Month: August 2016

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – J.K. Rowling

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Harry Potter and the PhilWith the recent release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the world has gone Harry Potter mad again, so I thought it a good time to revisit the magical memories of my childhood.

I was almost eleven when Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was published in June 1997, so I’m one of the lucky ones that has literally grown up with Harry Potter. I, like Harry, was making the big leap from primary to secondary school when I first started reading the series.

A young muggle’s experiences at school aren’t really that different from a young wizard’s; Horrible teachers, too much homework, making friends and enemies, fighting mountain trolls (OK, maybe not that last one). Continue reading →

Eats, Shoots & Leaves – Lynne Truss

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Eats Shoots LeavesEats, Shoots & Leaves is a humorous “zero tolerance guide” to punctuation, and every writer (or blogger) should have a copy. In fact I’m not sure how I survived for so long without it.

I recently finished a proofreading course and this guide, along with the comprehensive Practical English Usage by Michael Swan, was never far from reach. But even when not in need of punctuation advice, Eats, Shoots & Leaves is very readable (and especially enjoyable with homemade cookies and a cuppa, as pictured). Continue reading →