Bookslam. Jon Ronson, Hannah Peel and Francesca Beard.

I invariably enjoy Bookslam. It is refreshingly unpretentious and laid back. Last night was no exception. I was interested to hear Jon Ronson on his new book on how to spot a psychopath and pleased to be both amused and enlightened, I know he was selling a book but it didn't feel like he was selling a book. He looked like he was enjoying himself too. the event included a 'signer', the first time I have seen this at the Tabernacle. He added an extra dimension to the narrative and was a welcome addition to the proceedings, adding an element of theatre. the Psychopath Test is out now published by Picador.

Francesca Beard writes the kind of narrative poetry I like and is very comfortable to listen to. good fun too.

Hannah Peel was an absolute delight, her intelligent narrative songs delivered cookily (this is a compliment) and happily accompanied by a guitarist and intriguingly mask wearing keyboard/percussionist. I was enchanted by the music box she played for a couple of songs, she later informed me that she makes the paper reels herself with a hole puncher. I liked Hannah Peel a lot.

hannah's debut album 'the Broken Wave' is out now.

Good fun.

Book Slam and the Minds Ear Orchestra.

Last nights Book Slam could have been something of an anticlimax; the last event of the year promised us Diane Athill (I had seen her at 5X15 earlier this year and was looking forward to another slice), but sadly Diane was forced to cancel due to poor health.

However I need not have worried. Both Geoff Dyer and Rupert Thompson read well from their respective books... I especially enjoyed Ruperts' somewhat scuzzy excerpt; I shall be buying the book. I noticed a brisk trade at the book table set up in the auditorium, it seemed that others were of the same opinion.

The evening finished (after Patric Neate, the MC, had delivered on of his poems) with the 'Minds Ear Orchestra'; a 20 strong orchestra controlled by volunteer members of the audience. Hilarious, entertaining and if you will excuse the pun: A real ear opener!

My one caveat... the music played during the breaks was not my 'bag' but it is a small quibble.