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Book Review 07/15/2010
 
The True Blood Series - Charlaine Harris

It took me a while to start reading these. I admit I was among those who associated current books about Vampires with the Twilight loving crowd. (I will admit that my only experience of Twilight has been the first movie, but I've never felt the urge to delve further). I like my heroines with some independence, humour and awareness. Vampires, Fairies and goblins were not on my required reading list. Being urged to try one I sat down with the first of the set and tried to ignore the memories of the TV series (I liked the series, but wanted to allow my mind to be uninfluenced). One week and eight books later I was very happy to be proven wrong. Yes these books are never likely to be loved by those who submerse themselves in the literary world - they are far too readable for that.



The world manages to be believable, despite being filled with the cast of old wives tales. Vampires have issues with builders, Werewolves have dating issues and America's far right have a new section of society to hate. Sookie may suffer from the chick lit curse of having a far too active love life, but even this is treated with a tongue in cheek lightness of touch. There are small touches that stop these being my favourite ever books, but with every new book these niggles are less and less.

Four Pasties (with tassels) A very pleasant surprise. Almost like Krispy Kremes, you know they aren't Michelin star food, but they are unapologetic about it - and perfect for when you crave something bad that's oh so good.

 
Book Review 07/15/2010
 
The Reluctant Bride - Lucy Mangan

As I'm sure some of you know by know, Lucy Mangan is one of my favourite columnists (and almost spookily mirrors my inner thoughts on a far too regular basis). And as I'm getting deeply into the details of organising a wedding, this read of her own experiences wedding planning seemed perfectly timed.

The wedding industry works in a way similar to a factory line - it may be your special day, but you're expected to want the same special day as everyone else with the dress, cake and flowers. The Bridezilla cliché has become firmly imbedded in society consciousness along with the idea that girls start planning their wedding at the age of 6 and have opinions on the smallest detail of 'the best day of their life'. Ms Mangan fits in far more realistically with my personal experience of not wanting the excessively ordered and timed wedding, and instead wanting to be left to indulge in a good book, a glass of wine and the luxury of an empty flat.

Following Lucy's story from the meeting of her future husband through to leaving for the honeymoon, it perfectly captures the unexpected stress, drama and moments of pure pantomime involved in wedding planning. I found myself nodding in recognition or laughing unexpectedly at moments scattered among the pages.

I do wish it had delved slightly deeper into the comic aspects instead of keeping the light tone developed during the limits of column writing, but as criticisms go it's a small one. And I'd also have liked more detail on her life outside of the relationship, but hopefully that novel won't be too far away.

Four Pasties - A must for bibliophiles, those lacking the bridezilla gene and who appreciate the peacefulness of an empty house and a good book.