This story is setting in an Africa that is developing and evolving.

This is what my Mum calls ‘FEEL GOOD GENRE ‘ that is Fiction that has a Feel Good Factor in the truest most genuine sense of the word which won’t leave a bitter or dark aftertaste in your mouth or make you feel as if you are a unfulfilled Revolutionary as other books make you feel.

Mme Rambotswe heroine of show. This is the lady who learns her trade on the fly and ends up with skills that gradually grow into an uncanny reputation to get to the bottom of things no matter how difficult or complex the quandary. She is someone you can get on and like. If you, yourself were in the Story then she would be your best mate who you would have over on a regular basis and who incidentally would have useful skills for those times when you need something requiring a little Private Investigation

The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency is full on Private Detective material with all it implies covering a whole range of grievances from husbands who play away to stolen cars, child abductions, and common or garden witchcraft incidents.

We normally associate Private Investigation with the dark, sly, underground, depths, unknown, undetected portrayal. Sad occasions where one is likely to need a private Detective to get facts behind the suspicious behaviours of a cherished person of yours and or situation.

We get other metaphors like the hated White Van Man so hated by the UK Public and parodied by all alike.

All this takes place in everyday Africa with it’s wonders and tragedies, pictures and media portrayals. Here we have an everyday life lived out efficiently in a modest South African? Township

where life goes on and is ENJOYED despite of all the troubles assailing the Africans.

Writing this Review has made me realise the various components that Alexander Mc Call Smith has used to great effect in his book. It is not contrived, it is not unrealistic but it is wall to wall Feel Good and we all need Novels with the Feel Good Factor. I will read more.

250 pages

Time to read over a week? Alongside heavy Nussbaum and newly minted God Delusion.

KT

A totally delightful book about a a runaway daughter who flees unloving father to Tibouron a community where unbeknown to her; her late mother, accidently shot by her, also fled to the same refuge where bees are kept.
This book is above love about the persecuted black community in small town America who have refuge in the Sanctaury of their home, who have a sustainable way of living as Beekeepers but who are surrounded with troubles and marginalisation on all sides. (No choice as to work and career).
As this is a quick review to get job done this book is also a timely anti-racist polemic.

This is Book 11 this Year making Martha Nussbaum ‘Upheaval of Emotions The Intelligence of the Emotions’ is Book 12 a work in progress.

I noticed this book in Tesco and decided to buy it as the Storyline looked interesting and pertinent and she also won the Nobel Prize for Literature making this the first Nobel Winner I have ever read.

This book  like the Taylor weighed in at a spectacular 576 pages. Taylor 601 pages and the Cultural Locations of Disability another tome a more modest 245 pages.

Now to the story line. Meet Anna Wulf a single divorced mum who has an number of unending bad sexaul relationships and to add to her woes suffers from Writers Block. That along with Film offers from Directors who wish to change the plot means her Notebooks Red for Political life (how appropriate!) a Black Notebook for Writing Life (given the parlous state of her writing life this colour does not surprise me and is, I think a reflection of her moods); Yellow Notebook her emotional life where she wishes to see the sunshine but doesn’t having lost Paul the beloved Psychiatrist who ends up in foreign climes away from his wife in a notional separation. Blue Notebook for everyday events this would stand for the sky Blue Sky = Day so we have some logic coming on here.

Finally and unexpectedly we get the Lover who mistreats her but who unlocks the Book resulting from the scribblings in the Golden Notebook. This book ends up selling solving the problem but we are still ended up with the bleakness that is characteristic over every aspect of her notebooked life.

Criticisms are unending bleakness.Philosophical bleakness? in the name of what I heard is ‘realism’ no bright lights only constant sadness. There are no light moments.

Surely in the most miserable fo lives there are light moments.

To conclude all in all a well written book from a Writer who definitely shows that portraying life is a skill to be learned in both philosophy and writing (but with it’s lighter moments)

342 words

Clare Boylan’s Book ‘The Agony and Ego’ could be happily read alongside my other Bible’ ‘Becoming a Writer’ by Dorothea Brand. It is basically an edited Compilation that theoretically could be re done in cycle, every now and then by a well known Author who has contacts with the great and the good of the Literary World. The Author selection is of impeccable pedigree: Marina Warner, Patricia Highsmith, Malcolm Bradbury, Marilyn French, Graham Swift, Fay Weldon ‘and many others’ to qoute the cover.

Some Authors namely Marina Warner will have one, once again needing to go backwards in reading Authors redolent of a Classical Education: Homer, Virgil, Marcus Aurelius etc.

Backwards Reading should therefore BE ASSUMED as necessary and desirable in order to access the full panoply of an Authors Reading.

Although we can assume that the other Authors cited are well read. It is Marina Warner that amplifies the absolute need for meaning to be gained from reading these texts. (Admin has Homer’s Odyssey book, Illiad Plain Vanilla, Marcus Aurelius Meditations on MP3 on Desktop just as an wayward example of the Reading that needs to happen as a result of encountering such Authors on the innocuous looking pages)

Reading wise this was yet another addition which was read alongside ‘Sources of the Self’ Charles Taylor (with a few heavyweight Philosophy volumes to come) and now Naomi Klein’s ‘The Shock Doctrine’ Five is a bit of a maximum for me so I have had to prioritize Taylor and Klein with only 200 pages to read of each. So one needs books of known quality and authority.

The length 257 pages which took me longer to read than is usaul ( I still have not got reading habit under my belt despite being a lifelong Reader in a Family of devoted Library Lovers).

Because of the Authorial pedigrees, the Articles are authoritative, reliable, helpful, teaching, imparting which is just what you want if you wish to circumnavigate this World called ‘Creative Writing’ preferably with it’s Companion Lots of Literature; so one has the broadest possible basis for ones attempts at fluency in all types of genre as and when, and according to one’s inclination (Dorothea Brand ‘How to become a Writer’). So as a result I thoroughly commend this volume and I am glad I went through all the aggro to get my little mits on one.A mass of ideas to use as a Reference book alongside Dorothea Brands classic.

Length 257 pages

433words

Tags 2000 Book Reading Programme, 2009 Reading List,

Another book to get me wondering if I am doing the right thing but too much operating online.

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I am in love with my Computer (Desktop) and I am now a committed Laptop fan. (My family wonder if they did the right thing referring me to Laptop Land but). This book is for people like me who find technology indispensable (Lincoln Rhyme gets power cut caused by perp that stops him functioning both professionally and personally per se, yet be grappling with the ginormous issues of datamining by Governments and Big Business.

I feel nothing but dread and not know how to overcome /circumvent the dreaded issue of Privacy; which according to Academic papers we no longer have. (dreams of ways to do this without the horrors of above). It seems an unsurmountable problem given that that data also has an commercial end.

If ever one had an excuse to worry about Data Mining as a result of reading a book, then this book  is it. Like the first book I read ‘John Grisham ‘The Jury’ this is another one to get the hackles up about corporate power, government co-towing to Big Business, lack of checks and balances in the various areas of power because Big Business and Government have too much information about you.

One might end up changing one’s habits as a result of  reading this book which is highly recommended, well written, scary in parts (the perps power is scary) but from an author who I will definitely read again.

259word count

Current Count:( 33 )Books out of First Hundred 80 to go. Library access multiples access as does Mummy’s Library.
I am still ploughing through Academic books borrowed a few months back when I had my First Policies and Procedures Review Group Meeting.

A History read. First ever with Foucaults Madness and Civilisation, and Goffman Asylum plus .History new. Dunleavy and teacher to rescue.

Current Count:( 27)Books out of First Hundred 50 approximately in stock

This book is part of the Reading List for Exploring Self in Society MIT OCW. It is a blistering critique of the ACTUAL conditions of the poor in slave wage conditons doing the jobs the more affluent members of Society won’t do or value. As a read it is scholarly,descriptive honest human (Ehrenreich is forced to use her middle class resources in order to get through which is humanly impossible). She is obviously under strain constantly worried that her prized Laptop might be stolen. Her brief sojourn provides her with enough data to make a searing polemic as to the disconect between the rising housing costs that is for RENTED accomodation and the ever low wage rates paid by retail dictatorships such as Walmart.
The book is footnoted only to the extent it enhances the text and if it were a documentary would provide a picture of the terrible conditions the wage slaves of the global economy has to pay.

UPDATED EDIT Tuesday Jan 6th 2009 Arctic Conditons hit UK
INITIAL REVIEW

Exploring Self and Society School of Writing and Humanistic Studies was decided upon as a Vantage point into MIT OCW. I picked it for it’s relevance for the Concepts ability to help me frame my  thinking using World Class resources albeit from an American POV.

I have been pretty diligent in ordering books frm the US and have followed as closely as possible the Reading lists concerned.

If I was at Uni then I would frantically order from Amazon UK, prefering my own resources to risking Library or not availability. Papers would merely be a case of Student Login.

Being on Benefits slows the process down. I don’t go out (rarely) but if I do I like to live it up. At least DIY Intellectual Pursuits mean I get to use brain all by myself. MIT OCW etc help me get some idea of what the Academy is thinking on various issues.

346 Word Count given to add to Lifetime Word Count when I get round to counting up.

Current Count:( 26 )Books 2006 Reading List the Year of the Inception of the 2000 Book Reading Programme

This is a first Class Text book on the art of Writing Short Stories.

This is from an Academic who is at the IOWA Writers Workshop which as you know is in the US. He guides us through a process by which we can learn to write Short Stories; firstly by READING this cannot be overestimated in importance and READING AS A WRITER. This is something I picked up whilst browsing MIT Opencourseware  School of Writing and Humanistic Studies  which as started many a venture with me at the very least separating for me the different kinds of writing that one can learn to do in an Open Courseware Self Learning Setting.

Tom Bailey gets the reknowned US bound stars like Joyce Carol Oats etc to write  show pieces on how to write which is always a helpful thing. So the text is replete with Star Names.

The Stories are brutal, real. ( this has given birth to the idea that not only are Academics parasites on the sad lives of people but so are Novelists and others of that ilk) there are I believe Comprehension Questions but these are not the dull boring stuff you get at school this is the stuff  that helps you re-read the text or check up on whether you are paying close enough attention to the text to be able to answer questions on it. The writing is clear (something I always look for in academic texts) the writing is very good in itself.

All in all a top class read from an authoritative (yankee) author from the US Academic Institution,  that deserves a wider audience.

276 words for word count purposes

Current Count:( 28)Books

Books I have re (28) Last one: TOMALIN THE LIFE AND DEATH OF MARY WOLLESTONECRAFTBook( 28)

Thursday, 13 April 2006
8:34:47 PM

1. DAHL ‘On Democracy’ Yale Noto Bene Very good indeed, well written readable prose (Ac)
2. WEST AND WEST ‘Four Texts on Socrates, Plato, and Aristophanes’ MIT OCW. Political Theory Course(Ac)
3. BURKE EDMUND ‘Reflections of the Revolution in France’ Oxford World Classics. An old Political Theory Classic (Essex)(Ac)
4. MILLET KATE ‘The Loony Bin Trip’ Kates searingly honest, disturbing account of her forcible sections on account of her mental illness. A vivid account of how a Professor is stripped of her academic identity in order to ‘fufill’ the perceived ID forced on her by concerned relatives. A book to induce campaigning.(MH)
5. MARTEL YAN ‘The Life of Pi’ An absolutely riveting story of a young Zoo Keeper/Zoologists account of being marooned at sea with Richard x a Tiger. Storytelling to open ones eyes.(LG)
6. TREMAIN ROSE ‘Music and Silence’ An excellent account of a forbidden love affair conducted in the German courts.(LG)
7. WOOLF VIRGINIA ‘Orlando’ A book for all those in Supported Housing considering time travel and inhabiting various successful identities.(LG)
8. HOLLINGHURST ALAN ‘The Line of Beauty’ Gay Love and Deep friendships with our friends the aristos of Notting Hill.(LG)
9. ROY ARUNDATI ‘The God of Small Things’ Booker Winner. I DID NOT like this book I persevered all the same. Something about the prose-style.(LG)
10. AMIS MARTIN’ The War against Cliché’ Vintage Random . A top class read that can be used to guide you into other worthwhile literary endevours.
11. PULLMAN PHILIP’The Amber Spyglass’(LG) His reading and academic background show in the quality of the story and length and breadth of imagination. This was a later book I wasn’t aware of previous volumes to be read prior to Amber Spyglass.
12. TAYLOR GP’Shadowmancer’ Or the most evil side of vicars you have ever seen. A disturbing but inadequate account of evil in the Church. GP Taylor a God TV Rick Joyner Cross Rhythms friend is just the sort of writer they need in their crusade against us.
13. LEVY ANDREA ‘Small Island’ (LG) A riveting account of love between the races in seedy run down London lodgings.
14. TAN AMY ‘The Bonesetters Daughter’(LG) MIT OCW Autobiographical Genre Author. (Ac) Life amongst the Chinese Bonesetters.
15. GOFFMAN ERVING ‘Asylum’ (Ac) What else can you read in situ An account to illustrate the behaviours of inmates which I saw as the local community split into 2 camps:Pro Office and Anti.
16. GRIFFIN SUSAN ‘A Chorus of Stones’ A sweeping sensitive scholarly theoretical overview of autobiographical literature . Definitely worth a read and refer.(Ac MIT OCW Theory of Autobiography and Practice)
17. CONWAY JILL KER’When Memory Speaks:Reflections on Autobiography. Another wonderful volume from our academic friends at MIT OCW School of Writing and Humanistic Studies. (Ac MIT OCW).
18. PLATO ‘The Republic’ A Mummy Volume. (Extensive Libraries to raid). Platos Platonic Idealism results in many people being thrown on the scrapheap as Society worships at various altars (Youth Perfection etc No Breakdowns etc). I feel this is an inaccurate but challenging account given propensity of people to break down and worse. A Homework Volume.
19. ANGELOU MAYA ‘I know why a Caged Bird sings’ Virago(MIT OCW Autobiography( ibid) An inspiring account of a young woman who perchance has soared to heights one can only dream of (randomly however!) A true Heroine.
20. THODY PHILIP ‘A Biographical Introduction to Sartre’ Leaders in Modern Thought. A thorough commendation to the Biographical Introduction in showing you how a particular flava of don arrived at his or her philosophical and or theoretical conclusion. An eye opener.
21. SENNETT RICHARD ‘ The Corrosion of Character The Personal Consequences of Work in the New Capitalism’ Norton New York 1998 A magnificent but disturbing account of the New Capitalism and its consequences for character. Its enough to put you off the job market.
22. VOLTAIRE CANDIDE’ Wordsworth Classics Plain Vanilla Edition with minimal footnotes (Footnotes and Bibliography providing essential reading en route) A ‘Homework’ book like the Sennett above.
23. MILLS C WRIGHT ‘THE SOCIOLOGICAL IMAGINATION’ OXFORD 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
A book to use to’ scan ‘the University System and re-read again and again. This book has opened my eyes to what I shall call ‘academic sociology’ i.e Research based Sociology. And see it in action from the outside looking in.
24. GOLDTHORPE JOHN LOCKWOOD DAVID ‘THE AFFLUENT WORKER IN CLASS STRUTURE’ CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS CAMBRIDGE STUDIES IN SOCIOLOGY 3 1971 An excellent well written thesis of the phenomenon of the ‘affluent worker’ (might CHAVS and an increasingly aspirational working class mean this thesis is revised for 21C?). Lockwood and Goldthorpe demonstrate excellent scholarship, readable prose (cf C Wright Mills Sociological Imagination)and sound research basis. A book to learn from.
25. PLATH SYLVIA ‘The Bell Jar’ A First Class read. I am going to put Plath on my Reading List .
26. BAILEY TOM Eds ‘On Writing Short Stories’Part of MIT OCW Exploring Self in Society this book explains how to construct a short story (indeed write anyway per se novels etc) and then provides a fantastic selectoin illustrating its teachings. A very useful book and one which will aid the would be writer. Stories for discussion are first class too.
27 EHRENREICH BARBARA ‘Nickel and Dimed Undercover in Low Wage USA’ Granta 2002
A searing scholary but descriptive account of the conditions of low wage slaves in the USA who are doomed to a life structurally deprived of upward mobility ie in terms of energy and money. A real eye opener for those proponents of globalization. Sennett and Bauman enhancce this critique.
28 TOMALIN CLAIRE ‘The Life and Death of Mary Wollestonecraft’ Penguin 1972
I had it mind to read about Mary Wollestonecraft since I first heard of her achievements via my informal study of the French Revolution (History and Political Theory). The Tomalin book is my book of choice and it repaid my efforts. A scholarly well written volume which faithfully recalls Wollstonecraft Life and Death. What stands out for me is that she did what she did OUT OF NOTHING and got international acclaim for it. Wollstonecraft is like a Prophet that has no recognition in their own country but whose acclaim is posthumous meaning tragedy and sorrow affected her in life as well as death and in the midst of it a determination to leave her mark on Society. INITIAL REVIEW SUBJECT TO REVISION AND EDITING