Monday 13 June 2011

Book Reviews

A couple of my book reviews from Good Reads...the question is, will Blogger let me post this?

The Tempest by William Shakespeare

My rating: 3 stars


It was OK. I haven't read The Bard for quite a few years, so getting used to the style of writing took a bit of time. I'm not the hugest Shakespeare fan to be honest, I find the characters' long speeches a little wearing sometimes.


Apparently, many think that it was Shakespeare's last play and I can see how Prospero's 'retirement' from magic is Shakespeare alluding to his retirement from playwriting. Because it is such a short play the characters aren't very rounded and I didn't really care about them much. There are a few amusing parts involving Caliban and his drunken mates.

Would I read it again? Possibly.

Balderdash and Piffle by Alex James

My rating: 4 stars


A very interesting book. I am fascinated by the English language, so much so that I wish I had enough money to do a course. But then if I had enough money to do a course perhaps I would do Theology. I digress.

Anyway, this isn't a scholarly tome but a fun look at the evolution of the English language. Some parts seem a little rushed, but it does provide a broad scope rather than an in depth analysis.

I'd certainly recommend the book, though it does cover profanity and swear words so if you're sensitive to that kind of thing be warned - there's a whole chapter on it.

1 comment:

Melissa said...

It has been years since I've read the bard...been thinking it is time to read him again.

Oooh - I like etymology books. I am fascinated by etymology...