Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh

I don't normally read historical novels but this one drew me in. It took a little while to get into the novel as the cast of characters is large and the narrative jumps between them. Once I was a few chapters in, I was as hooked on the book as some of the characters on the opium. I did find some of the dialect a little off putting at time and although it could be argued that it adds authenticity, at times I felt it distracted from the overall narrative.
The novel is written very sensuously allowing the reader to place themselves in the characters shoes, this in itself can be harrowing however and the read is not light or easy.
It is also worth remembering that this book is intended to be the first of a trilogy and as such there is no overall resolution to the end of the novel but well worth persevering.

My Bump and me by Myleene Klass

I have had three pregnancies and having read this book more out of curiosity than anything I now wish I could have had it when I was pregnant.
As Myleene says in the introduction it is not intended to be a medical guide, the week by week information provided does give you some idea of how big the baby is growing and when to expect some of the bigger milestones such as scans.
The best thing I found was the refreshing honesty with which the book is written, highlighting some of the less glamorous aspects of pregnancy. Initially I was sceptical, after all celebrities have it easy don't they? This book showed me that this was not the case, Myleene worries about child care, looking after the baby during the pregnancy when to go public and how much to buy for the baby just like the rest of us.
Also included were some snippets from Gray, the father-to-be which provide a man's perspective, something usually lacking in pregnancy books.
I finished this book quickly as I was eager to read it, it is well written and I sympathised, laughed and empathised as I read. For a non-medical take on what pregnancy is really like I would recommend this book to mums to be and for nostalgia and a good read for Mums and women everywhere.

Writing Therapy by Timothy Atkinson

It is not often that I can call a book truly unique but this one is. It held my interest from star to finish. The plot told through therapy which could also be usefully extracted as a lesson on how to write a book is extremely cleverly done.
The narrative is also said, haunting as it chronicles a young girls breakdown and slow recovery. Some of the scenes are in ways harrowing but told in such a way that the action is somehow immediate but at the same time distance. Perhaps more remarkable is the author's ability to write convincingly as a teenage girl.

The writing is clear and multi-layered. I honestly felt compelled to reach the end of the story as from the beginning an attachment is formed with the characters that makes you want to find out how the story ends, if there is a cure, if the staff find happy resolutions. I would recommend that people who enjoy a read that will make them think get a copy of this book, as you will not be disappointed.

Artist and Writers Yearbook

This book is a compendium of information. It provided details of publishing houses, literary agents, magazines and also provides essays from well known names to help you achieve success. The listings are easy to navigate and relevant information is included so that those trying to place their work don't waste time contacting people who don't deal with their line of work. I have used this book practically when trying to place work and it has helped me to match my work with the right people. A must buy.