Born on a blue day

By Daniel Tammet. Hodder & Stoughton, 2006 (Non fiction).
Cover photograph: David Levene.

Born on a Blue Day is the autobiography of Daniel Tammet, who featured in a memorable Catalyst documentary on ABC, Brainman. Daniel has Savant Syndrome, a rare form of Asperger’s, which in his case means he is capable of extraordinary mental feats. He can calculate large numbers with great rapidity, and is capable of reciting the number pi to more than 20,000 places. Unlike many savants or so-called ‘Rain Men’, however, Daniel is capable of describing what his mind is doing when it achieves the answers. He seems to see numbers as shapes, colours and textures, which combine in intricate permutations when he performs mathematical calculations.

In some ways Daniel Tammet displays characteristics of autism, but he has proven he is capable of living an independent life, and he has unique self-awareness, which makes for a touching and powerful read. He describes some of the frustrations of his life, as well as the mind-blowing feats he is capable of. He has a gift for languages, and for the tv documentary learned Icelandic in a week, conversing fluently with native speakers. He suggests that we are all capable of using our brains more, and has set up a website to promote his insights into how to improve our mental powers. His awe-inspiring book is really food for thought.

- John.

ALA banned books week

This year is the 25th aniversary of banned books week - a week to 'celebrate the freedom to read'. Visit the American Library Association page here for more information and Google also has a page here, where you can find out about books that have been challenged over the years.

A day in the life of a library

St Joseph's County Public library in the U.S. has put a video on YouTube of a day in their life. Complete with bloopers!

Save Karyn

by Karyn Bosnak. Bantam, 2003 (Non-fiction).
Cover design: Robin Bilardello. Cover illustration: Greg Paprocki.

This is a fantastic read! If you’ve ever tested the limits of your credit card, indulged in a spontaneous shopping spree, or simply turned to the shops as a form of retail-therapy, then you are sure to love this book.

Save Karyn is the true story of a self-confessed shopaholic, who bought her way into almost $20 000 worth of credit card debt. To get herself out of debt, Karyn started her own website on which she asked for donations. Amazingly, she received e-mails from people all over the world, either confessing their own debt-ridden lives, or criticising hers. But after only four months of Internet panhandling and selling her prized possessions on eBay, her debt was gone!

I devoured this book in two days and identified with every single purchase. Some episodes are laugh-out-loud funny, as are her money-saving tips and responses to critics. For me, the book rates as highly as Gucci and Prada!

Great Science Fiction read

It has been many years since I immersed myself in a really good science fiction series but recently a colleague referred me to the Saga of Seven Suns series by Kevin J. Anderson. I am currently part way through Book 2 (at present there are 5, with a further 2 planned for release) and enjoying every page. In the world of science fiction books this is an epic saga involving many planetary systems, at least 3 alien races and multiple major characters, with lots of family intrigue and tragedy. As a series it reminds me very much of the Dune series and the Star Wars Saga – it comes as no surprise to find that the author Kevin J. Anderson has written for both. - Louise

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The Falls

By Ian Rankin, Orion, 2001.
Cover photograph Ross Gillespie & Tricia Malley.

I must be one of the last people on earth to read an Ian Rankin book – but I have now entered his dark, bleak world, and there is no turning back. The Falls is where I started in his vast catalogue – recommended by a fellow Scot, who commented that by this stage Rankin’s characters and plots have more fully developed.

The protagonist of this series is Rebus, a rebellious detective in the Lothian and Borders Police Force. Even from reading this one book, it’s obvious that there is a lot of history involving Rebus, his colleagues, and superiors. The plot in The Falls involves a missing female student, some little replica coffins that have been found, and an internet game. I was drawn into the story and found myself reading till late at night to find out what had happened – perhaps not the best time to be reading a story about murder!

The first thing that warmed me to Rankin was his accurate, in-depth descriptions of the geography of Edinburgh. Having lived there for several years, I could picture the action as it unfolded in its twisting historic streets. The characters were also effectively portrayed, in a believable and compelling way.

I obviously don’t want to tell you more about the story, since it is a mystery novel after all. Suffice to say to say that I was hooked in and kept guessing till the end, heart pounding as the final scenes were played out.

I have already started my next Rankin book! - Richard

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Nancy Pearl online

Nancy Pearl, the famous librarian who has her own action figure and is the author of Book Lust and More Book Lust has a personal website and she has also started an online community.

The Book Lust site has book discussion groups and you can find out what Nancy is reading right now, get recommendations and check out some reading itineraries. The itineraries describe a path that a reader followed when 'one book led to another' e.g. see Nancy's map of what she was inspired to read after reading The Kite Runner here.

Man Booker shortlist announced

The shortlist for the Man Booker Prize has been announced. They are:

Desai, Kiran The Inheritance of Loss
Grenville, Kate The Secret River
Hyland, M.J. Carry Me Down
Matar, Hisham In the Country of Men
St Aubyn, Edward Mother’s Milk
Waters, Sarah The Night Watch

You can view blurbs about each of the shortlisted books on the Man Booker site. And you can check the availability of these books in our library in our online catalogue. The winner will be announced on the 10th of October.