Tag Archive | Rachels Random Resources

The Bookseller Of Kathmandu by Ann Bennett

Nov19

Ripples Of The Past

The Bookseller Of Kathmandu by Ann Bennett is a powerful dual timeline novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is part of the Echoes Of The Empire series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The action is set in 2018 and 1949 in Malaysia. The reader is transported back to a time of unrest and prejudice. We hear of the role of the Gurkhas in trying to stop the spread of Chinese communism. They had to guard the white estates and also break up small illegal settlements.

There was inequality between the races and the sexes. Entitled white Englishmen lorded it over everyone. They considered it their ‘right’ to do so. 

In contrast to her dastardly and bullish husband, Alice, the leading lady in 1949 had a pure heart and a good soul. She tried to help and to ease burdens where she could.

There are some hard to read scenes of domestic violence – verbal and physical. We see that the victim prefers to remain silent, fearing the judgement of others.

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A Vampire Is Not A Pet by Lexi Rees

Oct28

Most Entertaining

A Vampire Is Not A Pet by Lexi Rees is a most entertaining novel that is perfect for ages eight years and over. Whatever your age, this book will amuse you.

There is the repetition that Velma is not a pet running throughout. This enables the child you are reading to, to join in at various times.

The story is set from one December 25th to another. Throughout the year, Velma and her human get into various scrapes – especially when her human forgets the rules! Situations include eating garlic; forgetting Velma’s food on a camping trip; a Halloween party; a trip to the dentist and much more. The situations are amusing and will make the adults reading the tale aloud, giggle too.

A Vampire Is Not A Pet has a unique storyline. I am hoping for more stories about Velma as she is a rather cute vampire! The illustrations are cute too.

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A Ticket To Ride by Sue Wickstead

Oct23

So Beautiful

A Ticket To Ride: Stories & Rhymes by Sue Wickstead is a most beautiful book for children aged five years and older. Whatever your age, these rhymes will delight you.

The book covers a variety of topics from bumble bees to lions, from arks to buses. There is something here for everyone to enjoy.

There are unique takes on familiar rhymes such as Jingle Bells, and stories such as Noah’s Ark. Sue Wickstead gives a new, fresh perspective that entertains not only the children, but the adult reading aloud too.

All the poems are beautifully illustrated. Each picture is a wealth of information and colour. It is a starting point for discussions with our children.

Sue Wickstead always produces the most beautiful books that will enhance any child’s personal library.

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The Old Gals’ Bucket List by Karen King

Oct11

Grab Life By The Horns

The Old Gals’ Bucket List by Karen King is a perfectly charming contemporary novel that I read in just one sitting.

This is a light-hearted and fun read about learning to live again. The leading characters are all about seventy and prove that you are never too old to have fun.

The leading lady had been widowed earlier. Life has been on hold until she bumps into an old friend who is a cancer survivor and determined to now make her life count. “I promised myself that if I survived, I’d live life to the full, no fear, no excuses, I want to make every single day count.” This is a turning point as the pair decide to make a bucket list and then work through it.

As the novel progresses, we see that growing older can still be exciting as the pair grab life by the horns.

We see the ladies get their first tattoo, learn to swim and conquer many fears. “Feel the fear but do it anyway.” Life is for living and new experiences can be fun.

A grown-up son tries to limit his mum, believing she is ready for a retirement home! “I’m ready to live again and you need to step back and let me do that.” Her son’s stance comes from the viewpoint of love.

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