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07 April 2010

The Subtle Knife Book Review

I read this book at the beginning of the year, soon after reading the first in the trilogy, the book can be widely found and Amazon have some more good reviews and comments about it. Here is my first review for the Busy Bookworm Challenge.


This is the second book in the Dark Materials trilogy by Phillip Pullman. It was easier to read than the first and explains a lot more throughout the story. The story begins to involve more characters and as such becomes more complicated but as the writing is more fluent and easier to understand, there are no problems getting to grips with the ideas. The book takes shape in different worlds and with different stories entwined together. The interesting way Pullman brings the stories together unfolds slowly as you continue to read on. The character of Lyra becomes more lovable and although she appears quite normal in some respects you begin to see her true character forming as she is put through more trials and adventures. Her adaptable personality shows when she meets a young boy who she is told she must help, her trusting nature leads them to the stories end.
As the book draws to an end, you find yourself drawn into these mysterious worlds wanting to know more and wanting to read on.
I began reading the Dark Materials trilogy after my husband would not stop asking me when I would read it so we could discuss it. He only ever reads things he knows he will like and we don't generally read the same thing so I guess I had to be the one to start reading something a little out of my comfort zone - and I am glad I did. This was an enjoyable read and although I had been sceptical about reading this, I am keen to begin the final part of the trilogy.


What did you think about the book?

My 2010 Book Challenge List as of today...

My 2010 Book Challenge List

Every year I think to myself that I would undertake some kind of reading challenge but each year I don't sign myself up to one and on reflection I realise that actually I do read a lot of books! This year I am actively taking on a reading challenge which you can find more information about at Busy Bookworm Reviews website. So far, and I know it is part of the challenge so I do need to do it, I haven't written any reviews... they will come just give me more time! So far I am in the process of reading number 7 on my list and hope to write a few reviews before my holiday is over.

Here is my list - although not complete as I know there will be books I won't read and more that I will. The purple books are those that I have chosen to read myself, the pink are for my own book club and the green are for the library book club (note the differences!!).

1. The Subtle Knife – Phillip Pullman (January)
2. The Resurrectionist – James Bradley (January)
3. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies – Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith (February)
4. Whistleblower – Tess Gerritsen (March)
5. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly – Jean Dominique Bauby (March)
6. Twilight – Stephenie Meyer (April)
7. Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov (April)
8. The Yacoubian Building – Alaa Al Aswany (April)
9. Lo’s Diary – Pia Pera (May)
10. Child 44 – Tom Rob (May/June)
11. Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day – Winifred Watson (May/June)
12. The Amber Spyglass – Phillip Pullman (June)
13. The Name of the Rose (July/August)
14. The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society (July/August)
15. Comrade Jim (September/October)
16. Guernica (September/October)
17. The Suspicions of Mr Whicher (November/December)
18. Scottsboro (November/December)

What are you reading?

Spring has arrived!

With the arrival of more sunshine I have brought out my summer jacket!! I may still be wearing a pashmina but the winter coat has been put away... finally. The Easter weekend was gorgeous and sunny, I didn't venture out and about but enjoyed lounging around the living room and basking in the warm sun. I had a well earned break with not a thought about work, it was bliss!
I also put together some more jewellery and took some pictures while it was bright enough to do so. I wanted to share them with you here:

This pastel necklace has been made with summer in mind, the muted colours look striking in this statement necklace.

These cute earrings do have a matching bracelet and necklace so look out or them, although I may be wearing them as they are my favourites!

Classic in white and gold, this striking long necklace will have a bracelet to match. This pretty piece will accompany any outfit, especially black.

Another of my favourites, this bright and summery disc pendant is inspired by daisies and will look perfect on a summers day. This item is for sale on etsy.com - Disco Daisy Necklace

To help you keep your place in your favourite book is your favourite bookmark, the Stars in Your Eyes Bookmark has a rainbow of seed beads surrounding haematite stars and can be found for sale on etsy.com.

In other news.... I have nearly finished my teacher training!! Since I began in September it has been a whirlwind of ups and downs, I begin my last placement on 20th April and ten weeks after that will have finished. The hard part is now finding a job, with any luck this coming September I will have a class of my own.
I am currently on Easter break and apart from writing an essay I have done absolutely nothing! Well almost, I have been watching Jonathan Creek from the beginning but am not getting any closer to cracking each case. I have also been to visit some kittens so I may well be posting a few pictures of a new pet in a few weeks, my fingers are crossed!
How has your Easter break been?