Whit?? :blink:

Whit?? :blink:

Sorry
is it any good I keep meaning to read it ever since I saw that film http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/15_1_63.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxdm22755GB)

Oh I didn't know it has been made into a film.
It's ok - as I said though, nothing major has happened in it yet but Im only page 60ish!

I'm being all classical now and have started reading "The Catcher in the Rye". About a thrid of the way through it andnowt very exciting has happened yet :unsure:

I was wondering how you were getting on with this, I gave up half way through - bored me to bits. (Have you noticed my usage of through and not thru PJ, I am trying hard).

Oh I didn't know it has been made into a film.
It's ok - as I said though, nothing major has happened in it yet but Im only page 60ish!

no you plonker the film Conspiracy theory (with Mel Gibson)

every time he bought a copy of the book TCITR it alerted the CIA to his whereabouts

I was wondering how you were getting on with this, I gave up half way through - bored me to bits.

Clearly no staying power :ninja:

I liked it, although I have to agree that nothing much really happens.

Yesterday bought "I can make you thin" and Change your life in seven days" both by Paul Mkenna and "Living the GI diet", by Rick Gallop
Has anyone got any of the above and how did you rate them?
I'm going to get stuck in once I have the time!

I am reading..................


wait for it.............................................

Being Jordan by Katie Price :shocking: I saw it in the library and thought I may change my opinion of her if I read it.....Im 2/3 through it now, and I havent really changed, just as I start to warm to her, something she has written about will make me think you silly biatch :devil:

I also picked up

Shopaholic and Sister - thanks girls who have mentioned this in the past as its on your recommendation!

the a couple of Faith Bleasdales - "Rubber Gloves or Jimmy Choos" (made me think of you Flippy :wink_kiss ) and "Peep Show".......

no you plonker the film Conspiracy theory (with Mel Gibson)

every time he bought a copy of the book TCITR it alerted the CIA to his whereabouts
Oh right.... :ninja: I was,erm, just testing you.

I was wondering how you were getting on with this, I gave up half way through - bored me to bits. (Have you noticed my usage of through and not thru PJ, I am trying hard).
I haven't read it for a while but I agree, it does seem a bit boring. Im determined to finish it though.
And as for the through/thru business - well done! :thumbsup:

I haven't read it for a while but I agree, it does seem a bit boring. Im determined to finish it though.
:

Sometimes the classics don't live up to the hype do they, you have to have the strength of character to stand up and say..."well actually I thought that was a right load of tripe".

Ooo I'm reading the book which inspired Flip's username! :w00t:

She's missing at the moment..... :shocking:

It's almost....and yet not quite as exciting as reading a book in which my real full name was used....that was really freaky! :wacko:

The Five People you meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom.

Very good so far.

I really liked that book too Cat, it was such an interesting idea.

I have just finished The Upper Room by Mary Monroe, which was excellent, it was very different - this is a blurb quote "Mama Ruby's known for taking things that aren't rightfully hers, like her best friend's stillborn infant, who she brought back to life and christened Maureen."

:D

I really liked that book too Cat, it was such an interesting idea.

I have just finished The Upper Room by Mary Monroe, which was excellent, it was very different - this is a blurb quote "Mama Ruby's known for taking things that aren't rightfully hers, like her best friend's stillborn infant, who she brought back to life and christened Maureen."

:D

ooh that sounds interesting that will be on our next book buy.

that would be fab. It's strange but it has questions in the back for book discussion - I've never seen that in a book before

I have just finished reading The Winner by David Baldacci. It was enjoyable, but just his usual formula etc.

I am very excited as I have just joined a 'real life' book group in Gisborne! For anyone who wonders what I'm wittering about (and it wouldn't be the first time!) then I should explain that we used to have an online book group on SO for a while and I've been looking for a real one to replace it with ever since :)

Anyway, we have two books to read 'Those Who Save Us' by Jenna Blum and 'Ireland - a novel' by Frank Deleaney both of which look very interesting. I even found a NZ online bookshop to get them from.

I'll let you know how we get on :)

I am nearly at the end of "The Poet" by Michael Connolly. I dont know what it is, but all you have to do is mention serial killer in a book or film and I am a bought audience. Anyway, it is great shutting out the world reading!

So been to the library today and picked up a book called, One fine day in the middle of the night, by Christopher Brookmyre.
Glasgow born and bred author, this book apparently is about the former pupils of a Glasgow high school and about when they become reunited after 15 years.

Don't really know why I picked this one, will let you know if its any good.

Just finished this today.
Took a while to get into but I'm glad I did. It was funny, emotional, and the situation was completely unbelievable, and not what you expect.
Brilliant book, really enjoyed it.:thumbsup:

Ooo I'm reading the book which inspired Flip's username! :w00t:

She's missing at the moment..... :shocking:

It's almost....and yet not quite as exciting as reading a book in which my real full name was used....that was really freaky! :wacko:

Coastie was that the one about the doll's coffins? I remember Flip Barbour but can't actually remember the name of Rebus book. I am reading a book called Love & Devotion, can't remember who wrote it. My neighbour handed it in and I have cried my way through already. It is about a career, unmaternal woman who is left to look after her sister's kids when she & her husband get killed in an accident. It's just too emotional for me and I have only read about 5 chapters!!!

Didn't get round to reading The Beach, so I'll have to give this month's book club a miss.

The Five People you meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom.

Very good so far.

Really enjoyed the above, but will say Mr Cat didn't as much. Its not a book for people who like their facts - it's almost a fairy tale.

Just started Past Mortem by Ben Elton - gripped already.

Really enjoyed the above, but will say Mr Cat didn't as much. Its not a book for people who like their facts - it's almost a fairy tale.

Just started Past Mortem by Ben Elton - gripped already.

I have read Past Mortem and it is very very good, which suprised me as I would not have chosen a Ben Elton book myself but as it was a christmas present I deicded to give it a go.

I have just started Jane Tomlinson autobigoraphy.....good so far...

I've just bought Chocolat from the car boot sale today, so I'm gonna give that a try.

I've just bought Chocolat from the car boot sale today, so I'm gonna give that a try.


Oh Andrea, be prepared to be licking your lips and delving into your chocolate store. I have mentioned this before, I really, really enjoyed the book. The film was a huge disappointment. I have also read Five Quarters of The Orange also written by Jo-anne Harris and I would recommend that one also.

Your face came to me wandering round the car boot, Bella.
When I saw the book I remembered you posting about it.

Your face came to me wandering round the car boot, Bella.
When I saw the book I remembered you posting about it.


Ooh, what a scary thought Andrea! :D

i have just finished reading "Flashing on the sixties" by Lisa law it's a photographic book with great pictures from the 60's, hippies, hippie communes, Bob Dylan,free love, only downside i had to order it from the States.

At the moment I'm re-reading all five books in the Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy trilogy.

I am nearly at the end of "The Poet" by Michael Connolly. I dont know what it is, but all you have to do is mention serial killer in a book or film and I am a bought audience. Anyway, it is great shutting out the world reading!

I loved that book - The sequel's been out for a while - I must get that for the holidays

I have just finished reading 'Those Who Save Us' by Jenna Blum, it was the story of a German woman's experiences of WW2 and the treatment of the Jews and her survival of the situations that she found herself in. Told through her grown up daughter and in flashback, it was a good story and well told, though not always pleasant to read.

Sorry but "Catcher in the Rye" has been tossed aside. Too dull.

I am now about to read "Angels & Demons" by Dan Brown. But can someone tell me - is it just the same as The DaVinci Code" cos I read the back of it and it sounds almost identical!

PJ, the plot, the characters and story are very similar.
It is a good read though.
But that's why I gave up reading his books after those two, much to alike.

I'm not reading anything at the moment, as I've just come back from holiday and exhausted my reading supply while I was there. I've read 4 books in the last two weeks, and of those, my favourites were:

1. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night. Its a book about the experiences of a 15 year old boy who (I think) is autistic. I suspect that this book was actually written for older kids and I wouldn't be surprised if it appears on the GCSE Literature cirriculum sometime in the future. It was fabulous. Its sometimes touching, and often very funny. I think anyone would enjoy it! It took me 4 hours to read it from beginning to end and I was gutted that it ended.

2. Snobs. Quite a "girly" book and not a challenging read particularly, but good stuff for holiday reading. Its basically a very insightful p!ss-take of the aristocracy and the people who want be part of the aristocracy and is again, very funny.

I've started reading "As I Lay Dying" by William Faulkner. It is one of Oprah's new book club books and I've always loved books from the 1920s-1930s...so thought I'd give these a try. It is turning out to be quite good so far..

Cloud Atlas - it was on Richard and Judy's Bookclub list last year. It is 5 or 6 stories in one book, all linked but vastly different. It is really good, sometimes hard going because of the language - but certainly a good read.

Sorry but "Catcher in the Rye" has been tossed aside. Too dull.

I am now about to read "Angels & Demons" by Dan Brown. But can someone tell me - is it just the same as The DaVinci Code" cos I read the back of it and it sounds almost identical!

I actually preferred Angels and Demons to The DaVinci Code - but both books do have certain similarities.

I'm half way through 'The Lovely Bones' (got it for 50p from a charity shop and remembered it had been done on here!)...it's pretty good thus far!

I've just been reading the Big brother book from series 3.

Got it at the car boot sale the other day.
It's quite interesting, it goes on about the auditions and how they pick the contestants and a day in the life of a producer.

Did you know that the voices of BB are actually the producers who are on shift at that paticular time.

Just finished long way round, about ewan mcgregor and charley boorman traveling around the world. WOuld highly reccommend it. Lovely photos of Ewan (shame about the wife) McGregor. It started with a lot about the bikes but if you keep going until they are on the trip it improves.

Just finished long way round, about ewan mcgregor and charley boorman traveling around the world. WOuld highly reccommend it. Lovely photos of Ewan (shame about the wife) McGregor. It started with a lot about the bikes but if you keep going until they are on the trip it improves.


Oh DAMN!! I meant to watch this as it was on BBC 3 during the week!

Just finished 'The Damage Done' a harrowing true story about a guy who was imprisoned for 12 years in a Bangkok prison for heroin trafficing.

About to start On Green Dolphin Street.

Just finished 'The Damage Done' a harrowing true story about a guy who was imprisoned for 12 years in a Bangkok prison for heroin trafficing.

About to start On Green Dolphin Street.

I've read this Nox...another Sesbastian Faulks. After reading Birdsong I went on a bit of a fest with him. Not my fav, but a pleasing read non the less.

Birdsong blew me away.

Just finished 'The Lovely Bones' by Alice Sebold...it was good not great...could pick several large holes in it .....but hey it was original at least! :blink:

Will now look to read another Ian Rankin novel.....or maybe I'll read 'The Godfather' or 'L.A. Confidential'... oh so many books so little time! :book:

Will now look to read another Ian Rankin novel.....or maybe I'll read 'The Godfather' or 'L.A. Confidential'... oh so many books so little time! :book:

I am reading Ian Rankin's latest one Coastie, Fleshmarket Close!

Ken Stott is now going to play DI Rebus in 2 episodes of Rebus - nor sure what ones they are filming, but should be good. As much as I love John Hannah :wub: he just was not suited as the role of Rebus. And I am so glad that the TV producers have reversed their decision to take on Rebus for to show on TV! Can't wait!

Just got Sleepers from the library so that is my next read.

I have Sleepers ordered..will hopefully collect it tomorrow.
In the meantime am reading a book called 'Missfortune' by Wesley Stace.
It's a story about an abandoned baby found on a scrap heap, rescued by a wealthy lord..and raised as his daughter, called 'Rose' after the lords long dead sister.
Howerver...Rose is a boy...not a girl.
It's very good.

I am currently reading "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz. It's basically a book about Toltec wisdom. I must say it has been an amazing read so far. All my thoughts I've had for the last couple years are explained so perfectly in this book. It puts things so clearly and simply that while I am reading it I feel like I should have already known this. lol. I guess it could best be described as a book about spirituality...but I think it is basically a book about life in general and how we view our world.

I dived head first into The Family Way by Tony Parsons yesterday...over halfway through already. A damn good read if ever there was one..and one of the main characters is called Cat, which is nice.

Highly recommended for those of you with children.

having finshed the Lovely Bones i am now on another Rebus novel...Strip Jack... I blame Flip for recently aquired addiction to the work of Ian Rankin! :ranting:

Im reading a book called 'Passionate Affairs' by Anne Moore. Its blummin brilliant. I joined the library yesterday and picked up this book - and ive nearly finished it. I cant tear myself away.

It starts with an elderly lady dying of cancer, and she asks a young journalist - Robair if he will write their story of iliicit love.

Basically the story is set in the 1950's at a boys boarding school. The old lady was in her 30's then, and she is the wife of the schools owner and lives on the premises. She starts an affair with Pete one of the schools 17 year old boys.

Robair has an affair when he is still young (i havent reached that bit yet and i think he will be about 15) and has a love affair with a french girl who cleans the school.

Both know about the others dalliance.

Its blummin good, but not kinky. Just a darned good read.

I have read quite a few recently, "A long way down" by Nick Hornby, "May contain nuts" by John O'Farrell and "We need to talk about Kevin" by Lionel Shriver.

The last two were particularly good for different reasons, the O'Farrell book had me in tears of laughter!

been reading michael connolly books which are easy and relaxing and then dipping into richard dawkins stuff for some entertaining and challenging thoughts.

having finshed the Lovely Bones i am now on another Rebus novel...Strip Jack... I blame Flip for recently aquired addiction to the work of Ian Rankin! :ranting:

Are you reading them in order Coastie, as I have the full collection if you wanted to borrow the rest. I finished the latest one Fleshmarket Close on holiday, it was excellent - Ian Rankin is a fantastic writer. I love it because I can actually visualise the places that he writes about because I live in Edinburgh.

Every year there is a Rebus Treasure Hunt where your workplace enters and the winner will get a mention in the new Rebus book! Oh, and I have drank in the Oxford on many occassions, and it is exactly like it is in the book!

Bella...since I am a skin flint I am reading the books as I find them in the charity shops and to the best of my ability in order from there...if you catch my drift...a good read which doesn't require to much brain power is the way I look at them. :thumbsup:

Next Edinburgh meet we go to the Oxford bar! :w00t:

Bella...since I am a skin flint I am reading the books as I find them in the charity shops and to the best of my ability in order from there...if you catch my drift...a good read which doesn't require to much brain power is the way I look at them. :thumbsup:

Next Edinburgh meet we go to the Oxford bar! :w00t:

You are on, Coastie! :thumbsup: I do recall a very drunken night in there or should I say very early evening, it was near Christmas anyway and it was half day from work and we ended up there. Now, it is very much a spit & sawdust man's pub, no jukebox and there was me & friends in the middle of the room singing Take That songs! The Oxford Bar didn't know what had hit them!

Coastie, I will look out the Rankin books that I have - let me know which ones you have read and I can sort something out - I could even bring them to Dublin for you! :)

*Edited to say thanks for the rep Sweetie, because of that I now have 3 boxes instead of my miserable 2" Thank you! :thumbsup:

Just finished a book called 'Pomegranate Soup' by Marsha Mehan.
It was very easy to read...a lovely story actually.
Would'nt normally have bought it but i got it free at work.
Just started to read 'Labyrinth' by Kathereine Mosse...
Its in the same vein as 'da Vinci Code', only more sensible.
So far so good.......
I would be interested to hear what anyone else thinks about Labyrinth'....
AD.

Just started to read 'Labyrinth' by Kathereine Mosse...
Its in the same vein as 'da Vinci Code', only more sensible.
So far so good.......
I would be interested to hear what anyone else thinks about Labyrinth'....
AD.

I will have to have a look for that in the Library.................

I have just finished Secrets of the Code - yep, you guessed it, about the Da Vinci Code - it basically "investigates" the claims made by Dan Brown (which he gathered from the book Holy Blood, Holy Grail by all accounts, which is another fave book of mine!)

A Man in Full by Tom Wolfe....after a faltering start and muchly encouraged by Mr Cat to perseve I am glad I did...it has grabbed me now.

My only problem is, it is such a huge book that when reading late at night in bed I need a wrist support.

'I Capture the Castle' by Dodie Smith - a delightful read.

I am out of books at the moment and am hesitant to start a new one before I go on holiday. But I definitely have plans to buy some books tomorrow for my holiday. :thumbsup:

Oh but on a more sober note, I have to read Person Centered Counselling In Action by the end of the summer. Am so excited! NOT! :glare:

Oh but on a more sober note, I have to read Person Centered Counselling In Action by the end of the summer. Am so excited! NOT! :glare:

I've read that one Tigg, it's gripping, lots of twists, keeps you guessing right til the end. In short it's unputdownable

NOT ;)

Ricky Tomlinson autobiography............bloody good it is too

Ricky Tomlinson autobiography............bloody good it is too

Oh I enjoyed that one:thumbsup:

I've just started reading 'Fighting Fat at Forty' given to me by my dear sister for my 40th.

I just got the last 4 Ian Rankin "Inspector Rebus" novels that I haven't read and after those I will be all up to date w/Rebus. I am also trying to read "Plant Life" by Pamela Duncan. I multi-task read...people cannot deal with my multiple reading but I have to be in the mood for certain authors at the various times I read. Strange hunh??msgirl. :book: :funky:

I've just finished reading Ben Elton's High Society. It's about drugs, rock and roll and politics. It's ot as exciting as it sounds!

I read the Dead Famous a while back (it was a SO book club book) and thought it was a good read especially as it tied in with Big Brother at the time of reading. But to be honest it was just a trashy, self conscious, Ben Elton style ranting. i think I read the whole book with his grating voice in my head!

Well this one was much much much worse! Where Dead Famous was trashy, High Society was trashier, where Dead Famous had stereotypical, one dimensional characters in, High Society had even more stereotypical and even less than one dimensional characters in. In short it was utter utter tripe. how does Mr Elton get paid to turn the drivel out time after time. I haven't read any other books by him and don't intend to!

Yeah I know what you mean about Ben Elton Dol, I'm not much of a fan either.

I'm reading 'Love' by Toni Morrison as it was lent to me by a new book group friend, the book group raved about it apparently. I think I must be very very thick because I just don't get it at all :bag:

I read Past Mortem by Ben Elton (and that is the only ne of his I have read) and quite enjoyed it. It was easy reading, didn't have to think too hard about it.

I have just started Dan Brown Angels and Demons for the third time, and I am really struggling with it. His books always seem hard work to get into and then I quite like them.

I really need to find some good trashy holiday reads and soon.......
any recommendations??

Im reading 'Ready or Not' by Chris Manby. Its ok, but it hasnt got me totally hooked.

I am reading Hideous Kinky by Ester Freud, i love the book, a great holiday read.

Yeah I know what you mean about Ben Elton Dol, I'm not much of a fan either.

I'm reading 'Love' by Toni Morrison as it was lent to me by a new book group friend, the book group raved about it apparently. I think I must be very very thick because I just don't get it at all :bag:

I've read Jazz and Beloved. They take a while to get into, let alone get.

Still, when I'm pretending to be intelligent, I say Beloved is one of my favourite books.

cheerio!

I've read Jazz and Beloved. They take a while to get into, let alone get.

Still, when I'm pretending to be intelligent, I say Beloved is one of my favourite books.

cheerio!


Well I finished it Scoobs and I still didn't get it. I felt as if I was reading it through fog (this must be the dense matter that fills my head) and I never quite grasped the point of what anyone was saying.

Yep, I'm thick alright! :bag:

All quiet on the western front, Erich Maria Remarque (or Erich Paul Remark real name I think).

Aghh, depressing, not a holiday read. Good anti-war book.

I've just started reading Scar Tissue the biography of Anthony Kieldis, the lead singer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers ... it looks like a good old fashioned story about sex, drugs and rock and roll ......

All quiet on the western front, Erich Maria Remarque (or Erich Paul Remark real name I think).

Aghh, depressing, not a holiday read. Good anti-war book.

I've always wanted to read this book Sayang - I will make a note of the author and get it out of the library today! we can compare notes!

I am half way through Donna Tarrt's 'The Little Firend'. V gave me this prior to her NZ shuffle - it is a great book so far, but the front cover disturbs me somewhat!! It is a bald china doll's head with a hole for an eye. But I am loving the book.

I am half way through Donna Tarrt's 'The Little Firend'. V gave me this prior to her NZ shuffle - it is a great book so far, but the front cover disturbs me somewhat!! It is a bald china doll's head with a hole for an eye. But I am loving the book.

You know, what I found with this book, it was absolutely brilliant right up till the middle, then I got bored. And that never happens. The middle (apart from the denouement) is meant to be the best bit! When you're really engrossed!

Harriet's ace, though.

cheerio!

I have finished A Man in Full by Tom Wolfe and can say that it was a glorious read. His attention to character detail is wonderfull and he is very, very funny.

He has the ability to truly conjure up a scene in your mind, I will quote a line that made me laugh out loud if I may ...

"Then Val McNutter pivoted on her high-heeled pumps, and this and that and them and those went hither, thither, whither, crevice, crevasse."

He also does the best written sound effects, I have learn't a lot.

Thoroughly enjoyable - Bonfire of Vanities next me thinks.

I am not reading a book at the moment - are there any suggestions from the book club?

Depends how gritty you like your reading Bella, but I just loved Lionel Shriver's book 'We need to talk about Kevin' have a look on Amazon and see what you think :)

Remember your first time by Jenny Colgan - tis about a 30 something woman who is dissatisfied with her own life so made a wish when her best friend was cutting her wedding cake & it came true - thing is she wished to be 16 again!

I haven't found out how or even if she gets back yet but imagine how scary & horrible that would be..............puberty, hormones, boys & school - yeurck :blink:

I like all sorts of books (except historical romance types), and flit from one genre to another.
I am currently reading "Hidden" by Paul jaskunas, a story about a woman whose husband is convinced to attempting to kill her. Except evidence has arisen that he did not too it, and, after six years, he is being released from prison. Now, the woman has to rethink everything that happened to her....

Quite interesting so far. :book:

Remember your first time by Jenny Colgan - tis about a 30 something woman who is dissatisfied with her own life so made a wish when her best friend was cutting her wedding cake & it came true - thing is she wished to be 16 again!

I haven't found out how or even if she gets back yet but imagine how scary & horrible that would be..............puberty, hormones, boys & school - yeurck :blink:


Ohhhhh Jaycee I have just finished Andrew McCarthy by Jenny Colgan - real light entertainment, I really enjoyed it, I am now half way through a Susan Lewis - Strange Allure I think its called - picked em up in the charity shop for 1.60 each! Bonus!!!

I'm reading a book called "She's come undone" by Wally Lamb. It's very good :)

I'm still reading half blood prince!
I saved it for my hols and then hardly read any. I'm snatching a page here and there at work breaks, it spoils it reading it like that, but I'm still enjoying it

I've just started reading Scar Tissue the biography of Anthony Kieldis, the lead singer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers ... it looks like a good old fashioned story about sex, drugs and rock and roll ......

I have to say the guy is a complete Hollywood ar£e hole ... but I feel duty bound to start something I've finished! But it's hard going!

As some of you may know (and those who don't would probably never guess :laugh: ), I'm not a big reader of books, but WH Smith were doing 3 for £18 at the airport, so I thought, I know I'll get The Da Vinci Code. ****** me, but they didn't have it, so I got Angels and Demons instead. Read nearly half of it so far and am finding it an interesting and enjoyable read, although the usual love interest bit is predictable, but I suppose also inevitable. I'm guessing it's probably similar to the DVC, as it also involves solving a code type thing.

Bought Lord of the Flies for my 12 year old too. Thought it would either enthrall him or scare the beejeezus out of him. So far it has done neither, although he is still on chapter 2. Wait 'til he sees what happens to Piggy. :shocking:

We're not bookworms, the Patsy family.

Just bought today Bill Bryson's, Notes from a Big Country.
I've been meaning to get one of his books for ages.

VOR-that is a really good book. I really enjoyed it. He also has another book that is really good. If you like those books, try Silas House. He's an EXCELLANT author. I'm waiting with bated breath for his next book. The books were put out in a strange order. If you are interested I can tell you how you can read them so you can follow them. They are about this one family and are good on their own but knowing that they have a timeline, it's better to read them in sucession, I think. msgirl :book:

VOR-that is a really good book. I really enjoyed it. He also has another book that is really good. If you like those books, try Silas House. He's an EXCELLANT author. I'm waiting with bated breath for his next book. The books were put out in a strange order. If you are interested I can tell you how you can read them so you can follow them. They are about this one family and are good on their own but knowing that they have a timeline, it's better to read them in sucession, I think. msgirl :book:

Yes Please MSgirl, can you PM me?

I really really enjoyed 'She's come undone' :)

Just bought today Bill Bryson's, Notes from a Big Country.
I've been meaning to get one of his books for ages.

I've just got to say this book has had me giggling from start to finish.
Reminds me of when I used to live in the States and all the differences between here and there.
Brilliant, I want to read his latest book next "A short history of nearly everything"

I have just finished my first Ian Rankin novel, it was ok - bit lack lustre compared to the richness of a Tom Wolfe I read previous to this but by the end I was understanding and enjoying his (Rebus) humour.

I have turned a different corner now and on the recommendation of my brother have started Lizzie Siddal "The Tragedy of a Pre-Raphaelite Supermodel" by Lucinda Hawksley. Lizzie Siddal was the model in one of my favourite paintings Ophelia - I think you can still see this in the Tate.

Very good so far.

Half way through and its wizzy woo!.

I'm on my next to last Ian Rankin RE: Inspector Rebus novel and I'll have gone through the series...I've enjoyed them. A couple of the earlier ones were hard to get started but they picked up. I take breaks and read other things also. My husband can't figure how I read like I do b/c he things it's impossible to read 2-3 books at a time but that's how I read. :book:

I just read :book: an interesting book for school called THE GATHERING It is a good read and I loved doing a book report on it

Just started - Blindsighted - Karin Slaughter - her debut novel about murder! I have her first three books (she has writen 5 to date) and shall be reading them in order back to back provided I don't get distracted! :blink:

MissG....Bella and Flip have got me hooked on Ian Rankins Rebus novels...I have several to read that I've picked up 2nd hand and I am looking to collect them all! :book:

Jakeyboy - I've seen this book around in a few of the charity shops I visit...I'd be interested on your views! ;)

Just started - Blindsighted - Karin Slaughter - her debut novel about murder! I have her first three books (she has writen 5 to date) and shall be reading them in order back to back provided I don't get distracted! :blink:

MissG....Bella and Flip have got me hooked on Ian Rankins Rebus novels...I have several to read that I've picked up 2nd hand and I am looking to collect them all! :book:

Jakeyboy - I've seen this book around in a few of the charity shops I visit...I'd be interested on your views! ;)
Dearest Coast-I first started back to front on order but then went front to back as that made the recurring characters make sense. Alas, I'm on my last one. Just started so I'll s-t-r-e-t-c-h it out. hahhahahaha/

Right now I'm re-reading Terry Pratchett's "Thief of Time"

I have just finished my first Ian Rankin novel, it was ok - bit lack lustre compared to the richness of a Tom Wolfe I read previous to this but by the end I was understanding and enjoying his (Rebus) humour.

I have turned a different corner now and on the recommendation of my brother have started Lizzie Siddal "The Tragedy of a Pre-Raphaelite Supermodel" by Lucinda Hawksley. Lizzie Siddal was the model in one of my favourite paintings Ophelia - I think you can still see this in the Tate.

Very good so far.

This is the painting..

http://www.tate.org.uk/britain/turner/images/orphelia.gif

at the moment i am reading the life story of Frida Kohl, it's an awesome read, for anyone who isn't familar with her she is one of the most famous Mexican painters her paintings wow, go check them out! (they are painful to look at)but you can't help but be touched my them. :book:
I was so taken with this book i went out and bought the dvd "Frida".

Yeah Bridge, that's the one that Salma Hayek has the unibrow in. I am reading the last Ian Rankin "Dead Souls" and I will have read ALL the Rebus novels though in a very perverse order. I have my eye on a new book out about "Mark Twain" the American Writer. I LOVE his stories!!!This is appears to be a very indepth biography of him. I saw it in Wal-Mart when I ran in today. He had such a tragic life for being such a prolific writer. :book:

[FONT=Comic Sans MS]Yeah Bridge, that's the one that Salma Hayek has the unibrow in.

Hey Miss how are you? yeah that's the film, have you seen it? it's not bad actually.

I've decided to give "Catcher in the Rye" another chance after tossing it aside cos I got bored with it. I'm determined to finish it though. But it's so dull...

I've decided to give "Catcher in the Rye" another chance after tossing it aside cos I got bored with it. I'm determined to finish it though. But it's so dull...

Yeah i know what you mean, i kept skipping pages when i read it, it's the type of book you really have to concentrate on to understand it.

I've decided to give "Catcher in the Rye" another chance after tossing it aside cos I got bored with it. I'm determined to finish it though. But it's so dull...


Why? I never felt any guilt after tossing it aside - its crap.

I am reading now Transmission by Hari Kunzru - give this a try..much more in keeping.

I've said it once and I will say it again just because it says it's a classic it is not necessarily.

Why? I never felt any guilt after tossing it aside - its crap.


:shocking: I loved this book. I decided in my early twenties that there were a few classic books that I should read, and this was one of them. I LOVED IT!!!!

There was Catcher in the Rye, Catch 22 and Of Mice and Men. The latter lasted about a chapter and bored me rigid.

:shocking: I loved this book. I decided in my early twenties that there were a few classic books that I should read, and this was one of them. I LOVED IT!!!!

There was Catcher in the Rye, Catch 22 and Of Mice and Men. The latter lasted about a chapter and bored me rigid.

Catcher in the Rye was sh it in my pants.

Develop your own tastes and stylee..You would enjoy Transmission if you gave it a go....also Tom Wolfe...give him a go..I dare you.

Did Tom Wolfe write a book about a guy who meets all sorts of dead people who he'd encountered through his life?

I am reading a Bill Bryson book called Notes from a small Island as my brother gave it to me and said it was good.

I noticed a lot of you have read and enjoyed his books so I am looking forward to getting in to it. I was going to save it for my holiday read but I'm hopeless at hanging on to books to read later, if its there it has to be read. :bag:

Did Tom Wolfe write a book about a guy who meets all sorts of dead people who he'd encountered through his life?


Not sure but he wrote Bonfire on the Vanities which is next on my list. I did read a book recently called The Five People you meet in Heaven by Mitch Alborn - is that the one you meant. That was a good read too. :thumbsup:

Why? I never felt any guilt after tossing it aside - its crap.


Waterstones has come up with a list of the top 100 fiction of the 20c (http://www.curious.org.uk/top-100-books.htm) and Catcher in the Rye is placed a very respectable 6th. How can you dismiss it as crap if it is considered such an important book?

My friend is reading a book and is going to lend it to me afterwards I don't know who wrote it yet, but it's called "Where did it all go right" it's the autobiography of an ordinary boy from an ordinary family with no highs and lows and no great poverty but no great wealth, no regional accents ... he was born in the early 1960's so I suspect his tales will be reminisicent of a lot of things that us 40ish year olds remember.


I can't wait to get my hands on it!

Waterstones has come up with a list of the top 100 fiction of the 20c (http://www.curious.org.uk/top-100-books.htm) and Catcher in the Rye is placed a very respectable 6th. How can you dismiss it as crap if it is considered such an important book?


What I should have said there was 'in my opinion' it was crap.

Now then, what constitutes a good book eh? Surely it is to the readers own taste and what they are looking for from said book. If I am reading a book for pure enjoyment and it dosn't give me enjoyment I toss it aside. Catcher started off very well but it stopped interesting me about half way through and I didn't feel I had to finish it just to say I had read it so I didn't.

Very interesting list - I'm glad to see that Perfume is on there. This was a very important book for me as it changed my reading taste dramatically that and An Anthropologist on Mars by Oliver Sachs - which isn't on there.

To me a good book is one that transports me to the place, I believe in the characters and feel what they are going through and when the book is finished it takes a time to shrug them off. Books that have really moved me are Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks and The Bell Jar - Syvia Plath - both on the list. 1984 made me physically jump in one chapter where Big Brothers voice boomed out from behind a mirror. A book that makes me laugh outloud is always a joy - the recent Tom Wolfe book did this.

So I stand by my original statement that to me Catcher in the Rye was crap whether it's number 6 on some list or not - I much prefered High Fidelity by Nick Hornby and thats number 95.

Who's right?

My friend is reading a book and is going to lend it to me afterwards I don't know who wrote it yet, but it's called "Where did it all go right" it's the autobiography of an ordinary boy from an ordinary family with no highs and lows and no great poverty but no great wealth, no regional accents ... he was born in the early 1960's so I suspect his tales will be reminisicent of a lot of things that us 40ish year olds remember.


I can't wait to get my hands on it!


Dolly Bird - I read this a while ago and I'm afraid its another one that was lobbed out the window. If you are of similar age to the bloke it starts off really well, a walk down memory lane - all the foods, fads and fashions of the 70/80's. But after about half way it just dried up for me...I just lost interest and it became a chore - but having said that the first half is fun.

Give it a go then we can have a heated debate about it that disintegrates into a personal slanging match and I report you to the police for harassment and you go to jail where you fall in with a bad crowd and get hooked on drugs so when you are released you are a homeless junky with bad skin and breath begging in the door way of the local Oxfam.

Give it a go then we can have a heated debate about it that disintegrates into a personal slanging match and I report you to the police for harassment and you go to jail where you fall in with a bad crowd and get hooked on drugs so when you are released you are a homeless junky with bad skin and breath begging in the door way of the local Oxfam.

now you've laid down a literary challenge and I accept that challenge ... let the reading commence!

I'm currently reading Robbie Williams' biography...as I finally bought it. I've been waiting to read it forever...but didn't want to pay to have it shipped to the states...so just waited until I got here to buy it. It's quite interesting so far...

now you've laid down a literary challenge and I accept that challenge ... let the reading commence!

I read this when it came out - it was done as a welcome antidote to all that dreadful rubbish about childhood traumas. I thought it was amusing and have just finished the sequel about his student days. That I really enjoyed as he spent most of them in the hostel where I passed many a 'student moment'. :naughty:

I read this when it came out - it was done as a welcome antidote to all that dreadful rubbish about childhood traumas. I thought it was amusing and have just finished the sequel about his student days. That I really enjoyed as he spent most of them in the hostel where I passed many a 'student moment'. :naughty:

Are you looking for a heated debate - they can be damaging you know :boxing:

I can't recall why I lost interest in it, but I did so there - he lived in Northampton too which is only down the road so I knew of the area's he talked about. Maybe Bazeeeel ate it or something.....

Bazeel ate Northampton ??

:shocking:

Bazeel ate Northampton ??

:shocking:

No you silly billy - Bazeel ate the book.

What are you like!

What ever they say I'm going to do it anyway.

What I should have said there was 'in my opinion' it was crap.

Now then, what constitutes a good book eh? Surely it is to the readers own taste and what they are looking for from said book. ?

That's a good point and I've been thinking about it on and off this afternoon.

Suppose you hate red wine, and on the table in front of you is a glass of what most wine experts would say is one of the best red wines, a Chateau Lafite 1945. Given that you hate red wine, does that make Chateau Lafite 1945 'crap'?

Is it really down to individual taste, or is it more a case of a concensus view, particularly of those 'expert' in the field?

That's a good point and I've been thinking about it on and off this afternoon.

Suppose you hate red wine, and on the table in front of you is a glass of what most wine experts would say is one of the best red wines, a Chateau Lafite 1945. Given that you hate red wine, does that make Chateau Lafite 1945 'crap'?

Is it really down to individual taste, or is it more a case of a concensus view, particularly of those 'expert' in the field?


I can see where you are going here Swerve, you are saying I am uncouth and uneducated - which I am. I have 2 O'levels in art and English Lit and a clutch of CSE's.

But I am life eductated and am not dictated to by the "oh you should read this book, drink this wine, shop here, etc". If a wine tastes foul I will say, if a book dosn't excite I won't read it.

If I couldn't try something - like in your red wine scenario I would never say it was crap because how would I know. There is so much snobbery attatched to things and we are talking literacy here, oh you must have read this book - why if its dull???? Shakespeare was bonkers and I swear he was taking the p!ss "Wither are you going, where do you dwell...are you a married man or a gentleman" - Julius Caesar. They all either betrayed or killed each other in his novels - Beware the Ides of March!

Bonkers!

Don't even get me started on The Bible...

What ever they say I'm going to do it anyway.

THAR SHE BLOWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Isn't she marvellous when she gets going. Brava! :thumbsup:

You can never get the stain out.

I have 2 O'levels in art and English Lit [/I]


How about art then? Take someone highly rated like Jackson Pollock. Do you think his paintings are meaningless daubs? And even if you do, could they at the same time still be highly important in the development of 20c art?

How about art then? Take someone highly rated like Jackson Pollock. Do you think his paintings are meaningless daubs? And even if you do, could they at the same time still be highly important in the development of 20c art?

Havn't got a clue who Jason Pollock is and don't know nought about 20c art.

What I do know is one day I went to the Tate on my own and was blown away by Salvidor Dali's Melting Clocks and Millais's Ophelia stopped me in my tracks for half an hour. Why? I don't know - I knew nothing about either of these artists but the colours of Ophelia, the captured expression was mesmerising. I didn't need to be taught this, it just came from within.

Sometimes too much knowledge can spoil the raw beauty of something.

Have you ever seen Educating Rita?

What ever they say I'm going to do it anyway.

Have you ever seen Educating Rita?




can a moderator move this to films please! :cool2:

What I do know is one day I went to the Tate on my own and was blown away by Salvidor Dali's Melting Clocks and Millais's Ophelia stopped me in my tracks for half an hour. Why? I don't know - I knew nothing about either of these artists but the colours of Ophelia, the captured expression was mesmerising. I didn't need to be taught this, it just came from within.

Right. But all the paintings in the Tate are going to be considered by the Tate as good art otherwise they wouldn't hang them. In the case of the Dali and The Millais, you liked the paintings, and so I guess you too would call them good. But what if you saw something and thought 'rubbish'. Could it still be 'rubbish' and at the same time good art. I guess it could but it would depend on whose opinion you took.

In the case of what makes a good book, I suppose there are three ways you can look at it:

- an individual reader enjoys a particular book, (even if it's what most people might call rubbish)

- Channel 4/Waterstones viewers and customers resopnd to a poll, and you get a list of top 100 books as judged by a cross section of the public, although these are likely to be a certain type of person I suppose.

- 'Experts' in the field of literature vote for their favourite books.

I'd add a fourth. Something that has been created in the belief that it is a creditable work, and not hastily cobbled together to capitalise on a trend in order to make a fast buck.

I'd add a fourth. Something that has been created in the belief that it is a creditable work, and not hastily cobbled together to capitalise on a trend in order to make a fast buck.


Bit like Picasso then, what a load of commercial bilge he spilled out for a fast buck. See Weeping Woman - weeping woman my ar$e, he was off his face on speed and couldn't focus. Van Gogh, what was he all about then - did he live in his own wibbly wobbly world with no perspective?

Sorry I digress, back to books.

I suppose a classic example of cobbled together literacy for a fast buck is Sarah Fergusons Budgy the Helicopter ,I'm suprised that wasn't in the top 100 somewhere.

Charts like that are totally meaningless.

In a few days I shall be reading Bryson's "A short history of nearly everything" as I've just won it on e-bay:thumbsup:

Van Gogh, what was he all about then - did he live in his own wibbly wobbly world with no perspective?.

I think he did, yes! Mind you Cath, surely painting is one of the few worlds where you should be able to break free from the established way of seeing things? A bit like Rita did?

Going back to that book list, the top 100 books, the implication is they are considered by the readers to be the 'best' books - in other words 'better' than the rest.

But that does make you wonder what on earth we mean when we talk about something being better than something else. We do it all the time. So and so got better results in her exams than her brother. Jim is the best footballer in his team. Etc. We seem obsessed with it! But better in what way? If Jim scores more goals than anyone else in his team, does that make him the best player? How about Fred who plays with a lot more style and finesse than Jim but who has never scored.

Going back to the idea of 'expert opinion' - you might say it's worthless because like Rita and the professor the expert was living in a world of stuffy academia and it took someone like Rita to point out some real values. On the other hand, say you're in the Tate and you see a painting that does nothing for you. You're just about to move on when an art lecturer stops by and tells you a bit about the history of the painting, what the artist was trying to achieve, how it fitted in with the various art movements at the time he painted it, etc. I's possible taht with this extra information, you might see the painting in a new light, and actually appreciate it more.

Not saying you have to be an expert to appreciate something, and I agree with you that being an expert can even remove you from the immediacy of the experience, but there can be times when an 'expert' can help you understand what wasn't at all obvious at first.

On the other hand, say you're in the Tate and you see a painting that does nothing for you. You're just about to move on when an art lecturer stops by and tells you a bit about the history of the painting, what the artist was trying to achieve, how it fitted in with the various art movements at the time he painted it, etc. I's possible taht with this extra information, you might see the painting in a new light, and actually appreciate it more.



I'd think he was after a shag.

Going back to the original topic however of me thinking Catcher in the Rye was crap. I only read this because it has always been up there in top reads, I appreciated that it was portraying the passage of boy to man but it just didn't ring any bells for me.

A book is different to a painting, a painting can be looked and discussed without taking too much time - a book can devour hours of your time so are you will to take the chance? Not if you have the attention span of a gnat your not.

So enough about this....what about your knee's eh? Pictures please.

Just finished Blindsighted by Karin Slaughter - very creepy and eewy in places - and have just started the second book in her series - Kiss Cut! :thumbsup:

Has anyone read Diana Gabaldon's 'Outlander' series?? I ran across these books b/c I'm nearly through with my last 'Rebus' novel and I wanted something a little different. They sound like 'The Highlander' movies with Christopher Lambert and then there was a t.v. series with Adrian Paul. I really liked those and I'm hoping it's along the same vein. But I got a good deal even if it's crap. The first couple of books were on special for $3.99 American which for a 875 page paperback is a steal. I bought only the first one, 'Outlander' to see if I like it. If anyone has any input I'd love to hear it. :book:

I'm reading East of Eden by John Steinbeck. It's a cracking good read.

[QUOTE=Cat]Why? I am reading now Transmission by Hari Kunzru - give this a try..much more in keeping.



This was a jolly good read...thanks Bro.

I am thinking of reading the Horse Whisperer now, because I have it and it son the top 100 list.

I am thinking of reading the Horse Whisperer now, because I have it and it son the top 100 list.

The book is better than the film Cat...lovely...a good read!

Has anyone read Diana Gabaldon's 'Outlander' series?? I ran across these books b/c I'm nearly through with my last 'Rebus' novel and I wanted something a little different. They sound like 'The Highlander' movies with Christopher Lambert and then there was a t.v. series with Adrian Paul. I really liked those and I'm hoping it's along the same vein. But I got a good deal even if it's crap. The first couple of books were on special for $3.99 American which for a 875 page paperback is a steal. I bought only the first one, 'Outlander' to see if I like it. If anyone has any input I'd love to hear it. :book:

There are some excerts on her site if anyone is interested.
http://www.cco.caltech.edu/~gatti/gabaldon/gabaldon.html

Oh go on then while i am here.

I used to spend a bit of time on a poetry forum run by a lovely lady that i still send christmas greetings too.
She was very dedicated to her writing and fun to be with in chat.
Living in Mississippi meant i recently had more contact due to worries for her and her relatives in the recent hurricane.
She is an excellent artist as well.
The hard work payed off and a career has started that i just know will grow.
She will always be Amy - Jo to me though.:)

You might want to give one of her books a try:
http://www.sablegrey.com/

Thanks Secrets, I've bookmarked both for later viewing. I put 'Rebus' aside last night and started the 'Outlander' book and so far so good. I hope it stays a good read. I looked on Amazon.com and the reviews are just raving good, so maybe I lucked up. :laugh:

I have just finished Life of Pi - which I adored and had to keep re-reading bits as it was so good. I also read out certain chapters to Mr F - I just loved it!

And I started Captain Corellis Mandolin last night - and the first chapter was marvellous so I am really looking forward to the rest of the book.

I loved Captain Correlli, Flip. I haven't seen the film and I've been advised not to as apparently it's not a patch on the book! Enjoy every single word of it!

I've just finished Lulu's autobiography. I've never liked Lulu very much, but I did enjoy reading her book.

I'm now reading a biography of Billie Holliday ... which I expect to be a lot more juicy and gritty than Lulu's!

At the moment i am reading a book about William Borroughs, it's very good, lots of drugs, se-x,scandal,madness it also talks about the Beat Generation.

Well, I was nearly through with 'Dead Souls', my last Rebus to have read them all and I came across this Diana Gabaldon 'Outlander' and I got a steal on it so I got it. Secrets recommended her site and it was really interesting and I started the book and so far I am really, really liking it. It said ''part love story and part historical novel'' on the back and I was skeptical b/c I'm not a purely love story reading kinda girl. I like thrillers and stories about the South and hardships and historical stuff. But it's like 'The Highlander' movie and t.v. series as I peek through this book and the excerpts I read of the other books in the series on her site. I will probably read the whole series unless it turns horribly crap on me. :book: :thumbsup:

I have just finished Life of Pi - which I adored and had to keep re-reading bits as it was so good. I also read out certain chapters to Mr F - I just loved it!

And I started Captain Corellis Mandolin last night - and the first chapter was marvellous so I am really looking forward to the rest of the book.

I found the first part quite hard going as my history is cr@p, but once over that bit it was pure joy.

I've just been flicking through/reading a book called 'My Mother's Wedding dress. by J.Piquolt (sp..)
It features a collection of photo's of a girl and her family, from when she was little to when she was grown up with children of her own.
It's actually lovely...tho' very sad as her younger sister died of cancer.
But it's an interesting and personal telling of somebody's life.
I bought it for my momma...but I could'nt help having a flick myself.
A.D.

Her sister Ruth Picardie was a journalist and wrote about her breast cancer in her Observer column.

You can read about it here (http://hosted.aware.easynet.co.uk/book/reviews/goodbye.htm)

Just strted reading Terry Pratchett's "Thud"

I got Bill Brysons "A short history of nearly everything" from e-bay and started reading it, but I'm bored with it already.
It's not really what I was expecting and isn't as good as the other book I read of his.

So I've gone back to a book I only read a few pages of a while ago and have got into "Chocolate"
Was sat having a soak in the bath last night reading it. (I was ill and I usually only have a bath when I'm feeling rough, not that I really needed to tell you that info but hey, there you go:w00t: )

I just bought Rhett Hutchence book "Total XS", it's quite good what i have read so far, much better than his mum and sisters book! although a lot of the story is about Rhetts life,a lot is about Michael too, it's quite funny in parts , it also has lots of good photos .

Re-reading Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince, it's taking me forever though!

Just started - 'A Faint Cold Fear' - the third in the brilliant series of modern crime thrillers by Karin Slaughter. I can highly recommend her books but they are not for the weak stomached. :sick: and are best read in order!

Blindsighted
Kisscut
A Faint Cold Fear
Indelible

I've decided to give "Catcher in the Rye" another chance after tossing it aside cos I got bored with it. I'm determined to finish it though. But it's so dull...
Nope, given up on it again. :sad:

Just started Royal Flush by Lynda La Plant - I love her books! And when that is finished its The Other Side of the Story by Marian Keyes (another FAVE author!)

Nope, given up on it again. :sad:

Burn it NOW pj, dont' torture yourself anymore.

Just started - 'A Faint Cold Fear' - the third in the brilliant series of modern crime thrillers by Karin Slaughter. I can highly recommend her books but they are not for the weak stomached. :sick: and are best read in order!

Blindsighted
Kisscut
A Faint Cold Fear
Indelible

If you have not bought Indelible yet - you can have my copy Coastie.
I'll bring it to Dublin.
Just let me know.

I am 3/4's through Taken on Trust by Terry Waite. I have read John McCarthy's book in the past and thought it was time I read Terry's.

You would think that the books would be similar but they are not. Terry and John where two very very different people, John as a simple journalist about town and Terry was a missionary.

I can remember from JM's book that Terry ****ed him off with his holyier than than thou and forgiveness to all attitude, I think I would have felt the same.

But what I have found so fascinating in both books is what an amazing thing the human mind is. How you can survive on memory alone as your only means of entertainment for so long, is quite incredible.

If you have not bought Indelible yet - you can have my copy Coastie.
I'll bring it to Dublin.
Just let me know.

Cheers for the offer Secrets but I picked it up for a quid at a local charity shop! ;)

Still see you in Dublin though....woooo woooo!

Speed and Kentucky Ham (two stories in one) by William Burroughs Junior, it's very good,but sad tale of a pot head, i love the way he writes, sadly i don't think he wrote any more books after those two, as he kicked the bucket at 34! poor bugg-er!

I have just finished Kisscut and will be looking out for the other two you mentioned Coastie as I really enjoyed this one and Blindsighted. I get my books from an exchange shop so it keeps the cost down I get about 5 books for the price of one new one.

Just started Royal Flush by Lynda La Plant - I love her books! And when that is finished its The Other Side of the Story by Marian Keyes (another FAVE author!)


Reading Royal Flush myself at the moment and am totally hooked.... marvellous plot !!! Would love to see a movie version. Love Lynda La Plante. I read "Above Suspicion", another of hers a few months ago and again it was UNPUTDOWNABLE !!!!

I have just finished Kisscut and will be looking out for the other two you mentioned Coastie as I really enjoyed this one and Blindsighted. I get my books from an exchange shop so it keeps the cost down I get about 5 books for the price of one new one.

I must say i found Indelible hard work.
You must try Kathy Reichs.

I have just started Dan Browns Angels and Demons and think I'm going to give it a miss. It is so like the Da Vinci Code it's like reading the same book - starts off with a murder, victim being branded with a meaningful symbol. (The first victim in TDC's body was placed in a specific meaningful way). There is a Silos like character meeting with his 'employer'.

Why isn't Robert Langdon screaming daja vue at every turn?

I'm about to start a book my friend has lent to me. It's called The Road Less Travelled and it's by M Scott Peck who is a psychiatrist. It's apparently a very, very good book.

...Am actually just about to start reading Little Women...Have never read it before!!... :)

I bet you like Jo the best :thumbsup:

I bet you like Jo the best :thumbsup:




...I've watched the film - and yes Jo was my favourite character... :wink2:

I'm reading Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince... Although I know what happens! Me and my aunty couldn't help but look on the internet! :laugh:

I'm about to start 'Dragonfly in Amber' which is the follow up to 'Outlander' by Dianna Gabaldon, which I liked quite well. Thank you Secrets again for the site and info.

Im reading 'chic lit' at the moment. Its a Carole Matthews book called 'With or without you' and its blummin good.

Im about half way through right now.

Its a library book so its probably quite old.

Simutaneously I'm reading: "The Colorado Kid" by Stephen King, "Dragonfly in Amber" by Diana Gabaldon, and "Derailed" by James Siegel. Patsy's man Clivey-poo is in the movie adaption w/ Jennifer Anniston. Reckon Pats will cause a scene at the Red Carpet??? If so, SOMEONE post pics!!!

Simutaneously I'm reading: "The Colorado Kid" by Stephen King, "Dragonfly in Amber" by Diana Gabaldon, and "Derailed" by James Siegel. Patsy's man Clivey-poo is in the movie adaption w/ Jennifer Anniston. Reckon Pats will cause a scene at the Red Carpet??? If so, SOMEONE post pics!!!

Hmmm I may be at this red carpet event so I'll warn Clive about the woman with the crazy staring eyes and globs of saliver hanging from her chin!

Hmmm I may be at this red carpet event so I'll warn Clive about the woman with the crazy staring eyes and globs of saliver hanging from her chin!
LMAO Coastie-wait till she see's the piccie I posted in the SOMBA Room Thread. All Hell may break loose b/4 y'all get to Dublin!!!! xo msgirl

...Have just started reading Sophie Kinsella's 'Shopaholic' books... :)

I have just started Life & Limb, the story of Jamie Andrew who is quadrupile amputee after he & his got stranded in The Alps. It is already quite an inspiring story, I think because I knew when I started it what sort of happened so it is quite emotional already. However, just reading about his feelings is totally inspirational and his wife is an amazing woman.

I have seen him a few times in Edinburgh and he puts me to shame as he is always jogging around the park or doing something very energetic.

Although a very sad and tragic book, there are some really funny, happy moments too. And it makes you look at your life and think it isn't that bad after all............

I am reading Bill Bryson "Notes from a Small Island" and "My Little Friend" by Donna Tartt. I ordered a Christopher Brookmyre book today at my second home, Bookland. It was a reccomendation from a friend.

I loved My Little Friend. Kept me guessing:thumbsup:

Which Brookmyre one have you ordered?

I'm trying to read The Amateur marriage by Anne Tyler, but can't really concentrate on it :mellow:

They could only access 3...I ordered "Long Day in the Middle of the Night". If I like that one I will order the rest from Amazon as they were all there when I looked. I started 'My Little Friend' awhile back but had to return it to the library before I got into it good. I wanted to finish it so I got it out again. I'm a multiple reader and with the long weekend I thought I'd get a good bit of reading in. Already finished 2 this past weekend. Have you read " The Secret History" by Donna Tartt?? It was good.

Ooh - not the best one to start with :ohmy:

Quite Ugly One Morning; A Big Boy Did It and Ran Away; and The Sacred Art of Stealing are my favourites.

You can read extracts here (http://www.brookmyre.co.uk/book1.htm)

Ooh - not the best one to start with :ohmy:

Quite Ugly One Morning; A Big Boy Did It and Ran Away; and The Sacred Art of Stealing are my favourites.

You can read extracts here (http://www.brookmyre.co.uk/book1.htm)

I can't recall what the other 2 were but maybe one was 'Quite Ugly One Morning'...if I can get through the good, the bad and the tedious Rebus and still love him at the end, it may not be too bad. I'll keep you posted...oooh, that was a pun!!:w00t:

My Brookmyre favourite is "Boiling a Frog" - but they're all good :thumbsup:

'And Now Lets Move Into A Time of Nonsense' - by Nick somethingorother Page..... that's it!

It's about the current trend in Worship songs and questions what they are all about...good tunes replacing good lyrics...loving it as it's a moan I've had for a while!

finished "The Little Friend" by Donna Tartt. it was hysterical and not the read I thought it was when I started it. The Baptists, snake handling, heat, and the aunts and granny were a hoot. it was good.:w00t:

In the middle of reading Bob Dylan's Chronicles vol 1

I'm reading The Da Vinci Code at the moment. I have only read about 70 pages as of yet but it is a very interesting read

My Brookmyre came in today!!! The bookstore called while I was working on my Association Christmas float (another thread) and I will pick it up tomorrow and probably not get to start it til Sunday!!! Hope it's good!:)

I'm reading Castaway at the moment...about that series on BBC back in 2000....good read. I'd only vaguely heard of the show before finding this book for like a pound at some second-hand book store...seems like it was an interesting show tho.

I'm reading Grumpy Old Women which is very funny in a horribly familiar sort of way!

My lodger bought me this for my Birthday! :mellow:

I was just going through this thread as two of my freinds (twins but quite different) have asked for a 'good book' for Christmas......

I know they both really enjoyed the 'A Boy Called It' series of books but also know that they wont like anything with too much sex and violence. So far I have a list of four books I think they will enjoy from the load above:

Life and Limb, the Story of Jamie Andrew
May Contain Nuts by John O'Farrell
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

Any further suggestions gratefully received!

Oh and I have just started 'The Suspect' by Michael Robotham - only a few chapters in but it's very good thus far....

The main character is a London Psychiatrist with early Parkinsons disease. He basically gets involved with hlping the local police with a murder investigation....nothing new there...however...it looks like there could be a few surprises afoot! :wink2:

Coastie, I LOVED 'The Five People You Meet In Heaven' even though I'm not a religious person. It was very moving and I truly recommend it to people!!

I digested a huge book during the summer months titled "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by the wonderful Bill Bryson. He indulges you in some really startling facts, such as (and i'm not even going to make any attempts to use scientific talk here) when we are sat down on a chair......no part of our body is actually in contact with the chair itself.......mind-boggling stuff and it just goes on and on like that, including some really interesting tales about the universe and all it encompasses. Was fairly blown away by the book. Brilliant read.

I'm reading Castaway at the moment...about that series on BBC back in 2000....good read. I'd only vaguely heard of the show before finding this book for like a pound at some second-hand book store...seems like it was an interesting show tho.

I watched the Series on BBCAmerica.....ooooooh, that Ben guy was the cat's pajamas now!!!! I think he's on tv as a presenter or something now. That show was kind of hysterical some times I'd watch it.

Im not reading anything right now, which is the first time all year !!

I had some books from the library (i get 4 at a time) and after the initial 3 weeks i had only read 2, so i renewed them. Then 3 weeks later i still hadnt found the time to read them ... so i took them back yesterday.

I just seem to have less and less time to read right now.

After finding literary classics such as The Catcher in the Rye too much too handle, and incredibly s.hite, I have decided to return to...... the Harry Potter franchise.
I have read "The Philosopher's Stone" before and in the past week, forgetting the fact that I really should be studying for exams, I have read both "The Chamber of Secrets" and "The Prisoner of Azkaban". I'm now reading "The Goblet of Fire".
I know I'm a late starter but I thought it was time I gave them all a try after hearing all the praise they get - and I've loved them so far. Very un-put-downable!

'Eats, shoots and leaves' by Truss

Mum bought it for me for my birthday. I am hoping it will improve my punctuation!

It's very funny! :laugh: :book:

'Eats, shoots and leaves' by Truss

Mum bought it for me for my birthday. I am hoping it will improve my punctuation!

It's very funny! :laugh: :book:

Loved it! :cool: :D

Am currently reading Going Postal by Terry Pratchett, who is making me larf out loud by his ****take of the green'groc'ers apostro'phe :w00t:

I just got Truss' "Talk to the Hand" and "She Smiled So Sweetly" by Mary-Anne Tirone Smith, it's a "Poppy Rice Mystery". I guess I'll check out her others if this one continues to be good. I went to the library yesterday and checked those and a couple of health related books out for the long and grinding holiday with the kids home and the relatives in. I'm so cheeful...NOT!:laugh:

I am on the last chapter of Life & Limb - as I have already said a truly inspiring story. A worthy read - Jamie Andrew is just amazing and I have the utmost respect for him & his wife!

Once I have finished I am going to read the new Ian Rankin book "The Flood" (not a Rebus one) that he signed for me today! Woo-woo!

just about to start the last templar by raymond khoury. will fill you in when i have read it, but what drew me to it was the quote "it has served us well, this myth of christ" pope leo x, 16th century..........

OH..let me know what you think.I am on page 142 of that book.
I really like it....I LOVE the archaeological bits and the history bits...and quite like the sound of the main detective, but we will see.
The whole opening scenario at the Met Museum is just brilliant.
(but icky, of course.)

will do hun - only on pg 11, i only manage a couple of pages a night here in hospital - must be all the morphine keeps knocking me out:laugh: but about to put frank zappa on the walkman and get stuck in! mom says its brilliant - i bought it for her for her birthday!

Just finished Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and have come to the conclusion that JK Rowling is a genious. cannae wait to get stuck in to Order of the Phoenix now.
And if I fail my degree (which is getting more likely everyday) I shall be holding Ms Rowling personally responsible for writing such unputdownable books.

Loved it! :cool: :D

Am currently reading Going Postal by Terry Pratchett, who is making me larf out loud by his ****take of the green'groc'ers apostro'phe :w00t:

I fancy dipping into a Terry Pratchett. Fans have great meets in obscure places and Terry turns up and they all have a blast...I'd like that. Which one would be a good one to start with I wouldn't have got the greengrocers apostrophe as my punctuation is ******.

Not a great sci fi fan but I am always open to persuasion - I loved Iain Banks Walking on Glass if that helps do you think?

I fancy dipping into a Terry Pratchett. Fans have great meets in obscure places and Terry turns up and they all have a blast...I'd like that. Which one would be a good one to start with I wouldn't have got the greengrocers apostrophe as my punctuation is ******.

Not a great sci fi fan but I am always open to persuasion - I loved Iain Banks Walking on Glass if that helps do you think?

Terry Pratchet can be read by anyone with a sense of humour - not just SF fans - give the first few books a miss - until you are hooked!

Try - Wyrd Sisters or Guards, Guards, or Soul Music or Mort. Enjoy!

I just googled Terry Pratchett. I may have to give him a try after my batch of books I'm on now. I love sci-fi but in small doses.:w00t:

Terry Pratchet can be read by anyone with a sense of humour
Oh dear, I mustn't have a sense of humour then cos I tried reading "Feet of Clay" by Terry Pratchett and gave up about a third of the way through cos I was bored sh*tless!

It's because you live NEAR Cumbernauldisn't it????:w00t:

Terry Pratchet can be read by anyone with a sense of humour - not just SF fans -

Now I love Dave as much as the next man...

Agree with Rob though Cat - any of those would be a good start. My first one was Wyrd Sisters - loved it. In fact, Esme reminds me of you....

I have only read Truckers and Diggers and enjoyed them both. Might have a go at trying a few more!

Now I love Dave as much as the next man...

Agree with Rob though Cat - any of those would be a good start. My first one was Wyrd Sisters - loved it. In fact, Esme reminds me of you....

Who me Dave, Rob or all the SF fans out there?

It's because you live NEAR Cumbernauldisn't it????:w00t:
LOL! Near mind, not in!
I'd give you good rep for this as it made me laugh but apparently I need to "spread it around" Ooeer!

Who me Dave, Rob or all the SF fans out there?

You , you tart :nerd:

LOL! Near mind, not in!
I'd give you good rep for this as it made me laugh but apparently I need to "spread it around" Ooeer!


Spread it around and GIVE ME GOOD REP!!!!:laugh:

You , you tart :nerd:

Right I'm gonna get me that book tomorrow floops and read it I will.

:nerd:

Right floops, I've gone and got me that book and I'm going to sit down and start it this afternoon.

On your head be it

:eek:

You'll love it:w00t:

And if you don't you're clearly a sour-faced old trout with no sense of humour

I am enjoying....can't see the connection with Esme yet though her heckling at the theatre was very funny.

My brother is shocked that I have never read a Pratchett...he has bought me MORT for xmas.

BUT...should I just bounce about or start at the beginning so I can fully understand Discworld.....he said that you read 3 or 4 then leave it for awhile.

What is your advice.

Don't start at the beginning - IMO he hasn't really got into his stride by then and the first two or three books are quite difficult to read. After Wyrd Sisters try Mort - or Witches Abroad - then Guards, Guards would be a good bet.

I would leave the first three books until you have read a few more.

Also worth reading is Good Omens which he wrote with Neil Gaiman - not a Discworld book - but a good way into his style!

OK Rob...I shall read MORT next as I have it.

Knots & Crosses - the first Rebus novel...and well the erm fifth I've read...:blush:

I'm reading Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman. There seems to be a cult surrounding this author that has completely passed me by. The girls at work love him and couldn't believe I've never heard of him so this is my Christmas present from them. I'm enjoying it so far. He's quite funny.

I haven't heard of Neil Gaimen Petal - but I like funny books.

I have had a bit of reading frenzy over the last couple of weeks; I have just started Over Dale and Hill [or something similar] by Gervaise Phinn [the James Herriott of the Yorkshire education department] - very descriptively funny.

I finished a fabulous book Voicey sent me Those Who Save Us OMG I have forgotten the author, oh and I need to ask a question? In the wee hours of the morning I finished Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman [again could be slightly different] it was OK - but seemed like it may have been aimed at a slightly younger audience than me - are these books teenage books by an chance??

I bought myself Tumbling in the Hay by 'Oliver St John Gogarty' - those who were in Dublin will remember the pub of the same name. Apparently this book was banned in Ireland - I don't think it is now, of course. And I also bought myself Chocolat!

Cockney got Thud for christmas (Terry Pratchett) and I'm itching to get my hands on it, but it's his, so I have to wait :mad2: .

Cockney got Thud for christmas (Terry Pratchett) and I'm itching to get my hands on it, but it's his, so I have to wait :mad2: .
No you don't....just read it..

I got the new Martina Cole book 'The Take' for christmas so I am currently into that at the moment.

Cockney got Thud for christmas (Terry Pratchett) and I'm itching to get my hands on it, but it's his, so I have to wait :mad2: .

I'm re-reading it at the moment!

I could quote for England from this book but my fave so far has to be

"Wotcha Magret, come and sit down and call the cat a *******".

oh and also....

Even insects had minds, little pointy bits of light in the darkness of non-mind.

I could quote per page....this book is pure bliss.

Oh and Rob, by the by...my rented washing machine started playing up last week, the engineer came out couldn't fix problem so yesterday morning a brand new one was delivered, installed, ex taken away and bobs your uncle.

Renting is the way forward.

Oh and Rob, by the by...my rented washing machine started playing up last week, the engineer came out couldn't fix problem so yesterday morning a brand new one was delivered, installed, ex taken away and bobs your uncle.

Renting is the way forward.
Go on - rub it in:wacko:

Go on - rub it in:wacko:

Thats what I was doing Rob.

:wink_kiss

We didn't have to trawl round shops for a new one, organise for the old one to be taken away....done and dusted and all whilst I had popped to the doctors! Marvelous...renting is the new gospel of the lord.

Knots & Crosses - the first Rebus novel...and well the erm fifth I've read...:blush:

Remember and tune in on January 2nd when Rebus will be on our screens! They are showing The Falls (my favourite Rebus book) first then the recent book Fleshmarket Close. Plus I think 4 more Rebus TV dramas have been commissioned but don't know which ones they be.

I am reading one of the very first books written by Ian Rankin called The Flood, it is not a Rebus but is still excellent!

Just ahead of you Bella...I bought my TV guide today and put a big circle round REBUS! Can't wait...finally Stott is taking on the role....oooo mama....it's gonna be fab...the clip showed a shot of the little coffins...and Flip must be over the moon! :shocking:

:wink_kiss
renting is the new gospel of the lord.
I thought tramadol was the gospel of the lord:wacko:

[QUOTE=Buzz]I thought tramadol was the gospel of the lord:wacko:[/Q

This is chapter 2 according to Bosch.

I thought tramadol was the gospel of the lord:wacko:

er - what's tramadol?:unsure:

er - what's tramadol?:unsure:

The rather lovely drugster I'm taking to ease my back pain.

A rented washer is first in the gospel of life though. Dishwasher too now.


If it moves I rent it...and if it dosn't I take Tramadol.:eek:

If it moves I rent it...and if it dosn't I take Tramadol.:eek:

I often wondered why Mr Cat never unpacked his suitcases!:laugh:

Are you insinuating I have sexual realtions with my husband...HOW DARE YOU CAST SUCH ASPERSIONS

Pah!

Just ahead of you Bella...I bought my TV guide today and put a big circle round REBUS! Can't wait...finally Stott is taking on the role....oooo mama....it's gonna be fab...the clip showed a shot of the little coffins...and Flip must be over the moon! :shocking:

LOL - The Falls is the book where Flip got her name and the tiny coffins that are shown can actually been seen in the Chamber Street Museum - they are said to be linked to Burke & Hare, the well-known grave-robbers.

I am delighted too that Ken Stott is playing the lead role, he is just how I imagined Rebus - I am also looking forward to seeing parts of Edinburgh - oooh, can't wait!

Oh and the book I am reading The Flood is Ian Rankin's first ever published book.

I really enjoyed The Falls and was very concerned for Flips safety at times bless her cotton socks!

The Flood....I shall keep my eyes open for it...is it as he was writing as Ian Rankin as I notice some of his books state he was writing as someone else...for some reason...:unsure:

I just might have to do the museum when next I visit Edinburgh....is any of it dark and scary though...I nearly peed my pants in the dungeons.....didn't enjoy that at all! :cry:

I thought tramadol was the gospel of the lord:wacko:

LARF>>>LARF!!!

Bella, is 'The Flood' a Rebus book or a non-Rebus book??

Coastie and Bella, I'm making my voodoo gris-gris bags with your names on them for being able to watch the new Rebus, especially 'The Falls', one of my favorite Rebus stories....if you are suddenly ill or your tv goes on the blink...I have a several thousand mile alibi!!!:sly: :p

MissG....The Flood is non-Rebus!

and please don't stick pins in me...I'm only little and very sensitive... :unsure:

I really enjoyed The Falls and was very concerned for Flips safety at times bless her cotton socks!

The Flood....I shall keep my eyes open for it...is it as he was writing as Ian Rankin as I notice some of his books state he was writing as someone else...for some reason...:unsure:

I just might have to do the museum when next I visit Edinburgh....is any of it dark and scary though...I nearly peed my pants in the dungeons.....didn't enjoy that at all! :cry:

You will be safe in the Museum, Coastie - it is one of the bestest places in Edinburgh and it is free!

He writes The Flood as Ian Rankin, I think is other name is Jack Harvey - haven't read any of those books.

Awww, MSgirl and there was me thinking you so sweet & lovely and you are going to stick pins in Coastie and me..............you can be so wrong about some people! :whistling :p

...and Flip must be over the moon! :shocking:

You betcha - Ian was right [remember the inscription he