Ice Road by Gillian Slovo.
I'm part way through this book but already I've been drawn into the world of Leningrad in the 1930s. And if you think it's cold here, then Gillian Slovo's descriptions of the cold in Leningrad and the Arctic will have you reaching for a warmer jumper.
Showing posts with label Writer's Little Book Club recommended reads. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Writer's Little Book Club recommended reads. Show all posts
Sunday, 13 December 2009
Monday, 30 March 2009
Recommended reads
For the last three months I've been reading my way through a compendium of Anne Tyler's novels.
I've read The Accidental Tourist and Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant. I've only been reading them when I eat alone so it's taking me a while.
She shows a lot of compassion for our human frailties. My favourite character so far is Muriel in Accidental Tourist with her chaotic life but generous approach to people.
I've read The Accidental Tourist and Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant. I've only been reading them when I eat alone so it's taking me a while.
She shows a lot of compassion for our human frailties. My favourite character so far is Muriel in Accidental Tourist with her chaotic life but generous approach to people.
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
Recommended reads
Raving Fans by Kenneth Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles
(HarperCollins, 1998)
We have a recommended read from our web strategist Kirsty Farrelly today. As someone concerned that your website should pay off for you and with 17 years customer service experience in the retail book trade Kirsty has strong opinions about the need for not simply good customer service but excellent as a standard.
"I think that good customer service is a dying art, so I want to strongly recommend this book on excellent customer service. Using it as the basis for your service you too can create "raving fans for your business.
Even if you feel you might not be able to apply exactly these processes this book is inspiring and will certainly get you thinking about the customer service you and your staff currently offer.
Whilst working at Waterstone's I gave this book to every member of my team as I wanted them to offer great customer service. And it worked.
Go on - treat yourself, treat your customers and create yourself some raving fans.
(HarperCollins, 1998)
We have a recommended read from our web strategist Kirsty Farrelly today. As someone concerned that your website should pay off for you and with 17 years customer service experience in the retail book trade Kirsty has strong opinions about the need for not simply good customer service but excellent as a standard.
"I think that good customer service is a dying art, so I want to strongly recommend this book on excellent customer service. Using it as the basis for your service you too can create "raving fans for your business.
Even if you feel you might not be able to apply exactly these processes this book is inspiring and will certainly get you thinking about the customer service you and your staff currently offer.
Whilst working at Waterstone's I gave this book to every member of my team as I wanted them to offer great customer service. And it worked.
Go on - treat yourself, treat your customers and create yourself some raving fans.
Wednesday, 11 March 2009
Writer's Little Book Club recommended reads
The other book I was given for Christmas is Alec Ross, The Rest is Noise
This examination of 20th century music is a masterful look across the whole century relating the music and how composers came to it with the social, political and economic circumstances.
It's a book to dip into rather than read at one sitting. And it's one of those books that cause you to go listen to the music, more informed than before.
To accompany the book there is a website where you can find articles, audio clips of music and countless other excitements. Reading an entry in the book led me to the website where I found a clip of the music of Morton Feldman, which has now resulted in me buying more of his music.
This is the best kind of book that opens up a door to you.
This examination of 20th century music is a masterful look across the whole century relating the music and how composers came to it with the social, political and economic circumstances.
It's a book to dip into rather than read at one sitting. And it's one of those books that cause you to go listen to the music, more informed than before.
To accompany the book there is a website where you can find articles, audio clips of music and countless other excitements. Reading an entry in the book led me to the website where I found a clip of the music of Morton Feldman, which has now resulted in me buying more of his music.
This is the best kind of book that opens up a door to you.
Wednesday, 4 March 2009
Recommended reads
Today's choice is The God of Small Things - Arundhati Roy
"Gripping, chilling and awarded the Booker Prize. Roy's debut novel revolves around young twins who, through family misfortunes, lose their innocence.
At times you fear so much for a character, that you dare not read on.
Roy is both a master wordsmith and a consummate story teller.
A must read.
Babu Basu
http://www.babubasu.com/
"Gripping, chilling and awarded the Booker Prize. Roy's debut novel revolves around young twins who, through family misfortunes, lose their innocence.
At times you fear so much for a character, that you dare not read on.
Roy is both a master wordsmith and a consummate story teller.
A must read.
Babu Basu
http://www.babubasu.com/
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