Tuesday, September 08, 2009

A series of random or connected annecdotes...

A few weeks ago Husband and I watched a wonderful film called Incendiary. Being out here in Bangkok, we’d missed any hype there might have been about it. We struggle to find films we both like (Husband only likes films with aliens, guns or dinosaurs in and I loathe all films that have aliens, guns or dinosaurs) I picked it up because it appeared to be a bit more indie feeling than glossy Hollywood. It had explosions in it which I thought might appease Husband. We both loved Incendiary and have talked about it several times since we watched it.

A few weeks ago my lovely friend J told me about a book she’d read that had a mad ‘blurb’ which said they couldn’t tell anyone what the story was about because it would spoil the book. I didn’t write it down but I thought it sounded interesting. J told me I must read it. A couple of days later Caroline blogged about a book called The Other Hand by Chris Cleave. It took me a while but as soon as I connected the two referrals I went off and bought it.

Last week, I went into the library where I am book buyer and I was given the list of arrivals from my last order - two months earlier: based on a review, I had ordered The Other Hand by Chris Cleave.

I just finished reading it. In the US it goes under the title ‘Little Bee.’ It’s a must read. You must go out and buy it, whether you are a writer or a reader. It’s beautiful and terrifying and you just must read it. It's made me so very, very angry.

I went and looked at his website. He’s published one other book called Incendiary and a film has been made of that book…

It all goes to show how my brain is degenerating and I can’t remember anything how some things are serendipitous and just have to be.

6 comments:

Caroline said...

Life is one big loop of these crazy connections, isn't it?

So glad you liked it - I love the American title and I loved when the UK title suddenly 'made sense'. I've Incendiary to read next - can't wait! x

Carol said...

I saw it on Caroline's blog and thought it looked good. I shall now go and buy a copy....

C x

sheepish said...

I'm glad these strange connections happen to other people I thought it might be just me. Now have two more books to add to the list and a film to look out for.
I have just done 700 words so am feeling rather pleased with myself. How about you?

Jenny Beattie said...

Caroline, it's funny how that is, isn't it? It happened with another thing recently, which I'm not yet sure if I will blog. I do love those funny things. I'll look for Incendiary too, but I might have to leave it to forget the film. After you've read the book, hire the DVD because Michelle Williams is wonderful.

Carol, and don't forget the film Incendiary (I'm not on commission, honest) before or after you've read that book too.

Sheepish, I hope you love them.

And oh dear no writing yesterday and none today yet... maybe tonight? What day do we compare word counts? Sunday?

Anonymous said...

It sure does, it's amazing how many things happen to us for a reason, one we often find at a later date.

CJ xx

Jenny Beattie said...

CJ, well I think so too. At the very least it led me to a book I loved.