Having recently found out that the movie adaption of this Donna Tartt book is out later this year and already having a copy of the book I decided to read it in preparation for the upcoming movie.

This is basically a coming of age novel focusing on the exploits of Theo Decker following the tragic death of his mother.

It’s a pretty good read, imo it’s longer than it needed to be and though you’re surprised more than once with unexpected happenings throughout the book, the ending was pretty predictable and felt very anti climatic.

I’d say that it’s definitely worth reading before you watch the movie though I’m sure it would be just as good a read if you watched the movie first but make sure that you first hide any hidden masterpieces that you might own.

We made a special trip to Taunton today to try out a Hungry Horse eatery and we weren’t disappointed.

Well, the prices were a bit steep especially for the drinks (Diet Coke & bottled water £5!) so we made sure to have the day’s special which was Buy 1 Burger Get 1 Free, me opting for the Double egg burger Clare having the Double hamburger.

Both came with a generous portion of chips (they were nice) but the burgers were bloody jaw breakers! For the first time ever I needed to use a knife to eat s burger it was that big… but it was tasty.

Overall, I’d give the Hungry Horse 7/10 mainly coz their prices are too high but Clare gave it 8/10 though we’d both recommend it to others but probably won’t go again ourselves in a hurry.

England were Fucking Shit.

Simple as that.

We decided to lunch here today as it was a place we hadn’t tried before.

It’s a smart little pub, tidy & cosy inside with spacious seating outside.

We had a shared Nachos starter as we’d never tried them before but, with the dips & peppers they were coated in they were bloody lush.

We both differed in our main course, I had ham, egg, chips & beans (which were quite nice) she had her usual fish & chips & though the fish was nothing special the batter was tasty & the chips were nice too.

We’d definitely come here again and would highly recommend it to family and friends.

I’ve recently heard many rave reviews of books by this author but hadn’t actually heard of her or had any idea what she wrote about.

After finding this book, Pig Island, very cheap in a local charity store I decided I’d give her a go and I’ve mixed feelings from it.

Though the story and the twist on it was good & it made the read even more interesting, it was totally spoilt by its ending purely because, no spoilers, that particular thing (usually done by women) boils my blood & I’m now pissed off after reading it and will certainly not read any more of her sexist work.

There is a new shop in town.

Needful Things, a name that causes some gossip and speculation among the good folks of Castle Rock while they wait for opening day.

Eleven year old Brian Rusk is its first customer and he gets just what he wants, a rare baseball card. Cyndi Rose is next, a Lalique vase.

There is something for everyone. Always at a price you can afford, the cash price that is because there is another price. There always is when your heart’s most secret desire is for sale…

Trip to the cinema today with our daughter & her boyfriend to watch this remaking of a Stephen King classic & We weren’t disappointed.

Even though the changes made for this latest remake probably lowered the tone for all who’ve read & enjoyed the book, it still made for a pretty good movie, I’d give 7/10

Novelist Thad Beaumont has had success writing novels under both his real name & his pseudonym George Stark. When word gets out they are the same person Thad holds a mock funeral for Stark.

After a rash spate of murders eerily similar to those in the Stark books, Thad & his wife Liz realise that Stark is responsible and must work with local Sheriff Pangborn to stop him.

I’ve now both read the book and seen the movie & enjoyed both. It’s probably closer to thriller than pure horror but it’s still one of King’s best novels, certainly in my Top 10