Author: KokkieH

On Characters

I just got my tenth follower on WordPress.com.  I know that doesn’t sound like a big deal to all you bigwigs with hundreds of followers, but I haven’t been doing this for long and I’m still coming to terms with it that there are people who actually enjoy reading what I write, so welcome to Kayleigh from A World of Words.  I hope you enjoy my ramblings.  Of course, this has made me realise that I haven’t posted anything in a while, so let’s remedy that, shall we?

I received Snuff by Sir Terry Pratchett in my stocking this Christmas.  I’m a big fan of the Discworld and of Sir Samuel Vimes in particular, and I thoroughly enjoyed the newest instalment.  When I finished that one, I decided to re-read Guards! Guards!  This was the first Discworld book I had ever read, way back in high school.  It has also remained one of my favourites (surpassed only by Thief of Time and Lords and Ladies).  It is also the first Discworld novel in which Sir Samuel appears, though there he is merely Captain Vimes of the run-down Ankh-Morpork city watch. Continue reading “On Characters” →

On Passion

“To play without passion is inexcusable” – Ludwig van Beethoven

I know.  I’ve not written anything in more than two weeks, but I have a valid excuse, promise.  For once I have not been procrastinating.  For the past two weeks I have been working on my novel, though this last week would be more accurately described as staring with growing frustration at a computer screen that spitefully refuses to fill up with words.  Still, I’m almost done with the first chapter and already have more than 3 000 words on paper.  Not bad for two weeks, is it?

What does that have to do with the Beethoven quote above?  I want to paraphrase Herr Beethoven and say to live without passion is inexcusable. Continue reading “On Passion” →

A New Chapter

Yesterday I joined the ranks of the voluntarily unemployed.  Who’s that, I hear you ask.  Those are the people who have quit their jobs for the sake of chasing their dreams.  They are the people who grew tired of slaving away every day for a pay cheque, slowly losing touch with themselves and everything they love along the way.  They are people who want to try something new, who want to feel alive again, who want to make a contribution, who want to bring change.  I am now one of them. Continue reading “A New Chapter” →

On Feeling Good

At the risk of sacrificing my individuality, here’s the splendid new short film from Disney that quite a few people have already shared on WordPress.com.  Click here for some more information on the film.

I also found this wonderful video on NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day site:

Not feeling anything?  Then I’m sorry to inform you that you are, in fact, dead.

One last try:  this one’s been around a few years, but if you haven’t seen it yet you’ve been missing out.

Feeling better now?  You’re very welcome.  And remember, you’re great!

KokkieH Reviews The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out Of The Window And Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson

The Hundred Year Old Man - Jonas Jonasson
Cover design by Jonathan Pelham
Publisher: http://www.hesperuspress.com

If you liked Forrest Gump (the movie, not the book), chances are you’ll love The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out Of The Window And Disappeared (the book – movie’s expected later this year).  This book, recommended by someone in my writer’s group, was an unexpected surprise that I can see myself reading several more times before I celebrate my centenary.

The story is simple:  Alan Karlsson, on his hundredth birthday, decides he’s fed up with the old age home, climbs through his bedroom window in his slippers and gets on a bus, picking up some luggage along the way.  He joins forces with a professional thief and a hot-dog seller/almost vet/almost doctor/almost architect/almost…well, rather you just read the book…and finds himself on the run, wanted by the police for a triple murder.  There’s something about an Elephant and a bunch of Bibles in there as well, but let me not give too much away right now. Continue reading “KokkieH Reviews The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out Of The Window And Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson” →