Thursday 26 February 2015

7 Days - Eve Ainsworth

Seven DaysSeven Days by Eve Ainsworth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Life is hard for Jess. School should be a safe place but at the moment it's everything Jess dreads, and it's made even more difficult by the threatening presence of Kez. Kez lives in a nicer part of town but her life isn't any sweeter. The only place she finds comfort is knowing she is better off than Jess - or so she thinks.

My mum read this one for me, here is her review:

Not your usual easy read in terms of entertainment value; this is a thought provoking novel taking an inside view of a bully and a victim. Written in dual narrative the novel is set over 7 days and gives the reader a glimpse of life during this period of two teenagers the bully (Kez) and the victim (Jess). I was asked to review this book by the author and saved this for half term (I work in a Secondary school) as I wanted to read it in one go. I had no trouble motoring through this and finished in a day; once I had started I found it difficult to put down.

Essentially the book follows the lives of the two main characters through a seven day period of being bullied (Jess) and being the bully (Kez). I found that I could easily relate to both characters through personal experience and as an observer in the job I do at a Secondary school. I found I was thinking about students in the school and matching them to the characters in the book, a sure sign that Eve Ainsworth has managed to get the characterisation just right.

Right from the start you know that something will happen to one of the main characters - the first page is a letter indicating that the writer is going to end it all. From that point on I needed to know whether it was the bully or the victim which kept me hooked and it was not apparent which way this would go until almost the end of the book.

Although the characters are not that well developed you do get a sense of what their lives are like and why they react in the way that they do, what is important to them at their age and how they discover what is really important in the great scheme of things. Parts of novel will resonate with many people, circumstances and situations that happen in families affect those family members in a variety of different ways which shapes the people they become. In this case you could understand both points of view and how both victim and bully justified their actions and became they people they were. Kez has issues and deals with them by bullying those she believes are weaker than her to make herself feel better. Jess lacks the support she needs at home and falls into the victim bracket easily so is a prime target for Kes. The link between them both is Kez boyfriend Lyn who also happens to be an old friend of Jess who sticks up for her.

I liked the way Eve Ainsworth used the popular texting style in her book which again will appeal to youngsters as they are continually on their mobiles texting each other at any given opportunity. Eve shows how social media has added to bullying in such a public way and the damage it can do. The importance of being part of a group and a sense of belonging are very strong in this book which is so true of teenagers and how those who are a bit different or individual are looked on as being geeks or strange and ostracized. Her writing shows her understanding of teenagers and the often painful journey they make growing up, their need to belong and be accepted by their peers, and in this book how they learn that things are not always what they appear to be.

I hope teenagers are tempted to read this book as I know they will relate to it but equally it is an enjoyable if not often hard to read novel for adults as well.

Well done Eve a good debut novel.

I would like to thank Eve for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

Monday 23 February 2015

Writing and Selling Drama Screenplays by Lucy V Hay

Writing & Selling Drama ScreenplaysWriting & Selling Drama Screenplays by Lucy V. Hay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It may be drama features that win the most awards and kudos from critics, but in the current marketplace you're unlikely to sell a drama screenplay in the way you would a genre script. Breaking down the nuts and bolts of what differentiates drama from genre, Writing and Selling Drama Screenplays will consider questions such as: What is 'emotional truth'? What separates stereotypical and authentic characters? What are the different types of drama feature screenplay? How do we make these films, when there's 'no money'? What are the distribution opportunities for dramas? Exploring the ways in which drama and authenticity work, it will empower screenwriters to make their own story and character choices, so they can write and also help to package, finance and even make their own drama features. Writing and Selling Drama Screenplays will include detailed case studies of produced dramas made on both shoestring and bigger budgets, and industry insights from their writers, directors and producers. It looks in-depth at Scottish BAFTA-winning Night People, the iconic coming out movie Beautiful Thing, the touching New Orleans drama Hours, starring the late Paul Walker, and the ambitious true story of Saving Mr Banks, based on the battle of wills between Mary Poppins author PL Travers and Walt Disney himself. It will also discuss films such as Brokeback Mountain, American Beauty, The King's Speech, Juno, Erin Brockovich, Changeling and Girl, Interrupted.


Writing and Selling Drama Screenplays is a very informative read and essential for anyone thinking about writing for the silver screen, whether it be Drama or any other genre.

The book is filled with great tips and tricks of the trade, it also gets the reader used to seeing filmic terms and language.

It is nicely formatted and laid out in 12 chapters (including preface) and has a handy resources section at the end of the book full of information on where you can go to further you screenwriting talents, it also lists competitions, industry contacts etc, that you can send your screenplays to.

This is not just a 'how to' book as it says 'there is no right way to tell a story' it is a book that offers guidance and encourages you to reach for your potential.

Having read screenwriting books before this one written by Lucy V. Hay actually sounds like it has come from someone who knows what they are talking about.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

Sunday 22 February 2015

Weekly Wrap Up - 22.2.15


This week has been half term and it was a long time coming! I started the week in style! I went out with some friends and went out to eat quite a few times. I also had a catch up with my husband, we rarely see each other when I am working. So I have not read as much as I had hoped but I tried to make up for it towards the end of the week! I got a huge Valentine's surprise in the post too from Orion, so thanks very much! 

I hope you all had a great week and managed to read lots!


This week I have been sent:
Girl Runner by Carrie Sydney (won)
The Chateau on the Lake by Charlotte Betts
That part was true by Deborah McKinlay
Shares of Jamie Dornan by Jo Berry
Wild Oats by Veronica Henry
Ridley Road by Jo Bloom
The Affairs of Others by Amy Grace Loyd
The pearl that broke the shell by Nadia Hashimi (won)
Dear Committee Members by Julie Schumacher
No Place to Die by Clare Donoghue
The Versions of Us by Laura Barnett
Walk on By by Stacey Solomon

This week I have bought: 
Nothing 


Books I have read this week:

Pictures or it didn't happen - Sophie Hannah
Naughty Girl's Guide to Las Vegas - Sienna Sinclaire
Second Chance Island - Jenny Schwartz
Red for Revenge - Fanny Blake 

The books I have read all have reviews and they will be on the blog soon so look out for that!


Thanks for stopping by at The Book Corner, I loved  hearing what you have got this week so please leave a comment to let me know.

Friday 20 February 2015

Dead Man Talking - Roddy Doyle

Dead Man Talking (Quick Reads)Dead Man Talking by Roddy Doyle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Pat had been best friends with Joe Murphy since they were kids. But years ago they had a fight. A big one, and they haven’t spoken since --- till the day before Joe’s funeral.

What? On the day before his funeral Joe would be dead, wouldn’t he?

Yes, he would…

Roddy Doyle’s first book for the Quick Reads programme to support adult literacy is fast, funny and just a tiny bit spooky.



This has been published as part of Quick Reads programme. These are a series of short books from a range of different authors to encourage literacy love among adults. Personally I love the time of year they pop up, I have found many authors I would never have considered before through the programme and they are perfect if you don't have a lot of 'me' time. Personally I read the book in one sitting.

I have never read a book by Doyle so had no idea what to expect. From reading the blurb it really made me intrigued and I couldn't wait to start it. This short story was very easy to read, it had incredibly short chapters, perfect for when you need to pop the kettle on or break off another square of Galaxy.

It is written in the first person and completely through narrative, the pace is very good and there is little opportunity for a new reader to become fed up or lost in the text.

The story is about Pat, he has discovered his best friend Joe has died and he has been invited to the funeral, this seems a little odd to Pat as he had a big falling out a few years ago and have not spoken since. Pat decides to go to the funeral and the wake with his wife. This brings up a lot of emotions for Pat and brings back unhappier times. Pat is not sure how to cope with everything he is discovering that day.

Although the story is very short, so much happens in it. As the reader I felt unsure at times what was going on and it was only when I was very near the end did I begin to suss out what was happening. It was a good short read, however one that took me out of my comfort zone. I have never read a book like this and actually had mixed feeling about it. I was very unsure when reading it and since I have finished I am still not quite sure what I feel about this book.

This is only on a personal note and I have heard that this short story has the Doyle trademarks and that it is another great story by him, so I am sure if you like Doyle's previous works this will also be one that you enjoy.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

Wednesday 18 February 2015

Paris for One - Jojo Moyes

Paris for OneParis for One by Jojo Moyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bestselling author Jojo Moyes brings us a charming and heart-warming short story in association with Quick Reads.


Nell is twenty-six and has never been to Paris. She has never even been on a weekend away with her boyfriend. Everyone knows she is just not the adventurous type.


But, when her boyfriend doesn't turn up for their romantic mini-break, Nell has the chance to prove everyone wrong.


Alone in Paris, Nell meets the mysterious moped-riding Fabien and his group of carefree friends. Could this turn out to be the most adventurous weekend of her life?




I have never read a Moyes book before, (I know, where have I been?!) And so I love the quick readathon they get released. I feel that it's a chance for me to discover authors I may never have come across before. Moyes is definitely going to be an author I look out for now.

Paris for One is about Nell, she is 26 and so far has never been away with a boyfriend before.

I really don't want to say too much as it will spoil it for you and this is a book you do not want spoilt! It is short, but I felt it was perfect. I was able to be will Nell on her trip to Paris and enjoy every moment. Not once while reading I felt rushed, which was really brilliant!

This is a quick read and perfect for anyone with a busy like that wants to dip into something. I read this in one sitting and really enjoyed it.

I would certainly recommend this quick read to everyone. It's light hearted fun.

Nell is a very likable character, one which I felt I could connect with. One of my favourite characters was actually the hotel assistant. I found I was reading her parts with a French accent in my head! The dialogue between her, Nell and the American Lady I found was very comical at times.

This book is perfect for chilling on the sofa with a cup of tea and some galaxy.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

Monday 16 February 2015

I Was Here - Gayle Forman

I Was HereI Was Here by Gayle Forman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


From the bestselling author of If I Stay - this summer's YA blockbuster film. 

This characteristically powerful novel follows eighteen-year-old Cody Reynolds in the months following her best friend's shocking suicide.
As Cody numbly searches for answers as to why Meg took her own life, she begins a journey of self-discovery which takes her to a terrifying precipice, and forces her to question not only her relationship with the Meg she thought she knew, but her own understanding of life, love, death and forgiveness.

A phenomenally moving story, I Was Here explores the sadly all-too-familar issue of suicide and self-harm, addressing it with it sensitivity, genuity and honesty.



When I discovered 'I was here' on Netgalley I knew I had to request it. After devouring If I stay in a day and having 'Where she went' to follow up with I knew this would be a firm favourite too.

I found 'I was here' a very quick and easy read, just as I had done with 'If I stay'. I am beginning to realise that Gayle Forman's books are emotionally charged and really pull at your heart strings.

From reading the blurb this book really got me, I have never read any books like this before so didn't know what to expect. I knew I was in for an emotional roller coaster and that is what I got.

The plot is great, really realistic that follows the life of Cody, Meg's best friend but one who didn't go to university with her. Anyone who has been to university before and left someone behind will connect well to this story line, you can see from what was a best friend, turns out knows little about her now she is not living at home any more. I love that this book covers these emotions as you do feel like distance comes between you, if you and your friend don't both go away. Your life takes you in different directions, even if you don't want it too.

Cody begins to realise exactly how much Meg had changed and actually didn't feel as close to her as she once did. People Meg has lived with for only a few months seem closer to her. Cody feels as if she has let Meg down and by discovering things along the way feels like she needs to put things right.

Although this is a tragedy, it also has romance and Gayle Forman is able to like the two together in a tasteful way.

I really liked the characters in the story and could feel their emotion too. They were developed well and the story had good pace. I read this in just two sittings. I really was into the book and wanted to know what was going to happen.

I felt a little let down by the ending of the story, I felt it was a bit of an anti climax, this was a bit disappointing. I felt that it had huge potential and I was just left feeling 'meh'. This is a shame as I whizzed through the book and was expecting something brilliant. I think maybe I had built my expectations up slightly too high from reading the book.

I would recommend this to others and I would be interested on your take of the ending. Maybe it was just me that was disappointed!

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

Sunday 15 February 2015

Weekly Wrap Up - 15.2.15


I have been super busy this week but I am really pleased that finally half term is here. I am hoping next week I will be able to get a lot of reading done. I maybe challenging myself - let me know if you would like to join in? It will be number of books read or something like that - I have quite a few to catch up with. Let me know if you have any ideas for a good challenge :)




This week I have been sent:
Ivy Lane by Cathy Bramley
Based on a true story by Elizabeth Renzetti
A cookie! This is super exciting as I have not received the book yet!

This week I have bought: 
Nothing 


Books I have read this week:

Dead Man Talking -Roddy Doyle 



Thanks for stopping by at The Book Corner, I loved  hearing what you have got this week so please leave a comment to let me know.

Friday 13 February 2015

Sainbury's ebooks of the year! What a year it has been!

  
GILLIAN FLYNN’S GONE GIRL MOST POPULAR EBOOK OF 2014

·    Popular thriller, Gone Girl, is most popular eBook of 2014
·   Film and screen adaptations the most searched for eBooks of year
·   Lee Child beats James Patterson to bestselling author title

The international bestseller, Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn has been named this year’s favourite eBook. The critically-acclaimed suspense novel was the most searched for and the most purchased book of 2014 according to new research from eBooks by Sainsbury’s which compiled the most popular eBooks and authors amongst readers in the last year.

Blockbuster Books

Film and screen adaptations were the most searched for eBooks according to the year-long report. As long as there has been celluloid, there have been television shows and movies based on books.

At the number one spot Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl beat an impressive list of chart-topping novelists. The top five contained some of the biggest film and television adaptations of recent years, including George R.R. Martin's bestselling book series Game of ThronesVeronica Roth’s debut novel Divergent,John Green’s heart-breaking tour de force The Fault in Our Stars and Markus Zusak’s acclaimed The Book Thief.

Whether it’s the inspirational stories or the pulling power of Hollywood, blockbuster books have certainly wowed readers in 2014. Although the debate about whether film and television reworks ever live up to their books will no doubt continue, one thing is for sure – big and small screen adaptations make a big impact on readers.

A Thrilling Year

It was an unforgettable year for crime and thriller authors all round as they also dominated the author category. Measured by total number of books sold, a whopping eight out of Sainsbury’s customers top ten eBook authors belonged to this popular genre.

Bestselling crime writer Lee Child took the number one spot in the top author category this year - as the author who sold the most eBooks - followed by contemporary crime writers James Patterson and Lesley Thomson. The award-winning author also appeared twice in the top ten of total eBooks sold. Child’s books Never Go Back and High Heat were the fifth and tenth most purchased eBooks of the year. And to cement the genre’s popularity with readers, crime and thriller was second only to general fiction in the most popular genre category.

Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie was the author inspiring the most loyal readership – with the biggest number of different titles sold by an author. She was closely followed by readers’ favourites James Patterson and Terry Pratchett in second and third place. James Patterson also took the accolade of most searched for author, in a dazzling year for the chart-topping crime writer who also took second place for the most books sold.

Please see full details of the eBooks by Sainsbury’s Popularity Index below, including the top ten authors and titles in each category:


                        EBOOKS BY SAINSBURY’S POPULARITY INDEX



Top 10 eBooks Sold


Top 10 eBooks Searched For
1
Gone Girl - Gillian Flynn

1
Gone Girl
2
The Detective's Daughter - Lesley Thomson

2
Game of Thrones
3
The Cuckoo's Calling - Robert Galbraith

3
Divergent
4
Don't Tell the Groom - Anna Bell

4
The Fault In Our stars
5
Never Go Back - Lee Child

5
The Book Thief
6
A Little Love - Amanda Prowse

6
Hunger Games
7
Life After Life - Kate Atkinson

7
Philomena
8
Inferno - Dan Brown

8
Bridget Jones
9
The Fault in Our Stars - John Green

9
Life after Life
10
High Heat: (A Jack Reacher Novella) - Lee Child

10
The Rosie Project



Top 10 Authors Searched For

Top 10 Genres

1
James Patterson
1
General Fiction

2
Jacqueline Wilson
2
Crime & Thriller

3
Lee Child
3
Science Fiction & Fantasy

4
Peter James
4
Romance & Sagas

5
Martina Cole
5
Biography

6
Stephen King
6
Teenage

7
Sylvia Day
7
Historical fiction

8
Sophie Kinsella
8
Children's

9
Jo Nesbo
9
History

10
Dan Brown
10
Cookery


Top 10 Authors (Total eBooks Sold)
  Top 10 Authors (Biggest Number of Different Titles Sold)

1
Lee Child
1
Agatha Christie

2
James Patterson
2
James Patterson

3
Lesley Thomson
3
Terry Pratchett

4
Robert Galbraith
4
Nora Roberts

5
Anna Bell
5
Clive Cussler

6
Peter James
6
Jacqueline Wilson

7
Amanda Prowse
7
Enid Blyton

8
Gillian Flynn
8
M.C. Beaton

9
Michael Connelly
9
Sarah Morgan

10
Dan Brown
10
Bernard Cornwell