Book Beginnings: Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh

'When I reached the 'C' Company lines, which were at the top of the hill, I paused and looked back at the camp, just coming into full view below me through the grey mist of early morning.'

This was an unexpected beginning, I thought the book, perhaps unfairly derived from the cover was  more about parties. And yet the character in question doesn't appear to be someone who would attend a party. 

I hope this book turns out to be as good, or better, than I anticipate it to be.

Have you ever judged a book by it's cover?

I'm linking up to Book Beginnings @ Rose City Reader.

Rowen

The Colour of Magic - Terry Pratchett

I don't know about you but I love a trip onto the Discworld, it's so well established and all of Pratchett's characters are so much fun.


I first read a Discworld novel when a friend bought me 'A Hat Full of Sky' I loved Tiffany Aching and I've read 3 of the books which have her as the main character. I loved all of them.


The Colour of Magic was a bit different. This was partly because it was an adult novel, so some of the language used, more than the themes involved, were a bit more advanced, the humour was a bit more dry and a bit less obvious. It was still hilarious. It was also because it's the first of the Discworld novels, and as such there was a fair amount of world building to be done.


Pratchett picked the perfect character and story to fulfill this, the Disc's first tourist. Twoflower and Rincewind were perfect together. Brilliant interactions and depth of character. I have to say I like Rincewind that little bit more, but just because he's hilariously cowardly!


I'm linking up to Speed Date Night @ The Book Swarm.


On a slight side note, who else really likes cover art like these?


Rowen

Jeremiah 31:3

'And from far away the Lord appeared to his people and said,

 "I love you people with a love that will last forever.

 That is why I have continued showing you kindness." '

The Cubs went on a walk along the river. Loving the summer!

Linking up to Your Sunday Best @ A Rural Journal.

Rowen

Book Beginnings: The Order of the Stick: Snips, Snails and Dragon Tales - Rich Burlew

'So, my agent calls me up while I'm chilling in the ruins of a noble and just civilization - that's just how the Big X rolls - and he tells me I need to read this "The Order of the Stick" book. I tell him, Sheckie, I don't need to do anything, or do I have to remind you what happened to your wife when you told me I needed to cut down on the off-color jokes?'

The preface of this book, as 'written' by Xykon, big bad of The Order of the Stick story arcs is long and hilarious. I love the way Rich Burlew is able to personify each of his characters, even outside of their normal boundaries. I'm looking forward to reading this collection of short and unrelated comics.

I love the main comic, if you havn't read it you should check it out here.

Linking up to Book Beginnings @ Rose City Reader.

Rowen

Sanctus - Simon Toyne

From the cover I expected this book to be pure fantasy set in another completely new world. From the Blurb you get a very good idea of what it's about. Either way this book more than surpassed my expectations.


Throughout this book I tried to second guess the plot and at pretty much every turn I was stumped.


The level of depth which is portrayed in all of the characters was amazing.  I feared for the safety of Liv Adamsen, at no time more so than in the ending, and I can't wait for second book to be released so I can find out exactly what's happened to her.


It was brilliant!


I'm linking up to Speed Date Night at The Book Swarm.


Rowen

Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee

I really love the Google Doodle we've had this weekend!

I might have mentioned it before but I'm definitely a monarchist. I love all things Royal, and I'm really glad that we have a Royal Family. So I have to say I've really enjoyed the Jubilee celebrations this past weekend, despite being ill!


I watched the River Pageant and the parade on Tuesday, but I missed Monday's concert.


The Queen is looking great for her age isn't she? I'd love to reach 86 and still be half as active as she is. I think she's and amazing woman, an inspiration.


Hope you had a good long weekend!


Rowen

Book Beginnings: For Whom the Bell Tolls - Ernest Hemingway

'He lay flat on the brown, pine-needled floor, his chin on his folded arms, and high overhead the wind blew in the tops of the pine trees.'


I really like the way this seems to jump straight in with the action. I'd like to know why he's lying on the floor, although it is about guerrilla's during the Spanish Civil War so I guess that would explain it.


I've been looking forward to picking this one up for a while now.


Linking up to Book Beginnings @ Rose City Reader.


Rowen