Bag Books: I Don't Know How She Does It

I Don't Know How She Does It by Allison Pearson

I admit that I only read this book because I want to see the movie, and that I only want to see the movie because Sarah Jessica Parker is in it.

First thing, I own the movie poster cover, not the one seen above, I just like that cover more, and you can see mementos from the story on this cover.

So, we follow the escapades of Kate Reddy, married, 2 children and a full time job, who is barely in her London home. We see her juggle all of the above whilst feeling a lot of guilt.

I really enjoyed this story and I got a lot of happiness from reading it, I laughed and I almost cried, I even rolled my eyes along with Kate on the odd occasion.

I wholly recommend you pick up this book the next time you see it, you wont regret it as it's simple reading. I don't mean simple in a bad way either, I mean it's a good book that you can read a chapter on your break but you won't have to remember a complex plot.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Bag Books: The Zombie Survival Guide

Happy New Year! I thought we'd kick it off in style....and protected, always protected.


The Zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks

I do not, for the life of me, know why it has taken me this long to showcase this book. I've adored it since I was 18 years old and have thumbed through it many a time.

Now you may snigger because of the fact it's called 'The Zombie Survival Guide', but I continue to believe that an outbreak that causes a zombie like illness is possible, though you can always just read it for laughs.

Though this seems a little out there, out there? You just said zombies could happen! It is my belief that should there be a terrorist attack of some sort then this book is also quite handy. Hey, it's always good to be prepared.

There's some great historical, and that term can be applied loosely, stories in the last section that can also make you stop and think....and laugh. It's always good to laugh.

Whether you take this book seriously or not, it's a great read either way. There's so much imagination to it which just makes it so wonderful.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Bag Books: Santa's Twin

Santa's Twin by Dean Koontz

I told you I had a fun Christmassy book this week for you! I was torn between this and some others I own, but this is a so brilliant I could not help but share!

This is what happens when Santa has a brother (not named Fred) a twin actually, and this is a bad twin, he likes nothing good. He takes over Santa's role on Christmas eve and brings naught but misery wrapped in bright paper to all the little children. And when I say misery I mean cat poop.

I was young when I first read this, and I could really appreciate the story but also the hidden snowman on every page. As I've grown up I still can't find all of the bloody things! But I also appreciate the story alot more, and the wonderful rhymes.

Yes, this is a very long poem, but that's most of the joy of reading this.

Have a very Merry Christmas!

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Bag Books: The Carrie Diaries

The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell

As I reviewed Sex and the City last week, I thought I'd move onto the prequels.

I guess it's not difficult to see where I got the inspiration for the title: 'The Carrie Files' now is it?

Of course I had this on the day it came out! I walked all around Wolverhampton in my boots (sadly not Manolos) until I found it. Then I started reading it on the bus home.

It was really interesting to read about Carrie's family, as you never see them in the TV show, and they're not really mentioned as I recall. So getting to know a loved character a bit better is always a big plus.

I found her escapades in school to be interesting, and funnily enough I could relate to her in some parts.

Without spoiling it, people who are lovers of the series will love the very ending of the book, as a very familiar (and loved) character answers the phone.

I read this in about a day because I loved it, and it isn't a difficult read either, so it's nice to pick up at each chapter.

So, I guess it's only fitting that I review Summer & the City next week.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Bag Books: Sex and the City

Sex and the City by Candace Bushnell

With 20+ weeks of re-creating Carrie's looks, I think it's about time I wrote about the book!

First off, I'm going to say that my copy of the book is not that sexy, I have the TV show cover with the four girls on where they're all wearing Little Black Dresses.

This is the book which spawned the series which spawned the movies, it's a great character driven piece, but I certainly enjoyed the Carrie you see on screen to the one you read about in this novel, which was first published in 1996.

It certainly explores the the bedrooms of the New York elite, and you see several of it's themes throughout the series.

Series one of SatC certainly has a more book based Carrie, but I'm glad she got developed into the fashionista that she became.

This was a really good first novel for Bushnell.

What can I say? If you love Sex and the City, it's definately worth a read.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Bag Books: Last Breath

Last Breath by Rachel Caine

For anyone who doesn't know, I really enjoy reading Caine's work, though my favourite series is the Weather Warden collection, however I get immense satisfaction from reading the Morganville Vampire novels.

Last Breath is Morganville Book #11 and continues following the life of little human Claire and her friends. What I like is that in the foreword you are given a welcome to the book and in the introduction you pretty much given the feel of the town in a couple of pages, but also a brief summary of the previous novels.

Anyone who hasn't read the Morganville novels, don't worry and you should, this is a fresh story with only mentions of the previous bad guy. I enjoy the way Caine will write little introductory sentances to characters which give depth for new readers, but also a refresher for seasoned Morganville readers.

Caine tried something new with this and told the story from several view points, which made a nice change to be able to know what Amelie's thought process was.

The story was great, Myrnin came into his own as usual and is easily my favourite character, fanged bunny slippers and all. My only complaint is that the character's (not naming them because I don't want to spoil the story) death wasn't fleshed out enough, I would have liked them to be dead a little while longer and explore their surroundings and the new character they meet a bit more.

I love the track lists that Caine puts into the backs of her books, it's a great accompaniment to a scene but it also helps find new music to listen to.

Another thing, I adore having the UK exclusive short stories, not sure what we did to deserve them, but they're great for character development.

I love this book. If anyone wants to get into this series, they're in this order:

Glass Houses
The Dead Girls Dance
Midnight Alley
Feast of Fools
Lord of Misrule
Carpe Corpus
Fade Out
Kiss of Death
Ghost Town
Bite Club
Last Breath

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Bag Books: Julie & Julia (Part 2)

Julie & Julia by Julie Powell

I finished it! I still stand by what I said in Part One of this book review, but http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifit's alot more enjoyable after the first 100 pages.

Once you hit that mark it becomes alot more about the cooking aspect, I also found that I could relate to Powell in her cooking endevours because of my own.

Julie Powell has inspired me and I'm sure it was around the time of seeing the movie that I thought I should get serious with my cooking, or perhaps try something more difficult/different.

I really felt involved and amazed at the attention she recieved, I'm sure once I get my hands on that cookbook I'll be able to fully realise what she went through. As far as biographies go, this is one of the interesting ones, and I'm most likely not the only one to get why it became, a very enjoyable, movie.

I found myself laughing at her remarks, even rolling my eyes with good humour at times.

So, ladies and gentlemen, snap up this book and read it good, as it's a much more enjoyable book than I thought it was going to be at the start.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

For anyone interested; an extended 'full' version of this review will soon be available on Lozzy's Tasty Buds.

Bag Books: Storm Born

Storm Born by Richele Mead

Admittedly I was searching for the graphic novel version when I found this, though I'm glad that I got this instead.

Anyone who follows me on Twitter will know that I was reading this and really enjoying it, and I quote (myself):

I have to say, that book was smutty...smutty in a good way!

It's one of the sexy fantasy novels, in the same style as Charlainne Harris and Rachel Caine. Though the sex scenes are more detailed than Caine's but almost equal to Harris's.

So if you like a little smut, go for this book.

The story is great, not revealing everything up front but allowing you to discover things as events unfold for the main character.

As you know I never write spoilers, just what you find on the blurb, one reason I wanted to read this story was this:

Just typical. No love life to speak of for months, then all at once, every horny creature in the Otherworld wants to get in your pants. . .

That sentence had me giggling for a long time, the way it's written, almost like "Typical, you wait for ages then 3 buses come along at once."

It gets better from there but I'll let you find that out yourself.

I really recommend this book as it is a good read, you might even find you enjoy it so much that you purchase the graphic novel.

So that's it for this hyperactive review.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Bag Books: Black Summer #0

Black Summer issue #0 by Warren Ellis and Juan Jose Ryp

Oh I know, another comic book, I will resume the books at some point but I'm so enthralled by this comic.

Issue #0 sets up the premise for the run. When you allow superheroes to punish your criminals for you, and judge who is a criminal, what happens when they realise that it's the leaders of the country who is the biggest criminal of all.

"When the political situation in the USA becomes more than Horus can stand, he moves to take matters into his own hands. But since not all his other team-mates aren't so eager to throw the world into chaos, an epic conflict starts to form. And no one will be safe as the bodies start to fall. "

The art in this comic is wonderful, it abides by the general laws of drawing humans so they're all in proportion.

I have noticed, though, that these comic I've recommended to you, both contain drawings of a naked male arse, nice.

The story itself is amazing and I find myself eagerly anticipating the arrival of issue #1 through my letter box. (I know I'm way behind on reading this comic, but I'm excited non the less).

This is AWESOME! *cough* sorry, the 90's kid in me escaped, it is unavoidable at times though, especially when confronted with a brilliant piece of work such as this.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Bag Books: Watchmen

Watchmen written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons

A little change from the norm as I'm reviewing a graphic novel. Why? You ask, well, I barely picked up the book I'm currently reading as I'm busy, but this is a great story, so I thought I'd share it with you. I also apologize if it's a bit of a thin review, as it's been a while since I've read it.

Surely you've seen/heard of the 2009 movie adaptation of the same name? My opinion, good effort but not brilliant. They tried to keep it true to the novel, they just failed with the ending.

Well the Watchmen graphic novel beautifully shows you character histories, their struggle to live without their masks in such a time.

There's always a sense of foreboding, and it's truly wonderful.

Even though I'm not much of a comic book reader, I really appreciate this work, for it's art and story telling, even if it is set in a time period and location that I don't have much grasp on, as I was born in England in 1990.

I whole heartily back this book, and think that even non-comic readers can appreciate it.
If you read it for the reason of "I like to read it before I see the movie" then maybe you'll appreciate how the movie tried to be true, and realise why the ending is different.

Read it, and appreciate it's magnificence.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo



*Note* I've very recently got my hands on this, and I'm super excited to have my own copy, now I can read it again.

Bag Books: On Beauty

On Beauty by Zadie Smith

I was pleasantly surprised by this book, as I didn't think I'd like it. I honestly bought it as part of a 2 for £5 offer (the other book being a present)and I only picked it up because the cover is so beautiful. I know, I know; 'Never judge a book by it's cover', but you have to agree, it's an awesome cover.

When I researched this book I found out that it seems to be a modern version of Howard's End, though as I've never read it I cannot make the comparison.

It follows the Belsey family, which has instantly recognisable charaters in it, you will know at least one of them in real life, through their rivalry with the Kipps's and their own family issues.

Like I said, I didn't think this story was for me, yet it really sucked me in, I pretty much fell in love with the strong character of Kiki, mother of the Belsey family.

There are some laugh out loud moments, and other times you want to weep.

I really enjoyed reading this book and I enjoyed the ending, which is more of a chapter ending than a story ending, so you know this family's story keeps on going.

Great book, worth a read.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Bag Books: Happyslapped by a Jellyfish

Happyslapped by a Jellyfish by Karl Pilkington
And if the title of this blog wasn't enough to draw you in.....

I promise, this is the last time you'll see a Karl Pilkington related book on here, for a while at least, because I think I've read them all now, I mean, there can't be anymore can there? Comment below if there are.

For those who don't know, 'Happy Slapping' was a phenomenon a few years ago, about the time mobile phones started having video recorders built in, where you would attack a stranger all in good fun, at least one man died from it.

Right, to the reviewing!

This book is another insight to the mind of Karl Pilkington, though this is purely Karl, his thoughts, his diary, his illustrations and photographs.

I found myself laughing at the foreword and continued laughing all the way through reading this book.

This book is perfect for this time of year, as the days grow darker and shorter bringing on the Winter blues. It'll certainly make you chuckle, plus it's a great conversation piece:

"I just read that the first time he went to Ibiza, his mother packed a garden gnome in his case and he got stopped in the airport."

How can this not have your companion chuckling and continuing the conversation? If they aren't chuckling then they'll probably be astounded by the naivity of the man.

If you liked the other Karl themed books I've reviewed, then I certainly think I've left the best 'til now (I'm assuming there'll be another travel diaries for Idiot Abroad: The Bucket List). It'd make a great present for any Pilkington fans, or anyone who likes funny material.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Bag Books: Unbreakable Ties

Unbreakable Ties by Xowie Brandt

A great story from an author who should be better known, and perhaps write a follow up.

I was completely engrossed when I read this book. It's very descriptively written, painting a clear picture of the story and all it's characters. There's always another plot twist heading your way making you never want to put it down.

The short chapters make this a great book for traveling, as you always have a milestone.

The religious aspect of this novel isn't as obvious as most, Dan Brown, where the author has practically made it jump out at you like a flasher, wearing nothing but a tea cosy on their head. Like I said, the Pagan religion is subtly written in, yet it gives a real weight to the whole story.

At first, from looking at the front cover and reading the blurb, I didn't see how the two were connected, though this became clear a few chapters in. [The author even lent herself to the cover's artwork.]

The only thing I found I disliked about the book itself, was the couple of times the wrong words were used, that a spellchecker wouldn't catch, such as 'the' instead of 'they'. Though this did only bother me for a fraction of a second before I was sucked back into the plot. I guess this is a risk you run when you read an 'indie' author.

Overall, this is definately a great read, and it's available on Amazon, so go, purchase, and have a happy time reading!

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Bag Books: An Idiot Abroad The Travel Diaries of Karl Pilkington

An Idiot Abroad: The Travel Diaries of Karl Pilkington

If you liked the series then this is a brilliant addition, extra moments you didn't get to see. It's also just as funny, reliving moments completely through Karl's eyes, such as visiting the babas in India or actually wearing a nappy whilst there.

There's transcripts of the voice mail left on Karl's phone by Ricky and Steve, there's also scans on pamphlets, such as the one from the nudist beach in Brazil.

There's this naive honesty to Pilkington that I find so endearing and funny. I really would like to tave a holiday in his head.

This is a great little book for dreary days when you need a little giggle.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Bag Books: Afterwards

Afterwards by Rosamund Lupton

I've written this as soon as I've finished the book, I started it this morning and couldn't put it down and read all 450 pages in practically one sitting.

This is a very clever story, seen through the eyes of Grace, a 39 year old mother, who has an out of body experience as she tries to piece together what happened to her and her teenage daughter during a fire, and she sees what happens to the rest of her family during her comatose time in hospital.

Like I mentioned, you find out what happens but you're fed plenty of red herrings along the way, adding intruige, keeping you hooked. There's also a theme of love, which sounds cliche but it's so beautiful. There's also a part between father and son that would make a stone heart weep. Though it's the undercurrent theme of water that amazes me, yet it's so fitting.

One thing I liked about the book itself is the fact there are discussion points for a bookclub after the story. This made me smile as I don't know of many book clubs near me, but the idea of a group of people, sat with coffee/tea and cake whilst talking through the water theme and giving their ideas just gave me a happy feeling.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Bag Books: One Day

One Day by David Nicholls

This book has received so much hype and as the movie is coming out, I thought I'd read it before I go see it.

So, first off, I'd like to say how pleasing on the eye I find the cover and first few pages. Decorative without trying too hard and at the beginning of each part, the book is split into five, you're met with a nice quote, relevant to each part of the characters lives.

The story follows Emma and Dexter's lives over 20 years on the 15th July, which is where the book gets it's title, One Day. At first I did think, based on the movie trailers, that it was 'One Day' as in 'One Day I'll get him, he'll be my husband etc.'
I find the way it's written, switching between points of view, refreshing, and written in a way that doesn't confuse the reader.

It's a such a cliche but it is a roller coaster of emotions and you feel like you've known Em & Dex, Dex & Em for a long time, pretty much as long as the book spans really.

Without spoiling it, it is a sad ending and my jaw literally dropped when I read it, then I stared at the page whilst tears pricked my eyes, then I re-read the last paragraph to make sure I had interpreted it correctly.

This is a great story, one that will definately leave you gripped.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

I haven't had this reaction to a book since I read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows on it's release day.

Bag Books: Dealing with Dragons

Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede

This is the first book in The Enchanted Forest Chronicles, and I would say that it's generally aimed at pre-teens/teenagers, but I don't see why that should stop anyone reading it.

The story follows Princess Cimorene (pronounced Chi-mor-een, according to Google Translate) who is bored with her traditional royal life, and what's deemed as "proper", in common terms, she's a tomboy. So, she runs away to live with dragons.

These aren't typical dragons, they're not seemed as evil. These are clever dragons, logical, each has their own characters.

There is a wonderful undercurrent of humour running through this book, and a great use of language. The characters could be fleshed out, though I imagine this happens over the course of the books, but I find the characters very likeable.

The advantage of this being a book aimed at teenagers, is that it's not overly complicated. you can simply read, put it down and pick it back up without too much thought of who-what-when-where-how-when?

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Bag Books: Last Chance

Last Chance by Sarah Dessen

I have had this book for about 10 years without reading it, I got it free on J17 magazine. So when I finally got around to reading it I wished I'd read it years ago.

This was such a nice little read. I finished it in a few hours and I was really pleased with the reading experience it gave me.

Actually, not only did I enjoy the reading experience but I also felt better about myself for reading it. The theme of the book is self esteem and looks into how you see yourself may not be how others see you.

I felt empathy for Colie (the main character) as I remember my own teen years, badly dyed black hair and facial piercing and all. You follow her journey as she grows as a person in such a short space of time, and she barely changed on the outside.

The author, herself, says this is a summer read, it isn't a lengthy book, so I imagine it is just perfect for throwing into your suitcase and reading poolside, or simply reading on the bus in those ten minute snatches.

I give it a thumbs up.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Bag Books: A Big Little Life

A Big Little Life: A memoir of a joyful dog by Dean Koontz is my book of choice this week.

Dean Koontz is perhaps best known for his dark thrillers, not anything as sweet as this story.

This book is the memoir of his beautiful Lab, Trixie (or Short-Stuff, or anything else that sprang to his mind). It's such a wonderful read that makes you laugh, smile, cry and wonder. These are feelings that you have when you are a pet owner, who truely loves their animal companion.

Trixie inspired his novels, she has such a wonderful personality and spirit. I really enjoyed reading this book, it really made me think of my own dog, I could relate to Koontz's writing, I laughed at Trixie's mischieviousness, I was full of wonder at the religious thoughts, I smiled at their special relationship and I cried at the end.

I will say, if you liked the Marley & Me film, you will like this book.

It's paperback so it'll just fit in your bag or pocket, convienient. Each chapter is accompanied by a wonderful photograph of Trixie, those alone would brighten your travel time.

I give this book a big, double thumbs up.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Bag Books: The World of Karl Pilkington

Another future feature on my blog, if you're intruiged as to what this title is, read on.

I wonder, in this digital age, how many of us carry books in our bags?
I do, they make longer journeys easier. I swap them depending on my mood, and I have been known to carry my hardback Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in my bag. Here I give you my opinions of books, that I have read, and think that would make an enjoyable read on the go, or whilst simply relaxing.


The book I currently have in my bag is: Ricky Gervais presents The World of Karl Pilkington

I purchased this book due to my current obsession with the comedic trio of Gervais, Merchant and, the afore mentioned, Pilkington. I find this particular book to be delightful, though it is the transcripts of the sketches seen in season one of The Ricky Gervais Show, it's accompanied by simple yet brilliant illustrations straight from the hand of Pilkington himself.

Though I already know the content of this book, it still makes me laugh, and the fact that it's sectioned into 'chapters' and has no linear narrative means that you can pick it up at random, choosing which section you'd like to read, or in some cases just browse the illustrations.

Pilkington's naivity and simpleness really make him a loveable character, and in no way could you take offense to anything he says, this is what makes him so funny. Combine then, this character with the intellectual, and funny in his own right, character of Merchant and the big character that is Gervais, and you have a comedically great trio who will have you laughing for hours.

These are some of the reasons that this is a great bag book, but I implore you to read it yourself.

I found my copy in my local HMV for £4.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo