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Check out the full lists of [[:Category: Interviews|interviews]], [[:Category: Lists|top tens]] and [[:Category: Comments|articles]].__NOTOC__<!-- Remove -->
 
Check out the full lists of [[:Category: Interviews|interviews]], [[:Category: Lists|top tens]] and [[:Category: Comments|articles]].__NOTOC__<!-- Remove -->
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Numba Pinkerton
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|title=From Sci Fi to Reality: How Dreams Turn Into Innovations
|summary=For years Sue has bought mostly black clothes, because they seemed ''safe'': Numba Pinkerton has shown her how to have a wardrobe which works and which she loves.  When Numba, author of [[The No Black Project by Numba Pinkerton|The No Black Project]] popped into Bookbag Towers, Sue had lots of questions she wanted to ask.
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|summary=The gap between sci-fi and reality is not so big anymore. You don’t have to go that far back in time to see huge developments in technology. For example, the 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 touch.
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Richard Smith about The Darzoids' Stone
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|title=5 Great AI books to read in 2020
|summary=Jill loved [[The Darziods' Stone by Richard Smith|The Darziods' Stone]] - a fast-paced teen adventure - and had quite a few questions for author Richard Smith when he popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
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|summary=Artificial intelligence (AI) has expanded into one of the most important technologies in human history. It comes with so many benefits, from improving the efficiency of simple, basic tasks to helping to solve advanced problems by quickly analyzing large data sets.
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Gloria D Gonsalves About Lamellia: The Kingdom of Mushrooms
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|title=A Baker's Dozen of Books to Keep the Kids Occupied When They Can't Go Out
|summary=Jill enjoyed [[Lamellia: The Kingdom of Mushrooms by Gloria D Gonsalves]] and said that she'd be glad to read it to any child. She and the author had lots to chat about when Gloria popped into Bookbag Towers.
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|summary= Are you running out of inspiration for what to do with the kids when they can't go out? We've come up with a baker's dozen of books to give you some brilliant ideas.
 
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|title=October 2016 Newsletter
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|title=Top Ten Self-Published Books 2019
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|summary= We've seen some cracking self-published books this year and they're all books which compare well with traditionally-published books in the same 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, in alphabetical order by author...
Well, hello there, Bookbaggers. Are you enjoying some autumnal colours? Kicking through some leaves? Splashing in the odd puddle or two? If so, enjoy!
 
 
 
We hope you didn't miss [Poetry Day]. Lots happened, not least Kate Tempest live on BBC2 at prime time on a Saturday night. She was fabulous, wasn't she? If you missed it, here is the trailer for Let Them Eat Chaos, the piece she performed. The whole thing is truly wonderful.
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Anthony Bidulka
 
|summary=Luke was impressed when he read [[Set Free by Anthony Bidulka]] not least because he liked the characters he felt he could invest in.  He had quite a few questions when the author popped into Bookbag Towers.
 
 
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|title=Natasha Farrant Talks To Bookbag About First Discovering Jane Austen
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|title=Desiree Villena Talks To Bookbag About 5 Key Tips for Writing a Critical-Yet-Fair Book Review
|summary=We ''loved'' [[Lydia: The Wild Girl of Pride and Prejudice by Natasha Farrant|Lydia: The Wild Girl of Pride and Prejudice]] and it was fascinating to listen to author Natasha Farrant tell us about how she first came to dicover Jane Austen.
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|summary=Writing a book review isn't difficult, you know, but there are a few things you need to keep us in mind.  Desiree Villena gives us five tips.
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Pamela Johnson
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Melanie Martin
|summary=Rebecca was impressed when she read [[Taking in Water by Pamela Johnson]] - she was reminded of Iris Murdoch's ''The Sea, The Sea'' - and Johnson's writing style put her in mind of two of favourite authors, Tessa Hadley and Kate AtkinsonShe had quite a few questions when the author popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
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|summary=|summary=In [[War and Love: A family's testament of anguish, endurance and devotion in occupied Amsterdam by Melanie Martin|War and Love: A family's testament of anguish, endurance and devotion in occupied Amsterdam]] Melanie Martin reconstructs what happened to her family in occupied Amsterdam in WWIIIt'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 was delighted when the author agreed to chat with her.
 
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|title=September 2016 Newsletter
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|title=Framing the Brexit narrative: immigration, myths and public perception
|summary=  
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|summary=Loobna Joomun looks at how Brexit is likely to affect the publishing industry - and the wider country.
Hi, hello and how are you all, dear readers?
 
 
 
Here's some cool news to start us off this month - an innovative new monthly print magazine for 8-12 year-olds is about to launch. [http://www.scoopthemag.co.uk/ Scoop] will offer an inspiring mix of short stories, poetry, non-fiction features, comic strips and activities. It will feature some of the very best creators of literary and visual content for children - think Neil Gaiman, Eoin Colfer and Laura Dockrill, just for starters. Not least, Scoop is for children who will be thrilled to receive their very own magazine in the post, addressed only to them. We ''love'' the sound of Scoop. It reminds Jill of the Puffin Post, to which she enthusiastically subscribed as a child. If you have a child who loves to read, you should look it out.
 
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Ritchie Valentine Smith
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|title=8 ways to motivate yourself to write, right NOW by Jessica Jarlvi
|summary=Ani enjoyed [[Words of Power: Volume 1 by Ritchie Valentine Smith|Words of Power]], the first volume of a new samurai fantasy series by Ritchie Valentine Smith.  She had plenty of questions for the author when he popped in to see us.
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|summary=Ever felt that you've hit a brick wall with your writing? Jessica Jarlvi has eight tips yo get you writing again.
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To S B Charles
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|title=Greg Hickey Talks To Bookbag About The Old Guard of Dystopian Fiction
|summary=Jill thought that [[Gliding With Black Swans by S B Charles]] was a roller coaster of a thriller and she couldn't wait to chat to author S B Charles when he popped in to chat to us.
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|summary=Where do you go when you move beyond classics like ''1984'' and ''Brave New World''?
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Christopher Bowden about 'The Purple Shadow'
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|title=Top Ten Self-Published Books 2018
|summary=It's not long since Jill enjoyed Christopher Bowden's novel [[The Green Door by Christopher Bowden|The Green Door]], so she was delighted when she had the opportunity to read his latest book [[The Purple Shadow by Christopher Bowden|The Purple Shadow]].
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|summary= Choosing 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 our final top ten in alphabetical order by author...
 
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|title=August 2016 Newsletter
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|title=James Donald Talks To Bookbag About The Death Of Norman Breyfogle
|summary=  
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|summary=One of the finest storytellers you've never heard of, who died in September 2018 at the age of 58.
Well, hello there, readers. We hope you're well. And we hope you're getting back to reading now that Rio 2016 and all the associated Olympic excitements are done and dusted. We have some great books for you to consider this month. So read on...
 
 
 
How many books do you think you might have read over the last three years? You'd be going some if you said a thousand, right? But what if you said 2.500? That would be amazing! Well, Faith Jackson, aged 12, has done [http://www.knutsfordguardian.co.uk/news/14659644.display/ just that]. She has met authors, been given books, and now is about to be featured in Ripley's upcoming ''Odd Around the World''. We like the cut of your jib, Faith. Keep reading!
 
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Melissa Leet
|summary=  
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|summary=Sue was impressed when she read [[Landslide by Melissa Leet|Landslide]] by Melissa Leet and was surprised to find that it was a debut novel. She had quite a few questions for Melissa when she popped into Bookbag Towers.
Hello! We hope you are well. We hope you are not traumatised by Brexit. We hope you are not in despair at the apparent collapse of our political system. Of course you may be one or both. If so, you have our sympathies and our best efforts at distracting you from the various non-reading related stresses currently engulfing the country. Books are constant!
 
 
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|title=June 2016 Newsletter
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|title=Faiz Kermani talks to Bookbag about how a blue frog is helping Malawi's vulnerable children to live safe, healthy and happy lives
|summary=
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|summary=Every child has a right to medical care
Let's get the snark out of the way first! Simon Literary Cowell has declared his intention to write a book for children because all the books he reads to his son are "boring". The internet responded O RLY? Simon, probably not up with youth speak, also got some advice from various children's authors, understandably somewhat miffed, including [http://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/may/25/simon-cowell-advice-write-childrens-book-michael-rosen-philip-ardagh Philip Ardagh] and [https://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2016/may/27/simon-cowell-childrens-book-x-factor?CMP=share_btn_fb Michael Rosen]. We suggest Simon browses through the Bookbag children's section. He won't find much to bore him in there. We think the Mini Cowell might enjoy [[Traction Man Meets Turbo Dog by Mini Grey ]], for example. Oh, what a silly, silly man.
 
 
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|title=May 2016 Newsletter
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|title=Abi Silver Talks To The Bookbag About A Few Of Her Favourite Things
|summary=  
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|summary=''We could definitely make a flying car – but that's not the hard part. The hard part is, how do you make a flying car that's super safe and quiet?'': Elon Musk
Hi, hello and how the devil are you? Read anything good lately? If you're looking for ideas, we can oblige with this month's recommendations and a blast from the past that's worth revisiting. If there's anything you think you can add, do let us know.
 
 
 
We'd like to take a moment to say goodbye to the fabulous Jenny Diski, who [http://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/apr/28/author-jenny-diski-cancer-dies died from cancer] recently. She wrote a diary in the ''London Review of Books'' post-diagnosis and it was as witty and acerbic as all her writing. We will truly miss her. Rest in peace, Jenny.
 
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Russell Mardell
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Daniel Peltz
|summary=Jill thought that [[Cold Calling by Russell Mardell|Cold Calling]] was unexpectedly delightful and above all, very, very humanShe had quite a few questions for author Russell Mardell when he popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
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|summary=Sue wasn't expecting to enjoy a novel about a ''building'', but was surprised by just how compelling she found [[The Indomitable Chiesa di Santa Maria by Daniel Peltz|The Indomitable Chiesa di Santa Maria]].  There was a lot to chat about when author Daniel Peltz popped into Bookbag Towers.
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Joel Mentmore
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|title=Top Ten Self-Published Books 2017
|summary=After she read [[Smart by Joel Mentmore|Smart]] Ani realised that she would never be completely comfotable with her mobile phone againShe had quite a few questions for author Joel Mentmore when he popped into Bookbag Towers.
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|summary= Choosing the top ten self-published books we read in 2017 was one of the toughest jobs we did all year and involved a great deal of discussionHere's our final top ten in alphabetical order by author...
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Hazel McHaffie
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Chit Dubey
|summary=Sue absolutely refused to be separated from [[Inside of Me by Hazel McHaffie|Inside of Me]] until she found out what happened to anorexic India and her mother.  She had quite a few questions for author Hazel McHaffie when she popped into Bookbag Towers.
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|summary=Sue was quietly impressed when she read [[21 Doors to Happiness: Life Through Travel Experiences and Meditation by Chit Dubey]] as it chimed with her personal view of life.  She was delighted when Chit Dubey popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
 
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|title=April 2016 Newsletter
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|title=Melita Thomas Talks To Bookbag About The King's Pearl: Henry VIII and his Daughter Mary
|summary=  
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|summary= Melita Thomas tell us that Mary was a true Renaissance Princess
Hello there, Bookbaggers, and how the devil are you? Well, we hope. What are you reading today? Anything we should know about? If you are undecided about what to read next, we have plenty to recommend to you from this month's releases.
 
Guess what? In a poll commissioned by Amnesty International UK, parents were asked to choose the activity that they thought developed their child’s empathy the most - and reading was the runaway winner. We agree! Reading is a vicarious experience and really helps us all - not just children - to appreciate the world through someone else's eyes. Amnesty UK will also give a special commendation this year to one of the shortlisted books in the Carnegie and Kate Greenaway awards . This will be the first ever human rights commendation for children’s books and we think it's a really positive initiative.
 
 
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|title=Quentin Bates talks to Bookbag about about ''Thin Ice''
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Elizabeth Fox and Martin le Comte
|summary=Author Quentin Bates popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us about [[Thin Ice (Officer Gunnhildur) by Quentin Bates|Thin Ice]], the seventh book in his Officer Gunnhildur series.
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|summary=Peter thought that [[The Ten Golden Rules of Leadership by Elizabeth Fox and Martin le Comte|The Ten Golden Rules of Leadership]] was the best book on leadership he'd ever read and he couldn't resist asking authors Elizabeth Fox and Martin le Comte quite a few questions when they came to Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To C E Robinson
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Gabe Riggs
|summary=Ani was impressed by the world building in [[Lilith: Eden's Planetary Princess (The Michael Archives Book 1) by C E Robinson|Lilith: Eden's Planetary Princess]] and knew that there was an exciting series to comeShe had quite a few questions for author [[:Category:C E Robinson|C E Robinson]] when he popped into Bookbag Towers.
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|summary=Luke thought that [[Punk Love Foucault by Gabe Riggs]] was an intense, emotional and visceral read that illuminates and educates with a strong voice and clear, capable proseThere was a lot to talk about when Gabe popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Anthony Gardner
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Sandra Aragona
|summary=Jill thought that [[Fox by Anthony Gardner]] was plot-focused and had twists to suit every thriller fan.  She was impressed by the serious depiction of the downtrodden individual against the erosion of hard-won civil liberties.  There was quite a lot to chat about when the author popped into Bookbag Towers.
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|summary=Sue loved Sandra Aragona's lightly-fictionalised [[Sorting the Priorities: Ambassadress and Beagle Survive Diplomacy by Sandra Aragona|autobiography]] of life as a diplomatic spouse.  There was a lot that she wanted to ask about when Sandra popped into Bookbag Towers.
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To K J Lawrence
|summary=  
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|summary=Sue was delighted when she read [[The Cossack by K J Lawrence|The Cossack]] as it restored her faith in the thriller genre. When the author, K J Lawrence, popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us, Sue had quite a few questions ready!
Hi, hello and a very happy February to all our readers. It's been a long slog but we are nearing winter's end and that's a relief, isn't it? We're looking forward to some spring sunshine and some fabulous spring books.
 
 
 
David Bowie died. And the nation was shocked and grief-stricken. We were no different. And so, in memory of one our great cultural icons, we perused this list of the great man's [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/books/what-to-read/david-bowie-the-man-who-loved-books/ top 100 books]. The list is as eclectic as you'd expect and inspirational, too.
 
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Michael Pronko about 'Motions and Moments'
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Stuart Burrell
|summary=Last year Rebecca enjoyed Michael Pronko's [[Beauty and Chaos: Slices and Morsels of Tokyo Life by Michael Pronko|first book]] of essays on Tokyo life and she was delighted to be able to review his [[Motions and Moments: More Essays on Tokyo by Michael Pronko|third book]], Motions and Moments: More Essays on Tokyo.  She had quite a few questions for Michael when he popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
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|summary=Sue found Start Burrell's book [[Twelve Times To The Max: One Man's Journey to, and Recollections of, Setting Twelve Verified World Records by Stuart Burrell|Twelve Times To The Max: One Man's Journey to, and Recollections of, Setting Twelve Verified World Records]] an inspiring, feel-good read.  She wanted to know more when Stuart popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Haraldur Erlendsson and Keith Hagenbach
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Wes Stuart
|summary=Stacey thought that [[The Man Who Drew Triangles: Magician, mystic or out of his mind? by Haraldur Erlendsson and Keith Hagenbach]] was a thrilling, plot-twistingly good tale of folklore, legends, spirits and ultimately of thinking a little differently.  She had quite a few questions for the authors when they popped into Bookbag Towers.
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|summary=Luke enjoyed the combination of compellingly-written science fiction which blends themes of innocence and growth with some well depicted moments of horror in [[My Name is Sam by Wes Stuart|My Name is Sam]] and he had quite a few questions for author Wes Stuart when he popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To B C R Fegan
|summary=  
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|summary=Sue giggled like a child when she read [[Henry and the Hidden Treasure by B C R Fegan and Lenny Wen]]: it's a good story with some valuable lessons. It was a real pleasure to chat to writer B C R Fegan when he popped into Bookbag Towers.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
 
We hope you had a wonderful festive season and if you were affected by the awful floods, you have our sympathy, solidarity and very best wishes. And at least one book in your Christmas stocking.
 
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Annie Ingram
|summary= We've seen some great self-published books this year and had great fun choosing our top ten booksHere they are, in alphabetical order by author.
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|summary=Very few people believe that dogs can talk so it was something of a relief when Sue met author, Annie IngramShe has lengthy conversations with her cocker spaniel Kammie and has shared them with us in her [[Conversations with Kammie by Annie Ingram|book]].  There was a lot to talk about when she popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Spadge Whittaker
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Stephan Santiago
|summary=Jill thought that [[Braver Than Britain, Occasionally by Spadge Whittaker]] in which Spadge researches Britain's top ten fears and faces them all over the course of a year was funny and silly and, yes, brave. It's a joyous little book. EXCEPT FOR THE SPIDERS.
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|summary=Ani was quietly moved by [[Returning Home by Stephan Santiago|Returning Home]] and there were several points she wanted to discuss with author Stephan Santiago when he popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
 
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|title=Bookbag's Christmas Gift Recommendations 2015
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Tessa Buckley
|summary=We know that you could do your Christmas present book shopping from Amazon's best seller lists, but we like to suggest more unusual books that we've enjoyed over the year. Hopefully you'll find something for everyone here.  
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|summary=Jill's really taken by author Tessa Buckley's mystery and family drama series, Eye Spy Investigations and enjoyed [[Eye Spy II by Tessa Buckley|Eye Spy II]]. There were quite a few questions for Tessa when she popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Dr Kris J Sime
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Saqib Noor
|summary=Jill thought that [[Dragon's Flight by Dr Kris J Sime|Dragon's Flight]] was ''FUN'' and that's not something she often says, so she had quite a few questions for authgor Kris Sime when he popped into Bookbag Towers.
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|summary=Sue laughed and cried when she read [[Surgery on the Shoulders of Giants: Letters from a doctor abroad by Saqib Noor|Surgery on the Shoulders of Giants: Letters from a doctor abroad]], touched and humbled by a man who has provided medical aid in some of the neediest parts of the world. She had quite a few questions when author Saqib Noor popped into Bookbag Towers to see us.
 
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|title=Top Ten Women's Fiction 2015
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Johnny Ringwood
|summary=We've been looking for intelligent women's fiction that provides a good read and we think that we've found some crackersHere they are, in alphabetical order by author.  
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|summary=Peter enjoyed [[Cargoes & Capers: The life and times of a London Docklands man by Johnny Ringwood|Cargoes & Capers]] with its memories of life in the East End and stories how the author, Johnny Ringwood, turned his life aroundHe had rather a lot of questions when Johnny popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Isabella Davidson
|summary=  
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|summary=Sue was grabbed by [[The Beta Mum: Adventures in Alpha Land by Isabella Davidson|The Beta Mum: Adventures in Alpha Land]] as soon as she started reading.  She decided to tackle author Isabella Davidson about what it means to be an alpha or a beta mummy when she popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
Happy November, Bookbaggers! We hate to be the eleventy billionth people to mention it to you, but Christmas is around the corner. Sorry, but it is! If you're looking for some bookish gift recommendations, scroll down to our features section where we have done our best to help you out.
 
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|title=Top Ten Crime Novels of 2015
 
|summary= We've tried to give you a varied selection of crime novels for 2015.  They come from several continents and some have been translated and there are old favourites as well as some talented newcomers.  Here they are, in alphabetical order by author.
 
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|title=Top Ten Fantasy Books of 2015
 
|summary= We had a fun time choosing our top ten fantasy novels of 2015, not least because it got us into a lot of ''do you remember...?'' conversations!  It took quite a while to whittle our choices down to ten, particularly as we've excluded any books which are part of a series where you need to have read earlier books to appreciate this one.  Here they are, in alphabetical order by author.
 
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|title=Top Ten Historical Fiction Books of 2015
 
|summary=We've noticed a growing appetite for top class historical fiction and there have been some very good examples in 2015.  In making our selection we've avoided books which are the later parts of trilogies and where you really need to have read the earlier books to get the best from them, but here's our selection, in alphabetical order by author.
 
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|title=Top Ten General Fiction Books for 2015
 
|summary= 2015 has been a good year for those books which you just want to enjoy reading and we think that we've found something for everyone's taste.  Here they are, alphabetically by author.
 
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|title=Top Ten Books for Teens 2015
 
|summary= Choosing our top ten books for teens is always difficult and 2015 was no exceptionWe think there's something here for everyone and they're in alphabetical order by author
 
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|title=Top Ten History Books 2015
 
|summary= We seem to be celebrating a lot of anniversaries - and the books which accompany them - at the moment, but in selecting our top ten history books of 2015 we've tried to give as wide a selection of periods and subjects as possible so that there's something to appeal to everyone.  Here they are in alphabetical order by author.
 
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|title=Top Ten Books for Confident Readers 2015
 
|summary= We stayed up late and ''argued'' about which books should be included in this top ten - and as 2015 has been rich in good books it wasn't an easy job.  But - we finally managed to pick just ten and here they are in alpabetical order by author
 
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|title=Top Ten Picture Books 2015
 
|summary= We really struggled to pick just ten picture books from the brilliant editions we've seen this year and some of our personal favourites had to be left out, but here they are in alphabetical order, by author.
 
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To John Searancke
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Lizzy Mumfrey
|summary=Sue was impressed by John Searancke's story of his father's war, [[Prunes for Breakfast by John Searancke|Prunes for Breakfast]] and she had quite a few questions for John when he popped into Bookbag Towers.
+
|summary=Sue was stunned by [[Fall Out by Lizzy Mumfrey]] and simply couldn't put the book down.  She had a whole list of questions for the author when she popped into Bookbag Towers.
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{newfeature
 
{{newfeature
 
|category=interviews
 
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Chris Calder
+
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Hugo Driscoll
|summary=Ani enjoyed [[Celeste Three is Missing by Chris Calder]] and thought it was a good, slow burning escapist thriller.  She had quite a few questions for the author when he popped in to see us.
+
|summary=Sue thought that [[Seven Days with You by Hugo Driscoll|Seven Days With You]] was a quick but surprisingly deep read which looks sensitively at young love and terminal illness and that it's more uplifting than you might expect from that description!  There was a lot to chat about when author Hugo Driscoll popped into Bookbag Towers.
}}
 
{{newfeature
 
|category=newsletters
 
|title=October 2015 Newsletter
 
|summary=
 
Hi, hello, and how the devil are you? Good, we hope!
 
 
 
The wait is over and we now know that Marlon James [http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/oct/13/marlon-james-wins-the-man-booker-prize-2015 won the Booker Prize 2015]. He's the first Jamaican to win and we couldn't be happier for him. Ani loved [[A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James]], calling it ''multi-layered epiphany of a novel'' and if you haven't read it already, you really, really should. You can also find our reviews of all the short listed books [[Man Booker Prize 2015|here]]. They're all fabulous.
 
}}
 
{{newfeature
 
|category=lists
 
|title=Man Booker Prize 2015
 
|summary= We're eagerly awaiting news of the winner of the 2015 Man Booker Prize and we have some exciting books on the shortlist.
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{newfeature
 
{{newfeature
 
|category=interviews
 
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Sandy Hogarth
+
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Michael Pronko About ''The Last Train''
|summary=Rebecca enjoyed [[The Glass Girl by Sandy Hogarth]], an exploration of the psychological effects of sexual trauma and relationship betrayalsShe had quite a few questions for the author when she popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
+
|summary=Sue was very impressed by [[The Last Train (Detective Hiroshi) by Michael Pronko|The Last Train]], a thriller set in Tokyoshe had quite a few questions for author [[:Category:Michael Pronko|Michael Pronko]] when he popped into Bookbag Towers.
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{newfeature
 
{{newfeature
 
|category=interviews
 
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Frances Brody
+
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To David Windle
|summary=Sue is a long-standing fan of Frances Brody's Kate Shackleton mysteries.  She thought that the latest - [[A Death in the Dales by Frances Brody|A Death in the Dales]] - was ingenious, well researched and a darned good read.  There were quite a few questions when Frances popped into Bookbag Towers.
+
|summary=After reading [[Spudboy and Chip by David Windle]] Jill wants a potato superhero.  There was a lot to talk about when the author popped into Bookbag Towers.
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{newfeature
 
{{newfeature
 
|category=interviews
 
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Jill Thrussell
+
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To B C R Fegan
|summary=Ani thought that [[I'll Meet You In Heaven by Jill Thrussell|I'll Meet You In Heaven]] was a story of love, loss and new beginnings which would be a great comfort to those who have suffered loss. She had quite a few questions for author Jill Thrussell when she popped in to see us.
+
|summary=Jill thought that [[The Grumpface by B C R Fegan and Daniela Frongia]] was sweet, funny and vividly illustrated. She had quite a few questions for author Bryce Fegan when he popped into Bookbag Towers.
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 
{{newfeature
 
{{newfeature
 
|category=interviews
 
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Kim Staflund Again
+
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Spadge Whittaker About Confessions of Modern Women
|summary=Sue's always been just a little bit keen to avoid the limelight, so when Kim Staflund's latest book, [[Successful Selling Tips for Introverted Authors by Kim Staflund|Successful Selling Tips for Introverted Authors]] landed on her desk she ''devoured'' it and had quite a few questions to ask the author when she popped into Bookbag Towers.
+
|summary=Jill thought that ''Confessions of Modern Women'' was both fun and funny to read and occasionally bawdy to boot.  There was a lot to chat about when Spadge popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{newfeature
 
{{newfeature
 
|category=interviews
 
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Matt Addis
+
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Tormod V Burkey
|summary=Sue has spent some very indulgent hours recently listening to books narrated by Matt Addis.  Most recently she's wallowed in [[Rape of the Fair Country by Alexander Cordell|Rape of the Fair Country]] and [[The Hosts of Rebecca by Alexander Cordell|The Hosts of Rebecca]], both by Alexander Cordell, which she thought were amazingWhen Matt popped into Bookbag Towers she wanted to know how it was all done.
+
|summary=Sean was impressed when he read [[Ethics for a Full World or, Can Animal-Lovers Save the World? by Tormod V Burkey|Ethics for a Full World or, Can Animal-Lovers Save the World?]].  There was a lot to chat about when author Tormod V Burkey popped into Bookbag Towers.
}}
 
{{newfeature
 
|category=newsletters
 
|title=September 2015 Newsletter
 
|summary=
 
Well, they say summer is the silly season but so much has been happening since we last wrote! And so much of what has been happening has tied into the world of books in our thoughts. MPs, given a free vote, [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/mps-overwhelmingly-reject-plans-to-legalise-assisted-dying-for-people-with-terminal-illnesses-10496918.html rejected] an assisted dying bill. And that made us remember beloved Terry Pratchett, who so strongly [http://www.theguardian.com/society/2010/feb/02/terry-pratchett-assisted-suicide-tribunal supported] the idea. We miss you, Terry.
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{newfeature
 
{{newfeature
 
|category=interviews
 
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Antony Wootten Again
+
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Marilyn Bennett
|summary=After she finished reading [[The Grubby Feather Gang (Bigshorts) by Antony Wootten|The Grubby Feather Gang]] Sue couldn't get the characters out of her mindThe book had given her a lot to think about and she had quite a few questions for author [[:Category:Antony Wootten|Antony Wootten]] when he popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
+
|summary=Sue's only problem with [[Granny with Benefits by Marilyn Bennett]] was that she would have loved to spend more time with the characters.  When the author popped into Bookbag Towers there was quite a lot to chat about.
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{newfeature
 
{{newfeature
|category=interviews
+
|category=comments
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To C B Calico
+
|title=Keren David Talks To Bookbag About Alternative Facts
|summary=Rebecca was impressed by [[Dandelion Angel by C B Calico|Dandelion Angel]] and had quite a few questions when debut author C B Calico popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
+
|summary=Keren David Talks To Bookbag About #alternativefacts
 +
|summary=It wasn't until someone on Twitter tagged her book [[The Liar's Handbook by Keren David|The Liar's Handbook]] with #alternativefacts that Karen David realised quite how well the title and themes hit the zeitgeist.
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{newfeature
 
{{newfeature
|category=newsletters
+
|category=comments
|title=August 2015 Newsletter
+
|title=Linda Newbery Talks To Bookbag About The Power Of Protest
|summary=  
+
|summary=Linda Newbery Talks To Bookbag About The Power Of Protest
Hi, hello and how are you? Good, we hope. We have some summer reading recommendations for you as ever this month. If you haven't been on your holidays yet, hopefully there's something there you'd like to take with you. If you have, well, you can still take a look - perhaps for some reading in the garden during the long evenings. Either way, happy summer reading everyone!
+
|summary=We were very impressed by Linda Newbery's [[Until We Win by Linda Newbery|Until We Win]] a dramatized example of Suffragist ideas. She's been chatting to us about the power of protest.
 
}}
 
}}
  
Check out the full lists of [[:Category: Interviews|interviews]], [[:Category: Lists|top tens]] and [[:Category: Comments|articles]].
+
Move to [[Recommended Resources]]
 
 
 
[[Category:Features|*]]
 
[[Category:Features|*]]

Revision as of 08:28, 21 September 2020

Check out the full lists of interviews, top tens and articles.

Bookcomments.jpg From Sci Fi to Reality: How Dreams Turn Into Innovations

The gap between sci-fi and reality is not so big anymore. You don’t have to go that far back in time to see huge developments in technology. For example, the 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 touch. Read more...

Bookcomments.jpg 5 Great AI books to read in 2020

Artificial intelligence (AI) has expanded into one of the most important technologies in human history. It comes with so many benefits, from improving the efficiency of simple, basic tasks to helping to solve advanced problems by quickly analyzing large data sets. Read more...

Booklists.jpg A Baker's Dozen of Books to Keep the Kids Occupied When They Can't Go Out

Are you running out of inspiration for what to do with the kids when they can't go out? We've come up with a baker's dozen of books to give you some brilliant ideas. Read more...

Booklists.jpg Top Ten Self-Published Books 2019

We've seen some cracking self-published books this year and they're all books which compare well with traditionally-published books in the same 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, in alphabetical order by author... Read more...

Bookcomments.jpg Desiree Villena Talks To Bookbag About 5 Key Tips for Writing a Critical-Yet-Fair Book Review

Writing a book review isn't difficult, you know, but there are a few things you need to keep us in mind. Desiree Villena gives us five tips. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Melanie Martin

In War and Love: A family's testament of anguish, endurance and devotion in occupied Amsterdam Melanie Martin reconstructs what happened to 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 was delighted when the author agreed to chat with her. Read more...

Bookcomments.jpg Framing the Brexit narrative: immigration, myths and public perception

Loobna Joomun looks at how Brexit is likely to affect the publishing industry - and the wider country. Read more...

Bookcomments.jpg 8 ways to motivate yourself to write, right NOW by Jessica Jarlvi

Ever felt that you've hit a brick wall with your writing? Jessica Jarlvi has eight tips yo get you writing again. Read more...

Bookcomments.jpg Greg Hickey Talks To Bookbag About The Old Guard of Dystopian Fiction

Where do you go when you move beyond classics like 1984 and Brave New World? Read more...

Booklists.jpg Top Ten Self-Published Books 2018

Choosing 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 our final top ten in alphabetical order by author... Read more...

Bookcomments.jpg James Donald Talks To Bookbag About The Death Of Norman Breyfogle

One of the finest storytellers you've never heard of, who died in September 2018 at the age of 58. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Melissa Leet

Sue was impressed when she read Landslide by Melissa Leet and was surprised to find that it was a debut novel. She had quite a few questions for Melissa when she popped into Bookbag Towers. Read more...

Bookcomments.jpg Faiz Kermani talks to Bookbag about how a blue frog is helping Malawi's vulnerable children to live safe, healthy and happy lives

Every child has a right to medical care Read more...

Bookcomments.jpg Abi Silver Talks To The Bookbag About A Few Of Her Favourite Things

We could definitely make a flying car – but that's not the hard part. The hard part is, how do you make a flying car that's super safe and quiet?: Elon Musk Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Daniel Peltz

Sue wasn't expecting to enjoy a novel about a building, but was surprised by just how compelling she found The Indomitable Chiesa di Santa Maria. There was a lot to chat about when author Daniel Peltz popped into Bookbag Towers. Read more...

Booklists.jpg Top Ten Self-Published Books 2017

Choosing the top ten self-published books we read in 2017 was one of the toughest jobs we did all year and involved a great deal of discussion. Here's our final top ten in alphabetical order by author... Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Chit Dubey

Sue was quietly impressed when she read 21 Doors to Happiness: Life Through Travel Experiences and Meditation by Chit Dubey as it chimed with her personal view of life. She was delighted when Chit Dubey popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us. Read more...

Bookcomments.jpg Melita Thomas Talks To Bookbag About The King's Pearl: Henry VIII and his Daughter Mary

Melita Thomas tell us that Mary was a true Renaissance Princess Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Elizabeth Fox and Martin le Comte

Peter thought that The Ten Golden Rules of Leadership was the best book on leadership he'd ever read and he couldn't resist asking authors Elizabeth Fox and Martin le Comte quite a few questions when they came to Bookbag Towers to chat to us. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Gabe Riggs

Luke thought that Punk Love Foucault by Gabe Riggs was an intense, emotional and visceral read that illuminates and educates with a strong voice and clear, capable prose. There was a lot to talk about when Gabe popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Sandra Aragona

Sue loved Sandra Aragona's lightly-fictionalised autobiography of life as a diplomatic spouse. There was a lot that she wanted to ask about when Sandra popped into Bookbag Towers. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To K J Lawrence

Sue was delighted when she read The Cossack as it restored her faith in the thriller genre. When the author, K J Lawrence, popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us, Sue had quite a few questions ready! Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Stuart Burrell

Sue found Start Burrell's book Twelve Times To The Max: One Man's Journey to, and Recollections of, Setting Twelve Verified World Records an inspiring, feel-good read. She wanted to know more when Stuart popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Wes Stuart

Luke enjoyed the combination of compellingly-written science fiction which blends themes of innocence and growth with some well depicted moments of horror in My Name is Sam and he had quite a few questions for author Wes Stuart when he popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To B C R Fegan

Sue giggled like a child when she read Henry and the Hidden Treasure by B C R Fegan and Lenny Wen: it's a good story with some valuable lessons. It was a real pleasure to chat to writer B C R Fegan when he popped into Bookbag Towers. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Annie Ingram

Very few people believe that dogs can talk so it was something 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 book. There was a lot to talk about when she popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Stephan Santiago

Ani was quietly moved by Returning Home and there were several points she wanted to discuss with author Stephan Santiago when he popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Tessa Buckley

Jill's really taken by author Tessa Buckley's mystery and family drama series, Eye Spy Investigations and enjoyed Eye Spy II. There were quite a few questions for Tessa when she popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Saqib Noor

Sue laughed and cried when she read Surgery on the Shoulders of Giants: Letters from a doctor abroad, touched and humbled by a man who has provided medical aid in some of the neediest parts of the world. She had quite a few questions when author Saqib Noor popped into Bookbag Towers to see us. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Johnny Ringwood

Peter enjoyed Cargoes & Capers with its memories of life in the East End and stories how the author, Johnny Ringwood, turned his life around. He had rather a lot of questions when Johnny popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Isabella Davidson

Sue was grabbed by The Beta Mum: Adventures in Alpha Land as soon as she started reading. She decided to tackle author Isabella Davidson about what it means to be an alpha or a beta mummy when she popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Lizzy Mumfrey

Sue was stunned by Fall Out by Lizzy Mumfrey and simply couldn't put the book down. She had a whole list of questions for the author when she popped into Bookbag Towers. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Hugo Driscoll

Sue thought that Seven Days With You was a quick but surprisingly deep read which looks sensitively at young love and terminal illness and that it's more uplifting than you might expect from that description! There was a lot to chat about when author Hugo Driscoll popped into Bookbag Towers. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Michael Pronko About ''The Last Train''

Sue was very impressed by The Last Train, a thriller set in Tokyo. she had quite a few questions for author Michael Pronko when he popped into Bookbag Towers. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To David Windle

After reading Spudboy and Chip by David Windle Jill wants a potato superhero. There was a lot to talk about when the author popped into Bookbag Towers. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To B C R Fegan

Jill thought that The Grumpface by B C R Fegan and Daniela Frongia was sweet, funny and vividly illustrated. She had quite a few questions for author Bryce Fegan when he popped into Bookbag Towers. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Spadge Whittaker About Confessions of Modern Women

Jill thought that Confessions of Modern Women was both fun and funny to read and occasionally bawdy to boot. There was a lot to chat about when Spadge popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Tormod V Burkey

Sean was impressed when he read Ethics for a Full World or, Can Animal-Lovers Save the World?. There was a lot to chat about when author Tormod V Burkey popped into Bookbag Towers. Read more...

Bookinterviews.jpg The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Marilyn Bennett

Sue's only problem with Granny with Benefits by Marilyn Bennett was that she would have loved to spend more time with the characters. When the author popped into Bookbag Towers there was quite a lot to chat about. Read more...

Bookcomments.jpg Keren David Talks To Bookbag About Alternative Facts

It wasn't until someone on Twitter tagged her book The Liar's Handbook with #alternativefacts that Karen David realised quite how well the title and themes hit the zeitgeist. Read more...

Bookcomments.jpg Linda Newbery Talks To Bookbag About The Power Of Protest

We were very impressed by Linda Newbery's Until We Win a dramatized example of Suffragist ideas. She's been chatting to us about the power of protest. Read more...

Move to Recommended Resources