Ian Fleming, "Octopussy and 007 in New York"

Not, sadly, a story where James Bond visits New York with an octopus, and high jinks ensue; rather, two separate stories. One is Octopussy, which, as I had heard elsewhere, is not very like the film (or rather the film's not very like the book... you know what I mean). Diverting enough, but nothing special. Actually contains very little James Bond, which was something of a relief, as (shameful confession!) I find book!Bond rather tedious and liable to pontificate in his head. Keeping the point of view with Major Smythe works very well, and keeps the suspense going well.

If, however, you like Bond pontificating about the best way to spend an evening, prepare a martini, cook scrambled eggs (no, really) you will not be deprived, for in 007 in New York this is all he does, to the detriment of the mission. It seems to have been a vehicle for Fleming to express unpopular opinions about New York without everybody knowing it was him, or something like that. An interesting curiosity, I guess.

http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/9948214

Romy Wyeth, "The Stonehenge Story"

Another book chosen purely by size, I'm afraid, though I come away from it knowing more than I did before, so that's a general plus. I rather suspect that it was written to be read within sight of Stonehenge, or at least at a pub in Salisbury after the visit; it's not entirely clear to the reader who is unfamiliar with the layout of Stonehenge what the author is talking about at any given time. The artist's impression of the original view would be more useful towards the front of the book. Generally informative, though, and covers a lot in a small space, while not getting too deep into the woo woo.

http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/9948335

Annie Proulx, "Fine Just The Way It Is"

This is an absolutely fantastic collection of stories, impressive in the skill displayed across a mighty range of tone, time, and genre. Parts of it are the most depressing things I've read all year; parts are savagely funny; parts break your heart. The irony of the title (because there is very little that Proulx shows us in here that is fine just the way it is); the wicked twists; the realism and the surrealism. This is how you do it.

http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/9950584

Alexander McCall Smith, "Heavenly Date and Other Flirtations"

Given to me by Anne to read on a slow train from York to Leeds - which I did, and then never reviewed it. It served the purpose well enough, but isn't something I'm terribly bothered about hanging on to. 'Heavenly Date' is the last story; 'Bulawayo' the longest, and 'Far North' is probably the best. A few quiet tragedies, a couple of stories that made me cringe - cruel, childish humour. Good for a train journey, yes.

http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/9896924

Norman Hunter, "Count Bakwerdz on the Carpet"

I thought I had read everything that Norman Hunter ever wrote by the time I was 10. But no! Here is some more! It's set in the same 'verse as The Dribblesome Teapots (and, apparently, as Professor Branestawm, since he is referenced as living in England) and is more of the same comedy Ruritanian shenanigans. One rather cringes, now, at the procession of 'oriental potentates' with silly names. (Everybody has a silly name, of course, but...) Apart from that, good fun.

http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/9948222