Chronicles of Narnia or Tolkien Read-Along 2011 Challenges

A read along is when you read the book during a set time as a bunch of other people and youy can than discuss it after via a blog. So why not challenge yourself to read along with one of these two - Chronicles of Narnia by C.S.Lewis and Lord of the Rings by J.R.R.Tolkien

The Chronicles of Narnia Read Along is being hosted by  She's too fond of books.

One of my favourite series of books if you've enjoyed the recent movies the books are even better!

February 6 - 20 : The Magician's Nephew
February 20 - March 6 : The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
March 6 - 20: The Horse and His Boy
March 20 - April 3: Prince Caspian
April 3 - 17: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
April 17 - May 1: The Silver Chair
May 1 - 15: The Last Battle
Find out more here 

Story Girl is hosting the Lord of the Rings Read Along - well worth the effort this epic tale is quite wonderful. If you've not read The Hobbit you should make that the final book!

January - March 31, 2011: The Fellowship of the Ring
April - June 30, 2011: The Two Towers
July - September 30, 2011: The Return of the King
October - December 31, 2011: Any other book by or about Tolkien!
More information here

Robert Burns

Today (the 25th) is Burns Night and it is traditional to read ‘Address to a Haggis’ before cutting open the haggis at your meal. Mr. Horne's favourite Burns poem is A Man's a Man for A' That' while Mrs Wilson loves ‘My Love is Like a Red Red Rose’ and ‘To a Louse‘.

BBC have a wonderful archive of his poems and songs which includes them being performed by a wide range of people. Alternatively find Eddi Reader’s CDs where she’s singing Burns songs – they are wonderful to listen to.

Or you could download the iPhone App of his poems and songs for free! It’s been created by Scotland.org and you can also get more information on Burns Night on their site.

If you fancy a book then try “A Night Out With Robert Burns; The Greatest Poems’‘ by Andrew O’Hagan who’s done context and a nice editorial around classic Burns poems.

For more on the man himself try SCRAN’s Burns site as a starting point.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

The Hitchhiker’s guide to the Galaxy is a hilarious book, about a rather insignificant bloke called Arthur Dent, and how he and his “Mostly Harmless” planet actually have a bigger role in the universe than its inhabitants thought. In fact it was actually built, by highly intelligent pan-dimensional beings, which rather resemble mice, to find the question to the secret of life, the universe and everything, but it was destroyed five minutes before its completion of the task. Though primarily this book is about Arthur, and his rather unfortunately named friend; Ford Prefect. With them; hitchhiking really across the galaxy.

This book is brilliant and witty, I was stuck in from chapter one, you won’t need to like sci-fi to enjoy it. It’s hard to describe the awesomeness of this book not much can sum it up really. Just EPIC!

Reviewed by Elyk Nothguancam

Gun by Ray Banks

This is a great book if you’re the kind of person that loves to swear and have a good laugh.

This book is about a guy called Richie who works for a gang boss. One day he is sent to buy a GUN from a big fat gay guy but on his way he get mugged by a group of youths who steel his GUN. He is sent on a wild goose chase to find the GUN.

By that guy you don’t know because he was made to do this

Kill Swap by James Lovegrove

This book is about a boy aged 14 called Jack Jennings. His family are in trouble because of debt. His dad has a huge gambling problem. They need to get rid of the loan shark ruining there lives.

I really enjoyed this book because it’s one I couldn’t put down. Once I started I couldn’t stop as there are so many mysteries throughout every chapter. I would definitely recommend it to both boys and girls.

By The Kill Swap Reader

Kill swap is about a boy called Jack Jennings who’s fathers debt destroys his family, then the letter comes through the door, “Trouble Fix ltd”.

This book is a great book, but I warn you when you start reading you will find it so hard to put down.

You should definitely read this book before you die you will love it.

By ??????????

Cross by James Patterson

Detective Alex Cross comes face to face with his wife’s killer in cross. After quitting the FBI Alex cross gets a call from his old partner from the DC police, John Sampson who has information on his wife’s killer. Could this be justice for the man who killed his wife or just the end of his own deadly obsession? This book is filled with action and thrills. (REMEMBER this is not the first book in the series.) An excellent read for those who like crime novels.

By supertwin01

Meet Alan Bissett @ Almondbank Library

Almondbank Library welcomes Alan Bissett. Born and raised in Falkirk, Alan now lives in Gloasgow. He is the author of the novels 'Boyracers', 'The Incredible Adam Spark' and 'Death of a Ladies' Man'.


6.30pm on Wednesday 23rd February
@Almondbank Library

Tickets are £1.50

Enquiries: 01506 777500 or almondbank.lib@westlothian.gov.uk

Alan will be available to answer questions and sign books after his talk. Books will be available for purchase on the night.

Internet Discussion

Looking for sites to help with a discussion on the pros and cons of the internet? Try these sites;
Debatabase - Is the internet more harmful than good?
Issues Online - Internet Articles (password from Mrs.Wilson)

China's Internet Censorship Debate Debate summary from BBC

The BBC also has links to a video debate which might offer some more points
Newsnight looks at 'Has the internet gone sour?'

The Great Panda Debate



Pandas

Everything you need to know about Pandas from WWF

Chinese Panda Research base

Panda Debate
Official Press Release from Edinburgh Zoo

Nice two page article from The Evening News about Panda and Edinburgh Zoo debate

Independent Newspaper article on new pandas

Overview of the debate from BBC

Some articles on the trade debate with China

BBC article about trade with China

BBC article on Scotland and China trade

Independent newspaper article on pros and cons of relationship

Independent article on China's human rights record

Amnesty International articles on China's human rights record

China Human Rights article with nice bit on history behind it

Zoos

A good starting point for any debate topic is Debatabase which gives pros and cons on an argument and suggests additional sites to check. For their debate on zoos click here

Some other site you might find of use on the Zoo debate are:

Captive Breeding - WWF Policy Statement (gives a nice overview)

Scotsman Newspapers news stories on Edinburgh Zoo

American Veterinary Medical Association article on zoo ethics

Why do we have zoos?

Are zoos cruel?

Born Free - zoo check  they are against zoos

PETA Zoo article again they are against zoos.

Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

Twilight is about a lovely romance between Bella Swan and Edward Cullen in high school. But Jacob Black has always liked Bella and Edward is in this way. Edward and Jacob have a secret- Jacob is secretly a werewolf and Edward is a vampire and is 104 years old. Bella doesn’t not know this until half-way through their relationship.


I like this book because it is amazing and very interesting also is enjoyable to read.
I give this book 5 stars.

Rachy_book_babeX

Airhead by Meg Cabot

‘Airhead’ is about a girl called Em who gets crushed by a plasma screen. Then her brain gets put into a supermodel’s body. Then she has to live her life as Nikki Howard. She meets Lulu (Nikki’s best friend) and lots of strange things begin to happen.

I really enjoyed this book because it was very funny and interesting. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a funny story!!!

By A CRAZY PERSON :):):)!!!!

The ‘Twilight’ saga: ‘Eclipse’ by Stephenie Meyer

‘Eclipse’ is the third book in the Twilight saga series. It is about a girl called Bella Swan. Her boyfriend, Edward Cullen, and his family are vampires. The evil red headed vampire Victoria is out to get Bella, because Edward killed her boyfriend. But now Victoria has an army of newborn vampires, created to kill Bella. During the book Bella realises that she fancies her werewolf best friend, Jacob Black.

I really enjoyed this book as well as all the others. ‘Eclipse’ is the one of all four books with the most action. ‘Eclipse’ is a great book very enjoyable to read and keeps you wondering what’s going to happen next.

By 1cm

Fearless by Berry Hart

Life for Arlo is over. After working so hard to escape the city where he was imprisoned. He has finally found a home. A place where people feel like he does. But something is missing. For someone without emotion, Usha has never felt more alone. Will there ever be a place where she belongs? Both know that there is only one way to find the answers to their questions. And as dangerous as it might be –they must returns to Genopolis.

By Miss Pizza

Silverfin by Charlie Higson

I read this book and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes action, exciting scenes and Bond. James Bond.

This book illustrates James Bond’s life as a child growing up in the large world.

There’s something in the water at Loch Silver fin .A giant gathering of giant eels drowning and killing anything in their path.

It starts with James bond and his first years at Eton (boarding school in England ) where he experiences how to live the a world where fear is round every corner.

By (= OZZY =)

Wolf Brother

For more Unshelved have a look here

Extreme Sports People by Paul Mason

I READ THIS BOOK AND I WOULD REALLY RECOMMEND IT.I CHOSE TO READ IT BECAUSE IT IS REALLY INFORMATIVE AND IT HAS LOADS OF INFORMATION ON SOME EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE.IT INCLUDES RICKY CARMICHAEL, MATT HOFFMAN, TONY HAWK AND MANY MORE.IT HAS SOME AMAZING PICTURES INSIDE IT AND GIVES YOU ALL THE INFORMATION YOU COULD NEED SUCH AS WHEN THEY WERE BORN, WHERE THEY WERE BORN.IT ALSO GIVES YOU THE ACHIEVEMENTS THEY HAVE EARNED AND THEIR AMBITIONS.

BY THE COON

Girls in Love by Jacqueline Wilson

Girls in Love follow three teenage girls, Magda, Nadine and Ellie. Nadine finds a new boyfriend and Magda could get any boy she liked, so Ellie feels left out. She pretends that she has a boyfriend too. He is just a boy she met on holiday, he liked her but she did not like him. He is 2 years younger, so she does not describe him, she describes the perfect guy.

I love this book and recommend this to any person between the ages of 11-16. I am not the BIGGEST fan of books but I really enjoyed this book and could not put it down. I also read all the other books in the series. It’s a great way to make you realize that there are dangers in life, and that just because you don’t have a boyfriend it does not make you a different person. It makes you laugh, cry and think. Amazing book!!

By Rosycheeks x

The Silver Sword by Ian Serraillier

The silver sword sword is about a family of poles who are separated during the war.There are lots of different stories but it mainly revolves around the childrens' quest to get to Switzerland. On the way they meet Jan who has also met Joseph (their father) Jan is a thief although he dos not like to admit it. They also meet a variety of other characters on their journey such as Ivan the Russian sentry, Bistro the escaped monkey,Joe the Truck driver,Herr and Frau Wolff,Ludwig the dog and many more,but Jans love of animals sometimes lands him in trouble as the story spirals towards a twist ending .It will be a very long journey to Switzerland and the Nazis are always just one step behind them.

I thought the book was a good read and I would recommend it to anyone.

By Adam Blade

The silver sword is about a family who are from Poland. Joseph Balliki and Margaret Balliki lose their kids,Edek, Bronia and Ruth during the war. The story is mainly about the kids trying to find their way to Switzerland, and on the way the meet some other characters including Jan, Ivan and a monkey called Bistro. Jan is a thief but likes to call his stealing “borrowing” , Jan is also very good with animals, he has a pet cockerel named Jimpy.

I found the book very interesting , the book has many adventures through out it and the book got more exciting every week I read it.

By Dale Winton

Stuart MacBride @ Carmondean Connected

The International bestselling  Scottish author, Stuart MacBride, will be visiting Carmondean Connected on Thursday 13th January at 6:30pm to talk about his work as an author and his new novel 'Shatter the Bones'.

'Shatter the Bones' is the 7th novel to feature Logan McRae. Set in Aberdeen mother and daughter singing reality tv senstations Alison and Jenny McGregor's lives are under threat. Someone has promised to kill them if the public don't raise enough money to pay the randsom. Yet DS McRae hasn't got it easy, forensic evidence is non-existent and as the end looms the investigation seems to be going nowhere.

Books can be bought on the night (from Blast Off-Books) and Stuart will be able to answer questions and sign books after his talk.

You can catch Stuart MacBride on Thursday 13th January at 6:30pm @ Carmondean Connected. Refreshements will be available.
Tickets are £2 - contact 01506 777602 or carmondean.lib@westlothian.gov.uk

Find out more about him and his work here or just download his DIY beard kit

Snakehead by Anthony Horowitz

I would really recommend this book. Well I think It’s better than the other Alex Rider books personally. Its just as action packed as the rest but this time Horowitz goes in to more detail than in his other books and he has on edge at most of the book and I found that experience AMAZING!

He has Alex in different places and different clothes. This time he has new gadgets and new ways of activating them and they now come with magnets attached.
Alex will get stuffed into containers, dress as a poor person with nothing but his dad. He will wear something he doesn’t want to wear, he gets to find out who really killed parents and doesn’t have a chance to get revenge. Will he survive and make it back to England to see Jack once again? Read to find out.

by Mike Poljamang.

Prom Nights from Hell by Meg Cabot, Stephanie Meyer, Kim Harrison, Michele Jaffe and Lauren Miracle.

In this collection, bestselling authors including Stephanie Meyer (Twilight) and Meg Cabot (Princess Diaries). Take bad prom nights to a whole new level – a paranormally bad level…

A horrible dress, no dates are nothing compared with discovering you are dancing with the Grim Reaper. From vampire exterminators to angels fighting demons, these five stories will be more fun than a DJ in a bad jacket!

I highly recommend this book to people who love romantic horror books like Twilight.

By Disneylover!

Avatar: the Last Air Bender By Michel Dante Dinrtino and Bryan Konietzko

It is about a kid called Ang and he is the avatar. He has to learn all the elements - water, earth, and(air) fire. He has to defeat the fire lord Ozai.
This is a good book and film and full of adventure. I would recommend this as I am sure you would enjoy it.

By xx miko 666xx

Magic Kitten: Star Dreams by Sue Bentley

“Magic Kitten: Star Dreams” is about a little kitten who is really a lion and is trying to hide from his uncle who is trying to kill him. The kitten’s name is Flame and he travels from one place to another.Gran can I go and feed the animals okay thanks hey gran has a new pet oh its so cute. I like this book because I love kittens and magic. Also it’s so funny and I have the books up to 1 to 10 and that’s just some of them. There’s a lot more than that.

By Bubble Brain.

The Silver Sword by Ian Serraillier

This book is about the Baliki family who get split up because of the war. They meet a young boy called Jan who help them through their difficult times of the war. They are determined to find there parents and will never give up until they do. This book tells you about the adventures of the family as they travel through Poland in search of their parents.

I have read The Silver Sword twice and it has been one of the most boring times in my life. I would not recommend this book to anyone!

By: The person who wrote this ! Duh :P

This book is about a family the (Balikis) who are split up by the war. On the way the Baliki children meet a boy called Jan who causes a lot of bother and gets really attached to them, as he treats them like his own family. This story tells you about the adventures of the family travelling through Poland trying to get to Switzerland and the trials and tribulations they go through to get to their parents.

When I read The Silver Sword I found it very boring. I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone! but it’s really your opinion.

By my granny loves me :)!

This book is about a family that is split up by the Second World War. The father, (Joseph Baliki), is told his children are dead. He sets off to find his wife, and gets some help on the way. The children try to find their parents and reunite the family once again. They also meet the same person, (Jan), for help and they return the favour by letting him into the family.

I thought this book was OK because it was tension building at some parts and dragged out at others. I would recommend this book if you are patient.

By Lulu Kidd* :):(:P @at a house .com

Survival by Chris Ryan

ALEX, LI, PAULO, HEX AND AMBER ARE ON A TRIP. THEY ARE THE ALPHA SQUAD ON A SHIP CALLED PHOENIX. BUT DAYS LATER THEY CRASH ONTO A DESERT ISLAND. THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT’S BEHIND OR IN FRONT OF THEM. THEY HAVE TO USE ALL THEIR SKILLS TO WORK TOGETHER AND WAIT FOR THE HELICOPTER TO PICK THEM UP. WILL THEY SURVIVE?
THIS IS A VERY GOOD BOOK - IT’S ADVENTURE AND REALLY INTERSTING.

BY 74R73N 5COP35

Try reading a bit here

Dragonball Z series by Akira Toriyama

Dragon ball z is about a man called Goku (who in the previous series was only about 11 at the start) has finally settled down into everyday life with his wife Chi-Chi and son Gohan. Life is going well for Goku until an alien called a Seyien comes from outer space and tells Goku that he is his brother. After defeating his brother Goku learns there are more powerful Seyiens coming and Goku’s adventures begin again. I liked the Dragonball Z series because every time one manga ended the author always left it on a cliff hanger so you felt you had to read the next one. It was also a bit far fetched (but then again most mangas are) and I also liked how all the characters could fly. The series is filled with adventure and lots of martial arts and beams of energy. I would reccomend this to people who like aliens and lots of martial arts action.

By Anon

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

For Nora Grey, romance was out of the question, until Nora meets Patch. Nora has discovers she had deeper feelings for him than she thought. With his outgoing personality Nora falls for him like a snow drop from the sky. ‘Hush Hush’ is a romantic novel for teens. Once you have started to read it you just can’t put the book down. I definitely recommend this to teens who like romantic novels.

:)Sunny Sea:)

The sequel 'Crescendo' isn't long out and you can listen to the first chapter of eiather book on Becca Fitzpatrick's website

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K.Rowling

Harry potter is a young but shy wizard destined for adventure and excitement. The story starts of with him living a normal life with his auntie and uncle (and of course his cousin Dudley). He does not know however that he is of course a wizard! His auntie and uncle have hidden him from the letters from his magical school Hogwarts. They also deny that he is a wizard to begin with. In fact they are so determined to keep him from his destiny they move to a lighthouse just out from the coast. He is told who he is and were he comes from by the great Hagrid. He goes to Hogwarts and finds that he has a great and powerful enemy. Lord Voldemort! He soon realises that he will have to face him in many adventures with his trustworthy friends Ron Weasly and Hermione Granger. I think this is one of the best books I have ever read and would recommend it to children and adults of all ages!

By Daniel Gray

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

This book was awesome I really enjoyed it and I will read it again it’s about a seventeen year old girl named lennie she’s a band freak she normally lets her sister take the lead as she stays more In the shadows … Until her sister dies and all leenie can think about is falling in love with her dead sisters boyfriend she thinks there something rong with her as she should be feeling guilty for then love. When Joe comes along a new boy at her school she also falls in love with him so who will she pick …? :)
I suggest this book would be for people with more patience it’s quite long! It’s not one of them quick reads so if you just want a fast and easy book this ones not for you! This Author makes the story feel very believable it’s also a sad one but it has its happy moments.

By Alibowz =] enjoy!

Diary of a Chav: Tiaras vs. Trainers by Grace Dent

The diary of a chav was a book I really enjoyed as it is a very girly teenage book. It is about a teenage girl called Shiz who is fifteen years old and is struggling through a typical teenage life. Her best friend Carrie is a very pretty and wealthy girl who gets all the boys and inside shiz is a bit jealous of her best friend and this book is the first of three diaries and this one is my favourite because you really get to know Shiz. She is also struggling to be successful in school and gets in trouble a lot but will prove her self in the next book!! :) This is called the diary of a chav because her school “mayflower academy” has been branded by the local paper “super chav academy” because of the bad GCSE results and the gold hoops that flow around each pupil so do you think Shiz will get there in the end and prove she is not a chav….?? :)

By dorito :)

Doctor Who: Second Skin by Richard Dungworth

The book is about a man who goes to 23rd century.
I think people who like Doctor Who will like this because there are dangers aliens.

By Casper the ghost

Cheryl vs Ashley: When Love Dies by Gerard Sanderson

This book is about Cheryl and Ashley Cole. This book tells you about their careers which is really interesting. You get to find out about Ashley’s football team and marrage with Cheryl. You also get to find out about Cheryl’s singing group named Girls Aloud. You can find out everything you need to know about Cheryl.

By JM

The Little Prisoner: how a childhood was stolen and a trust betrayed by Jane Elliott

What happens? It’s about a teenager that gets abused by her step dad sexually and physically.


What did you think of it and why? Well I thought that it was a good book but really sad I like reading Books like that to show how lucky I actually am. And that a should feel sorry for the people that have to live like that. People like that should tell someone and they will find that it will really help them .

When Jane’s mum goes out Richard goes up stairs into Jane’s room and sexually abuses her he makes her do really disgusting thing to him and he makes her do a lot of things she really doesn’t want to do it and if she struggles to get away from him makes her do it for longer and he He hits her kicks her punches her her and smashes her head against the wall.He makes her steel from her granddad because he knows that her granddad has a lot of things that they could sell and get money for and Janey isn’t the only one that Richard abuses … read the Book you will find out who else he abuses

By…. Jane Elliott

A Child Called 'It' by Dave Pelzer

This book is about a boy who suffers abuse from his drunk and depressed mother. The mother who is miserable takes all her anger to David as she is having problems with her relationship with her husband. She thinks he is having an affair with another woman.

Before David turned 5 years old his mother was a loving, caring, and peaceful until one day she changed … she made him starve to death for 10 straight days, eat from a dog bowl, made him steal food from the shops and made him eat his own sick.

The story tells you all his plans to survive his mother’s game and take revenge. When his father decides to divorce her David lost hope of ever getting out the cruelty and pain.

His father was his only hope but as he just watched him eat his own sick, he did not trust his father anymore.
One day he told someone and they helped him to set him free from her. I like this book but really sad as it showed his emotions of a life with physical abuse every minute and living in a basement by himself while his brothers were eating his favourite meal.

By Monster munch:)

Find out more about Dave Pelzer at his website