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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=January 2016 Newsletter
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|title=From Sci Fi to Reality: How Dreams Turn Into Innovations
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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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HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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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=5 Great AI books to read in 2020
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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=Top Ten Self-Published Books 2015
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|title=A Baker's Dozen of Books to Keep the Kids Occupied When They Can't Go Out
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|summary= We've seen some great self-published books this year and had great fun choosing our top ten books.  Here they are, in alphabetical order by author.
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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=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Spadge Whittaker
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|title=Top Ten Self-Published Books 2019
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|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= 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...
 
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|title=Bookbag's Christmas Gift Recommendations 2015
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|title=Desiree Villena Talks To Bookbag About 5 Key Tips for Writing a Critical-Yet-Fair Book Review
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|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=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 Dr Kris J Sime
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Melanie Martin
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|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=|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 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.
 
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|title=Top Ten Women's Fiction 2015
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|title=Framing the Brexit narrative: immigration, myths and public perception
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|summary=We've been looking for intelligent women's fiction that provides a good read and we think that we've found some crackers.  Here they are, in alphabetical order by author.  
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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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|title=November 2015 Newsletter
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|title=8 ways to motivate yourself to write, right NOW by Jessica Jarlvi
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|summary=  
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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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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
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|title=Greg Hickey Talks To Bookbag About The Old Guard of Dystopian Fiction
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|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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|summary=Where do you go when you move beyond classics like ''1984'' and ''Brave New World''?
 
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|title=Top Ten Fantasy Books of 2015
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|title=Top Ten Self-Published Books 2018
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|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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|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=Top Ten Historical Fiction Books of 2015
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|title=James Donald Talks To Bookbag About The Death Of Norman Breyfogle
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|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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|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=Top Ten General Fiction Books for 2015
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Melissa Leet
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|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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|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.
 
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|title=Top Ten Books for Teens 2015
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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
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|summary= Choosing our top ten books for teens is always difficult and 2015 was no exception.  We think there's something here for everyone and 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 History Books 2015
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|title=Abi Silver Talks To The Bookbag About A Few Of Her Favourite Things
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|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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|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 2015
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Daniel Peltz
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|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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|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=Top Ten Picture Books 2015
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|title=Top Ten Self-Published Books 2017
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|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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|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=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To John Searancke
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Chit Dubey
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|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.
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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=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Chris Calder
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|title=Melita Thomas Talks To Bookbag About The King's Pearl: Henry VIII and his Daughter Mary
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|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.
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|summary= Melita Thomas tell us that Mary was a true Renaissance Princess
 
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|title=October 2015 Newsletter
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Elizabeth Fox and Martin le Comte
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|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.
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Hi, hello, and how the devil are you? Good, we hope!
 
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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.
 
 
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|title=Man Booker Prize 2015
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Gabe Riggs
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|summary= We're eagerly awaiting news of the winner of the 2015 Man Booker Prize and we have some exciting books on the shortlist.
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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=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Sandy Hogarth
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Sandra Aragona
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|summary=Rebecca enjoyed [[The Glass Girl by Sandy Hogarth]], an exploration of the psychological effects of sexual trauma and relationship betrayals.  She had quite a few questions for the author when she popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
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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 Frances Brody
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To K J Lawrence
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|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.
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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=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Jill Thrussell
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Stuart Burrell
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|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.
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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 Kim Staflund Again
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Wes Stuart
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|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.
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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 Matt Addis
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To B C R Fegan
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|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 amazing.  When Matt popped into Bookbag Towers she wanted to know how it was all done.
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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.
 
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|title=September 2015 Newsletter
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Annie Ingram
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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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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.
 
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Antony Wootten Again
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Stephan Santiago
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|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 mind.  The 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.
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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 C B Calico
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Tessa Buckley
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|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.
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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=August 2015 Newsletter
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Saqib Noor
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|summary=  
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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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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!
 
 
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|title=July 2015 Newsletter
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Johnny Ringwood
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|summary=  
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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 around. He had rather a lot of questions when Johnny popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
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How are you all doing with the summer weather? Aside from sweltering and moaning, that is. We can allow you to swelter but not to moan about it. Sorry! Did you watch Wimbledon? As we write, the tournament is still ongoing, so our fingers are still crossed for Andy Murray, as they were for our fabulous footballing lionesses. We need to review more books about sport, we really do.
 
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Sarah Bourne
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Isabella Davidson
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|summary=When she read [[Two Lives by Sarah Bourne|Two Lives]] Rebecca thought that author Sarah Bourne was definitely going to be one to follow.  They had a lot to chat about when Sarah popped into Bookbag Towers.
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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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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To John Piper
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Lizzy Mumfrey
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|summary=Ani was impressed when she read John Piper's [[Hibernia Unanimis: "Pro Deo, Rege et Patricia, Hibernia Unanimis" (For God, King and Country, Ireland is United) by John Piper|Hibernia Unanimis]] and she had quite a few questions to ask the author when he popped into Bookbag Towers.
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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 Gerry Brown
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Hugo Driscoll
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|summary=Sue thought that [[The Independent Director: The Non-Executive Director's Guide to Effective Board Presence by Gerry Brown|The Independent Director: The Non-Executive Director's Guide to Effective Board Presence]] was fascinating and certain to become the go-to book for anyone thinking about taking on an independent directorship.  There were quite a few questions she wanted to ask when author Gerry brown popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
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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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|title=June 2015 Newsletter
 
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|summary=Hi, hello and how the devil are you?
 
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The days are getting long and for us here at Bookbag, it means the evenings are perfect for reading. Hopefully you feel the same and hopefully this newsletter will give you some ideas about what to read next.
 
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So, what's been going on in the book world? Well, there's been a flurry of laureate-related news.
 
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Firstly, the redoubtable [http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33046917 Chris Riddell has taken over] from the equally redoubtable Malorie Blackman as the new Children's Laureate. Hooray! We love Chris. He says he wants to put ''visual literacy'' front and centre during his tenure and he'd love to see children drawing every day. So would we. Good luck, Chris.}}
 
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|title=May 2015 Newsletter
 
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|summary=Hi, hello, how goes it with you? Post-election blues? Or post-election euphoria? Or simply thankful it's all over for another five years? Whichever, it's good to get back to talking about books, right? Right?!
 
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Penguin are hoping to raise £25,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust through their [http://penguinblog.co.uk/2015/05/05/a-night-of-infinities/ Night of Infinities] on 26 June. Over the past three years, millions of people around the world have connected with the story of Gus and Hazel in John Green’s life-changing [[The Fault in Our Stars by John Green|The Fault in Our Stars]]. Night of Infinities is a a UK and Ireland wide, TFiOS-themed sleepover that will include all sorts of online fun. The Teenage Cancer Trust does remarkable work, so if you know anyone that might like to take part, do let them know.
 
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|title=April 2015 Newsletter
 
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|summary=Hi there! Spring is in the air! Isn't it a relief? Politics is also in the air. There's a general election campaign on, in case you hadn't noticed. Somewhat less of a relief for many, we fear. If you're looking to escape Cameron, Miliband, Farage et al, and are looking for anything to read that isn't a party manifesto, stick with us. We have some great book recommendations for you this month.
 
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In other news, author David Nicholls says that browsing bookshops then buying online is a genteel form of shoplifting. Do you agree? We think bookshops are precious so we are inclined to concur. Having said that, there's nothing wrong with a choice of format. Not everybody feels the same way about books as objects. Perhaps, rather than the gladiatorial combat Nicholls describes, it would be better if people browsed in bookshops and then chose the physical book or a download at the checkout?
 
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To John Kemp
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Michael Pronko About ''The Last Train''
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|summary=Sue thought that John Kemp’s book [[Caring for Shirley by John Kemp|Caring for Shirley]] was a remarkably upbeat, life-affirming read considering that it was about looking after his wife who was suffering from dementia and no longer recognised him as her husband.  it’s probably one of the most feared fates as you get older, and Sue had plenty to discuss with John Kemp when he popped into Bookbag Towers.
+
|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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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Michael Pronko
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To David Windle
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|summary=Rebecca enjoyed Michael Pronko's whimsical, poetic [[Beauty and Chaos: Slices and Morsels of Tokyo Life by Michael Pronko|essays on Tokyo life]] and she had quite a few questions for the author when he popped into Bookbag Towers.
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|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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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Tricia Callow, sister of Lesley J Nickell
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To B C R Fegan
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|summary=Ani is an enthusiast about 15th and 16th century history and enjoyed the different approach to the Wars of the Roses which she found in [[The White Queen of Middleham: Sprigs of Broom 1 by Lesley J Nickell]].  She'd have loved to chat to Lesley, but unfortunately she died in 2013.  Fortunately, Lesley's sister, Tricia Callow had the answers to many of Ani's questions.
+
|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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|title=March 2015 Newsletter
 
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|summary=Hello dear readers. We hope you're well and that winter is slowly seeping from your bones.
 
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This last month has brought sad news. Sir Terry Pratchett, creator of Discworld and advocate of right to die reform, [http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/mar/15/sir-terry-pratchett-1948-2015-an-appreciation has died]. Lovely Sir Terry, whose stories satirised every aspect of the modern world and the human condition but who, in person, was kind and funny and twinkly, without a nasty bone in his body. We are all a little bit less without him.  
 
 
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|title=February 2015 Newsletter
 
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|summary=Hi, hello, and how the devil are you? Reading feverishly, we hope. As ever, we've rounded up our favourite books out this month and hopefully you'll find something you - or your children - will enjoy in the picks.
 
  
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The first reviews for the film adaptation of [[Fifty Shades Of Grey by EL James]] are out. Most are suggesting that the film is better than the book. It's a polarising volume, isn't it? Our reviewer Zoe is in the positive camp but there are many who aren't. It will be interesting to see what readers think: few of us ''ever'' prefer the film to the book.
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Virginia Burges
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Spadge Whittaker About Confessions of Modern Women
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|summary=Rebecca thought that [[The Virtuoso by Virginia Burges|The Virtuoso]] was a sensitive portrayal of a life in transition.  She had quite a few questions when author Virginia Burges popped into Bookbag Towers.
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|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.
 
}}
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To P J Davitt
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Tormod V Burkey
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|summary=Jill thought that [[One Shot at Glory by P J Davitt|One Shot at Glory]] was a truly relatable story about football hopefuls and author P J Davitt makes it warts and all.  She had quite a few questions she wanted to ask when Paddy popped into Bookbag Towers.
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|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.
 
}}
 
}}
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Nigel McClea
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Marilyn Bennett
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|summary=Sue thought that [[A Word Glittering with Spikes by Nigel McClea|A Word Glittering with Spikes]] was a long, indulgent, romantic read and she had quite a few questions for author Nigel McClea when he popped into Bookbag Towers.
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|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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|title=Leonce Gaiter Talks To Bookbag About Why Men Are Only 20% of all Fiction Readers
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|title=Keren David Talks To Bookbag About Alternative Facts
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|summary=Leonce Gaiter is a prolific African American writer and proud Harvard Alum. His writing has appeared in the NYTimes, NYT Magazine, LA Times, Washington Times, and Washington Post, and he has written two novels.  His newly released novel, [http://bit.ly/ZyqSuN In the Company of Educated Men] is a literary thriller with socio-economic, class, and racial themes.
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|summary=Keren David Talks To Bookbag About #alternativefacts
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}}
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|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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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To R D Shanks
 
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|summary=Ani was quietly impressed by debut author Rachael Shanks' [[A Reverie of Brothers by R D Shanks|A Reverie of Brothers]] and she had quite a few questions when the author popped into Bookbag Towers.
 
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|title=January 2015 Newsletter
 
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|summary=Hi, hello and a very happy New Year. May 2015 be healthy, happy and fulfilling for each and every one of you.
 
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We have the most wonderful book story for you this month. For the last three years, an anonymous artist has been leaving sculptures made from old books in and around Edinburgh. The sculptures are absolutely beautiful: delicate, evocative, inspiring. We at Bookbag love a bit of book art. Anf finally, the artist has spoken in an [http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-30697553 interview with the BBC]. She still doesn't say who she is, though! We love this story.
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Femi Bolaji
 
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|summary=Sue was moved when she read [[God Tells the Sun to Shine: An Amazing Story of Love and Forgiveness by Femi Bolaji|God Tells the Sun to Shine: An Amazing Story of Love and Forgiveness]] and there were was quite a bit to chat about when author Femi Bolaji popped into Bookbag Towers.  
 
 
}}
 
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|title=Chris Priestley Talks To Bookbag About A Christmas Carol And The Inspiration For The Last of the Spirits
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|title=Linda Newbery Talks To Bookbag About The Power Of Protest
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|summary=Jim was blown away when he read [[The Last of the Spirits by Chris Priestley|The Last of the Spirits by Chris Priestley|The Last of the Spirits]] and he was delighted when author Chris Priestley popped into Bookbag Towers to chat about it.
+
|summary=Linda Newbery Talks To Bookbag About The Power Of Protest
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}}
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|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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|category=interviews
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Alan Kennedy
 
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|summary=Jill thought that [[Lucy by Alan Kennedy|Lucy]] was a vivid, clever story of love, art, war and missed opportunities.  She and author Alan Kennedy had quite a bit to chat about when he popped into Bookbag Towers.
 
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Dee Blick
 
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|summary=When Sue finished reading [[The Ultimate Guide to Writing and Marketing a Bestselling Book - on a Shoestring Budget by Dee Blick|The Ultimate Guide to Writing and Marketing a Bestselling Book on a Shoestring Budget]] she was enthused to write a book - until she realised that she was one of the few people who didn't have a book inside her - but there was still a lot to talk about when author Dee Blick popped into Bookbag Towers.
 
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|category=newsletters
 
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|title=November 2014 Newsletter
 
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|summary=Hi, hello and how are you?
 
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November 17-21 was Anti-Bullying week here in the UK. And we were really happy to see the world of books get involved. Penguin launched a campaign called Choose Kind that ties in with the gorgeous [[Wonder by R J Palacio]], a book about a disfigured young boy attending school for the first time. We at Bookbag are all for anything that tries to inspire all people to be a little bit kinder to each other and so we'd like to add our voice to the chorus asking everyone to #choosekind.
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
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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

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