Albert A. Nofi

Advantages: A lovely story about others trying to make someone smile!
Disadvantages: None

...I only happened upon this book in December despite it having been around since 2002. - Nick Butterworth - I know of the author due to his Percy the Park Keeper books which are a firm favourite with many children who have passed through my classrooms over the years! Nick Butterworth had planned to go to art college after leaving school but instead got a job as a typographic designer in the printing dept of the National Children 's Home. He then worked as a freelance graphic designer and then went on to writing and illustrating his own children's books with huge success. - Who is Albert le Blanc? - Albert le Blanc is a huge French polar bear in Mr Jolly's Toy Shop. He has sad looking eyes and even looks sad from behind with his hunched up shoulders! - The Story - Albert is seen by the other toys in Mr Jolly's toy shop and instantly... Read review

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Advantages: funny, witty, exciting, and gripping, easy to keep interested in
Disadvantages: you won't want to put it down

...This book is all about a man who at first is named Albert Spangler who eventually becomes known as Moist Von Lipwig. Albert is a man who likes to live life on the edge (it is the only time he feels truly "alive"), and so his exploits aren't just about the money, they are about the adrenaline. Simply put, his thinking becomes sharper when he is under pressure, or in an extreme situation. Or at least, his mouth says things and then his brain at some point caches up and somehow, so he always manages to "pull it off" with interesting results. Unfortunately his luck finally runs out and he is caught and put in jail to be hanged...... At the moment of his hanging, things don't go quite as Albert was expecting. This is when he meets Lord Vetinari, the ruthless, cunning, powerful (and seemingly almost psychic) ruler of Anch Morpork... Read review

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Advantages: superbly written
Disadvantages: not having enough time to read it when i want to

...diary form as a conversation between the main character, Celie, and God that takes place after the Civil War. Celie changes throughout the book. In the beginning, she is only 14 years old, naive and innocent, though she has experienced a lot. In the first chapter, her mother dies, and she is beaten. She has a hard life because her family is poor and she is unloved. Celie's father allows Albert to marry her, though they do not love each other. Celie hates him: he ridicules and beats her constantly. She is practically his slave, though he calls her his wife. Celie's life is miserable and she is disgusted with herself. Celie's life changes when Albert's lover, a blues singer named Shug Avery, visits. Shug teaches Celie to speak up for herself, and tells her she is worth something. Shug gives Celie the courage and strength to leave Albert... Read review

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