Jaws

In my family, we have always written Christmas lists, whether that was to be sent to Father Christmas when we were younger or as a guide to members of the family as we got older, to give them an idea of what we would like as presents.

The first novel I ever included on these lists was "Jaws", which if you have read the introduction on the home page you will know I was originally introduced to by my English teacher at the time, Mr Beesley. The movie had not been released at that time in England, in fact, it premiered on Boxing day, 26th December, and I recall some of my cousins telling me they had seen it when I saw them later during the Christmas holidays.

Needless to say, I later saw the film, which I thoroughly enjoyed and jumped like everyone else at the tooth retrieval scene, however, I did learn then that a film is not a mirror interpretation of a book, bits can be missed out or changed to suit the different medium.

Unlike a lot of people at the time, it did not stop me from enjoying going into the water, though I will admit it has left me with a healthy respect for what might be swimming below me.

The second book was just as enjoyable and terrifying as the first, but the third was not as interesting, though it did have its moments it was a bit nonsensical.