We love the alluring shelves and tables of books, of course - each a passport into a new world of glorious escapism or fascinating discovery. We’re also rather keen on the etcetera… the audiotapes, magazine, toys and games.
Introducing our resident cultural therapist, Gary May, General Manager
at Books etc Whiteleys. Cue a crescendo of drum rolls and heightened
expectation… for Gary is brilliant at picking out the best new reads. This month, it's a dead-heat as he recommends Rushdie's Midnight's Children and opts too for the latest irresistible offering from Alexander McCall Smith; a romantic saga about a fortune-seeking quartet, an adventure thriller involving shipwrecks and a message in a bottle. Avoiding the suntan lotion in his satchel this summer is also the tell-all tale from Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood and some inspiringly easy Chinese cookery.
And, as perhaps a little reward for the kids for having worked through until school broke for summer, now is the time for savvy mothers to stockpile some quiet-time recommendations to dispense to their darling bookworms…
Books of the Month
 Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie
It
has just received the incredible accolade of being voted the best of
the Booker prize winners, so if you missed this engrossing, rich novel
the first time around, try this edition with a new introduction by the
author.
Born at the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947, at the precise
moment of India's independence, the infant Saleem Sinai is celebrated
in the press and welcomed by Prime Minister Nehru himself. But this
coincidence of birth has consequences Saleem is not prepared for...
The Unbearable Lightness of Scones by Alexander McCall Smith
The story of Bertie and his dysfunctional family continues in this
fifth instalment alongside the familiar cast of characters - Big Lou,
Domenica, Angus Lordie, Cyril and others - in their daily pursuit of
happiness.
With customary charm and deftness, McCall Smith has again
given us a clever, witty and utterly delightful new novel.
 The Return by Victoria Hislop
The mesmerising new novel from the author of the bestseller, The Island, this is a beach book with a heart. Beneath the majestic towers of the Alhambra, Granada's cobbled streets resonate with music and secrets.
Sonia Cameron knows nothing of the city's shocking past; she is here to dance. But in a quiet cafe, a chance conversation and an intriguing collection of old photographs draw her into the extraordinary tale of Spain's devastating civil war.
 Sail by James Patterson and Howard Roughan
As Peter Carlyle waves his wife, children and brother-in-law off on a sailing holiday all they have in mind is to kick back and relax.
But, as violent storm breaks out an explosion causes the boat to disappear and Peter's family is lost presumed dead until a message in a bottle is washed up on shore. Another intense thriller from the master of the thriller genre.
 Ronnie by Ronnie Wood
From a small boy growing up on a working class council estate who wanted to play music and paint to becoming one of the most famous musicians in the world, Ronnie Wood toured the world with his Rolling Stones band mates.
This is his story, in his words about his life, loves, family, friends, music, art and survival against the odds.
 Chinese food made easy: 100 simple, healthy recipes from easy to find ingredients by Ching-He Huang
Ching-He Huang is one of the brightest stars in modern Chinese cooking in the UK. Each week in her BBC2 series she re-invents the nations favourite Chinese dishes, modernising them with simple, easy to find ingredients. This is a beautiful book full of inspiring recipes and helpful tips to accompany the new series.
 The Usborne History of Britain by Ruth Brocklehurst
Offers a comprehensive compendium of the history of Britain from the prehistoric era to the turn of the millennium. This book features internet links to additional resources including video clips, interactive features and games.
An absolute must for the budding historian.
 Heavens Net is Wide by Lian Hearn
The prequel to the tales of the Otori trilogy.
On the Plain of Yaegahara the clans clash in a battle that leaves Otori Shigeru desperate for vengeance. Meanwhile in a remote village, a boy is born gifted with the supernatural skills of his father, once the deadliest assassin of the tribe.
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