My Name Is Why by Lemn Sissay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is Lemn Sissay’s memoirs of growing up in care. From the blurb it is about ‘neglect, misfortune and cruelty, but also hope, determination, triumph and creativity’.
Lemn was failed by the system, starting with his foster parents and ending with his final children’s home. It’s about everything that can be wrong about the care system.
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Me by Elton John
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Not usually a fan of pop star autobiographies- either too full of their selves or too much detail. This however was really readable and entertaining. Love Elton and love him even more now. Unfortunately the London leg of his farewell tour is sold out- finished the book and feverishly started ticket searching!
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A British legal drama television series, written and created by Abi Morgan, starring Nicola Walker, Stephen Mangan, Fiona Button, Annabel Scholey and Deborah Findlay. A powerful drama about power- girl power, the power struggle within families and the power, both positive and negative of family lawyers. It’s well worth binging on.
Today I have the pleasure of introducing another guest post by author John D. May. As well as an author John is a programmer, medical doctor and singer. He is interested in the effects of technology in today’s world- how vastly different it is from that of twenty- thirty years ago. This was the reason behind his book Lethal Keystrokes.
Take it away John:
As a previous programmer at IBM, I know the vulnerability of the computer systems that we rely on every day. How well can our industries and governments protect us against digital saboteurs?
Lethal Keystrokes highlights America’s vulnerability to angry individuals with a driving desire to destroy it. While blending in with neighbors and friends, they plot against us, not only through traditional methods but even more frighting ones.
“Lethal Keystrokes is a compelling look at America’s vulnerability to fanatics. It’s a contemporary thriller that you won’t be able to put down.” Anthony Furey Syndicated Columnist, National Post of Canada.
Today I am very pleased to have a guest post from David Pauly author of a fantasy series: The Fourth Age Shadow Wars.
The first book of the series is The Fourth Age Shadow Wars: Assassins– set in the land of Nostraterra, and features men, elves, and dwarves who have just ended a massive race war.
In the aftermath of the Great War, the land of Nostraterra lies in ruins. While the Elves, Dwarves and Men rebuild their kingdoms, a sinister plan has been set in motion: the assassination of Alfrahil, Crown Prince of Eldora.
As fire rains down within the city walls, young prince Alfrahil rides for his life and escapes. Braving unforeseen dangers, he is determined to unmask the conspirators and discover the truth.
Clues point towards Alfrahil’s brother, Prince Daerahil, and the scheming First Minister, Mergin. But who is really behind the conspiracy?
If you like fantasy fiction this looks like a great read. Thank you David for this tantalising taster to Assassins.
Milly x
The Castle of la Punta de Amer is a 17th century fortification located in Sant Lorenzo des Cardessar on the island of Mallorca. The sandstone structure was built in the late 17th century, and is now a protected site.
A great walk through the coastal nature reserve to get there. A small castle fortress with a local cafe for refreshments after the walk. Lots of feral cats and kittens around!
I cut my late teenage salacious reading years on Jilly Cooper. And this was deliciously Jilly Cooper.
Today I walked the Nature reserve between Sa Coma and Cala Millor – and found a different landscape of sand dunes- something I wasn’t expecting.
I thought the day was chilly, so changed shorts and T-shirt for trousers and sweatshirt. Found it was hot and went and changed. Half way along the route it went black and rained heavily!
The area was interesting. It is a breeding area for the loggerhead turtle, a protected species that lives in the Balearic Sea They come from different nesting areas in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. In recent years they have increased nesting on the Spanish coast. Climate change is causing a natural dispersion of sea
turtles that are leaving their usual nesting areas in search of other cooler ones.
The Dunes are in the process of being regenerated and there were lots of wild flowers.
The walk followed the coastline and passed through a farm. The walk showed a different Cala Millor to the beach, hotels and restaurants. I was uplifted following the tracks and listening to the bird song.
This is a very honest, heart wrenching account of human trafficking. The numbers are staggering, the tactics horrendous. There will never be an end, but where there is hope there is a way. Fortunately there are humanitarian organisations that will always make a huge difference to the lives of a few.
First trip to somewhere warm since lockdown was to Cala Millor, a town located on the Spanish Balearic Island of Mallorca.
Strong winds brought the temperature down a bit, but the locals are friendly and the Sangria potent.
What would you do to protect your family?
Anything.
And so the narrative cleverly unfolds. There is a surprise around every corner to throw you off balance. A family all sticking together. Or are they? The plot seems straightforward. Or is it? No one is a good guy. Everyone has a secret.
Well worth a read if crime/ thriller is your thing.
The true love story of C.S. Lewis, author of The Chronicles of Narnia, and American poet Joy Davidman.
A beautiful and moving performance staged by Redwood productions. Lucky enough to have caught the last night.
It’s the Swinging Sixties and sit-com writers Tony and Bill are writing a comedy series, Barbara (And Bill, starring Sophie Straw- a former Miss Blackpool who wanted to be a comedy actress like her hero Lucille Ball. I am a seventies child- the golden age of the half hour sitcom. I loved this! Five stars from me!
A travelogue well worth watching. Travel to Paris, Rome and Berlin with the gorgeous Joanna Lumley. For me it was all about Berlin. I’ve been to Paris many times, Rome looks amazing, amazingly I have never yet made it to Rome. But Berlin… it’s gotta be next!
Milly Space 