Welcome to the Platform Book Club, where you can talk all things books. Join our bi-monthly book club review and read our chosen title for a chance to win £20 in book vouchers; talk about books you’ve read, liked, hated, have yet to read; books you’ve written, your favourite authors or genres or characters. It’s an open book, so to speak. Here you can post links to articles of interest, recommend book bloggers or chat in the book-themed forums.
Innovation in revision
Hi, I'm Nick and I'm embarking on a journey to satisfy all those students who seek a different perspective on what they are studying. As a student myself I have regularly sought to find other students revision notes on a particular topic. I'm interested to see how other students have seen and interpreted what I am learning. Have I missed something?
In short I am creating a website that enables the free sharing of revision notes. This group will form part of my basic research in this area.
So my first question is; how many of you are willing to donate your revision notes and materials to allow students from all over to access and benefit from your knowledge?
Hi, I'm Nick and I'm embarking on a journey to satisfy all those students who seek a different perspective on what they are studying. As a student myself I have regularly sought to find other students revision notes on a particular topic. I'm interested to see how other students have seen and interpreted what I am learning. Have I missed something? In short I am creating a website ...
peter james
Currently reading `dead letter drop` by the au
thor peter james...
Any reviews people would like to give???
Currently reading `dead letter drop` by the au thor peter james... Any reviews people would like to give???
Teachers/ Studying towards being a Teacher.
Hi all!
I'm 22-years-old and currently studying towards an English Literature degree with the OU. It's my goal to become a Primary school teacher. I volunteer 4 days a week at a local Primary School both because I really enjoy it and because of the work experience.
What I was wondering is: Am I at a disadvantage for getting my degree with the OU?
I find it best suits me, it's cheaper and it allows me to work at the same time. I like the flexibility it offers and the way in which I can study. But I don't want it to put me at a disadvantage when it comes to applying for teacher training and eventually teaching positions.
Also, I'd love to know what your experience is with gaining a degree with the OU or with a brick(?) University.
Are any of you teachers/training/studying to become teachers, if so what was your experience and what route did you take?
I have also written a blog post asking for information if you're interested.
I would love any extra information.
http://ramblingsofalogophile.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/irrelevant-post.html
Hi all! I'm 22-years-old and currently studying towards an English Literature degree with the OU. It's my goal to become a Primary school teacher. I volunteer 4 days a week at a local Primary School both because I really enjoy it and because of the work experience. What I was wondering is: Am I at a disadvantage for getting my degree with the OU? I find it best suits me, it's cheaper and it ...
introduction
hello every body
this is joaquim Alcubias new member of the book club and as well as OU student.
i am happy to join the book club, as wolud like to meet up with the other sudents, to learne new challanges. I have never been on this kind of discussion before this is my firts time ever. I am so excited to be part of dicussion on here.
i will not bring topic this time i just wanted to introduce my self to all the forum members.
thank you for your attention.
hello every body this is joaquim Alcubias new member of the book club and as well as OU student. i am happy to join the book club, as wolud like to meet up with the other sudents, to learne new challanges. I have never been on this kind of discussion before this is my firts time ever. I am so excited to be part of dicussion on here. i will ...
Robin Hood Historical Novel by an OU student
Hi all, I'm a graduate of the Open Uni, obtaining my Bachelor of Arts (Open) in 2010. I completed my coursework while working full time so, when I finished my degree I had some spare time on my hands which I used to write my first book, a historical fiction novel.
Wolf's Head is a re-telling of the Robin Hood legend, written in a modern style, it's gritty, fast paced and violent, but with some tender moments as well. It's like no other Robin Hood tale you've ever read before, I'm sure of that. I've tried to stick quite close to the (original) early source material, and meticulously researched the time period (early 14th century in my novel, rather than the earlier time of King John other tales seem to favour).
I've sent it to some agents and hopefully it will be accepted for publication (if not, I'll look at Amazon's Kindle e-publishing).
In the meantime, I'm trying to build interest in it, and would be VERY grateful if my fellow students would check out the first chapter on my Facebook page and give the PAGE a "LIKE" if you enjoy it. I've promised to post chapter 2 if I get 50 likes and I'm at 49 so far... :)
http://www.facebook.com/RobinHoodNovel?ref=hl
Thanks!
Steven A. McKay
Hi all, I'm a graduate of the Open Uni, obtaining my Bachelor of Arts (Open) in 2010. I completed my coursework while working full time so, when I finished my degree I had some spare time on my hands which I used to write my first book, a historical fiction novel. Wolf's Head is a re-telling of the Robin Hood legend, written in a modern style, it's gritty, fast paced and violent, but with some ...
September/October 2012 Book Club - Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey
Here’s the blurb on Amazon…
Charlie Bucktin, a bookish 13-year-old, is startled one summer night by an urgent knock on his bedroom window. His visitor is Jasper Jones, an outcast in their small mining town, and he has come to ask for Charlie's help. Terribly afraid but desperate to impress, Charlie follows him into the night.
Jasper takes him to his secret glade, where Charlie witnesses Jasper's horrible discovery. With his secret like a brick in his belly, Charlie is pushed and pulled by a town closing in on itself in fear and suspicion. He locks horns with his tempestuous mother, falls nervously in love, and battles to keep a lid on his zealous best friend. In the simmering summer where everything changes, Charlie learns why the truth of things is so hard to know, and even harder to hold in his heart.
So, you have until the end of October 2012 to grab/buy/borrow/download a copy, read the book and post your review here on this forum. Whether you loved it, hated it or only skimmed the first few chapters before giving up, we want to hear from you.
And one lucky reviewer scoops £20 in book vouchers. So get reading!
And don't forget to add your suggestions for future book club reads in this forum thread.
The September/October 2012 Platform Book Club Review choice is... Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey, which was suggested by Marjorie, a member of the OU community. Here’s the blurb on Amazon… Charlie Bucktin, a bookish 13-year-old, is startled one summer night by an urgent knock on his bedroom window. His visitor is Jasper Jones, an outcast in their small mining ...
OU sponsors Scottish book festival
The OU is sponsoring Wigtown Book Festival in Scotland, a 10-day festival of literature and associated arts, which is now in its 14th year.
The annual Wigtown Book Festival takes place in Wigtown, the Scottish national book town, and is the fastest growing literary gathering in Scotland and the largest outside Edinburgh.
The OU’s Faculty of Maths, Computing and Technology (MCT) and the OU in Scotland is a sponsor of the festival and OU events include a children’s workshop facilitated by MCT staff tutor Ian Johnston and a festival of creativity involving OU design lecturer Derek Jones.
For more information visit the Wigtown Book festival website.
The OU is sponsoring Wigtown Book Festival in Scotland, a 10-day festival of literature and associated arts, which is now in its 14th year. The annual Wigtown Book Festival takes place in Wigtown, the Scottish national book town, and is the fastest growing literary gathering in Scotland and the largest outside Edinburgh. The OU’s Faculty of Maths, Computing and Technology ...
The OU in Scotland at the Edinburgh International Book Festival
In addition, to complement the 2012 Festival focus on re-evaluating, rethinking and reconnecting with a changing world, the OU in Scotland sponsored a series of debates looking at the real value we place on three aspects of society - education, wellbeing and the environment. Melissa Benn was joined by the Director of the OU in Scotland, Dr James Miller and Mike Russell, the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, for a lively discussion at the education debate that considered the divergent education policies across the UK.
Further information on the Edinburgh International Book Festival
There are still tickets left for the OU debate, The Value of the Environment, chaired by Gavin Esler on Sunday 26th August at 5.30pm.
As a major sponsor of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, The Open University in Scotland has sponsored talks this year by Jeremy Paxman, Simon Callow and scientist, Alistair Moffat. In addition, to complement the 2012 Festival focus on re-evaluating, rethinking and reconnecting with a changing world, the OU in Scotland sponsored a series of debates looking at the real ...
Who's likes reading Scandinavian Crime Fiction?
Thought I'd pose this question as there's number of good crime fiction works coming from that part of the globe.
I'm making my way through Jo Nesbos Harry Hole books following a work colleagues recommendation. I'm Currently on 'The Snowman' whilst he's reading books by Hakan Nesser.
I've throughly enjoyed the twists, turns and plots in the four Harry Hole novels I've read so far. I can't wait for 'The Snowman' film to be released.
Has anyone enjoyed any other authors works from this part of the world?
Thought I'd pose this question as there's number of good crime fiction works coming from that part of the globe. I'm making my way through Jo Nesbos Harry Hole books following a work colleagues recommendation. I'm Currently on 'The Snowman' whilst he's reading books by Hakan Nesser. I've throughly enjoyed the twists, turns and plots in the four Harry Hole novels I've read so far. I ...
May/June 2012 Book Club - Cuckoo by Julia Crouch
Julia owes her success as a writer to her studies with the OU and encouragement from tutors. Cuckoo is her debut novel although her second, Every Vow You Break, has just hit the shelves and she's currently working on her third.
This is the Amazon blurb on Cuckoo...
A dark, juicy, deliciously unsettling, read-it-in-one-sitting psychological drama.Rose has it all - the gorgeous children, the husband, the beautiful home. But then her best friend Polly comes to stay. Very soon, Rose's cosy world starts to fall apart at the seams - her baby falls dangerously ill, her husband is distracted - is Polly behind it all? It appears that once you invite Polly into your home, it's very difficult to get her out again...
So, you have until the end of June 2012 to grab/buy/borrow/download a copy, read the book and post your review here on this forum. Whether you loved it, hated it or only skimmed the first few chapters before giving up, we want to hear from you.
The review we like best scoops £20 in book vouchers. So get reading!
And don't forget to add your suggestions for future book club reads in this forum thread.
The May/June 2012 Platform Book Club Review choice is.... Cuckoo by former OU creative writing student Julia Crouch. Julia owes her success as a writer to her studies with the OU and encouragement from tutors. Cuckoo is her debut novel although her second, Every Vow You Break, has just hit the shelves and she's currently working on her third. This is the Amazon blurb on ...
OU 'completely changed my life' says author Julia Crouch
Julia Crouch started her career as director and playwright, retrained as a graphic designer to work from home and raise children and, after two creative writing courses with The Open University and support from her tutors, is now working full time as a writer and published author. Would she recommend OU study? “Absolutely,” she says, “the courses have completely changed my life.” Here, she talks to Platform and offers some tips to budding writers...
Little did Julia realise that when she stumbled on a magazine flyer advertising short courses with The Open University that it would lead to a professional writing career. With her third and youngest child at school, Julia had found herself at a crossroads.
“Having not written any fiction (apart from my picture books and plays) since I was a child, I had no idea where to start, or whether I was going to be any good at it. So I thought the A174 presented an ideal opportunity to find out.
"The commitment in terms of time and money was at just the right level for putting my toe in the water.
After a drama degree at Bristol University, Julia’s professional life started as a theatre director and playwright, but children changed that and she needed to work from home. She retrained at a local FE College and spent 10 years as a graphic/website designer but it was during an MA in Sequential Illustration at the University of Brighton that Julia realised she preferred writing over drawing.
'I think the major thing I took away with me was the ability to treat my writing seriously and to carve out time to do it'
“A174 was an ideal introduction and A215 taught me so much about the technical side of writing, as well as firing off all sorts of creative possibilities and opening up my reading and my critical thinking. I think the major thing I took away with me was the ability to treat my writing seriously and to carve out time to do it. The tutors were marvellous, and particularly good at giving me the confidence I so badly needed.
“The courses have completely changed my life - two years after completing A215, I had finished my second novel and got an agent and a three book deal with a major publisher, as well as a whole host of foreign sales. I was able to give up my other work and now I write full time, in between talking, reading and lecturing at festivals and courses.”
Julia says encouragement from her tutors played a key role in boosting her confidence and it was the suggestion to enter National Novel Writing Month – a scheme to write a whole novel in one month, without looking back at what you’ve written - that really set her going.
'The courses have completely changed my life - two years after completing A215, I had finished my second novel and got an agent and a three book deal with a major publisher'
“My A215 tutor John O'Donoghue suggested it to me, and I realised that, like A174, it presented a great, low-commitment way of finding out if I could write long fiction - just one month of heavy duty sprint – 1,700 words every day for the whole month of November.
“The idea is you never go back and read what you've written and you never edit - you just put your head down and write until, 50,000 words later, you have reached the very quick and dirty end of your story. After my second NaNoWriMo sprint, I spent a year editing what I had produced, and that formed the basis of my first published novel, Cuckoo.”
Julia’s second book, Every Vow You Break, is about to hit the shelves and she’s currently working hard on her third, mostly from a shed in the bottom of her Brighton garden.
"I now also have a much more varied life, with many more outings both on book business and for research and what I call 'feeding my beast' - living a life that nourishes my writing.
"I hope I'll get another book deal after this one (I'm shortly due to deliver the third out of the three) and that I can carry on writing books well into my dotage.”
Would Julia recommend OU study to others?
“Of course! Absolutely and unreservedly. Whether to get professional qualifications or to follow or develop an interest, it's a fantastic way of fitting study around a life. Particularly if that life involves a lot of evenings in on your own while your children sleep!”
Here, Julia offers her tips to other writers:
- It's contradictory really - you have to have self-belief and a thick skin, but you also have to be able to accept and respond to criticism without getting defensive.
- You'll never have anything to edit until you have written it. So write first, THEN go back and edit. Never, ever let anyone see your work until you are happy with it. Then be prepared to change it again and again.
- I suppose the nutshell of that is be serious about your work, but don't be precious about it.
- Write every day. Read widely. Read fiction, read books about writing.
- Make sure you get enough exercise. Make sure you get out and see the world.
- The other thing to bear in mind is that EVERYONE I have met in publishing has been lovely. They are there to nurture and encourage good work. When you're on the outside looking in, it's easy to demonise those you see as the gatekeepers between you and publication. But they are there for a good reason. Listen to what they say.
You can find out more about Julia and her work at: juliacrouch.co.uk
Julia Crouch started her career as director and playwright, retrained as a graphic designer to work from home and raise children and, after two creative writing courses with The Open University and support from her tutors, is now working full time as a writer and published author. Would she recommend OU study? “Absolutely,” she says, “the courses have completely changed my ...
From travelling family to OU graduate to bestselling author...
Roxy Freeman grew up in a travelling family and learned to milk goats, ride horses, dance and forage for food. And then she stumbled on academia, which opened up a whole new world. Now an OU graduate and journalist with a bestselling memoir, Roxy talks to Platform about her journey...
“I grew up on the road, my family was always on the move and education was not a priority. I learned a lot of things growing up in a traveling family. But my skills were practical not academic. I could cook, milk goats, ride horses, look after babies and children, dance and forage for food.
“I value the lessons I learned as a child and they have helped me get on in life, but I craved more. I started my formal education at the age of 22. The first year was a struggle but learning for the first time was a revelation. It felt like someone had switched my brain on for the first time.
Roxy tried traditional university before she found the OU but couldn’t get along with the inflexible hours, the travel to campus and the inability to fit work around a rigid study plan.
“The timetable made it impossible for me to work at all. I had no financial support what so ever and lived a 40 minute drive away from the campus. I realised that there was no way I could support myself if I continued with the course. I couldn’t fulfill my study dreams, but I wasn’t ready to throw them away either, so started looking for an alternative option, something that would work around a part time job and was a bit more flexible. The OU sounded ideal. I found a course online and within just a few weeks received my first bundle of study material.”
Roxy studied for a BA in European Studies but confesses to not having a career plan when she started out. Little did she realise that her OU degree would help discover a passion for writing and open the door to a career in journalism.
'I found that changing my scenery often gave my studies an extra boost. None of my friends attending traditional universities had that freedom, and none of them graduated debt free like I did!'
“I wanted to know more about the continent I called home and the modules sounded interesting. I studied history, economics, governance and politics and did a diploma in Spanish language. By the time I graduated I knew I loved writing and research so I went on to do an NCTJ (National Council for Training of Journalists) certificate in journalism at a local college.”
But her OU journey wasn’t all plain sailing – it’s no mean feat studying in isolation and spending summers revising when your friends are enjoying holidays. But it was worth it, says Roxy.
“My OU study had its highs and its lows. It takes a hell of a lot of determination and dedication to complete a degree, especially when you’re doing most of it on your own. Sometimes it felt like an uphill battle, but I was lucky to have some excellent tutors that I could call or email when things got tough.
“My exams always seemed to fall at the end of summer, so when my friends were all enjoying their holidays and going to festivals I was locked away with a pile of books. But it also offered a lot of freedom. I spent a few months of every year abroad, I’d do some extra shifts at work and then pile all my books into my car and go to Ireland, France or Spain and stay with family or friends. I found that changing my scenery often gave my studies an extra boost. None of my friends attending traditional universities had that freedom, and none of them graduated debt free like I did!”
'Getting a degree gave me confidence in my writing and confidence in myself, without those things I would never have written my book'
Roxy gained new contacts following the article including an editor from Simon and Schuster who spotted the potential in both her writing and her personal story.
“A year later I completed my book, Little Gypsy: A Life of Freedom, a Time of Secrets. It went straight into the bestseller’s charts and has had some great reviews. Getting a degree gave me confidence in my writing and confidence in myself, without those things I would never have written my book.”
Roxy has also written on issues that travelers and gypsies face and hopes to help dispel some of the negative stereotypes.
“But I don’t want to only write about my life and experiences,” she says. “I love to write and I think a good writer can write about anything. One of my main passions is cooking and I love to write about food. I recently started a food blog, I love documenting my foodie exploits and sharing some of my foraging experiences.
What’s next for Roxy? She’s busy with journalism and writing and aspired to be a food writer one day, but for now she’s content to simply see what happens next.
“Little Gypsy caused quite a whirlwind, and six months after its release my life is only just settling down again. I’m not sure about embarking on another book just yet but when the inspiration takes me I’ll get to work.”
Find out more
Roxy Freeman grew up in a travelling family and learned to milk goats, ride horses, dance and forage for food. And then she stumbled on academia, which opened up a whole new world. Now an OU graduate and journalist with a bestselling memoir, Roxy talks to Platform about her journey... “I grew up on the road, my family was always on the move and education was not a priority. I learned a ...
February/March 2012 Book Club - Never Trust a Rabbit by Jeremy Dyson
This is the book blurb on Amazon...
Unsettling premonitions, fortune-telling cashpoints and disappearing mazes all converge in Jeremy Dyson's first book - a collection of short stories that established him as a formidable storyteller.
Jeremy Dyson was born in Leeds, studied Philosophy at Leeds and has an MA in screenwriting. He is the co-writer of the Bafta award-winning TV series The League of Gentleman.
So, you have until the end of March 2012 to grab/buy/borrow/download a copy, read the book and post your review here on this forum. Whether you loved it, hated it or only skimmed the first few chapters before giving up, we want to hear from you.
The review we like best scoops £20 in book vouchers. So get reading!
And don't forget to add your suggestions for future book club reads in this forum thread.
The February/March 2012 Platform Book Club Review choice is.... Never Trust a Rabbit by Jeremy Dyson. This is the book blurb on Amazon... Unsettling premonitions, fortune-telling cashpoints and disappearing mazes all converge in Jeremy Dyson's first book - a collection of short stories that established him as a formidable storyteller. Jeremy Dyson was born in Leeds, ...
I am a fan of Peter James and wondered if anybody else is?
Hi all anybody read Peter James books ? Perfect people is his latest ...
Ray Packham
Hi all anybody read Peter James books ? Perfect people is his latest ... Ray Packham
New Year's resolution to write a novel? Help is at hand...
Is your New Year's resolution to write a novel? Then you'll find some useful articles and information on OpenLearn here to steer you in the right direction.
Is your New Year's resolution to write a novel? Then you'll find some useful articles and information on OpenLearn here to steer you in the right direction. 2.4 Average: 2.4 (5 votes)
Writing our own book
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Having searched and searched for a book to help primary school aged children with the practical steps involved in making friends, the only ones we could find were written in American English and my daughter (aged ten years) and I decided to write our own book, based on a review of academic literature, as well as our own experience.
The book is available from lulu.com and costs £4.99. If anyone has time to have a look at the book online (you can read the first half in the preview) and add a comment, we would be delighted!
Many thanks,
Kathy
Chander, K and Chandler, J. (2011) Making Friends - a book for children. Available from http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/making-friends-%E2%80%93-a-book-fo...
Normal 0 Having searched and searched for a book to help primary school aged children with the practical steps involved in making friends, the only ones we could find were written in American English and my daughter (aged ten years) and I decided to write our own book, based on a review of academic literature, as well as our own experience. The book is available from lulu.com and costs ...
The Help; Kathryn Stockett
Hello there
I am new to these forums! Is anybody else reading the current Book Club book, The Help? I've just recieved it today from Amazon, really looking forward to reading it :)
Hello there I am new to these forums! Is anybody else reading the current Book Club book, The Help? I've just recieved it today from Amazon, really looking forward to reading it :)
Crime author Ian Rankin answers your questions
For those who submitted a question there was also a chance to win a signed copy of The Impossible Dead. Thank you to everyone who posted a question,. The winner is: David McIlveen
Here are Ian's responses to your questions:
The local colour of the various locations in Scotland shine through in your books and make it all so real, living in Aberdeen I have often walked near places you've written about and half expected to see your characters pass me in the street. Where do you start if you're needing that sort of local flavour in a location that is new to you? Beth Scott
Well, it certainly helps to spend time in a place if you intend writing about it. Even a day spent tramping the streets will give you a sense of the place. For the Aberdeen scenes in 'Black and Blue' I checked into a hotel just of Union Street for three or four days. I did a lot of walking, and asked a lot of questions.
I have just come back from a weekend break in Edinburgh and loved it! Which other major city would you set your books in and why? Maz Loton
I'm not sure which other city I would set my books in. I like Vancouver and Ottawa and Halifax (in Canada), and see some similarities between them and Edinburgh. Writing about them would be a good excuse to go stay there for a while....
Do you envisage more Malcolm Fox adventures coming along, or is he just making "guest appearance books" with his team from time to time? Debbie Pitt
I don't really know. When I begin planning a new book, I get the theme and story first, then decide which main characters would help me explore both. In real life, cops only join internal affairs for a short time (between 2 and 5 years), so Malcolm will eventually go back to 'normal duties'.
How do you find your continual inspiration and do you write in a good old fashioned book for ideas and research or do you write direct onto a word processor? Ray Packham
Inspiration comes from anywhere. Maybe a news story that makes me think 'what if...?' Or someone might tell me an anecdote. Or an idea might just pop into my head fully-formed. I then do some thinking/mulling, and scribble down ideas and such like. Then I type these up. When I start the actual book, I type all of it on my coal-fired laptop.
How much of yourself went into Rebus? Were you a dark and moody heavy drinker? Ian Simmins Was I dark and moody? I suppose I was. I spent a lot of time on my own and was never terribly gregarious. I had no direction in my life. I lost my mother when I was nineteen and I was maybe listening to too much 'dark' music (Joy Division, Throbbing Gristle, The Cure). But that's not to say Rebus is 'me'. It's just that he is imbued with some of that darkness from the man in his early twenties who invented him.
I have read nearly all the Rebus books, and some short stories too. I wonder where he is now? He had no life outside the job. Has he really retired? Is he sitting in the corner of the Oxford all day, doing the crossword and downing pints? Does Siobhan drop in now and again? Has he been beaten up by some lowlife as he staggered home, now he hasn't a badge? I can't believe I care so much, but I do! David McIlveen
As was hinted at in the 'final' Rebus book, Rebus himself is almost certainly working for the Cold Case unit of the Edinburgh police. They have also changed the retirement age, so it is possible he has asked to re-enlist. He certainly has not gone 'gentle into that good night'. And he still sees Siobhan.
Will you bring back Rebus? Anthony Blacker
I think so, yes. We have some unfinished business, Rebus and I....
How would you get away with murder? Phillip Tennant
I've been told by fire officers that one good way to get away with murder is to get someone blind drunk, then simply turn the heat up under a chip-pan and leave them in the kitchen. Another tip is to murder someone who won't be missed - a vagrant or similar. You're welcome...
Which was your favourite OU course and why? Christine Carrot
'Listening to Music' was interesting. I discovered that for over 40 years I had been hearing music passively rather than actively listening to it. The elder of my two sons also did the arts foundation year and I enjoyed sneaking a read of some of his course materials, and my wife has been an OU student for about ten years.
Are there OU courses currently, or possible ones in the future, that Rebus could deliver & Fox could take? (Not sure how you'd get Rebus into the teaching role but it would be fascinating to see the results) THEN you could work in the import of libraries & librarians LOL Lana Kamennof-Sine
I dread to think what OU courses Rebus could teach! I don't think I would trust him to impart the correct twenty-first century views to the students. He's too much of a throwback. But I can envisage Malcolm Fox doing all sorts of courses and modules. He is not set in his ways and is willing to learn - unlike Rebus!
Find out more
In celebration of the release of his new book The Impossible Dead, author Ian Rankin answers questions submitted by The Open University community via Platform. Ian is the UK’s number one bestselling crime author and an OU honorary graduate. For those who submitted a question there was also a chance to win a signed copy of The Impossible Dead. Thank you to ...
November 2011 to January 2012 Book Club - The Help by Kathryn Stockett
This is the book blurb on Amazon...
Enter a vanished and unjust world: Jackson, Mississippi, 1962. Where black maids raise white children, but aren't trusted not to steal the silver...
There's Aibileen, raising her seventeenth white child and nursing the hurt caused by her own son's tragic death; Minny, whose cooking is nearly as sassy as her tongue; and white Miss Skeeter, home from College, who wants to know why her beloved maid has disappeared.
Skeeter, Aibileen and Minny. No one would believe they'd be friends; fewer still would tolerate it. But as each woman finds the courage to cross boundaries, they come to depend and rely upon one another. Each is in a search of a truth. And together they have an extraordinary story to tell...
Given that Christmas is fast approaching and we haven't posted the November club choice until half way through the month - sorry about that! - we're giving you until January 30th to grab/buy/borrow/download a copy, read the book and post your review here on this forum. Whether you loved it, hated it or only skimmed the first few chapters before giving up, we want to hear from you. The review we find the most insightful scoops £20 in book vouchers. So get reading!And if you've watched the film and want to do a comparison, please feel free to do so.
And don't forget to add your suggestions for future book club reads in this forum thread.
The November to January 2011 Platform Book Club Review choice is.... The Help by Kathryn Stockett, the book which inspired the recently released film. This is the book blurb on Amazon... Enter a vanished and unjust world: Jackson, Mississippi, 1962. Where black maids raise white children, but aren't trusted not to steal the silver... There's Aibileen, raising her ...
Ask author Ian Rankin a question and you could win a signed copy of his latest book
Platform will be interviewing Ian - who is also an OU honorary graduate - to help celebrate the release of his new book The Impossible Dead - and we'd like you to submit your questions.
For those familiar with Ian Rankin novels, this latest in the series sees the return of Malcolm Fox and his team from Internal Affairs. They've been sent to Fife to investigate whether fellow cops covered up for a corrupt colleague, Detective Paul Carter. But what should be a simple job is soon complicated by intimations of conspiracy, cover-up - and a brutal murder, a murder committed with a weapon that should not even exist. The spiralling investigation takes Fox back in time to 1985, a year of turmoil in British political life.
Ian was born in Cardenden, Fife, in 1960, and completed an MA in English Language and Literature at the University of Edinburgh. His first crime novel, Knots and Crosses, was published in 1987. The hero of that book, Detective Inspector John Rebus, has gone on to appear in another 14 novels.
As well as receiving an Honorary Degree, he and his wife have studied with the OU and his mother-in-law was a tutor.
If you are interested in winning a signed copy of his latest book, please post your question in the comments box below by Monday 7 November. Please note that you'll need to be logged in to Platform with your OU username and password (or guest account) in order to post comments. Alternatively you post via Facebook (below) or email us at platformeditor@open.ac.uk
A winning question will be selected and put to Ian Rankin and the interview will be published on Platform at the end of November.
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Photo by: Rankin
Platform is offering you the chance to put a question to the UK’s number one bestselling crime author Ian Rankin. Platform will be interviewing Ian - who is also an OU honorary graduate - to help celebrate the release of his new book The Impossible Dead - and we'd like you to submit your questions. For those familiar with Ian Rankin novels, this latest in the series ...
