132,602
edits
Changes
no edit summary
{{newfeature
|category=interviewslists|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Richard DenningTop Ten Self-Published Books 2023|summary=Richard DenningWe's [[Tomorrowve seen some really good self-published books this year: they's Guardian by Richard Denning|Tomorrowre up there with the best of traditional publishing. Here's Guardian]] is an action-filled children's story about the quest to save two universesour top ten, that will really appeal to many younger readersin alphabetical order, especially if they're interested in historyby author. We couldn't wait to interview him!
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Philip ThreadneedleJeffrey Dunn|summary=Jill enjoyed [[The Astronaut's Apprentice Radio Free Olympia by Philip ThreadneedleJeffrey Dunn|Radio Free Olympia]] is , a hoot story blending prose and poetry with themes of a jaunt through space for tweens with Grandpaecology, folklore, Bradley love and Headliceloss. We couldnShe didn't resist think it was the opportunity to ask Philip Threadneedle some questionseasiest read, but a rewarding one.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=comments
|title=How To Write a Fantasy Novel: The Full Guide
|summary=Fantasy has always been our way out of the real world's limitations. It's a space where magic is real, mythical creatures roam, and heroes go on epic quests. This genre is loved by people of all ages and backgrounds. It allows us to explore new worlds and face unimaginable challenges, all without leaving our homes.
But what if you could do more than just visit these magical lands? What if you could create your own? This is the magic of writing a fantasy novel. You have the power to build worlds with your words. You can turn simple ink and paper into landscapes that readers can explore.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=comments
|title=Amazon KindleHow Can Reading Improve Your Vocabulary: Best Practices|summary=Are ebooks the future Reading is one of books? Is it the right time most effective ways to get an ebook reader? We thought about improve your vocabulary. Not only does it long expose you to new words and hard. Yes we did. We don't often think about things this long or this hardtheir meanings, because but it hurtsalso allows you to see them used in context, which is essential for understanding and using them correctly. But sometimesWith the rise of language learning apps, such as Promova, cogitations are necessary. We wouldn't be here at Bookbag if we didn't love books but we knew that more and more many people were enjoying ebooks. It was time have turned to find out what it was really like technology to have up to 3improve their vocabulary. However,500 books in your pocket or your bagreading remains a tried-and-true method that has been used for centuries. 3,500! Yikes!
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviewscomments|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Mary E Martin3 Things You Didn't Know About Ghostwriters|summary=[[The Drawing Lesson: The First How much do you know about ghostwriters? These professionals lurk in the Trilogy shadows of Remembrance by Mary E Martin|The Drawing Lesson]] is the first book in Mary E Martinpublishing industry (both self- and traditional publishing), with most members of the public having only ever heard of them because of the Pierce Brosnan film. Given the awkwardness a lot of people feel toward ghostwriters, it's Trilogy no surprise that there are a number of Remembrance. We thoroughly enjoyed the book and took the opportunity misconceptions about what they do, so I'm hoping to ask Mary some questionsclarify three important things in this post.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To H A GoodmanConrad Delacroix|summary=Sue really enjoyed [[Logic of Demons: The Quest for Nadine's Soul Lensky Connection by H A GoodmanConrad Delacroix|The Lensky Connection]] is , a helterskelter ride through the afterlife that asks the reader to think about the consequences - intended and unintended - of their actionsthriller set primarily in Russia. It's She had quite a highly imaginative, sometimes touching, story, told with great pace and enthusiasm. We couldn't resist the opportunity to ask H A Goodman some few questionsfor author Conrad Delacroix when he popped into Bookbag Towers.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=lists
|title=Top Ten Historical Novels of 2010Self-Published Books 2022|summary=We love a bit of historical fiction here 're constantly amazed at Bookbag. It's a wide genre, ranging from a bit the quality of escapist reading to serious social comment. And the past often has a great deal to tell us about the present, so it can be instructive tooself-published books which come our way and we've seen some real gems in 2022. Here they are our favourite historical novels from 2010. Why not [mailto, in alphabetical order, by author:sue@thebookbag.co.uk tell us] about yours?
}}
{{newfeature
|category=listscomments|title=Top Ten Teen Books of 20103 Things You Should Know About Literary Agents|summary=ActuallyIf you're all set to publish your novel, that title should read ''Top Ten Teen Books Jill Read in 2010''it might be time to [https://blog.reedsy. And she's read com/how-to-find-a few. These are her favouritest of favourites and it was -literary-agent/ get yourself a tough choiceliterary agent]. SheSince you's discounted books that were part of a series - perhaps a bit toughre essentially picking the person responsible for presenting and marketing your book to the world, but otherwise shethis is no easy task. When you'd still be choosing. Why not ve sent your [mailtohttps:sue@thebookbag//blog.coreedsy.uk tell uscom/guide/how-to-write-a-query-letter/ query letters] about yours?and started getting responses, these tips will help you choose the right person for you.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviewscomments|title=The InterviewLolita Book Review: Bookbag Talks To Marcus ChownMost Important Things to Know|summary=We've always enjoyed Marcus Chown's workLolita, from [[Quantum Theory Cannot Hurt You by Marcus Chown|Quantum Theory Cannot Hurt You]] a highly controversial book, is not subject to his children's book [[Felicity Frobisher and the Three-headed Aldebaran Dust Devil by Marcus Chown|Felicity Frobisher and the Three-headed Aldebaran Dust Devil]]bans in American schools. After devouring [[We Need To Talk About Kelvin by Marcus Chown|We Need To Talk About Kelvin]], we leapt at Here are the opportunity most important things you need to ask Marcus some questionsknow about it.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=newsletterscomments|title=October 2010 NewsletterStylish Restaging of The Crucible is All Show and No Substance, According to Reviews|summary=Right. This month we are avoiding all talk of politics and spending cuts. Now the Chilean miners have been rescued - did you cry? We did - what we need The Crucible is a good book to take our minds off all the cuts doom and gloom, which has tragedy that’s been going on since forever debated and a day. Just do it already! Have you heard of the British Library's web archive? It's a thing we've been meaning to tell you about discussed for a long time and failed miserably in getting around to. Basically, it's a collection sites of cultural, historical and political importance to the UK and you can have a look at it here. Part of the plan is to keep a record of how the web has evolved over the many years by taking 6-monthly snapshots of a selection of cultural websites. And guess what? Bookbag is included Its current running in the blog section - are we theaters has received a blog? - and snapshots of our site have been archived for posterity since 2008rather intriguing review. It tickles us pink Keep reading to think that we've been includedfind out more. Take a look - the whole website is just fascinating!
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviewscomments|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Lorraine JenkinHow Bar Modeling Makes Word Problems Easy in Singapore Math|summary=Lorraine Jenkin has long been one Singapore Mathematics is a unique way of our favourite authors here at Bookbag Towers presenting this science. Parents and teachers will be able to understand and we couldn't resist explain to children the opportunity to ask her a few questionssimplest mathematical processes using images.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=listscomments|title=Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 2010Finding More Time For Reading|summary=Following hot on the footsteps If there is one thing that a lot of people could benefit from having more of in their lives, it's [[Guardian ChildrenA Bookbagger's Fiction Prize 2009|last yearView:What it'slike to be a reviewer|literature]] winner. Plenty of us have gone through this experience of suddenly finding that we are not reading as much as we used to. There are a lot of possible reasons for this, [[Exposure by Mal Peet]], comes another wonderful selection of childrenand it's books something that you might be able to approach in a number of ways if you want to make sure that you are getting back into reading again. But one of the 2010 Guardian Children's Fiction Prizemost important parts of this is probably that you are able to find enough time for reading, and that can be harder than you might initially think.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Mick O'HareGerry Brown and Randall S Peterson about Disaster in the Boardroom: Six Dysfunctions Everyone Should Understand|summary=The New Scientist's annual books of answers Sue was absolutely riveted to tantalising questions have always entertained and educated us here at Bookbag, so the opportunity to interview Mick O'Hare about this year's offering - [[Why Can't Elephants Jump? Disaster in the Boardroom: Six Dysfunctions Everyone Should Understand by Mick OGerry Brown and Randall S Peterson]]. It'Hare|Why Cans brilliantly readable but rather frightening: people't Elephants Jump?]] was too good s lives and livelihoods could be in the hands of company boards which are dysfunctional. Sue wanted to missknow more.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=lists
|title=Man Booker Prize 2010Top Ten Self-Published Books 2021|summary=We thought that 2020 was a strange year but 2021 has been equally so. Once again we've been amazed by the quality of self-published books which have come our way. Last year'knows top ten consisted of eleven books (maths never was our strong point...) but this year we'' that the judges are re going to have to make it a difficult time in choosing a winner - baker's dozen as we wouldnreally couldn't like to have their job!split them apart. Here they are, in alphabetical order, by author...
}}
{{newfeature
|category=comments
|title=How to Write a Standout Book Review in a Saturated Market
|summary=Book reviews are a crucial tool for the reading community — it’s via these that opinions are exchanged, ideas discussed, and recommendations found. But though the growth of book review sites is promising for readers, a saturated market also means that it’s getting increasingly difficult to make your mark as a book reviewer.
If you’re looking for ways to freshen your voice and make a stronger impression, I’ve got a few tips that might help. As an avid reader of book reviews, I’ve noticed that the ones that stay with me usually follow these three guidelines.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To L A WeatherlyGerry Brown, Andrew Kakabadse and Filipe Morais about The Independent Director in Society|summary=If you're into that whole paranormal romance thing, you're going to love Sue was an enthusiastic reader of [[Angel by L A Weatherly]]. It's a breathtaking helter-skelter The Independent Director in Society: Our current crisis of a story in which two young people learn governance and what to trust do by Gerry Brown, Andrew Kakabadse and Filipe Morais|The Independent Director in Society: Our current crisis of governance and love one another as they battle predatory angels. L A Weatherly is doing the rounds on a blog tour what to do]] and she kindly called in on Bookbag. We persuaded her to tell us all about ''Angel'' and how had several points she came wanted to write itdiscuss with the authors when they popped into Bookbag Towers. Oh, and if you've happened along before the closing date (31 October 2010), hurry over to the [[Angel by L A Weatherly|review page]], because you could win yourself a copy!
}}
{{newfeature
|category=newsletterscomments|title=September 2010 NewsletterComic Books Where the Bad Guys Won|summary=Have you bought a Kindle or another e-reader or an iPad? We Bookbaggers haven't - yetComic books and movies, in general, have been given the portrayal of good; always winning and saving the day. It's not that however, thanks to the creativity of writers, we're Luddites. We're waiting until things settle downhave a few writers of comics who have managed to alter this unsaid rule, everyone's stopped arguing and we can see evil wins at the lie end of the landday'. There's much While it may not be a great thought to tempt us bear in electronic books and mind, it is still something a lighter suitcase when we go bit fascinating to dwell on holiday is only the beginning. Imagine the richness possible. Imagine the convenience. And - hopefully - imagine the better prices we're all going to get. Well, we are, aren't we? But let's face believe that it. We readers might be ready, but is the product? Too many electronic books are badly designed, little more than a scan breath of the print version. What a waste. The publishers do need fresh air to catch up. And what's going to happen with DRM? Will discover that we have to stop passing our books on to friends and family? And something different from the cliché where the hero always emerges as web publishers, what about our review copies? The finished ones? Will we have to stop donating them to school libraries? Has anybody thought this through? the victor.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Andy MulliganGerry Brown About Making a Difference: Leadership, Change and Giving Back the Independent Director Way|summary=You will probably know Andy Mulligan best for Gerry Brown is so keen to see people geting involved that there's a free digital [[Ribblestrop https://www.degruyter.com/view/title/580618 download] of this £42 book.}}{{newfeature|category=lists|title=Top Ten Self-Published Books 2020|summary= In this strangest of years we've been delighted by Andy Mulligan|Ribblestrop]], his wonderfully absurdist comedy set the self-published books we've read and they're all books which compare well with traditionally-published books in a boarding schoolthe same genres. Now heWe really couldn't narrow the choice down any further - so this year's turned his attention to social issues top ten consists of eleven books and mystery adventures here they are, in [[Trash alphabetical order by Andy Mulligan|Trash]], a gorgeous fable that is bound to win awardsauthor. You shouldn't miss it. Andy was kind enough to have a chat with us.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Leigh HodgkinsonOlga Kokshagina and Allen Alexander|summary=Bookbag has long loved Leigh Hodgkinson's work with its unique design and great sense of humour. When Sue was so impressed by [[Limelight Larry The Radical Innovation Playbook: A Practical Guide for Harnessing New, Novel or Game-Changing Breakthroughs by Leigh Hodgkinson|Limelight Larry]] Olga Kokshagina and [[Scrummy! by Leigh Hodgkinson|Scrummy!Allen Alexander]] were both released in close proximity, we couldn't resist that she wished that she had a good business idea of her own so that she could use the opportunity book. Perhaps that was what she was talking about when Olga and Allen popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to ask her a few questionsus.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Ken HowardAndrew Hampshire|summary=Ken HowardTechnology can seem frightening to people who don's t have the background. In [[The Young Chieftain Creating Value Through Technology: Discover the Tech that Can Transform Your Business by Ken HowardAndrew Hampshire|The Young ChieftainCreating Value Through Technology: Discover the Tech that Can Transform Your Business]] is a really unusual story about an American boy who finds himself on a remote Scottish island in Andrew Hampshire discusses the middle of a clan conflict. It's easy tech that can add quantifiable value to read, but with several layers your business and how to peel back. We loved get the mix most out of modernity it. He and tradition and jumped at the chance Sue had a lot to ask Ken some questions chat about writing itwhen he dropped into Bookbag Towers.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviewscomments|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Rebecca ElliottStand Up to Bullying With a Pulitzer Prize Winner|summary=Bookbag really enjoyed [[Milo's Pet Egg by Rebecca Elliott|Milo's Pet Egg]] In every generation, there are kids who become bullies. They bully their siblings, neighbor kids, and jumped at the chance their classmates. They seem to believe that other kids look up to ask Rebecca Elliott some questionsthem and respect them. We're delighted we did That is self-delusion, as shemost adults are aware, but kids don's provided some fascinating responses! We've subsequently read [[Just Because by Rebecca Elliott|Just Because]] which we loved all t have the more, experience to properly judge what is respect and [[Cub's First Winter by Rebecca Elliott|Cub's First Winter]] which also really charmed uswhat is merely fear.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=newsletterscomments|title=August 2010 NewsletterFrom Sci Fi to Reality: How Dreams Turn Into Innovations|summary=Hello! How are you? We're all good here at Bookbag Towers. Jill The gap between sci-fi and reality is dealing with a glut of runner beansnot so big anymore. Sue is enjoying her new office. Keith is making new pals in deepest Wales. And we're all reading lots and lots of lovely books. As we now You don’t have more than four thousand reviews on the site, we were wondering how you prefer to navigate them, and so we thought we'd tell you about our [[Recommendations|recommendations]] page this month. It gives some good options for finding a book you'd really like go that far back in time to readsee huge developments in technology. If you're into all things newFor example, you can check out the [[:Category:New Reviews|newest reviews sorted by category]]. If it's themes you're looking smartphone has been around forover 10 years now, try our extensive list of [[:Category:Lists|top tens]]. The [[Highest Rated Reviews By Genre|highest rated reviews by genre]] are the creme de la creme, although but if you like browsing a bit more broadlydon’t have one in today’s society, then you'll enjoy rummaging through all the [[:Category:5 Star Reviews|5 star reviews]]. On the other hand, if you're feeling lucky, you can you’d either be seen as crazy or just read a [[Special:Random|random review]]out of touch.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviewscomments|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Alan Durant5 Great AI books to read in 2020|summary=Bookbag fell head over heels Artificial intelligence (AI) has expanded into one of the most important technologies in love human history. It comes with [[Unfortunately by Alan Durant and Simon Rickerty]] - unfortunately we can't stop reading itso many benefits, but fortunately it's super. We leapt at from improving the opportunity efficiency of simple, basic tasks to helping to ask Alan Durant some questionssolve advanced problems by quickly analyzing large data sets.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=newsletterslists|title=July 2010 NewsletterA Baker's Dozen of Books to Keep the Kids Occupied When They Can't Go Out|summary=It's windy and rainy today, here at Bookbag Towers. What's going on? Where's our sunshine? Do we have Are you running out of inspiration for what to leave do with the shores of this sceptr'd isle to catch some rays, always, every single time? Sometimes, it sure does feel like it. Jill doesnkids when they can't mind: she's swanning off to Tuscany for a fortnight, and it's bound to be hot there, right? Rightgo out?! We've been taking stock this month. We're not far away from come up with a site containing five thousand book reviews and approaching that milestone has pulled us up short. At Bookbagbaker's birth five years ago, if dozen of books to give you'd told ussome brilliant ideas.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviewslists|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To David GatwardTop Ten Self-Published Books 2019|summary=Bookbag thought [[The Dead (The Dark) by David Gatward|The Dark]], a book of zombie horror positioning itself firmly We've seen some cracking self-published books this year and they're all books which compare well with traditionally-published books in the Darren Shan marketsame genres. We really couldn't narrow the choice down any further - so this year's top ten consists of eleven books and here they are, provided strong characters, an interesting premise and a wonderful sufficiency of gorein alphabetical order by author.. So, naaturally, we enjoyed asking David Gatward all about writing it.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviewscomments|title=The Interview: Bookbag Desiree Villena Talks To Melanie WelshBookbag About 5 Key Tips for Writing a Critical-Yet-Fair Book Review|summary=Bookbag thought [[Mistress of the Storm by Melanie Welsh|Mistress of the Storm]] was full of seafaring adventureWriting a book review isn't difficult, mystery and intrigue. Naturallyyou know, we jumped at the chance but there are a few things you need to shiver some timbers and buckle some swash with herkeep us in mind. Desiree Villena gives us five tips. This is what we talked about!
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Heather GudenkaufMelanie Martin|summary=Bookbag found |summary=In [[The Weight War and Love: A family's testament of Silence anguish, endurance and devotion in occupied Amsterdam by Heather GudenkaufMelanie Martin|The Weight War and Love: A family's testament of Silenceanguish, endurance and devotion in occupied Amsterdam]] Melanie Martin reconstructs what happened to be an impressive debut with plenty of suspense her family in occupied Amsterdam in WWII. It's a highly compelling if occasionally shocking read. Days after she finished the book Sue could not stop thinking about what she had read and unexpected twists. We were was delighted by when the opportunity author agreed to ask Heather Gudenkauf some questions about itchat with her.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=newsletterscomments|title=June 2010 NewsletterFraming the Brexit narrative: immigration, myths and public perception|summary=Vuvuzelas, eh? Who'd 'ave 'em? Personally, here Loobna Joomun looks at Bookbag Towers, we prefer vuvuzelas how Brexit is likely to affect the World Cup but even we know that's a sacrilegious remark publishing industry - and so we shall say no more about it... ... ahem. Possibly a more constructive topic is holiday readingthe wider country. Do you pack books? Or do you rely on airport potboilers? Or stick to newspapers and magazines? We Bookbaggers obviously have a separate piece of luggage just for our books, and we carry it everywhere we go, no matter how heavy it gets. Fancy being stuck on holiday with nothing to read! Now that '''is''' sacrilege!
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviewscomments|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Joel Stewart8 ways to motivate yourself to write, right NOW by Jessica Jarlvi|summary=Bookbag has really enjoyed Joel StewartEver felt that you's recent work, including [[Dexter Bexley And The Big Blue Beastie On The Road by Joel Stewart|Dexter Bexley And The Big Blue Beastie On The Road]] and [[Have You Ever Seen A Sneepve hit a brick wall with your writing? by Tasha Pym and Joel Stewart|Have You Ever Seen A Sneep?]] We were delighted when he agreed to answer some of our questionsJessica Jarlvi has eight tips yo get you writing again.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviewscomments|title=The Interview: Bookbag Greg Hickey Talks To Anthony BrowneBookbag About The Old Guard of Dystopian Fiction|summary=Bookbag has long loved Anthony BrowneWhere do you go when you move beyond classics like ''s work - particularly [[Little Beauty by Anthony Browne|Little Beauty]]. After being enthralled by the Children1984's Laureate's latest offering, [[Me and You by Anthony Browne|Me and You]], we jumped at the chance to ask him some questions.''Brave New World''?
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviewslists|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Joanne OwenTop Ten Self-Published Books 2018|summary=Bookbag Choosing the top ten self-published books we read in 2018 was really intrigued by [[The Alchemist and the Angel by Joanne Owen]]difficult as we're constantly surprised at just how good some self-published books are. It Here's a rather unique historical fantasy, well-researched and bursting with fascinating detailour final top ten in alphabetical order by author.. Those with a taste for colourful and slightly gothic folklore will love it, and Bookbag was delighted to ask Joanne Owen some questions.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviewscomments|title=The Interview: Bookbag James Donald Talks To Pete JohnsonBookbag About The Death Of Norman Breyfogle|summary=Bookbag really enjoyed [[The Vampire Blog by Pete Johnson]]One of the finest storytellers you've never heard of, with its one liners and a horror element who died in September 2018 at a level perfect for late primary school readersthe age of 58. We jumped at the opportunity to interview Pete Johnson, and are glad we did: there's an exclusive revelation about a sequel!
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Mavis CheekMelissa Leet|summary=We thought that Mavis Cheek's Sue was impressed when she read [[Truth to Tell Landslide by Mavis CheekMelissa Leet|Truth to TellLandslide]] by Melissa Leet and was surprised to find that it was a good story, thought-provoking, beautifully written and laugh out loud funny in placesdebut novel. We wondered what more we could want and decided that we couldn't resist the opportunity to ask Mavis She had quite a few questionsfor Melissa when she popped into Bookbag Towers.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=newsletterscomments|title=May 2010 Newsletter|summary=The good: huzzah! The sun has finally come out. The bad: spending cuts are upon us. The ugly: there's worse in the offing. But fret ye not: there is a silver lining in every cloud and we at Faiz Kermani talks to Bookbag Towers see about how a good book as the best response to all of the above. Books don't cost a great deal of money and most of us can afford to buy them, even in these straitened times. And even if we can't, we can always go to the library. And what better way to spend an afternoon than reading a good book in a sunny garden? You see? A good book. The answer to everything. And thereblue frog is helping Malawi's plenty vulnerable children to choose from on the site at the momentlive safe, so if you haven't paid us a visit lately, do come along healthy and have happy lives|summary=Every child has a look. We've reviewed 84 books this month alone. right to medical care
}}
{{newfeature
|category=listscomments|title=Carnegie Medal Shortlist 2010Abi Silver Talks To The Bookbag About A Few Of Her Favourite Things|summary=We ''know'We could definitely make a flying car – but that' that s not the judges are going to have hard part. The hard part is, how do you make a difficult time in choosing a winner - we wouldnflying car that's super safe and quiet?''t like to have their job!: Elon Musk
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Gregory HughesDaniel Peltz|summary=Gregory HughesSue wasn's t expecting to enjoy a novel about a ''building'', but was surprised by just how compelling she found [[Unhooking the Moon The Indomitable Chiesa di Santa Maria by Gregory HughesDaniel Peltz|Unhooking the MoonThe Indomitable Chiesa di Santa Maria]] came straight at us of leftfield and is one of our favourite books of the year so far. It's There was a bittersweet road trip of a novel, featuring a loyal brother, a street hustler, a cigar smuggler, a chart-topping rapper, some goddamn paedophiles, and the most entrancing central character you're ever likely lot to meet. Unsurprisingly, we jumped at the chance of asking Gregory a few questionschat about when author Daniel Peltz popped into Bookbag Towers.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=newsletterslists|title=April 2010 NewsletterTop Ten Self-Published Books 2017|summary=We've been reading like crazy this month as Choosing the top ten self-published books have been pouring we read in - 2017 was one of the toughest jobs we did all year and there have been some very positive reviews from very satisfied reviewers, so do come visitinvolved a great deal of discussion. There Here's bound to be something you like. Overall, we're feeling rather happy here at Bookbag Towers. We have good books to readour final top ten in alphabetical order by author. The sun has come out. We weren't abroad when the volcanic ash cloud hit and we didn't know anybody that was, either - although we did feel very sorry for the poor people who were. Volcanos, eh? Who'd 'ave 'em?
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Anthony McGowanChit Dubey|summary=Bookbag has always loved Anthony McGowan's work, including Sue was quietly impressed when she read [[The Knife That Killed Me by Anthony McGowan|The Knife That Killed Me]] 21 Doors to Happiness: Life Through Travel Experiences and [[Henry Tumour Meditation by Anthony McGowan|Henry TumourChit Dubey]]as it chimed with her personal view of life. After laughing throughout his latest work ([[Einstein's Underpants - And How They Saved The World by Anthony McGowan|Einstein's Underpants - And How They Saved The World]]) we couldn't resist the opportunity She was delighted when Chit Dubey popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to ask him some questionsus.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=newsletterscomments|title=March 2010 NewsletterMelita Thomas Talks To Bookbag About The King's Pearl: Henry VIII and his Daughter Mary|summary=Looking forward to the Easter break? We certainly are - and if someone doesn't buy Jill an egg from Montezuma's this year, her nearest and dearest are going to be very, very sorry. We have been busy fund-raising for Sport Relief, gadding about in London meeting publicists and going to birthday parties, and helping our heirs to plan gap year expeditions to Borneo - interestingly, we've also read two gap year novels recently, [[In the Trees by Pauline Fisk]] and [[The Island by Sarah Singleton]]. They're very different books, but they're both great. Melita Thomas tell us that Mary was a true Renaissance Princess
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Julie CohenElizabeth Fox and Martin le Comte|summary=Julie Cohen's Peter thought that [[Nina Jones and the Temple The Ten Golden Rules of Gloom Leadership by Julie CohenElizabeth Fox and Martin le Comte|Nina Jones and the Temple The Ten Golden Rules of GloomLeadership]] is funny, quirky, compelling was the best book on leadership he'd ever read and he couldn't resist asking authors Elizabeth Fox and intelligent - chick lit at its best - so we jumped at the opportunity Martin le Comte quite a few questions when they came to Bookbag Towers to chat to interview herus.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=newslettersinterviews|title=February 2010 NewsletterThe Interview: Bookbag Talks To Gabe Riggs|summary=Hello, hello, hello! How are you? Less snowy than when we last spoke? Good, so are we. It's fun for a day or so, Luke thought that white stuff[[Punk Love Foucault by Gabe Riggs]] was an intense, isn't it? After emotional and visceral read that though, it just becomes illuminates and educates with a slog. We at Bookbag are clinging to the hope that the fabled barbeque summer comes a year latestrong voice and clear, and 2010 will be a scorchercapable prose. A little bit of snow and There was a lot of sunshine, that's what we liketo talk about when Gabe popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Ellie SandallSandra Aragona|summary=Ellie SandallSue loved Sandra Aragona's lightly-fictionalised [[Birdsong Sorting the Priorities: Ambassadress and Beagle Survive Diplomacy by Ellie SandallSandra Aragona|Birdsongautobiography]] features of life as a superb rhyme woven around lots of different bird callsdiplomatic spouse. It's There was a picture book lot that any young book fan will love, so we jumped at the opportunity she wanted to interview herask about when Sandra popped into Bookbag Towers.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Gary BlackwoodK J Lawrence|summary=Bookbag devoured Gary Blackwood's Sue was delighted when she read [[Mysterious Messages - A History of Codes and Ciphers The Cossack by Gary BlackwoodK J Lawrence|Mysterious Messages - A History of Codes and CiphersThe Cossack]] and couldn't resist as it restored her faith in the thriller genre. When the opportunity author, K J Lawrence, popped into Bookbag Towers to ask him chat to us, Sue had quite a few questions.ready!
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Paul HowardStuart Burrell|summary=Bookbag really enjoyed Paul HowardSue found Start Burrell's illustrations in book [[Twelve Times To The Penguin Who Wanted To Find Out Max: One Man's Journey to, and Recollections of, Setting Twelve Verified World Records by Jill Tomlinson and Paul HowardStuart Burrell|Twelve Times To The Penguin Who Wanted To Find OutMax: One Man's Journey to, and Recollections of, Setting Twelve Verified World Records]] and couldn't resist the opportunity an inspiring, feel-good read. She wanted to know more when Stuart popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to ask him a few questionsus.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Hilary McKayWes Stuart|summary=Bookbag really Luke enjoyed Hilary McKay's the combination of compellingly-written science fiction which blends themes of innocence and growth with some well depicted moments of horror in [[Wishing For Tomorrow My Name is Sam by Hilary McKayWes Stuart|Wishing For TomorrowMy Name is Sam]] (the sequel to [[A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett]]) and couldn't resist the opportunity to ask her he had quite a few questionsfor author Wes Stuart when he popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Ian StewartB C R Fegan|summary=Bookbag loved Ian Stewart's Sue giggled like a child when she read [[Professor Stewart's Hoard of Mathematical Treasures Henry and the Hidden Treasure by Ian Stewart|Hoard of Mathematical TreasuresB C R Fegan and Lenny Wen]] and couldn: it't resist the opportunity s a good story with some valuable lessons. It was a real pleasure to chat to ask him a few questionswriter B C R Fegan when he popped into Bookbag Towers. We're delighted we did, as his answers are fascinating!
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To David BarrieAnnie Ingram|summary=Bookbag Very few people believe that dogs can talk so it was impressed by David Barrie's debut novelsomething of a relief when Sue met author, Annie Ingram. She has lengthy conversations with her cocker spaniel Kammie and has shared them with us in her [[Wasp-Waisted Conversations with Kammie by David BarrieAnnie Ingram|Wasp-Waistedbook]] and couldn't resist the opportunity to ask him a few questions.}} {{newfeature|category=lists|title=Top Ten Books To Drag The Kids Away From Computer Games For Ten Minutes At Least|summary=Truth be told, we like computer games - they're great fun, There was a good way lot to let off steam, and man cannot survive on books alone. (What we don't like are Bluetooth headsets providing a constant commentary - eldest Murphy son, take note). There are times when tweens and teens need to be dragged away from the computer games though, and these books will keep them entertained and quiet talk about when you're looking for a peaceful afternoon without an endless barrage of bleeps and explosions in the background. Some are high octane, some are a bit more thoughtful, but they're all gripping thrillers. Why not [mailto:sue@thebookbag.co.uk tell us] about your favourites?}} {{newfeature|category=newsletters|title=September 2009 Newsletter|summary=It's been a stressful month at she popped into Bookbag Towers. Our host's server had a major malfunction and we spent several days trying to sort out the aftermath of being hurriedly moved to a new one. After much weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth - Jill's children retired chat to their bedrooms with sandbags, and Sue's dogs did much the same - we think it's all ok now. We're very sorry if you experienced an interruption to service and we hope you'll forgive us. We promise to make it up to you, we do. Starting with our [[Features|features]] section, which has the low down on this year's [[Man Booker Prize 2009|Booker prize]]. Jill is rooting for the utterly sublime [[Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel]]. What would you like to see win it?
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To K S TurnerStephan Santiago|summary=Bookbag thinks that Kate Turner's Ani was quietly moved by [[Before the Gods (Chronicles of Fate and Choice) Returning Home by K S TurnerStephan Santiago|Before the GodsReturning Home]] is something rather special and we couldn't resist the opportunity there were several points she wanted to discuss with author Stephan Santiago when he popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to ask her a few questionsus.}} {{newfeature|category=lists|title=Man Booker Prize 2009|summary=We have reviews of all the books on the longlist and we'll let you know the winner as soon as we hear!
}}
[[Category:Features|*]]