Rare Harry Potter Book Bought for 13p Sells at Auction for £11,000

A first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, bought for 13p, sold for £11,000 at auction. Purchased in 1997 along with two other books, it became a valuable item due to a mistaken author name listing and the Harry Potter phenomenon. The seller, who bought it from a second-hand store, was pleasantly surprised by its unexpected value. Continue reading Rare Harry Potter Book Bought for 13p Sells at Auction for £11,000

The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway Review

The Old Man and the Sea delves beyond a mere tale of man versus fish, instead weaving a narrative that extols the virtues of perseverance amidst relentless adversity. Santiago, the weathered Cuban fisherman, epitomizes this resilience, steadfastly refusing to yield to defeat despite enduring 84 consecutive days without a catch. His unwavering belief in the indomitable human spirit fuels his resolve, even as doubts from … Continue reading The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway Review

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini Review

“The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini is a captivating novel that delves into complex relationships and Afghan history. Hosseini’s adept storytelling evokes a range of emotions, offering poignant insights into Afghan politics, culture, and the human condition. The novel’s refusal to offer simplistic resolutions adds to its realism, making it a deeply impactful read. Continue reading The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini Review

Spotify says it has paid audiobook publishers ‘tens of millions’ in royalties

Spotify has compensated audiobook publishers with “tens of millions” through its Premium subscription, stressing “100% royalties.” The Society of Authors (SoA) expressed concerns about transparency in the deals, while Audible faces competition fears. Spotify credits exponential sales growth to its competitive payout structure, but the SoA emphasizes the need for clarity and separate notation of Spotify revenues. Continue reading Spotify says it has paid audiobook publishers ‘tens of millions’ in royalties

Misery by Stephen King Review

Stephen King has consistently been my go-to supplier for all things literary horror. Having immersed myself in roughly a third of his extensive body of work, each novel has been a captivating journey into the depths of fear. While I’ve generally relished these experiences, few have genuinely unsettled me—exceptions being “Revival,” “IT,” and now, “Misery.” This book, in particular, had the power to induce nightmares … Continue reading Misery by Stephen King Review

The Maid by Nita Prose Review

The central character, Molly, seems to exhibit characteristics consistent with neurodivergence, although it is never explicitly addressed or labelled within the narrative. While I lack professional expertise or personal experience with autism, Molly’s traits align with classically shown symptoms. The fact that others in the story dismiss Molly’s idiosyncrasies as mere oddities, considering them a running joke, mirrors real-life situations where individuals may misinterpret behavioural … Continue reading The Maid by Nita Prose Review

A Book Review of Putin’s People: How the KGB Took Back Russia and Then Took on the West

The debate over U.S. foreign policy on Russia arises from conflicting views on the Putin regime, highlighted in letters by experts. Catherine Belton’s book, “Putin’s People,” depicts a KGB elite’s rise to power and their aim to undermine the West. However, questions linger about the economic and geopolitical motivations driving the regime, warranting a cautious evaluation of Belton’s theory. Continue reading A Book Review of Putin’s People: How the KGB Took Back Russia and Then Took on the West

Dearly Devoted Dexter Review

You can find my review of the first book in the series, Darkly Dreaming Dexter here. This second instalment in Jeff Lindsay’s hugely popular Dexter series see’s our horrible yet loveable serial killer become a family man, while still trying desperately to bring his own brand of justice to two mysterious murders. Dearly Devoted Dexter see’s my favourite murderous blood spatter analyst search for Reiker, … Continue reading Dearly Devoted Dexter Review

Lord of the Flies by William Golding Review

During the silent but terrifying Cold War William Golding produced his masterpiece, Lord of the Flies. Not only is it a gripping tale about a group of schoolboys forced to survive on a deserted island after a plane crash, it is also a brilliant allegorical tale about the conflicts between civilization and primal savagery. This simple and easy to understand symbolism has made Lord of … Continue reading Lord of the Flies by William Golding Review