Jack Russell dog jumping to catch red ball

Filing alphabetically…

It’s the book-lover’s biggest problem – how to file the ever-growing pile of books jostling for pole position on our shelves. Some file by genre, some by author, and some even file by the colour of the spine. But I suspect every system shares a common feature – that is, filing alphabetically. So here’s my attempt to bring some order to my virtual bookshelf – today we move on to B… Continue reading Filing alphabetically…

Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens responds…

On Monday, I published a document in which Esther Summerson detailed her mistreatment at the hand of her author – a frightening litany of cruelty! Imagine my surprise when, the following morning, the mail-coach brought me the following missive! In the interests of journalistic fairness, it seems necessary to publish Mr Dickens’ response in full… Continue reading Charles Dickens responds…

Esther Summerson tells her truth…

While rummaging through a pile of yellowing documents in an old curiosity shop, I came across a folded document, sealed and addressed “To the future”. Naturally I immediately broke the seal and opened it, for who are we if not the future? Imagine my astonishment to find the following… Continue reading Esther Summerson tells her truth…

Review-Along banner - FictionFan's Book Reviews

Time for a Review-Along!

An invitation to join in a Review-Along of Mary Elizabeth Braddon’s most sensational novel – Lady Audley’s Secret! What’s a Review-Along? The rules are simple: read the book at a time and pace of your own choosing, and post your review on the chosen date. If you would like to join in but don’t have a book blog, you are cordially invited to leave your thoughts on the book in the comments section of my review on the day, which is Monday, 1st June, 2026. Read on for more info… Continue reading Time for a Review-Along!

Cox's Pippins on branch

Filing alphabetically…

It’s the book-lover’s biggest problem – how to file the ever-growing pile of books jostling for pole position on our shelves. Some file by genre, some by author, and some even file by the colour of the spine. But I suspect every system shares a common feature – that is, filing alphabetically. So here’s my attempt to bring some order to my virtual bookshelf, starting conventionally with A… Continue reading Filing alphabetically…