The Time of my Life by Cecelia Ahern

The Time of my Life
Cecelia Ahern

Front cover

Lucy Silchester has an appointment with her life. Ever since she was dumped 3 years ago, her life has been slowly going downhill. So it's up to Life (Cosmo) to make her happy again. With the mess she's made, is it possible?


Oh, I loved The Time of my Life! The story had me captivated from the word Go! I didn't much like Lucy at first, but you learn to like her. I think the probably the main reason I loved it so much is because I can relate. Full time job (with a commute of up to 1.5 hours each way), trying to have a social life and all the while feeling exhausted. It can feel like life if slipping away from you and there's nothing you can do to stop it.

There's a few little details which I liked. The appearance of Life changes throughout the story. It's directly linked to Lucy and how well she's doing. One time Life came out in a rash. Ew! The better Lucy feels, the better Life looks.

I wish there was more. I'd have liked it to be a series of Life stories. I would definitely read them!


You have to read this for yourself! I debated so much over the final rating for this one!

Cecelia Ahern

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The Wee Librocubicularist

The Wee Free Men (Discworld #30) by Terry Pratchett

The Wee Free Men
Discworld #30
Terry Pratchett

Front cover

Tiffany Aching lives on a farm where she tends to the animals and makes really good cheese. Her little brother is stolen by the Queen of Fairyland, but this isn't the Fairyland everyone imagines. With the help of the Nac Mac Feegle, her trusty frying pan and her Granny's magic book (Diseases of the Sheep) she sets off to get her sticky brother back. Can she defeat the Queen?


This is a very imaginative installment in the Discworld series. There's so much going on everywhere, and it's brilliant. I especially liked the dreamland states. Pratchett certainly doesn't hold anything back, and it shows in writing like this. I know this is 'for Younger Readers' but it's a refreshing change and chapters are still a novelty!

I loved the Nac Mac Feegle's! Little blue skinned, red haired pictsies (not pixies, oh no) who are absolutely fearless, ready to take on the world! I certainly hope to see more of them. And Tiffany, but I think that's a given.

Definitely worth a read, go on!




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The Wee Librocubicularist

A Big Boy Did It and Ran Away (Angelique de Xavia #1) by Christopher Brookmyre

A Big Boy Did It and Ran Away
Angelique de Xavia #1
Christopher Brookmyre 

Front cover

For Raymond Ash, everything is normal; mortgage, job, wife, a kid. Until one day he spots a familiar face at the airport. But that someone's meant to be dead. The next day he gets shot at. Then he gets kidnapped. What is going on?
Together with de Xavia, they try to stop the Black Spirit from blowing up a dam and killing thousands of people.


It was quite a hard book to get into as it's a bit jumpy at the start, but it's worth sticking with it until the end. Once you get into the main story it's very hard to put down! There's so much you just can't wait to find out!

I'm very much looking forward to the next two in the series, and I'm hoping to see more of de Xavia - she's badass!




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The Wee Librocubicularist

The Wise Woman by Philippa Gregory

The Wise Woman
Philippa Gregory

Alys, an escaped nun, is summoned to the castle to be the old Lord Hugh's clerk. The young Lord Hugo wants her, but she is determined to remain faithful, even resorting to 'witchcraft'. Over time her views change. Enthralled by Hugo, the two become lovers, despite his wife Lady Catherine. She becomes pregnant and thinks her position in the castle is safe. Is it?


I have mixed feelings about The Wise Woman. I didn't really like Alys. She thinks she's above everyone else, and that the castle can't do without her, whereas in reality they're just using her, but she's ignorant of this fact, living in her own little ideal world.

I also wasn't sure of the ending. I really wanted to find out what would happen to her baby; if it would have the same fate as Lady Catherine's. It was about the only thing keeping me going at the end, and I didn't get to find out!


Despite those annoyances, I thought the general story was okay. I like stories set in the past, and the way the people live there. It's always interesting to get a glimpse of what life might have been like.




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The Wee Librocubicularist

Night Watch (Discworld #29) by Terry Pratchett

Night Watch
Discworld #29
Terry Pratchett

Front cover

Vimes is taken back in time to when he was just starting out in the Night Watch, but takes on the persona of John Keel and effectively trains himself! The aim in to stop a criminal named Carcer who has joined the Unmentionables. Will be succeed and get back to his own time?


As much as I like Vimes and the Watch stories, I wasn't so keen on this one. I'm not really sure why, I just couldn't get into it as much as the others. That's not to say I wouldn't read it again though. There is no bad Discworld novel. Not that I've come across anyway!


I'm a bit behind with my blogs; I read this novel mid October. I'm hoping to catch up over the festive season and hopefully I'll be all caught up by the new year! :)

Terry Pratchett

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David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

David Copperfield
Charles Dickens


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This is the story of David Copperfield as he progresses through life, from a small boy to an adult. We meet many lovable characters such as the Peggoty's, aunt Betsy, Dora, Agnes, and the Micawber's. We also meet some not-so-lovable characters, namely the Murdstones and the notorious Uriah Heep. 

I don't think much has to be said about the plot. You follow a young man on his journey into adulthood, experiencing the ups and downs of life.

This is a very big book! Not ideal for a light summer read, or a book to read in one day. It is worth reading, however. There are lots of things happening to keep you on your toes, but it can still be tiresome at points.

One of my favourite things is that even though there are quite a lot of characters, they return throughout the story, so none are really forgotten. I find that in large books with many characters some are left behind and never mentioned again. Not here though.

***SPOILER ALERT***

One part I did get kind of confused at was Dora's death. When did this happen? How did it happen? It felt like I was just reading and suddenly she was dead. I reread the previous few pages several times looking for an answer, but I was not enlightened. I guess it will just remain a mystery until I read it again. Or look it up.

On the whole, I really enjoyed David Copperfield. Despite the lulls, which is understandable in a book this size, I found it engaging and interesting. Worth a read.

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The Wee Librocubicularist

Paper Towns by John Green

Paper Towns
John Green


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Everything seems normal, until Margo comes to Quentin's room late one night, asking for his assistance on a night she has planned. But when Margo doesn't turn up at school the next day, Q gets worried. He tries to figure out a set of clues to find her whereabouts, and with his friends he goes on quite a road trip. But will they find her? Is she even alive?


One of my friends got this book, and after reading The Fault In Our Stars I had to read it. But I've got to say, I was a little disappointed. I was expecting a heart wrenching emotional rollercoaster, but that's not what I got. Instead I got a story about a teenager obsessed with his next door neighbour who he doesn't really know, and he drops everything to go travelling the country to find her, when she doesn't want to be found.

That's not to say it's not a good story though. The characters are believable and some are really quite funny. I liked seeing what clues they would find and where that would lead them. Some strange places, I will admit!


It is a good story on its own, but if you're looking for something akin to The Fault In Our Stars, you won't find it here.




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The Wee Librocubicularist

The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents (Discworld #28) by Terry Pratchett

The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents
Discworld #28
Terry Pratchett


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Maurice is a cat that can talk and think, and along with his team of educated rodents and a stupid looking kid, they have a great money making scheme as Rat Piper. But when they go to Bad Blintz, they discover it's not all as it seems. There is something going on here, and they want to get to the bottom of it.

As any fan of Terry Pratchett will know, he's not fond of chapters. BUT THIS BOOK HAS CHAPTERS! I'm thinking it's just because it's a children's Discworld novel, but could this be the start of chapters for Pratchett? Who knows? I'll need to read more to find out.

I like his educated rodents. Although sometimes I'm left wondering just how educated they are, considering their names are just random words they've seen about the place; Dangerous Beans, Darktan, Hamnpork, Sardines, etc. They're mainly food orientated, which says much about their train of thought! It's all very humourous though.

Now to keep reading so I can get to the next Discworld novel and find out if it has chapters!

Terry Pratchett

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The Wee Librocubicularist

Time Honoured Vows by Susannah Curtis

Time Honoured Vows
Susannah Curtis


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Front cover

Shelagh Riordan is a nurse tending to the soldiers of the First World War in England. She falls in love with a Guards Officer, but is needed back home in Ireland after the death of her mother. There she remains, marrying and having children of her own.


I'm torn by this book. As with many novels, there's always going to be things you like, and things you don't. It's inevitable. I think the reason I'm torn is because in general I quite liked it, but the things I didn't like are so prevalent that it gets in the way of enjoying the story.

There's a lot happening here. There's always something new cropping up. I liked this because it keeps you interested and wondering what could possibly happen next. This family seem to have a lot of bad luck!

Now, here's the thing that really bugged me. Shelagh spends the whole novel longing after Donald; the Guards Officer she fell in love with. She is constantly comparing her life with how she thinks it could have been had she not returned to Ireland and separated from him. This gets in the way of her life, fully and completely. She's not happy, she's constantly pining,  and is stuck in the past. I feel sorry for her children; it's almost as if she doesn't love them as she should because Donald is not their father.


Anyway, if you can get over her longing, pining demeanour, then it's actually quite a good story.




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The Wee Librocubicularist

Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman

Neverwhere
Neil Gaiman


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Richard discovers a badly injured girl and helps her recover. What he doesn't know it's that she's not from this London. He is catapulted into a world he never could have dreamed of, helping Door get answers about the death of her family.

This book was just amazing! I absolutely loved it! This was my first time reading a Gaiman novel; I've only read graphic novels before. It did not disappoint! 

I loved everything about this book. From a completely new London coexisting with ours, to the individual turmoils of Richard and Door. The message that sticks out to me the most is; just because it's a life you're familiar and comfortable with, doesn't mean it's the life you really desire. This is shown by Richard's character development.

A truly amazing and inspiring book. Please read it. And soon. It could change your life.

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The Wee Librocubicularist

The Last Hero (Discworld #27) by Terry Pratchett

The Last Hero
Discworld #27
Terry Pratchett


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Front cover

Cohen the Barbarian and his Horde are going on one final quest - to return what was stolen from the Gods. It's up to Rincewind, Leonard of Quirm and Carrot to stop them, or else the world will blow up! 

It's quite typical of Rincewind to get himself into such dangerous situations as this. Mostly through no fault of his own, admittedly. Nevertheless, he seems to come out living, although sometimes only just! Good old Rincewind!

I loved the illustrations by Paul Kidby in this. It was such a nice break to the series, especially considering how long it is! I'll be honest, I probably would have given a slightly lower rating, if it wasn't for these illustrations. They're that good!

P.S. Leonard of Quirm is totally Leonardo da Vinci!

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The Wee Librocubicularist

Crazy For You by Jennifer Crusie

Crazy For You
Jennifer Crusie


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Quinn is an art teacher at the local high school, dating Bill the school coach. She rescues dogs and nurses them back to health. Until one day, she decides she doesn't want a boring life anymore. After Bill takes her dog away, she realises she doesn't want to be with him anymore. She moves out (with the dog) and buys a house. But Bill doesn't seem to understand they're not together anymore. He keeps trying to take the dog away and even sabotages her new house. Will he ever leave her alone?


I hated Bill. He was so controlling and arrogant and just a generally unlikable human being. He believed he should get his own way all the time, regardless of how it would affect anyone else. Extremely selfish; only cares about himself and refuses to see the bigger picture.

Her friends Darla, Max and Nick were good for her. They were supportive and just wanted to see her happy. Especially Nick *ahem*.


This is one of those books that surprises me. The kind I don't ever remember sourcing; that have lived in my book collection forever yet I never want to read them. But when I do get around to reading them, I find I enjoy the story a lot. The kind of book where the saying 'don't judge a book by its cover' really applies.

I'll definitely look out for more books by Jennifer Crusie.




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The Wee Librocubicularist

Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick

Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep?
Philip K. Dick


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Front cover

After WWT (Terminus) Earth is pretty much destroyed. Everyone follows Mercerism, where you have to own an animal and have a mood box. There are hover cars and androids. Rick Deckard is a bounty hunter, 'retiring' illegal androids. But it's so much more complicated than it seems.

I was actually watching the television mini series Humans when I was reading this book, and they deal with a similar subject matter. One that I am quite interested in. If we can go so far as to create androids so like us, who's to say there can't be ones that will have genuine feeling? It's a tricky subject matter, and requires a lot of debate.

This is the kind of book that just keeps you wanting more, and for that reason I felt it was a bit short. It didn't take long to read, and by the end you just want more!

Definitely worth a read if you're into androids, or remotely interested in machines with feelings.

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The Wee Librocubicularist

Thief of Time (Discworld #26) by Terry Pratchett

Thief of Time
Discworld #26
Terry Pratchett


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Jeremy has been set a task by the Auditors to build the world's most accurate clock. What he doesn't know is that it will stop time and being about the apocalypse. So naturally, Death is preparing the horsemen, as per tradition. Lu Tze has an apprentice - Lobsang, whom he tries to teach 'The Way', and Susan ends up helping everybody. But can the Discworld be returned to normal?


I really liked the imagery surrounding the clocks, and definitely the climactic scene! I'm not going to spoil it for you here, that alone is worth reading the book for! 

Any story that has Death and/or Susan in it is automatically going to be at least 4* because I just love them!

Terry Pratchett

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The Wee Librocubicularist

Skins Summer Holiday (Skins #2) by Jess Brittain

Skins Summer Holiday
Skins #2
Jess Brittain


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The second Skins novel follows the third generation cast set before you meet them in season 5. Mini, Grace and Liv go on holiday to Newquay where they meet Nick and his gang. Alo and Rich also go. You get some history on Franky, which is quite sad.


I probably would have enjoyed this more if I had read it 5 years ago when I was very into Skins. I didn't really get into the generation 3 cast however, so maybe not. I'm not sure if it's because I got older, or if I genuinely wasn't that interested.

I've read the first Skins novel surrounding the generation 2 cast, which I loved. It's quite good to get extra stories, which can fill in some blanks the TV show might leave.

Definitely worth a read if you enjoy Skins.




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The Wee Librocubicularist

Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture by Douglas Coupland

Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture
Douglas Coupland


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Andy, Dag and Claire are in their twenties, and against the modern culture of houses and full-time jobs. Instead they have moved to the California desert to work in crappy "McJobs" and rent a crappy apartment where they tell each other stories.

I think they're all a bit bored and seeking stimulation, and that's where these stories come from. It seems they're not really doing much with their lives and perhaps these stories are a way of livening up their day a little.

They're going nowhere fast. They have no responsibilities or any real connection besides each other. But maybe they think that's freedom.

I can kind of see their point though. I know everyone dreams of a world where they have no responsibility. No jobs or family they have to commit to, no mortgage or rent to pay. But there's a difference between little responsibility and wandering around aimless. I know settling down and having kids and jobs and houses isn't for everyone. But I believe everyone needs some stability, no matter what it is.

I guess because I'm quite 'tied down' I found it a bit hard to relate to their way of thinking. I rent a flat, I have a full time job, I have a car. I couldn't imagine my life without any of those things. I couldn't just up sticks and leave everything behind. It's not in my nature.

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The Wee Librocubicularist

The Truth (Discworld #25) by Terry Pratchett

The Truth
Discworld #25
Terry Pratchett


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There's a theory that Lord Vetinari has gone mad and killed someone. William de Worde wants to find out the truth, and in doing so, inadvertently creates the Discworld's first ever newspaper. The trouble is, some people don't like what they're reading...

The last couple of Discworld novels have been great, and this one's no different. Although I like to read about the reoccurring characters, sometimes it is quite nice to get a break and have one that's more of a stand alone novel. This is it. 

My favourite character here is probably Otto the vampire. His passion is photography, despite the fact that he goes poof! whenever he takes a photo. It's funny.

I like the imagery involved with the new printing press. Pratchett certainly had a way with words and his descriptions can be very comical. I won't spoil it for you here though!

Terry Pratchett

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The Midwife by Gay Courter

The Midwife
Gay Courter


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 Front cover

Hannah Blau is a Jewish midwife in Russia in the early 1900s. While her family are struggling against the prejudices of Jews, she is trying to make her mark in her profession, maybe even become a doctor. Her family escape to America, where she has to start all over again. This time being a Jew isn't such a stigma.

The Midwife is very captivating. There's lots of ups and downs, and I hear couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next! When I picked thus off the bookshelf I had no idea what I was in for, having never heard of the story or author. I'm very glad I've read it, though. 

The copy I have is 521 pages long, with quite a small font. But none of it is wasted. There's so much detail with her and her family, but it doesn't make it boring. It sort of fleshes out the story I think. Good detail, not bad detail.

Give it a read. I guarantee you'll be hooked.

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The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker

The Age of Miracles
Karen Thompson Walker


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Julia is an 11 year old girl living in a very different world from any we know. Something called "The Slowing" means the days on Earth are getting longer, with disastrous consequences. Some live on 'clock time', others 'real time'. But one thing's for certain, the whole world is changing.

I really enjoyed this story and it was so easy to read. If I had more time to read in a day, it would have been devoured. As this is a young adult novel, I think this would be great to get younger readers into science fiction, as a sort of beginner novel.  It's not too deep but it's not too fluffy either. 

But a problem with an adult reading a book for adolescents, is that I felt more could have been done with the subject matter. I wanted to go deeper; discover more about what's causing this slowing. Stick with the characters just a little longer to find out more of what happens.

I felt that Julia was a little too mature for an 11 year old. I could believe it was from the perspective of maybe a 15 year old, but not 11. Perhaps it's meant to be written in a sort of memoir style as she's 23 by the end.

All in all, it was quite an enjoyable if tame read. But it did keep me wanting more!

Karen Thompson Walker

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The Fifth Elephant (Discworld #24) by Terry Pratchett

The Fifth Elephant
Discworld #24
Terry Pratchett


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The Scone of Stone has been stolen, and a manufacturer of rubber materials murdered. Vimes is sent to Uberwald on a matter of diplomacy, trying to stop a war from beginning. He ends up in some woods running for his life from wolves. Meanwhile, Carrot has left the Watch in the not-so-capable hands of Colon, in search of Angua. What on earth is happening to the Watch?


I really like the story between Carrot and Angua. They seem such an unlikely pair, and I can't help but fear it just isn't going to work out for them. I don't know why, I guess that's just my gut feeling. There's still a lot of mystery surrounding Angua.

And what's going on with Vimes in the Watch? Sometimes he's in, sometimes he's not. It's hard to believe quite how much the Watch has expanded since the early Discworld novels. Need to remember that just because Vimes isn't there, it's not going to fall apart. Although if it's left to Colon again, who knows what will happen!?


Get reading the Discworld series. It's good for you, promise.

Terry Pratchett

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Shampoo Planet by Douglas Coupland

Shampoo Planet
Douglas Coupland


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Tyler Johnson is 20 and trying to find his feet. After traveling in Europe for while, and in France he meets Stephanie. Back home, his mother has split up with her partner, Stephanie comes over from France and Tyler seems to have lost control of his life. He moves to California with Stephanie, both in pursuit of careers. But when he learns that his mother's ex boyfriend has gone a bit mad, he comes back to save his mum.


Shampoo Planet is a bit unusual. I know I enjoyed reading it at the time, but after a few months I can't really remember much about it. Tyler is obsessed with his hair, his family obsessed with KittyWhip and he calls his mother by her first name. He's a bit if a typical 20 year old to be honest. Seeking adventure and not really prepared to deal with some of the consequences for his actions. But when it comes down to it, he's turning into a decent adult and is there for his family it times of need.




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