Hell Bent for Leather is one of those books I purchased a long time ago but simply allowed to gather dust on my bookshelf. However, in September of last year I started the Life Writing module and thought that it would be time to get reading it. So, in early December, I did. And I'm only now writing the review due to being piled under with work.
The book is the story of Hunter's discovering heavy metal at 15 and not looking back. It tells the stories of his various bands, the disagreements with his parents, drug and booze troubles and his transformation from heavy metaller to writer.
Along with his own tales, it provides insider knowledge of (and opinions on) some of the world's most famous bands including Judas Priest (of which the book gets its title), AC/DC and Iron Maiden.
Being a huge fan of metal since the age of 12 I found the book to be a fun read and not too serious. It was able to mock metal and its stereotypes whilst also being one. Additionally, I found that I was able to agree with a number of the writer's views on things yet also laugh at them as I thought back to some of my younger years.
Well-researched and written with a certain passion for music, this was one of those reads that every fan of music should read (if they can), whether or not they are listeners of metal and/or its subgenres.
Overall rating: 4/5
Tuesday, 8 January 2013
Wednesday, 28 November 2012
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers
I finished this book around a week ago, but it's only now that I've managed to push myself to write a review for it, so firstly my apologies for that little mishap go out to anybody who frequently reads this blog and its updates.
Secondly, and I shouldn't really admit this, but I will, I didn't read all of the book. I found that about two thirds of the way through, it began getting a little blank and very slow. However, in the introduction Eggers did warn the reader of this so, yeah, you are not given permission to shoot me for this little fact.
Thirdly: Read this book! Despite being a fairly young journalist/writer, Dave Eggers has lived a very eventful life; He lost both of his parents in a 6 month gap, his mother to stomach cancer and father to alcoholism, had to spend a number of years looking after his little brother and was switching jobs constantly.
When reading AHWOSG, I found the author to be extremely honest (except where stated) and straight-up with his facts, not missing anything out. And when I say 'anything' I mean it. The reader gets to read about what Eggers ate and how, the jobs he worked or looked for and his bedroom activities amongst a lot more.
Written in around ten parts with each part having any number of chapters/sections, AHWOSG is somewhat different to your average autobiography. While the biographies of today's celebrities (which seem to pop up after they've been famous for just 10 minutes) are usually (badly) written in a plain, orderly manner, this one tells Egger's life through a series of mid-length to long anecdotes. It even includes an extremely long interview with the bosses of an American Big Brother-esque TV programme which the writer attempted to take part in as a matter of (almost) survival.
Admittedly, some early parts were a little slow, but they soon picked up. However, I can't really complain as the reader was warned about this in the introduction and even advised to skip some sections. I can't really blame Eggers for saying this though, as there were sections in which I found myself either cringing, yawning or, once, falling asleep. And I hadn't even been drinking. With this in mind, everybody has boring parts of a life, DE just decided to tell us about his.
Despite being the work on an (at the time) unprofessional, this book was one which I found to be well-written and (mostly) gripping as well as funny and even heart-warming in parts. Would I pick it up again and re-read it from the start? Probably not, but there is a big chance that I may look to finish it sometime sooner or later. Who knows?
Overall rating 3.5 out 5
Secondly, and I shouldn't really admit this, but I will, I didn't read all of the book. I found that about two thirds of the way through, it began getting a little blank and very slow. However, in the introduction Eggers did warn the reader of this so, yeah, you are not given permission to shoot me for this little fact.
Thirdly: Read this book! Despite being a fairly young journalist/writer, Dave Eggers has lived a very eventful life; He lost both of his parents in a 6 month gap, his mother to stomach cancer and father to alcoholism, had to spend a number of years looking after his little brother and was switching jobs constantly.
When reading AHWOSG, I found the author to be extremely honest (except where stated) and straight-up with his facts, not missing anything out. And when I say 'anything' I mean it. The reader gets to read about what Eggers ate and how, the jobs he worked or looked for and his bedroom activities amongst a lot more.
Written in around ten parts with each part having any number of chapters/sections, AHWOSG is somewhat different to your average autobiography. While the biographies of today's celebrities (which seem to pop up after they've been famous for just 10 minutes) are usually (badly) written in a plain, orderly manner, this one tells Egger's life through a series of mid-length to long anecdotes. It even includes an extremely long interview with the bosses of an American Big Brother-esque TV programme which the writer attempted to take part in as a matter of (almost) survival.
Admittedly, some early parts were a little slow, but they soon picked up. However, I can't really complain as the reader was warned about this in the introduction and even advised to skip some sections. I can't really blame Eggers for saying this though, as there were sections in which I found myself either cringing, yawning or, once, falling asleep. And I hadn't even been drinking. With this in mind, everybody has boring parts of a life, DE just decided to tell us about his.
Despite being the work on an (at the time) unprofessional, this book was one which I found to be well-written and (mostly) gripping as well as funny and even heart-warming in parts. Would I pick it up again and re-read it from the start? Probably not, but there is a big chance that I may look to finish it sometime sooner or later. Who knows?
Overall rating 3.5 out 5
Wednesday, 14 November 2012
The Shining by Stephen King
This is a book which, had I not had it bought for me as an early Christmas present, I probably wouldn't have read at this point in my life. However, as a certain friend wanted me to read it and therefore bought it for me, I did. And oh how glad I am that this happened.
The Shining is the story of a hotel caretaker who, while spending the winter in a hotel, doing his job, with his wife and son, slowly has an extreme change of character. His son also happens to be a 'Shiner'. In other words, he can read minds. That's all I can say without truly ruining the book.
Having seen the film version of The Shining only once many years ago, I'd forgotten pretty much everything that happens. This didn't matter though, as the original book version is A LOT different to the film which means if you have seen the film, you haven't read the book.
I can safely say that I thoroughly enjoyed yet another of Stephen King's masterful works and found myself sitting until the early hours reading away. However, I did find that it was a bit slow to start with, but after around 100-150 pages, things started heating up and the book became a very worthy read.
Normally I don't find myself being moved or unnerved by books or films, but some certain scenes in The Shining left me feeling a little "on edge". The reason for this, I think, is likely to be the psychological aspects of it when Jack becomes somewhat possessed and mindfucked (not an actual description in the book, but I find it to be suitably descriptive).
There were also some parts which I found to be incredibly similar to the film Ghost Ship, most notably the ballroom/disco scenes in which the protagonist discovers a large party going on when it should be empty.
I've recently had a number of discussions about this book and its contents and we've always come to the conclusion that Jack Torrance is very likely modelled after Stephen King - he writes, is a recovered alcoholic and talks of places like Maine and New England.
Unfortunately, the version I had was badly edited in parts causing some confusion to what was happening. I'd therefore not recommend you buy the Hodder version of this book and if possible, get an older one which is likely to be a bit better edited. Other than that, I have no complaints about this piece of literary genius.
I'm going to give this a rating of 4/5.
The Shining is the story of a hotel caretaker who, while spending the winter in a hotel, doing his job, with his wife and son, slowly has an extreme change of character. His son also happens to be a 'Shiner'. In other words, he can read minds. That's all I can say without truly ruining the book.
Having seen the film version of The Shining only once many years ago, I'd forgotten pretty much everything that happens. This didn't matter though, as the original book version is A LOT different to the film which means if you have seen the film, you haven't read the book.
I can safely say that I thoroughly enjoyed yet another of Stephen King's masterful works and found myself sitting until the early hours reading away. However, I did find that it was a bit slow to start with, but after around 100-150 pages, things started heating up and the book became a very worthy read.
Normally I don't find myself being moved or unnerved by books or films, but some certain scenes in The Shining left me feeling a little "on edge". The reason for this, I think, is likely to be the psychological aspects of it when Jack becomes somewhat possessed and mindfucked (not an actual description in the book, but I find it to be suitably descriptive).
There were also some parts which I found to be incredibly similar to the film Ghost Ship, most notably the ballroom/disco scenes in which the protagonist discovers a large party going on when it should be empty.
I've recently had a number of discussions about this book and its contents and we've always come to the conclusion that Jack Torrance is very likely modelled after Stephen King - he writes, is a recovered alcoholic and talks of places like Maine and New England.
Unfortunately, the version I had was badly edited in parts causing some confusion to what was happening. I'd therefore not recommend you buy the Hodder version of this book and if possible, get an older one which is likely to be a bit better edited. Other than that, I have no complaints about this piece of literary genius.
I'm going to give this a rating of 4/5.
Wednesday, 7 November 2012
About a Boy by Nick Hornby
One of my all-time favourite films, Nick Hornby's 1998 novel About a Boy is a book that I'm pretty sure could be read in a day. It's fast-paced, lively, amusing and interesting, all in one.
For anyone who hasn't seen or read it, I'll provide a small back-story. Will is a 36 year old Londoner who, apart from the odd day here and there, has never worked, not been married and is childless.
Marcus is the weird kid everyone avoids at school.
About a Boy is what happens when they meet.
Set in London around 1993 younger readers may find the book a little outdated. However, older readers who remember the 90s may just like the travel back in time. Along with this there is also the death of Kurt Cobain featured near the end.
As a casual read, this book is extremely entertaining, funny and heart-warming. I'd recommend it to anyone who has (or hasn't, for that matter) seen the film version. If easy reads are your thing, this is probably a book for you. It's also very easy to follow and doesn't contain any complicated plots anywhere.
I seem to recall myself cringing at some of the characters' comments or actions, most notably Marcus's who, before he meets Will (followed by Ellie) is extremely awkward, sings in class and listens to people like Toni Bennett. However, his meeting and hanging out with Will results in Marcus becoming somewhat 'cooler' and dressing a bit better.
Through my reading of About a Boy I did sometimes find a couple of characters (notably Will and Marcus) to be a little annoying in their comments or attitudes. I'm not sure if this was intentional from Hornby or not, but nonetheless, it didn't stop me from enjoying the book and being one I feel I'll be reading again sometime.
I found it to be well-written and researched and Hornby certainly knows how to put together a book that a lot of people will enjoy.
Overall rating: 4.5/5
For anyone who hasn't seen or read it, I'll provide a small back-story. Will is a 36 year old Londoner who, apart from the odd day here and there, has never worked, not been married and is childless.
Marcus is the weird kid everyone avoids at school.
About a Boy is what happens when they meet.
Set in London around 1993 younger readers may find the book a little outdated. However, older readers who remember the 90s may just like the travel back in time. Along with this there is also the death of Kurt Cobain featured near the end.
As a casual read, this book is extremely entertaining, funny and heart-warming. I'd recommend it to anyone who has (or hasn't, for that matter) seen the film version. If easy reads are your thing, this is probably a book for you. It's also very easy to follow and doesn't contain any complicated plots anywhere.
I seem to recall myself cringing at some of the characters' comments or actions, most notably Marcus's who, before he meets Will (followed by Ellie) is extremely awkward, sings in class and listens to people like Toni Bennett. However, his meeting and hanging out with Will results in Marcus becoming somewhat 'cooler' and dressing a bit better.
Through my reading of About a Boy I did sometimes find a couple of characters (notably Will and Marcus) to be a little annoying in their comments or attitudes. I'm not sure if this was intentional from Hornby or not, but nonetheless, it didn't stop me from enjoying the book and being one I feel I'll be reading again sometime.
I found it to be well-written and researched and Hornby certainly knows how to put together a book that a lot of people will enjoy.
Overall rating: 4.5/5
Friday, 26 October 2012
Running in the Family by Michael Ondaatje
My first book for my uni course (which is now Creative Writing only) was Ondaatje's memoir Running in the Family which tells of his return to his native Sri Lanka during the '70s.
Better than I expected, this novel is filled with poetry, long and short anecdotes and memories from Ondaatje's childhood.
When I first picked this up I found myself feeling a bit unsure as I'd never heard of Michael Ondaatje nor anything he'd written and why would I want to read about somebody I've never heard of?
However(!), after the first few pages I found that the book was gripping. It was funny, interesting and, I dare say, moving.
Although the book was intended as a semi-fictional memoir, it also gave a big insight into Sri Lankan and Senhalese lifestyles. Along with this it had amusing, and sometimes disturbing or awkward, tales of drinking, childhood adventures and even ways to eat an alligator (or a similar creature, at least) tongue.
Filled with recollections of memories and people, Running in the Family gives the reader a feeling that Ondaatje misses or missed these times, hence his return to his native home. His writing is honest and open and he doesn't appear to skip anything.
Despite having a lot of praise to give for this book, I do feel that I'd be able to write more in this review had I read Ondaatje's previous work or known who he is before I opened this book.
Despite being a pretty good read, I can't find myself writing a lot of words in a review on it, unfortunately, so I'll leave readers with this little comment: If you enjoy reading about writers' lives this is a book for you.
Overall rating: 3.5/5
Better than I expected, this novel is filled with poetry, long and short anecdotes and memories from Ondaatje's childhood.
When I first picked this up I found myself feeling a bit unsure as I'd never heard of Michael Ondaatje nor anything he'd written and why would I want to read about somebody I've never heard of?
However(!), after the first few pages I found that the book was gripping. It was funny, interesting and, I dare say, moving.
Although the book was intended as a semi-fictional memoir, it also gave a big insight into Sri Lankan and Senhalese lifestyles. Along with this it had amusing, and sometimes disturbing or awkward, tales of drinking, childhood adventures and even ways to eat an alligator (or a similar creature, at least) tongue.
Filled with recollections of memories and people, Running in the Family gives the reader a feeling that Ondaatje misses or missed these times, hence his return to his native home. His writing is honest and open and he doesn't appear to skip anything.
Despite having a lot of praise to give for this book, I do feel that I'd be able to write more in this review had I read Ondaatje's previous work or known who he is before I opened this book.
Despite being a pretty good read, I can't find myself writing a lot of words in a review on it, unfortunately, so I'll leave readers with this little comment: If you enjoy reading about writers' lives this is a book for you.
Overall rating: 3.5/5
Tuesday, 11 September 2012
Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons
When I first picked up Cold Comfort Farm I expected it to be rather boring and rural, and to begin with, it was. However, after about 50 pages in, it started to get amusing, satirical and a feel-good sense to it.
Flora Poste is a 19 year old city-girl who is adopted and moves to Cold Comfort Farm where she meets the Starkadder family. Over the next few months she finds herself wanting to advise and change the family for the better.
I've read a few parodies in my time, but not found one that manages to parody all the rural classics in a way that this one does. Having read such novels as Wuthering Heights, Silas Marner and an attempt of Pride & Prejudice I found that I understood the jokes throughout and event managed some laughter here and there. This novel manages to parody such things as country lifestyle, language, appetites/eating habits and names. And it does it very well.
I, personally, found the book to be very optimistic throughout which helped with the reading, I suppose. Normally I've found books written in and around this time to be very dry and plain. Cold Comfort Farm is none of the above. However, one little grumble I do have is that the phonetics sometimes became somewhat annoying. Saying that, it wouldn't have been much of a parody if the language wasn't taken into account.
If you like literature but find yourself getting fed up of the Brontës' farms, have a read of this. If you've never read anything from the fin de siecle, do so before reading this in order to be able to fully understand the jokes within.
After reading this jolly novel and an article on the Guardian website about S. Gibbons, I've found myself tempted to pick up another of her books, to see if they really are some of the greatest comic novels ever.
This gets a 4/5
Flora Poste is a 19 year old city-girl who is adopted and moves to Cold Comfort Farm where she meets the Starkadder family. Over the next few months she finds herself wanting to advise and change the family for the better.
I've read a few parodies in my time, but not found one that manages to parody all the rural classics in a way that this one does. Having read such novels as Wuthering Heights, Silas Marner and an attempt of Pride & Prejudice I found that I understood the jokes throughout and event managed some laughter here and there. This novel manages to parody such things as country lifestyle, language, appetites/eating habits and names. And it does it very well.
I, personally, found the book to be very optimistic throughout which helped with the reading, I suppose. Normally I've found books written in and around this time to be very dry and plain. Cold Comfort Farm is none of the above. However, one little grumble I do have is that the phonetics sometimes became somewhat annoying. Saying that, it wouldn't have been much of a parody if the language wasn't taken into account.
If you like literature but find yourself getting fed up of the Brontës' farms, have a read of this. If you've never read anything from the fin de siecle, do so before reading this in order to be able to fully understand the jokes within.
After reading this jolly novel and an article on the Guardian website about S. Gibbons, I've found myself tempted to pick up another of her books, to see if they really are some of the greatest comic novels ever.
This gets a 4/5
Tuesday, 4 September 2012
Deadline by Simon Kernick (review 2)
A few weeks ago I was at a friend's place sat on her sofa and waiting for said friend to get ready so we could go out and have a few drinks for her birthday. On that day I'd brought a spare copy of 'Deadline' round as I've been trying to get said friend to read some SK. Whilst waiting, I started reading the book and when I got home later that night I continued reading it, except it was a different copy.
Andrea Devern is a well-paid, middle-class business woman who gets home one night to find the house is unusually quiet. And then she recieves a phone call which turns her world upside-down. Some kidnappers have taken her daughter and they want half a million pounds in cash or the daughter dies.
The reader is then presented with an extreme game of Cat & Mouse. Like all of SK's books, 'Deadline' is well-researched with characters you both like and dislike. This was a book I had trouble putting down, constantly finding myself reading until 4-5am, wanting to know what happens in the next chapter as, like with all Simon Kernick tales, this one is filled with cliffhangers at almost every chapter-end.
Another thing I liked about this book was that it had some of my favourite Kernick characters in it, notably Tina Boyd and Mike Bolt. Along with this it had a number of scenes in the City in areas that I knew or recognised. This meant that I could easily picture certain roads and areas. Failing that there was always Google Maps.
I wouldn't say this is SK's best book, but it comes pretty close. If you're a fan of fast-paced action and the London ciminal underworld 'Deadline' is well worth a read.
This one gets a tidy 4/5 from me.
Andrea Devern is a well-paid, middle-class business woman who gets home one night to find the house is unusually quiet. And then she recieves a phone call which turns her world upside-down. Some kidnappers have taken her daughter and they want half a million pounds in cash or the daughter dies.
The reader is then presented with an extreme game of Cat & Mouse. Like all of SK's books, 'Deadline' is well-researched with characters you both like and dislike. This was a book I had trouble putting down, constantly finding myself reading until 4-5am, wanting to know what happens in the next chapter as, like with all Simon Kernick tales, this one is filled with cliffhangers at almost every chapter-end.
Another thing I liked about this book was that it had some of my favourite Kernick characters in it, notably Tina Boyd and Mike Bolt. Along with this it had a number of scenes in the City in areas that I knew or recognised. This meant that I could easily picture certain roads and areas. Failing that there was always Google Maps.
I wouldn't say this is SK's best book, but it comes pretty close. If you're a fan of fast-paced action and the London ciminal underworld 'Deadline' is well worth a read.
This one gets a tidy 4/5 from me.
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