My name is Margaret. I live in the north-east of England, not far from the border with Scotland. This blog is my personal blog, mainly about the books I’ve been reading and those I’m considering reading. I like to read a variety of book genres and I enjoy fiction of most types (I don’t like horror) and non-fiction, mainly history, philosophy, religion, biography, diaries and letters.
Favourite authors include Margaret Atwood, Jane Austen, S J Bolton, Agatha Christie, Ann Cleeves, Martin Edwards, P D James, Ian McEwan, Iris Murdoch, Joyce Carol Oates, Ian Rankin, Ruth Rendell, Carol Shields and Virginia Woolf.
But this blog is not just about books. Now and then I also write about art, pets, places I’ve visited, personal anecdotes or thoughts, cookery, walking, travels and holidays, and about crafts, such as knitting and cross-stitch – and well, anything else that interests or pleases me.
I occasionally accept books for review, but only if I think I’ll like the book and I cannot guarantee to review any book I am sent, even if I’ve expressed interest in it as I’d rather not review books that I’ve not enjoyed reading. My reviews reflect my opinions of the books, whether it’s a book I received free or have borrowed or purchased.
BooksPlease is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk, so if you purchase a book from a link on this site, I will receive a tiny percentage (eventually).
I welcome your comments and thoughts. Please do check back if you’ve asked a question or want to discuss something further. I try to respond within a few days. If you’d prefer a reply via email, let me know in your comment. Or you can email me at booksplease@btinternet.com
Thanks for a neat blog.
Your blog is really interesting, and I love your photos!
Hi,
Its a nice blog and I too like the pictures.
Crow
Like you, I read and loved “Cider with Rosie”. I lived for many years in Gloucester – my brother actually lived in Slad for a time. I enjoyed your comments on the book, particularly Lee’s musings on the fact that came just at the end of a long, and now lost, tradition. I recently read Thomas Hardy’s “Under the Greenwood Tree” which, if I may, I’d like to recommend to you. Like “Cider with Rosie” it evokes a vanished England of small villages and traditions. Thanks again for the blog.
Ken Hall
Hi Margaret
Came across your wonderful blog while searching for reviews and comments about “Remember me”, by Melvyn Bragg and have just spent a nice afternoon reading through it. Have now added many books on my TBR list. Re “Remember me”, I first read it as a stand-alone novel, not realising that it was the last one of a series of four. I found it so moving that I read the rest of the series (Return of the Soldier, Son of War, Crossing the Lines) and then read it again. A sad story but definitely worth reading. Thanks for sharing your blog.
Gerry
Hi,
We share many of the same favourite authors – I love Margaret Atwood and Joyce Carol Oates particularly, they really seem to get inside the characters until they feel as if they are right next to you.
Great blog.
I have an almost identical tiny, greenish stone, speak no evil monkey to the one you included in your book review for The Good Thief’s Guide to Amsterdam by Chris Ewan, and I too have no idea where it came from, and if it was ever part of a set. Does anyone out there know anything of the history of these little mysteries?
I’ve had mine since I was a small child, and would love to find out more about it.
Please feel free to email me if you have any clues
Hi Margaret, just wanted to say what a great blog you have. I love reading about other people’s books. And your pets are gorgeous :O)
wow, so wonderful life. I hope you could visit my blog too.
Hello, Margaret! I just wanted to drop a note since I’m here visiting. I saw you recently posted on Pride & Prejudice. If you haven’t read it yet, I very much recommend Sense & Sensibility.
Cheers, and good reading!