I Heart Hollywood LINDSEY KELK

This one is a fun read. As the first sequel to "I Heart New York", it sees Angela the protagonist, embark on a new adventure in sunny Los Angeles. Although this is the second book in the series it doesn't make too much difference if you haven't read the first one. If, like me, you are drawn to the book by the setting in the title then you won't be disappointed. I find the touristy guide at the end of each book a neat twist too. And in all honesty, I picked up the first book becaused of my fascination with all things New York City. In this book, helpful references are made to Angela's life in New York and earlier, which bring a new reader or a forgetful one like me, up to speed.

This book brings the same humour and delightfull cliched plot as the first. And who doesn't love a cliche once in a while? Angela sets off on her LA adventure, to interview a handsome actor and starts to fall for him, while shes having problems with her boyfriend back in New York. Then of course, James Jacobs, turns out to be not quite so perfect as he seemed. However, the shape of his fatal flaw I found to be an unexpected twist.

It has been quite a while since I read the first book and so although the writing encourages the reader to route for Angela's boyfriend, Alex to come through and win the day, I felt kind of bored by his character, but I was happy when eveything turned out good in the end. The other characters were well written, I liked the introduction of the characters Blake and Joe, which brought more humour, but I think Angela's character is funny in a clumsy kind of Bridget Jones style . Also I liked the British references, familiar place names like Sheffield made it a bit relateable for me.

Basically reading this book is uplifting in a nice, sweet way just like eating a yummy strawberry custard tart. Enjoy!

Next weeks book will be... The Firm by John Grisham

Monday's child

To Kill A Mockingbird HARPER LEE

To Kill A Mockingbird is widely revered as a great book of the twentieth century (it won the Pulitzer Prize in 1960), and rightfully so. This is the first time I have read this book and I think it has now become one of my favourites. I loved it's simplicity and how racial discrimination is dealt with in such a subtle but poignant way. The last few pages elegantly brought the story to its conclusion. It was beautifully complete, and being Lee's only novel it stands alone and the time and effort of the author is clear to see.

The story is told from the perspective of six year old Scout Finch, who is a lawyers daughter living in Alabama in the years of the Great Depression. There are distinctly two main parts of the story, in the first part Scout and her brother Jem go about life, meeting a new friend and hearing of the recluse Boo Radley. Boo's exploration as the story continues is enthralling, and makes me reconsider not judging a book by its cover. The second part of the story then, moves into the courtroom, with the case of Tom Robinson, a black man who stands accused of the rape of a young white girl. Atticus defends Tom well, but when it becomes clear he is innocent the jury find him guilty anyway. Tragically, Tom, the real mockingbird of the story, is shot whilst trying to escape from prison. It is also a tragically ironic moment when Bob Ewell is killed with his own knife.

I think the story speaks for itself in the way that the injustice is as plain as day, but is not obtrusive to the overall quality of the book. Being told though children's eyes it only intensifies the message, as they as innocent and honest, can essentially see that racism is not right or fair.

Monday's child

Update!

Hi I'm back, after being on holiday for two weeks, which is I why I've missed my usual Monday posts. I will be back with a bumper post on Monday, To Kill A Mockingbird as promised and also one slightly different, I Heart Hollywood by Lindsey Kelk. See you then.

Monday's child