For The Love Of Shakespeare by Beth Miller

For the Love of Shakespeare by Beth Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - Dipped in and out from March

Pages - 282

Publisher - Summersdale

Blurb from Goodreads

A treasure-trove of wit, imagination and emotion, his plays and poems continue to surprise, inspire, console and delight us. Whether you're a life-long lover of the Bard or a curious newcomer to his world, this companion will lift the curtain on the unforgettable characters and stories of Britain's greatest dramatist.


My Review

This book on the inside is called A Companion, that is perfect for what this wee book is. Miller takes us on a journey through who Shakespeare was, an insight into his work with commentary and laced with some humour. Interviews with different people to how they fell in love with Shakespeare, his works, his influences and even a conspiracy theory. Finished off with some reading that influenced the work that went into the book and online resources which I will be checking out myself.

I have always wanted to read Shakespeare, we did one play in school, each person reading different parts and I loved it. Reading the plays in books though I always found a chore, the language and way it has been put down on the pages was tough going. So when I had the opportunity for reviewing this I jumped at it. A book that goes over the stories but in simplistic English and with Millers humour and own voice it was easy to loose yourself in.

Normally when I take a week or more to read a book it is because I am struggling with it, this is the opposite with this book. I enjoyed it so much and learned so much about both Shakespeare himself and his work I would often put the book aside to go and google and read more about the chapter/story I had just learned about. So many of the work was brand new to me and I had no idea how many adaptations, books and literature was out there about him and his creations. That is why it has taken so long to get to the end of the book I kept going off and reading more on what Miller had written.

The passion for her subject is abundantly clear pretty much from the get go and you can't help but be swept away with it yourself. From providing quotable lines, little Did You Know tables and bite sized info such as phrases coined by Shakespeare you could easily loose yourself in this book in one sitting. I had to go in and out as such much was new to me and I wanted to read up on more about that particular sonnet or poem as it was mostly fresh information. I started this book with trepidation there is nothing worse than agreeing to review a book and fearing you might get bored or lose interest. Unwarranted fear in this case, this book is now a keeper for me and certainly one I will go back to again and again. I am also going to buy a copy for my friend who loves Shakespeare and unlike me could read him in any presentation so she will love this, 5/5 for me this time. I would absolutely recommend this book, whether you are curious about the man himself or well versed in his works I think everyone can enjoy something from this read!

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The Good Neighbour by Beth Miller

The Good Neighbour by Beth Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Publisher - Ebury Press

Pages - 424

Blurb from Goodreads

Everyone has secrets. How far will you go to protect yours?

After living next to the neighbours from hell, Minette is overjoyed when Cath and her two children move in next door. Cath soon becomes her confidante, a kindred spirit, even her daughter’s babysitter.

But Cath keeps herself unusually guarded and is reluctant to speak of her past. And when Minette witnesses something unspeakable, she begins to question whether she really knows her new friend at all…


My Review

Minette is delighted to have a new neighbour, more so when she actually meets her & her two children. Minette has a 9 month old Tilly & is fairly bored at home, Cathy brings a new lease of life and some unexpected adventure. Cathy has secrets, she keeps her past to herself and as she as Minette get closer they both share secrets as their friendship grows. However, Cathy isn't exactly as she seems and Minette learns that having someone like Cathy as a friend may be not be the blessing she thought.

The book is split into chapters, headed by which character it is that is talking. The start of the story introduces us to the main characters, the neighbours. Abe, Minette & baby Tilly, Cathy the newest neighbour and her two children Davey and little Lola, over the way is the unbelievably handsome Liam and his partner. There are a few other characters spread out however these are our key players. It is hard to review everything I would like to say as Cathys past and secrets play a big part in it and aren't revealed until you get further into the story. Needless to say there are twists and turns, secrets, lies, betrayals, friendship, family and love to name just some of the themes going on.

Some of the characters diaologue with each other and certain behaviours were a source of frustration for me however that is one of my small complaints. I felt like a nosey neighbour, watching the ongoings of my other neighbours and I think this will hold attraction for many readers. It kept my interest, I think it was quite well done and I would read this author again, 4/5 for me this time. Thanks so much to the author and publisher for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

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