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Post by Tin on Jan 3, 2008 11:08:38 GMT
Yea it's a short but very precise book. Right now I'm rereading it.
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Post by martindn on Jan 3, 2008 21:55:39 GMT
Does anybody know where I can buy a copy with book tokens? I failed to find it in Borders or WH Smith locally. Amazon are recommending it to me, but don't take book tokens,and a was given some for Christmas. There is a Waterstones in Leicester, but it is a hassle to go into town (something I only do a couple of times a year, even living within a couple of miles of there), so I want to be sure there is a good chance before I do so.
Martin
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Post by postscript on Jan 4, 2008 15:32:16 GMT
Gosh, 39 pages on this thread!
Part two and final of my observations on the book.
Well, having intended to read a chapter at a time as and when I could, the book’s presence on my desk was like a child’s distraction in class, wandering to the world outside the window. This morning I simply could not put the book down and have thrown my entire day’s schedule to read it. It flows so superbly well, providing insights which complement (sometimes correcting) knowledge diffused through these posts and the spasmodic meetings with her and her mother or Steve, as well as third-hand reporting of press and other interviews.
I was going to make two other observations on the lines of my earlier mentioned bêtes noires. The first time I noticed one I was too concerned about reading on to take note but then thought, ‘perhaps I should note it’ and ignored the impulse. The second time it happened I was again too enthused with the whole reading experience to wish to be pedantically critical, so I decided I wouldn’t, especially when I asked myself, ‘Would I do so with any other book?’ The answer is ‘Probably ‘yes’ if I were intending to write a critique and ‘no’ as a general read, simply dismissing my passing irritation. In any case, there are many factors in a book’s production where things happen out of range of the author’s view. When one is involved in the industry many factors hit one in the eye which any other reader would never notice.
There were two occasions when I thought I had detected Darren had intervened but it would seem the whole is hers and Darren’s skill as an editor is most noted by its complete absence—that is as editorial intervention should be, in being ‘only’ an adjunct to the writer. More over, there are aspects in which the author may be over-ridden—she could have argued if she wished but probably would not have bothered or these matters were regarded as incidentals—known as ‘house style’. This can be complex or simple, involving things like spelling, where there are alternative forms and various other aspects of construction.
I am now re-reading and other points, more relevant to this forum, come to my mind. I notice in chapter Three (towards the top of page 25) that she felt in danger of spreading herself too thinly. This paradox has been implied in two threads: regarding her being N0. 1 this century and how she should organise her year ahead—primarily in Dave’s thread on sales statistics. It seems that childhood traits have continued into adulthood. She has so many talents which interest her and yet she wants to be single-minded to succeed in one at a time. Perhaps this year she really can organise her season on a hard-headed analysis of what is best for the sales statistics?
On page 26 she says ‘… it was a wonderful opportunity to get up and perform—and perhaps show off a bit as well.’ This is a very honest and open book but that sort of line highlights her ability to be self-critical. An essential aptitude to keep your mind focused, your head screwed on and your feet on the ground, all of which attributes are hers to a ‘T’.
My reading her book twice by now entices me back to read again The World At Her Feet and to then read In Her Own Voice once more. I will make one typographical observation, which has nothing to do with Hayley and that is the way the pages are thrown out of the back to have a narrow edge margin left and right, breaking the concept of the double-page spread. It creates a separation of the pages away from the spine. I would accept it in a paperback edition (for which provision has been made if you look at the verso-title) as it reduces the need to open the book quite so flat, reducing the strain on the binding. For a hardback, there isn’t any excuse and the pages would look better if they had been drawn more towards the spine. I suspect this is an economy measure and any paperback edition will use the same printing plates/film foils as allowance has already been made in the backs for the tighter binding needed.
I shall jump to her Ghana chapter and simply comment upon her insight of the world around her and into herself and the effect the experience made on her. Her chapter Thirteen speaks with a maturity beyond her years yet illustrates just how maturing her career has been for her. It is superb, sound advice she offers. It is a chapter every Mrs Worthington should be made to read and learn by heart before attempting in any way to ‘put their daughter on the stage’.
Now there’s a thought. She likes musicals, she likes to dance, I wonder if she could try burlesque? I can’t think of that quotation without hearing Noel Coward’s voice singing it but there is no reason a woman shouldn’t sing it, perhaps for a concert, not necessarily to record it? She could introduce it very nicely with her extended chat, talking of her family’s influence on her and that it was most certainly not her parents who put her on the stage!
As for her ending, how simple, straight forward and complete. ‘I really am just like any other twenty-year-old, except that I’ve made some albums and have performed in some concerts—and now I seem to have written my very own book as well.’
As I had suspected she would when we were debating what sort of things would be included in the book, she did indeed mention HWI and the tartan ties. Now, where did she gain the idea of having a kilt made for her Scottish appearances? Obviously not from one of my posts as in those I specifically mentioned a ‘Highland dress’ or ball gown that she should consider having made. What, Andrew, is the correct name for a Scottish lassie’s formal dress in tartan, simply a ‘ball gown’?
It was surprising she did not mention she had a rose named after her (as far as NZ is concerned—it’s named ‘Rachel’ in the UK) nor the fact she had won a world title for her endeavours in promoting ethnic cultures, let alone the then current number of her platinum discs. [Edit: there have been posts on this and at the time I was referring to 'worldwide' not what I had assumed related to the UK].
To have mentioned much more might have sounded like a long list of ‘I’ve done this and this etc’ and that is one thing she would not have wanted. This was the ‘homely girl’ sharing her life’s experiences and the last two photographs in the second section of colour photos says it all: the family picture on her 18th Birthday and that lovely picture of her taken by Jill on holiday. Again, one of the most charming pictures I have ever seen of her.
These last two pictures complement the words of her closing paragraph ‘I really am just like any other twenty-year-old, except… ‘. It is those exceptions, the fact she plays them down, mentions only a few soooo coolly and casually that make her ‘Hayley Westenra’, totally unlike any other twenty-year-old girl. This is a book I shall read again and again, so well written it is like hearing her voice in your ear as you read. It is a very beautiful book.
Hayley Westenra, very well done indeed, lady. Very well done indeed.
Peter S.
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Post by postscript on Jan 4, 2008 17:14:54 GMT
Hi Everyone Is there any way of knowing how many copies have been sold to date? I am sure numbers will increase further in NZ as a result of Hayley now being back home but it would be interesting to guage success so far. Martin Try your local COUNTY library but your local library would be able to confirm. Somewhere in the County they should keep The Bookseller. Now things may have changed since it is a long time I have had need of it but quarterly or half-yearly (it is a weekly publication) there was a bumper edition giving sales figures for the immediate past period. I think there is an annual index providing the year's totals, otherwise you have to add up the various quarters. Just for information the last figure of which I am aware is that there are 47,000 different books published every year in the UK alone! Might be an idea to note the ISBN number if you want to search. Peter S. |
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Post by Richard on Jan 5, 2008 8:27:01 GMT
Hello Martin and Peter!  The book has two ISBN numbers:- ISBN 10: 1905264208 ISBN 13: 9781905264209 I hope this helps. Richard  |
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Post by postscript on Jan 5, 2008 15:37:14 GMT
Hello Martin and Peter! The book has two ISBN numbers:- ISBN 10: 1905264208 ISBN 13: 9781905264209 I hope this helps. Richard Eh What!?  1. forget the ten digits, the book is new although Virgin might have been using up their pre-stock of old numbers. Although they shouldn't, they should have been converted before publication. Ten digits are only retained for old systems and works in conjunction with the 13. The reason for 13 is to conform with supermarket systems as an adjunct. The main reason for the change is that they are running out of numbers on the ten digit system. The way the numbers work is that publishers apply for them in batches according to their expected output and the number includes a publisher identifier. 2. On my verso title you have: Hardback 978 1 9052 6420 9 Paperback 978 0 7535 1366 8 If Martin wants to go looking he might as well look up both editions, so you raise a good point, Richard. Peter S. |
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Post by Stephany on Jan 7, 2008 19:50:06 GMT
Hi all, Hayley mentioned several times the TV series 'Coronation Street' in her book so here is a picture of (starstruck?) Hayley with a few stars of the show (sorry I don't know their names!) in Manchester, September 2005. Also pictured is tenor Jon Christos. Stephany  |
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Post by stevemacdonald on Jan 7, 2008 19:54:05 GMT
Hi all, Hayley mentioned several times the TV series 'Coronation Street' ... Heh, I believe there's a "Steve MacDonald" on that show! Maybe that's the real reason she's a fan. |
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Post by Libby on Jan 8, 2008 5:08:22 GMT
I just got my copy in the mail today!  I've only read the Introduction so far, and I've looked at all the pictures. I'm going to try not to read it through too quickly, to make it last longer. Libby |
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Post by grant on Jan 8, 2008 11:43:03 GMT
I just got my copy in the mail today! I've only read the Introduction so far, and I've looked at all the pictures. I'm going to try not to read it through too quickly, to make it last longer. LibbyHi Libby Good to see you've got 'The Book' at last. I suspect that you will not be able to put it down once you start reading! I think most of us just ploughed through it the first time, then read it again slowly to take it all in! Anyway, however you read it, I'm sure you will enjoy it! Best wishes Grant |
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Post by Mark on Jan 8, 2008 18:47:39 GMT
Hi Libby So pleased you got the book at last - I know you will enjoy reading it and - take your time When I got my book, I didnt actually scan through it. I wanted to really take my time and take it all in the first time. I would set myself sometime each day when it was quiet in the house and then spend around half an hour each day. I really looked forward to that half an hour 'Hayley time' Actually, I think its about time I read it all over again Best wishes Mark |
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Post by Libby on Jan 10, 2008 3:59:59 GMT
I've finished the first chapter about Hayley and the All Blacks. I thought the part about the stiletto shoes was funny.
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Post by Tin on Jan 10, 2008 8:14:09 GMT
Then you're guaranteed to see more funnier things than this in the chapters to come.
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Post by Nordly on Jan 10, 2008 21:16:26 GMT
Cool pic!
This book is short? Compared to Harry Potter it is, but I think its a reasonable legnth
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Post by graemek on Jan 10, 2008 22:14:00 GMT
Gosh, 39 pages on this thread! ................. On page 26 she says ‘… it was a wonderful opportunity to get up and perform—and perhaps show off a bit as well.’ This is a very honest and open book but that sort of line highlights her ability to be self-critical. An essential aptitude to keep your mind focused, your head screwed on and your feet on the ground, all of which attributes are hers to a ‘T’. he could introduce it very nicely with her extended chat, talking of her family’s influence on her and that it was most certainly not her parents who put her on the stage! ................. As for her ending, how simple, straight forward and complete. ‘I really am just like any other twenty-year-old, except that I’ve made some albums and have performed in some concerts—and now I seem to have written my very own book as well.’ .................. Hayley Westenra, very well done indeed, lady. Very well done indeed. Peter S. Hi Peter, (and everyone else too of course ) Its such a pleasure to have your unique knowledge & literary style & "heart on sleeve" to enjoy on this thread. I'm only half way into the book so am going to finish it first. However I'm really looking forward to plowing through all the posts once I get there, especially yours. We may have our copy signed by then too. Graeme (& Marianne, who's already read it right thru.) |
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I've only read the Introduction so far, and I've looked at all the pictures. I'm going to try not to read it through too quickly, to make it last longer.
