Homophobic Bullying - James T. Sears (Contributor)

Advantages: Raises serious issues
Disadvantages: none

..., and we feel quite afraid for the characters who are going to get hurt because we know that nothing can be done to stop the ones indulging in the bullying behaviour. It's quite interesting to note the different attitudes and behaviour displayed, because we do actually see these characteristics not only on the playground but also in the adult world...some are the active peace makers and some are the carers whilst some are victims and others the antagonists. I do find it interesting that the girl is shown to be the pacifist, and the brave one, who is not bothered about what her peers think of her; sadly girls and boys both indulge in these bullying tactics, so I don't read anything into the fact that the girl has been chosen, and would imagine penguin could just as easily have been the choice. I have read this to children from the age... Read review

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Advantages: A thoroughly good read, excellent characterisation, fascinating setting, exciting and entertaining
Disadvantages: Some bits may be too brutal for some readers

...that nature can still exert today. The pioneers in the Far East would already have experienced terrible conditions at sea, but being caught in a typhoon was still a new level of terror for them. I was gripped by James Clavell's descriptions of such events as I so wanted all the characters I had come to love to survive against the odds. Nowadays, we tend to look back on the business practices of the Victorian era with an air of superiority, knowing that we have developed better working conditions and processes that treat contributors with more respect and achieve better health and safety standards. While it is easy to find fault with our ancestors' approach, what emerges from Tai-Pan is an understanding of brutally strong leadership in its place. Immersed in the novel it is easy to accept that in life-and-death situations there is no time... Read review

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Advantages: Good old fashioned puddings. Easy to read. Good Value
Disadvantages: Lacked the secret Pastry Chef tips I had hoped for.

...a knack of be-friending his readers and it is this type of imagery that helps him do this. Basics In this section James runs through the basics required for pudding making, e.g. how to bake shortcrust, rough puff, choux and good old fashioned flaky pastry. This section also includes how to bake basic items such as Victoria sponge, Genoese sponge, and Meringue; he then includes some of the fancy "chefy" touches such as spun sugar, chocolate ganache and tuiles. The recipes in this section are nicely set out, with accompanying photos of James showing you the steps. A lot of novice bakers have a fear of baking their own pastry. I think this book would give them a lot of confidence as the writer takes you through each individual step in both words and pictures to ensure that you don't go wrong. Being a 'seasoned' baker I was a little bit... Read review

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