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|category=commentslists|title=Research? But it's Only a Romantic Novel! by Sophie PageTop Ten Self-Published Books 2023|summary=When we finished reading [[To Marry A Prince by Sophie Page|To Marry A Prince]] we started wondering exactly how you did We've seen some really good self-published books this year: they're up there with the research for a book like thatbest of traditional publishing. I mean - you can't just tag along for a couple of weekHere's work experienceour top ten, in alphabetical order, can you? The book gives a real feel for what the life is like so we asked Sophie to tell us how she did itby author.
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Stephen Mark NormanJeffrey Dunn|summary=Jill enjoyed [[:Category:Stephen Mark NormanRadio Free Olympia by Jeffrey Dunn|Stephen Mark NormanRadio Free Olympia]] is the author of [[Meklyan , a story blending prose and the Fourth Piece poetry with themes of the Artefact by Stephen Mark Norman|Meklyan ecology, folklore, love and the Fourth Piece of the Artefact]]loss. We realised that there was more to the book than met the eye and we couldnShe didn't refuse think it was the opportunity to ask him easiest read, but a few questionsrewarding one.
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|category=interviewscomments|title=How To Write a Fantasy Novel: The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Annette HartFull Guide|summary=[[:Category:Annette Hart|Annette Hart]] Fantasy has always been our way out of the real world's limitations. It's a space where magic is a teacherreal, mythical creatures roam, mother of four children and the author heroes go on epic quests. This genre is loved by people of [[Blood all ages and Allegiance by Annette Hart|Blood backgrounds. It allows us to explore new worlds and Allegiance]]face unimaginable challenges, the first of a series of books. We couldn't resist asking her how she managed to pack so much in to her busy lifeall without leaving our homes.}}
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|title=Kate Lord Brown talks about The Real ThingHow Can Reading Improve Your Vocabulary: Best Practices|summary=Here at Bookbag Towers we were converted Reading is one of the most effective ways to our [[Amazon Kindle|Kindles]] with almost indecent hasteimprove your vocabulary. Not only does it expose you to new words and their meanings, but Kate Lord Brown thinks that there are a few points it also allows you to see them used in context, which we should consider before giving up on books completely.}} {{newfeature|category=interviews|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Michael Dhillon|summary=Bookbag really enjoyed [[The Cuckoo Parchment is essential for understanding and the Dyke by Michael Dhillon|The Cuckoo Parchment and the Dyke]] with its unusual plot and paceusing them correctly. When we had With the opportunity rise of language learning apps, such as Promova, many people have turned to talk technology to Michael Dhillon we couldn’t resist!improve their vocabulary. However, reading remains a tried-and-true method that has been used for centuries.
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|category=interviewscomments|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Giles Milton3 Things You Didn't Know About Ghostwriters|summary=Here at Bookbag we're great admirers How much do you know about ghostwriters? These professionals lurk in the shadows of the publishing industry (both self- and traditional publishing), with most members of the public having only ever heard of them because of Giles Miltonthe Pierce Brosnan film. He writes great [[According to Arnold: A Novel Given the awkwardness a lot of Love and Mushrooms by Giles Milton|fiction]]people feel toward ghostwriters, wonderful [[Zebedeeit's Zoo by Giles Milton and Katharine McEwen|children's books]] and weno surprise that there are a number of misconceptions about what they do, so I've just enjoyed his latest [[Wolfram: The Boy Who Went To War by Giles Milton|history book]]. The chance to talk to him was just too good m hoping to missclarify three important things in this post.
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Alma KatsuConrad Delacroix|summary=We loved Alma Katsu's novel Sue really enjoyed [[The Taker Lensky Connection by Alma KatsuConrad Delacroix|The TakerLensky Connection]] and couldn't resist the opportunity to ask her how she produced something , a thriller set primarily in Russia. She had quite so stunninga few questions for author Conrad Delacroix when he popped into Bookbag Towers.
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|category=interviewslists|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Harry Leslie SmithTop Ten Self-Published Books 2022|summary=We thought that 're constantly amazed at the first volume quality of Harrythe self-published books which come our way and we's autobiography [[1923: A Memoir ve seen some real gems in 2022. Here they are, in alphabetical order, by Harry Leslie Smith|1923author: A Memoir]] was a remarkable piece of writing and the opportunity to ask Harry some questions was just too good to miss.
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|category=interviewscomments|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Jon Mayhew3 Things You Should Know About Literary Agents|summary=We loved If you're all set to publish your novel, it might be time to [[The Demon Collector by Jon Mayhew]], his followhttps://blog.reedsy.com/how-up to [[Mortlock by Jon Mayhew|Mortlock]-find-a-literary-agent/ get yourself a literary agent]. We couldnSince you't resist re essentially picking the opportunity person responsible for presenting and marketing your book to the world, this is no easy task. When you've sent your [https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/how-to ask him some questions-write-a-query-letter/ query letters] and started getting responses, these tips will help you choose the right person for you.
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|category=newsletterscomments|title=February 2011 NewsletterLolita Book Review: Most Important Things to Know|summary=Hello! Happy February! What do we think to library closures then? Are we Lolita, a highly controversial book, is not too worried? After all, people are able subject to buy books for a penny at Amazon and tuppence or threepence at The Book People these daysbans in American schools. And anyway, we'll all be reading via download soon, won't we? Why do we still Here are the most important things you need libraries? That's the argument, isn't to know about it? Unsurprisingly, we at Bookbag don't agree.
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|category=interviewscomments|title=Stylish Restaging of The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Melissa WarehamCrucible is All Show and No Substance, According to Reviews|summary=We loved [[Take Me Home: Tales of Battersea Dogs by Melissa Wareham]], her stories of what life in Battersea Dogs The Crucible is really like, especially adapted a tragedy that’s been debated and discussed for childrenmany years. Its current running in theaters has received a rather intriguing review. We couldn't resist the opportunity Keep reading to ask her some questionsfind out more.
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|category=interviewscomments|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Malcolm Fawbert and Asa JonesHow Bar Modeling Makes Word Problems Easy in Singapore Math|summary=Malcolm Fawbert has just published his [[Tales from Thimble Hall: Mrs Stopper's Bottle by Malcolm Fawbert|first children's book]] whilst under the name Singapore Mathematics is a unique way of Asa Jones he's brought out his [[The Illustrated Mind of Mike Reeves by Asa Jones|first novel for adults]]presenting this science. We couldn't resist the opportunity Parents and teachers will be able to get both his alter egos into one room understand and ask them a few questions!explain to children the simplest mathematical processes using images.
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|category=interviewscomments|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Victoria L ThompsonFinding More Time For Reading|summary=Victoria L ThompsonIf there is one thing that a lot of people could benefit from having more of in their lives, it's [[Midnight Mischief by Victoria L Thompson and Ben The Illustrator|Midnight Mischief]] is a fun romp through space, to rescue Pluto from those pesky aliens. ItA Bookbagger's got strong rhymes throughout and engaging illustrations. We couldnView:What it't wait s like to interview Victoria!}} {{newfeaturebe a reviewer|category=newsletters|title=January 2011 Newsletter|summary=Hello! Happy New Year! How was your Christmas? We had rather marvellous ones, helped along by our new Kindlesliterature]]. We're all Plenty of us have gone through this experience of suddenly finding that we are not reading as much as we used to . There are a lot of possible reasons for this new reading experience now, and weit're feeling very positive about ebooks. Although we are still miffed about them being VAT-s something that you might be able. Still, to approach in a number of ways if you want to make sure that you can't have everythingare getting back into reading again. We also broke out But one of the bubbly when some kindly soul became our 4most important parts of this is probably that you are able to find enough time for reading,000th Twitter follower. It's very gratifying to think and that more can be harder than 4,000 people are interested in what we have to sayyou might initially think. Perhaps they're just being kind! If you'd like site updates more often than once a month via this newsletter, then why not join the throng?
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Dan AbnettGerry Brown and Randall S Peterson about Disaster in the Boardroom: Six Dysfunctions Everyone Should Understand|summary=Dan Abnett's Sue was absolutely riveted to [[PrimevalDisaster in the Boardroom: Extinction Event Six Dysfunctions Everyone Should Understand by Dan Abnett|Primeval: Extinction EventGerry Brown and Randall S Peterson]] is a perfect tie-. It's brilliantly readable but rather frightening: people's lives and livelihoods could be in novel with lots the hands of Cretaceous critters for fans, and a very good action fantasy for anyone elsecompany boards which are dysfunctional. We couldn't wait Sue wanted to interview him!know more.
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|category=interviewslists|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Savita KalhanTop Ten Self-Published Books 2021|summary=Savita KalhanWe thought that 2020 was a strange year but 2021 has been equally so. Once again we've been amazed by the quality of self-published books which have come our way. Last year's [[The Long Weekend by Savita Kalhan|The Long Weekend]] is an incredibly tense thriller with top ten consisted of eleven books (maths never was our strong point...) but this year we're going to have to make it a baker's dozen as we really important message about 'stranger dangercouldn't split them apart. Here they are, in alphabetical order, by author.. We leapt at the opportunity to interview her.
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|category=interviewscomments|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To John SaundersHow to Write a Standout Book Review in a Saturated Market|summary=John Saunders' [[The Vernham Chronicles by John Saunders|The Vernham Chronicles]] is set in Book reviews are a crucial tool for the beautiful countryside of Vernbury Valereading community — it’s via these that opinions are exchanged, ideas discussed, and recommendations found. There you'll meet But though the villagers growth of Vernham. They're distinctly odd but we promise book review sites is promising for readers, a saturated market also means that you'll like them. We were delighted it’s getting increasingly difficult to interview John about his humorous storiesmake your mark as a book reviewer.}}
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Philip ThreadneedleGerry Brown, Andrew Kakabadse and Filipe Morais about The Independent Director in Society|summary=Sue was an enthusiastic reader of [[The Astronaut's Apprentice Independent Director in Society: Our current crisis of governance and what to do by Philip ThreadneedleGerry Brown, Andrew Kakabadse and Filipe Morais|The Independent Director in Society: Our current crisis of governance and what to do]] is a hoot of a jaunt through space for tweens and she had several points she wanted to discuss with Grandpa, Bradley and Headlice. We couldn't resist the opportunity to ask Philip Threadneedle some questionsauthors when they popped into Bookbag Towers.
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|title=Amazon KindleComic Books Where the Bad Guys Won|summary=Are ebooks Comic books and movies, in general, have been given the future portrayal of books? Is it good; always winning and saving the right time day. however, thanks to get an ebook reader? We thought about it long and hard. Yes the creativity of writers, we didhave a few writers of comics who have managed to alter this unsaid rule, 'evil wins at the end of the day'. We don't often think about things this long or this hardWhile it may not be a great thought to bear in mind, because it hurtsis still something a bit fascinating to dwell on. But sometimesAnd, cogitations are necessary. We wouldn't be here at Bookbag if we didn't love books but we knew believe that more and more people were enjoying ebooks. It was time to find out what it was really like is a breath of fresh air to discover that we have up to 3,500 books in your pocket or your bagsomething different from the cliché where the hero always emerges as the victor. 3,500! Yikes!
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Mary E MartinGerry Brown About Making a Difference: Leadership, Change and Giving Back the Independent Director Way|summary=Gerry Brown is so keen to see people geting involved that there's a free digital [[The Drawing Lessonhttps: The First in the Trilogy of Remembrance by Mary E Martin|The Drawing Lesson//www.degruyter.com/view/title/580618 download]] is the first book in Mary E Martin's Trilogy of Remembrance. We thoroughly enjoyed the this £42 book and took the opportunity to ask Mary some questions.
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|title=Top Ten Historical Novels of 2010Self-Published Books 2020|summary=We love a bit In this strangest of historical fiction here at Bookbagyears we've been delighted by the self-published books we've read and they're all books which compare well with traditionally-published books in the same genres. ItWe really couldn't narrow the choice down any further - so this year's a wide genre, ranging from a bit top ten consists of escapist reading to serious social comment. And the past often has a great deal to tell us about the presenteleven books and here they are, so it can be instructive too. Here are our favourite historical novels from 2010in alphabetical order by author. Why not [mailto:sue@thebookbag.co.uk tell us] about yours?
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|category=listsinterviews|title=Top Ten Teen Books of 2010The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Olga Kokshagina and Allen Alexander|summary=ActuallySue was so impressed by [[The Radical Innovation Playbook: A Practical Guide for Harnessing New, Novel or Game-Changing Breakthroughs by Olga Kokshagina and Allen Alexander]] that she wished that title should read ''Top Ten Teen Books Jill Read in 2010''. And she's read had a few. These are good business idea of her favouritest of favourites and it was a tough choiceown so that she could use the book. She's discounted books Perhaps that were part of a series - perhaps a bit tough, but otherwise was what she'd still be choosing. Why not [mailto:sue@thebookbagwas talking about when Olga and Allen popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.co.uk tell us] about yours?
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Marcus ChownAndrew Hampshire|summary=WeTechnology can seem frightening to people who don've always enjoyed Marcus Chown's work, from t have the background. In [[Quantum Theory Cannot Hurt You Creating Value Through Technology: Discover the Tech that Can Transform Your Business by Marcus ChownAndrew Hampshire|Quantum Theory Cannot Hurt YouCreating Value Through Technology: Discover the Tech that Can Transform Your Business]] Andrew Hampshire discusses the tech that can add quantifiable value to his children's book [[Felicity Frobisher your business and how to get the Three-headed Aldebaran Dust Devil by Marcus Chown|Felicity Frobisher most out of it. He and the Three-headed Aldebaran Dust Devil]]. After devouring [[We Need To Talk About Kelvin by Marcus Chown|We Need To Talk About Kelvin]], we leapt at the opportunity Sue had a lot to ask Marcus some questionschat about when he dropped into Bookbag Towers.
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|category=newsletterscomments|title=October 2010 NewsletterStand Up to Bullying With a Pulitzer Prize Winner|summary=Right. This month we In every generation, there are avoiding all talk of politics and spending cutskids who become bullies. Now the Chilean miners have been rescued - did you cry? We did - what we need is a good book to take our minds off all the cuts doom and gloomThey bully their siblings, neighbor kids, which has been going on since forever and a daytheir classmates. Just do it already! Have you heard of the British Library's web archive? It's a thing we've been meaning They seem to believe that other kids look up to tell you about for a long time them and failed miserably in getting around torespect them. BasicallyThat is self-delusion, as most adults are aware, itbut kids don's a collection sites of cultural, historical and political importance to the UK and you can t have a look at it here. Part of the plan is experience to keep a record of how the web has evolved over the years by taking 6-monthly snapshots of a selection of cultural websites. And guess properly judge what? Bookbag is included in the blog section - are we a blog? - respect and snapshots of our site have been archived for posterity since 2008. It tickles us pink to think that we've been includedwhat is merely fear. Take a look - the whole website is just fascinating!
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|category=interviewscomments|title=The InterviewFrom Sci Fi to Reality: Bookbag Talks To Lorraine JenkinHow Dreams Turn Into Innovations|summary=Lorraine Jenkin 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 long 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 our favourite authors here at Bookbag Towers and we couldn't resist the opportunity to ask her a few questionstouch.
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|category=listscomments|title=Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 20105 Great AI books to read in 2020|summary=Following hot on Artificial intelligence (AI) has expanded into one of the most important technologies in human history. It comes with so many benefits, from improving the footsteps efficiency of [[Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 2009|last year's]] winnersimple, [[Exposure basic tasks to helping to solve advanced problems by Mal Peet]], comes another wonderful selection of children's books in the 2010 Guardian Children's Fiction Prizequickly analyzing large data sets.
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|category=interviewslists|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Mick OA Baker'Hares Dozen of Books to Keep the Kids Occupied When They Can't Go Out|summary=The New Scientist's annual books Are you running out of answers inspiration for what to tantalising questions have always entertained and educated us here at Bookbag, so do with the opportunity to interview Mick O'Hare about this year's offering - [[Why Cankids when they can't Elephants Jumpgo out? by Mick O We'Hare|Why Canve come up with a baker't Elephants Jump?]] was too good s dozen of books to missgive you some brilliant ideas.
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|title=Man Booker Prize 2010Top Ten Self-Published Books 2019|summary=We 've seen some cracking self-published books this year and they'knowre 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' that the judges s top ten consists of eleven books and here they are going to have a difficult time , in choosing a winner - we wouldn't like to have their job!alphabetical order by author...
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|category=interviewscomments|title=The Interview: Bookbag Desiree Villena Talks To L A Weatherly|summary=If you're into that whole paranormal romance thing, you're going to love [[Angel by L A Weatherly]]. It's Bookbag About 5 Key Tips for Writing a breathtaking helterCritical-skelter of a story in which two young people learn to trust in and love one another as they battle predatory angels. L A Weatherly is doing the rounds on a blog tour and she kindly called in on Bookbag. We persuaded her to tell us all about ''Angel'' and how she came to write it. Oh, and if you've happened along before the closing date (31 October 2010), hurry over to the [[Angel by L A Weatherly|review page]], because you could win yourself a copy!}} {{newfeature|category=newsletters|title=September 2010 NewsletterYet-Fair Book Review|summary=Have you bought Writing a Kindle or another e-reader or an iPad? We Bookbaggers havenbook review isn't - yet. It's not that we're Luddites. We're waiting until things settle downdifficult, everyone's stopped arguing and we can see the lie of the land. There's much to tempt us in electronic books and a lighter suitcase when we go on holiday is only the beginning. Imagine the richness possible. Imagine the convenience. And - hopefully - imagine the better prices we're all going to get. Well, we are, aren't we? But let's face it. We readers might be readyyou know, but is the product? Too many electronic books there are badly designed, little more than a scan of the print version. What a waste. The publishers do few things you need to catch upkeep us in mind. Desiree Villena gives us five tips. And what's going to happen with DRM? Will we have to stop passing our books on to friends and family? And as web publishers, what about our review copies? The finished ones? Will we have to stop donating them to school libraries? Has anybody thought this through?
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Andy MulliganMelanie Martin|summary=You will probably know Andy Mulligan best for |summary=In [[Ribblestrop War and Love: A family's testament of anguish, endurance and devotion in occupied Amsterdam by Andy MulliganMelanie Martin|Ribblestrop]], his wonderfully absurdist comedy set in a boarding school. Now heWar and Love: A family's turned his attention to social issues testament of anguish, endurance and mystery adventures devotion in [[Trash by Andy Mulligan|Trashoccupied Amsterdam]], a gorgeous fable that is bound Melanie Martin reconstructs what happened to win awardsher family in occupied Amsterdam in WWII. You shouldn It't miss its a highly compelling if occasionally shocking read. Andy Days after she finished the book Sue could not stop thinking about what she had read and was kind enough delighted when the author agreed to have a chat with usher.
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|category=interviewscomments|title=The InterviewFraming the Brexit narrative: Bookbag Talks To Leigh Hodgkinsonimmigration, myths and public perception|summary=Bookbag has long loved Leigh Hodgkinson's work with its unique design and great sense of humour. When [[Limelight Larry by Leigh Hodgkinson|Limelight Larry]] Loobna Joomun looks at how Brexit is likely to affect the publishing industry - and [[Scrummy! by Leigh Hodgkinson|Scrummy!]] were both released in close proximity, we couldn't resist the opportunity to ask her a few questionswider country.
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|category=interviewscomments|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Ken Howard8 ways to motivate yourself to write, right NOW by Jessica Jarlvi|summary=Ken HowardEver felt that you's [[The Young Chieftain by Ken Howard|The Young Chieftain]] is a really unusual story about an American boy who finds himself on a remote Scottish island in the middle of ve hit a clan conflict. It's easy to read, but brick wall with several layers to peel back. We loved the mix of modernity and tradition and jumped at the chance to ask Ken some questions about your writing? Jessica Jarlvi has eight tips yo get you writing itagain.
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|category=interviewscomments|title=The Interview: Bookbag Greg Hickey Talks To Rebecca ElliottBookbag About The Old Guard of Dystopian Fiction|summary=Bookbag really enjoyed [[MiloWhere do you go when you move beyond classics like ''1984's Pet Egg by Rebecca Elliott|Milo's Pet Egg]] and jumped at the chance to ask Rebecca Elliott some questions. We're delighted we did as she's provided some fascinating responses! We've subsequently read [[Just Because by Rebecca Elliott|Just Because]] which we loved all the more, and [[CubBrave New World's First Winter by Rebecca Elliott|Cub's First Winter]] which also really charmed us.?
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|category=newsletterslists|title=August 2010 NewsletterTop Ten Self-Published Books 2018|summary=Hello! How are you? We're all good here at Bookbag Towers. Jill is dealing with a glut of runner beans. Sue is enjoying her new office. Keith is making new pals Choosing the top ten self-published books we read in deepest Wales. And 2018 was difficult as we're all reading lots and lots of lovely books. As we now have more than four thousand reviews on the site, we were wondering constantly surprised at just how you prefer to navigate them, and so we thought we'd tell you about our [[Recommendations|recommendations]] page this month. It gives good some good options for finding a book you'd really like to readself-published books are. If you're into all things new, you can check out the [[:Category:New Reviews|newest reviews sorted by category]]. If it Here's themes you're looking for, try our extensive list of [[:Category:Lists|final top tens]]ten in alphabetical order by author. The [[Highest Rated Reviews By Genre|highest rated reviews by genre]] are the creme de la creme, although if you like browsing a bit more broadly, then you'll enjoy rummaging through all the [[:Category:5 Star Reviews|5 star reviews]]. On the other hand, if you're feeling lucky, you can just read a [[Special:Random|random review]].
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|category=interviewscomments|title=The Interview: Bookbag James Donald Talks To Alan DurantBookbag About The Death Of Norman Breyfogle|summary=Bookbag fell head over heels in love with [[Unfortunately by Alan Durant and Simon Rickerty]] - unfortunately we can't stop reading it, but fortunately it's super. We leapt at One of the opportunity to ask Alan Durant some questions.}} {{newfeature|category=newsletters|title=July 2010 Newsletter|summary=Itfinest storytellers you's windy and rainy todayve never heard of, here who died in September 2018 at Bookbag Towers. What's going on? Where's our sunshine? Do we have to leave the shores age of this sceptr'd isle to catch some rays, always, every single time? Sometimes, it sure does feel like it. Jill doesn't mind: she's swanning off to Tuscany for a fortnight, and it's bound to be hot there, right? Right?! We've been taking stock this month. We're not far away from a site containing five thousand book reviews and approaching that milestone has pulled us up short58. At Bookbag's birth five years ago, if you'd told us
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To David GatwardMelissa Leet|summary=Bookbag thought Sue was impressed when she read [[The Dead (The Dark) Landslide by David GatwardMelissa Leet|The DarkLandslide]], a book of zombie horror positioning itself firmly in the Darren Shan market, provided strong characters, an interesting premise by Melissa Leet and was surprised to find that it was a wonderful sufficiency of goredebut novel. So, naaturally, we enjoyed asking David Gatward all about writing it She had quite a few questions for Melissa when she popped into Bookbag Towers.
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|category=interviewscomments|title=The Interview: Faiz Kermani talks to Bookbag Talks To Melanie Welshabout how a blue frog is helping Malawi's vulnerable children to live safe, healthy and happy lives|summary=Bookbag thought [[Mistress of the Storm by Melanie Welsh|Mistress of the Storm]] was full of seafaring adventure, mystery and intrigue. Naturally, we jumped at the chance Every child has a right to shiver some timbers and buckle some swash with her. This is what we talked about!medical care
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|category=interviewscomments|title=The Interview: Bookbag Abi Silver Talks To Heather Gudenkauf|summary=The Bookbag found [[The Weight of Silence by Heather Gudenkauf|The Weight of Silence]] to be an impressive debut with plenty of suspense and unexpected twists. We were delighted by the opportunity to ask Heather Gudenkauf some questions about it.}} {{newfeature|category=newsletters|title=June 2010 NewsletterAbout A Few Of Her Favourite Things|summary=Vuvuzelas, eh? Who'd 'ave 'em? Personally, here at Bookbag Towers, we prefer vuvuzelas to the World Cup We could definitely make a flying car – but even we know that's a sacrilegious remark and so we shall say no more about itnot the hard part... ... ahem. Possibly a more constructive topic The hard part is holiday reading. Do you pack books? Or , how do you rely on airport potboilers? Or stick to newspapers and magazines? We Bookbaggers obviously have make a separate piece of luggage just for our books, and we carry it everywhere we go, no matter how heavy it gets. Fancy being stuck on holiday with nothing to read! Now flying car that 's super safe and quiet?''is''' sacrilege! : Elon Musk
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Joel StewartDaniel Peltz|summary=Bookbag has really enjoyed Joel StewartSue wasn't expecting to enjoy a novel about a ''building''s recent work, including but was surprised by just how compelling she found [[Dexter Bexley And The Big Blue Beastie On The Road Indomitable Chiesa di Santa Maria by Joel StewartDaniel Peltz|Dexter Bexley And The Big Blue Beastie On The RoadIndomitable Chiesa di Santa Maria]] and [[Have You Ever Seen A Sneep? by Tasha Pym and Joel Stewart|Have You Ever Seen A Sneep?]] We were delighted . There was a lot to chat about when he agreed to answer some of our questionsauthor Daniel Peltz popped into Bookbag Towers.
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|title=Carnegie Medal Shortlist 2010Top Ten Self-Published Books 2017|summary=We ''know'' that Choosing the judges are going to have a difficult time top ten self-published books we read in choosing 2017 was one of the toughest jobs we did all year and involved a winner - we wouldngreat deal of discussion. Here't like to have their job!s our final top ten in alphabetical order by author...
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Gregory HughesChit Dubey|summary=Gregory Hughes's Sue was quietly impressed when she read [[Unhooking the Moon 21 Doors to Happiness: Life Through Travel Experiences and Meditation by Gregory Hughes|Unhooking the MoonChit Dubey]] came straight at us as it chimed with her personal view of leftfield and is one of our favourite books of the year so farlife. It's a bittersweet road trip of a novel, featuring a loyal brother, a street hustler, a cigar smuggler, a chart-topping rapper, some goddamn paedophiles, and the most entrancing central character you're ever likely She was delighted when Chit Dubey popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to meet. Unsurprisingly, we jumped at the chance of asking Gregory a few questionsus.
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|category=newsletterscomments|title=April 2010 NewsletterMelita Thomas Talks To Bookbag About The King's Pearl: Henry VIII and his Daughter Mary|summary=We've been reading like crazy this month as the books have been pouring in - and there have been some very positive reviews from very satisfied reviewers, so do come visit. There's bound to be something you like. Overall, we're feeling rather happy here at Bookbag Towers. We have good books to read. The sun has come out. We weren't abroad when the volcanic ash cloud hit and we didn't know anybody Melita Thomas tell us that Mary was, either - although we did feel very sorry for the poor people who were. Volcanos, eh? Who'd 'ave 'em? a true Renaissance Princess
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Anthony McGowanElizabeth Fox and Martin le Comte|summary=Bookbag has always loved Anthony McGowan's work, including Peter thought that [[The Knife That Killed Me Ten Golden Rules of Leadership by Anthony McGowanElizabeth Fox and Martin le Comte|The Knife That Killed MeTen Golden Rules of Leadership]] was the best book on leadership he'd ever read and [[Henry Tumour by Anthony McGowan|Henry Tumour]]. After laughing throughout his latest work ([[Einstein's Underpants - And How They Saved The World by Anthony McGowan|Einstein's Underpants - And How They Saved The World]]) we he couldn't resist the opportunity to ask him some asking authors Elizabeth Fox and Martin le Comte quite a few questions.}} {{newfeature|category=newsletters|title=March 2010 Newsletter|summary=Looking forward when they came to the Easter break? We certainly are - and if someone doesn't buy Jill an egg from Montezuma's this year, her nearest and dearest are going to be very, very sorry. We have been busy fund-raising for Sport Relief, gadding about in London meeting publicists and going to birthday parties, and helping our heirs Bookbag Towers to plan gap year expeditions chat to Borneo - interestingly, we've also read two gap year novels recently, [[In the Trees by Pauline Fisk]] and [[The Island by Sarah Singleton]]. They're very different books, but they're both greatus.
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Julie CohenGabe Riggs|summary=Julie Cohen's Luke thought that [[Nina Jones and the Temple of Gloom Punk Love Foucault by Julie Cohen|Nina Jones and the Temple of GloomGabe Riggs]] is funnywas an intense, quirky, compelling emotional and intelligent - chick lit at its best - so we jumped at the opportunity to interview her.}} {{newfeature|category=newsletters|title=February 2010 Newsletter|summary=Hello, hello, hello! How are you? Less snowy than when we last spoke? Good, so are we. It's fun for a day or so, visceral read that white stuff, isn't it? After that though, it just becomes illuminates and educates with a slog. We at Bookbag are clinging to the hope that the fabled barbeque summer comes a year latestrong voice and clear, and 2010 will be a scorchercapable prose. A little bit of snow and There was a lot of sunshine, that's what we liketo talk about when Gabe popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us.
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Ellie SandallSandra Aragona|summary=Ellie SandallSue loved Sandra Aragona's lightly-fictionalised [[Birdsong Sorting the Priorities: Ambassadress and Beagle Survive Diplomacy by Ellie SandallSandra Aragona|Birdsongautobiography]] features of life as a superb rhyme woven around lots of different bird callsdiplomatic spouse. It's There was a picture book lot that any young book fan will love, so we jumped at the opportunity she wanted to interview herask about when Sandra popped into Bookbag Towers.
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Gary BlackwoodK J Lawrence|summary=Bookbag devoured Gary Blackwood's Sue was delighted when she read [[Mysterious Messages - A History of Codes and Ciphers The Cossack by Gary BlackwoodK J Lawrence|Mysterious Messages - A History of Codes and CiphersThe Cossack]] and couldn't resist as it restored her faith in the opportunity to ask him a few questionsthriller genre.}} {{newfeature|category=newsletters|title=November 2009 Newsletter|summary=Firstly When the author, K J Lawrence, an apology: if you have visited popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to us and had problems over the last few weeks, then we are very sorry. We Sue had some problems (you might even call them arguments) with our hosting company and we have now moved to quite a home that is much more welcoming. It's more suited to our needs and we're sure there won't be any more of that nasty downtime getting in your way of a good book recommendation or two. few questions ready!
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Paul HowardStuart Burrell|summary=Bookbag really enjoyed Paul HowardSue found Start Burrell's illustrations in book [[Twelve Times To The Penguin Who Wanted To Find Out Max: One Man's Journey to, and Recollections of, Setting Twelve Verified World Records by Jill Tomlinson and Paul HowardStuart Burrell|Twelve Times To The Penguin Who Wanted To Find OutMax: One Man's Journey to, and Recollections of, Setting Twelve Verified World Records]] and couldn't resist the opportunity an inspiring, feel-good read. She wanted to know more when Stuart popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to ask him a few questionsus.
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Hilary McKayWes Stuart|summary=Bookbag really Luke enjoyed Hilary McKay's the combination of compellingly-written science fiction which blends themes of innocence and growth with some well depicted moments of horror in [[Wishing For Tomorrow My Name is Sam by Hilary McKayWes Stuart|Wishing For TomorrowMy Name is Sam]] (the sequel to [[A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett]]) and couldn't resist the opportunity to ask her he had quite a few questions.}} {{newfeature|category=lists|title=Top Ten Picture Books For Halloween|summary=Boo! If our [[Top Ten Books For Children Who Love To Be Scared Silly]] was too... well, scary for you, then this is the selection for you. There are witches, pumpkins and black cats in abundance, so the littlest ones can join in with the Halloween fun, but there's nothing that'll give them nightmares. Why not [mailto:sue@thebookbag.co.uk tell us] about your favourites?}} {{newfeature|category=newsletters|title=October 2009 Newsletter|summary=Hi again from author Wes Stuart when he popped into Bookbag Towers. The banner headline this month: one of us had suspected swine flu. Nobody will actually give you a diagnosis though, so you lay sweating and shivering on the sofa and take your Tamiflu, but you've no idea at all whether or not you'll have to go through it all again when you actually ''do'' get it. Bah. The other banner headline, of course, is that the Booker judges met with our approval this year by giving [[Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel|Wolf Hall]] the big prize. If you haven't read it yet, you really are remiss. It's an absolutely wonderful book and will stay with you for a long, long time.}} {{newfeature|category=lists|title=Top Ten Books For Your Girlfriend|summary=Whether it's a birthday, Christmas, or just a random occasion to tell her you love her, books make great presents for girlfriends. Yes, yes, we know we're playing up to all the stereotypes with historical fiction, romance, celebrities, and lashings of chick lit, but you know she's going to enjoy them. If it's an anniversary and she's looking to get you a gift too, then make sure chat to point her in the direction of our [[Top Ten Books For Your Boyfriend]]. Why not [mailto:sue@thebookbag.co.uk tell us] about your favourite books to get for your girlfriend?}} {{newfeature|category=lists|title=Top Ten Books For Your Boyfriend|summary=Whether it's a birthday, Christmas, or just a random occasion to tell him you love him, books make great presents for boyfriends. Yes, yes, we know we're playing up to all the stereotypes with books about sport, music, trivia and everyone's favourite secret agent, but you know he's going to enjoy them. If it's an anniversary and he's looking to get you a gift too, then make sure to point him in the direction of our [[Top Ten Books For Your Girlfriend]]. Why not [mailto:sue@thebookbag.co.uk tell us] about your favourite books to get for your boyfriend?
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Ian StewartB C R Fegan|summary=Bookbag loved Ian Stewart's Sue giggled like a child when she read [[Professor Stewart's Hoard of Mathematical Treasures Henry and the Hidden Treasure by Ian Stewart|Hoard of Mathematical TreasuresB C R Fegan and Lenny Wen]] and couldn: it't resist the opportunity s a good story with some valuable lessons. It was a real pleasure to chat to ask him a few questionswriter B C R Fegan when he popped into Bookbag Towers. We're delighted we did, as his answers are fascinating!
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To David BarrieAnnie Ingram|summary=Bookbag Very few people believe that dogs can talk so it was impressed by David Barrie's debut novelsomething of a relief when Sue met author, Annie Ingram. She has lengthy conversations with her cocker spaniel Kammie and has shared them with us in her [[Wasp-Waisted Conversations with Kammie by David BarrieAnnie Ingram|Wasp-Waistedbook]] and couldn't resist the opportunity to ask him a few questions.}} {{newfeature|category=lists|title=Top Ten Books To Drag The Kids Away From Computer Games For Ten Minutes At Least|summary=Truth be told, we like computer games - they're great fun, There was a good way lot to let off steam, and man cannot survive on books alone. (What we don't like are Bluetooth headsets providing a constant commentary - eldest Murphy son, take note). There are times when tweens and teens need to be dragged away from the computer games though, and these books will keep them entertained and quiet talk about when you're looking for a peaceful afternoon without an endless barrage of bleeps and explosions in the background. Some are high octane, some are a bit more thoughtful, but they're all gripping thrillers. Why not [mailto:sue@thebookbag.co.uk tell us] about your favourites?}} {{newfeature|category=newsletters|title=September 2009 Newsletter|summary=It's been a stressful month at she popped into Bookbag Towers. Our host's server had a major malfunction and we spent several days trying to sort out the aftermath of being hurriedly moved to a new one. After much weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth - Jill's children retired chat to their bedrooms with sandbags, and Sue's dogs did much the same - we think it's all ok now. We're very sorry if you experienced an interruption to service and we hope you'll forgive us. We promise to make it up to you, we do. Starting with our [[Features|features]] section, which has the low down on this year's [[Man Booker Prize 2009|Booker prize]]. Jill is rooting for the utterly sublime [[Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel]]. What would you like to see win it?
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|title=The Interview: Bookbag Talks To K S TurnerStephan Santiago|summary=Bookbag thinks that Kate Turner's Ani was quietly moved by [[Before the Gods (Chronicles of Fate and Choice) Returning Home by K S TurnerStephan Santiago|Before the GodsReturning Home]] is something rather special and we couldn't resist the opportunity there were several points she wanted to discuss with author Stephan Santiago when he popped into Bookbag Towers to chat to ask her a few questionsus.}} {{newfeature|category=lists|title=Man Booker Prize 2009|summary=We have reviews of all the books on the longlist and we'll let you know the winner as soon as we hear!
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[[Category:Features|*]]