Probability Angels by Joseph Devon

This is an incredibly complex novel which is made all the more compelling by the way the robust and endearing main characters fit together in a most satisfying fashion.

The Probability Angels are responsible for pushing their living charges into making life changing decisions. I think this concept is one which would be readily familiar and acceptable within many cultures and faiths and for this reason I am confident that this book will eventually be translated into many languages.

The vivid imagery which flows from every page made me think that this could be made into a blockbuster film but as always, the written word provides a richness and depth that no movie will be able to offer. I suggest you read Probability Angles first and, when the movie is made, enjoy it for for the added dimension it will provide.

You get a lot of book for your money folks. Trust me, you'll thank me for it later.

This is the first book that I have read by Joseph Devon but I have since found out that he has written a couple of others, including a book of short stories (my fave), so I've got some catching up to do!

While I am off expanding my library so I can add in yet more books, you can find out more about Joseph Devon by following this link and you can find some traditional style reviews by following this link.

Flying Saucer Rock & Roll by Richard Blandford

Flying Saucer Rock & Roll is a story about teenage angst. About falling in and out of love, lust and friendship. About the starting and stopping of 'being in a band'.

Not only does Richard tackle these subjects with consummate skill, he goes one step further and adds in a teenager named Neil who is most definitely on the Asperger's Syndrome end of the Autistic Spectrum.

Reading about Neil's behaviour was like relieving my teenage years. Intermittently throughout the novel I would realise that I was thinking 'Oh urk, I did that, I behaved just like that!'

I was looking forward to reading Richard Blandford's second novel because I had enjoyed his debut novel Hound Dog so much.

The first surprise came about because I had assumed, perhaps naively, that this new novel would be written in the same style as the first. How wrong I was.

The second revelation was how very (very, very , very) well written Flying Saucer Rock & Roll is. I used to admire Richard's authorial skills but at the moment I am finding it difficult to see past the waves of jealousy...

Seriously though this book is a treat. Buy it and find out for yourself. Oh and if you would like to read a more traditional review of Flying Saucer Rock & Roll then go on over to Scott Pack's blog.

One Under by Graham Hurley

Oh I just love Graham Hurley's novels! Not only is he a very skilled author but his books are all set in Portsmouth.

There is something particularly absorbing about a book in which I am able to picture exactly most of the locations being described, the labile beauty of the seafront, the smell of the harbour, the sheer volume of the birdsong from the conservation areas which hug Portsea Island, the scene of the crime, the multitude of surrounding villages and the atmosphere of the pubs.

One Under is a particular favourite because it features a few cameo appearances from the author Sally Spedding. I reviewed her collection of short stories Strangers Waiting here.

The Oven House by Lynne Rees

The Oven House by Lynne Rees was in turns exquisitely delightful and decadently painful to read... much in the same way as an ice cold treat on a hot summer day will give you sweet pleasure, swiftly followed by brain freeze.

Is it obvious that I am really struggling to describe the effect it had on me? Please don't let my review put you off as that is not my intent. I am actually still a little overwhelmed by how very well written this story was. It isn't an easy topic to base a short story on let alone a whole novella.

The Oven House is filled with the ripe pleasure of sexual indulgence, of the particular agonies that are irrevocably linked to both falling in and out of love and the uniquely lush joy that comes from falling in love with someone all over again.

The Oven House is vividly written. The words moved off the page and into my very core. They are rich and inviting, emotive, magical in their strength and self assurance. You won't just read this book, you'll feel, taste, see, smell and be moved by it.

An Ungodly Child - by Rachel Green

I've never read a novel quite like this one. Rachel Green describes it as 'urban fantasy'.

I thought that I knew what to expect as I had first stumbled upon Rachel's writing when I found her blog 'Laverstone Tales' which is full of delightful characters who regularly embark on a wide variety of adventures.

What I wasn't prepared for was the rich vein of humour that underscores each chapter, the ability to poke fun at the absurdity of human nature and all else beyond it. The characters in 'An Ungodly Child' go through exquisitely choreographed journeys of self awareness .

This book in many ways reminded me of Stephen Shieber's collection of short stories 'Being Normal'. Forget that one of the main characters of this book is a demon called Jasfoup and you'll see that this novel is actually all about being and accepting others for being normal, whatever they may chose to define that as.

This is a book full of beauty, life, laughter and the enduring strength and acceptance that comes with true love. It enriched me and I am grateful that I was able to experience it. I know that I will read it again and again. I am sure many other readers will too.

You can see Rachel Green's photography, art and poetry on this blog here

Rachel Green has told me that she has several finished novels and is looking for a publisher. How I wish I was an inde publisher...

The Blood of Strangers by Frank Huyler

I've read several books since my last review and they were all ok but none of them moved me enough to want to write a review about them. However, the Blood of Strangers by Frank Huyler was an absolute delight and not just because it is comprised of my favorite read which many of you will know by now is short stories.

Although the book is about the experiences of an emergency ward doctor and therefore not the most lighthearted of content, the reading of these stories is almost effortless. In fact, I felt as if I was looking at art or watching a movie instead of actively reading.

Frank Huyler is a poet and this comes across clearly in these stories. He is able to paint a vibrant, exquisitely alive scene with very few words.

I was disappointed when the book ended for it was far too soon for my liking. I will be keeping a look out for more by Frank Huyler. You can treat yourself to a copy by clicking below.

Disabilty in Pregnancy and Childbirth

As a basic textbook about the needs of disabled women during pregnancy and childbirth ‘Disability in Pregnancy and Childbirth’ is suitable read for everyone. The advice ranges from basic care of the woman and her family, to assessing ward suitability and scoping the necessary improvements. I felt that much of the advice given in this text book should be standard practice with all clients; those who are disabled and those who are not. However, as the mechanisms of pregnancy and childbirth are in many ways the same for both, this should be regarded as a bonus of this volume rather than a detriment. The information is applicable and suitable for ward managers, the woman and her family and everyone in between.

I particularly liked how the authors made reference to the fact that a woman with a recognised disability, for example Achondroplasia, may not consider herself to be disabled in any way while someone with a chronic illness such as Diabetes may be significantly disabled by their condition. This is a concept which all health professionals should keep foremost in their mind when caring for someone who is ‘differently abled’.

This book touches on most aspects of motherhood from screening to postnatal care. The screening advice offered is slightly out of date, for example the triple test is discussed but not nuchal fold measurements. As with other non screening specific textbooks, it is best to refer to the more specialised publications to benefit from the most up to date information on these subjects.

The following chapters contained information of particular distinction:

The appendix to chapter 3 has an interesting set of questions with which a woman could use to evaluate the care she received. The information obtained in this way would be a useful resource for health care professionals to use as a platform from which to reflect upon their practice and develop their skills in caring for this group of women.

In chapter 8, ‘The interaction between specific conditions and the childbirth continuum’, the author has taken the brave step of referring to specific disabilities. This chapter included many that are not usually mentioned in volumes such as this like Dyspraxia and Fibroymalgia but neglected to include the more ‘hidden disabilities’ such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and High Functioning Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome. Although this chapter at first glance appears to be quite comprehensive, the dyscogniton that occurs with Fibromyalgia, also known as ‘fibrofog’ and its importance in relation to making informed choices is not highlighted. This leads me to surmise that important factors with the other listed disabilities may be also be missing.

Chapter 9 lists resources suitable for disabled women and the health care professionals who participate in facilitating their experience of pregnancy and childbirth. There are links to many UK organisations but also included are several links to international organisations. Two very useful links are missing but I will include them here:

The National Autistic Society
Aim to champion the rights and interests of all people with autism and aim to provide individuals with autism and their families with help, support and services that they can access, trust and rely upon and which can make a positive difference to their lives.
Contact details:
0845 070 4004
http://www.nas.org.uk/

The UK Fibromyalgia Association
Raising awareness of Fibromyalgia in the United Kingdom. This website is endorsed by the Arthritis Research Campaign (ARC) leaflet on Fibromyalgia
Contact details:
Helpline: 0845 345 2322
http://www.fibromyalgia-associationuk.org/

Both of these sites will be able to provide local support group contact information. Additionally Mencap (listed on page 194), offers ‘Parent Partnership’, a system which provides support in many forms not the least of which is attending meetings and appointments with disabled and differently abled people.

‘Disability in Pregnancy and Childbirth’ has evenly, appropriately weighted chapters with some interesting and useful resources. The handouts at the end of the book are intended as a resource to back up the information given by health care professionals and aimed specifically at disabled women and their partners. The average Crystal Mark reading age for information leaflets in England is 9 years and these handouts are pitched at a higher level than this. Therefore they would need a bit of tweaking before being widely circulated. Overall this book aids and encourages the establishment of evidence based practice in relation to caring for disabled and differently abled women.

I strongly recommend ‘Disability in Pregnancy and Childbirth’ as required reading for all those involved in the training of student midwives, nurses and doctors. This book should also be read and then kept as a reference book for any post registration healthcare professionals with a remit in providing care for disabled and differently abled women of childbearing age.

Click here to buy your copy