Surprisingly good read (IMHO)

Again, a random pick up from the paperback stand - have yet to read any of her others... I liked it, even though I see it has one star in the catalogue listing.... although I read it some time ago, from memory it reminded me of a celestine prophecy type story - though more personal... Kyle is a young man with no future and no past. Orphaned at a young age, he is bitter and uses his tough upbringing as an excuse for his lack of direction in life. But a mysterious parcel is about to change his view of himself, his parents and the world in which he lives. An old leather-bound book, intricately embossed with creatures and strange beings, is left on Kyle's doorstep with no card or note attached. The book issues Kyle a personal challenge to finish reading the book and face the innermost truth about himself, or forfeit any chance of finding his true destiny.

This book description probably is better for the series as a whole (again a book I picked just on the off-chance, and enjoyed) ended up reading the whole series - some I enjoyed more than others.... In the distant future, the Skolian Empire rules one third of the human galaxy, and is the most powerful of all. For the ruling family has the power of telepathy, and through it, the ability to communicate faster than light across interstellar space. But their most determined enemy, the traders, who thrive on human pain, need to interbreed with a Skolian to gain their powers. And now they have.

This one caught my eye on the shelf, and I found it a really good read - lots of horse sense.... a bit like Monty Roberts, though my personal preference is Chris Irwin's take on things... In Dancing with the Dark Horse, Chris Irwin, world-renowned as one of the most successful horse whisperers in North America, explores the intriguing spiritual connection he has discovered between human and equine nature. Based on his more than twenty years of working with, training, and observing horses, Irwin explains how the characteristics necessary to building good relationships with horses can in turn be used to establish a positive balance between mind, body, and spirit in our own lives.

Tony Hsieh- -the widely-admired CEO of on-line shoe retailer, Zappos- -explains how he created a unique culture and commitment to service that aims to improve the lives of its employees, customers, vendors and backers. Even better, he shows how creating happiness and record results go hand-in-hand. ...... took a while for me to pick this book up after taking it out - I am glad I persevered (though conflicting reviews on Amazon make intriguing reading), enjoyed reading feedback on the website of the book as well... however it is written, I like his message.

Well worth reading, as is her other book - why women want ... The author provides a candid memoir of her twenty-year love affair with alcohol, explaining how and why she became an alcoholic and her struggle to live without an alcoholic crutch.

This one caught my eye on display, and I'd seen him on Attitude, re his travels around NZ (see http://www.attitudepictures.com/index.php?cID=445).... the title is a clever play on words, I reckon ...Connolly's account of his life as someone born without legs. This is his story of his journeys around the world and his discovery of what it truly means to be human.

Interesting and thought-provoking read... "The compelling memoir of the Academy Award-winning actress and role model for 30 million deaf and hard-of-hearing people serves as an inspiration and a lesson in overcoming adversity"

I think I saw this book in a Listener Review, and was curious as Aspergers is an interest of mine... I haven't read 'Running with Scissors' or seen the movie, but this book is by, and about his older brother.... Ever since he was small, John Robison had longed to connect with other people, but by the time he was a teenager, his odd habits, an inclination to blurt out non sequiturs, avoid eye contact, dismantle radios, and dig five-foot holes (and stick his younger brother in them) had earned him the label social deviant. No guidance came from his mother, who conversed with light fixtures, or his father, who spent evenings pickling himself in sherry. It was no wonder he gravitated to machines, which could, at least, be counted on. After fleeing his parents and dropping out of high school, his savant-like ability to visualize electronic circuits landed him a gig with KISS, for whom he created their legendary fire-breathing guitars. Later, he drifted into a real job, as an engineer for a major toy company. But the higher Robison rose in the company, the more he had to pretend to be normal and do what he simply couldn't: communicate. It wasn't worth the paycheck. It was not until he was forty that an insightful therapist told him he had the form of autism called Asperger's syndrome. That understanding transformed the way Robison saw…

The memoir of Michael J. Fox and his first ten years living with Parkinson's Disease ..... again this caught my eye on the paperback stand... was valuable to read - not least for his personal honesty, and the way he writes

This was the first book I read by this author... subsequently I read a couple more... Set within a tight-knit island community, two women struggle to rekindle a childhood friendship damaged by harsh words, betrayal, and the passing years. Lexi Laney and Clare Hart grew up together. But with the complicated pressures of adulthood, their intense bond is frayed and Lexi flees Nantucket to a life of luxury while Clare stays behind. Ten years later, a newly divorced Lexi returns. Living at home with her father and dating a gorgeous carpenter, Clare still simmers with resentment toward her glamorous friend. And when Lexi opens an upscale clothing boutique next door to Clare's chocolate shop, their paths are fated to cross.

I happened to pick this one up not long before the library closed for New Year's (in the dearth of paperback books available as many people stock up for holiday reads), and I really enjoyed it - no vampires in it - am unsure whether I will try the author's other series though (vampires and other monsters, too many of those storylines of late). I like her style though so may be tempted .... "Rose Drayton lives on the Edge, between two worlds: on one side lies the Broken, a place where people shop at Wal-Mart and magic is nothing more than a fairy tale; on the other is the Weird, a realm where blueblood aristocrats rule and the strength of your magic can change your destiny. Only Edgers like Rose can easily travel between the worlds but they never truly belong in either. Rose thought that if she practiced her magic, she could build a better life for herself. But things didn't turn out the way she'd planned, and now she works an off-the-books job in the Broken just to survive. Then Declan Camarine, a blueblood noble straight out of the deepest part of the Weird, comes into her life determined to have Rose (and her power) But when a terrible danger invades the Edge a flood of creatures hungry for magic Declan and Rose must overcome their differences and work together to destroy them, or the beasts will devour the Edge and everyone in it.

There are 2 editions available in the catalogue, I read the earlier one, and found it v interesting. Each chapter deals with a different aspect, so depending on what your interest is, you can pick and choose. I liked Chapter 20 - and was amused that the Ch 13 author contacted the author of Ch 20 and they began a collaborative working partnership.... but then my interest is in Perelandra Nature Research Centre in Virginia...

Recommended by my sister, a remarkably easy and inspiring read .... A new science called neuroplasticity is overthrowing the old notion that the human brain is immutable. Psychoanalyst Doidge traveled the country to meet both the brilliant scientists championing neuroplasticity and the people whose lives they've transformed- -people whose mental limitations or brain damage were seen as unalterable. We see a woman born with half a brain that rewired itself to work as a whole, blind people who learn to see, learning disorders cured, IQs raised, aging brains rejuvenated, stroke patients learning to speak, children with cerebral palsy learning to move with more grace, depression and anxiety disorders successfully treated, and lifelong character traits changed. Using these stories to probe mysteries of the body, emotion, love, sex, culture, and education, Dr. Doidge has written an inspiring book that will permanently alter the way we look at our brains, human nature, and human potential.

The Horse Boy tells the heartbreaking, exhilarating story of Rowan's autism and his parents' journey of hope. As they watch their only child recede into a nightmare of isolation punctuated by episodes of incandescent rage, Rupert discovers two things that seem to pull Rowan back towards them. His uncanny, almost spiritual, connection with horses, and the spontaneous bond he appears to form with some traditional healers visiting from indigenous communities. So a plan begins to form. The desperate, crazy plan of taking Rowan on an expedition to a place where horses and traditional healing-shamanism- come together as a cultural whole. Mongolia. This is the story of an extraordinary adventure. But the ordinary qualities of love and courage that inspired it will resonate with parents everywhere.

First read this ages ago, and I liked the canal boats and the economy of space. Katie Fforde and Erica James are authors I look out for when I feel like a light entertaining read... May, Harriet and Sally need money and so work for Quality Cleaners under "Slimeball" Slater. When they discover it is them being taken to the cleaners, they set up as an independent team. Things really begin to take off, but they risk overlooking the romantic possibilities they have created.

I read this one years ago, and it is still one I really enjoy (haven't tried her other books though), a bit like Charles de Lint, and I've liked many of his that I have read... Being the only person who sees the other worldly creatures, Eddi McCandry plunges into excitement and terror when she becomes a pawn in a bitter age-old battle between two faerie courts in modern Minneapolis.

Haven't seen the movie, though really enjoyed the book. Star of the Sundance Audience Award-winning film "Murderball", Mark Zupan suffered a life altering accident while at University that left him quadriplegic. This book charts Zupan's amazing recovery from the accident, through his rise to the heights of 'murderball' (quad rugby) to leading the national side to a bronze Paralympics medal in 2004.