Guy Gavriel Kay

Advantages: Refreshing setting, emotional characters, tearful plotline
Disadvantages: Quite a large book (690)

...I suppose I first picked up Tigana after I had been reading the last few books of the wheel of time series by Robert Jordan. The ending books were for me such a bitter disappointment, especially from an author who had such a good start, so I determined to read something new, and lo and behold I found this man, Guy Gavriel Kay. Now one of the things that first attracted me to this author was the single credit that stood out a mile, he had actually worked with Christopher Tolkien on, the Silmarillion. Which I consider to be a work far superior to that of lord of the rings, and it turns out that a great deal of the succesfull editing process was down to Guy Kay. With this in mind I set out to sample some of his work, and one of book's that was recommended was Tigana. The novel is set in a land called the Peninsula of the Palm, a land... Read review

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Advantages: Amusing, gives you a deeper understanding of him
Disadvantages: Might not have enough of his 'famous' life in for some people's liking

...things more than I would expect him to as he details surprising things like his friendship with a man who’d be considered by most to be the local nutter. As you progress through the book you build up a real insight into who Peter Kay really is – just a down to earth, kindhearted, humble but hilarious everyday guy from Bolton. He doesn’t rely on offensive material or use excessive swearing, alcohol or drugs references to fill his act or his book, but likewise he doesn’t completely shy away from it that you end up thinking he’s a complete goody two shoes. He strikes a healthy enough balance that you feel he’s a comedian you could comfortably watch on telly with your parents in the room. The autobiography progresses from Peter’s teenage years to the point where he really began to launch into the big time (his win at the North West Comedian... Read review

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Advantages: We've all gotten hungry listening to descriptions of her food.
Disadvantages: Does not list detailed recipes, so it's good for the intuitive cook.

...If you are familiar with Patricia Cornwell's series based on Kay Scarpetta, then you will love this book. Kay Scarpetta is a forensic pathologist - the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia. In the course of her days she comes across many murders and mysteries, and she uses her skills as a pathologist to put the mystery pieces together. Kay is also an amazing cook, and this particular book was written especially for Scarpetta's fans. It is a short book focused on the Christmas and New Year's holiday of Kay and her close friends. It describes many of the wonderful meals that Kay has made throughout the many books in this series. If you've ever wanted to try Kay Famous Pizza or Stew, then this book iis for you.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful