J.R.R.Tolkien - Letters from Father Christmas

review by Ro on show 23rd Dec
J.R.R. Tolkien: Letters from Father Christmas
This is another wonderful book for both children and adults. This is an extract from the introduction:
To the children of J.R.R. Tolkien, the interest and importance of Father Christmas
extended beyond his filling of their stockings on Christmas Eve; for he wrote a letter to them every year, in which he describes in words and pictures his house, his friends and the events alarming or hilarious at the North Pole. The first of the letters came in 1920 when John, the eldest, was three years old, and for over twenty years through the childhoods of the three other children, Michael, Christopher and Priscilla up until 1943.
I chose the enhanced edition and downloaded it onto my i pad. It only cost £4.99 and
includes photos of the actual envelopes and handwritten letters with the illustrations, plus a typewritten version of the letter and an audio version. It’s a charming book and I am certainly going to buy it for my smallest grandchildren next Christmas.
review by Ro Bennett

show 9th Sept 2010

Fun show today which was recorded on Saturday whilst having a leaisurely coffee on the sun roof of the Atlantic Hotel, on a glorious sunny morning.
I thought I would have a 'harem' of ladies but only ended up with two and a Sultan!
Babs Simpson, Di Peat and Neil Middleton were the unsuspecting guests this week.
I posed the question 'What is your favourite book on your bookshelf and why?
We had Rose Tremain 'The Colour'
Diana Gabaldon 'Cross Stitch'
Neville Shute 'Town Like Alice'
JRR Tolkien 'The Ring'
Daphne Du Maurier
Susan HIll 'The Woman in Black' elequently reviewed by Neil.
Wind in the Willows (given to him by his beloved Gran)
The Shack by Paul Young.

Plus we talked about the audio version of the Karma Sutra! What would happen if the tape stuck in a delicate spot or you fast forwarded by mistake...!

Trivia: September and back to school ….did you know that: while marking exam papers one day in September a teacher named J R R Tolkien scribbled down, "In a hole in the ground there lived a Hobbit." - the first line of what was to become one of the most popular books of all time.
Fun thought:
If you think nobody cares whether you're alive or dead, try missing a couple of mortgage payments!

show 23rd Dec 2010

bookshow christmas special this week with host of guests:
Malcolm Martland, Ro Bennett, Brian Lowen & Babs Simpson.
All got their fave xmas book to mention plus jokes & quips. Well that was how the show was going to start but Malcolm couldn't make it; then there were three!
Babs talked about her fav book 'Frenchmans Creek' by Daphne DuMaurier and Brian talked about one of his favs - Simon Hall.
Ro, however, brough in her IPad and talked about her fav downloaded book, with audio version too! This was: J.R.R. Tolkien: Letters from Father Christmas.
Her other chosen fav was: Michael Morpurgo: The Best Christmas Present in the world

interview with Alison Bell on bookshow 4th July 2013

Q.  Why are your books by A L Bell & not Alison Bell?

A.  My middle name is Linda and I thought AL scanned better.

 

Q.  So, Alison, please tell us about the book.

A.  the story teller is Mr Friedman.  It's christmas Eve in the orphanage and the magical Mr Friedman weaves wonderful tales for the children, conjuring up exotic food for them and transporting them to far away places, enchanted forests, all the things children dream of.

 

Q.  Is this your first publication and what made you put pen to paper?

A.  This is my first publication although I have written two more books.  I am hoping my second book will be published later this year in plenty of time for christmas, I started writing the stories when I was 18 and my father suggested I gather them together so I had to invent a linking character - Mr Friedman.

 

Q.  I looked on line for any reviews but found none.  Have you had any feedback and who is your worst critic?

A.  I haven't had any feedback so far, only from friends and children who've read it.  Adults take their time but children seem to race through it which is possibly a good sign.  My father encouraged me to go for publication and acted as my editor and was therefore my sternest critic but also my keenest fan.

 

Q.  Were you inspired by another author?

A.  I suppose the Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis were my biggest influence and encouraged me to try my hand at folk fantasy fiction.  I also love the works of JRR Tolkien.

 

Q.  I know that you also play the guitar and sing (folk music you said) - what a talented lady.  Any other hidden talents?

A.   Yes I sing and play  folk music and I write my own songs which are inspired by the things I love (nature).  I am also a graphic designer.

 

Q.  Did you design the book cover or have any input?

A.  No, I approached the Writers Guild who took the book on and have been a marvellous help with cover design, marketing etc.  They have their own illustrator.  He showed me his design for the book cover and immediately I knew it was perfect for the book.

I would like to finish up by saying this is my first visit to Scilly and I think it is absolutely beautiful with lovely scenery and friendly people.