What are you reading?

[Lesley Martin]

Seems a while since we had anything on the reading thread so I thought I's get it going again. We seem to have very varied taste in books and it's interesting to find out what others are enjoying.

 

I really enjoyed Hilary Mantel's Cromwell books so I thought I would try one of her other ones. Beyond Black was recommended to me but I found it very disappointing - although the writing is very good, as you would expect, the story didn't really grip me and the characters were very odd. It is about psychics so maybe it was just a topic I didn't care for.

 

A new book by a sort-of friend ie I mainly know him through Facebook. He has had several books published to some acclaim but I think this might be the one that gets him better known. His name is Matt Haig and book is The Humans. I loved it; it uses the premise of the alien visitor to examine the human condition with a good deal of wit, warmth and affection, without being mawkish.

 

On my to be read pile is Flight Behaviour, the new Barbara Kingsolver, but in honour of the passing of Iain Banks I am going to re-read The Wasp Factory first.

[Jeannie's Hunter]

I could never get into the Wasp Factory Lesley! It is so sad about Iain's passing - he seemed such a character and didn't have long at all after his diagnosis. I heard Ian Rankin saying that they were all due to go down to the local pub with him on the day of his death, so he must have kept going right to the end.

Sent from Jeannie's iPad

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[glenc]

Yes it is really sad.  A great writer.  I think my all-time favourite is 'The Crow Road'.

[glenc]

I recently read (for the Book Group) 'The Snow Child' by Eowyn Ivey.

It wasn't bad but not necessarily my kind of thing.  I understand that it has had very good reviews though.  I found the details of life 'in the raw' of the earlier days for settlers in Alaska, a bit gory and depressing.  Although I am sure that many people would say that the spirit of the people in surviving was actually uplifting.  It is a kind of Fairy Story...but I will say no more.  I would be interested to hear the views of anyone else who has read it.

[Lesley Martin]

I really enjoyed it Glen. The descriptions of pioneer life reminded me of the Laura Ingalls Wilder books and the fairy tale aspect very poignant. I found it very moving.

I also recently read and enjoyed The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamed; a very interesting approach to the story that lets you draw your own conclusions.

Sent from my iPad

Lesley Martin

[Jules]

I loved The Snow Child, Glen. I think I may have talked about it in the old thread. A very enchanting tale, although I did find the beginning a bit bleak! I think that was part of the charm of what unfolds, though. I think it was one of my April books when my knee was in resting phase!

I've only got a non-fiction book on the go, about photography, and one on polio (research). Lesley, you've at least inspired me to fetch a book form the shelf to lose myself in. I wonder what's there.

I'm really waiting for the next in Cromwell's saga with Hilary Mantel too.

[Jeannie's Hunter]

I have been reading a series of books by an Inuit called Dana Stabenow. They are certainly different and quite intriguing. Crime novels of course! I read one when I saw a write up about her, then discovered that she has written more than thirty altogether. Her heroine is quite different from any other I have come across.

Sent from Jeannie's iPad

[glenc]

An Inuit writer.  With your penchant for Scandinavian Crime novels too Jeannie...you certainly like writers from the Northern Climes!  Must look her up.

[glenc]

I looked up Dana Stabenow Jeannie and I see she is from Anchorage in Alaska.  I had a friend who went to live for a couple of years in Alaska (Skagway) he had some interesting stories about life in such a remote and cut off place (no roads out of Skagway!!). I am sure surroundings must have quite an effect on the type of novel one writes.

[Shaun Finnie]

I’ve been to Skagway!  It is indeed a desolate but beautiful place. I loved the ‘frontier’ feel of it and the ‘can-do (because if we don’t, who will?)’ attitude that the inhabitants have to have if they’re going to survive there. It was a fantastic town to visit but I don’t think I could live there for very long.

 

Shaun

[Lesley Martin]

Oh, I think I heard her interviewed on the radio recently - Woman's Hour perhaps. Sounded interesting, I'll have to see if there are any of her books in the library.

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[Cally]

Well behind time as usual I am reading Wolf Hall.  I am enjoying it as I have had a motivational insight into the Tudors and the politics through reading CJ Samsons' books.  I wanted to know more bout Cromwell so this is quite a good way.

I too read a lot of Ian banks through a friends recommendation and surprised myself at how much I enjoyed his writing and interesting look on life.

[Jeannie Hunter]

You must both read at least one of her novels - the description of Skagway and surroundings is quite breathtaking.

From: Shaun Finnie <shaun....@sky.com>
To: timeshe...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, June 11, 2013 10:04 AM
Subject: Re: What are you reading?

I’ve been to Skagway!  It is indeed a desolate but beautiful place. I loved the ‘frontier’ feel of it and the ‘can-do (because if we don’t, who will?)’ attitude that the inhabitants have to have if they’re going to survive there. It was a fantastic town to visit but I don’t think I could live there for very long.

 

Shaun

 

From: glenc

Sent: Tuesday, June 11, 2013 9:53 AM

To: timeshe...@googlegroups.com

Subject: Re: What are you reading?

 

I looked up Dana Stabenow Jeannie and I see she is from Anchorage in Alaska.  I had a friend who went to live for a couple of years in Alaska (Skagway) he had some interesting stories about life in such a remote and cut off place (no roads out of Skagway!!). I am sure surroundings must have quite an effect on the type of novel one writes.

 

[glenc]

My book club's choice this month is 'Last Train to Lisbon' by Pascal Mercier.  It is a difficult book to read ...very good so far but not the kind of book you can fly through.  The prose is fantastic but has to be read slowly to digest it.  I usually save my books for the last few days of the month so that I do not forget them but I wish I had started this earlier!!  Taking too long to read!!!

I have just found out that it has just been released as a film starring Jeremy Irons.

Has anyone read it?

[Claire Hawes]

I confess I've never heard of either the book or the film Glen.

Having sorted through one of the bookcases the other day I realsied that there are a lot of novels which I immediately put on the "keep" pile but which I read a very long time ago. It seems sensible to re-read a few to make sure that my instinct to hang on to them was valid. I'm going to start with  Fay Weldon - I have a feeling that it will be rather dated, and it may yet be put on the "charity bookshop" pile!

[glenc]

I hadn't Claire and I don't think that the person who chose it (having read it 4 years ago) actually knows about the film

I got it wrong on reflection, it is 'Night Train to Lisbon'.  The film is only just out apparently.

[Mel]

I recently read a Dana Stabenow with the main character being Liam Campbell rather than Kate Shugak (spelling?) I thought it was pretty good.

[Pippa]

Just finishing The Crow Road which I enjoyed. The Wasp Factory I tried and gave up on.

Currently Reading Claire Baldings book which is actually very good.

[Lesley Martin]

I am half way through one of the Kate Shugak books and enjoying it. The Wasp Factory can be a struggle if you don't like very dark books, but glad you liked The Crow Road.

 

In the airport bookshop on the way home from Belfast this weekend I picked up Merivel by Rose Tremain (I loved Restoration) and a new-to-me Denis Lehane which is about to come out as a film.

--

[glenc]

I must agree Pippa and Mel, the Crow Road is one of my all-time favourites.  My son was a big fan of Iain Banks (sci fi) and when I saw that The Ctow Road was to be serialised on TV many years ago, I made a point of watching it and then read the book.  Did anyone see the TV version? It was terrific ...Peter Capaldi and a host of other Scots stars.

[glenc]

Salley Vickers has been booked (by our local independent bookstore) to give a talk at Abingdon Guildhall.  She will be speaking mainly about the writing of her latest 'The Cleaner of Chartres'.  Actually it has pre-empted my next selection for our book group which w as to be this very book.  So....I have to think again, I cannot actually do a follow-up to the author!!!!!  Pity because I thought I had got this year's choice (for me) sorted.

[Jules]

I decided that I'd finally get around to reading Heartstone (CJ Sansom), only I think it's not the best choice right now.  I keep on thinking I'm reading about Cromwell, and also with the "White Queen" dramatisation, it's muddling me!!!  I think I'll put it back on hold.  I also need a 'real' book, as the iPad is hopeless to read in the sunlight.  So, it's back to the drawing board for me.

Did anyone see the summer reading list in The Times last week?  I took the liberty of scanning the non-fiction (attached), so if anyone can point to anything they really enjoyed, then let me know!

[glenc]

We were talking a few weeks ago about Iain Banks and, among others, his book 'The Crow Road'.

It was serialised on TV a few years ago...starring Peter Capaldi and Bill Murray et al.

This excellent serial is now being repeated on BBC4 on wednesday nights.  Episode one was last week and I forgot to mention it here. ( Anyone who is interested could no doubt catch up on iplayer.)

I have just watched again episode one, it is excellent and well worth recording.  It is very true to the book which, for me, adds a point in its favour!!

[Jean Ward]

I've had a bit of a reading marathon recently as the combination of the heat and my asthma have made being active difficult.  Apart from having re-read the Belgariad and the Mallorean by David & Leigh Eddings, I've been thoroughly enjoying a series of books by Dana Stabenow, set in Alaska. I really like the protaganist, an Aleut woman, who used to work for the DA's office, called Kate Shugak.  I've also read Mouse by D.M. Mitchell and have re-read the complete Father Brown collection by G.K. Chesterton - amazing how much casual racism there is in them.  Am currently reading Free Britain by George Mahood.

[Lesley Martin]

Hi Jean

I recently read one of the Kate Shugak books after hearing her on Woman's Hour and someone else on this thread recommended them too. I read the David Eddings books many years ago!

I've been reading mainly thrillers so nothing of great literary merit.  I just finished the new Denis Lehane which I enjoyed very much. I also read Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil 

Gaiman, I love his writing and thought it was a fantastic book. I have the new 

Khaled Hosseini waiting for me to pick up from the library tomorrow so that's one to look froward to.

Sent from my iPad

Lesley Martin

[Jeannie's Hunter]

It was me who said I had read all the Kate Shugak books Lesley y, although I did not enjoy the last one so much.

I am half way through the latest Fred Vargas called The Ghost Riders of Ordebek - it is really quirky, but I do enjoy her writing although you have to let it grow on you!

I picked up Donna Leon's latest one from the library today - now,she's a writer I really enjoy and I feel I know Brunetti!

Sent from Jeannie's iPad

[glenc]

Ah Jeannie...Donna Leon is one of my favourite authors too.  I am just re reading some of the Brunetti series.  Makes me want to go to Venice.  I am constantly amazed at the culinary masterpieces his wife puts together for Lunch an Dinner.  Her University job was obviously nothing like mine!! 

 Having said that I was staying with friends in Milan a couple of years ago and our hostess (who did not eat much at all) consistently threw together the most amazing meals in her tiny kitchen in their apartment.

But I love her descriptions of Brunetti's lifestyle in Venice.  Makes me want to go back there.

[Lesley Martin]

Yes, I like the Donna Leon books too. I heard her speak in Cambridge a few years ago and someone asked how the books were received in Venice - Donna Leon lives there, but is actually American. She said that they've never been published in Italy! I wonder why they have never filmed them, I would think they'd make a good tv series. I will have to look ut for the new one.

Sent from my iPad

Lesley Martin

[glenc]

I wonder if they would be well-received in Italy Lesley, given her opinions of the Italian Government?!!!!

But I agree, they would make a marvelous film or Television series.

[Jules]

I love the debate on the books/authors.  I really feel that I don't read enough (and for an aspiring writer, that's rubbish).  Pete and I used our JL vouchers to buy Kindles this week, so we can now read e-books outside...  I simply MUST read more.

Having said that, I've recently read an amazing book, parts of which I re-read as it was just so beautiful.  Not an easy subject, but so beautifully written, absorbing characters, such sadness.  I commend The Yellow Birds, by Kevin Powers.

[Jeannie's Hunter]

I noticed that Donna Leon has dedicated The Golden Egg to Frances Fyfield - an author I don't enjoy at all!

Has anyone else read Donna Leon's recipe book which she wrote with an Italian friend? I tried some of them but some were rather complicated.

Sent from Jeannie's iPad

On 2 Aug 2013, at 21:58, Jules <jul...@btinternet.com> wrote:

I love the debate on the books/authors.  I really feel that I don't read enough (and for an aspiring writer, that's rubbish).  Pete and I used our JL vouchers to buy Kindles this week, so we can now read e-books outside...  I simply MUST read more.

Having said that, I've recently read an amazing book, parts of which I re-read as it was just so beautiful.  Not an easy subject, but so beautifully written, absorbing characters, such sadness.  I commend The Yellow Birds, by Kevin Powers.

--

[Shaun Finnie]

I too am working my way through the Father Brown books and am loving their gentleness.

[Shaun Finnie]

I too read the Belgariad many moons ago. I enjoyed it back then.

Shaun

 

From: Lesley Martin

Sent: Friday, August 02, 2013 7:47 PM

To: timeshe...@googlegroups.com

Subject: Re: What are you reading?

 

[CarolB was MNKB]

I am about to read:
Sylvia Plath - Selected Poems.
This is for work purposes to check our reader has made no mistakes before going into the library.
I have glanced at one called: Facelift! Weird to say the least.
I hope it's not to hard going.

[Shaun Finnie]

Sorry Carol, but you won't find much fun in Sylvia Plath's work. I always
found that her depression ran through and coloured all her work heavily. Try
"The Bell Jar" as a prime example.
Shaun

-----Original Message-----
From: CarolB was MNKB
Sent: Saturday, August 03, 2013 11:17 AM
To: timeshe...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: What are you reading?

[Claire Hawes]

No I don't envy you the Sylvia Plath either Carol!

I'm a bit at sea with my reading at the moment. I read "The unlikely pilgrimage of Harold Fry" which was OK but smacked a bit of "written for book groups"; I've just read a Charles Cumming spy thriller - ok....and don't know where to go next. I'm trying to cut down on books bought but I need to have a browse in Waterstones to give me some ideas as to what to look for in the Red Cross bookshop and the library.

On Saturday, August 3, 2013 11:24:30 AM UTC+1, sharper_fin wrote:

Sorry Carol, but you won't find much fun in Sylvia Plath's work. I alwlays

[Fiona]

I'm still struggling with Wolf Hall!!!  At least it sends me to sleep quickly when I read it in bed - a couple of pages are about all I can manage!

I've just been to Waterstone's and stocked up with 4 new books - can't remember what I got but one is by the Chocolat author - I think it's a sort of sequel many years later.  That's an aeroplane/holiday book!  Will report back when I get through them.

[Claire Hawes]

My next book is sorted at least - Tom took a load of books from his room down to the Red Cross Bookshop this afternoon and came back with an old Patrick Gale novel for me - Rough Music - as he knew I'd enjoyed his most recent novel.

[Cally]

Still plodding through Wolf Hall.

[Claire Hawes]

Fiona, Cally - I think I'd have given up! Wolf Hall seems to divide people into those who love and those whose response is "meh". I think I might leave it for a while - historical novels are not really my thing anyway.

[Jeannie's Hunter]

Ditto Claire - I am a avid reader but Wolf Hall etc. does nothing for me at all I'm afraid!

Sent from Jeannie's iPad

--

[Shaun Finnie]

I loved Wolf Hall and the sequel. I seemed to remember Julia saying she enjoyed it too. Different people though, eh?  The one that many of us read together (Tiny Sunbirds?), I know most of you liked that. I was completely unmoved, even bored by it. That’s the beauty of the language.

 

Shaun

 

 

 

From: Jeannie's Hunter

Sent: Sunday, August 04, 2013 8:47 AM

To: timeshe...@googlegroups.com

Subject: Re: What are you reading?

 

[glenc]

I enjoyed 'Rough Music' Claire.  But then I am a Patrick Gale fan and havr read most of his stuff.

The decison for me for my book group choice next month is between 'A Perfectly Good Man' by Paatrick Gale (which I enjoyed) or, 'The Cleaner of Chartres'  Salley Vickers. Has anyone read either of these two and, if so, What did you think?

[Jeannie's Hunter]

I've read the Cleaner of Chartes, Glen and, whilst I enjoyed it, I didn't enjoy it as much as her other books. A bit more mystical and rather too far fetched I thought, but others may not agree!

Sent from Jeannie's iPad

[glenc]

Thanks Jeannie.  It is always good to hear other people's opinions.  I have read some of Salley Vickers books, a bit of a mixed bag for me in terms of enjoyment (as with all authors of course).  The one which really got me hooked was 'Miss Garnet's Angel'.

For me the only consistently good authors, again a personal choice, have been Donna Leon and Reginald Hill.  I have never been disappointed with any of their books.  But I would love to hear what others, if any, thought of 'The Cleaner of Chartres'.

I love The Father Brown books (for thiose who mentioned them on this thread.  Did anyone see the recent series on tv?  I thought that Mark Williams was superb as Fathe rBrown.

[Claire Hawes]

I very much enjoyed the Patrick Gale, Glen, and although I haven't read The Cleaner of Chartres I did listen to it on Book at Bedtime a while back. I'm afraid it did nothing for me - it seemed a bit dreary and unlikely. I have read some of her others, and agree that some are better than others.

I only managed to see a couple of the TV Father Brown stories, but agree that Mark Williams was perfect casting. I think they were repeated, but I missed then then too. I wish there were more of that sort of drama on TV as I am really not a fan of graphic, violent, dark series which seem to dominate.the schedules.

[Shaun Finnie]

The Father Brown shows are still available on iPlayer

Shaun

[GreyJean]

I've not seen any of these so may have to look them up on iPlayer.  I got a kindle for my birthday and have been reading quite a bit on there - it's great for reading in bed as I can enlarge the print so I don't have to wear my glasses.  But I've had some very weird corruptions of the text on some books and have sampled some of the books they've suggested (free) and some of them are appallingly badly written.  It annoys me that books by authors you know to be good are usually only slightly cheaper on kindle than in print despite having no distribution costs to speak of.

[Shaun Finnie]

Well said Jean! What really annoys me is when the publishers put out the e-reader version of a new book but price it higher than the paperback version! I don’t understand that at all. Anyone would think that they don’t want to embrace new technology.

 

From: GreyJean

Sent: Tuesday, August 06, 2013 8:51 PM

To: timeshe...@googlegroups.com

Subject: Re: What are you reading?

 

[Jean Ward]

It's bizarre, isn't it Shaun.  My other pet carp is - given that computers are so widely used in publishing why can't we have books translated from American English into proper English!  After all Amazon won't let you buy books from the wrong domain.  I'm currently struggling through an ebook called the Last Praetorian, think Romans in space! Written I suspect, from the standard of writing, by an adolescent.  It holds some promise for his future writing but would not have been published by a traditional publisher.

--

[Fiona]

I've almost finished reading Joanne Harris's "Peaches for Monsieur le Cure" - a sequel to "Chocolat".  I'm really enjoying it - i know she's an easy read, but she has a nice turn of phrase and her writing is so evocative, you can see, smell and touch everything she describes.

[Fran]

I have just been introduced to Jack Reacher and to the many books written by Lee Child.

[glenc]

Not read any by your authors Jeannie but will look them up.  Fiona I have just begun 'Peaches for M  le Cure'.  It is our bookgroup choice this month.  Looks like a good, easy read but not sure what I shall find to say about it.  I just keep conjuring up images of Johnny Depp in 'Chocolat'.  Yum!!!!!

[Jeannie's Hunter]

I am reading 'Someone to watch over me' by the Islandic author, Yrsa Sigurdardottir. Her books are very unusual and the heroine is a lawyer, not a detective, called Thora. Very complicated stories but well worth the effort.

Sent from Jeannie's iPad

--

[glenc]

I looked up that book Jeannie.  There are any number of novels with that particular title - strange for the Literary world.  But I found your Icelandic lady author.  I may look to see if it is in the library....I am trying not to spend too much on books.  Though I have just bought 'The Cleaner of Chartres'. 

 I have read it before but it is my choice for our September book club meeting so I have to have a book on hand at the discussion.  I am just reading it for the third time....it makes an interesting comparison to the 'Peaches for M. le Cure' since both are set in France and feature the Catholic Church in a present-day setting.

I just came across the film (dvd) of a Janet Evanovich novel from the 'Stephanie Plum' series.  The dvd is of the 'one for the Money' book.  Janet Evanovich stuff is pure light-hearted adventures of a female bounty hunter.  They make me laugh out loud but are far from a 'serious' read.  I don't think that the film will be able to emulate the humouir of the books in this instance.

[Jeannie's Hunter]

I love the Stephanie Plum books Glen - like you, they make me laugh out loud, particularly when Granma is around! What a dilemma poor Stephanie has too, to choose between the two hunky men!

Hope that you are feeling a bit better - you have had a rotten time this year. X

Sent from Jeannie's iPad

[Shaun Finnie]

My Beloved likes the Stephanie Plum books too. The film came out on her birthday last year so we went as a tread. While I enjoyed it (not having read the books) she was a little disappointed as she felt it didn’t match the books at all. It seemed more like a TV movie than a ‘real’ film.  I know that it bombed at the box office so there won’t be any sequels, but the books are doing really well. They’re up to around nineteen now?

 

Shaun

 

From: Jeannie's Hunter

Sent: Wednesday, August 21, 2013 6:50 AM

To: timeshe...@googlegroups.com

Subject: Re: What are you reading?

 

[Pippa]

tried to read the harry potter authors latest book for the second time and gave up so back to the library it went. i have had Maggie o Farrells latest recommented to me.

[glenc]

I haven't tried it Pippa, but am not particularly attracted to it.  I liked the HP books though but would never have read them had it not been for the films.  I think I liked them partly because, having seen the marvelous films, I could visualise the characters.

I haven't heard of Maggie O'Farrell?

I have just finished 'Peaches for M le Cure' (Joanne Harris).  It is a book group choice (so I shall read it twice) and I enjoyed it.  It is an easy, pleasant read.  I am therefore reading the other novel from the sequence 'Lollipop Shoes'.  It, apparently, continues the story of 'Chocolat' and fits into the start of 'Peaches....'.  But they are each work as freestanding novels I believe.

[Jeannie's Hunter]

Do you mean the Robert Galbraith crime novel Pippa? I have just started it and it seems quite interesting, but will let you know how it goes! I know her other novel did not get a good reception, but this one received favourable notices in the press.

Incidentally, J.K. Rowling once came into our local tourist centre with her family for a meal. She looked over and smiled to me, and, thinking that she looked familiar and was probably either an ex parent or someone I had once worked with, I gave her a big wave and a smile back! The teenage girl had a strop, and the husband marched her outside until she had cooled down!

I did tell the waiter who she was but he didn't believe me - next day, it was reported in the press!

Sent from Jeannie's iPad

[Shaun Finnie]

I really liked the early Harry Potter books as they reminded me of the old Jennings novels! I thoroughly enjoyed the ‘boy at boarding school having adventures’ bits, but the later books when the school featured less and less left me cold.

 

Shaun

 

From: glenc

Sent: Friday, August 23, 2013 7:22 PM

To: timeshe...@googlegroups.com

Subject: Re: What are you reading?

 

[Cally]

I have borrowed a wonderful book from Vreni's sister. It is called " the guernsey literary and potato peel pie society" by Mary Ann Schaefer and Annie Barrows. A delightful book as well as insightful. I think quite a few of you would enjoy it. Not got the opportunity to write but in a wifi jazz bar for lunch in Lucernne so popped on.

[Claire Hawes]

Yes I agree Cally - read that a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it!

[glenc]

There seems to have been a fashion in recent years for these kind of book titles...of the ilk .....Scottish dancing in Kurdistan...etc.  I wonder if that is part of the strategy to get the book noticed?  There is a talk at our local Library in a couple of weeks about 'what attracts readers to the covers of books'.  Design, title and eye appeal I guess gets one taking the book of the shelves for a second look.

I always look up books mentioned on this site so I shall follow that one up Cally and Claire.

Ah Shaun...how I would like to read about Jennings again!  I even sneaked into the Children's section of our local Library to see if I could spot one - I could always pretend I had a grandson!  But, none around sadly, yet I know they are still in print.

[Claire Hawes]

My sons were unimpressed with Jennings books Shaun although they both enjoyed reading fiction. My two were at the right age when Malorie Blackman came on the scene, and devoured her books; they were also very keen on the Alex Rider series from Anthony Horowitz. I suppose Jennings seems a bit old hat compared to those.

Having said that, when they were young enough for us to read together at bedtime we loved Just William and, dare I say it, given so many people look down their noses at them these days, the Famous Five!

[Shaun Finnie]

Jennings is, I guess, very much a child of his times. Then again, so am I!        I loved Just William at the time too but I’ve reread some recently and they seem very contrived with my 21st Century eyes.

 

And what’s wrong with the Famous Five? (though I much preferred The Mystery of...   series.

 

 

From: Claire Hawes

Sent: Saturday, August 24, 2013 2:01 PM

To: timeshe...@googlegroups.com

Subject: Re: What are you reading?

 

--

[Claire Hawes]

The Famous Five are allegedly non-PC, Shaun. Utter nonsense as far as I'm concerned and I don't believe reading Blyton has irreparably warped my children's values.
As an aside, I still refer (jokingly) to OH as "Uncle Quentin" when he's being particularly grumpy and distant :-)

[Jeannie's Hunter]

I loved The Famous Five and The Secret Seven books Claire! However, the book which sent my son on to reading in a big way, were Gerald Durrell's My Family and Other Animals - he would laugh out loud at the antics. Now, he is an Editor I remind him of how he started out!

Sent from Jeannie's iPad

--

[CarolB was MNKB]

You lucky people. I'm still Churchill through Sylvia Plath..... Arrrrghhhh

[Claire Hawes]

Oh Lord, Carol, you have my sympathy!!

I'm well into Rough Music, the Patrick Gale novel brought home from the charity bookshop for me by Tom.It's very good!

[glenc]

Wonderful book Claire. Patrick Gale is my favourite author.  (I have just finished 'Tree Surgery for Beginners' - I have read it three times).

I am reading 'The Lollipop Shoes' by Joanne Harris.  It is the middle book in the 'Chocolat' series.  It explains a lot and I wish I had read it before 'Peaches fir M Le Cure'.  Having said that, each book in the trilogy just does stand on its own a a complete novel.

[Jeannie's Hunter]

I heard Patrick Gale being interviewed by Mariella Frostrup. They were in Cornwall, where he lives, and were discussing his latest book. He sounded a lovely man.

Sent from Jeannie's iPad

--

[glenc]

Ah Jeannie - yes he seems to come across as a nice man.  His latest book?  I wonder if that is: 'A Perfectly Good Man' (now in paperback).  If so, it is one of his best.  I like the books because an added bonus is that many of them are set in Cornwall, which I love.

[CarolB was MNKB]

Churchill! That should say Churning.... Lol

[Jeannie's Hunter]

Yes, it is A Perfectly Good Man, Glen. I loved the description of the 'hut' where he writes - a stone built building with a log burning stove and underfloor heating - I could live with that!

Sent from Jeannie's iPad

[Jeannie's Hunter]

I have just finished J.K. Rawling's crime novel, written under the name I'd Robert Galbraith. It's called the Cuckoo's Calling, and must say I did enjoy it. Reads a bit Agatha Christie like, but a good romp and I had no idea who the murderer was at all, which is very ususual!

[Cally]

I have just begun Peaches for M Cure, but having read your comment Glen,perhaps I should look out for the lollipop shoe book first. Writing in a hurry before battery goes on iPad! Forgive the errors...

[glenc]

I think you will find the third book ok if read before number 2(lollipop).  However, most people art the bookclub who had read them in sequence said it was just that bit better that way.

Hope yo enjoy it/them.  I certainly did.

[CarolB was MNKB]

Still reading Sylvia Bloody Plath....... God it's boring, but needs must and all that. Was hoping to check some at work, but I'm to busy and can't fit it in.