132,621
edits
Changes
no edit summary
{{newfeature
|category=interviewslists|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Malcolm Fawbert and Asa JonesTop Ten Self-Published Books 2023|summary=Malcolm Fawbert has just We've seen some really good self-published his [[Tales from Thimble Hallbooks this year: Mrs Stopper's Bottle by Malcolm Fawbert|first childrenthey's book]] whilst under re up there with the name best of Asa Jones hetraditional publishing. Here's brought out his [[The Illustrated Mind of Mike Reeves our top ten, in alphabetical order, by Asa Jones|first novel for adults]]author. We couldn't resist the opportunity to get both his alter egos into one room and ask them a few questions!
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Victoria L ThompsonJeffrey Dunn|summary=Victoria L Thompson's Jill enjoyed [[Midnight Mischief Radio Free Olympia by Victoria L Thompson and Ben The IllustratorJeffrey Dunn|Midnight MischiefRadio Free Olympia]] is , a fun romp through spacestory blending prose and poetry with themes of ecology, folklore, to rescue Pluto from those pesky aliens. It's got strong rhymes throughout love and engaging illustrationsloss. We couldnShe didn't wait to interview Victoria!think it was the easiest read, but a rewarding one.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=newsletterscomments|title=January 2011 NewsletterHow To Write a Fantasy Novel: The Full Guide|summary=Hello! Happy New Year!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.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviewscomments|title=The InterviewHow Can Reading Improve Your Vocabulary: Bookbag Talks To Dan AbnettBest Practices|summary=Dan Abnett's [[Primeval: Extinction Event by Dan Abnett|Primeval: Extinction Event]] Reading is a perfect tie-one of the most effective ways to improve your vocabulary. Not only does it expose you to new words and their meanings, but it also allows you to see them used in novel with lots context, which is essential for understanding and using them correctly. With the rise of Cretaceous critters for fanslanguage learning apps, such as Promova, many people have turned to technology to improve their vocabulary. However, reading remains a tried-and a very good action fantasy -true method that has been used for anyone elsecenturies. We couldn't wait to interview him!
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviewscomments|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Savita Kalhan3 Things You Didn't Know About Ghostwriters|summary=Savita KalhanHow much do you know about ghostwriters? These professionals lurk in the shadows of the publishing 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 [[The Long Weekend by Savita Kalhan|The Long Weekend]] is an incredibly tense thriller with no surprise that there are a really important message number of misconceptions about what they do, so I'stranger danger'. We leapt at the opportunity m hoping to interview herclarify three important things in this post.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To John SaundersConrad Delacroix|summary=John Saunders' Sue really enjoyed [[The Vernham Chronicles Lensky Connection by John SaundersConrad Delacroix|The Vernham ChroniclesLensky Connection]] is , a thriller set primarily in the beautiful countryside of Vernbury ValeRussia. There you'll meet the villagers of Vernham. They're distinctly odd but we promise that you'll like them. We were delighted to interview John about his humorous stories She had quite a few questions for author Conrad Delacroix when he popped into Bookbag Towers.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviewslists|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Richard DenningTop Ten Self-Published Books 2022|summary=Richard DenningWe's [[Tomorrow's Guardian by Richard Denning|Tomorrow's Guardian]] is an actionre constantly amazed at the quality of the self-filled childrenpublished books which come our way and we's story about the quest to save two universesve seen some real gems in 2022. Here they are, that will really appeal to many younger readersin alphabetical order, especially if they're interested in history. We couldn't wait to interview him!by author:
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviewscomments|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Philip Threadneedle3 Things You Should Know About Literary Agents|summary=If you're all set to publish your novel, it might be time to [[The Astronaut's Apprentice by Philip Threadneedle]] is https://blog.reedsy.com/how-to-find-a hoot of -literary-agent/ get yourself a jaunt through space literary agent]. Since you're essentially picking the person responsible for tweens with Grandpapresenting and marketing your book to the world, Bradley and Headlicethis is no easy task. We couldnWhen you't resist ve sent your [https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/how-to-write-a-query-letter/ query letters] and started getting responses, these tips will help you choose the opportunity to ask Philip Threadneedle some questionsright person for you.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=newsletterscomments|title=November 2010 NewsletterLolita Book Review: Most Important Things to Know|summary=Hello! It's that time of year. You know the one. The obsessive time during which you simply cannot find Lolita, a space free of festive features. The time of relentless commercialism disguising the season's real message of goodwill highly controversial book, is not subject to all menbans in American schools. We're not sure where one finds all this goodwill amongst the adverts, Here are you? Or is that too cynical? There is goodwill, of course, but it does tend to get buried under the flurries of suggestions for most important things you need to buy. Well, Bookbag's no differentknow about it.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=comments
|title=Amazon KindleStylish Restaging of The Crucible is All Show and No Substance, According to Reviews|summary=Are ebooks the future of books? Is it the right time to get an ebook reader? We thought about it long The Crucible is a tragedy that’s been debated and harddiscussed for many years. Yes we didIts current running in theaters has received a rather intriguing review. We don't often think about things this long or this hard, because it hurts. But sometimes, cogitations are necessary. We wouldn't be here at Bookbag if we didn't love books but we knew that more and more people were enjoying ebooks. It was time Keep reading to find out what it was really like to have up to 3,500 books in your pocket or your bagmore. 3,500! Yikes!
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviewscomments|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Mary E MartinHow Bar Modeling Makes Word Problems Easy in Singapore Math|summary=[[The Drawing Lesson: The First in the Trilogy of Remembrance by Mary E Martin|The Drawing Lesson]] Singapore Mathematics is the first book in Mary E Martin's Trilogy a unique way of Remembrancepresenting this science. We thoroughly enjoyed the book Parents and teachers will be able to understand and took explain to children the opportunity to ask Mary some questionssimplest mathematical processes using images.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviewscomments|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To H A GoodmanFinding More Time For Reading|summary=If there is one thing that a lot of people could benefit from having more of in their lives, it's [[Logic of DemonsA Bookbagger's View: The Quest for NadineWhat it's Soul by H A Goodmanlike to be a reviewer|literature]] is a helterskelter ride . Plenty of us have gone through the afterlife this experience of suddenly finding that asks the reader we are not reading as much as we used to think about the consequences - intended . There are a lot of possible reasons for this, and unintended - of their actions. Itit's something that you might be able to approach in a highly imaginative, sometimes touching, story, told with great pace and enthusiasmnumber of ways if you want to make sure that you are getting back into reading again. We couldn't resist But one of the opportunity most important parts of this is probably that you are able to ask H A Goodman some questionsfind enough time for reading, and that can be harder than you might initially think.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=listsinterviews|title=Top Ten Historical Novels of 2010The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Gerry Brown and Randall S Peterson about Disaster in the Boardroom: Six Dysfunctions Everyone Should Understand|summary=We love a bit of historical fiction here at BookbagSue was absolutely riveted to [[Disaster in the Boardroom: Six Dysfunctions Everyone Should Understand by Gerry Brown and Randall S Peterson]]. It's a wide genre, ranging from a bit brilliantly readable but rather frightening: people's lives and livelihoods could be in the hands of escapist reading to serious social commentcompany boards which are dysfunctional. And the past often has a great deal Sue wanted to tell us about the present, so it can be instructive tooknow more. Here are our favourite historical novels from 2010. Why not [mailto:sue@thebookbag.co.uk tell us] about yours?
}}
{{newfeature
|category=lists
|title=Top Ten Teen Self-Published Books of 20102021|summary=Actually, We thought that title should read ''Top Ten Teen Books Jill Read in 2010'2020 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. And sheLast year's read a fewtop ten consisted of eleven books (maths never was our strong point... These are her favouritest of favourites and ) but this year we're going to have to make it was a tough choice. Shebaker's discounted books that were part of a series - perhaps a bit toughdozen as we really couldn't split them apart. Here they are, in alphabetical order, but otherwise she'd still be choosingby author. Why not [mailto:sue@thebookbag.co.uk tell us] about yours?
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviewscomments|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Marcus ChownHow to Write a Standout Book Review in a Saturated Market|summary=We've always enjoyed Marcus Chown's workBook reviews are a crucial tool for the reading community — it’s via these that opinions are exchanged, ideas discussed, from [[Quantum Theory Cannot Hurt You by Marcus Chown|Quantum Theory Cannot Hurt You]] 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]]recommendations found. After devouring [[We Need To Talk About Kelvin by Marcus Chown|We Need To Talk About Kelvin]], we leapt at But though the opportunity to ask Marcus some questions.}} {{newfeature|category=newsletters|title=October 2010 Newsletter|summary=Right. This month we are avoiding all talk growth of politics and spending cuts. Now the Chilean miners have been rescued - did you cry? We did - what we need book review sites is promising for readers, a good book saturated market also means that it’s getting increasingly difficult to take our minds off all the cuts doom and gloom, which has been going on since forever and make your mark as a daybook reviewer. Just do it already!
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Lorraine JenkinGerry Brown, Andrew Kakabadse and Filipe Morais about The Independent Director in Society|summary=Lorraine Jenkin has long been one Sue was an enthusiastic reader of [[The Independent Director in Society: Our current crisis of governance and what to do by Gerry Brown, Andrew Kakabadse and Filipe Morais|The Independent Director in Society: Our current crisis of our favourite governance and what to do]] and she had several points she wanted to discuss with the authors here at when they popped into Bookbag Towers and we couldn't resist the opportunity to ask her a few questions.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=listscomments|title=Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 2010Comic Books Where the Bad Guys Won|summary=Following hot on Comic books and movies, in general, have been given the portrayal of good; always winning and saving the day. however, thanks to the footsteps creativity of writers, we have a few writers of [[Guardian Childrencomics who have managed to alter this unsaid rule, 's Fiction Prize 2009|last yearevil wins at the end of the day's]] winner. While it may not be a great thought to bear in mind, [[Exposure by Mal Peet]]it is still something a bit fascinating to dwell on. And, comes another wonderful selection we believe that it is a breath of children's books in fresh air to discover that we have something different from the cliché where the hero always emerges as the 2010 Guardian Children's Fiction Prizevictor.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Mick O'HareGerry Brown About Making a Difference: Leadership, Change and Giving Back the Independent Director Way|summary=The New Scientist's annual books of answers to tantalising questions have always entertained and educated us here at Bookbag, Gerry Brown is so the opportunity keen to interview Mick O'Hare about this yearsee people geting involved that there's offering - [a free digital [Why Can't Elephants Jump? by Mick O'Hare|Why Can't Elephants Jump?https://www.degruyter.com/view/title/580618 download]] was too good to missof this £42 book.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=lists
|title=Man Booker Prize 2010Top Ten Self-Published Books 2020|summary=We In this strangest of years we've been delighted by the self-published books we'knowve read and they're all books which compare well with traditionally-published books in the same genres. We really couldn' that t narrow the judges choice down any further - so this year's top ten consists of eleven books and here they are going to have a difficult time , in choosing a winner - we wouldn't like to have their job!alphabetical order by author...
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To L A WeatherlyOlga Kokshagina and Allen Alexander|summary=If you're into that whole paranormal romance thing, you're going to love Sue was so impressed by [[Angel The Radical Innovation Playbook: A Practical Guide for Harnessing New, Novel or Game-Changing Breakthroughs by L A WeatherlyOlga Kokshagina and Allen Alexander]]. It's that she wished that she had a breathtaking helter-skelter good business idea of a story in which two young people learn to trust in and love one another as they battle predatory angelsher own so that she could use the book. L A Weatherly is doing the rounds on a blog tour Perhaps that was what she was talking about when Olga and she kindly called in on Allen popped into Bookbag. We persuaded her Towers to chat to tell us all about ''Angel'' and how she came to write it. 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=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Andy MulliganAndrew Hampshire|summary=You will probably know Andy Mulligan best for Technology can seem frightening to people who don't have the background. In [[Ribblestrop Creating Value Through Technology: Discover the Tech that Can Transform Your Business by Andy MulliganAndrew Hampshire|RibblestropCreating Value Through Technology: Discover the Tech that Can Transform Your Business]], his wonderfully absurdist comedy set in a boarding school. Now he's turned his attention Andrew Hampshire discusses the tech that can add quantifiable value to social issues your business and mystery adventures in [[Trash by Andy Mulligan|Trash]], a gorgeous fable that is bound how to win awards. You shouldn't miss get the most out of it. Andy was kind enough He and Sue had a lot to have a chat with usabout when he dropped into Bookbag Towers.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviewscomments|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Leigh HodgkinsonStand Up to Bullying With a Pulitzer Prize Winner|summary=Bookbag has long loved Leigh Hodgkinson's work with its unique design In every generation, there are kids who become bullies. They bully their siblings, neighbor kids, and great sense of humourtheir classmates. When [[Limelight Larry by Leigh Hodgkinson|Limelight Larry]] They seem to believe that other kids look up to them and [[Scrummy! by Leigh Hodgkinson|Scrummy!]] were both released in close proximityrespect them. That is self-delusion, as most adults are aware, we couldnbut kids don't resist have the opportunity experience to ask her a few questionsproperly judge what is respect and what is merely fear.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviewscomments|title=The InterviewFrom Sci Fi to Reality: Bookbag Talks To Ken HowardHow Dreams Turn Into Innovations|summary=Ken Howard's [[The Young Chieftain by Ken Howard|The Young Chieftain]] gap between sci-fi and reality is a really unusual story about an American boy who finds himself on a remote Scottish island in the middle of a clan conflictnot so big anymore. It's easy You don’t have to read, but with several layers go that far back in time to peel backsee huge developments in technology. We loved For example, the mix smartphone has been around for over 10 years now, but if you don’t have one in today’s society, you’d either be seen as crazy or just out of modernity and tradition and jumped at the chance to ask Ken some questions about writing ittouch.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviewscomments|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Rebecca Elliott5 Great AI books to read in 2020|summary=Bookbag really enjoyed [[Milo's Pet Egg by Rebecca Elliott|Milo's Pet Egg]] and jumped at Artificial intelligence (AI) has expanded into one of the chance to ask Rebecca Elliott some questionsmost important technologies in human history. We're delighted we did as she's provided some fascinating responses! We've subsequently read [[Just Because by Rebecca Elliott|Just Because]] which we loved all It comes with so many benefits, from improving the moreefficiency of simple, and [[Cub's First Winter basic tasks to helping to solve advanced problems by Rebecca Elliott|Cub's First Winter]] which also really charmed usquickly analyzing large data sets.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=newsletterslists|title=August 2010 NewsletterA Baker's Dozen of Books to Keep the Kids Occupied When They Can't Go Out|summary=Hello! How are Are yourunning out of inspiration for what to do with the kids when they can't go out? We're all good here at Bookbag Towers. Jill is dealing ve come up with a glut of runner beans. Sue is enjoying her new office. Keith is making new pals in deepest Wales. And webaker're all reading lots and lots s dozen of lovely books. As we now 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 give you about our [[Recommendations|recommendations]] page this month. It gives some good options for finding a book you'd really like to read. If you're into all things new, you can check out the [[:Category:New Reviews|newest reviews sorted by category]]. If it's themes you're looking for, 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 if you like browsing a bit more broadly, 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 just read a [[Special:Random|random review]]brilliant ideas.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviewslists|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Alan DurantTop Ten Self-Published Books 2019|summary=Bookbag fell head over heels in love We've seen some cracking self-published books this year and they're all books which compare well with [[Unfortunately by Alan Durant and Simon Rickerty]] traditionally- unfortunately we canpublished books in the same genres. We really couldn't stop reading it, but fortunately itnarrow the choice down any further - so this year's supertop ten consists of eleven books and here they are, in alphabetical order by author.. We leapt at the opportunity to ask Alan Durant some questions.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=newsletterscomments|title=July 2010 NewsletterDesiree Villena Talks To Bookbag About 5 Key Tips for Writing a Critical-Yet-Fair Book Review|summary=ItWriting a book review isn's windy and rainy todayt difficult, here at Bookbag Towers. What's going on? Where's our sunshine? Do we have to leave the shores of this sceptr'd isle to catch some raysyou know, always, every single time? Sometimes, it sure does feel like it. Jill doesn't mind: she's swanning off to Tuscany for but there are a fortnight, and it's bound few things you need to be hot there, right? Right?! We've been taking stock this monthkeep us in mind. We're not far away from a site containing Desiree Villena gives us five thousand book reviews and approaching that milestone has pulled us up shorttips. At Bookbag's birth five years ago, if you'd told us
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To David GatwardMelanie Martin|summary=Bookbag thought |summary=In [[The Dead (The Dark) War and Love: A family's testament of anguish, endurance and devotion in occupied Amsterdam by David GatwardMelanie Martin|The DarkWar and Love: A family's testament of anguish, endurance and devotion in occupied Amsterdam]], a book of zombie horror positioning itself firmly Melanie Martin reconstructs what happened to her family in occupied Amsterdam in the Darren Shan market, provided strong characters, an interesting premise and WWII. It's a wonderful sufficiency of gorehighly compelling if occasionally shocking read. So, naaturally, we enjoyed asking David Gatward all Days after she finished the book Sue could not stop thinking about writing itwhat she had read and was delighted when the author agreed to chat with her.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviewscomments|title=The InterviewFraming the Brexit narrative: Bookbag Talks To Melanie Welshimmigration, myths and public perception|summary=Bookbag thought [[Mistress of the Storm by Melanie Welsh|Mistress of Loobna Joomun looks at how Brexit is likely to affect the Storm]] was full of seafaring adventure, mystery publishing industry - and intrigue. Naturally, we jumped at the chance to shiver some timbers and buckle some swash with herwider country. This is what we talked about!
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviewscomments|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Heather Gudenkauf8 ways to motivate yourself to write, right NOW by Jessica Jarlvi|summary=Bookbag found [[The Weight of Silence by Heather Gudenkauf|The Weight of Silence]] to be an impressive debut Ever felt that you've hit a brick wall with plenty of suspense and unexpected twists. We were delighted by the opportunity to ask Heather Gudenkauf some questions about ityour writing? Jessica Jarlvi has eight tips yo get you writing again.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=newsletterscomments|title=June 2010 NewsletterGreg Hickey Talks To Bookbag About The Old Guard of Dystopian Fiction|summary=Vuvuzelas, eh? WhoWhere do you go when you move beyond classics like 'd 'ave 1984'em? Personally, here at Bookbag Towers, we prefer vuvuzelas to the World Cup but even we know that's a sacrilegious remark and so we shall say no more about it... ... ahem. Possibly a more constructive topic is holiday reading. 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 ''Brave New World'is''' sacrilege! ?
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviewslists|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Joel StewartTop Ten Self-Published Books 2018|summary=Bookbag has really enjoyed Joel StewartChoosing the top ten self-published books we read in 2018 was difficult as we're constantly surprised at just how good some self-published books are. Here'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 Sneep? our final top ten in alphabetical order by Tasha Pym and Joel Stewart|Have You Ever Seen A Sneep?]] We were delighted when he agreed to answer some of our questionsauthor...
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviewscomments|title=The Interview: Bookbag James Donald Talks To Anthony BrowneBookbag About The Death Of Norman Breyfogle|summary=Bookbag has long loved Anthony Browne's work - particularly [[Little Beauty by Anthony Browne|Little Beauty]]. After being enthralled by One of the Childrenfinest storytellers you's Laureate's latest offering, [[Me and You by Anthony Browne|Me and You]]ve never heard of, we jumped who died in September 2018 at the chance to ask him some questionsage of 58.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Joanne OwenMelissa Leet|summary=Bookbag Sue was really intrigued by impressed when she read [[The Alchemist and the Angel Landslide by Joanne OwenMelissa Leet|Landslide]]. It's by Melissa Leet and was surprised to find that it was a rather unique historical fantasy, well-researched and bursting with fascinating detaildebut novel. Those with She had quite a taste few questions for colourful and slightly gothic folklore will love it, and Melissa when she popped into Bookbag was delighted to ask Joanne Owen some questionsTowers.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviewscomments|title=The Interview: Faiz Kermani talks to Bookbag Talks To Pete Johnsonabout how a blue frog is helping Malawi's vulnerable children to live safe, healthy and happy lives|summary=Bookbag really enjoyed [[The Vampire Blog by Pete Johnson]], with its one liners and Every child has a horror element at a level perfect for late primary school readers. We jumped at the opportunity right to interview Pete Johnson, and are glad we did: there's an exclusive revelation about a sequel!medical care
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviewscomments|title=Abi Silver Talks To The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Mavis CheekAbout A Few Of Her Favourite Things|summary=''We thought could definitely make a flying car – but that Mavis Cheek's [[Truth to Tell by Mavis Cheek|Truth to Tell]] was not the hard part. The hard part is, how do you make a good story, thought-provoking, beautifully written flying car that's super safe and laugh out loud funny in places. We wondered what more we could want and decided that we couldnquiet?''t resist the opportunity to ask Mavis a few questions.: Elon Musk
}}
{{newfeature
|category=newslettersinterviews|title=May 2010 NewsletterThe Interview: Bookbag Talks To Daniel Peltz|summary=The good: huzzah! The sun has finally come out. The bad: spending cuts are upon us. The ugly: thereSue wasn's worse in the offing. But fret ye not: there is t expecting to enjoy a silver lining in every cloud and we at Bookbag Towers see novel about 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'tbuilding'', we can always go to the librarybut was surprised by just how compelling she found [[The Indomitable Chiesa di Santa Maria by Daniel Peltz|The Indomitable Chiesa di Santa Maria]]. And what better way to spend an afternoon than reading There was a good book in a sunny garden? You see? A good book. The answer lot to everything. And there's plenty to choose from on the site at the moment, so if you haven't paid us a visit lately, do come along and have a look. We've reviewed 84 books this month alonechat about when author Daniel Peltz popped into Bookbag Towers.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=lists
|title=Carnegie Medal Shortlist 2010Top Ten Self-Published Books 2017|summary=We ''know'' that Choosing the judges are going to have a difficult time top ten self-published books we read in choosing 2017 was one of the toughest jobs we did all year and involved a winner - we wouldngreat deal of discussion. Here't like to have their job!s our final top ten in alphabetical order by author...
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Gregory HughesChit Dubey|summary=Gregory Hughes's Sue was quietly impressed when she read [[Unhooking the Moon 21 Doors to Happiness: Life Through Travel Experiences and Meditation by Gregory Hughes|Unhooking the MoonChit Dubey]] came straight at us as it chimed with her personal view of leftfield and is one of our favourite books of the year so farlife. It's 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 She was delighted when Chit Dubey popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to meet. Unsurprisingly, we jumped at the chance of asking Gregory a few questionsus.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=newsletterscomments|title=April 2010 NewsletterMelita Thomas Talks To Bookbag About The King's Pearl: Henry VIII and his Daughter Mary|summary=We've been reading like crazy this month as the books have been pouring in - and there have been some very positive reviews from very satisfied reviewers, so do come visit. There's bound to be something you like. Overall, we're feeling rather happy here at Bookbag Towers. We have good books to read. The sun has come out. We weren't abroad when the volcanic ash cloud hit and we didn't know anybody Melita Thomas tell us that Mary was, either - although we did feel very sorry for the poor people who were. Volcanos, eh? Who'd 'ave 'em? a true Renaissance Princess
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Anthony McGowanElizabeth Fox and Martin le Comte|summary=Bookbag has always loved Anthony McGowan's work, including Peter thought that [[The Knife That Killed Me Ten Golden Rules of Leadership by Anthony McGowanElizabeth Fox and Martin le Comte|The Knife That Killed MeTen Golden Rules of Leadership]] was the best book on leadership he'd ever read and [[Henry Tumour by Anthony McGowan|Henry Tumour]]. 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 he couldn't resist the opportunity asking authors Elizabeth Fox and Martin le Comte quite a few questions when they came to Bookbag Towers to chat to ask him some questionsus.
}}
{{newfeature
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Julie CohenGabe Riggs|summary=Julie Cohen's Luke thought that [[Nina Jones and the Temple of Gloom Punk Love Foucault by Julie Cohen|Nina Jones and the Temple of GloomGabe Riggs]] is funnywas an intense, quirkyemotional and visceral read that illuminates and educates with a strong voice and clear, compelling and intelligent - chick lit at its best - so we jumped at the opportunity capable prose. There was a lot to talk about when Gabe popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to interview herus.
}}
{{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 questions.}} {{newfeature|category=lists|title=Top Ten Picture Books For Halloween|summary=Boo! If our [[Top Ten Books For Children Who Love To Be Scared Silly]] was too... well, scary for you, then this is the selection for you. There are witches, pumpkins and black cats in abundance, so the littlest ones can join in with the Halloween fun, but there's nothing that'll give them nightmares. Why not [mailto:sue@thebookbag.co.uk tell us] about your favourites?}} {{newfeature|category=newsletters|title=October 2009 Newsletter|summary=Hi again from author Wes Stuart when he popped into Bookbag Towers. The banner headline this month: one of us had suspected swine flu. Nobody will actually give you a diagnosis though, so you lay sweating and shivering on the sofa and take your Tamiflu, but you've no idea at all whether or not you'll have to go through it all again when you actually ''do'' get it. Bah. The other banner headline, of course, is that the Booker judges met with our approval this year by giving [[Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel|Wolf Hall]] the big prize. If you haven't read it yet, you really are remiss. It's an absolutely wonderful book and will stay with you for a long, long time.}} {{newfeature|category=lists|title=Top Ten Books For Your Girlfriend|summary=Whether it's a birthday, Christmas, or just a random occasion to tell her you love her, books make great presents for girlfriends. Yes, yes, we know we're playing up to all the stereotypes with historical fiction, romance, celebrities, and lashings of chick lit, but you know she's going to enjoy them. If it's an anniversary and she's looking to get you a gift too, then make sure chat to point her in the direction of our [[Top Ten Books For Your Boyfriend]]. Why not [mailto:sue@thebookbag.co.uk tell us] about your favourite books to get for your girlfriend?}} {{newfeature|category=lists|title=Top Ten Books For Your Boyfriend|summary=Whether it's a birthday, Christmas, or just a random occasion to tell him you love him, books make great presents for boyfriends. Yes, yes, we know we're playing up to all the stereotypes with books about sport, music, trivia and everyone's favourite secret agent, but you know he's going to enjoy them. If it's an anniversary and he's looking to get you a gift too, then make sure to point him in the direction of our [[Top Ten Books For Your Girlfriend]]. Why not [mailto:sue@thebookbag.co.uk tell us] about your favourite books to get for your boyfriend?
}}
{{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.
}}
[[Category:Features|*]]