Fragment Friday

Nothing to Envy - Real Lives in North Korea

by Barbara Demick

 As a former South Korean soldier, Tae-woo's ranking was toward the bottom of the heap - not the very bottom, because those people (about 200,000 or 1 percent of the population) were permanently banished to labor camps modeled after the Soviet Gulag. 

North Koreans of the lower ranks were banned from living in the showcase capital of Pyongyang or the nicer patches of countryside toward the south where the soil was more fertile and the weather warmer. Tae-woo couldn't dream of joining the Workers' Party, which, like the Communist Party in China and the Soviet Union, controlled the plum jobs.

 People of his rank would be closely watched by their neighbors. North Koreans are organized into what are called the inminban - literally, "people's group" - cooperatives of twenty or so families whose job it is to keep tabs on one another and run the neighborhood. The inminban have an elected leader, usually a middle-aged woman who reports anything suspicious to higher-ranking authorites. It was almost impossible for a North Korean of low rank to improve his status. Personal files were locked away in local offices of the Ministry for the Protection of State Security and, for extra safekeeping , just in case someone dared to think of tampering with the records, in the mountainous Yanggang Province. 

The only mobility within the class system was downwards. Even if you were in the core class - reserved for relatives of the ruling family and party cadres - you could get demoted

 for bad behaviour. But once in the hostile class, you remained there for life. Whatever your original stain, it was permanent and immutable. And just like the caste system of old Korea, family status was hereditary. The sins of the father were the sins of the children and grandchildren.

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

SURVIVAL. OF THE FITTEST.

The fifty contestants in the Miss Teen Dream Pageant thought this was going to be a fun trip to the beach, where they could parade in their state-appropriate costumes and compete in front of the cameras. But sadly, their airplane had another idea, crashing on a desert island and leaving the survivors stranded with little food, little water, and practically no eyeliner. 

What's a beauty queen to do? Continue to practice for the talent portion of the program - or wrestle snakes to the ground? Get a perfect tan - or learn to run wild? And what should happen when the sexy pirates show up?

Welcome to the heart of non-exfoliated darkness. 

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This was a highly entertaining book which poked fun at the consumer and image driven world in which we live. It focuses on the pressure placed on teenage girls to be and look a certain way. The failure to meet these society set standards and the effect it has on self esteem is discussed in a laid back and fun way. 

The writing is simple and fun, with many satirical elements. The roots of this book are very much based on social criticism. The author manages to highlight the fact that although people may have outside beauty and appear to be in control that is often an illusion and far from the truth.  Instead of having a one size fits all and stereotypical beauty pageant contestants Bray gave the characters depth and interests far beyond what would be expected. She portrayed them as intelligent, brave, inventive and independent women and it worked well. 

I really enjoyed the humor in this book and the way it tackles a tough subject without becoming preachy.  It shows that girls are not necessarily open about their views and interests through a fear of ruining the perfect image. However, throughout the book it proves girls are able to achieve whatever they set there minds too. While also explaining how accepting people as they are is far more rewarding than missing out on a friendship through misconceived ideas. 

Overall it was an entertaining read which I thoroughly enjoyed. The book covers a wide variety of situations that teenagers may find themselves facing such as, body image, parental and peer pressure, educational achievement, and sexuality including transgender. Therefore it is may be deemed unsuitable for younger children.

I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.

This book was entertaining and an enjoyable read. It uses satirical writing to cover a wide range of issues facing teenagers today, including consumerism and self worth. Subject matter is not suitable for the younger reader but it is a fun book and speaks the truth in a humorous way.

 

 

Living History by Hillary Clinton

Hillary Rodham Clinton is known to hundreds of millions of people around the world. Yet few beyond her close friends and family have ever heard her account of her extraordinary journey. She writes with candor, humor and passion about her upbringing in suburban middle-class America in the 1950s and her transformation from Goldwater Girl to student activist to controversial First Lady. Living History is her revealing memoir of life through the White House years. It is also her chronicle of living history with Bill Clinton, a thirty-year adventure in love and politics that survives personal betrayal, relentless partisan investigations and constant public scrutiny.

Hillary Rodham Clinton came of age during a time of tumultuous social and political change in America. Like many women of her generation, she grew up with choices and opportunities unknown to her mother or grandmother. She charted her own course through unexplored terrain - responding to the changing times and her own internal compass - and became an emblem for some and a lightning rod for others.  Wife, mother, lawyer, advocate, and international icon, she has lived through America's great political wars, from Watergate to Whitewater. 

Hillary Rodham Clinton is the only First Lady to play a major role in shaping domestic legislation; she traveled tirelessly around the country to champion health care, expand economic and educational opportunity and promote the needs of children and families, and she criss-crossed the globe on behalf of women's right, human rights and democracy. She redefined the position of First Lady, and helped save the presidency from an unconstitutional, politically motivated impeachment.

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I found this book to be very inspiring and extremely interesting. Hillary Clinton has been on television for most of my life, in fact, I can't remember the time before Bill Clinton was President and Hillary lived in the White House.  I therefore conclude that I must have first become aware of politics and politicians during Bill Clintons Presidency. I always find it interesting to see the story behind the headlines so to speak and although I knew of Hillary Clinton as the First Lady I was unaware of what that role actually entails which is why I picked up this book. I was shocked to find that such an important and busy role, which is in many ways essential to a successful presidency, is actually done without salary. Even considering the perks of living at the White House I would have expected even a small salary to be given due to the work and commitment needed in the role.

The book focused on Hillary's life from birth right through to her run for a seat in the Sentate towards the end of her husbands Presidency. The stories were not just limited to what was reported in the news or public knowledge but the reader is given an intimate look into her life. The book discusses not only her career and political life but also her private life and marriage. Holding no punches she explains how she dealt with public life, raising her daughter while balancing not only her needs but also those of the United States and dealing with the aftermath of her husbands infidelity while all eyes were on her. 

It was well written and Clinton has a clear voice throughout. Her writing is humorous and friendly. The stories she mentions allow the reader to see the softer side of her character and to understand why she fights so strongly for the causes she supports. Personally I was not aware of her own career aspirations until I read this book. Before she became 'the wife of the President' Hillary had her own very successful law career.  When her husband became President she put this on hold in order to fulfil his dreams. However she kept busy and possibly changed the role of the First Lady forever. Hillary took an active role in the White House using her substantial legal knowledge to aid her in policy changes, foreign negotiations, the implementation of medicare reforms to name but a few. 

Overall it is a worthwhile read. It took me a while to work through but it was a rewarding read which I thoroughly enjoyed. I actually took some time away from it and read another book midway through which allowed me to come back to Living History with a renewed energy. I found this book an education into American politics. I knew very little about politics before I began but now find I am more aware of how it works and the steps involved, as the book explains the process in an accessible and simple way.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

This was a great book which I really enjoyed. Hillary Clinton writes in a friendly, open and down to earth manner and is not afraid to mention difficult moments in her life and marriage. I highly recommend this book. 

The Murder on the Links by Agatha Christie

An urgent cry for help brings Poirot to France. But he arrives too late to save his client, whose brutally stabbed body now lies face downwards in a shallow grave on a golf course. 

But why is the dead man wearing an overcoat that is too big for him? And who was the impassioned love-letter in the pocket for? Before Poirot can answer these questions, the case is turned upside down by the discovery of a second, identically murdered corpse...

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I really wanted to enjoy this book. I love Poirot and have for many years therefore I sat down to this book expecting to love it as I have others. I was sadly disappointed. I'm not sure what it was about this book which didn't work for me but I really found it a chore to finish. 

I found the plot slow and the quite boring. While the characters were not very appealing. They lacked an energy and likeable qualities which meant I had very little interest in who was the killer or why the man was murdered. Poirot himself was written well and he still retained his elegance and unique style of doing things which was the main reason I continued to read on. Hastings really annoyed me through his strange actions and decisions in regards to a murder suspect. I found his character extremely unbelievable and quite silly. 

Although I disliked this book it doesn't put me off reading the next title in the series. As I mentioned above I have read and thoroughly enjoyed Poirot books before which leads me to believe that this book was simply not for me. In fact I am looking forward to picking up Poirot Investigates in the very near future.  

I rate this book 1 out of 5 stars. 

This book wasn't for me despite my usually love of Poirot. Although Poirot himself was written well, I found the supporting characters lacked depth and Hastings was simply annoying. However I still plan to read more Poirot titles in future based on my previous enjoyment of Christie's other books.

 

The Dwelling Place by Catherine Cookson

When fifteen-year-old Cissie Brodie loses her parents to cholera, she is forced out of the family cottage and left to raise her nine siblings alone. Although desperately poor, the strong-willed Cissie determines to build a new home for the Brodies. It is only a rough stone shelter, but to Cissie and her family it is enough to keep them from the workhouse.

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 This is a story which I thought I knew so well. It has been a staple in my television life for years. I have watched the televised drama of the book probably every time it has been shown on television since I was about 10. I am not sure what drew me to this story from such a young age but I have always loved it. I've been meaning to read the book for some time and was thrilled when I was finally able to get my hands on a copy.

Another reason I thoroughly enjoyed this book was the fact it was based in the North East of England where I was born and raised. As a young adult I also lived in both Newcastle and South Shields for many years and so I knew the names and places that were mentioned well. It was thrilling to read the book and be able to picture the streets mentioned in there current state; while also imagining them as they once were and how Cookson described them in the book. 

 The story follows Cissie as she attempts to keep her younger siblings from the workhouse after both her parents die suddenly. Cissie is little more than a child herself at fifteen years of age and yet she takes on such a mammoth task with real determination. Unable to stay in there current home she is left with no choice but to take the children  into the surrounding hills and live out in the open. The home she finds is little more than a cave and yet this strong willed young woman makes it work. The writing was very descriptive and really portrayed the cold, desolate weather and the utter isolation of the dwelling place.

Cissie is a remarkable character, independent, strong willed, kind, caring and compassionate. I truly love her in every way. Even during the hardest and cruelest moments she was able to hold her head high and remain strong. After a rape against her committed by an alleged nobleman and the subsequent birth of his child she showed amazing inner strength and bravery.  I enjoyed her determination against those richer and more powerful than she could ever dream of being. 

Overall it is an intricate story spanning many years - from Cissie at fifteen to well into her forties. It has many twists and turns and two very different love interests. It was a very engaging story which I really loved and would recommend to anyone who enjoys not only classics but also romance. 

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars

A wonderful story that really captivates the reader. I found it entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable. The ending honestly shocked me and made me love the book all the more. A great read.

 

The Darling Buds of May by H.E. Bates

 'Home looks nice. Allus does though, don't it? Perfick'

And so the Larkins - Pop, Ma, Mariette, Zinnia, Petunia, Primrose, Victoria and Montgomery - return from an outing for fish and chips and ice cream one May evening. There, amid the rustic charms of home, they discover a visitor: one Cedric Charlton, Her Majesty's inspector of taxes. 

Mr Charlton is visiting to find out why junk-dealer Pop hasn't paid his tax - but nothing's that simple at the Larkins'. Mariette takes a shine to 'Charley' - as Pop calls him - and before long the family have introduced the uncomplaining inspector to the delights of country living: the lusty scents of wild flowers, the pleasures of a bottle of Dragon's Blood, cold cream dribbled over a bowl of strawberries and hot, hot summer nights. 

In fact, soon Charley can't see any reason to return to the office at all...

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Growing up I was a regular viewer of The Darling Buds of May on television. When I look back to cold winter evenings snuggled in front of the television this is one of the shows I remember watching. My dad was a big fan and watching it together is one of my strongest memories. I had often wondered how the book would compare to the television show. Usually books are far superior than their adaptations to the screen and so I was interested in how this one would fare. All I can say is that it is the most exact adaptation I have ever had the pleasure of watching and reading. I could easily have been reading the script itself and the actors who portrayed the characters on screen were cast perfectly. 

The book was written in dialect which I found easy to understand, whether that is due to the fact I grew up with the show and was used to its sound and meaning I am unsure. I don't believe it is something that would block a reader from enjoying the book as it is very simple to extract the meaning of the words. Bates does a fantastic job of making the language, dialect and slang accessible to all. I found that by writing in dialect it also enhanced the characters, especially Pop, reading him was a pleasure and his speech portrayed a warm, loving and welcoming man who would be a true joy to know. 

The story follows the family as they get to know Charley who is a young office worker with little experience of the peaceful, laid back ways in the countryside. Pop and the rest of the family welcome him with open arms and despite his initial reservations Charley quickly warms to them. Insisting Charley stays at first for a night and then an extended visit, the family introduce him to the fun of strawberry picking, gentle walks in the evening and the gymkhana. It has a lovely pace and upon finishing it you can only smile and feel refreshed. 

I rate this book 4 out of 5 books.  

Overall a wonderfully cheerful read. It's a great book for lifting your spirits as Pop never saw a negative side to any situation and this view was infectious to everyone around him. A simple story which I highly recommend. A 'perfick' read!

 

Bout of Books Read-A-Thon Wrap Up!

Sadly my first venture into the Bout of Books Read-a-Thon was a bit of a fail. I only managed to read two books which is one behind my target of three due to being asked to do extra shifts at work which limited my time. I was also unable to unable to update or blog due to computer problems.  So instead of a 7 day diary I will simply show you the two books I was able to complete. 


Book 1 - The Dwelling Place by Catherine Cookson

Fabulous book. A story I thought I knew so well though watching the television drama as a child but  the ending completely shocked me. ITV have lied to me all these years 'sniff'.
 

Book 2 - The Darling Buds of May by H. E. Bates

Wonderful but also something I have watched many times on television. Whereas the book above had been changed for television and surprised me, this book didn't. It was like reading a script from the show. It brought back great memories of watching it with my dad but I doubt I will read it again. I will most likely watch the dvds as they are virtually identical.

I've only just noticed that both of these books have television shows that I loved as a child. I was obviously going though a phase of nostalgia without realising. The more detailed reviews are both to follow.

Fragment Friday

Talking about Jane Austen in Baghdad

The True Story of an Unlikely Friendship

 By Bee Rowlatt and May Witwit

 

01.01.07

The Old Man is dead. 

Dearest friend

Happy New Year to you and all the family. I'm sorry I couldn't write over the past few days because they've been quite extraordinary. we are in a state of shock. You must have heard about the execution. We were awakened by the sound of helicopters flying at low altitude a 5am. We've just been switching from one television channel to another. 

Now that the Old Man is dead, I expect it will get worse. You probably didn't know that the day of his execution was a Moslem feast and greatly honoured by Moslems all over the world. On such a day Moslems butcher or slaughter sheep and cows , or whatever animal may be eaten (not pigs), and distribute the meat to the poor and needy. So the Old Man was butchered in a symbolic way. 

This timing is not in the new government's favour. It changed his image in the eyes of the people from that of a dictator and a brutal killer into a martyr who was sacrificed, and a scapegoat for the occupiers and their collaborators. but to tell you the truth, I was impressed by his unprecedented courage in meeting his death. 

Gunfire is rumbling all over the area. The militias have come to occupy our district again, and the residents have gone out to defend it. The villas in our area are considered a very tasteful meal for the looters, and also for the militias, because many of the residents were well off before the war. Now there are many newcomers, mostly Islmic extremists and I expect a lot of violence to come.

Bee. Please, please, please advise me what I should do. As for Ali, and all the other men in the district who are Sunnis, they are afraid to go out because of the brutal militias and Islamic extremists. So we both have good reason o fear for our lives. We are terrified and have decided we should try to get out and seek asylum. What do we need? The only evidence Ali has is his passport, which has expired and which he can't renew at present. 

By the way, if you do not get emails from me for two months, write to my friend Maysoon. i will forward you her email. She will know what has happened to me. 

Will always love you. 

xxxxxxx May

 

Bout of Books Rea-A-Thon!

I am going to take part in Bout of Books read-a-thon next week. For anyone who doesn't know what this is here is a little information to explain.

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 13th and runs through Sunday, May 19th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 7.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

http://boutofbooks.blogspot.co.uk/ 

I'm also working nights during this period but hopefully I will still find time to read a few books.