Blog

Kev’s Shelf Obsession: Iain Banks

28 Aug 2022

Kev McCready is a writer, born in Liverpool but now living in Devon. Always with his nose in a book and a cuppa brewing. A fanatical reader since the age of five, Kev has a collection of bookmarks as esoteric as his bookshelves… Iain Banks occupies a peculiar place in literature. His contemporary novels have a dark, oxymoronic moral coating … Read more

8 Of The Best YA Books About Growing Up

25 Aug 2022

A fascinating selection hand-picked by our Work Experience teen: Amelie! “This is a selection of our favourite young adult books that focus of growing up and exploring the world around us. They are about teenagers from all walks of life and range from fantasy to real life, and are guaranteed to be gripping reads!” Aristotle and Dante Discover The Secrets … Read more

Why Fighting Fantasy Gamebooks Could Get Your Child Reading

18 Aug 2022

One of the most successful run of children’s books in the 1980s were the Fighting Fantasy gamebook series. Heavily influenced by the Dungeons & Dragons craze at the time, these activity ‘novels’ allowed the reader to shape their own destiny and navigate their way through a story making decisions along the way (and usually fighting monsters!). Perfect for reluctant readers, … Read more

Annette’s Devon Bookshelf

13 Aug 2022

Annette Shaw is a freelance journalist with 30 years of experience, and has a regular column in Devon Life, sharing her pick of brilliant books with Devon connections. With her reputation for championing books and authors around the county, we’re delighted to have the opportunity to showcase her reviews here. Breakpoint by T. Orr Munro Set in Devon. Tick. Author lives … Read more

Review: The Light Thieves

12 Aug 2022

  Clever, quirky and hugely imaginative, discover the new eco-adventure series from the bestselling author of A Place Called Perfect. The earth has shifted on its axis, a mysterious dark mark has appeared on the sun and the whole world is in peril. But billionaire tech genius Howard Hansom has a plan and it seems the world is happy to … Read more

Kev’s Shelf Obsession: Anne Enright

11 Aug 2022

Kev McCready is a writer, born in Liverpool but now living in Devon. Always with his nose in a book and a cuppa brewing. A fanatical reader since the age of five, Kev has a collection of bookmarks as esoteric as his bookshelves… I met Anne Enright at a book signing in Liverpool. She’s all business, polite but friendly. There … Read more

Review: How To Catch A Rainbow

09 Aug 2022

  Freya loves rainbows. She loves their bright colours and their curvy shape. More than anything, she wishes she has one of her very own. One that she can keep forever. So she decides to become a Rainbow Hunter! Armed with a net and a rucksack full of rainbow hunting kit she sets off to catch a rainbow, but there … Read more

Six Brilliant Picture Books for Ages 3-7

04 Aug 2022

Our intrepid volunteer Nicola highlights some fun and interesting picture books that will appeal to both young children and their parents! With 10,000 new children’s books published each year, it can feel overwhelming knowing where to start when you want to buy new books for your children or school. Understandably, people often return to old favourites and well-known names. At … Read more

Review: Trust

02 Aug 2022

  An impressive, sweeping Great-Depression-era novel which uncovers the truth behind a reclusive millionaire. Secretive Wall Street tycoon Andrew Bevel is the subject of much innuendo and gossip, as well as suspicion. Between the bare facts and the scandal written about him lies a deeper, and more complex truth…which will be revealed by the end of the novel. Trust is … Read more