Tuesday 3 May 2016


Book Review

The Extra Ordinary Life of Frank Derrick, Age 81
by J.B Morrison
 
I would generally be attracted to thrillers, so this was a totally different read for me but the opening prologue, drew me straight in and I absolutely loved it. Frank Derrick is 81 years old when he is run over by a milk float and ends up in hospital with a broken arm and fractured foot.

The book follows his recovery and the relationship he forms with the carer his daughter arranges, as she is fearful that he won’t cope alone. This doesn’t sound very funny but I found Frank to be a hilarious and likeable character who I loved straight away. It is a very fast paced book and I couldn’t wait to discover what Frank got up to next.

A number of parts made me laugh out loud, but not only is it funny it is endearing and touching too. It made me appreciate my family members a whole lot more because I wouldn’t want to think of any of them becoming lonely like Frank as they grow older.

I would struggle to place this book in a genre, but if you like a book that is touching, charming, funny and yet sad at the same time, then give this a try.

I think it’s a brilliant read for all ages and I’m looking forward to reading the follow on “Frank Derricks Holiday of a lifetime”


Reviewed by Rachel T, Senior Library Assistant

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Monday 11 April 2016



Reading Group Book Review

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand
by Helen Simonson

In April of 2016 the 'Reading Group' at Rhymney Library reviewed 'Major Pettigrew's Last Stand' by Helen Simonson. This is what they thought. Please note there are MINOR SPOILERS in this/these reviews:

"I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I found the main characters well rounded, and believable. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a well written book!"

"The start of the book was slow and very complicated to get into, but later on it did get very compelling and very rewarding and most of the characters were enthralling, but others were very skeptical and difficult. In the end the major had his reward."

"A little slow to start but picked up later."

"This book was a lovely read. It sounded a fantastic time to be a live. A lovely story. I would certainly read more by Helen Simonson!"

"A really good read. Kept your interest all the way through. I could not put it down. If I had the time to I would read it again! I would like to read more by this author."

"I thoroughly enjoyed this. The style made for easy reading with good succinct descriptions and no flowery language - some lovely, funny descriptions eg. "Personally I never travel by train without a chicken" and good use of irony "I will be allowed the HONOUR of looking after several small children"

"It's a book I wouldn't have chosen but I thoroughly enjoyed. Good characterisation and it contained a lot of home truths. I especially liked Major Pettigrews dry humour. I felt that experienced a lot of irony- fast food chains taking over, new housing estates etc. I also felt that the author had an empathy that came through regarding bereavement - "the deep ache" - keeping some-ones clothes and pressing your face into them for comfort etc. The snobbishness comes through well. Nobody in trade was allowed to be a member of the gold club and also the prejudice against race, a really good read."


Reviewed by The Reading Group @ Rhymney Library 

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Friday 18 March 2016

 
     Book Review
 
    Whatever you love
    by Louise Doughty


 

 
Although this is marketed as a thriller I would qualify that description; yes, there is an element of ‘what happens next’ and ‘where is this leading to’ but its real power is in showing you raw pain and overwhelming grief. A young daughter dies in a hit and run accident – a terrible tragedy and a story we hear regularly on TV news. We know this is heartbreaking, but this book takes you inside that event and you get a glimpse of what it must actually feel like to go through this horror. The book is written in the first person from the perspective of the mother, Laura, and the story told in parts alternating between before and after Betty’s death. I found it powerful and riveting, not sentimental - although the situation is incredibly sad the author doesn’t use cheap tricks to hit on your emotions and make you cry (in fact, I didn’t cry at all and I cry at books a LOT). Three words? Desolate, haunting, sorrowful. Highly recommended.
 
Review by Jayne, Operations Manager

 
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Book Review
 
Our Endless Numbered Days
by Claire Fuller
 
Our Endless Numbered Days is a quick yet dark read. It tells the story of Peggy who is just 8 years old when she is taken by her father from her home in London to a remote cabin in a European forest. Peggy struggles to survive believing that she and her father are the last two survivors in the world.
This is a gripping story which builds in intensity until the very end. The chilling twist is all at once horrifying and shocking – hair raising stuff!
 
 
Review by Saran, Community Librarian
 
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Friday 26 February 2016

We've arrived

Well we've finally made it! 
Our very own @CaerphillyLibs blog...

Over the coming weeks we'll be developing the site with recommended reads and links of interest. Don't forget we also have a Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest page so be sure to follow and like.