Let's Go Israel & Palestinian Territories - Let's Go

Advantages: A compelling tale which makes you want to uncover the mystery
Disadvantages: Slightly chilling secret may not appeal to those looking for a cheery read.Also only available in hardback at the moment.

...This book is called "Never Let Me Go" and is written by Kazuo Ishiguro and was on the shortlist for the Man Booker Prize this year but was beaten by John Banville's "The Sea". Kazuo Ishiguro has written 5 other previous novels including "The Remains of the Day" and "When we were Orphans". I have not read any of his previous novels so can't comment on how this book compares to his previous works. This book is not my usual choice of read. I usually prefer a much lighter, happier read, usually with a touch of romance and a happy ending where everyone lives happily ever after. My friend had read this book at her book group and lent it to me so I thought I would give it a try. It's a story of three friends who are brought up in a boarding school called Hailsham somewhere in England, where they are looked after and taught by... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: great story and illustrations
Disadvantages: none

...'Let's Go Home, Little Bear' is a wonderful picture story book to share with young children. It is part of the 'Little Bear' series written by Martin Waddell and beautifully illustrated by Barbara Firth.This is the third book which we have read and my daughter loves the fact that she is meeting the same characters in all the books. There is now a certain familiarity so she feels she is reading about old friends! All the books seem to start in the same way by introducing the two bears who are the main characters. It says: 'Once there were two bears, Big Bear and Little Bear. Big bear is the big bear and Little Bear is the little bear. Now you might think that this is stating the obvious, but my daughter seems to love this familiar opening, and because in our house, we have to read each book at least twenty times, she is able... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Gentle easy reading...
Disadvantages: ...makes you think about possibilities you might rather ignore

...specifically explained until about half-way through the book…a little like the children we are "told and not told"…That, I think, is deliberate. The central premise of the story is not exactly a mystery. The clues are all there, bright as day. Yet the knowledge, full and explicit, is deliberately withheld…avoided, much as the children avoid it. Besides there are other mysteries… what is Miss Lucy saying and why? Who is Madame, and what is she up to? Part Two takes us through an interlude between Hailsham and life beyond it; the three of them lucky enough to be together with others of their school-friends, but moving on, growing up, forging new friendships, eroding old ones, beginning to explore adulthood. Part Three sees them out in the world, going their separate ways only to come together again for a time. ~ Much has been made in... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful