Book Reviews
Tell us what's good (and what's not!).
You can use this page to tell others about a book you've read and loved (or hated), and why.
Just send your reviews to fiona.allison@rbk.kingston.gov.uk (max. 500 words) and we will publish the best here.
Councillors' Recommended Reads
To help celebrate 2008, National Year of Reading, we asked Kingston Councillors for their recommended reads....
Councillor Patricia Bamford
Liberal Democrat
Chessington South Ward
19 Minutes by Jodie Picoult
I have just finished reading '19 Minutes' by Jodie Picoult. It took me weeks to read due to time pressures but I am glad that I have. I found a vast amount of humanity in the writing. It provided a greater understanding of what makes people tick. The story revolves around a terrible incident in an American High School when a troubled young man, armed to the teeth, goes into his school wreaking havoc, killing 10 people and injuring many more. The book details events leading up to the carnage, going back to the early school days of the characters involved. It describes bullying on the one hand and peer presssures on the other which demonstrate the need for children and young people to be accepted and to 'fit in' and the possible terrible consequences when they do not. There were passages which made me stop and think about how we are all affected by other people's actions and how sometimes it is easier not to speak up, even when we feel uncomfortable with what is happening to someone else for fear of becoming a target for similar treatment. It was hard not to feel the humiliation and anguish, particularly after the event when the consequences and subsequent trial are described. The impact upon the perpetrator, the survivors and their families are graphically depicted. It also highlights the complications of relationships with family and friends. 19 minutes is not for the faint hearted, but it is thought provoking.
Councillor Mary Clark
Conservative
St James Ward
Not Dead Yet by Julia Neuberger
The author quotes the book as being a Manifesto for Old Age, but Julia Neuberger also addresses the injustice shown to older people. Older people are expected by society to accept what it is offered to them, but they are never asked what they want for themselves. The book shows the lack of dignity in care, especially in care homes, compared with older people being cared for in their own homes by family carers. By being cared for at home they very rarely suffer from social exclusion. The book also addresses the point that in general older people are expected to 'retire gracefully', but are never supported if they want to remain as physically and mentally active as long as they can. Julia Neuberger writes that we should rethink our attitude to older people, as they have far more to contribute to society than they are given credit for. This is a book which should not only be read by health professionals, carers, employers, politicians, etc but also very importantly should be read by both the older and younger generation.
Councillor Vicki Harris
Liberal Democrat
Tolworth & Hook Rise Ward
May Contain Nuts by John O’Farrell
John O’Farrell is a very humorous writer and, being a Labour party member, has a great sense of the absurdities of the middle classes. This is a really funny book about middle class parents and school places. You probably vow that you will never become this sort of parent, (or never were like this) but with the pressure on school places these days, who knows what lengths some parents will go to. It is very insightful about men, women and parenthood and there are many times when you feel a certain recognition in some of the situations. Apart from the funny side of the book it also has a deeper meaning about the social inequalities that exist today but because of the humour, these inequalities are not explored in any depressing way. All in all, a jolly good, entertaining read.
Councillor Frances Moseley
Liberal Democrat
Berrylands Ward
Something of Myself by Rudyard Kipling
I read this recently and found it a fascinating, if fragmentary, autobiography that throws light on Kipling’s Stalky and Co and Kim as well as displaying political views that could not be further from my own. It is written in his characteristic style, with strange capitalization and idiosyncratic language, but is immensely readable and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys his books. Today it is difficult to understand quite how influential a writer could be, both at a popular and government level, and this short book demonstrates the power an author can wield and that popularity is compatible with real influence.
Councillor Mary Reid
Liberal Democrat
Chessington North & Hook Ward
The Lollipop Shoes by Joanne Harris
If you've seen the film "Chocolat", or read the book by Joanne Harris, then you will wallow the sensous delights of this sequel; if you haven't then I imagine you will be completely puzzled by its blend of dark secrets and dark chocolate. Vianne Rocher has taken on a new identity as she tries to put the magic behind her and start a new life in Montmartre. Rosette is now on the cusp of self-knowledge and adolescence, and with them is Anouk, the strange child fathered by Roux. Then an exotic stranger works her way into their lives and everything starts to change. No other living writer can match Harris's skill in immersing the reader in the sights, sounds, textures, smells and, above all, tastes of her world. Underpinning the tale is the eternal struggle between good and evil, between fierce love and cold indifference, between joy and anguish. This is an immensely readable book, perfect for a holiday when you can give it long periods of attention, because I can assure you that you won't want to take a break from reading it.
Councillor Ken Smith
Conservative
St James Ward
The Paras by John Parker
The book I am currently reading is The Paras by John Parker, it a military history of the Parachute Regiment, the book takes you through reasons for the formation of the Regiment and the conflicts that it has taken part in, not only during WW2 but right up to the modern day. Interestingly other Parachute Regiments like the Royal Artillery and Signal Regiments, whose members have to do the same rigorous training, in order to get their wings and the much sort after red beret, support the infantry arm of the Parachute Regiment, now renamed the 16th Air assault brigade. I find this a really good read for On Military History, and well written.