I have just finished reading "MR Struth --- The Boss" the life story of Bill Struth one time Trainer and Manager and eventually a Director of Rangers FC.
A good read about Struth and the high standards of behaviour and dress that he expected of anyone representing the club. He must be turning in his grave to see the behaviour of those in charge recently.
What was apparent throughout the book was the great friendship that existed between the Rangers and Celtic management team even although the rivalry on the park was intense. In fact when Willie Malley retired as Celtic manager Rangers held a dinner in his honour and presented him with a silver salver.
Today's management teams should take note.
Also worthy of note was that any club in financial difficulties could expect a helping hand from "Struth's Rangers”, and charities of all creeds were beneficiaries of their help.
There was also board room power struggles even then and share muscle power brought to bear even with the previous Chairman ousted.
I noted with interest that some of the football competitions were settled, in the event of a draw, by the counting of corners, a method I remember from my 7 a-side games at Eglinton School sports.
All in all I found it an interesting read even just to be aware of the humanity of the man and how standards have slipped throughout society.
I am attempting to read Janice Galloway's book Clara. Was warned it was difficult to get into at the start but to persevere
Wonder how much longer I have to try. May just ask the library to get me another of her books to try.
Oh dear, Netta, I feel a bit responsible for your disappointment. Have to say that while her autobiographies are fine to read, her novels and short stories have a distinct tendency towards the experimental and can be rather hard going at times.... I must confess I long ago decided they weren't for me, old times' sake notwithstanding.
I have almost finished a book called Arnhem 1944 the airborne battles by martin middlebrook, he did a lot of research for the book and there are numerous personal accounts in it, lots of stupid mistakes from those at the top, that cost numerous lives, i am a second world war buff and do a lot of reading about it, so when I came across this book it was a must read, full of tragedy, bravery and some humour didn't know till I read the book there was only one vc awarded at Arnhem (posthumously),for anyone who has seen the film a bridge to far theres an officer in the film that carries an umbrella, well that was true and the officers details can be found here http://www.pegasusarchive.org/arnhem/tatham_warter.htm all in all its a great read, sad in many parts, and can make up your own mind as to whether it was a success or not, opinion on that is varied and mixed.
i am a second world war buff and do a lot of reading about it, says James Barr (Brvhrtjimmy).
You could try this one Jimmy. It's not an easy read unless you already know some of the history and the characters involved but I think it'll suit you.
Jonathan Walker's 'OPERATION UNTHINKABLE', The Third World War, about the British plans to attack the Soviet Empire in 1945. Even before the end of WW2 Churchill believed that Stalin would not stop until he had reached the North Sea and possibly Italy, Greece & Spain & the Middle East, and his efforts to alert the USA to the likelihood were frustrated yet eventually the US came to believe it also. Uncomfortable reading for those who like to imagine that USA were willing allies to Britain and Western Europe.
William Boyd's SOLO, the continuance of Ian Fleming's JAMES BOND adventures. Good enough story but not believable as James Bond, would have been better to have created another character and numbered him 008.
Anthony Le Donne's 'The Wife of JESUS'. Too academic, too many 'what if ' and ' if only' issues, would have been better read if penned by Dan Brown.
Matthew Klein's ' No Way Back ' is an romp through an unusual plot but the final chapters leave some issues unresolved ... as if the author forgot about questions he posed in the early chapters. Always annoys me when they do that, I feel like giving the book to a charity shop. In this case I can't, it's a library book.
Reading Calum's Road about a man in Raasay who built a road single handed. After years of being ignored by the various councils took it upon himself to do it. He hoped a road would help to bring people back to the island. Eventually him and his wife were the only residents. It took him several years to complete . An example of DIY If ever there was one.
The accordionists and fiddle players frequently play 'Calum's Road', over the past five years anyway. Maybe someone's composed it in honour of his achievement.
Have just discovered Kate Morton who is MAGNIFICENT. Have just finished "The Forgotten Garden" which had more twists and turns than a maze !!!!!! :-0
Just about to start "The House at Riverton" - was going to buy it on amazon, then I discovered that Saltcoats library were about to throw it out, so I am getting it for free today, and am sooooo pleased !!
"Words are very.... unnecessary... they can only do harm".
The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida. The author is a 14 year old Japanese boy who is on the autism spectrum. The book consists of 58 questions asking Naoki about his mannerisms and behaviour. It is the most insightful book I have read (and also the easiest) on the subject. If anyone has a relative or friend who is autistic - this book is a bit of a revelation.