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A History of Modern Britain

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Books
by: Andrew Marr

May 02, 2008
This book was updated for its paperback release and having read it carefully I suspect that many of the errors referred to by other reviewers were removed at that point. Having lived out of Britain for a sizeable chunk of my adult life, I found that I had much to learn from the pages - several large gaps in my knowledge were filled in.

I found it difficult to detect any signs of bias, and Andrew Marr's easy writing style made it a pleasure to read. This is almost as far removed from the dry history textbook that I wrestled with as a young student as it is possible to be. For anyone wanting a crash course on British modern history, this could not be bettered. Well researched and referenced, this deserves to become a standard. ... Read More:

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I Used to Know That: Stuff You Forgot from School

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by: Caroline Taggart

May 22, 2008
I had high hopes for this book but was left a little disappointed.

There was lots of stuff in here that I had forgotten but most of it I will surely forget again because I'm not too interested. The bits I was interesting in (maths and science) I found that I did know (because I read sciencey books anyway) and it felt a bit lightweight in that area.

The book mostly covers early secondary school topics and touches on some of the basics from 'O' level (I guess that's GCSE now).

Overall, I think it is worth a read and it does deliver what it tries to. My problem is that my expectations were unrealistic (but that's not the author's fault).

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Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging: WITH "It's OK, I'm Wearing Really Big Knickers!" (Confessions of Georgia Nicolson)

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by: Louise Rennison

June 02, 2008
I had high hopes for this book but was left a little disappointed.

There was lots of stuff in here that I had forgotten but most of it I will surely forget again because I'm not too interested. The bits I was interesting in (maths and science) I found that I did know (because I read sciencey books anyway) and it felt a bit lightweight in that area.

The book mostly covers early secondary school topics and touches on some of the basics from 'O' level (I guess that's GCSE now).

Overall, I think it is worth a read and it does deliver what it tries to. My problem is that my expectations were unrealistic (but that's not the author's fault).

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The Singing: The Fourth Book of Pellinor (The Books of Pellinor)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Books
by: Alison Croggon

September 01, 2008
I had high hopes for this book but was left a little disappointed.

There was lots of stuff in here that I had forgotten but most of it I will surely forget again because I'm not too interested. The bits I was interesting in (maths and science) I found that I did know (because I read sciencey books anyway) and it felt a bit lightweight in that area.

The book mostly covers early secondary school topics and touches on some of the basics from 'O' level (I guess that's GCSE now).

Overall, I think it is worth a read and it does deliver what it tries to. My problem is that my expectations were unrealistic (but that's not the author's fault).

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The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Books
by: Stieg Larsson

July 24, 2008
My only wish is that I could read it in the original Swedish as the only flaws in this book were the occasional translation errors. All in all though, a superb read. I was up till 3am finishing it last night and have recommended it to all my friends. I'm looking forward to the remaining books in the trilogy and will definitely be adding them to my Xmas/birthday present wishlist.

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Carra: My Autobiography : 18 Years of Failure

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Books
by: Jamie Carragher

September 11, 2008
Forget all the reviews from the bitter opposition fans, this review is based on reading the book, and many other football biographies over many years, and comparing the contents for other readers.
`Carra` is well written and is a truly honest account of the Liverpool ledgend`s career so far. It details the war of loyalties that raged in his heart and through his Evertonion family when he signed a contract with the wrong half of Liverpool(their opinion not mine!), as a teenager. It is frank, moving and hilarious. Carra`s humour runs through the book, even the darker chapters which talk about his turmoil when he wasnt being picked for England, and finality of his retirement from international football, which as we know is a national dissaster.
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101 One-pot Dishes: Tried-and-tested Recipes (Good Food 101)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Books
by: B.B.C. "Good Food Magazine"

February 16, 2006
This is a super little book, containing a wealth of interesting and tasty recipes, all of which require the use of a single pot. They range from quick simple dishes such as Speedy Salmon and Leeks to more elaborate creations suitable for serving at dinner parties. We've tried lots of recipes from this book and have been pleased with the results of them all; the instructions are easy to follow, the ingredients are all easily available and the results are super. Many of the recipes are quick to prepare and cook, making it an ideal collection for day-to-day cooking after work, with the added bonus of limited washing up! Particular favourites include Broccoli Lemon Chicken, Pork with Apples and the aforementioned Speedy Salmon and Leeks.

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Vegetable Growing Month-by-month: The Down-to-earth Guide That Takes You Through the Vegetable Year

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Books
by: John Harrison

March 13, 2008
This is a brilliant and very cheap little book. It doesn't take much reading and has all the area you could require for a simple garden. The A-Z of vegetables is clear; just what is needed to go with the month by month guide. It is also helpful to deal with any problems one might come across. All together a well rounded book! Some of the diagrams would perhaps benefit from some colour though. Carla x

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The Very Hungry Caterpillar [Board Book]

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by: Eric Carle

September 29, 1994
The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a great little book. It keeps my daughter occupied for hours on end. Just a quick flick through it is enough to convince any adult that a small child will like it. Simplistic, enjoyable and charming. And actually quite funny.
Well recommended for very small kids.

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The Official Highway Code

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Books
by: Department for Transport, Driving Standards Agency

September 28, 2007
As has been mentioned - all drivers should have a copy of this book as it lays out very simply exactly what you should and shouldn't do in most situations on the road.
So many of us drive, ride or use the roads and we need to understand the ground rules - for less than the price of a pint, you can use it to dazzle your team-mates in pub quizzes, or settle those perennial arguements (what is the speed limit for a van on a dual carraigeway anyway?).
It's an absolute bargain - so if you find yourself frustrated by modern road designs and signs, or get confused by how to deal with some of the strange new junctions - get a copy.