Sloan Wilson: The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit
First rate. I cannot believe I haven't come across this before. Like Richard Yates but with a touch of Frank Capra. (*****)
Andy Stanton: What's for Dinner, Mr Gum?
A return to form (not that there was that much of a dip) for one of the best series of books for kids out there. Spendid stuff. (****)
Jah Wobble: Memoirs of a Geezer: Music, Life, Mayhem
Frank and entertaining memoir from the former member of PiL who went on to have one of the most diverse careers in modern musical history. Highly recommended. (****)
Elisabeth Beresford: The Wombles
A recent book at bedtime for the Pack household. I found it a bit tricky to read aloud but the kids really enjoyed it. (***)
Helen Rappaport: Conspirator
Fascinating account of the 17 years Lenin spent in exile. (***)
Michael Morpurgo: The Best of Times
A rather sweet and endearing Christmas tale. Works for both kids and adults, perhaps the latter reading it to the former. (***)
Carol Ann Duffy: Mrs Scrooge: A Christmas Tale
Just no great point to it really. Destined to be the stocking filler of choice for TLS subscribers. (**)
David Hughes: Thomas Wogan is Dead
Wonderfully absurd graphic novel. Kafka meets Vic & Bob. (****)
John and Gary Walker: The Walker Brothers - No Regrets
Had to read it for an interview which then didn't happen. Not bad at all, actually, but would have helped if I was a fan. (***)
Audrey Niffenegger: Her Fearful Symmetry
An ambitious and largely successful ghost story. The ending felt a bit rushed but by then I was pretty much swept up in it and happy to go with the flow. Witty, edgy and dark. It doesn't have the killer hook that The Time Traveler's Wife came with but succeeds nonetheless. (****)
Magnus Mills: The Maintenance of Headway
Highly entertaining but I missed the darkness of previous books. Still heaps better than most novels you'll read this year. (***)
Yoshihiro Tatsumi: The Push Man and Other Stories
A remarkable collection. The finest graphic novel I have read. (****)
Helen Rappaport: Ekaterinburg: The Last Days of the Romanovs
A tense and gripping account of the final days of the Czar and his family. If you liked the Mr Whicher book then I suspect you'll enjoy this. (****)
Jessica Ruston: Luxury
Great fun. A proper blockbuster like they did in the 70s and 80s. A guilt-free guilty pleasure because it is so well-written. Curl up and enjoy. (***)
Kate Clanchy: Antigona and Me
The author's account of her friendship with a Kosovan refugee who became her cleaner and nanny. Funny, heartrending and a fascinating portrait of a clash of cultures. (***)
Chris Priestley: Tales of Terror from the Black Ship
Excellent. Truly scary stories. A modern classic. (****)
Robert McCrum: My Year Off: Rediscovering Life After a Stroke
A thoughtful and thought-provoking true story. McCrum was editor in chief of Faber & Faber, and a newly married man, when he suffered a stroke at the age of 42. Quite a scary read if you are near that age, as I am. (***)
- Chris Hargreaves: Captain's Blog: Football, Fatherhood and the Fight for Promotion
The captain's account of Torquay' play-off winning season. A remarkably frank and entertaining story of life in the non-leagues. Absolutely essential reading for football fans as this one tells it like it really is. (****)
Oivind Hovland: Trial and Error: The Aviated Efforts of Jean Babtiste de Bomberaque
Another short graphic novel. Odd but charming. (***)
Oivind Hovland: A Day in the Life of Alfred
Very short graphic novel, formatted more like a children's picture book. A darkly sweet story. (***)
Richard E. Grant: The Wah-Wah Diaries: The Making of a Film
Witty, bitchy, gossipy and riveting account of Grant's directoral debut. Something all fans of cinema should read. Fascinating. (****)
Gareth P. Jones: The Thornthwaite Inheritance
The whole family loved this macabre tale of orhpan twins who spend all of their time trying to kill each other. Comes highly recommened from all of us. (****)
Edgar Rice Burroughs: A Princess of Mars
A cracking sci-fi adventure that I found myself enjoying far more than I thought I would. (****)
Edwin A. Abbott: Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions
My first genuine eBook discovery, something I would have never come across otherwise. A brilliantly imagined tale narrated by a square living in a 2 dimensional world whose mind is blown following a visit by a sphere. Genius. (*****)
G. K. Chesterton: The Man Who Was Thursday
Started off well but ended up too silly by half. Throwaway fun for Edwardian gentlemen. (***)
Per Petterson: Out Stealing Horses
An old man holes up in the middle of the Norwegian nowhere and finds himself confronting memories of his youth. Good, but didn't stun me. (***)
A.C. Tillyer: An A-Z of Possible Worlds
A remarkable thing. A boxed set of 26 separately bound short stories, one for each letter of the alphabet, all set in imagined, disturbing, fantastical, Kafka-esque worlds. BS Johnson, Borges and Franz fans should rejoice. It will be published for Christmas. I think it could be huge. (*****)
Joel Grey: 01:03
Quirky collection of pictures taken from his mobile phone. Some great images. (***)
Gyrdir Eliasson: Stone Tree
A beautiful collection of very short stories. A treasure of a book to return to year after year. (****)
Bob Burke: The Third Pig Detective Agency
Unfair of me to rate this as I published it but Ethan has given it 4 stars. Chapter 10 almost had him wetting himself. (****)
- Clifton Robbins: Dusty Death
As far as I can tell this is a long lost crime novel from the 1930s. Hardly anything about it or the author online. There isn't even a jacket to be found anywhere. I thought it was great - a murder mystery tied in with opium smuggling and scandal at the League of Nations for good measure. (****)
Andrew Kaufman: All My Friends are Superheroes
How has this one passed us by? A work of adorable genius. Buy it, borrow it, steal it but just make sure you read it. I am willing to bet it will be your surprise read of the year. I read it on the train home the day I received it and spent the whole evening smiling. (****)
Leo Tolstoy: The Death of Ivan Ilyich
Nothing technically wrong with it but nothing actually happens either. Well, Ivan dies but that is about it. I appear to have missed the point. (**)
Knut Hamsun: Dreamers
Heaps of rustic charm in this classic from Norway. (***)
Chris Priestley: Uncle Montague's Tales of Terror
Wonderfully scary stuff for kids. Genuinely frightening stories to put the wind up 'em. (****)
Erlend Loe: Naive. Super
I was charmed by this sweet, off-kilter story. (****)
Dag Solstad: Novel 11, Book 18
Norwegian existentialism. Not as bad as it sounds. (***)
Alex Williams: The Deep Freeze of Bartholomew Tullock
This was our bedtime read with the kids. We had this US edition, in the UK it is called The Storm Maker. Ethan particularly enjoyed this tale of a land where it never stops snowing. (***)
John Karter: The Profit
A parable which transplants Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet into the modern corporate world. A neat attempt to update a classic. (***)
Anthony Caleshu: Churchtown: The Tale of Suzy Delou and Faye Fiddle
Bizarre tale of geriatric sexual deviancy. (***)
- Keith Scales: The Cloverleaf Development
Fargo-esque smalltown murder mystery. (****)
Effie Gray: Selling Light
Excellent novella. The Highest Tide meets The Juggler. (****)
Various: Little Roasts
Four short stories in a neat little edition. The first was excellent. The second and third very good. The last didn't work for me. A reasonable return on an hour's reading. (***)
Leonore Schick: Lizard
Very odd, somewhat bizarre and a little muddled but has a certain Kafkaesque appeal. (***)
Richard H Thaler: Nudge
A genuinely thought provoking first half. Rather dull second half. (***)
Lars Saabye Christensen: The Half Brother
A genuine modern classic. Challenges John Irving at his best. (*****)
Dave Allan: Sticky Wisdom
Another business book with sound ideas but a bit too much marketing-speak in the explanation. (***)
Stephen C. Lundin: Fish!
Yet more research. Has some good concepts but a bit wanky in how it gets them across. (***)
Malcolm Gladwell: The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference
More research. Very interesting but not quite as compulsive reading as Blink. (***)
Michael Kimball: Dear Everybody
A wonderfully clever, funny and moving novel. A collection of unsent letters from a young man who has committed suicide. (****)
Andy Stanton: Mr Gum in the Hound of Lamonic Bibber
Perhaps not quite as satisfying as the full-length novels but as a World Book Day title for a quid I really can't grumble. (***)
Neil Jordan: The Dream of a Beast
I must confess I didn't have a fucking clue what was going on. (**)
Jan Blensdorf: My Name is Sei Shonagon
Worth seeking out by Japanophiles who like a quick read. (***)
Neil Gaiman: The Graveyard Book
If I am being completely honest the kids enjoyed it a lot more than me but it was still a cracking good bedtime read. (****)
Sarnath Banerjee: Corridor: A Graphic Novel
Interesting concept but a bit slight. (***)
David Markson: This is Not a Novel
Unusual, experimental and great fun to read. (****)
Richard Blandford: Flying Saucer Rock 'n' Roll
The best book I have read about growing up in the 90s. Also, one of the few great novels about being in a rock band. (****)
Sue Cook: Force of Nature
Thought provoking novel that looks at the implications of IVF and embryo donation. Does a great job of making it highly readable and thoroughly entertaining. (***)
John Kotter: Our Iceberg is Melting: Changing and Succeeding Under Any Conditions
Another bloody business parable, but at least this one has pictures to keep me awake. (***)
Esteban Echeverria: El Matadero
Another di Giovanni translation, this time of a 19th century Argentinian story called The Slaughteryard. (****)
Jorge Luis Borges: El Hacedor
Otherwise known as The Maker, in English. I actually read a new translation from Norman T di Giovanni which is only available to read online. (****)
Stona Fitch: Printer's Devil
Dark and disturbing. An alarming new discovery. (***)
Sebastian Beaumont: The Juggler
Confirms his position as of the of two or three most exciting British writers around at the moment. I was captivated throughout and didn't want it to end. (*****)
Tom Markert: You Can't Win a Fight with Your Boss: And 55 Other Rules for Success
Frighteningly old school. Work long hours, play the game, wear expensive suits, don't befriend your work colleagues. You might be successful if you follow those rules but you'd also be a bit of a twat. (*)
Ken Blanchard: The Leadership Pill
At least this one offers a bit more than the bloody obvious but it is still pretty much common sense really. (***)
Ken Blanchard: The One Minute Manager Balances Work and Life
More timewasting nonsense that you don't need to read. All in the name of research. (**)
Jenna Jameson: How to Make Love Like a Porn Star
Excellent (genital) warts and all memoir from the biggest porn star in the world. (****)
Spencer Johnson: The One-Minute Teacher
Research for the book I am writing. A case of flogging a dead horse called Franchise with this one. (**)
John Connolly: Dark Hollow
Excellent crime novel. Dark and disturbing. (****)
Emily Bearn: The Great Escape
Proved a popular book at bedtime with the kids and a pleasure to read aloud. Not as good as the first Tumtum & Nutmeg book though. (***)
David Bellos: Georges Perec: A Life in Words
A decent biography of a remarkable writer. A bit dry and academic at times but its got all the facts in the right order so I mustn't grumble. (***)
J.R.R. Tolkien: The Hobbit
Apart from breaking off into song every chapter or so and the annoyingly archaic language in places this proved to be a most enjoyable read for the whole family. My Gollum voice was particularly good, Andy Serkis watch out. (****)
Vikas Swarup: Q and A
A tad clunky in places but such a great story that you forgive it anything. (****)
Ron Hansen: The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
A genuine masterpiece. Quite stunning. Unforgettable. Please read this book. I am asking you nicely. (*****)
Elizabeth Baines: Balancing on the Edge of the World
A short collection of short stories. Very good ones too. (***)
Sjon: The Blue Fox
Beautiful. Haunting. Remarkable. (*****)
On its way to me but from TBD! And I love the way you've sneaked in those books on the right hand side bar...A Book I Couldn't Finish and One I Wish I Hadn't,I'm agreeing with both of those.Played a mean trick on a friend who was reading Booker longlist with me 2005, I managed about 50 pages of The Accidental before I gave up, passed it on to her but didn't say a word. She then took it as her only book on a long train journey and has never forgiven me.I also love the children's lists, I want a drum and that book now.I see you've settled nicely into your typepad home, soft furnishings and accessories coming along nicely.
Posted by: dovegreyreader | February 05, 2007 at 07:20 PM
I started reading this post thinking 'Oh, I had a friend whose brother was called Imran Ahmad, but I expect that's a common name in Pakistan...' then I clicked on the photo and saw a familiar face.
I was always given the impression that Imran was the golden boy and disapproved of our activities, so I shall read this book with interest!
Posted by: Steerforth | February 05, 2007 at 07:27 PM
Congratulations Scott.
Aurum Press have set a very reasonable £12.99 cover price, who needs a paperback run (with the book likely being "junked" in 3 for 2 promos).
Assuming that most indies "run" with this title h/b sales of around 100,000 plus would seem possible.
Surely, this is one title which does not need "paid for placement" in order to get the book before the buying public ?
Posted by: Clive Keeble | February 05, 2007 at 07:35 PM
I am glad you like the new additions DGR. I have a few more ideas that might pop up from time to time. The two Smiths really troubled me last year. Here was everyone and his dog saying that the books were great and I thought they were really poor. The Zadie Smith I would have rejected out of has as a publisher for being too dull. Mind you, each to their own and all that.
And you won't be disappointed with Imran's book, it is a gem waiting to be discovered.
Posted by: Scott Pack | February 05, 2007 at 08:03 PM
The thing with 'paid for placement' Clive is to view it from a slightly different angle and see if it stacks up. If Unimagined gets great press, loads of rave reviews and the media love it BUT none of the retailers are promoting it then it might be hard to find in the shops. The publisher will struggle to get it in front of the discerning reader as a result. You may not agree with the practise but a publisher may well view it as a worthwhile cost to keep the book visible.
That being said, the real word of mouth hits will bypass any promotion or paid for section.
Posted by: Scott Pack | February 05, 2007 at 08:06 PM
Scott
Remember who *made* "The Cloudspotter's Guide", it was the indies.
There are far more indie bookshops than bookchain branches.
Posted by: Clive Keeble | February 06, 2007 at 06:59 AM
A hundred THOUSAND ????
Posted by: susan Hill | February 06, 2007 at 08:54 AM
Well Clive, Waterstone's had 30% market share on Cloudspotter's Guide so, while I am sure that indies really went for it if there is any claim for 'making' the book it is probably a shared one.
Undoubtedly, if the indies really embrace a book, they can rise above any promotions and pricing from the chains and command a strong share. But, as a publisher, you would always want the insurance policy of the chain promotions if it makes sense financially.
Posted by: Scott Pack | February 06, 2007 at 08:57 AM
"crap cover"?!! How dare you! I spent nearly an hour on it.
Posted by: Imran Ahmad | February 06, 2007 at 10:06 AM
Well, I'm sold - but due to some downsizing at Cusack Towers I shall wait for the paperback version...
Imran - consider yourself robbed of that particular hour!
Posted by: lance | February 06, 2007 at 12:11 PM
You are right, the original cover and title remind me of the self helpy guru type books that I sell far too many of. Much improved now, and it looks like a really interesting book.
I disagree with your comment on Ali Smith's novel. Whilst perhaps not as stunningly brilliant as her other work "The Accidental" is beautifully written and absorbing. I recommend it highly, unlike the other Smith, who I just don't "get."
Posted by: sara | February 06, 2007 at 02:39 PM
every person I know who has read Unimagined has loved it - I agree that it'll be a great word of mouth book..... and how could you resist such a fantastic photo on the jacket?!
Posted by: lilyloulou | February 06, 2007 at 09:19 PM
Fantastic story Scott and all the best Imran. I just love that cover
excellent!
Posted by: Steve Clackson | February 07, 2007 at 02:27 PM
I slip out of the office at lunchtime to go to Borders. A bus is coming, so I run to the bus stop and just make it. I flash my travel card and he doesn’t even blink, as if I’m not really here, as if I’m a figment of my own imagination.
My heart is thumping as Borders approaches. I jump off the bus, run across the road and regain my composure, before I stride casually inside the store. I don’t want to draw attention to myself, get recognised and be accosted by a crowd of hysterical young women. (Actually, I do).
There it is, facing me on the shelf – eight copies, ‘front of store’ as promised. This is the moment I have waited all my life for. Wow! I can hardly believe it. I thought this was going to happen in 2005, with my magnificent self-published book (with its mysterious, enigmatic cover), but somehow I wasn’t able to persuade Borders to stock it, let alone put it ‘front of store’.
I move on, casually strolling around the tables, waiting for the magic moment. Hold on, here’s a chap, a youngish man, casually dressed, looks a bit foreign, he’s looking over the books in that display, the one with my book in it. His eyes are running over the books systematically, and he’s taking little steps sideways, towards my book. I move into a casual holding position, from where I can observe him, but he won’t see me. That’s it, he’s in place now, his eyes are running down the shelves and now he’s … that’s right sunshine … good man … he’s looking at my book! His face is steady, right on it. … Oh yes … oh yes .. come on .. oh yes… oh yes … he’s reaching for it … he’s got it! ... He’s picked up my book! It’s in his hands … he’s studying the cover … good looking chap on the cover, don’t you think? … now the back … great quotes, eh? … haven’t you always loved Sue Cook , as I have done? … now he’s reading the inside front flap … a logical approach … seems like a smart chap … it’s taking him an awfully long time to read the front flap .. okay, he’s done … hey! … what the hell do you think you’re doing? … what the hell are you doing? … he’s put it back … back on the shelf .. he’s moving on … stupid bastard! you stupid idiot! … what the hell are you doing in a bookshop?! … can you even read?…
I return to the office a broken man.
Posted by: Imran Ahmad | February 07, 2007 at 09:33 PM
It is not recommended that Imran Ahmad tries to make a lunchtime visit to my shop - not even if he manages to commandeer a corporate helicopter !
If he managed the journey he would see the book featured prominently in a window display ; only one copy left out in store,as is the norm, face up in the main display area - grumpy old bastards like myself run a tight ship and seldom leave multiple newly published copies, only to see one or all of them get soiled by lackadasical browsers.
"Unimagined" is a title which lends itself to handselling, which is the forte of the indie bookshops.
Anybody can merchandise Harry Potter ; the skill in the booktrade is to ensure that less obvious titles ensure steady sales to a discerning customer base.
Yesterday an author came along with a self-published book about a showman's family : great cover, a well designed book thanks to input from olde worlde printer. A similar firm sale stock quantity was purchaesd as for "Unimagined" : ironically, at the same time a customer was purchasing a copy of Imran Ahmad's book. Both titles will do well in their own way : this is one bookdealer who is happy with his lot.
Posted by: Clive Keeble | February 08, 2007 at 07:44 AM
I've just started reading the book and yes, it's every bit as good as you claimed. On the one hand it's a highly entertaining memoir of growing up in the 1970s, on the other it's a moving and profound account of the difficulties of being a Muslim in a culture that is both alien and familiar at the same time.
I was friends with Imran's brother during my teens and 20s and I was woefully ignorant about his cultural background. I remember that Rehan couldn't always make it to the pub because of some family engagement, but I never appreciated how he had to negotiate a huge cultural divide. I think that was because Rehan did it so well and I also got the feeling that his parents had a very pragmatic attitude, turning a judicious blind eye on occasions.
Thank you Scott for helping to gain this book the recognition it deserves.
Posted by: Steerforth | February 08, 2007 at 08:37 PM
I just learnt about the book from my sister in England. Did some searches on the web and ended up here. I haven't read the book yet, but will get hold of it as soon as I can. Imran, hats off to you for writing this book. Something I have thought about doing myself, but haven't got to it, and perhaps don't have the writing prowess for either.
I see a lot of great reviews, and seemingly all from non-desis ... it must be good! ;-)
Posted by: Kamran Aftab | March 03, 2007 at 10:50 PM
Am happy to read this site. I need a sweet islamic toast for my wedding.
Posted by: AMOO ZUL-NURAIN BABATUNDE | September 10, 2008 at 03:56 PM
Ive have a peeped at the saem book. I found it boring to be honest.
Posted by: sarah | September 14, 2009 at 08:33 PM