Book review blog site, with some entertainment material from time-to-time.
Monday, 8 August 2011
Be That Writer: Write On! The Writer’s Help Book
Be That Writer: Write On! The Writer’s Help Book: "This is an essential guide for all writers, from the newest to the more experienced amongst us. Seasoned and published author and writer ..."
Wednesday, 3 August 2011
Nigerian Prize for Literature reaches shortlist phase
The Advisory Board for The Nigeria Prize for Literature today approved an initial shortlist of six out of the 126 books submitted for the 2011 edition of the prize.
The list parades well-known writers of children’s literature like Uche Peter Umez winner of the 2006 Commonwealth Short Story Prize and runner-up for the 2007 The Nigeria Prize for Literature with his book The Runaway Hero; Philip Begho, author of over 70 books and two-time contender for The Nigeria Prize for Literature in 2004 and 2010 with his Aunty Felicia Goes to School; Ayodele Olofintuade, with Eno’s Story; Chinyere Obi-Obasi, with The Great Fall, Mai Nasara with The Missing Clock. Thelma Nwokeji,’ a new writer, also made the list with her debut, Red Nest.
The list was presented after two months of intensive scrutiny by the chairman of the panel of judges for this year’s prize, Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, a professor of English, University of Lagos and past co-winner of the prize. Other members of the panel are Prof. Lekan Oyegoke of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Prof. Yakubu Nasidi of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof. David Ker, Vice Chancellor The Catholic University of Nigeria, Obehi, Abia State and Prof. Ini-Obong Uko, Department of English, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State all well-respected literary critics.
The Advisory Board was represented by its chairman Professor Emeritus Ayo Banjo and Dr. Jerry Agada, President of the Association of Nigerian Authors.
This standard this year, even more than other years, is uncompromising. Even though Nigerian writers from all over the world submitted entries for the prize, the six authors on parade are all home-based.
Although the contending books for the prestigious prize sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited are overwhelmingly for the 7-12 age range, rather than the teen or 'crossover' books that sometimes pass for children's books, they did not shy away from tackling gritty or difficult subjects. They are also books that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.
The children’s literature prize does not favour any genre- prose, poetry or drama; only good writing is rewarded. The prize sifts the huge array of children’s books which come out every four years, short listing only the mind-snaring originals.
Professor Akachi-Ezeigbo said the judges were particularly careful to avoid poorly edited books, books with low moral thresholds, junk reads, thrillers or books which can be read on auto-pilot. The emphasis is on good books that stay with you long past the point at which you put them down, she said.
Professor Banjo thanked the judges urging them to ensure that only entries that meet a very high standard of excellence were rewarded. He said a second shortlist of three books will be announced in September and a winner, if any, in October.
The list parades well-known writers of children’s literature like Uche Peter Umez winner of the 2006 Commonwealth Short Story Prize and runner-up for the 2007 The Nigeria Prize for Literature with his book The Runaway Hero; Philip Begho, author of over 70 books and two-time contender for The Nigeria Prize for Literature in 2004 and 2010 with his Aunty Felicia Goes to School; Ayodele Olofintuade, with Eno’s Story; Chinyere Obi-Obasi, with The Great Fall, Mai Nasara with The Missing Clock. Thelma Nwokeji,’ a new writer, also made the list with her debut, Red Nest.
The list was presented after two months of intensive scrutiny by the chairman of the panel of judges for this year’s prize, Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, a professor of English, University of Lagos and past co-winner of the prize. Other members of the panel are Prof. Lekan Oyegoke of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Prof. Yakubu Nasidi of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof. David Ker, Vice Chancellor The Catholic University of Nigeria, Obehi, Abia State and Prof. Ini-Obong Uko, Department of English, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State all well-respected literary critics.
The Advisory Board was represented by its chairman Professor Emeritus Ayo Banjo and Dr. Jerry Agada, President of the Association of Nigerian Authors.
This standard this year, even more than other years, is uncompromising. Even though Nigerian writers from all over the world submitted entries for the prize, the six authors on parade are all home-based.
Although the contending books for the prestigious prize sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited are overwhelmingly for the 7-12 age range, rather than the teen or 'crossover' books that sometimes pass for children's books, they did not shy away from tackling gritty or difficult subjects. They are also books that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.
The children’s literature prize does not favour any genre- prose, poetry or drama; only good writing is rewarded. The prize sifts the huge array of children’s books which come out every four years, short listing only the mind-snaring originals.
Professor Akachi-Ezeigbo said the judges were particularly careful to avoid poorly edited books, books with low moral thresholds, junk reads, thrillers or books which can be read on auto-pilot. The emphasis is on good books that stay with you long past the point at which you put them down, she said.
Professor Banjo thanked the judges urging them to ensure that only entries that meet a very high standard of excellence were rewarded. He said a second shortlist of three books will be announced in September and a winner, if any, in October.
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
Controversial new books by Strand Publishing
Tragedy Of Deception’ by Humayun Niaz - ISBN 9781907340130
This is a true and first hand story of the last days of Taleban rule in Afghanistan as witnessed through the eyes of a neutral and ordinary person. This honest account brings out the true nature of things, as they occurred not withstanding what was reported in the press. The writer makes one amazing revelation after another recalling a series of credible events and makes use of contemporary photographic images in support of his claims. The irony of the story will be evident to most people after reading this account, although separating fact from fiction is never easy, and in the case of Afghanistan this is even more so.
Indeed Afghanistan is never far from the limelight, acting as a playground for another Great Game that has already started and has a long way to go. The last one was played out in the 19th Century, between the British and Russian Empires vying for supremacy in Central Asia - this time the players may be different but the ground is the same.
An eye opening and must read book for all those interested in recent global events which may change the course of history and have an impact on people all over the world; and those of us searching for common sense that is unfortunately not so very common nowadays!
The Assassins Code by Christopher Chance - ISBN 9781907340123
The main character Christopher ‘Arrow’ Arrowsmith joined Special Forces to see action. Unfortunately, he picked one of the worst moments of the Twentieth Century in which to see it. Middle East tensions are on the rise and Ireland is a time bomb waiting to explode. He is sucked into the secret world of undercover intelligence, and a terrible violence is preparing to rip the country he loves apart, feeding a frenzy of bloodlust that threatens the very survival of his nation’s way of life as unholy alliances are forged.
Journey with ‘Arrow’ as he finds friends in unlikely places and encounters enemies where he should be safe. Possessing a ‘licence to kill’ and with only his lethal skills to guide and protect him, he must cultivate friends in the strangest of places travelling across continents and oceans in his quest to remove the enemies of his Motherland. Adventure, subterfuge, suspense, eroticism, bloodletting and characters to die for: its all here, an engrossing page by page journey by an abrasive, new heroic Brit, initially manipulated by the shadowy chiefs of the British Secret Intelligence Service, but slips his noose in Afghanistan to become a hero to the Mujahideen, the IRA and the British Establishment simultaneously. Everyone who dies in this amazing book is real!
The author is ex Special Forces and expert in martial arts and weaponry with extensive experience in the field of undercover intelligence.
The Challenge Of Reality’ by Sultan Bashir Mahmood - ISBN 9781907340048
This book is a fine contribution to the Existence of God, providing evidence with the help of science and supported with coloured images throughout; essential reading for all those interested in the interface between science and belief and who should care about the future of our world.
Dr Sultan Bashir ud Din Mahmood is a controversial but distinguished Pakistani Scientist with an international reputation. He is known as one of the founders of the Pakistani Nuclear programme, which he and his team developed for the security of the country. In August 2001, he and one of his colleagues met with Osama bin Laden and his deputy Ayman al Zawahiri in Afghanistan. He has denied that he discussed nuclear weapons. Never the less this meeting and his declared sympathy for the Taliban led to his dismissal from the Pakistan Nuclear operations and to being labelled a terrorist by President George W Bush of the United States. He was arrested and, her alleges, tortured by the Pakistani and US Intelligence Agencies.
This is a true and first hand story of the last days of Taleban rule in Afghanistan as witnessed through the eyes of a neutral and ordinary person. This honest account brings out the true nature of things, as they occurred not withstanding what was reported in the press. The writer makes one amazing revelation after another recalling a series of credible events and makes use of contemporary photographic images in support of his claims. The irony of the story will be evident to most people after reading this account, although separating fact from fiction is never easy, and in the case of Afghanistan this is even more so.
Indeed Afghanistan is never far from the limelight, acting as a playground for another Great Game that has already started and has a long way to go. The last one was played out in the 19th Century, between the British and Russian Empires vying for supremacy in Central Asia - this time the players may be different but the ground is the same.
An eye opening and must read book for all those interested in recent global events which may change the course of history and have an impact on people all over the world; and those of us searching for common sense that is unfortunately not so very common nowadays!
The Assassins Code by Christopher Chance - ISBN 9781907340123
The main character Christopher ‘Arrow’ Arrowsmith joined Special Forces to see action. Unfortunately, he picked one of the worst moments of the Twentieth Century in which to see it. Middle East tensions are on the rise and Ireland is a time bomb waiting to explode. He is sucked into the secret world of undercover intelligence, and a terrible violence is preparing to rip the country he loves apart, feeding a frenzy of bloodlust that threatens the very survival of his nation’s way of life as unholy alliances are forged.
Journey with ‘Arrow’ as he finds friends in unlikely places and encounters enemies where he should be safe. Possessing a ‘licence to kill’ and with only his lethal skills to guide and protect him, he must cultivate friends in the strangest of places travelling across continents and oceans in his quest to remove the enemies of his Motherland. Adventure, subterfuge, suspense, eroticism, bloodletting and characters to die for: its all here, an engrossing page by page journey by an abrasive, new heroic Brit, initially manipulated by the shadowy chiefs of the British Secret Intelligence Service, but slips his noose in Afghanistan to become a hero to the Mujahideen, the IRA and the British Establishment simultaneously. Everyone who dies in this amazing book is real!
The author is ex Special Forces and expert in martial arts and weaponry with extensive experience in the field of undercover intelligence.
The Challenge Of Reality’ by Sultan Bashir Mahmood - ISBN 9781907340048
This book is a fine contribution to the Existence of God, providing evidence with the help of science and supported with coloured images throughout; essential reading for all those interested in the interface between science and belief and who should care about the future of our world.
Dr Sultan Bashir ud Din Mahmood is a controversial but distinguished Pakistani Scientist with an international reputation. He is known as one of the founders of the Pakistani Nuclear programme, which he and his team developed for the security of the country. In August 2001, he and one of his colleagues met with Osama bin Laden and his deputy Ayman al Zawahiri in Afghanistan. He has denied that he discussed nuclear weapons. Never the less this meeting and his declared sympathy for the Taliban led to his dismissal from the Pakistan Nuclear operations and to being labelled a terrorist by President George W Bush of the United States. He was arrested and, her alleges, tortured by the Pakistani and US Intelligence Agencies.
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
Warwickshire Entrepreneur Becomes #1 Amazon Bestseller
Coventry Entrepreneur and businessman Sean McPheat out sold the likes of Sir Alan Sugar, Sir Richard Branson and Duncan Bannatyne with the launch of his new book which became an instant July #1 bestseller in Amazon.
Sean’s latest book “eselling® - How to use the internet for prospecting, personal branding, networking and for engaging the c-suite decision maker” rocketed up the ranks and beat all comers as business owners and sales professionals alike ordered the eagerly anticipated release.
Sean is regarded as a 'thought leader' within the sales and business improvement arena and is the founder of Coventry based, international training firm MTD Training who have trained over 40,000 staff worldwide.
“This book covers an alternative approach to prospecting and selling as most business owners don’t like making cold calls and the traditional methods of developing new business” added McPheat.
eselling® is due to kick start a new method of selling within the UK and Sean has already had speaking requests from around the world to spread the word including speaking engagements closer to home as well when he speaks at the coveted Institute Of Sales & Marketing conference at the Ricoh Arena in October.
Sean’s latest book “eselling® - How to use the internet for prospecting, personal branding, networking and for engaging the c-suite decision maker” rocketed up the ranks and beat all comers as business owners and sales professionals alike ordered the eagerly anticipated release.
Sean is regarded as a 'thought leader' within the sales and business improvement arena and is the founder of Coventry based, international training firm MTD Training who have trained over 40,000 staff worldwide.
“This book covers an alternative approach to prospecting and selling as most business owners don’t like making cold calls and the traditional methods of developing new business” added McPheat.
eselling® is due to kick start a new method of selling within the UK and Sean has already had speaking requests from around the world to spread the word including speaking engagements closer to home as well when he speaks at the coveted Institute Of Sales & Marketing conference at the Ricoh Arena in October.
Saturday, 9 July 2011
Review of The Stonehenge Enigma
http://thatsbooks.blogspot.com/2011/06/new-book-reveals-startling-new-truth.html
It is an interesting book.
It is NOT a sensationalist book (despite the stupid illustration provided by the publisher to the press) the author is a qualified and practising archaeologist who has made a case for the theory that much of Britain at the time Stonehenge was built was covered in water (as a result of the impact of the Ice Age) he makes a reasonable case for this based on post hole evidence, plus other evidence found -and ignored or just not understood, in the main- by some archaeologists.
He believes that the people of the Stone Age were not the 'ignorant savages' as depicting in some history books, that they had reasonably high level of civilisation. (For which he has some evidence.) And that they were more mobile -by using boats- than might have been thought possible.
To anyone who wonders how it could be that a civilisation's influence could be so totally lost, he points out that within 200 years of the Romans leaving Britain, all of their building knowledge, etc., was lost and that it took a very long time for Britain to regain some of what Rome had. Central heating, for one thing.
There is evidence that they practised medicine and that an early use of part of Stonehenge was for medical treatments. He provides some evidence for this.
He also makes reference to Doggerland and points out that far from the tiny land bridge that some academics still seem to believe in, Britain was once part of mainland Europe, connected by the large landmass now called Doggerland. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doggerland
It is an interesting book and worth buying. Even though the author should have employed someone to polish the text a little!
It is an interesting book.
It is NOT a sensationalist book (despite the stupid illustration provided by the publisher to the press) the author is a qualified and practising archaeologist who has made a case for the theory that much of Britain at the time Stonehenge was built was covered in water (as a result of the impact of the Ice Age) he makes a reasonable case for this based on post hole evidence, plus other evidence found -and ignored or just not understood, in the main- by some archaeologists.
He believes that the people of the Stone Age were not the 'ignorant savages' as depicting in some history books, that they had reasonably high level of civilisation. (For which he has some evidence.) And that they were more mobile -by using boats- than might have been thought possible.
To anyone who wonders how it could be that a civilisation's influence could be so totally lost, he points out that within 200 years of the Romans leaving Britain, all of their building knowledge, etc., was lost and that it took a very long time for Britain to regain some of what Rome had. Central heating, for one thing.
There is evidence that they practised medicine and that an early use of part of Stonehenge was for medical treatments. He provides some evidence for this.
He also makes reference to Doggerland and points out that far from the tiny land bridge that some academics still seem to believe in, Britain was once part of mainland Europe, connected by the large landmass now called Doggerland. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doggerland
It is an interesting book and worth buying. Even though the author should have employed someone to polish the text a little!
Monday, 4 July 2011
Be That Writer: How to Be a Writer
Be That Writer: How to Be a Writer: "Stewart Ferris' book, How to be a writer is both small and very short. It is also, however, one of the most useful books on writing that I h..."
Be That Writer: Words, Words, Words
Be That Writer: Words, Words, Words: "David Crystal, the author of Words, Words, Words, is an academic. But he is much, much more than being 'just' an academic. David Crystal lov..."
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