I Read, Therefore I Blog

The Blurb On The Back:

Mr Men Little Miss
The Royal Party

Little Miss Helpful is organising a very special party. A street party with Little Miss Princess as the guest of honour, no less!

But Little Miss Helpful isn’t as good at organising things as her name would suggest and so it isn’t long before things start to go wrong, especially once Little Miss Naughty gets involved!

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The Verdict:

Based on his father Roger Hargreaves’s hugely successful LITTLE MISS and MR MEN SERIES, Adam Hargreaves’s self-illustrated picture book has all the charm and silly humour of the original books and although it’s aimed to tie in with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, works on its own merits aside from that. I particularly enjoyed Little Miss Naughty’s devilish cunning and how things nevertheless come good at the end.

MR MEN & LITTLE MISS - THE ROYAL PARTY was released in the United Kingdom on 28th April 2022. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

The Blurb On The Back:

For those who are new to philosophy the methodology for philosophical thinking may seem almost mystical.

And yet the processes are more familiar than we may initially fear.

Drawing on examples throughout the history of philosophy’s successes and failures, Timothy Williamson demonstrates how philosophy begins with common-sense curiosity, and develops through our capacity to dispute rationally with each other.

As he shows, philosophy can clarify our thoughts. This depends on the development of philosophical theories, which can be tested by imaginative thought experiments, and compared against each other by standards like those in science. Overturning the widely held dogma of the special nature of philosophy, Williamson unravels its methods, uncovers both their power and their limitations, and assesses the future of philosophy.

From thought experiments to deduction to theories, this little book will make you rethink what philosophy is.

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The Verdict:

Timothy Williamson is the Wykeham Professor of Logic at Oxford University. His book aims to explain how to do philosophy well by cantering through various schools, including the history and science of philosophy, to set out how they approach problems. I found some parts (e.g. the history sections) easier to follow than others (notably the logic section) but if you’re thinking of studying philosophy it’s definitely worth a look.

Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

The Blurb On The Back:

In MI5 a scandal is brewing and there are bad actors everywhere.

A key member of a Downing Street think tank has disappeared without trace. Claude Wheelan, one-time First Desk of MI5’s Regent’s Park, is tasked with tracking her down. But the trail leads straight back to Regent’s Park HQ itself, with its chief, Diana Taverner, as prime suspect. Meanwhile her Russian counterpart has unexpectedly shown up in London but has slipped under MI5’s radar.

Over at Slough House, the home for demoted and embittered spies, the slow horses are doing what they do best: adding a little bit of chaos to an already unstable situation.

In a world where lying, cheating and back-stabbing are the norm, bad actors are bending the rules for their own gain. If the slow horses want to change the script, they’ll need to get their own act together before the final curtain.

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The Verdict:

The 8th in Mick Herron’s SLOUGH HOUSE SERIES uses a missing person case to incorporate a savage commentary on UK politics. Like SLOUGH HOUSE there’s a strong set-up feel with Herron manoeuvring characters and motivation for Book 9 but Wheelan’s return, Taverner’s tribulations and Shirley’s rage issues are all a lot of fun, I enjoyed seeing John Bachelor from the novellas and there are some hilarious lines such that I can’t wait for Book 9.

The Blurb On The Back:

There is no blurb on the back. Instead there are the following quotes:

”Set on the harsh South Island beaches of New Zealand, bound in Maori myth and entwined with Christian symbols, Miss Hulme’s provocative novel summons power with words, as a conjurer’s spell. She casts her magic on three fiercely unique character, but reminds us that we, like them, are “nothing more than people”, and that, in a sense, we are all cannibals, compelled to consume the gift of love with demands for perfection.”
New York Times Book Review

“This novel from a New Zealand writer radiates vitality. Seizing on material that might seem outlandish, she transforms it into a table that’s as persuasive as it’s haunting. In this novel, New Zealand’s people, its heritage and landscape are conjured up with uncanny poetry and perceptiveness.”
Sunday Times

“Clearly it was written with passion and it has inspired passions … Rich, varied and flexible, the story becomes utterly compelling.”
New Society

“Keri Hulme is a poet. The power and feeling for nature and the more mystical sides of a dwindling people, the Maoris, will make it a gem providing a whole new range of experience.”
Daily Telegraph

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The Verdict:

Keri Hulme’s debut literary novel won the Booker Prize in 1985 and it’s easy to see why, given the fluid, lyrical writing that draws on Māori beliefs. However, this story of three deeply broken people is not easy to read, especially the scenes of child abuse, and it’s a book that leaves open a number of questions, including Simon’s background and Kerewin’s break with her family, while driving towards a happy-ish ending that didn’t feel deserved.

The Blurb On The Back:

Mirabelle is special because she is different.

Mirabelle’s mum is a witch and her dad is a fairy and she LOVES getting up to magical mischief!

Mirabelle and her family are off on holiday and Mirabelle has promised to be on her very best behaviour. She really means it too …

The holiday is amazing - but when Mirabelle makes a new friend called Beatrix, she makes a worrying discovery - Beatrix is even more mischievous than Mirabelle!

With potions gone wrong, runaway dragons and food fights, will Mirabelle’s family believe that Mirabelle is (mostly) innocent this time, or is it just a case of double the trouble?

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The Verdict:

The 4th in Harriet Muncaster’s MIRABELLE SERIES (a companion to her ISADORA MOON SERIES) for readers aged 5+ is an entertaining read packed with mischief as Mirabelle is forced to deal with the consequences of being thought of as a trouble maker. Mike Love’s illustrations (based on Muncaster’s original artwork) neatly complement the text and I enjoyed Mirabelle’s relationship with her older brother. I would definitely read on.

MIRABELLE IN DOUBLE TROUBLE was released in the United Kingdom on 3rd February 2022. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

The Blurb On The Back:

Follow the adventures of the extraordinary Ambrose in this newly discovered story from the renowned author of The Sheep-Pig, Dick King-Smith, completed by his great-granddaughter Josie Rogers.

I’ve NEVER seen anything like it … Fancy following a trail like THAT!

Ambrose may seem like an ordinary rabbit but he has the most extraordinary sense of smell! He can detect any aroma from sweets to kittens - and even niffy foxes!

He lives with his family in a hutch and is visited every day by Biddy, who is desperate to take him home to be her pet - if only her mum and dad would let her.

Biddy trains Ambrose to become a tracker rabbit - which comes in very handy when Ambrose’s little sister Roll goes missing. But when Biddy’s family find themselves in real danger, can Ambrose’s sensitive nose save the day?

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The Verdict:

Josie Rogers has completed her great-grandfather Dick King-Smith’s unfinished manuscript for release on what would have been his centenary, creating an utterly delightful read for children aged 6+ that’s filled with King-Smith’s warmth and wit. The illustrations by Stephanie Laberis are charming and there’s a lovely end note by Rogers. Younger readers will enjoy the adventurous bunnies while older readers will enjoy the sly humour and nostalgia.

AMBROSE FOLLOWS HIS NOSE was released in the United Kingdom on 3rd March 2022. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

The Blurb On The Back:

How ownership came to control us - and what we can do about it.

You may not believe it, but there is a link between our current political instability and your childhood attachment to teddy bears. There’s also a reason why children in Asia are more likely to share than their Western counterparts and why the poor spend more of their income on luxury goods than the rich. Or why your mother is more likely to leave her money to you than your father. What connects these things?

The answer is our need for ownership. Award-winning psychologist Bruce Hood draws on research from his own lab and others around the world to explain why this uniquely human preoccupation governs our behaviour from the cradle to the grave, even when it is often irrational and destructive. What motives us to buy more than we need? Is it innate, or cultural? How does our urge to acquire control our behaviour, even the way we vote? And what can we do about it?

Timely, engaging and persuasive, Possessed is the first book to explore how ownership has us enthralled in relentless pursuit of a false happiness, with damaging consequences for society and the planet - and how we can stop buying into it.

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The Verdict:

Bruce Hood is professor of Developmental Psychology in Society at Bristol University. This fascinating book examines the psychology of ownership, including distinguishing between legal, moral and psychological possession, links between ownership and personal identity, sharing, the links between wealth and happiness and how to give it away. I came away with a better understanding of why I have so much stuff that I find difficult to give away.

Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

The Blurb On The Back:

”The super-suit is powered by two things: kindness and imagination. Luckily you, Marvin, have tons of both!”

Marvin is on a school trip to the dinosaur museum when supervillain Rex makes the dinosaur skeletons come alive. He wants one for a sidekick and he wants it NOW!

When Marvin puts on his superhero suit he becomes MARV - unstoppable, invincible and totally marvellous. Chased through the museum by a rampaging T-Rex and then surrounded by velociraptors, Marv must use the power of his suit to save the day.

Marv and Pixel are about to show Rex that you can’t make someone be your sidekick - you need to earn their respect and friendship first.

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The Verdict:

The second in Alex Falase-Koya’s superhero series for children aged 5+ (with great, inclusive illustrations by Paula Bowles) is an action-packed affair with important messages about friendship and kindness. Rex was a more threatening supervillain, Pixel has more of a character here than “cute robot” and there are more hints that Joe knows Marvin’s secret. All in all, the series is developing nicely and I look forward to reading on.

MARV AND THE DINO ATTACK was released in the United Kingdom on 3rd February 2022. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

The Blurb On The Back:

”The super-suit is powered by two things: kindness and imagination. Luckily you, Marvin, have tons of both!”

Marvin loves reading about superheroes and now he’s about to become one for real.

Grandad is passing his superhero suit and robot sidekick, Pixel, on to Marvin. It’s been a long time since the world needed a superhero but now, with a mega robot and a supervillain on the loose, that time has come.

To defeat his enemies and protect his friends, Marvin must learn to trust the superhero within. Only then will Marvin become MARV - unstoppable, invincible and totally marvellous!

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The Verdict:

Alex Falase-Koya’s first book in a new superhero series for readers aged 5+ is a charming affair about the power of kindness and imagination with great black representation that’s well supported by Paula Bowles’s excellent illustrations. There’s a lot of set up here (which is understandable), I’m not sure how kindness powers the suit and the villain is underwhelming but there’s a lot of scope for future books and I look forward to reading on.

MARV AND THE MEGA ROBOT was released in the United Kingdom on 3rd February 2022. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

The Blurb On The Back:

Dead girl walking.

Pip Fitz-Amobi is haunted by her last investigation. But soon a new case finds her and this time it’s all about Pip.

She has a stalker, one who keeps asking: Who will look for you when you’re the one who disappears?

Pip soon discovers a connection between her stalker and a local serial killer, but the police refuse to act. As the dangerous game plays out it’s clear that if Pip doesn’t find the answers, she’s as good as dead …

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The Verdict:

The conclusion to Holly Jackson’s YA thriller trilogy is a dark and unsettling affair that works as a natural progression to the earlier two books (both in terms of plot and character) but there is a disturbing message here about how police and criminal justice system failures justify turning vigilante without any real consideration of proportionality or personal responsibility and I think the book loses something because of that.

Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.