Booknutt

I loved the first book, Bakey. I won't spoil it for you but enjoy!

What about the Outlander series? True love through time is pretty hard to beat.

Kept being asked last year if I'd been in a fight ... I'd had a half rotten wisdom tooth removed, and the dentist had injected my gums about 6 times. That did hurt a bit, but I sailed through the actual extraction with no problems - except for the impressive bruises on my cheek which took a few weeks to clear!

The Dvd's are available here (UK) now! Pretty pricy though at 32 pounds(?) for the 8 episodes. My birthday's coming up - must get hinting, it's worth a try!

How are you two getting with Elizabeth & Mr. Darcy Michelle? Have new fans been born? (or not?)

Who has read the latest from our Barbara - "The Darkest Hour"? I've heard some positive things about it which make me almost curious enough to order it from my Library. I can feel my sulks over it being set in quite "modern" times historically (the second World War!) fading away now, as they inevitably would with this author, who's too good to miss. Tell us what you thought, fellow bookworms -?

Dunno about these making you cry, Storynutter, but Victoria Connelly writes some great light romantic novels. If you happen to be a Jane Austen fan she's done a series of books with Austen-like themes, too. My own favourite is "A weekend with Mr. Darcy" a lovely modern story of Austen-fans and their lives. Whatever you choose - enjoy your .

You've come to the right place, Storynutter - there's nothing like reading about all the great books about today to make the urge too much to resist. Try arranging yourself a short book-nook during the day, or last thing at night. Just fifteen minutes is very refreshing.

Oddly enough, one of the things I like about "Wuthering" is the sheer honesty of both Cathy and Heathcliffe's selfishness! Neither of them wrap it up - it's me, me, me all the way! It's not "right" but it's honest, and increases the passion and drama of the story. Once Cathy had been civilised by her stay with the Lintons, she still loved Heathcliffe, but had trouble accepting him in his still-unhoned state. Heathcliffe's hurt feelings (nothing good comes of eavesdropping!) caused his disappearance in order to "better" himself, but came back to be frustrated again as Cathy still was "lost" to him. So he forced young Cathy and Linton together. He couldn't have the woman he loved, but controlling his son and her daughter gained him the material benefits of her inheritace, and he saw this as some kind of revenge. Still didn't help his sufferings, though - revenge doesn't! I am glad though that young Cathy and Hareton got together, in the end. They both recognised good qualities in each other, and accepted each other for those, despite any "failings". That's real love. Something the elder Cathy and Heathcliffe thought they had, but failed in. Have a fun weekend of , folks!

Glad to hear the encouraging news about the Kindle Paperwhite. I've just got one, bought as a "special treat" for me. Been wanting an e-reader for ages but common sense (and lack-of finances!) prevailed! Not using it yet - but looking forward to it. (I'd never entirely desert traditional books, though.) Happy reading, All.

Nice to know I've got company in actually preferring "traditional" book-books, folks. When I eventually get a Kindle-or-whatever it'd certainly be handy for such problem books,holidays etc., but I wouldn't be using it everyday. In fact a second hand one would suit me just fine! Must have a sniff about for one ...

For any fans of Lorna Byrne - just a reminder that her next book "Love from Heaven" is due at the end of April 2014. Anyone not already a fan? Well, if you're interested in Angels Lorna's books are a great straightforward place to get started.

Good Luck to all the new legal "married's" out there - enjoy the icing on the cake of your special bond.

I've come across a snag when these books. They're pretty heavy (in weight terms, I mean) and I've found there's only one occasion a day when I can read them comfortably i.e. propped against something. (yes, it's in bed!) My other "reading spots" are booked by my cat, who likes to grab a few quick zzzz's on my lap, and much resents being used as a book prop! Another step nearer a Kindle or etc., I think ... either that, or looking for the smaller versions of the novels. Must start dropping hints - there's just over 2 months to go till my birthday. Happy Sunday reading, everybody.

Sorry Geordie so far I haven't even spotted them, but maybe there's a topic somewhere hereabouts - ? Try a "search" y'never know. Meanwhile I've scanned the other books of G.R.R. Martin and I have to say I'm not attracted at all! I know authors can feel the need to change their style sometimes, but maybe they're just a leap too far? Anyone like them? Back to the Clash of Kings

I agree, Angury - that teacher will get fantastic results this year! (I'm onto Book 2, now)

Thinking about it (always a positive sign! ) I think M.M. made Scarlett and Melanie such opposites to mirror the "war" theme of the book. Scarlett benefitted from Melanie's sweetness and loyalty. Melanie (and other dependants) benefitted from Scarletts strength and single mindedness. Neither was actually of a likeable nature - both get on everyone's nerves for being too extreme! - but worked well together when it came to survival. Just as the North and the South were extremes of each other. Finally the "peace" which was born brought suffering for the previously rich, and problems for the previously-downtrodden slaves and "white trash" who just weren't used to handling freedom and responsibility, and problems for the "victorious" North who finally realised they'd birthed a monster. I think her message was about balance or common-sense being a good thing for everyone. O.K.,I've taken cover - fire away!

The cover illustration of a book is pretty important as far as I'm concerned. I avoided the G of T. series for ages as one cover showed a dead dragon, and the other a depressed Sean Bean, neither to my taste! Finally, I'd heard so much about the wonderful series it is, I lifted a blue-Bean copy for a look and fell in love. Am now collecting them, mostly by scanning charity shops for bargins. Was a bit annoyed at first when I realised the series comes in two sizes, so the five I now have are varying. Actually though they don't look too bad in my bookcase, as the cover illustrations follow the same style, regardless of size. In the end, it's the story that's important, and I'm luvin' it. Happy hours of to us All.

Re: the Cersei debate - I may change my mind as I read along, but after she took her revenge against innocent Lady - she's a dyed-in-the-wool baddie for me. That was purely vicious! and not promising as far as her nature goes.

I suppose I can be a bit smug about the delay to the last book - 'cos I haven't finished the first, yet! With other books to read in between, it'll probably be late this year or even next before I start to miss the series, and then - it's always useful to go back to the beginning, again. When a reader is familiar with all the details of a series (and there's loads of detail here) a second reading can an can harvest deeper meanings, humour or etc., more readily from the novels, and be just as much fun as the first. Still fond of Tyrion, thoiugh he could learn to keep his mouth shut, he keeps talking himself into trouble - the curse of the intelligent man.

Thanks, Raven.

Hi Athena and everyone - I've already found a couple of favourite characters. Daenerys Targaryen is one - finally standing up to her bullying brother was a real milestone for her. He needs to get real and accept the facts of his life now, instead of hanging onto fantasy. Also, to my own surprise I'm getting fond of Tyrion Lannister! Born very challenged himself, he's understanding of "underdogs" and did his best to help both Jon and Bran with their problems. On the other hand he's got a bad reputation to live down, so time will tell ... ! A good story is a bit like getting to know new family members - the good and the bad. Happy to us all.

That's the one Kylie - now proudly displayed in my bookcase Of course enjoying any novel itself is the main thing, but it makes a difference having a copy you are comfortable with. Taking the range of covers shown here - it seems a lot of you agree

How are you guys getting on with the series? Only about halfway through book 1 (Song of Fire and Ice) myself - but what a fantastic find! Sometimes you just open a book and fall right into it - it's just "right" y'know? Looking forward to enjoying the rest of 'em - and the series isn't finished yet, either!

Just popped in to ask if any of you "Gone" fans will be getting a copy of the new printing of the novel? It's always offended me that most of the bookcovers show scenes of steamy passion between man and woman - inferring that the book is a sleazy story dripping with loads of sex. . As we who have read and loved it know that's far from the truth The "passion" of the novel comes from the strength of feeling between Scarlet and Rhett (who never share more than a kiss, or vague references to bedroom-stuff after marriage ) the strength of feeling between North and South, the struggles to survive of the previously-rich characters, and the slavery issues, present in a big way throughout the story. In fact the majority of the "passion" comes from the absorbed reader! The new version, showing Viven Leigh in her Scarlett role (acceptably clad!) is now on my to-buy list. (must get to "Scarlett" and "Rhett Butlers People", too)