Virgin Earth by Philippa Gregory

Basic Plot

John Tradescant the Younger found himself in Virginia. Son of the King's gardener, he was there by order of the Queen to find new and unique plants to bring back to the English palace gardens. Instead he found himself in an unforgiving land, where people were too busy surviving to appreciate anything of beauty let alone cultivate it. John soon finds that his journey and his life both in the new world and old fraught with difficulties, obstacles, war and loss. Torn between his loves, his principles and his service to the King, John discovers that people are more difficult to tend to compared to his beautiful blossoms and lush trees.

What I liked and disliked about this book

This sequel to Earthly Joys was as good as, if not better than the original. The language was fluid and painted a vivid picture of both the unforgiving new lands of Virginia and the hard English countryside in turmoil. This story managed to capture the entitlement felt by the early white settlers in their dealing with the land and also the natives who simply regarded as savages and treated like animals. Switching from Virginia to England every few chapters also made the book very interesting as the reader not only follows John's exploits but also that of the family he left behind. It also explores the concept of love and loyalty, and how circumstances can make the most principled of men to be torn with indecision. My only grouse is that in getting to the ending, which I thoroughly did not agree with, the book seemed to drag a little. However, this was probably due to the fact that the author wanted to stay true to the timeline of events that occurred in England at the time. It was also very interesting to learn the history of England during the reign of Charles I. 

A quote I liked from the book

You would have to decide, without advice from me. I do not want a man with half a heart.

Rating: 4/5

Please don't make me go by John Fenton

Basic plot

John Fenton's life is hard. Mostly because his father uses him and his mother as punching bags. Pushed to his limits he finally stood up to his old man, only to find himself torn away from his home and sent to a place where all young delinquents find themselves, an 'approved school'. Even the horrors of his life at home paled in comparison to what St Vincent had to offer. John Fenton endured unspeakable situations and found that surviving was an almost impossible task.

What I liked and disliked about this book

The language used in this book is very simple, and straightforward. Everything was told almost in a matter of fact way that made each unbelievably atrocious event that he suffered seemed even more horrifying. Knowing that the story is a true one left chills down my spine. It also shows how easily some kids can slip through the cracks and how easily bad things can happen. The main character comes off as so very human, with his own faults and merits, surrounded by people or more aptly, monsters, in authority. Beware of the strong language, swear words are strewn over each page. The ending was slightly too abrupt but since the main focus was his journey, the author probably did not put much emphasis on the destination. 

A quote I liked from the book

"I don't get bullied. I fight back."

Rating: 4/5

Nefertiti by Nick Drake

Basic plot

Rahotep, a young Medjay detective from Thebes is summoned to the new capital Akhetaten. In essence, it was a death sentence for if he failed to complete his assignment, he and his beautiful family would be killed. The Great Changes have plunged the whole of Egypt in turmoil as the old Gods were banished to make way for the Sun God. At the helm of this new religion was the most famous and beautiful woman of the ancient world, Nefertiti, and her husband Akhenaten. However, Nefertiti vanishes just days before the biggest celebration of the new capital is about to take place. Rahotep has only ten days to find her or be sent on a one way trip to the Otherworld.

My full review here.

Rating: 4/5

Bossypants by Tina Fey (Audiobook)

I haven't actually picked up a book in over 2 months. For me, that is a very long time. It has been really hectic lately, and trying to squeeze in some recreational reading has been impossible. After prompting from both a close friend and my boss, I decided that I would finally give in and try listening to an audiobook.

I'm not exactly sure what I have against audiobooks but I guess it's mostly because growing up, I had always thought audiobooks were for children, really old people, the blind or illiterate. I realize now that this was a misconception. Audiobooks were in fact invented for people like me, people who love to read but simply do not have the luxury of "switching off" the rest of the world and doing so.

Deciding what my first audiobook would be was fairly easy. My friend recommended Bossypants and I thought it would probably be as good a choice as any. First of all, there are a few things I have to state. I do not watch 30 Rock. I know it's a breakout comedy that has a truckload of Emmys, and I have seen a few episodes. I find the humour too coarse and myself unsuited to watch it. Secondly, although I know who Tina Fey is I have not seen the Sarah Palin SNL sketch or watched her movie with that guy from The Office. So although, I knew who the author was vaguely, there really was no reason for me to listen to this book other than there was no other book in particular that I wanted to listen to instead.

I listened to this book early in the morning during my quietest but busiest time (5 am- 6 am) while I hung the laundry out to dry, ironed clothes and folded laundry. After 6am my house becomes a chaotic tornado of trying to get three kids ready before school. 

The experience was quite enjoyable. It was multi-tasking without feeling like an octopus. It was also nice that my quiet time was less quiet. 

The book itself was good. It was a biography of an interesting woman who was also funny. Of course, I did not agree with many of her opinions or views but her comic way of telling her own story was very enjoyable. Perhaps her greatest asset was her ability to make fun of herself. 

In the end I am glad that I tried this out despite my reservations. The only probable downside is, now the tiny voice in my head sounds exactly like Tina Fey!

Rating: 4/5

Man and Boy by Tony Parsons

 

 

The basic plot

Harry Silver is a lucky man, the problem is, he doesn't know it. Or appreciate it. One foolish night and his perfect life is down the drain. Only then does he begin to realize what is truly important in life.

Rating: 4/5

My full review here.