Next up on the LeedsBookClub Canongate challenge was The Helmet of Horror by Victor Pelevin. Victor Pelevin is a Russian author, famed for his work in the SF genera; so I approached this book with very high hopes. I was also very curious as I've heard that his style is to use multi-layered philosophical techniques, … Continue reading Canongate Book 4 – And we’ll all go together….
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A Chat With Melinda Moustakis
Earlier this month I fell in love with Melinda Moustakis’ award winning collection of short stories ‘Bear Down Bear North’ that was published in September. The stories focus the Alaskan homesteading, trapping and fishing traditions around the Kanai River-some of the harshest landscape in the world, and the unbreakable, tough, people that live there. Often … Continue reading A Chat With Melinda Moustakis
Autumnal Book Swop
From the TSL website!! After a relatively quiet summer, I'm realy pleased to announce a special book swap shall be taking place in new Leeds venue Cafe 164 on 1 October between 11-3 Cafe 164 is a new arts cafe, selling all kinds of sweet treats and teas. The Book Swap shall be very informal, … Continue reading Autumnal Book Swop
Morley Lit Fest
This October sees the return of one of the year's highlights for Leeds' book lovers; Morley Lit Fest. Now in its sixth year, this year's lineup is absolutely massive, with talks from Ian Rankin and the writers of some of the Doctor Who novels and audio books. There are also talks from experts and academics, … Continue reading Morley Lit Fest
Westwood
As you know, Cold Comfort Farm is one of my favourite novels, and I have always wanted to be able to emulate it's heroine Flora Poste. It's author, Stella Gibbons, also wrote twenty five other novels, as well as collections of short stories and poetry. Sadly, these were all overshadowed by her masterpiece, and remained … Continue reading Westwood
Canongate Book 3 – It’s a long and winding road…that brings me home
Deciding to tackle the great unknown next; I choose to read Su Tong's Binu and the Great wall of China as my third Canongate Challenge. While long fascinated by China, I know very little about the country, it's culture or its mythology. I studied a very specific time period for my history leaving certificate (A … Continue reading Canongate Book 3 – It’s a long and winding road…that brings me home
Chris Nickson Podcast Interview
* * *PODCAST* * * Well, I say interview - it's more of a conversation! ***LANGUAGE WARNING *** ***SPOILERS WARNING *** - We keep some of the vital details secret, but there are plenty of spoilers here for the uninitiated. We discuss his Richard Nottingham Series (The Broken Token, Cold Cruel Winter, The … Continue reading Chris Nickson Podcast Interview
Book Club 7 – Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi
Venue: Arcadia Bar Date: 18th August 2011 Time: 5pm - 7pm Discussed: Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi Agreed On: The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald While it was a fun and awesome book club - as always - unfortunately not many people had managed to finish the book. In fact, only two of … Continue reading Book Club 7 – Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi
There’s nothing "condescending" about chick-lit
Guardian Link Novelist Polly Courtney, who self-published two books before signing up to a three book deal with HarperCollins imprint Avon, has ditched her publisher, after the launch of the third book, because she believes that they have marketed her as 'chick-lit'. According to her, 'chick-lit' is perceived as being "about a girl wanting to … Continue reading There’s nothing "condescending" about chick-lit
Chris Nickson Exclusive!!
*****EXCLUSIVE***** *****EXCLUSIVE***** *****EXCLUSIVE***** Chris Nickson - music journalist and author (The Broken Token, Cold Cruel Winter, The Constant Lovers) and Leeds Book Club buddy has very kindly provided us with 'HOME' for our lovely readers. Originally published (with minor tweaks) in the now-out-of-print anthology 'Criminal Tendencies', it's a wonderful introduction into the world of Richard … Continue reading Chris Nickson Exclusive!!
