On my bookshelf

A House in Corfu: A Family's Sojourn in Greece
:: Emma Tennant

"Please don't waste your time." That's what one reviewer wrote of this book, and I should have listened.

I love travel books especially books that guide you through life in the Mediterranean - Greece, Italy, south of France. The last book I read on Greece was also my first introduction to the delights of armchair travels; the incomparable My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell. At age 13, I wanted to move there immediately, never mind that both my parents were in the civil service in Singapore. Durrell's books became my yardstick for travel books ever since. And Tennant's, sorry to say, disappointed. It was boring, superficial and totally lacking in any insight into Corfoit customs, the people and island life. Not surprisingly as Tennant spent only a couple of months a year on that island while she made a life for herself and young family in London. She wrote as a tourist, not a Corfoit islander. However had she ghost-written a book with her parents who had moved to Rovinia to retire, I think it would have been a more interesting read. As it is, this paperback earns a "Read only if there's nothing left on your bookshelf" award.

The Uncommon Reader :: Alan Bennett

Whatever you do, don't skip to the end, leave the room if a smart alek friend starts raving about this book and avoid any reviews that don't come with a spoiler warning (there are none here so don't worry!). Yes, you definitely don't want to have one of the best endings in bookdom which happens on the VERY last page of this delightful novella, spoilt for you.

The Queen discovers reading, and pursues this new passion with much gusto to the horror of her private secretary, prime minister and others. She reads everywhere and to the point where it interferes with her royal duties. Her reading choices are remarkable, guided in part by a kitchen helper who first introduces gay-themed books for Her Majesty's reading pleasure. But before long, she is onto to other authors, one book leading to the next. I was most indignant when her royal staff ganged up to stifle this new hobby, but her royal resourcefulness discovers that reading leads to an even more interesting hobby: writing. I closed it with a satisfying chuckle, wondering if someone would pass this gem to the Queen. It definitely earns the "You have no idea how much fun this is" award.

I bought iWoz by Gina Smith but put it aside after the first 2 chapters. It is the biography of Steve Wozniak, one of the founders of Apple and has got to be one of the most irritating reads ever!! The story of Apple's founding and growth is the stuff of legend but only if you can get past Steve's bragging and constant 'look at how amazing I am' pronouncements. It wore thin after a while. I kept putting it down after a couple of pages; had to drink some water to stop the gagging reflex! I just hope Steve Jobs gets around to writing one himself or at least authorises someone to write for him some day.

Now reading: The Princess Bride (30th Anniversary Edition), Time Was Soft There AND The Faith Club.