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  I met Valentine a year or so ago and we have become firm friends ever since. We were talking one day and he casually mentioned that his Great Uncle Bertie had been the only senior officer on the Titanic to survive the sinking. Funnily enough my family are linked to the Titanic also in that my great grandpa Graham helped to build it at Harland and Wolff in Belfast. Valentine was then asked to write a book about his family and their connection with this lost ship. I had no idea about the conspiracies that abound the story of the Titanic so after hearing Valentine discuss this on telly I was very keen to read his book and see what it was all about. It’s funny how within families you have the secrets that are not to be told. Valentine was aware from a very early age that there were such ghosts within his families closets, having literally found them in his grandma’s cupboard. He tried over the years to talk to his family, mainly his great aunt and grandmother but the doors were firmly closed. You know how it is with secrets… they just make you want to know more… So over his lifetime he has delved into the depths as it were and learnt a lot about the Titanic, through talking with close relatives and also doing a heck of a lot of research. So Valentine’s book is really the only book you will ever need to read in your quest to know the story as well as one can hope. I for one was not aware of the notion that the Titanic was in fact not the Titanic at all but the Olympic. Valentine puts forth an amazing amount of evidence to support this claim; I will not spoil the book for you by telling you what they are. So within the pages of this book you get to know the players, what they were like, and the errors that led to the demise of the ship and so many aboard it. It’s such a shocking story, was it all about greed, what did they really hit that cold night and how much did Uncle Bertie know? This book is a film waiting to happen and also a damn good read.
 I actually got this book for my Mum for her birthday, but secretly hoped that once she had finish it she would pass it on to me.
Diane Keaton is one of those actresses that has featured in some of the best films of the last (I don't want to age her here :-) lets say 40 years...
I remember my brother and I watching 'Play it again Sam' with tears literally streaming down our cheeks, such a brilliant film! and of course 'The First Wives club' that I actually took my parents to see.... together!!! The Godfather films goes without saying how brilliant they are.. just loads of brilliant films, and also she is such a stylish lady, always looks fantastic and like no one else, which I just love.
So when I bought the book for my Mum I was expecting a happy go lucky biography about hollywood... note to self... do a bit more research first!
The book is far from your usual Hollywood bio, and I have to say, all the better for it! We get to know the real Diane, the one behind the lens, the one who comes from a family, of very unique interesting people, the book is 'co-written' with her Mother, who kept beautiful journals all her life, sadly she felt she hadn't achieved her true worth during her life, and tried to vent that in these journals which Diane found after her death.
The pictures in the book, are of the collages that bring the journals to life, there are hardly any of hollywood folk, just a few pages for Warren, Al and Woody, whom she had relationships with, but this book isn't about them, or that side of life, its about what makes us who we are, where we come from, and where lets face it we end up.. with those that mean the world to us and are always there for us no matter what.
It is a beautifully written book, hugely emotional, but for all that a joy to read.
I really liked Diane Keaton before I read the book.... I am an even bigger fan now!
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I was recommended this book by a friend who had met the author and was so taken with what he had to say that he then bought his book. As the title suggests it was perfect reading for me, as my two income streams are my web designs business and my other, Loving Social Media. So I invested in a copy! It is very well written, easy to read and David gets his point across with stories to back up his knowledge. David Soskin for those who haven't heard of him was the former CEO of Cheapflights and is now the chairman of mysupermarket.com, so as you can imagine has a wealth of knowledge to impart. Having said that a lot of what he is saying is common sense but sometimes that gets lost in the excitement of starting up a new business. So it was great to garner the knowledge of someone who has been there and done it! I would recommend this book to anyone who is either thinking of starting an online business or has been running one for a while.
 After featuring my all time favourite author, the magical and inspiring Mr Tom Robbins on my website, I received an e-mail from a chap called Liam O’Purdon, he and his friend have taken all the interviews that Tom has given over the years for his 9 tomes starting with Rolling Stone in ’76. We join Tom as he answers the various questions from these keen interviewers, I know from experience that it is a daunting task to e-mail Mr Robbins, nothing to do with him as he sends the most entertaining e-mails I have ever received, it’s just that his writing is so wonderful and other worldly that I felt the foolish pressure of having to keep up when replying, and I felt that some of the people asking the questions must have felt the same, though I must say they all seemed to really know his work, and really got some great insights out of him. I know Tom would hate this, or a least not agree, but I felt that everyone should read this book, to garner just a little of his wisdom, he has openly stated that he has taken the road less travelled and doesn’t regret a bit of it, having started to write when he was just 5 he tells of how when given scrap books meant for gluing images he would instead write a story, and his mother would read them, he did find them years later, and said even at such an early age he had his style already formed. I won’t fill the review with quotes as I don’t wish to spoil it for the reader, but just to whet your appetite here are a couple of my fav’s: ‘ I always make important decisions on the 1st of April, that way if anything gets screwed up I have something to blame’ and a meeting of the minds occurred when he met Timothy Leary, bumping into Tim Leary whilst buying brussels sprouts – Leary asked how do you know which ones to buy, to which Tom replied, I pick the ones that are smiling. I have read out sections of this book to my partner during ‘earth hour’ and my Mum during Mothering Sunday, both enjoyed it thoroughly whilst also looking slightly bemused.. I think it takes a certain type of person to appreciate Tom! But once you have read his books and are in for the ride, you really won’t ever be the same again! The world is a more magical place, and as he says in one of his interviews you really do learn to appreciate each and every breath!
Whilst Mum is recovering from a back op, I have been reading to her from a lovely little book that I picked up quite by chance a couple of months ago. Having read a lot of Virginia Woolf's books I thought it would be interesting to read what her sister had to say. The book is called 'Sketches in Pen and Ink'. It comprises of notes made by Vanessa not for general publication, but merely to share with her friends within the 'Bloomsbury group' at their reading sessions. Each story is rather short, they consist of remembrances of her childhood with Virginia and their brothers. The death of her mother, a vague meeting with one of her step brothers wives a great account of the critic Roger Fry, which is where the below statement is from, as she knew of him vaguely and then they became very close. It is a wonderful account of how that relationship developed. What I love about the book, is the casualness of the writing. It is quite different to that of her sister, who as we know tended to really focus on the minutia of life; a case in point being 'Mrs Dalloway', a whole book which devoted to the events of just one day. Vanessa saw life through the eyes of an artist, most of those around her were writers, so it wasn't until later in life when she was involved with the 'Bloomsbury Group' that she was able to share this love and indeed have conversations and understanding from others. I love her observations; she casually throws them in, such as the one below, which is of course such an easy remark but as I read, made me think of the first time meetings with my friends and how at that time you see them from afar, as of people on a bus just passing by; never imagining that in some future time you would become friends and know each other better than even some within your family.
There is always a certain fascination in recalling the first time one saw anyone who later became one's friend and it is strange how frequently it is possible to do so, though probably at the time one was unaware of anything but the casual meeting with a stranger.
It's a lovely book, both in style as it contains some lovely paintings and drawings by Ms Bell but also the care that has gone into it by Vanessa's daughter and the editor Lia Giachero.
The above quote also made me think of the wonderful line in 'Tales of the City’ in which Mrs Madrigal tells Edgar 'ah but we are in a different light now.'
Ada
Gertrude Stein
This is a truly beautiful book, the like of which I have never seen before it is the illustrated version of celebrated poet and patron of the arts Gertrude Stein's first 'word portrait', The illustrations are by Berlin-based artist Atak who visually recounts the lives of the poem's two protagonists, Barnes and Ada Colhard, The book is generally thought to have been created for Stein's lover, Alice Toklas, the poem is often seen as a breakthrough in Ms Steins prose writing as it focuses on the interior quality of the characters and set the tone and style for many of her future 'portraits'.
 The back jacket of this book described it as the journey Joan Didions family took across America from the 1700’s to the present day, this was what drew me to the book, but sadly the main content was instead about California and how it has changed, using the analogy of the Americans who travelled across the country in search of the golden state, there is the very poignant statement in which she mentions of a story of some travelers who along the way see a girl by an upturned coach, she is all alone as the rest of her family have died and those she was travelling with just left her there! Joan asks the question, how can they form a new life with this on their conscience.
Joan also uses her own past writings along with those by the California writer's Frank Norris, Jack London and Henry George, to highlight the folly and recklessness in the very grain of the California settlement which has led to the California we know today-a state mortgaged first to the railroad, then to the aerospace industry, and now to the government, this is where I was disappointed there is a lot of politics and little history, I would imagine if you live or know the places Joan mentions then maybe it would hold your attention, I did read the whole book, and I can appreciate her huge intelligence being brought to this subject but It is just not the book that was described on the cover.
I just hope that one day Joan writes the book that is mentioned on the back cover of this one.
Shirley Maclaine the actress takes us on her journey towards spiritual enlightenment a thoughtful take on her quest to know why we are all here and have we had ‘outside’ influences along the way….
I remember reading this book when I was 17… looking back I see what a huge influence it has had on my life… I know Shirley got a lot of flack when this originally came out in 1983, but as the years have passed so many more people have actually written on this subject, I believe this book should be given another look. The other great thing about it was that at the beginning of each chapter Shirley quoted some of the books that she had devoured on her quest, so I then sought them out also and read the likes of ‘Plato’ Edgar Cayce’ Aristotle and so many more whom I would never have even heard of…
The basic premise of the book is that Shirley hit her early 40’s, she had everything she could desire, a great career a lovely daughter, relationships but she felt that something was missing, I think an awful lot of us feel like that…. But luckily for Ms Maclaine she had the funds with which to seek out her answers… and living in California she had the people to guide her as well.
Her main guide is a chap called David, whom she meets at an art gallery, then after that he keeps popping up. Other coincidences occur that she looks into instead of ignoring, and they take her on a wonderful journey all over the world, Peru, Stockholm, London, Hawaii. I particularly love the way she juxtaposes her ‘normal’ life alongside that of her spiritual journey. It is a very well written readable book… I recommend it, if for no other reason that to open your mind to the alternatives out there.. And as a great reading list for future books…
I must confess I have not read any of Daphne De Mauriers books, all I knew of her was through the Dirk Bogarde Autobiography's, in which she had made her disatifactio0n with Dirks portrayal of her husband ‘boy browning’
This book was given to me by my Mother… I think it was a sign from her that she was trying to understand my sexuality. I read the book keenly wanting to know how this lady had dealt with the demons we all have to face. It is a wonderfully written book, the family co-operated fully, and the letters give you a great insight Daphne’s story is such an interesting one, she had a strange relationship with her father, and strangely had a relationship years later with his mistress Gertrude Lawrence. Prior to that she had fallen madly in love with an aristocratic american lady, but sadly the feelings were not reciprocated. Ms Forster manages to strip away at the facade that Daphne fought so hard to keep of the happily married women. And instead we meet a complex and emotional character life mimics her books in ways one could never have dreamt of! A really great book!
This book is mainly based on the autobiography that Vita Sackville West wrote between 1920 – 21 but left unpublished and hidden away only to be discovered by her son Nigel in 1962. The story is a well known one; Vita was married very happily to Harold Nicholson, a writer and politician. They had one of the happiest known marriage’s, but were both attracted to their own sex. Vita had a very well known affair with Violet Trefusis that almost led to the end of her marriage.
The book offers a great insight into their story. It is such a shame however that we no longer have the letters Violet wrote to Vita, which sadly she burnt, it would be so interesting to hear her version of the events that end with both husbands dashing off together around Europe in search of their errant wives. The book was made into a mini series by the BBC that we have reviewed in our Movie section. It sheds light on a great moment in lesbian history where these two women through caution to the wind and lived out their fantasy's, it is very well told and a great companion to the letter’s book I have also reviewed in these pages.
This book is based upon the letter's sent to Vita Sackville West, written by Violet Trefusis (Mrs Keppel’s Daughter) it pertains to a very famous or should that be infamous affair the two conducted between 1918 – 1920.
I discovered this book in a wonderful second hand book shop in Gloucester, I remember walking down a tiny alley and suddenly being in the midst of this vast hidden shop, very appropriate with the tone of the book I purchased.
I didn’t really know too much about their story, other than things my Mother had told me.
The two had known each other as children, Violet had always been infatuated with Vita, and gradually with time the relationship changed, Vita was however happily married to Harold Nicholson, a prominent political whom also had homosexual tendencies. They both loved each other madly, but the pull of Violet at times could be too much.
As I mentioned this book comprises of the letters that Violet sent to Vita. Vita kept all of her letters whereas alas Violet destroyed hers along with all her diaries. The book therefore places Violet's letters alongside Vita’s memoirs - being able to tell both sides of the tale of Violet and Julian, Vitas persona.
The book shows us a lost world of hidden lives bewilderment and the power of true love. So strong it lead them to do the most extraordinary things. It compliments ‘Portrait Of A Marriage' very well, a fascinating read.
I have loved Carrie Fisher ever since I saw 'Postcards From The Edge'. After seeing the movie I read the book which was funny yet also poignant. As is Carrie's latest - it is a very short book and you could read it in a night easily but it is just so entertaining. Some wonderful one liners as you would expect. The book is basically her one women show but in a book format. I bet the show would be great!
In case you don't know, Carrie is the daughter of Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher who has written a few best sellers. Carrie has been in some great films 'The Blues Brothers', 'When Harry Met Sally', 'Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back'. The most prominent of all she played 'Princess Leia' in the first three Star Wars movies.
But back to the book - here are just some of my favourite quotes:
Fisher on waking up next to a friend who had died in his sleep after a party at her house:
“Now, if you entertain - try to alert your friends not to do this: - a) They’ll end up dead and - that can’t be that big of a blast, and b) it tends to throw the hostess off her game. Like, for a year or three.”
Fisher on her boyfriend leaving her or another man:
“Actually, he told me later that I had turned him gay . . .by taking codeine again. And I said “You know, I never read that warning on the label.” I thought it said heavy machinery, not homosexuality - turns out I could have been driving those tractors all along!
"Sometimes you can only find Heaven by slowly backing away from Hell."
"In my opinion, a problem derails your life and an inconvenience is not being able to get a nice seat on the un-derailed train."
Anyway best not add any more quotes I don't want to spoilt it. But there is a great dialogue between Carrie and Paul Simon when they are about to break up! Shear genius!
What a wonderful read, I lost myself in this book for the whole summer of last year and read it to Liz. Dirk was such a wonderful writer, I devoured his autobiographies when I was in my late teens. I realise quite an odd choice of reading matter for a young lesbian but then if you delve deeper, was it?
He led such a private life, never admitting throughout his life of his great love - Anthony Forward. In fact denying it right up until the end, which I find so very sad. But he was a man of his times and in those days you could literally get arrested for being gay, so one can’t really blame him.
These letters show a man who was happiest writing, he says as much within these pages, be it his autobiography or the constant stream of letters. As it said in one of the reviews I read, this book is helped along if you have read his autobiography as all the people who were hidden in the book, are now revealed.
It is a vast book but don’t be put off, it is a joy to read and with it being letters you can just dip in and out. Although I just couldn’t put the book down and am sure will re-read it one day!
If you like your music and in particular like Dusty Springfield music then you will love this read.
It is a biography written by one of Dusty's biggest fan members - Sharon Davis.
This book takes you through the journey of Dusty's rise to fame from the sixties when she was worshipped through to the 80's and 90's and her success with the Pet Shop Boys. Dusty's final days are also logged.
When Dusty agreed to the writing of this book her only words were 'Be kind'.
The book is very factual. All her songs are mentioned, when they were recorded, released and what songs she sang at what venue.
I personally would have liked to learn more about Dusty. Her personal life, what made her tick and really what her thoughts and fears were.
However, a good read if you're a Dusty fan and big on her music.
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