The Northern Echo | Features

Barrowmans inspired by Potter effect

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:08:48 +0000

As their first supernatural children’s novel hits the shelves, John Barrowman and his sister Carole tell Hannah Stephenson why success is meaningless, unless you share it with those you love.

Digital overload?

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:26:39 +0000

As the detox season begins, techno geek Daniel Sieberg tells Hannah Stephenson why it’s time to go on a different kind of diet – and cut down on your digital intake.

New year, new diet

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:12:19 +0000

As we try to get back into shape after the festive season, there’s a growing pile of books to help us, as Hannah Stephenson discovers.

Whole raft of Titanic books as sinking marks centenary

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:25:12 +0000

There’s plenty to celebrate next year, as the Olympics and Queen’s Diamond Jubilee bring a deluge of books into our lives. Hannah Stephenson asks the experts what else will be in store for readers.

Muck and brass

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:11:57 +0000

It really shouldn’t happen to a bank manager… Sharon Griffiths enjoys the James Herriot-style reminiscences of the last of his breed in the dales.

Not such a cheerful Charlie

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 18:18:59 +0000

Charles Dickens – the celebrity superstar of his day – has many links with the North-East and virtually invented the jolly family Christmas, but what was the man really like? Sharon Griffiths is entranced by a new biography.

Why being a teenager sucks

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:34:18 +0100

Tamasyn Guy-Jobson gets her teeth stuck into the latest novel by Matt Haig.

‘My book is no bonkbuster’

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:29:42 +0100

After spending half her life in the headlines, TV presenter Ulrika Jonsson is leaping away from the limelight. But as Hannah Stephenson discovers, her next chapter might also raise a few eyebrows.

Robinson Crusoe began in Gateshead

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:02:50 +0100

WIDELY considered to be the first English novel, Robinson Crusoe was conceived by Daniel Defoe, who is believed to have written his first notes for the book when he lived on the banks of the River Tyne, in Gateshead.

Love from sir

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:00:31 +0100

Mike Laycock discovers that former deputy headteacher Andy Seed was stunned by the sudden interest in his first book.