Munipenny55

Indeed, with Dickens you are in a master's presence as you read. Every sentence full of life. His portrayal of characters and personalities and the comic aspects is amazing and a delight. I know i must read all his novels now. Trouble is time! If only i could just read day and night.

Hi I've begun David Copperfield and it is delightful. I last read it at school 40 years ago. I cannot believe i have avoided Dickens for so long. I will be reading them all now!

Not read Leviticus. I love Book of James atvend ofcthe NT. Only short but summarizes Jesus teachings. I just continue building my knowledge by dipping in as i want. Never to learn by rote or quote at anyone. Rather to underpin my faith and grow and enjoy the wisdom and beauty of the words.

Hi Andrea Good to speak to a fellow christian. I don't read the Bible in any order, never have. I read what i am drawn to, perhaps an old testament section and a new testament book. Generally i read books by authors who are good at explanation. Selwyn Hughes is superb for instance. I don't like anything too heavy, i would rather be spiritually inspired and follow my own meandering path.

Hi I absolutely loved th TV series Lonesome Dove. I am sure you will enjoy the books - though I've not read them.

Hi Brian Lord of the Rings is possibly the best book i ever read. As the saying goes, the world is divided into two halves - those who have read it, and those who will!

Is the Bible. I am a committed Christian and read sections every possible day. It is my quiet private faith. If anyone wants to discuss purely the origins, beauty of language and literary aspects within the Bible, i would like that. To me the power of the words, especially in Psalms is wonderful. I am interested in the scholarly aspects, original writers and how the whole thing was put together. I hope it is ok on here. I just like talking to people about the beauty and wisdom contained in this greatest of works.

Hi I have the taste for Thomas Hardy at present. Just begun 'The Woodlanders' - has anyone read it? I just love escaping into that Hardy world of a time gone by. Beautiful sublime writing from such a master storyteller who knows human character so deeply.

Oh i can quite understand. I jjust like reading one now and then for pure escapism to a sunnier place.

Hi Alexander McCall-Smith - No.1 Ladies Detective Agency books? This author and his books are guaranteed to cheer the reader up, they bring sunshine into the dullest day. I wondered if anyone is a fan like me?

I love silence too. But i often have to put up with TV that my husband is watching. I've learned to zone out.

I cannot read in a moving vehicle as i would be sick! It is so good that with a kindle, no matter where we find ourselves, we readers can be somewhere else entirely. How do non readers ever cope with always being in this world? Personally i need regular journeys away.

Hi Interesting. I have not tried Dickens yet, apart from at school. That sounds like a good one to start with.

Hi Just finished Far from the Madding Crowd - i loved it.I hope you do too.

Thanks. Glad you did. I finished it today.

Hi Madeleine Ah, i was going to say this one had a surprising element of comedy in it. The scenes in the inn, of drunken companionship were priceless! But which one next? Which is least depressing? I have quite a few Hardys I've not read yet and i want to plunge quickly into one today! Before withdrawal sets in.

That's ok, i love his writing.

Hi Forgive me as i only just joined. I am not good at technology! I would love to discuss the writings of Thomas Hardy in any aspect with anyone who loves his books. Just finishing Far from the Madding Crowd. I love it!

I'm so sorry - topic gone on several times! Could someone please delete all except one?

Hi I am new and so glad to have found this book club. Anyone interested in Somerset Maugham?

Great. Ive almost finished it. I must immediately plunge into another Hardy - any suggestions which?

Is this strange - i read a lot in my bathroom. My partner and i are lucky we each have our own separate bathroom. I have a bookshelf in here. I spread a towel over the loo seat, dressing gown on and read each day before getting ready. Often couple of hours. I get up early, get a cuppa and that's me. I find total quiet and peace here. It delays my start to the day a lot! Otherwise i read at the kitchen table and in my armchair during lunch which is always a sandwich so one hand free to read. I always carry my kindle to anywhere any risk of waiting. All are reading opportunities. So what do you do?

Anyone a Hardy Fan? I read him years ago as a teenager. 'Tess of the Durbervilles' was amazing. Then for years i avoided him because the stories are so tragic. I didn't want to be dragged down. I have almost now finished 'Far from the Madding Crowd'. My goodness i have not enjoyed a book so much for many a year! What sublime writing, what incredible knowledge of human character and wisdom of life. This one is more upbeat than one imagines too. Some of the descriptions of the characters are hilarious. Anyhow, every moment i get i have opened my kindle and settled into Hardyland. Gobbled this one up. Have downloaded all his novels and feel secure and happy to do more gobbling for the foreseeable.

Just Amazon.

I cannot live without books. I read at every opportunity, kindle and actual books. Out and about my soul lights up to browse charity shops, markets, those great book exchange boxes in the supermarket. I am so greedy i often have several books on the go. My biggest puzzlement is how can non readers live like that? I mean what are they missing out on! How can one grow in wisdom without reading. I also get great comfort from going to another place in my mind in reading. It is my best relaxation. I cannot believe i have only just joined here - I've never joined a book forum before. I suppose i thought of reading as such a solitary pursuit.