I can’t believe I’m writing a review of a Biggles’ book. In spite of scouring secondhand shops and Lifeline sales for at least two decades with my offspring as they built up their collection of Captain W.E. John’s books, this is the first of his books that I’ve ever read. It’s surprising how many grown … Continue reading Biggles in the Baltic by Captain W.E. Johns (1940)
WW2
Landfall by Nevil Shute (1940)
Landfall is another book by Nevil Shute that is not only set during World War II but was written during that time. The immediacy of the conflict and Shute’s background in aviation engineering adds credibility to his books. Although the technical detail he employs in all of his stories sometimes goes over my non-technical head, … Continue reading Landfall by Nevil Shute (1940)
My Reading in 2022
I'm very annoyed with myself that I didn't keep track of everything I read last year. I was just slack. My reading was fairly wide, a bit more nonfiction than usual and also more lighter books than I normally read. I felt a little run down after some bouts of flu, throat & ear problems … Continue reading My Reading in 2022
Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature by Linda Lear
This biography of Beatrix Potter by Linda Lear was published in 2007. It is a very comprehensive 584-page account of an extraordinary woman. Although Beatrix Potter is mostly known for her iconic Peter Rabbit and friends children’s books, these books only represent one aspect of her life over a ten-year period. Besides being a gifted … Continue reading Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature by Linda Lear
The Rape of Nanking by Iris Chang
Between December 1937 and January 1938, the Japanese Imperial Army seized the Chinese city of Nanking (now Nanjing) and in a period of only six weeks carried out one of the most brutal massacres in the history of war. It is estimated that the number of Chinese killed in this massacre could have been more … Continue reading The Rape of Nanking by Iris Chang
2015 Classic Children’s Literature Event: The Winged Watchman by Hilda van Stockum
In the month of January I'm linking up at Simpler Pastimes for Amanda's Classic Children's Literature event. I only have two books selected, as I think that's all I'll have time for: The Winged Watchman by Hilda van Stockum and Bambi by Felix Salten The Winged Watchman by Hilda van Stockum (1908-2006) It's … Continue reading 2015 Classic Children’s Literature Event: The Winged Watchman by Hilda van Stockum
The Snow Goose: A Story of Dunkirk by Paul Gallico
The Snow Goose is a short poignant story centred around an injured snow goose and a reclusive artist's growing relationship with the young girl who brings the bird to him for care and climaxes with the 'little ship' evacuation of Dunkirk in 1940. The book was first published a year after the miracle at Dunkirk … Continue reading The Snow Goose: A Story of Dunkirk by Paul Gallico
journey & destination 