Further to the below post – Beattie’s Book Blog has the Herald on Sunday story on book bloggers by Nicky Pellegrino in full. Good to see it somewhere on the net!
BookieMonster makes the news
Feb 28
If you happen to have a copy of today’s Herald on Sunday check out Nicky Pellegrino’s books pages in the Detour section (having said that it occurs to me if you’re reading this blog you probably already have!). She’s written a lovely article on book bloggers, including yours truly!
Unfortunately no online link – as yet, I do hope one goes up. A bit odd, seeing myself in print. 
Maskerade by Terry Pratchett
Feb 27
I’m currently reading Maskerade by Terry Pratchett, I don’t think I’ll do a full review but just had to say – is this possibly the funniest Discworld book of them all? It’s truly hilarious. From the very first page:
An eldritch voice shrieked: “When shall we… two… meet again?”
Thunder rolled.
A rather more ordinary voice said: “What’d you go and shout that for? You made me drop my toast in the fire.”
Nanny Ogg sat down again.
“Sorry, Esme. I was just doing it for…you know…old time’s sake…Doesn’t roll off the tongue though.”
“I’d just got it nice and brown, too.”
“Sorry.”
“Anyway, you didn’t have to shout.”
“Sorry.”
“I mean, I ain’t deaf. You could’ve just asked me in a normal voice. And I’d have said, ‘Next Wednesday.’”
The story is so entertaining and along the way he skewers opera, popular musicals, publishing, ballet… and some of the best characters are here – Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, Agnes/Perdita Nitt, Death, the Death of Rats – it’s an embarrassment of riches. If you haven’t read any Pratchett this would be a great title to start with.
Why it is different – and how to make it work
Description:
In this book, Margaret Newman, an experienced couple and family counsellor and a member of a stepfamily herself, describes challenges that members of a stepfamily usually encounter. In her experience, stepfamily life is different, and therefore different solutions are needed to get it on track – and, more importantly, to help it survive. In this reassuring and straightforward book, Margaret Newman considers a wide range of stepfamily scenarios, and gives practical suggestions as to what to do in each case to overcome any difficulties.
Stepfamily Life helps the reader to understand the dynamics of life in a stepfamily – what lies beneath the surface – and how to rationally approach each family issue concerning adults and children. Margaret Newman highlights the fact that while skills such as communication are very important, so too is self-awareness and a basic knowledge of family life.
Using case studies and the experience of working with a broad range of stepfamily situations, Margaret Newman examines problem areas and explains what is happening and what to do about it. She shows how, despite the obstacles, a happy stepfamily life can be achieved.
22 great projects for every room in your home from Popular Woodworking magazine
Description:
Contemporary furniture’s great appeal comes from its simple, understated elegance and subtle details – from sleek black drawer pulls to gracefully beveled shelf edges. It’s no secret that woodworkers love building these pieces!
They’re suited to just about any room, no matter what the decorating style.
This book presents 20 original contemporary furniture projects, hand-picked from the pages of Popular Woodworking.
Each one comes with step-by-step instructions, high-quality diagrams, cutting lists, color photos and detailed, easy-to-follow assembly techniques.
Buy Build Your Own Contemporary Furniture from BookieMonster for just $29.95!
