Adult Non-Fiction
A West Country Lad: My Family & growing up in Keynsham in the 1940s – Andrew P Burnard
This month’s Year of Reading theme in B&NES Libraries is local history and this book, written by a local resident is delightful. Andy Burnard tells the story of the first 10 years of his life from childhood in Keynsham and the impact of the second World War. He describes a much quieter life than the modern-day Keynsham but still a bustling town. He lived in Manor Road and remembers cows being driven to pasture past his house every morning and then back again at the end of the day and the aroma of chocolate wafting past from Somerdale. There is an interesting chapter on Keynsham in wartime – there were guns posted near the town, an ammunition site in Burnett, the author’s grandfather joining the Keynsham Civil Defence staff and of course memories of air raids. This is a lovely book with some great recollections and stories.
I feel bad about my neck and other thoughts on being a woman – Nora Ephron
Nora Ephron was the Award winning screenwriter for such classics as When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle but she is also a fabulous writer. This book is a selection of short essays and so perfect to dip in and out of. They are very funny and at times very poignant. She is a real New Yorker so there is an essay on her buying a very expensive apartment but determined never to leave it. A number of essays on relationships and her time as an intern in the JFK White House. But my real favourite is an essay on trying to find the perfect handbag (or purse in USA). Very funny.
Fiction
The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams, as reviewed in B&NES virtual library
‘Ford… you’re turning into a penguin. Stop it.’ I first read this book when I was about 13, and about 10 years later it is still the funniest book I’ve ever read. A real classic and It works perfectly as a stand-alone book, or an introduction to the other sequels. Arthur Dent, an average and unassuming human man, has his life slightly interrupted by the destruction of his home planet and a bizarre series of events culminating in him nearly having his brain removed by mice. Along the way he meets Ford Prefect, Zaphod Beeblebrox, Marvin (The Paranoid Android), and a human woman named Trillian, all of whom add to the humour and peculiarity of the book.
In addition to the book being brilliant on its own, it also has an enormous cult following, with a 1980s TV series and later a film version. I would highly recommend this book to fans of any kind of literature, and even if you think science fiction isn’t for you, the humour and writing style of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy will draw you in regardless.
The New Neighbours – Claire Douglas, as reviewed by Cathy Gray, Keynsham Library Assistant
I really enjoyed this book and after a recent author event in Keynsham Library with Claire Douglas where she spoke about her inspiration – I borrowed this book. It is not my usual genre of book, but I am sold on it now – really gripped me from start to finish. I loved the big “twist” at the end, that I was waiting for (having interviewed Claire for the author event, I knew this was coming), but came from left of field and totally unexpected.
I enjoyed that this story was set in the City of Bristol and surrounding area and is a real family drama with a dark and slightly sinister neighbour. It won’t be the last Claire Douglas book that I read and will have to start at the beginning of her books – I’m now a Claire Douglas thriller convert.
Children’s Fiction Picture Book
DK A Street Through Time – illustrated by Steve Noon
This is a marvellous book that is always so popular as soon as it goes on the shelf. Discover 12,000 years of history through one street. Follow the street throughout the ages. The street evolves from a camp of nomadic hunter-gathers to the modern day and even the future. The pictures are brilliant with cut out of buildings and even down to the basement. There is so much to see. I love the castle on the hill that as the street/town expands becomes more of a ruin and even a tourist destination. Go and explore!
Make It: don’t throw it away, create something amazing – Jane Bull
Looking for something to occupy little ones in May half term and also helping the planet then try this book. The book’s motto is: So don’t trash it – treasure it! There are four sections: paper, plastic, metal and fabric. In each section there are some great ideas in reusing materials and creating some funky things e.g.: pots from newspapers and junk mail; mirror mobiles from clean foil dishes and rag mats from old clothes. There is even a “recipe” to make your own paste.
So, rifle through that rubbish and get creative!
Library News
2026 is the national Year of Reading. Look out in all the local Libraries for some exciting displays and great book suggestions. As always there is so much going on in all our libraries, and it’s all free. So drop in and see what’s on offer. Tuesday 9.30-10am & 10.30-11.00am term time only 0-5 years, for families with children, sing along at Baby Bounce and Rhyme, or get comfy whilst listening to stories at our ever-popular Storytime. Thursday at 10.30am at Keynsham Library – term time only and for 0-4 years. Please note the Libra
Come along, with a cushion and listen to some fantastic new stories. For adults, we’ve got book clubs, writing classes, and much more throughout the year. Joining the library costs nothing, so pop in or visit www.librarieswest.org.uk to also access thousands of eBooks, eMagazines, Audiobooks, and a wealth of other resources! Our ‘Virtual Library’ has loads going on, including the latest library news, competitions, book reviews and, all our digital offers. Search ‘Bath and North East Somerset Libraries’ on social media or visit bathneslibraries.wordpress.com