorcroft



The first pages of this book transported me back 40+ years ago when I took my first holiday abroad.  I stayed in Mehelia Bay, Malta and visited both of my penfriends – one on the mainland and the other on the island of Gozo.  This memory came flooding back as I vividly remembered the scene Sue Moorcroft was describing of Sliema.



Before long I was swimming in the sea with Rosa and Zach as they and the local youth were on a plastic clearing mission.  As it was a very hot day I sat on a sun-bed in my garden during whatever day it was of this seemingly never-ending lockdown, I realised how much I was missing donning my swimming costume and being immersed in cool water.  The thought of holidaying abroad this year has long gone but even to go to my local leisure centre is curtailed for now.



So I read on with delight having visited Mosta, Valletta and Sliema I could imagine the streets, sounds, smells and tastes that Rosa and Zach would be experiencing, along with the tingling of a budding new relationship.



As the weather in my garden warmed up to the hottest May since records began so too did this sunny island tale.  Romance had not been on Rosa’s agenda when she escaped the broken relationship with Marcus in the UK.  A career break, with her mother who was engaged in making delicious food and writing a cook book, gives Rosa time to think about her future.



The apartment block in the book where Zach and his sister and niece live too, is very much in keeping with my penfriend’s home and every time the stairs and balconies were mentioned I was back there meeting Mary’s family, going up onto the roof space and having lunch with them in a dining room in their apartment.



Even when Zach’s other family members turn up I was transported back 20 years when on a New Year’s eve in Cyprus where I was living in a similar two bedroom apartment, like Zach, I had to find beds for friends and family members who had made a ‘surprise’ visit, which actually was more of a shock than surprise for me!



Weaved through the book is a character of suspect, a young man Zach cares about.  He turns up in unexpected places and holds an air of mystery.  He’s elusive and seems to be playing into the hands of an unsavoury gang leader.



Also sprinkled throughout the book are glimpses of castles, beaches, harbours and restaurants.  Zach gives Rosa a tour of historic places and explains their 16^th century lives or gruesome story of long ago battles.  I had thought they might have visited Mosta’s domed church where, in the centre, was an unexploded German bomb – no doubt made safe – and enclosed behind railings.  A sight I will never forget.



I slowed my reading towards the end as I didn’t want to leave Malta or the families I had got involved with.  Zach and his family get into quite a tangled mess and Rosa has some hard decisions about her future to make.  I crept towards the ending which certainly doesn’t disappoint.  You know when you cry at the end of a film you’ve been watching? - well it was like that for me.



Thank you, Sue Moorcroft, for another fabulous read.  2020 will be remembered not only for the Lockdown but for a fictional re-visit to Malta in a Summer on a Sunny Island.



 

Becoming, Book Review

Becoming by Michelle Obama

I forgot to write about this fabulous book when I finished reading it as the Corona Virus Pandemic struck our country and all normal thoughts and actions went to pot! So 12 weeks later when calm and

a new normality has settled in (#stayinghomestayingsafe) I can now recommend that you will be

heart-warmed by this openly written and an inspiring book.

Michelle had humble beginnings and learnt to play the piano by the sound of a stream of students visiting her aunt for lessons in the apartment where her family all lived together.  In early years she experienced racism and fearmongering but her mother taught her to rise above it.  From early life and teenage years the reader will find a really nice girl who is full of ambition, good morals, decency and fun.  An independent girl and proud of her parents and brother.

When I read that her school had taught her in a class of like-minded students, regardless of age, so that they could set their own goals and work speeds, I was thrilled.  This hooked into my own 'beef' about our education system - one size does NOT fit all.  Working independently rather than corporately is SURELY better for students. (Perhaps this time of LOCKDOWN has confirmed that and the Education system will change!)  It was school lunchtimes that Michelle formed a solid girl-friends group taking them home for mum-made sandwiches.  Again I identified with the need to be part of a small group rather than the whole school playground of peers where trouble brewed, gossip and teasing occurred with boys and girls of all ages mixed - the older ones racing around being inconsiderate of young frightened kids who were new to the whole regeme of 'school'.

This book proves that no matter who you are, where you are from, what colour your skin, or how different your name - if you are clean living, hard working, goal focussed, have faith in your own ability, love justice and your family - you can achieve anything you want from a low paid or voluntary job to a high powered position; from being single to married and family life.  'Making a difference' is both singularly and as a couple, what Michelle and Barak's lives are about.  They mastered the art of living separate lives together, maintaining their individuality whilst remaining married.

I felt very close to this wonderful (now former) first lady of the USA when she described having had a miscarriage and in attempt to raise a family used the drug Clomid unsuccessfully, which I did too.  The heartache and confusion ones own body can give you when a much wanted child is not conceived is hard to put into words.  I also identify with her saying, "Being with children.... was balm for my spirit." She of course went on to have two lovely daughters and I have one for which I am truly grateful for.

When I read that she and Barak disliked Les Miserables, the way I did, I was pleasantly surprised.  I thought everyone but me liked that play or film.  They left the theatre half way through and found relief from the gloom.  Yes!

Her visit to England and meeting the Queen was worded with such realism that you can imagine the scene - either from your own recall of the news or on the pages it is described.

My favourite of all her quotes, one I will never forget, is "When they go low, we go high."  I have huge admiration for this lovely lady.  Do add this book to your wish list, to be read list, Christmas or Birthday present list, you will not be disappointed.

You can follow Michelle on Twitter @MichelleObama and see her on YouTube with Oprah Winfrey, Instagram etc.

5 star review.  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Book Review 2 during Lockdown 2020

It was great to connect again with characters from The Lemon Tree Café through interaction around the main character of this book, Gina.  

The story begins with an ending - I know that doesn't sound right - but it is comical and sets the tone of Gina's ex-husband, Eric.  His derogatory comments about Gina's future spurs her on to prove him wrong and be proud of herself for trying something bigger than her current childminding career she is so good at.  

Living in rented accommodation she sets out to purchase a larger property to expand her business and wants to include her elderly neighbours in the venture too.  Not having any grandchildren of my own, and having been a childminder myself a very long time ago, I identified with Gina doing the school runs and making sure all her charges/mindees are well looked after.  I warmed to the twin girls especially and was quite envious of Bing, Delphine and Violet having small children visit them regularly.  

With a 'Flint' in the book it made me smile especially as our (great-nephew) Dexter is not yet a handsome young eligible bachelor - he is still at junior school! When Gina meets Dexter Flint her life goes on a roller-coaster ride of emotions as he seems to be blocking her course and churning her passions at the same time.  It is an exciting ride, a great read and highly enjoyable way to while away the hours.

Well done again, Cathy Bramley.  

Reviewed also on Goodreads.

Book Review during Lockdown 2020

I have to admit that the title of this book puzzled me all the way through to the end.  But in the end it was clear.

Between the cover and the last page are words, words, words that are a writers paradise - the jargon of the writing world as the protagonist, Lana Green - Author, tells us of her journey to publishing her second book.  She has writers block, she is stuck for a hero, she has diminishing finances but all these lead her to new people, new homes and eventually a new way forward.

There is a love story to uncover, broken hearts and dementia - that cruel twist of fate on a famous writer's life.  There is a writing group, discussions of works in progress and Lana's own dilemma with Mark and Jack.

I became engrossed from the beginning, aware of the luxury of having TIME to read during this big lockdown - time to sit in the garden sunshine, in bed not worrying about 'time to get up' and snuggled in my favourite lounge chair - reading without distractions. 

The Forgotten Guide to Happiness is a delight, an education, a hope as I still await publication offer for my own novel.

Well done Sophie Jenkins.  *****

LOCKDOWN LAND

Sitting on the rattan sofa in the garden on a perfectly sunny spring afternoon, the flowers coming into bloom, the leaves on the trees giving a show of their best green leaves, a mown lawn and birds twittering, chirping and cooing, it's hard to imagine that its not Sunday - it's Lockdown Thursday, week 4, and life beyond our wall and front door is a war zone of fighting a deadly virus.  How both sublime and crazy is that?!

Corona Virus (COVID19) 2020 

How are you all doing?  How are you spending your TIME - that commodity we don't usually have enough of and now we have too much of it?  I've mostly been positive in telling myself - this too will pass - a saying my dear Aunt, God rest her soul, would say when troubles come as oft they do throughout a lifetime.  The first few weeks were tense, stressful, frustrating, annoying but then, feeling the pain of it all in my arms and neck muscles I 'crashed' - had a day of doing absolutely nothing.  It helped me to take stock and reassess my behaviours.

The 'wash your hands', 'don't touch your face', 'stay home, stay safe, save the NHS' messages had settled into my mind rather than buzzing about like a bee about to sting.  Obsession and paranoid activities became a new normal - panic and dread mixing together like a mixture for baking, but instead of making something lovely it was producing a recipe for stroke or heart attack I felt.  And so after the day of rest my fears came down several notches and although a feeling of helplessness washes over me from time to time I have taken self-care actions and feel so much better.  

I limit my intake of news - it's so grim and the reporters/interviewers 'push' Government officials and others with impossible to answer questions - there are NO answers to 'when will it end', 'when a vaccine 'might' be available', etc etc.  Instead I ring someone every day for a chat - people I would only see occasionally or usually keep in touch via Christmas cards, emails or text messages.  Hearing their voices or seeing them on FaceTime is very uplifting.  Thankfully, to this point in time, I have only one friend who has had and recovered from the Virus, a friend of a friend's husband has died of it and everyone else is coping best they can with the situation.

I have done all the household tasks I don't normally make time for - cleaning the car out of sweet papers etc; cleaning the oven (yuk!), seeing the bottom of my ironing basket, gardening, window cleaning, fence painting - anything to fill the time.  Now I am left with a lighter routine of cleaning, reading, journalling, using the internet for on-line shopping (a full time job!) and I learnt how to use YouTube as my church wanted people to contribute to their Lent programme.

I have family members involved with the NHS and Care Homes so the clapping on the doorstep on Thursday nights are emotional, as I am sure it is for so many of us.  Despite the criticism and negative news reports, some of which are very valid, they soldier on saving lives, making the sick comfortable, saying kind words over the dying and putting aside their own fears and needs in the battle to win over this situation.  

Lockdown Land is our new 'norm' for now, maybe for the rest of spring and summer - who knows.  Going with the flow of each day is all we can do, accepting the situation and the small joys and disappointments.  People are making such fun videos and connecting more with their children; neighbours are talking over the fence again or across the street keeping social distancing.  Who would have imagined at the beginning of 2020 this was even possible.  Our world has been turned upside down and hopefully, when all this is over, great changes will have occurred for us to take better care of our planet, our little world beyond our four walls and within them too.

Stay safe my family, friends, Twitter pals, Facebook friends and readers of this blog.  Thank you to every key worker for  delivering services that are vital to our wellbeing and mental health.  May you be blessed in abundance.

Comments are welcome here or via Twitter @tweetsue13.

Bournemouth

12th-15th March 2020

What a wonderful time we had despite breaking news of the Corona Virus.  We really didn't know whether to go or not but when we got there is was sooooooooooooo lovely to be besides the sea.  And as we now know, probably our last break away for a long time.

The Bed and Breakfast accommodation we stayed in I can't recommend highly enough.  We were the only guests and had a large ground floor room (Rm 1) in Mory House, 31 Grand Avenue, Bournemouth - see my review on Trip Advisor.

The attention to detail at this B&B was superb - a little fridge in our room filled with treats, a jar of liquorice allsorts and plenty of beverages;  in the bathroom the sink plug chain was curled on top of the plug - such lovely touches to make us feel special guests.  Outside our room there was an array of home-made cakes and cookies as well as a bowl of fruit to help ourselves to.

 



Grand Avenue, Southbourne is five minutes walk from the High Street where there are a plethora of eateries, a lovely library to pick up information leaflets from, lots of bus stops and well knowns shops as well as querky but classy gift shops.  It is also a walkable distance along the coast to Bournemouth and interesting walk to Christchurch.  If you are not a walker and don't want to drive, the buses are extremely plentiful and frequent.

In the High Street of Southbourne we visited Brewhouse and Kitchen where we sampled real ales and good food; the Larder House and Makla Bistro restaurants and Urban Reef Café on the front at Bournemouth.

Brewhouse & Kitchen 1

B & K 2

B & K 3

Makla Bistro (Morrocan Food)

Looking over the sea, or walking on or next to a beach, no matter what the weather is soul-joy for me.  If there are beach huts to feast my eyes on, so much the better.

 

 
The highlight and main purpose of our visit was that I had won tickets to the Russian Ballet performance of Sleeping Beauty at the Bournemouth Pavilion courtesy of Yours Magazine.  Again it was decision time whether to go or not, but in the end we had a taxi there and back, waited outside until it was about to start and were pleased to find the seats either side and immediately in front of us were empty.  We enjoyed the show but there was definitely an atmosphere of tension in the theatre.  We left promptly and that began our journey into the current situation where all places of social gatherings have closed.  Staying home, self isolating, social distancing, toilet rolls and panic buying became every day words along with Corona Virus.

 

Outside Spring was blooming regardless of the spreading of COVID19, streets and roads began to become deserted and today we are in lockdown - paramount to curbing the spread, saving lives, helping the NHS.

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog and seeing the photos.  Do Tweet me on @tweetsue13, your comments are appreciated.