Right now I'm reading...


Right now I'm reading... Taylor Swift: The Whole Story by Chas Newkey-Burden.

Sunday 6 July 2014

Billy by Pamela Stephenson.

This books tells the story of Billy Connolly's life, as written by his wife Pamela Stephenson.
The book begins with Pamela giving quite a philosophical introduction which I found really interesting; and I absolutely adored the ending, in which Billy wrote his own rules for life.  They were hilarious; I could easily live my own life by them!
I have to admit that I found the rest of the book I little bit dull.  I really like Billy Connolly which is why I wanted to read this book, but I can't really put my finger on what I thought the book was missing.  To me it just seemed to jump around a bit, and seemed to spend too much time focusing on his childhood which is always my least favourite part of biographies and autobiographies, I prefer to hear about their time being famous, because I feel like that's the time when I've 'known' them.

There were some funny anecdotes and plenty of celebrity friend name dropping but on the whole I just felt this book lacked a little sparkle. There was nothing really that I feel set it apart from other books I've read like this, and I love a good comedian biography!

The back page blurb:
The inside story of the one of the most successful British stand-up comedians, as told by the person best qualified to reveal all about the man behind the comic, his wife of over 20 years – Pamela Stephenson.
Once in a lifetime, there strides upon the stage someone who can truly be called a legend. Such a person is the inimitable, timeless genius who is Billy Connolly. His effortlessly wicked whimsy has entranced, enthralled – and split the sides of – thousands upon thousands of adoring audiences.
And when he isn't doing that…he's turning in award-winning performances on film and television.
He's the man who needs no introduction, and yet he is the ultimate enigma. From a troubled and desperately poor childhood in the docklands of Glasgow he is now the intimate of household names the world over.
How did this happen, who is the real Billy Connolly? Only one person can answer that question: his wife, Pamela Stephenson. Pamela’s writing combines the very personal with a frank objectivity that makes for a compelling, moving and hugely entertaining biography. This is the real Billy Connolly.
This genre-defining book is now re-released for a new generation of comedy fans, with a stunning package and a new Foreword from the author. Pamela’s vision of Billy is as true now as it ever was – as groundbreaking, as moving and as laugh-out-loud funny – and here she brings the book fully into its context, as one of the most influential biographies ever written.

Title: Billy
Author: Pamela Stephenson.

Thursday 3 July 2014

Mini Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella.

I adore the Shopaholic series, each book is absolutely stuffed with the fun factor and I love giggling my way through them.  The thing that always capivates me with these books is the logic Becky uses to justify her crazy spending- mainly because I know I've done exactly the same thing, some days I'm really good and can talk myself out of buying anything; but then other days I'm just like Becky, and can make myself think that pretty much anything is a total bargain and I 'really need' it right now!

In this book we meet Minnie, who is Becky's troublesome daughter, she is full of mischief and well on her way to becoming a shopaholic just like her Mum.  All the well loved family characters are back, with Luke continuing to be too distracted by work to notice the crazy goings on in his wife's life.  Whilst the country is having a financial crisis, Becky is arranging ways to spend money she doesn't have in a bigger way than she ever has before.

Becky's optimism and go-get-it attitude is so inspiring, and she is such a loveable character.  I love reading the shopaholic books because they are so very easy to read that they are a pleasure to whirl through. You are guaranteed giggles and heart-warming moments in this, as with the other books in the same series.  I promise if you read this one you won't be disappointed. 

The back page blurb:
Like mother, like daughter...!
Shopaholic Becky Brandon (née Bloomwood)'s two-year-old is ... spirited. She knows what she wants, whether it's a grown-up Prada handbag or a toy pony (40% off, so a bargain, surely?) When yet another shopping trip turns to mayhem, Becky decides it's time to give Minnie her own pocket money. Is it a bad sign when Minnie goes instantly overdrawn?
Minnie isn't the only one in financial crisis. As the Bank of London collapses, people are having to Cut Back. Everyone needs cheering up, so what better way to do it than to throw a fabulous surprise party? A thrifty party, of course. Except economising and keeping a secret have never been Becky's strong points ...

Title: Mini Shopaholic
Author: Sophie Kinsella