The Local Lit Scene

Literary Blog Hop

by imsonotablogger

Yes, it is that time of year again! It is time for the Literary Blog Hop hosted by leeswammes.

You can hop over to 50 different book blogs, all offering one or more giveaways of books or bookish items. All books will be literary (non)fiction or something close to that. Follow the links at the bottom of this post to find the other participating blogs. The blog hop will be running from the 27 October until the 31st October. The winner will be chosen by random.org or by pulling a name out of a hat and will be announced on the 2 November. The winner will be contacted via email and if there is no response within 3 days another winner will be chosen.

So, what can you win??

I have chosen three books which I have read over the last few years, which I really enjoyed. I hope one of them tickles your fancy too…!

One of my favourite South African authors Rosamund Kendal with Karma Suture

Sue Carey is a driven, twenty-something doctor struggling to preserve her sanity, sobriety and humanity in the corridors of one of Cape Town’s biggest public hospitals. Finding imaginative ways of saving patients is her life’s work. Finding a man who wants more than a one-night stand would be nice as well. Sue’s journey of self-discovery is both harrowing and hilarious. The Karma Suture visits the bedsides of the patients who make her weep and the men who make her weak. She discovers that all she ever wanted is waiting for her … if only she can learn to see beyond the hard science into the mysteries of the heart.

Karma Suture is a uniquely South African story about pain, sex, love, and hope that could only be written by a doctor who has been there and lived to tell the tale.

One of my all time favourite Murakami novels – Kafka on the Shore

Kafka on the Shore follows the fortunes of two remarkable characters. Kafka Tamura runs away from home at fifteen, under the shadow of his father’s dark prophesy. The aging Nakata, tracker of lost cats, who never recovered from a bizarre childhood affliction, finds his pleasantly simplified life suddenly turned upside down. Their parallel odysseys are enriched throughout by vivid accomplices and mesmerising dramas. Cats converse with people; fish tumble from the sky; a ghostlike pimp deploys a Hegel-spouting girl of the night; a forest harbours soldiers apparently un-aged since WWII. There is a savage killing, but the identity of both victim and killer is a riddle. Murakami’s novel is at once a classic quest, but it is also a bold exploration of mythic and contemporary taboos, of patricide, of mother-love, of sister-love. Above all it is an entertainment of a very high order. (from Kalahari.net)

Scarlett Thomas books are enchanting novels, this -The End of Mr Y- is one of my favourites by her

When Ariel Manto uncovers a copy of The End of Mr. Y in a second-hand bookshop, she can’t believe her eyes. She knows enough about its author, the outlandish Victorian scientist Thomas Lumas, to know that copies are exceedingly rare. And, some say, cursed.With Mr. Y under her arm, Ariel finds herself thrust into a thrilling adventure of love, sex, death and time-travel. (from Kalahari.net)

A BOOK OF YOUR CHOICE UP TO THE VALUE OF $15 FROM BOOK DEPOSITORY (just check if they deliver to your country)

What do you need to do in order to win a copy of your choice out of these books is:

1) Tell us which book you would like to win and WHY it appeals to you. (please note that this must be part of your comment otherwise it will be disqualified as an entry) Same goes for if you are choosing your own!

2) Together with no 2 please tell us ONE (or more if you can’t decide) book that you have thoroughly enjoyed this year that you would describe as ‘you have to read this!’ (required)

3) Please leave an email address so that we can contact you if you are the winner (required)

4)Like us on Facebook (additional entry)

5) Follow us on Twitter (additional entry)

If you already follow us on Facebook and Twitter, please say so in your comment, so we can put your additional entries into the give away.

Please note that all books are also available as e books (for South Africa ONLY) otherwise it will be a paper copy sent via snail mail worldwide.

So, HAPPY HOPPING and get commenting, Here’s hoping we all win a book or two!

give away

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From Aardvark to Zuma – a review

by imsonotablogger

Last week I received a book in the post. I was expecting it, I just didn’t know when it might arrive. What joy then, when it did. Yes, you guessed it, ‘From Aardvark to Zuma by Alex Latimer’ was the said book. Thank you Penguin Books SA!

This is a truly delightful and ‘typically’ South African book. I read it in one sitting – it isn’t very long – and I loved it. I love the uniqueness of the words he uses for each letter, as well as some which are such well known items that if it hadn’t been used for a letter, one would of wondered why not?!

Written with slightly tongue in cheek, it is an amusing, interesting and quite spot on description of our rainbow nation. Take this for an example:

B for Bakkie: The word ‘bakkie’ comes from the Afrikaans word for a Tupperware-like container with a lid. A bakkie is essentially a car with a ‘container’ on the back. It is very useful for transporting huge sandwiches and other items that won’t fit in the fridge.

So now, if ever you are in a different country, and someone asks you what on earth a bakkie is, you can just hand over this book. In fact, I think it may be essential when traveling abroad, much like ‘The Lonely Planet Guides’. Instead of trying to explain what all our words mean, just hand out this book!

Alex Latimer is an illustrator and picture book maker. His drawings are incredible.

Picture taken from here

If you would like to see more of his work, and why wouldn’t you? It is unique and lovely, or see what other books he has published – there are two fabulous looking children’s books called The Boy Who Cried Ninja and The Penguin’s Hidden Talent (which I am so buying for Bean for Chrismas!) go here and here.

And if you are needing something a little quirky, a little different for a Christmas gift, this would be perfect!

Reviews

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My ten top favourite series

by imsonotablogger

While I was doing the ten series that I hadn’t finished, I kept coming up with series that I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed so I decided to do a post on that as well.

The Northern Lights Trilogy – Philip Pullman

I discovered this series quite late I think by my niece who had already finished reading them. I loved them!

The Inkheart Series – Cornelia Funke

I was in the UK when I discovered her and Inkheart. I loved the idea of the book within a book story, it really appealed to me and my imagination. I hated having to wait for the final installment. I also did not enjoy the movie so much at all, I think it wasn’t the best interpretation of the book and even the actors who played the characters were just wrong!

The Mortal Instruments and Infernal Devices – Cassandra Clare

I discovered The Infernal Devices first, LOVED the first book, then found out that the second one hadn’t been published yet, then realised there were another 4 books of a similar vein just in a different time setting which I then purchased and read while waiting for the latest two to be published. i am currently awaiting the last two in each series!

Harry Potter – JK Rowling

Again, I Loved this series. It really was one of the best series I have ever read. I think everyone should read it at some point or another…

The Millenium Series – Steig Larson

This is not my usual book fare, but I thoroughly enjoyed this series! It was a bit brutal at times and little longwinded, but I stayed up till all hours of the morning reading, just could not get enough of it. Brilliant writing and even the longwinded stuff made sense in the end. I watched half of the movie, but to see that brutality in front of my eyes was just a little too much so never finished watching it. The books I could handle though…

The Lord of the Rings – JRR Tolkien

A must read for everyone! I read this while I was still in school so could probably do with a re read of this series, but It was fabulous. The hobbit was also awesome! Have you read it or watched the movies?

The Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins

I tried very hard NOT to read these books! (It was a bit like the Twilight books, which yes, I have also read but can’t add them to my top ten… where they hype was huge and I just wasn’t sure I wanted to read something which was ‘good’. I did end up reading the first one on holiday with my sister -she had just bought the first one for my niece so I decided to read it as I didn’t have to buy it…) Turns out I ended up buying the next two any way as I HAD to finish it. I enjoyed it, MUCH better than Twilight!

Chocolat – Joanne Harris

This is just a beautiful set of books! The stories, the characters, the times, the places. Read them, you won’t be sorry!

Spud – John van der Ruit

I also came to this series quite late, I didn’t think that I would enjoy something so ‘boylike’ but I was wrong again and thoroughly enjoyed it! The good thing about coming to it later, is that I didn’t have long to wait for the final installment! An awesome series by a South African author!

Abhorson Trilogy – Garth Nix

Awesome series! For my review go here.

And that’s it! These are in no particular order:-) So, have you read any of these or are they on your TBR pile of dare I say it (half read pile…)

General

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Give away coming up

by imsonotablogger

Yes, you read right! I have joined in The Literary Blog hop coming up at the end of October. But, I would love to know what type of books you would like to see as a give away. I could, of course, do the choosing myself, but I thought, well, it would be great to actually see what people want to read so your assistance will be required to help out and let me know…!

And while we are on the topic of what to read, who is keen to read the new JK Rowling book The Casual Vacancy?

I have a mixed feeling, the synopsis of the book doesn’t really appeal BUT this is the lady who gave us Harry Potter and I LOVED Harry Potter. Luckily I didn’t have to wait in queues to buy my copies when I bought them in the UK and I wouldn’t have to wait in a queue for the latest offering but to read it or not to read it that is the question.

You know what the answer is don’t you? Of course, I am going to read it!

And you?

Tell us in the comments what your thoughts are, and don’t forget to mention what you would love as a give away…

General News

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Top ten series I haven’t finished…

by imsonotablogger

One of the book blogs that I have recently discovered is The Broke and The Bookish and they had a great Top Ten Tuesday post yesterday, and even though today is Wednesday, I thought it would be great to be part of it.

This week’s topic discusses series that you have not finished for one reason or another. I had to have a good think and I may not manage to make ten, but lets see shall we?

GAME OF THRONES – George RR Martin

I loved the TV series, so thought I would try the books, but I just could not get into it. I have only read about a quarter of the first book. Not sure if I will ever read the entire series, think I may just watch TV instead!

THE WHEEL OF TIME – Robert Jordan

I have read the first three in the series, I enjoyed the first two and found the third one tough going for some reason. Considering that there are 12 in the entire series, I don’t think I am going to get much further but it is always a possibility…

THE LIGHTENING THIEF – Percy Jackson

I started the first book, read about half way, discovered something else I wanted to read and never went back. Will I go back? I don’t know. Has anyone else read it? Is it worth going back to?

INHERITANCE – Christopher Paolini

I read Eragon, half of Eldest and I haven’t read the last two. My niece LOVED the series, so really think I should finish them, eventually! Will definitely have to start at the beginning again though as I have forgotten the story line.

A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS – Lemony Snicket

I read the first one after watching the movie, I enjoyed it, so not really sure why I haven’t read the rest of them.

THE KNIFE OF NEVER LETTING GO – Patrick Ness

I read the first one. I did enjoy it too, wasn’t the best book I have read but it was easy reading. I don’t think I will read the rest of the series though.

SEPTIMUS HEAP BOOKS – Angie Sage

I have read the first four of this series but again, just never carried on reading. I should, they were nice easy reading books, though I think better suited to the younger generation to read…

THURSDAY NEXT SERIES – Jasper Fforde

I LOVE his books! I still need to read the last Thursday next novel as I heard through the grapevine that his next one is due out soon! Ah, Christmas is coming, may have to put them both on my wish list!

CONFESSIONS OF GEORGIA NICHOLSON – Louise Rennison

I LOVED Angus, thongs and full frontal snogging! But I never realised that it was part of a series, guess what I am going to be reading soon!

THE SECRET SEVEN – Enid Blyton

I think I only read a few of these, can’t even remember how far I got, but I preferred The Famous Five! Loved it, read all of them, but secret seven, not so much…!

Ok, so I really had to dig deep for that last one! And you, fancy joining in on the meme, if so, let us know in the comments, maybe one of us will find a new author or series to read…

General

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How do you read?

by imsonotablogger

I found a list of questions sitting in my drafts in my email as I was clearing out clutter and decided to jot them down here. Please feel free to join in and do a blog post on how you read. I think it would be interesting to share!

How do you organize your books?

Hmm, I normally organise books by author, then theme. I have a shelf of cookery books, a shelf of Calvin and Hobbes (my MOST favorite), a shelf of Pilates and Massage books and a shelf of fiction. I then have a stack of books next to my bed which are currently in process, TBR, read and library books.

Do you prefer series books or stand alone books?

I like both. Some of my favourite books have been series, which is great because you get longer with characters that you really like. And stand alone books are also great, but what I really dislike is when I discover an awesome book only to discover that it is the only book by them and they haven’t written any others! Or when you start reading a series and then have to wait for each book to come out, I would rather wait and then read them all in a row.

Do you have a favorite time of day and/or place to read?

I can read anytime of day or night;-) but usually end up reading at night time before bed, sometimes until late at night, which is not condusive to joyful moods in the morning… and normally in bed. I do, however, love having a hot bubble bath and reading till the water needs topping up, again(and again). I also read in the car, or queue’s while waiting.

Are you the type of person that only reads one book at a time or can
you read more than one at a time?

I read more than one at a time, unless the one I am currently reading takes preference and I don’t want to put it down!

What is the last book you bought?

Spud by John van der Ruit

What are you currently reading?

Dragonspell by Donita K Paul

If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop to look it up right away?

I don’t, I know I should, but I don’t.

Do you snack while you read? If so, favorite reading snack?

Not usually, but if I do, it would more than likely be chocolate. Any type will do, but Lindt chilli is my favourite reading companion.

and you, how do you read? Leave a link in the comments so we can all have a read:-)

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Book Review – Chez Moi by Agnes Desarthe

by imsonotablogger

translated into English by Adriana Hunter

I read this book in a weekend, this weekend to be precise, and last night I only went to sleep at about 12am because I did not want to put it down.

The writing is lyrical, sentences flow from one to another like linking thoughts. It is philosophical without being over the top and explores adult themes of adultery, not loving your child, success and the anxiety and fear that can cripple one if not dealt with.

At times you can feel the exhaustion, the joy, the claustrophobia, the fear. The food tantalises and teases as you read and the words are like soft caramel melting in the mouth.

So, whats it about:

Forty-three years old, trailing secrets and extravagant lies, Myriam has just convinced a bank to give her a loan to open a small restaurant in the Eleventh Arrondissement of Paris. Too poor to rent an apartment, Myriam must live in the restaurant, her Paris flat after being in self imposed exile for 6 years. In exile from her reserved husband and son she has found herself unable to love. But little by little the people start arriving, eating and finding solace in her restaurant and slowly as the restaurant sizzles towards success,figures and feelings from her past begin to emerge, re-awakening her appetite for life, both the bitter and the sweet.

I thought this book was quirky but still very real, dealing with issues that are common though some would hate to admit it. In a way, it sort of made me think of ‘The Elegance of the Hedgehog’ but better. Much better.

Read it, go on, do!

Reviews

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Book review – Peaches for Monsieur Le Cure -Joanne Harris

by imsonotablogger

I have itching to read this book ever since I found it on the ‘new fiction’ shelves of Exclusive Books and I am glad to say that I now have.

Peaches is the third installment of the Chocolat series and just as enjoyable as both the first and the second novels. I would recommend reading Lollipop Shoes again, if you, like me read it ages ago. It would just re-immerse you in the lives of the characters. Though saying that, Peaches can almost be a stand alone book.

What is it about:

Four years have passed since The Lollipop Shoes. Vianne and Roux are still living in Paris on their houseboat-chocolaterie. Anouk is fifteen, on the cusp of young womanhood. Rosette is eight, facing challenges of her own. Then, on a changing summer wind, comes a letter from the dead, calling them back to Lansquenet…

But in eight years, Lansquenet has changed. The cobbled streets, the whitewashed church, the disused tanneries along the river – all are just as they always were. But in Les Marauds, a community of Moroccans has arisen, with women veiled in black, the scent of incense, spices, kif and mint tea, and facing the church, on the far side of the Tannes, a minaret….

This book tells the story of Vianne and how she goes back to Lansquenet and the changes she finds there. It also shares with us some of Vianne’s fears about her relationship with Roux and the change in her relationship with Monsier Le Cure. The difference I think between this story and the two before this, is that it shows us how Vianne is more connected to Lansquenet than what she thought and how though she vowed never to go back, she did and the calling for her to stay there is strong.

The cast of characters are strong and I think the story also contrasts the differences between two religions and how one needs to be more accepting of ones beliefs but yet shows us again how very similar we all are as humans.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more about Vianne and her family as they carry on travelling with the wind.

For more background info on the stories straight from the author herself, go here, makes for fascinating reading!

Also, if you would like to chat to Joanne Harris, she can be found at the Open Book Festival in Cape Town this weekend at The Fugard Theatre between 10h00 – 11h00.

I unfortunately won’t be able to make it, I take solace in the fact that I have met her once before at a book signing but if you go, do tell us all about it!

News Reviews

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Open Book Festival in Cape Town this weekend!

by imsonotablogger

What is Open Book Festival?

Open Book Cape Town is an annual literary festival, the first of which happened in 2011. Round two will take place from the 20 – 24 September at the Fugard Theatre and The Book Lounge.

When Mervyn Sloman and Ben Williams started talking creating a festival, they had in mind around 60 literary events over 5 days featuring about 15 top international as well as some of the best South Africans writing today. Due to the incredible support Open Book received, that quickly grew into a festival with over 100 events, featuring almost 100 authors.

There are three major elements to the Open Book vision.

(1) A truly international festival that attracts top writers and an audience from around the world.

(2) A fantastic showcase of the best of South African writing.

(3) Making a significant and sustainable contribution to our future by building a love of reading and books among the youth of Cape Town.

(exerpt taken from here )

I have taken a look through the program and am excited to see that Lionel Shriver, Joanne Harris and Emily Gravatt are amongst many other authors who will be at the event. Depending on work, I will be going to see who I can see this weekend!

For a full program of the festival, you can go here which will tell you all the details that you need to know. Who to see, where to see them and what time to see them!

Who rather tickles your fancy to meet?

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Penguin Books and Kalk Bay Books invite you…

by imsonotablogger

After an unexpected request from his father, Henry Knott returns to the Karoo farm on which he spent a fractured childhood. Painful memories force him to revisit a tragedy in which he was fatefully implicated. Henry has to come to terms with how this event has shaped his adult life, his marriage and the conflicted emotions he feels towards the place of his birth.

The Land Within traces the deep connections between tragedy and love, regret and longing.

Alistair Morgan was born in Johannesburg in 1971. In 2009 he became the first non-American to win the Plimpton Prize for Fiction. Alistair’s highly acclaimed debut novel Sleeper’s Wake was published in 2009 and was the winner of the SALA 2012 First-Time Published Author Award. In 2012 it was adapted into a feature film. He currently lives in Cape Town.

News

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The Local Lit Scene

celebrating South African Literature beyond our past

Literary Blog Hop

From Aardvark to Zuma – a review

My ten top favourite series

Give away coming up

Top ten series I haven’t finished…

How do you read?

Book Review – Chez Moi by Agnes Desarthe

Book review – Peaches for Monsieur Le Cure -Joanne Harris

Open Book Festival in Cape Town this weekend!

Penguin Books and Kalk Bay Books invite you…

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