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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 Michael Pronko About ''The Last Train''
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|title=From Sci Fi to Reality: How Dreams Turn Into Innovations
|summary=Sue was very impressed by [[The Last Train (Detective Hiroshi) by Michael Pronko|The Last Train]], a thriller set in Tokyo. she had quite a few questions for author [[:Category:Michael Pronko|Michael Pronko]] when he popped into Bookbag Towers.
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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 David Windle
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|title=5 Great AI books to read in 2020
|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.
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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 B C R Fegan
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|title=A Baker's Dozen of Books to Keep the Kids Occupied When They Can't Go Out
|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.
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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=April 2017 Newsletter
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|title=Top Ten Self-Published Books 2019
|summary=  
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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...
Hello Bookbaggers! How are you? Well, we hope.
 
 
 
First up this month, our great friend SF Said reminded us of an important campaign the other day, and we want to remind you in turn.#coverkidsbooks draws attention to the lack of representative coverage of children's books in newspapers and other media. You can read about it here.As this blogpost points out, according to The Bookseller, sales of children's books overtook adult fiction for the first time in 2014, and they now account for over 30% of the UK publishing market. And yet children's books currently get just 3% of all book review space, despite accounting for that 30% of the market. That is an entire order of magnitude of under-representation. We couldn't agree more and we at Bookbag give equal priority to adult and children's books. But we know that we are preaching to the converted and we wish that newspapers would make more effort to get on board. There is more to children's fiction than Harry Potter, guys. A lot more.  
 
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Spadge Whittaker About Confessions of Modern Women
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|title=Desiree Villena Talks To Bookbag About 5 Key Tips for Writing a Critical-Yet-Fair Book Review
|summary=Jill thought that ''Confessions of Modern Women'' was both fun and funny to read and occasionally bawdy to bootThere was a lot to chat about when Spadge popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
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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 mindDesiree Villena gives us five tips.
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Tormod V Burkey
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Melanie Martin
|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 in to Bookbag Towers.
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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=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Marilyn Bennett
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|title=Framing the Brexit narrative: immigration, myths and public perception
|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.
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|summary=Loobna Joomun looks at how Brexit is likely to affect the publishing industry - and the wider country.
 
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|category=comments
|title=Keren David Talks To Bookbag About Alternative Facts
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|title=8 ways to motivate yourself to write, right NOW by Jessica Jarlvi
|summary=Keren David Talks To Bookbag About #alternativefacts
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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.
|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.
 
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|category=newsletters
 
|title=February 2017 Newsletter
 
|summary=
 
Hi, hello and how are you all?
 
 
We don't want to dwell too much on convulsive world events - not because they don't concern us but because everyone is doing it and probably doing it much better than we could. But how could we ''not'' point out that George Orwell's ''newspeak'' classic ''1984'' is, as we write, back in [http://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/jan/24/george-orwell-1984-sales-surge-kellyanne-conway-alternative-facts Amazon's bestseller list]. Alternative facts are not facts. And thank you, George Orwell, for warning us.  
 
 
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|category=comments
|title=Linda Newbery Talks To Bookbag About The Power Of Protest
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|title=Greg Hickey Talks To Bookbag About The Old Guard of Dystopian Fiction
|summary=Linda Newbery Talks To Bookbag About The Power Of Protest
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|summary=Where do you go when you move beyond classics like ''1984'' and ''Brave New World''?
|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.
 
 
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|title=Top Ten Self-Published Books 2016
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|title=Top Ten Self-Published Books 2018
|summary= It's never an easy job picking our top ten self published books of any year, but 2016 was particularly difficult as we've seen some exceptional books.
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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=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Charles D Blanchard
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|title=James Donald Talks To Bookbag About The Death Of Norman Breyfogle
|summary=Luke thought that [[Kingdom's End by Charles D Blanchard]] was an adventurous take on a political thriller.  It features rats but offers some facinating insights into the world of us humans.  Luke had quite a few questions for the author when he popped in to Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
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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.
 
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|title=January 2017 Newsletter
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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, hello, hello! And a very happy New Year to you all. May 2017 bring joy and prosperity to every one of you. The world may well be heading to hell in a handcart but we hope it finds a new direction this year and, even if it doesn't, all our readers find at least the small pleasures that make life worth living come their way.
 
 
 
Have you seen the film of [[A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness|A Monster Calls]]? It's lovely! As lovely as the book - and we rarely say that hereabouts. The cast is super and the film balances its emotional and fantastical elements beautifully. If you haven't seen it yet, then you really should.
 
 
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|title=Top Ten Non-Fiction Books of 2016
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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= If fiction's not your bag then we've chosen some special non-fiction books for you.  As always they're in alphabetical order by author.
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|summary=Every child has a right to medical care
 
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|title=Top Ten Teens Books of 2016
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|title=Abi Silver Talks To The Bookbag About A Few Of Her Favourite Things
|summary= There have been some cracking books for teens and young adults this year.  These are our favourites in alphabetical order by author.
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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
 
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|title=Top Ten Books for Confident Readers 2016
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Daniel Peltz
|summary= We've quite a range of books in our confident readers category - it stretches from the time that children are nicely reading on their own right through to the point where they're looking at books for teenswe think we've got something for everyone is this selection which is in alphabetical order by author.
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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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|category=lists
|title=Top Ten Children's Picture Books 2016
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|title=Top Ten Self-Published Books 2017
|summary= We've found some wondefful picture books this year and they#re all going to appeal to adults ''and'' children.  Here they are in alphabetical order by author.
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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 discussion.  Here's our final top ten in alphabetical order by author...
 
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|title=Top Ten Children's Non-Fiction Books of 2016
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Chit Dubey
|summary= We really struggled to pick just ten of the wonderful children's non-fiction books which we've seen this year, but here they are, in alphabetical order by author.
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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=Top Ten General Fiction Books of 2016
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|title=Melita Thomas Talks To Bookbag About The King's Pearl: Henry VIII and his Daughter Mary
|summary= We look for cracking good reads from our General Fiction favourites and here they are in alphabetical order by author.
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|summary= Melita Thomas tell us that Mary was a true Renaissance Princess
 
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|category=interviews
|title=November 2016 Newsletter
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Elizabeth Fox and Martin le Comte
|summary=  
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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.
Everything has gone a little bit crazy in dear old Blightly of late, hasn't it? Brexit has sent us all into a spin and there is a great deal of anger about. Our hope, in this November newsletter, is to bring you - whichever side of the Brexit divide you find yourself on - some of the joy and happiness found in reading for pleasure. Reading is the best escape of all. We'll never change our minds about that here at Bookbag Towers.
 
 
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|title=Top Ten Crime Novels 2016
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Gabe Riggs
|summary= For the most part we've avoided the big names in our favourites this year: it's good to see some new names coming through!  These are our favourites in alphabetical order by author.
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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 prose.  There was a lot to talk about when Gabe popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
 
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|title=Top Ten Historical Fiction Books of 2016
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Sandra Aragona
|summary= A few years ago historical fiction was a niche genre, but now it's mainstream and we've seen some cracking books this yearThese are our favourites in alphabetical order by author.
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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 spouseThere was a lot that she wanted to ask about when Sandra popped into Bookbag Towers.
 
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|title=Top Ten Women's Fiction Books of 2016
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To K J Lawrence
|summary= There should be something for everyone's tastes here: they're all great fun and we've presented them alphabetically by author.
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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!
 
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|title=Top Ten Autobiographies and Biographies 2016
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Stuart Burrell
|summary= We've seen a lot of biographies and autobiographies in 2016 and it hasn't been easy to select just ten as our favourites, but here's what we finally settled on in alphabetical order by author.
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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 Leigh Bardugo
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Wes Stuart
|summary=Olivia thought that [[Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo|Crooked Kingdom]] was all that she could want from a book and more, so she had quite a few questions when Leigh Bardugo popped in to Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
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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=Top Ten Literary Fiction Books of 2016
 
|summary= It's been a rich year for literary fiction and we had great fun debating which were our favourites - but here they are in alphabetical order by author.
 
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|title=Top Ten Science Fiction and Fantasy Novels 2016
 
|summary= We've got some old favourites and some new names in this year's selection of our favourites. Here they are - in alphabetical order by author.
 
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Steven Burgauer
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To B C R Fegan
|summary=Ani thought that [[The Road To War: Duty & Drill, Courage & Capture by Steven Burgauer]] was personal, inspiring & insightfulShe had quite a few points to discuss when Steven Burgauer popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
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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 lessonsIt was a real pleasure to chat to writer B C R Fegan when he popped into Bookbag Towers.
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Numba Pinkerton
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Annie Ingram
|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=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 [[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 Richard and Judy Book Club Autumn 2016
 
|summary= Seven great reads for the autumn - and we've read them all!
 
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Richard Smith about The Darzoids' Stone
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Stephan Santiago
|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=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=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Gloria D Gonsalves About Lamellia: The Kingdom of Mushrooms
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Tessa Buckley
|summary=Jill enjoyed [[Lamellia: The Kingdom of Mushrooms by Gloria D Gonsalves]] and said that she'd be glad to read it to any childShe and the author had lots to chat about when Gloria popped into Bookbag Towers.
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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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|category=newsletters
 
|title=October 2016 Newsletter
 
|summary=
 
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
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Saqib Noor
|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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|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=Natasha Farrant Talks To Bookbag About First Discovering Jane Austen
 
|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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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Pamela Johnson
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Johnny Ringwood
|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=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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{{newfeature
 
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|title=September 2016 Newsletter
 
|summary=
 
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=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Isabella Davidson
|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=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.
 
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{{newfeature
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To S B Charles
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Lizzy Mumfrey
|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=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.
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Christopher Bowden about 'The Purple Shadow'
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Hugo Driscoll
|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=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.
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{{newfeature
 
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|title=August 2016 Newsletter
 
|summary=
 
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=July 2016 Newsletter
 
|summary=
 
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
 
|summary=
 
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.
 
}}
 
{{newfeature
 
|category=newsletters
 
|title=May 2016 Newsletter
 
|summary=
 
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.  
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{newfeature
 
{{newfeature
 
|category=interviews
 
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Russell Mardell
+
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Michael Pronko About ''The Last Train''
|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.
+
|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 Joel Mentmore
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To David Windle
|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.
+
|summary=After reading [[Spudboy and Chip by David Windle]] Jill wants a potato superheroThere 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 Hazel McHaffie
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To B C R Fegan
|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.
+
|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
 
|category=newsletters
 
|title=April 2016 Newsletter
 
|summary=
 
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.
 
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 
{{newfeature
 
{{newfeature
 
|category=interviews
 
|category=interviews
|title=Quentin Bates talks to Bookbag about about ''Thin Ice''
+
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Spadge Whittaker About Confessions of Modern Women
|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.
+
|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 C E Robinson
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Tormod V Burkey
|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.
+
|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
 
{{newfeature
 
|category=interviews
 
|category=interviews
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Anthony Gardner
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Marilyn Bennett
|summary=Jill thought that [[Fox by Anthony Gardner]] was plot-focused and had twists to suit every thriller fanShe 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.
+
|summary=Sue's only problem with [[Granny with Benefits by Marilyn Bennett]] was that she would have loved to spend more time with the charactersWhen the author popped into Bookbag Towers there was quite a lot to chat about.
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{newfeature
 
{{newfeature
|category=newsletters
+
|category=comments
|title=February 2016 Newsletter
+
|title=Keren David Talks To Bookbag About Alternative Facts
|summary=  
+
|summary=Keren David Talks To Bookbag About #alternativefacts
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.
+
|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.
 
 
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.  
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{newfeature
 
{{newfeature
|category=interviews
+
|category=comments
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Michael Pronko about 'Motions and Moments'
+
|title=Linda Newbery Talks To Bookbag About The Power Of Protest
|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.
+
|summary=Linda Newbery Talks To Bookbag About The Power Of Protest
}}
+
|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.
{{newfeature
 
|category=interviews
 
|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Haraldur Erlendsson and Keith Hagenbach
 
|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.
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 +
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