Book: Teacher Man, Frank McCourt

Years ago I was enthralled with Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt, it was a magical read. His next book 'Tis, I didn't enjoy as much. But, Teacher Man, was an absolute delight to read. Not as good as Angela's Ashes, but a good read nonetheless. He has a wonderful sense of humour and I just really appreciate the way that he describes things. 

Call it synchronicity, random, a fluke; regardless of how different the books are that I am reading, there is always something somewhere that relates back to the previous book I read or am reading. I am currently also audio-booking the biography of Oscar Wilde. He was also a teacher, also Irish. And, both books are written by Franks. 

Four things that I found particularly interesting in Teacher Man:

1. He loved the creativity of the sick notes that he received. 

So what are we supposed to do with these excuse notes? We'll read them aloud. I want you to realize that this is the first class in the world ever to study the art of the excuse note, the first class ever to practice writing them...

2. Instead of reading the prescribed textbooks, he thought out of the box and got the students to read recipe books and put it to music.

3. I learnt what Pedagogical Paydirt means. I will admit that I had to Google it, but, now I know:

pedagogical = relating to teaching.

Paydirt = a useful or remunerative discovery or object.

The fourth was a reminder:

“Language reveals the man. Speak that I may see thee.” Ben Johnson

The above quote reminded me of Jim Rohn's good advice when it comes to language. 

He believes in broadening your vocabulary; words impact your success. "Vocabulary enables us to interpret and to express. If you have a limited vocabulary, you will also have a limited vision and a limited future."  If you do not have words to express yourself you will end up expressing yourself poorly, and you will make poor decisions.

Looping back to the book, it's an easy, light read 4/5

Book: Alfred Hitchcock Presents: Dates with Death, Tales from a Month of Mystery

Alfred Hitchcock is an author that I have not read yet (and too much of a wimp to watch his movies!). But, I have wanted to read one of his books for some time, so was thrilled when I found this one on my Mom’s bookshelf. I must admit that I borrowed it ages ago, but just never got into it. While I was reading it on the aeroplane the other day, I realised that it is not his work, but rather a compilation of his favourite short stories. I have never been a massive fan of short stories; my preference is to dig my teeth into a novel or biography.

With that said the selection of stories were entertaining.

I particularly enjoyed the writing of Ross McDonald, The Singing Pigeon. Here are a few of my favourite lines from his story:

“…the words blurred by distance...”

“More than ever he resembled a dilapidated boy whose growing pains had never paid off in manhood.”

“Under her mounds of flesh she had a personality as thin and hard and abrasive as a rasp.”

[My favourite line: ->] “I could smell the fear on Donny: there’s an unexplained trace of canine in my chromosomes…

3/5

Book: Adrian Mole: The Wilderness Years, Sue Townsend

Sadly, I am enjoying the Adrian Mole series less and less. Read this one on the plane and train to Nijmegen. Adrian writing a book, about someone writing a book, with long excerpts from both got tedious.

Book: The Woman Who Walked Into Doors, Roddy Doyle

I honestly thought that Roddy Doyle was a comedy writer, this was not one of them.

Always keen to have a look at second hand books,  I was happy to explore a book sale at Constantia Village, all books R5!

One of the other buyers pointed out this book and said that it is very good and that I must read it. I was keen for another light hearted read and was happy about a recommendation.

There is A LOT of swearing at the beginning of the book; I found it very curious that someone would recommend such a book.

It is an incredibly sad and depressing book about a woman who is abused by her husband; with that said, it is written well and I finished it in two days.  (I didn't want to go into the new book with this depressing book).

Book: Myths of Ancient Greece, Robert Graves

For sometime I have wanted to brush up on my Greek mythology.  The first book I acquired,  I really did not enjoy and barely made it to the second page, it felt asif I was reading a doctoral thesis, not my idea of fun.

Finding this version,  the 'Retold for young people,' was perfect and just right for a quick read during the December holiday.

Book: Complete Kak! Tim Richman & Grant Schreiber

After Shantaram, I was in search of some light and fun Christmas reading. This book was perfect for my reading needs. Although it was published ten years ago, some of it is still giggle worthy.

Book: Shantaram, Gregory Davids Roberts

This is another book that I received through the Facebook book exchange. This is a book I had heard of and was rather keen to read.

Roberts writing style is magical, he writes so incredibly beautifully and descriptively.

I took a hiatus between chapters to read a few other books, this wasn't a good idea as I got a bit muddled with all the names. Personally, the book got a bit long for me towards the end,  instead of enjoying the story I was more focussed on the number of pages still to go.

With that said, worth reading if only to enjoy his beautiful writing.