2015 was probably my least prolific reading year ever. It turns out that having to work hard for long hours while also trying to sell a flat and buy a house and just generally being tired all the damn time can do a bit of a number on your reading life. I plan to rectify this in 2016.
Looking back over my ratings for the year, I was either feeling not my usual, grumpy self or I read a surprisingly high number of great books this year (I think it might have something to do with being less click-happy during free romance and supernatural ebook offers). As I love a good list, here's my top ten loved and...not so much:
Loved:
1. Just Kids - Patti Smith
2. Galapagos - Kurt Vonnegut
3. The Tell-Tale Heart - Edgar Allan Poe
4. Helter Skelter - Vincent Bugliosi
5. In The Kingdom of Ice - Hampton Sides
6. The Final Empire (Mistborn #1) - Brandon Sanderson
7. Rasputin - Edvard Radzinsky
8. The Fortune of War - Patrick O'Brian
9. Prince Lestat - Anne Rice
10. The Name of the Wind - Patrick Rothfuss
Not so much:
1. The Sad Tale of the Brothers Grossbart - Jesse Bullington (did not finish after nearly vomiting in one squelchy part too many, and sent it to someone else)
2. Drowning Mermaids - Nadia Scrieva
3. Secret Lives - Gabriella Poole
4. Graveyard Shift - Angela Roquet
5. Rogue's Honor - Brenda Hiatt
6. Ivanhoe - Sir Walter Scott
7. Goblin Market - Christina Rosetti
8. Never Let Me Go - Kazuo Ishigiro
9. The Big Sleep - Raymond Chandler
10. The Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval England - Ian Mortimer
How about you? What were your picks of 2015?
Showing posts with label lists. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lists. Show all posts
Saturday, 2 January 2016
Friday, 2 January 2015
2014's Most and Least Enjoyed
With 2014 now finally over, it's time for my annual list of the books I enjoyed the most - and the least - over the last year.
2014 wasn't quite so heavy on quantity (working too bloody hard took care of that, along with some new responsibilities and a bunch of books that clocked in at the 1000-page mark) but it did also feature a lot more that I enjoyed (probably due to no longer downloading as many Kindle freebies. They're free for a reason, it seems) and so, without further ado, let's take a look at 'em, shall we?
(Click for full reviews of each)
Quite simply, I fell head over heals for Eleanor and Park this year, and so should you.
2. Lancaster & York: The Wars of the Roses, by Alison Weir
The most vivid, fascinating and comprehensive education I could have wished for. Bring on the quizzes!
3. Mauritius Command & Desolation Island, by Patrick O'Brian
Numbers 4 & 5 in the continued adventures of Jack Aubrey and his BFF Dr Stephen Maturin, and they just keep getting better and better (and my crush on Stephen gets worse and worse)
4. Necropolis: London & Its Dead, by Catharine Arnold
A brilliantly readable look at how London has dealt with its dead through the ages, that had a wealth of astonishing facts to tell.
5. Beyond Lies The Wub, by Philip K Dick
A collection of Dick's short stories, than housed zero duds.
6. Small Favor & Changes, by Jim Butcher
I tore through everything remaining in the Dresden Files this year, finding each as fun and fantastic as the last, but these two well and truly raised the stakes and nearly made my head explode with glee.
7. House of Mirth, by Edith Wharton
Reading like Jane Austen's older, more scathing, worldly-wise and scandalous cousin, House of Mirth was what might have been had one of Jane's heroines not managed to snag a husband.
8. Stiff: the Curious Lives of Human Cadavers, by Mary Roach
An informative and funny (yes, really!) book that gave me plenty of food for thought, but be warned as if you're at all squeamish it may also give you plenty to throw up about.
9. Storm, by Tim Minchin
A late entry but managing to storm (ba-dum tish!) into my top 10 by giving me plenty of stuff to throw back at people wanking on about bollocks.
10. The Red Queen, by Philippa Gregory
Not only a sequel that betters its predecessor, but a look at a formidable lady from the Lancaster side. A formidable and very, very bitter lady.
With honourable mentions to Tesla, The Princes in the Tower, and The Robber Bride.
4. Legends of the Chelsea Hotel, by Ed Hamilton
Definitely breaching the promise of 'legends', Hamilton decided to ignore the more famous residents in favour of reporting fascinating anecdotes about eavesdropping on boring conversations, amongst other gems.
5. Dead Witch Walking, by Kim Harrison
At no point did the heroine of this book die, which was unfortunate as she was one of the more irritating 'heroines' I've ever had the misfortune of reading about.
6. Space Captain Smith, by Toby Frost
I think this book was supposed to be funny. It wasn't.
7. Moving Pictures, by Terry Pratchett
I'm still trying to become a fan of the Discworld series. But while every now and then there is a good entry, so far many have been more like this.
8. Runemarks, by Joanne Harris
Featuring lots of Norse gods, this ought to have been right up my street, but it sadly squandered its potential.
9. Hotel Babylon, by Imogen Edwards-Jones
Making me quite certain I don't ever want to stay in a top hotel, as they're exclusively populated by pricks.
10. The Way Home, by George Pelecanos
Another lesson: Don't buy books just because it has 'by one of the award winning writers of The Wire' on its cover.
What about you? What blew your mind this year, and what made you wish you'd never learnt to read in the first place?
2014 wasn't quite so heavy on quantity (working too bloody hard took care of that, along with some new responsibilities and a bunch of books that clocked in at the 1000-page mark) but it did also feature a lot more that I enjoyed (probably due to no longer downloading as many Kindle freebies. They're free for a reason, it seems) and so, without further ado, let's take a look at 'em, shall we?
(Click for full reviews of each)
Most Enjoyed
1. Eleanor and Park, by Rainbow RowellQuite simply, I fell head over heals for Eleanor and Park this year, and so should you.
2. Lancaster & York: The Wars of the Roses, by Alison Weir
The most vivid, fascinating and comprehensive education I could have wished for. Bring on the quizzes!
3. Mauritius Command & Desolation Island, by Patrick O'Brian
Numbers 4 & 5 in the continued adventures of Jack Aubrey and his BFF Dr Stephen Maturin, and they just keep getting better and better (and my crush on Stephen gets worse and worse)
4. Necropolis: London & Its Dead, by Catharine Arnold
A brilliantly readable look at how London has dealt with its dead through the ages, that had a wealth of astonishing facts to tell.
5. Beyond Lies The Wub, by Philip K Dick
A collection of Dick's short stories, than housed zero duds.
6. Small Favor & Changes, by Jim Butcher
I tore through everything remaining in the Dresden Files this year, finding each as fun and fantastic as the last, but these two well and truly raised the stakes and nearly made my head explode with glee.
7. House of Mirth, by Edith Wharton
Reading like Jane Austen's older, more scathing, worldly-wise and scandalous cousin, House of Mirth was what might have been had one of Jane's heroines not managed to snag a husband.
8. Stiff: the Curious Lives of Human Cadavers, by Mary Roach
An informative and funny (yes, really!) book that gave me plenty of food for thought, but be warned as if you're at all squeamish it may also give you plenty to throw up about.
9. Storm, by Tim Minchin
A late entry but managing to storm (ba-dum tish!) into my top 10 by giving me plenty of stuff to throw back at people wanking on about bollocks.
10. The Red Queen, by Philippa Gregory
Not only a sequel that betters its predecessor, but a look at a formidable lady from the Lancaster side. A formidable and very, very bitter lady.
With honourable mentions to Tesla, The Princes in the Tower, and The Robber Bride.
Least Enjoyed
The second in a trilogy about King Arthur, this one managed to ensure I will never read the third thanks to the rage-gasms it inspired.
The start to a paranormal series starring a crap version of Constantine and a crap cop who between them completely mangle the English language, bicker constantly and work my last fucking nerve.
A lesson in why you should always read the synopsis before buying a book.
4. Legends of the Chelsea Hotel, by Ed Hamilton
Definitely breaching the promise of 'legends', Hamilton decided to ignore the more famous residents in favour of reporting fascinating anecdotes about eavesdropping on boring conversations, amongst other gems.
5. Dead Witch Walking, by Kim Harrison
At no point did the heroine of this book die, which was unfortunate as she was one of the more irritating 'heroines' I've ever had the misfortune of reading about.
6. Space Captain Smith, by Toby Frost
I think this book was supposed to be funny. It wasn't.
7. Moving Pictures, by Terry Pratchett
I'm still trying to become a fan of the Discworld series. But while every now and then there is a good entry, so far many have been more like this.
8. Runemarks, by Joanne Harris
Featuring lots of Norse gods, this ought to have been right up my street, but it sadly squandered its potential.
9. Hotel Babylon, by Imogen Edwards-Jones
Making me quite certain I don't ever want to stay in a top hotel, as they're exclusively populated by pricks.
10. The Way Home, by George Pelecanos
Another lesson: Don't buy books just because it has 'by one of the award winning writers of The Wire' on its cover.
What about you? What blew your mind this year, and what made you wish you'd never learnt to read in the first place?
Thursday, 7 August 2014
Take This Job and Shove It
We all have those days where we fantasize about the looks on our colleagues faces as we spectacularly end our careers (or is that just me?), whether through a satisfyingly scathing resignation or behaviour so appalling you need to be frogmarched from the building. So, for those of us who'd love to do so but are unable thanks to a need to eat occasionally, I give you my favourite on-screen career enders.
Role Models
It would be bad enough having to consume enough energy drinks to turn your pee green, without then having to go and talk to kids about how your drink is way better than drugs. But having to do it on the same day as being dumped is just asking to be unemployed.
Role Models
It would be bad enough having to consume enough energy drinks to turn your pee green, without then having to go and talk to kids about how your drink is way better than drugs. But having to do it on the same day as being dumped is just asking to be unemployed.
For iPhone/iPad click here.
Bruce Almighty
Being passed over for promotion is bad enough. Finding out about it on-air is a recipe for a firing.
For iPhone/iPad click here.
Spaced
Some people have no taste. When it's your boss, you may have to find yourself pretending you share those shitty tastes. At least until you don't want to work there anymore.
For iPhone/iPad click here.
Bridesmaids
As someone who hates most people, a career in customer service is most definitely not for me. I imagine most of my interactions would end like this.
For iPhone/iPad click here.
The Wire
The only thing more satisfying than punching the prick who's made your work-life hell, is knowing that he's also your father-in-law (unembeddable so click pic).
Breaking Bad
Sometimes it takes finding out you've got cancer to inspire the best insults.
For iPhone/iPad click here.
Wanted
You have to admit, this would be an incredibly satisfying way to leave your hated job.
For iPhone/iPad click here.
American Beauty
The only thing better than telling your boss what you really think, is doing that and then blackmailing the bastard.
For iPhone/iPad click here.
Fight Club
Or you could do the above, but with added violence and reputation ruining. This clip is edited, unfortunately, so you're just going to have to watch Fight Club again to see it in full.
For iPhone/iPad click here.
Trainspotting
Of course, it's much better to simply avoid having to take the bloody job in the first place.
For iPhone/iPad click here.
So, what did I miss?
Saturday, 14 June 2014
Screen Schools
Your school days are apparently supposed to be some of the best of your lives. I can’t quite see that myself, as I wasn’t legally able to buy alcohol and cigarettes then, but if I’d gone to any one of these screen schools instead I might have felt differently.
Harley High (Heartbreak High)
One word: Rivers.
Liberty High School (My So Called Life)
When I was fifteen I’d have wanted to go to Liberty High because of Jordan Catalano. Now I want to go so that I can give Angela a good shake and tell her to go out with that nice Brian Krakow boy instead, and then hug Ricky.
Rydell High (Grease)
Whilst I sincerely doubt that I’d have been allowed to join the Pink Ladies, who wouldn’t want to go to a school where everyone wears 50s clothes and is forever bursting into song? (Except for NikNak, that is)
Lee High (Dazed and Confused)
Harley High (Heartbreak High)
One word: Rivers.
When I was fifteen I’d have wanted to go to Liberty High because of Jordan Catalano. Now I want to go so that I can give Angela a good shake and tell her to go out with that nice Brian Krakow boy instead, and then hug Ricky.
For iPhone/iPad click here.
Rydell High (Grease)
Whilst I sincerely doubt that I’d have been allowed to join the Pink Ladies, who wouldn’t want to go to a school where everyone wears 50s clothes and is forever bursting into song? (Except for NikNak, that is)
For iPhone/iPad click here.
Lee High (Dazed and Confused)
Aside from driving around listening to great music, I could also tell Wooderson that he really needs to stop hanging out with high school kids before he gets put on some sort of register.
For iPhone/iPad click here.
Sunnydale High (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
OK, so the likelihood is pretty high that if I hadn’t already been one of the random bodies stuffed into the school lockers, I’d have definitely been eaten by the giant Mayor-Snake that ruined Graduation. But at least I’d have never had to go out and work. Also: Great library (just don’t speak Latin in front of the books).
McKinley High (Freaks and Geeks)
There’s quite a lot of things I’d like to do at McKinley High School - take P.E. with Biff Tannen, try not to smirk through a guidance session with Mr Rosso, listen to Nick talk about his 29-piece drum set and watch Kim Kelley’s latest smackdown while praying she doesn’t pick on me next. But, most of all, I want to hang out with Bill.
Rushmore Academy (Rushmore)
Not only is there a chance you’ll run into Bill Murray (although you’ll also bump into his awful twins), I also want to take every one of those extra-curricular activities (especially calligraphy) and I really, really want to be in that play.
For those of you wondering where Neptune is, despite the attendance of Veronica Mars it was disqualified on the grounds of being mostly filled with giant asswipes. What else did I miss?
OK, so the likelihood is pretty high that if I hadn’t already been one of the random bodies stuffed into the school lockers, I’d have definitely been eaten by the giant Mayor-Snake that ruined Graduation. But at least I’d have never had to go out and work. Also: Great library (just don’t speak Latin in front of the books).
West or East Dillon High (Friday Night Lights)
This may come as a surprise as I am virtually allergic to all forms of sport, but everyone needs a Coach & Mrs Taylor in their life. Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose!
This may come as a surprise as I am virtually allergic to all forms of sport, but everyone needs a Coach & Mrs Taylor in their life. Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose!
McKinley High (Freaks and Geeks)
There’s quite a lot of things I’d like to do at McKinley High School - take P.E. with Biff Tannen, try not to smirk through a guidance session with Mr Rosso, listen to Nick talk about his 29-piece drum set and watch Kim Kelley’s latest smackdown while praying she doesn’t pick on me next. But, most of all, I want to hang out with Bill.
For iPhone/iPad click here.
Rushmore Academy (Rushmore)
Not only is there a chance you’ll run into Bill Murray (although you’ll also bump into his awful twins), I also want to take every one of those extra-curricular activities (especially calligraphy) and I really, really want to be in that play.
San Dimas High School (Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure)
Why San Dimas? Firstly, because everyone knows San Dimas High School football rules. Secondly, because my teenage self would (and did) have a massive crush on Ted ‘Theodore’ Logan. Thirdly, because hanging out at the K-mart might have meant I’d meet George Carlin. And lastly, because who wouldn’t want to sit through that history report?
Why San Dimas? Firstly, because everyone knows San Dimas High School football rules. Secondly, because my teenage self would (and did) have a massive crush on Ted ‘Theodore’ Logan. Thirdly, because hanging out at the K-mart might have meant I’d meet George Carlin. And lastly, because who wouldn’t want to sit through that history report?
Shermer High School (The Breakfast Club)
While Shermer High does feature twin horrors in the form of Saturday detentions and a headteacher that dresses like Barry Manilow, I could have spent my weeks slunking around and worshipping John Bender from afar.
While Shermer High does feature twin horrors in the form of Saturday detentions and a headteacher that dresses like Barry Manilow, I could have spent my weeks slunking around and worshipping John Bender from afar.
For iPhone/iPad click here.
For those of you wondering where Neptune is, despite the attendance of Veronica Mars it was disqualified on the grounds of being mostly filled with giant asswipes. What else did I miss?
Sunday, 27 April 2014
Best Animal Companions
Reading a recent Guardian piece on animal companions in kid's literature, I
couldn't help but get pointlessly annoyed at the inclusion of Bartimaeus - an admittedly awesome djinni who however doesn't really ever even so much as take on an animal form.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, it did make me start to wonder who my own favourite
animal companions were, whether they be found in books, on telly or on the big
screen. And so, without any further ado....
Muttley - Wacky Races
Animal companion to one Dick Dastardly and also an ace pilot, Muttley is easily the more intelligent of the two. He also has all the best catchphrases, and one of the world's best laughs.
For iPhone/iPad click here.
Pantalaimon - His Dark Materials
While not strictly an animal but Lyra Belacqua's daemon, Pan at least spends his time flitting between animal forms with his favourites being an ermine, a wildcat, and a mouse. The physical manifestation of her soul, Pan acts as the level-headed, cautious voice of reason for the passionate and reckless Lyra.
Nanook - The Lost Boys
As well as being the best looking dog to have ever graced the cinema screen, Nanook will also save you from vampiric siblings.
For iPhone/iPad click here.
Dog - Good Omens
A Hellhound acting as the Antichrist's protector and companion, Dog started put as a large and ferocious beast. But Adam, swapped at birth and unaware of his origins, wishes for "one of those dogs that’s brilliantly intelligent and can go down rabbit holes and has one funny ear that always looks inside out" and so Dog soon becomes a small, fun mongrel, along with appropriate attitude adjustment.
Rothko - My Wrongs
Things can go very, very wrong when you're with a dog that thinks it's your lawyer. This one is probably the animal companion most likely to see you get jailed.
For iPhone/iPad click here.
Backup - Veronica Mars
Is our pint-sized PI going to take back-up with her? Of course she is, look at that face! Veronica's wingman on more than one investigation, Backup can inspire caution in even the biggest criminals.
Mouse - Dresden Files
Mouse is a Temple Dog with apparently divine origins. Having entered the life of one Harry Dresden in Blood Rites and deciding to stay, any who recognise Mouse for what he is are usually astounded that he chooses to hang out with Dresden. A huge beast of a dog with incredible intelligence - to the point of fully understanding human speech and battle plans - who emits a faint blue nimbus in battle, possesses supernatural speed and healing and a bark you wouldn't believe, no-one messes with Harry if Mouse has got anything to do with it.
Nighteyes - Robin Hobb's Assassin series
Thanks to the Wit, Robin Hobb's awesome Assassin books starring Fitzchivalry Farseer are also home to some of the best animal companions around. One of the series' main strengths was, to me, how Hobb gave each of the animals distinct personalities and voices. This was particularly true for Nighteyes, the wonderfully sarcastic and pragmatic wolf with whom Fitz shares a bond and who, it turned out, was also capable of completely shredding me emotionally:
"Wait for you? Not likely. I've always had to run ahead of you and show you the way." (Fool's Errand)
Meep.
Ghost the Fox - Grizzly Man
Some of the loveliest moments in Werner Herzog's incredible Grizzly Man come when Timothy Treadwell is hanging out with Ghost, the playful fox. It should be noted here however that, no matter how awesome they are, bears are NOT companions.
For iPhone/iPad click here.
Drogon - Game of Thrones
When I first drew up this list it was going to include Ghost, Jon Snow's albino dire-wolf, but then I remembered that when the choices include dragons, all other answers are wrong.
There are three of Danaerys' 'children' to choose from, but my favourite has to be the fantastically lairy Drogon, the largest and most aggressive of the three. He's already saved Dany in the Houses of the Undying and roasted a slave-master, but if the series is staying faithful to the books then he's about to become even more of a handful.
For iPhone/iPad click here.
Marcel - Friends
Everyone knows that monkeys are by far and away the very best animal there
is. Make him a capuchin with a penchant for copulating with your friends
belongings and refusing to listen to anything but his favourite song, and you've
just hit the animal companion jackpot.
For iPhone/iPad click here.
Thursday, 27 March 2014
16 years
16 years ago today, NikNak and I got together. So, in celebration, here are 16 films that were released that year...
1. The Big Lebowski.
We must have watched this one at least 1,000 times over the last 16 years, so this film really tied our relationship together.
1. The Big Lebowski.
We must have watched this one at least 1,000 times over the last 16 years, so this film really tied our relationship together.
For iPhone/iPad click here.
2. Rushmore
Kickstarting a shared adoration of Wes Anderson, further cementing my love for Bill Murray and inducting Jason Schwartzman into the hall of people who should be in everything...
For iPhone/iPad click here.
3. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
One day we will go to Vegas and recreate this film. I think I'd be NikNak's attorney...
For iPhone/iPad click here.
4. Blade
For my money, Blade is one of the best vampires ever thought up. And Wesley Snipes is one of the only action stars that I really believe could kick my head in.
For iPad/iPhone click here.
5. Antz
It may feel kinda yucky watching Woody Allen films these days, but he was the perfect choice to voice Z in a film that harks back to his earlier, funnier films.
For iPhone/iPad click here.
6. Taxi
Daniel is the best taxi driver, ever. And Samy Naceri should be in more things.
For iPhone/iPad click here.
7. The Faculty
Whatever happened to Josh Hartnett? Based on this I thought he was going to be great, but...
For iPhone/iPad click here.
8. Ringu
NikNak introduced me to Asian horror films, and my nightmares haven't been the same since...
For iPhone/iPad click here.
9. Armageddon
I don't care how stupid this film is, it's one of my guiltiest pleasures. And yes, I always cry at the end.
For iPhone/iPad click here.
10. Run Lola Run
While I'd like to be able to say I'd do the same for NikNak, I'm nowhere near as fit as Lola and after 5 minutes the rest of the film would just be me, turning purple and gasping for breath.
For iPhone/iPad click here.
11. Buffalo 66
Back in 1998 I had a thing for Vincent Gallo. I think it's because of the eyebrow ridge he shares with NikNak.
For iPhone/iPad click here.
12. Out of Sight
Also known as the only film in which J-Lo is any good at all...
For iPhone/iPad click here.
13. American History X
White supremacists are fucking terrifying...
For iPhone/iPad click here.
14. Saving Private Ryan
It's all bloody Matt Damon's fault...
For iPhone/iPad click here.
15. The Truman Show
NikNak had no idea when we got together just how many 'reality' shows I'd watch over the next 16 years...
For iPhone/iPad click here.
16. Godzilla
I don't think I've ever seen NikNak so excited as when he first saw this trailer. Sadly, his excitement didn't last throughout the film. Here's hoping Cranston helps pull it off better this time around...
For iPhone/iPad click here.
Happy Anniversary!
Monday, 24 March 2014
I'm tired...
It's now been winter for about 10 years, but all that hibernation hasn't left me feeling refreshed. Instead I'm just tired. So very, very tired.
Too tired to read...
Too tired to watch TV...
Too tired to eat...
...and after four months of doing this every day...
...I'm so tired of work that this could happen at any moment...
April and the new leave year had better hurry up.
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