Valentines Day? Bah, humbug!

Because we are nothing if not objective... For my second ever Valentine, my boyfriend at the time mis-spelt my name... Be still my heart. Symphony Recital     by Dorothy Parker I do not like my state of mind; I'm bitter, querulous, unkind. I hate my legs, I hate my hands, I do not yearn for … Continue reading Valentines Day? Bah, humbug!

Happy Valentines Day!

The first Valentines Day card I ever received (from someone OTHER than my parents) had the following poem accompanying it. And being over the moon with delight and joy (at having received one!) I promptly memorised it and can still recite it with pleasure. A White Rose by John Boyle O'Reilly THE RED rose whispers … Continue reading Happy Valentines Day!

Library Poem – A Protest By Julia Donaldson

Julia Donaldson, Waterstones Children’s Laureate, has written a dedicated poem to celebrate National Libraries Day. Library Poem Everyone is welcome to walk through the door. It really doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor. There are books in boxes and books on shelves. They’re free for you to borrow, so help yourselves. Come and meet … Continue reading Library Poem – A Protest By Julia Donaldson

The Hunger Games – Book 2 – Catching Fire

*****SPOILERS***** *****SPOILERS***** *****SPOILERS*****   After enjoying the first book in the series (here) I was raring to go with the next - though slightly trepidacious as those self same twitter buds that introduced me to the books were not as fond of this one. Its always tricky when you know a little *too* much about your … Continue reading The Hunger Games – Book 2 – Catching Fire

National Libraries Day 2012!

As you might know, we at LeedsBookClub love our libraries. We passionately believe that these are an essential national resource that MUST be preserved for the future. This year National Libraries Day will be celebrated on the 4th of February. That's THIS Saturday!! How will YOU get involved? Visit the link above for some great … Continue reading National Libraries Day 2012!

WSwanLBC – Book 1 Review!

White Swan LBC Venue: White Swan Leeds Date:  Sunday 8th January 2012 Time:  6:00pm Address: Swan Street, Leeds Discussing: Suttree by Cormac McCarthy * * * * * S P O I L E R S * * * * * * * * * * S P O I L E R S * … Continue reading WSwanLBC – Book 1 Review!

Leaving Certificate Poetry – Elizabeth Bishop

The final international poet in my Leaving Certificate series - I might have saved the best till last. Elizabeth Bishop - according to my English teacher - was one of the most significant American poets EVER and one of the most distinguished poets of the 21st century. My English teacher was an awesome lady, a … Continue reading Leaving Certificate Poetry – Elizabeth Bishop

Happy Birthday Robert Burns!

Scotland's favorite son, the Bard of Ayrshire and 2009's awarded Greatest Scot turns 253 years old today. Well...he would...like...if he were still alive and all. Robert Burns was a self educated man; who collected national songs and wrote both poems and lyric - popularizing his native tongue, Scots language (not to be mistaken for either English … Continue reading Happy Birthday Robert Burns!

Richard Nottingham Book 3 – The Constant Lovers

Leeds - 1732.    Richard Nottingham remains the Chief Constable of Leeds - one of the few constants with regards to the city guardians. He and his right hand man and deputy - John Sedgwick - remain dedicated to keeping the city a peaceful and prosperous place. Nottingham is as familiar with the resident cut-purses, … Continue reading Richard Nottingham Book 3 – The Constant Lovers

Leaving Certificate Poetry – Seamus Heaney

The final of 'our' Irish poets - Seamus Heaney - one of my favourites. In fact; excluding Yeats, he is *probably* my favourite. This might sound odd, but it's almost embarrassing to admit to being a Heaney fan these days. He is a prolific, sensitive and intelligent poet...but worst of all...he is popular. We Irish … Continue reading Leaving Certificate Poetry – Seamus Heaney