Mature Times - Book & Audiobook Reviews

Seering honesty in 'In God We Doubt'

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:10:44 +0000

In his Radio 4 series Humphrys in Search of God he challenged religious leaders to prove that God does exist and the effect on both himself and his audience was quite profound. His subsequent book In God We Doubt is a reflection on the many questions that were raised. Bill Newham reviews.

Booktrust launches new project for over 60s

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:48:20 +0000

The independent reading charity Booktrust is launching its first project which aims to encourage over 60s to engage in reading and creative writing.

The project, entitled Bookbite, aims to inspire people aged 60 and over in England to take up reading and writing to experience the positive affects that they can offer for emotional health and wellbeing.

A Haynes Manual for the ‘Airfix model generation’

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 11:14:33 +0000

Got a Messerschmitt? Get the manual! Andrew Fawkes takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the latest book from Haynes.

Two books for Christmas

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:07:39 +0000

Tony Watts take a look at two very different books that would make ideal Christmas presents: "Cardus: Celebrant of Beauty" and "The Best Of Jennings"

Clever TVR - ever the extrovert

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:43:17 +0100

One of Britain's most distinguished marques is the TVR - a sports car that epitomises our love of the open road. Russell Hayes has just written a definitive book on the TVR, and another sports car aficionado, Andrew Fawkes, reviews it.

Discover the wonderful world of whiffling

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:34:31 +0100

Do you ever feel lost for words? The solution in ‘Mary Poppins’ was to exclaim ‘superfragilisticexpialidocious’ – but there are alternatives. And Tony Watts has just discovered the book with all the answers.

Which cruise should YOU choose?

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 04:07:08 +0100

Each year thousands of people head off on a cruise holiday for, hopefully, the trip of a lifetime. But with so many cruise lines, destinations and offers to choose from, how do you make sure you pick the cruise that’s right for you?

'Confederacy of Dunces' by John Kennedy Toole.

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:11:02 +0100

The eccentric, curiously endearing central character, Ignatius J Reilly, is the remarkable comic creation of a tragic young talent. Both ill at ease in the society they inhabit, like the painted bird, both author and protagonist are marginalised, rejected by that society (Toole, when his work found no willing publisher, committed suicide at the age of 32). The title suggests that both felt they were up against a confederacy of dunces running the institutions with which they were obliged to engage.

Uniting music and cricket: the legendary Neville Cardus

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:07:30 +0100

In the history of British journalism, only one writer has been so respected, so admired and so widely quoted in two such diverse fields as cricket and music: Neville Cardus. Thirty-four years after his death, his name still stirs affection in the hearts of lovers of music and cricket - and indeed anyone who cherishes the art of fine and enduring English prose. Now a new memoir, called "Cardus: Celebrant of Beauty" by fellow-Lancastrian Robin Daniels, captures the man and his life with both charm and insight.

'The Savage Garden' by Mark Mills

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:47:35 +0100

This book makes perfect holiday reading, being neither too light nor too heavy, and encompassing mystery, murder and....gardening!

'Wives and Lovers' by Jane Elizabeth Varley

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:36:31 +0100

I began this book not having read the author before, but am now determined to read her other titles because this is such a well written book. It blends family drama, with romantic fiction; it has more literary depth than chick-lit but enough humour and plot twists to rival that genre.

Share Obama's dreams

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:21:30 +0100

Like most people, I knew absolutely nothing at all about Barack Obama, other than he is the first black man to be elected as President of the United States of America. But, after reading his first best selling book “Dreams from my Father”, I am more than convinced that he is the right man for the job.

Questions and Answers

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:28:23 +0100

Originally published under the title "Q and A", this is the book on which the film "Slumdog Millionaire" was based. But although the film retains the spirit of the novel, there are many differences in the actual story.So it's probably best to forget about the film for the moment, and enjoy the book for itself.

A Thousand Orange Trees bursts with emotion

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:04:25 +0100

Set in the religious upheaval of 17th century Europe, A Thousand Orange Trees interweaves the lives of two women born on the same day but from different countries, cultures and backgrounds.

Who do you think has 'B*ggered Up Britain' ?

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:44:35 +0100

Those of us who’ve reached a sufficient age to qualify as Grumpy Old Men or Women will hardly be surprised that one of our number has at last felt sufficient rage to burst into print on the favourite topic of social gatherings and dinner parties these days - “What’s gone wrong with our country?”.