rectangular objects review (no, not ipads)

Book post ahoy!

Now that I’ve started using the mobile library I’ve been stocking up on books.  I love the mobile library even though I seem to be the only one under sixty.  Actually, that’s not fair.  There’s a few of us without a blue rinse. 

The best things about using the mobile library are avoiding paying fines and making book requests for free – YAY!

So what have I been reading?

'No Off Switch' - hilarious, brilliant read

My friend recommended to me that I read Stuart Maconie when I mentioned to her that I’d read Andy Kershaw’s autobiography (which I’m also re-reading btw and still loving – it’s hilarious).  I was unsure but picked up one of Stuart's books when I noticed it on the mobile library shelf.  ‘Hope & Glory’ (which I kept reading as ‘Soap & Glory’) picks out an event for every decade of the last century with Stuart visiting each place he mentions.  I don’t know how many adjectives I can think of to describe how wonderful the book is but it truly is a delightful journey through Britain's history.

If I was being cheesy I'd say 'Hope & Glory' is a hopeful and glorious read!  

Fnar fnar, oh, I'm so amusing.  

I loved the mentions of the West Midlands – Stuart seems to be a big fan of the region – as he gives a potted history on Handsworth, eats Caribbean food in Perry Barr and even walks down Soho Road (the most famous road in Birmingham for Asian shopping).  It was like seeing myself reflected in a book.  Funny how attached we feel to the places we live, isn’t it?  

Stuart’s account of multiculturism isn’t all doom and gloom (like certain right-wingers would have you believe) but instead upbeat and positive about the contributions minority communities have brought to Britain.  Reading that made me want to stand up and say ‘YES! YOU’RE SO RIGHT! THANK YOU!’  For just the food alone, we minorities must be thanked profusely.  

'Hope & Glory' is wonderful.  'Love Poems' is poetry of the highest quality

The book is such a pleasant and informative read.  I’m definitely going to delve into the rest of Stuart’s output as I’ve been converted to an instant fan.  I’ve even started listening to Radcliffe and Maconie on 6 Music! 

I also read Carol Ann Duffy’s book of love poems which was good but I’ve read most of her work already so it wasn’t much of a revelation.  I liked the book cover though. 

If I had more readers, I'd set up a book club or something but as it is, I just like talking about what I like.  Any book recs are most welcome.