As I am always looking for tenuous links when doing these reviews, and since the Gazette comes out on a Wednesday, I thought I'd review a book with a character called Wednesday. I know, I know; it's clear that a genius-level of intellect and research goes into each one of these reviews ...
Anyway, American Gods by Neil Gaiman is the story of a prisoner who, after serving his time, finds that he has nothing to go home to. He meets a mysterious gentleman named Mister Wednesday (See? I told you!) who claims, among other things, to be the king of America.
As the pair travel across the country together, another world is slowly revealed and we see that ... well that would give too much away. The book is truly a modern epic, stretching more than 600 pages, with a fabulous meandering style to the prose that makes it clear that a journey is just as important as the destination.
It gradually builds towards a battle between old and new, and the story, exploring deep subjects but with a light touch, will have you wondering why you don't already own all of Neil Gaiman's work.
Wednesday is usually my day off work and the 1000 Things To Do In London guide by Time Out is the perfect companion for my midweek adventures.
Full of brilliant advice and ideas, this is an invaluable tome for anyone living in or around the capital.
Suggestions for you to try include: bidding at Christie's; night fishing at Lizard Lake, West Drayton; flying a plane at the Royal Air Force museum; learning how to be a blacksmith at Surrey Docks; losing yourself in the city's gardens[2026] and, once you've done all that, you can treat yourself to the best cup of coffee in the world at the Flat White espresso bar in Berwick Street.
The Time Out London guides to pubs and restaurants have always been 'essentials' and this new title is no exception.
Top Ten
1. New Moon, Stephenie Meyer
2. Eclipse, Stephenie Meyer
3. Breaking Dawn, Stephenie Meyer
4. Dreams From My Father, Barack Obama
5. The Secret Scripture, Sebastian Barry
6. The Associate, John Grisham
7. When Will There Be Good News?, Kate Atkinson
8. Run For Your Life, James Patterson
9. The Girl Who Played With Fire, Stieg Larsson
10. Twilight, Stephenie Meyer
These were the top 10 selling titles at Waterstone's, in The Chimes, Uxbridge, as at Sunday,February 1. www.waterstones.com
