Sir Richard Branson presents this biographical account as a series of chapters with advisory headings reminiscent of the works of Dale Carnegie. Born into a family who appear to possess a genetic predisposition towards adventure and success, we are presented with an amazing account of sheer grit, courage and determination, constantly culminating in an ongoing story of success which currently speaks for itself. With both parents business orientated, we learn in particular of the maternal influence on his childhood. Dyslexic and perceived to be a low achieving reader at school, very much to his credit, there’s no self fulfilling prophesy going on with him. From the beginning he worked his way round it and by the age of fifteen he’d produced ‘Student’ magazine, the start of this success story. I found this to be a particularly interesting read for Richard Branson’s relaxed persona has always given me the impression of easy achievement. Not so! This charismatic man has struggled, borrowed, taken huge risks and fought to get to where he is today. For me, he’s a breath of fresh air! From such an early age this book shows how he has refused to be constrained by bureaucracy, consensus and expectation, always believing in himself to find a way to achieve his goals. There are lessons to be learned from this book, for Branson allows only the positive to drive him forward. With that comes fun and the ability to let go of his own ego in order to listen to others. As his business life unfolds so does the recreational side. The sheer guts and determination of this man is truly amazing and one is left with the feeling he greatly deserves the success he’s fought so very hard for. I certainly found this book to be inspirational, for Branson offers much sound advice. However for those seriously seeking a self-help book in the Carnegie style, because it is basically biographical, some may find the bottom rungs of the ladder missing with regard to the advice strategy. For me this book sits somewhere between the two genres. Whilst he does acknowledge most of us have to factor in the inevitability of life’s limitations, he would have been well placed to expand his advice with regard to achieving simpler goals, which would, one feels, have better justified the title. However, this is a short, ‘Quick Reads’ book which worked very well for me. It is well written, succinct and easy to understand, offering a valuable insight into the life of an incredible man who makes one feel very proud to be British!

Publisher:  Virgin Books  2006  (imprint of Ebury Publishing – A Random House Group Company)

ISBN   9780753510995

Reviewer:   Margaret Henderson Smith

Copyright:    all rights reserved

Doug Thompson has written a remarkable story of the Magi, taking the reader along both the physical and philosophical journeys of Balthazar and Melchior before finally meeting with Gathaspah, the third of the wise Kings.  Written in the first person, Balthazar tells of a sense of disturbance, something akin to a foreboding affecting the comfortable equilibrium of his existence, culminating in the inevitable as the noonday sun turns the sky to dusk. This man, having been dissatisfied with the banality of his grand existence has long since relinquished it to search for truth, allowing the Judean scriptures to stretch his intellect to the limit, yet still he lives with the sense of a forthcoming revelation. With his faithful servant Rastim they take the caravan route to Arabia to a small town to meet with drovers, fearful of the brightly burning star now appeared. They speak of a King who will overturn the ways of the world and hear tales of strange happenings, drawn from those too fearful to move. Needing reinforcements Balthazar agrees to pay a high price for the brothers of Tarsus who contract to accompany them to Damascus, only to find as the journey proceeds Balthazar has his sights on the star. Their route now changed and fearful of following the star, they tussle with Balthazar, wanting to leave. He is greatly surprised at their reluctance to accept more money to stay. They present a strong philosophical argument against it, though eventually expediency forces them to give in; their lives being ordinary and sharply contrasting with that of Balthazar.  They follow the star leading south to Jerusalem and along the way they meet with Melichior, who at an early age had been a most powerful man, though it had meant nothing to him. Relinquishing it all to become a seeker of truth, he also immersed himself in the Judean scriptures.  Balthazar is both delighted and surprised at how much they have in common, though he concedes to the higher intellect of Melichior.  We are treated to a deeply philosophical debate between them which raises the questions many of us ask in relation to life and the search for truth. This story, from the title to the conclusion has been deeply thought through. It is beautifully written and an absolute joy to read. One feels Doug Thompson could well have been inspired whilst creating this work. His innate understanding of the period and his astounding ability to step into its world view brings the characters to life and presents a completely new and exciting perspective to the story of the Nativity. Always the wisdom of the three Kings following the star, guides the writing, where the suppositions are tested to the limit, producing a conclusion magnificent in its simplicity.  Though sometimes challenging this is a very worth-while read I feel would appeal to anybody interested in the human condition. It is a thought-provoking story both moving and beautiful, written by a man of exceptional intellect leaving one feeling privileged for the reading.

This very reasonably priced book is well produced, well proofed and has a gorgeous, wonderfully inviting cover.

Publisher:      Matador  2011

ISBN:           9781848767706

Reviewer:   Margaret Henderson Smith

Copyright:      all rights reserved

NOW AVAILABLE IN BOTH PAPERBACK AND KINDLE FORMAT

David Carter has written an intriguing story, made all the more absorbing by his attention to the detailed characterisation of all those involved. We are given  carefully compiled biographical detail relating to each victim which provides an interesting context to the unfortunate circumstances of each of their deaths.  This gives the story immediate credibility and draws the reader to keep the pages turning in an attempt to discover what could possibly be the motive to the bizarre and inconsistent activity of the suspect. Yes there is a suspect but don’t expect an early, obvious conclusion to this one. These apparently unconnected  and motiveless murders reflect the complex background of the central character which has been woven skilfully into the story, adding to the intrigue and towards the end turning the story into a compelling ‘cat and mouse game’ which makes the book hard to put down. If you are looking for something different, something to test your powers of reasoning whilst being brilliantly entertained, this is the one for you. This book is clever and very well written. A good read I can highly recommend.

Kindle Format:   Publisher:   TrackerDog Media  2011

Paperback:   Publisher:  TrackerDog Media 2011

ISBN   9780955977428

Reviewer: Margaret Henderson Smith

Copyright:   all rights reserved

I found this book to be sheer entertainment from start to finish. If ever a reader was presented with a “fly on the wall” situation, this is it. We are party to the everyday life of the main protagonist, Denton Voyle, a trainee solicitor. Here we have a very bright guy who is constantly struggling with his day to day life in this large London law firm. Of course, as a trainee, he’s not going to like the run of the mill stuff that is inevitably his lot for the moment, but his perception of success in this profession, resulting from his interaction with and observation of the unseemly behaviour of some of the senior partners in the firm, leads him to question whether the end is worth the means. Alex Gilmore’s precision in pinpointing all those factors that pile in to culminate in the ruin of Sundays, presents in a way I can only describe as brilliant. Here we have an extremely talented writer whose astute observation of everyday life will have the reader in fits of laughter. This is a work that is so well portrayed one feels it could still have enjoyed its undoubted success had it been written as a journal; but this is a story with a good, credible plot, very gradually and subtly introduced, the enjoyment of which is maximised by Gilmore’s occasional, clever narration. He uses this to draw the reader in, enabling one to empathise instantly with the characters. Thus one readily bonds with the protagonist’s disparate group of drinking partners of the same mind set, all of whom, facing the prospect of being overtaken for promotion, become something more to Denton Voyle than mere work colleagues. Voyle, desperate to help, somehow manages to squeeze a piece of crucial information from an unsuspecting employee and he puts much effort in trying to verify it.  This drives him to seek a solution to their mutual “Fish Sunday Thinking” dilemma. He hatches a plan to free them from their mind-numbing existence but struggles to get them on board. There’s plenty of tension in the wait to discover the outcome. Without doubt Alex Gilmore is, refreshingly, his own man and one feels his writing is not constrained by convention. I for one enjoy observation and reflection in my reading, particularly when it builds to give a strong impetus to the conclusion which happens here and I can honestly say I didn’t want this one to end. Hilarious to the last line, speaking of which, I’m afraid I am having to admit to “washing my hands”, for, though funny, I found it to be a little too coarse and explicit on occasions. Still, it would seem it goes with the territory and what’s reading all about if not to broaden the mind? This one has got to be a compelling read for all. It’s written by an exceptionally clever and talented author who, in my opinion, stands high above the rest in a very competitive field. I can with considerable confidence highly recommend it. More from Alex Gilmore please!

ISBN   1845490312

Publisher:    arima publishing   2005

Reviewer:    Margaret Henderson Smith

Copyright:    all rights reserved

This is the first of four books by Wolfren Riverstick written primarily for children aged 9 – 12 yrs, though he suggests there is some adult appeal in them. There are shades of Lewis Carroll in this one as we learn of a very naughty boy who’s penchant for trouble has driven his father away from home, leaving his poor mother and sister to cope with the consequences of his bad behaviour, the brunt of which is borne by his sister and all the animals around him. His overriding ambition to climb the mighty white oak tree, once fulfilled, lands him into the surreal, a dreamlike-world where cats rule the day. This naughty boy is turned into a cat called Ian. He has been given nine lives by the court, each providing an opportunity to mend his ways. Bad behaviour will lose lives whilst good deeds will count towards his eventual return to normality. Thus we learn of his adventures and the difficulty he has in changing his ways. The young reader will surely keep the pages turning wanting to know if he makes it or not. This story is well thought through and written in an entertaining manner which one feels would engage the target readership without difficulty, since the general moral principles on which the story is based would be readily understood. One did feel, however the returning link in the conclusion to the surreal might not suit all young readers, though all ends tie off nicely to leave the reader with a reassuring, positive moral message. Wolfren Riverstick breaks down his concepts clearly and at a level his young readers will understand. The work is interesting and moves along brightly to reveal a moral tale for children with an unusual twist. This well-written book with its attractive cover has been well proofed and edited. Wolfren Riverstick has produced a work with a difference which could make a refreshing change from some of the media driven work available to this age group.

Publisher:  Crazy Wolf Books   2006

ISBN    9780955431401

Reviewer: Margaret Henderson Smith

Copyright: all rights reserved

Written in the first person and the present tense this book makes no intellectual demand on the reader whatsoever yet it is cleverly written and highly entertaining as the life of Becky Bloomwood unfolds. We first meet newly-weds Becky and Luke in Sri Lanka where, having travelled much of the world, a Christening invitation arrives from her best friend Suze upon which they both decide to abandon their adventurous plans and return home. Alas the welcome anticipated by family and friends falls far short of expectation as the story moves from one disappointment to the next. Becky’s life is going downhill fast. Things have moved on in all directions since they left and her total obsession with spending, mostly on designer gear, becomes the catalyst which triggers a series of catastrophic events that eventually threaten her marriage. Good natured Becky, in an attempt to restore life to its former equilibrium, struggles to please. Inevitably her obsession colours her judgement and nothing seems to be working for her. Increasingly isolated she makes a desperate attempt at friendship with her newly found half-sister which keeps the pages turning in the hope of a positive outcome as the plot twists and turns to the conclusion. Cleverly interspersed with amusing, formal documentation, Becky quickly becomes a lovable character, though at times her credibility is well stretched. This is, of course, reflective of the genre and though generally amusing, one felt it to be somewhat repetitive at times. Nevertheless it was an enjoyable story, a light-hearted slant on a serious subject which for me worked as it successfully reveals the downside of obsessive materialistic thinking and in the end delivers a very positive moral message.

Publisher:   Bantam Press a division of Transworld Publishers   2004

ISBN    0593052412

Reviewer:   Margaret Henderson Smith

Copyright:   all rights reserved

In this very interesting account Lance Price takes us back to the turn of the twentieth century to present a comprehensive look at politics through the decades. We read of the succession of Prime Ministers, their inner circles and the interrelationships between Downing Street and the media. It is a fascinating story as we become privy to the differing perceptions of the role the media should play in politics. It’s a massive area and Price is careful to guide the reader through this time passage by focussing on those most significant events that have driven the question of where power lies. He covers the period before the advent of the twenty-four hour news in the first part of the book, focussing on earlier prime ministers from Lloyd George through to Heath, Wilson and Callaghan. One becomes embroiled in what one feels is a wonderful, almost potted history of time, meshing people and events, whilst objectively recording influences on outcomes with alacrity and precision. The second part of this work covers Thatcher, Major, Blair and Brown and gives substantial context to the apparent power of the media in relation to Downing Street. Certainly we are given considerable insight into spin doctors and the way the media has seemingly been manipulated for political advantage. At the same time we are shown how the huge press moguls have been pandered to by self-serving politicians raising the question of public trust in both the politicians and the press. This is a very comprehensive read which certainly gives a far better understanding of how we have got to where we are today with regard to these two power houses. Price draws parallels between prime ministers and shows that in spite of the rapid influence of advancing technology on the media in many respects little has changed. He tells us the question of “where power really lies” is still in the balance but nonetheless it is still one of great significance for public trust and the continuation of our democracy. He draws attention to the rise of the internet, a vehicle for healthy political debate which is now going some way towards negating the power of the press. Nevertheless he states that power and influence must be identified and exposed to enable politicians and journalists to strive for a more constructive relationship, if public trust is to be restored.   Lance Price with his innate understanding of both journalism and politics has written an excellent book for those seeking a greater understanding of the workings of our democracy, for its fragility rests mainly on these two power houses and he warns of public complaisance. Although published last year, his reference to Rupert Murdoch during the Blair years is particularly salient in view of the recent debate. This book presents a very accessible read and is particularly engaging as it moves into the second part, for the clarification it offers gives an excellent insight into the workings of politics today. It is a book I can highly recommend and is well worth the investment in time and money.

Publisher:   Simon & Schuster UK Ltd.    2010

ISBN   9781847372536

Reviewer:     Margaret Henderson Smith

Copyright:     all rights reserved

This story was originally written by Jim Ramsay and was presented to the Gracefield Arts Studio whereupon Miller Caldwell was commissioned to make a film script of the work and subsequently decided to rework this into a novella. It is understood Miller Caldwell made no changes to the storyline but expanded the narrative and changed some of the names. Set in rural Dumfries & Galloway, we are first introduced to the protagonist Jim McKenzie, in his mid thirties and recently bereaved. He is the last of several generations of shepherds and fights hard to retain the skills, traditions and knowledge passed down. Like him, the farming folk of the village are surprised when Jo a young female vet arrives on the scene but her competence ensures immediate acceptance in this small community. Indeed her skills serve them well as Rupert Parker-Smythe and his family career into their lives. Taking a countryside holiday with his wife and children, he creates mayhem. An arrogant, materialistic, insensitive character; this city banker attempts to ride roughshod over this hosting community. We are drawn to the sharply contrasting perceptions, aspirations and behaviour patterns of this city family when set in this vastly different environment. This story never lacks momentum. It proves interesting and engaging as it unfolds to reveal the wit and determination of the countryside folk, led by Big Tam, to ensure Rupert Parker-Smythe and his family learn a few thought provoking lessons from their exposure to country life. A gentle thread of romance weaves through this intriguing work which is touching in its realism and in some measure offsets the tragedy born of bravery at the climax of the story. With very credible characters this story is largely driven by the actions of the antagonist. However, Tam , a soldier who had fought in Afghanistan, provides the reader with an interesting sub-plot which serves to underline the moral dimension to the work. With a very helpful glossary of translation from the Scottish to help with the colloquialism, one is readily transported to a place where one is able to get much closer to the true values in life. This novella packs a lot in. It’s a good read and one I can recommend.

Publisher:   Authors OnLine Ltd     2010

ISBN      9780755206414

Reviewer:   Margaret Henderson Smith

Copyright:   all rights reserved

This story tells of the career progression of a single mother of two, struggling to cope financially with all the everyday demands made on her. In addition there’s a further unexpected financial obligation weighing in which clinches the difficult decision she has to make when presented with the opportunity of a lifetime to become a high profile TV presenter. So we see Christie Lynch, a conscientious mum trying to do what’s best for herself and her children. Often heart-rending, Fern Britton presents very convincing characters set in the everyday world of which we are all familiar. However, Christie’s TV career lifts this story well out of the ordinary for the impact it has on all their lives holds the reader to each page as the story line expands and the intrigue deepens. One feels for Christie. She’s enthusiastic but vulnerable and for those familiar with the stresses of trying to juggle home and family there is much for the reader to identify with. There’s an interesting mix of threads running through this story line working off powerful emotions. Rivalry, jealousy, deceit and envy all play their part as Fern Britton shows us how self-serving ambition and greed readily corrupts and influences to the extent where the protagonist herself becomes accused by her own family of low prioritising them all to the point of being taken for granted whilst supporting her high-profile existence. We are given a feeling for the demands made on those who work in the media particularly when up against competing factions within it. It would seem we’ve been party to a powerful, intense, competitive, merciless environment and one felt this was by far the stronger element of the book. Whilst romance figures in Christie’s life, one feels it is comparatively lightly touched given the significance it has for the story. Nevertheless I found this one to have all the ingredients that make an enjoyable, easy to read book and was well worth the time and money invested.

Publisher:   HarperCollinsPublishers   2011

ISBN     9780007362691

Reviewer:   Margaret Henderson Smith

Copyright:     all rights reserved

This I could not put down and finished it aghast! If, like me you’re interested to know how the  country got into such a financial mess then this book, which has been well endorsed, is definitely for you. Brilliantly written in a language even I can understand, the authors pull no punches as they unravel the mysterious world of high finance, political decision making and the layers upon layers of bureaucrats employed to execute parliamentary acts. So we are shown how the individual, struggling to invest what’s left of his hard-earned cash appears to have been fleeced by those whose advice they have trusted and acted upon, critically at a time when it would seem the bankers and politicians have been acting in collusion and irresponsibly to the detriment of the public interest. One learns how readily it seems the unscrupulous serve only to put their own interests first. We learn of a self-reinforcing network of politicians, bureaucrats and bankers in whose interest it is to maintain the status quo. With many easy to follow diagrams this work successfully simplifies many complex concepts to give a fair understanding of many aspects of finance, from personal to public, as it touches all our lives. This work does present a balanced view in that acknowledgement is given to the fact that many have taken advantage of easy credit which has contributed to the housing price spiral and consequent collapse. However one feels it’s a question of intent and how well Craig and Elliot portray one’s own indignation at the manner in which the public purse has apparently been dispersed to favour the small elite of whom they speak. We learn of incompetent bureaucrats, ineffective regulators and watchdogs together with self-serving politicians that appear to have betrayed the principles of democracy for their own gain, not to mention the apparent weakness of the city bankers who should have known better. In all areas Craig and Elliott name names whilst giving us an approximation of the missing money estimated at trillions of pounds, which, if not seemingly lost and squandered through mismanagement, then apparently respectably siphoned off by this self-awarding profligate elite. Craig and Elliott offer an insight into the massive power of international finance and the impact this has had on the real economy. They are seeking answers and in doing so provide the reader with a work that structures the subject matter, from the macro to the micro, into a readily understandable format which is highly informative and often inadvertently amusing. One is aware that the many and decent players expressing concern have been brushed aside as the historically driven consensus sanctions and perpetuates the anomalies inherent in both the financial and political systems that have enabled such corruption and greed which Craig and Elliott suggest is in danger of threatening our democracy. Now we are made only too aware of the massive consequential burden of debt the country is facing.  This is a book for anyone angry and concerned, wanting to learn more. It concludes with an important chapter on suggestions for addressing the issues raised, though one feels it would need many people with plenty of metal to make the difference. There are many reviews out there written by people far better placed to make comment than me but I am grateful to the authors for producing such a lively and interesting work which anyone interested in the preservation of democracy would do well to read. A book I can highly recommend if you’re ready for the shock!

Publisher:   Constable 2009         (An imprint of Constable & Robinson Ltd)

ISBN      9781849012867

Reviewer:     Margaret Henderson Smith

Copyright: all rights reserved