willoyd Posted January 19, 2012 Share Posted January 19, 2012 Same! I think I've only come across one other person online who dislikes it too - I'm fairly certain Alexistar hated it too! I've not tackled it properly, only dipping in, but I can't say I liked anything I saw, and am in no hurry to read it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexi Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 Same! I think I've only come across one other person online who dislikes it too - I'm fairly certain Alexistar hated it too! Ugh I did, I only got halfway through I detested it so much. UGH. if I ever get close to completing the 1294 I will have to read it I guess for completeness...but fortunately I don't think it's likely! Not a total hijack . . . I finished The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle earlier, which is on the list, and I'm now on a grand total of 12 books. Yep 12 books out of 1001, I have a looonnnnggg way to go to even catch up with everyone on here, let alone to complete the challenge. If it makes you feel better, I've only read 14 from the list...and only because I recently added the two Sherlock Holmes books! I've got about 5 books from it on my mount TBR, and am hoping being able to read many classics free on iPad will encourage me to tick off a few more! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lauraloves Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 Ugh I did, I only got halfway through I detested it so much. UGH. if I ever get close to completing the 1294 I will have to read it I guess for completeness...but fortunately I don't think it's likely! If it makes you feel better, I've only read 14 from the list...and only because I recently added the two Sherlock Holmes books! I've got about 5 books from it on my mount TBR, and am hoping being able to read many classics free on iPad will encourage me to tick off a few more! It really is a book I forced myself to read, thank goodness that it wasnt a big book otherwise I would never have managed it! Yay, hopefully we will both have some progress on this challenge this year. I have a few classics to read to, so hopefully we will have a bigger number by the end of the year Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankie Posted January 20, 2012 Author Share Posted January 20, 2012 Just a bit of a thread hijack, but I cannot stand this book, I literally almost threw it across the room I disliked it so much! Glad to have found someone who is of the same thought as me An excellent 'thread hijack', as you call it, see how much conversation it envoked? For some reason this is one of my fave threads but there isn't that much convo on here, usually, so I'm only happy for the 'hijack' Keep 'em coming! Oh gosh, quite a lot of favourites! My absolute favourite favourites are the ones in colour! All the George Orwells (gotta be my favourite author!) The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks (we're getting a BBC TV production of this starting this Sunday!) To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Cider With Rosie by Laurie Lee The Midwich Cuckoos by John Wyndham Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan Diary of a Nobody by George Grossmith The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll Silas Marner by George Eliot Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Least favourites: The Sea by John Banville Casino Royale by Ian Fleming The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger A Room With a View by E.M. Forster Little Women by Louisa M Alcott I really disliked those (or just found them dull in the extreme) - and The Catcher in the Rye has to be my most hated book ever - what a phoney! I've noted before that you like George Orwell, and I've been curious about that. What is it about him that makes him such a great author in your book? I've never read anything by him. At least to my knowledge. What do you suppose I should start with? (I'm going to read something by him eventually, him being on the list, but also because he's one of the authors that intrigue me). I suppose you are happy with the challenge, seeing how many books you've liked off the list I really must read Rebecca as soon as possible, I've read one novel by Daphne du Maurier and it was sweeeet! What was so awful about The Sea by Banville? I bought a copy less than a month ago and Kylie commented on the buy on my reading thread and she said some people on here didn't seem to enjoy it that much, so I suppose you are one of them? And a general question to whoever listens and knows: I'm a bit baffled about the Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks. Is it a stand alone or a part of a trilogy? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chaliepud Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 Hi frankie, it's a trilogy of sorts, the 3 books are The Girl At The Lion D'Or, Biirdsong and Charlotte Gray... They are only linked by a few characters, and not main ones, they're not even chronological, so I think they really can be read as standalones. I loved Birdsong, really liked Lion D'Or but just couldn't get into Charlotte Gray, despite trying 3 times over a number of years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankie Posted January 20, 2012 Author Share Posted January 20, 2012 Hi frankie, it's a trilogy of sorts, the 3 books are The Girl At The Lion D'Or, Biirdsong and Charlotte Gray... They are only linked by a few characters, and not main ones, they're not even chronological, so I think they really can be read as standalones. I loved Birdsong, really liked Lion D'Or but just couldn't get into Charlotte Gray, despite trying 3 times over a number of years. Thanks chaliepud for the info! I have a copy of Birdsong, but I guess the bookish perfectionist in me thinks I should read them in the order they were published, eventhough that's not mandatory. I'll now just have to look for the other copies! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chaliepud Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 I didn't even realise they were a trilogy and don't remember the characters that linked the books. Birdsong is the first chronologically and very definitely the best of the three, and that's not just my opinion.. Have you tried Human Traces yet frankie? That's definitely a standalone. :-)) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexi Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 I have Birdsong...somewhere...on the mount TBR, so I must make efforts to get it completed! Discovered my current read (The Great Gatsby) is on the list which is exciting! I've also never read any Austen or Dickens, and only one Orwell (1984) - must do better! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janet Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 I've noted before that you like George Orwell, and I've been curious about that. What is it about him that makes him such a great author in your book? I've never read anything by him. At least to my knowledge. What do you suppose I should start with? (I'm going to read something by him eventually, him being on the list, but also because he's one of the authors that intrigue me). Well, I love books that are social history/commentary (especially non-fiction) and most of his fit that bill, albeit that only two of them are non-fiction and the rest fiction. I enjoyed Nineteen Eighty Four and Animal Farm (probably his best known books), but I've preferred the lesser known ones. They all have the same theme of people in Britain who are on the borderline of real poverty, whether real or forced. I would say to start with Down and Out in Paris and London if you don't mind non-fiction. It's of his experiences of living as a 'down and out' - a tramp - call it what you will. In the first part in Paris he had a job but it was really badly paid and there is quite a lot about his treatment/experiences doing that. In the second part based in and around London he lived in some real grotty boarding houses to start with and then went on the roads and lived rough, sleeping outside or moving from workhouse to workhouse - it's fascinating stuff. Of his novels, A Clergyman's Daughter is probably my favourite. I don't want to give too much away in case you do read it, but the daughter in the title ends up away from home and ends up travelling. Great stuff. They're not very cheery books though! Birdsong is really good. I haven't read the other two but The Girl at Lion D'or was published first, I believe, although they can be read out of order. Rebecca is one of my favourite books of all time! I just thought The Sea was rather dull. It was one of those books that takes a long time as it's a chore rather than a pleasure. I know plenty of people who liked it so I'm in a minority! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankie Posted January 24, 2012 Author Share Posted January 24, 2012 (edited) I didn't even realise they were a trilogy and don't remember the characters that linked the books. Birdsong is the first chronologically and very definitely the best of the three, and that's not just my opinion.. Have you tried Human Traces yet frankie? That's definitely a standalone. :-)) Oh, Birdsong was first, well then I can dip straight into it whenever I fancy reading it, thanks I haven't tried anything by Faulks yet and I only own Birdsong, but I've heard great things about Human Traces from a few people here on the forum and I'm 99% sure it's on my wishlist I'd also like to read Faulks on Fiction, I'll read any book by any author, that's about the books they read I guess that's my guilty pleasure, if one can call it that. I have Birdsong...somewhere...on the mount TBR, so I must make efforts to get it completed! Discovered my current read (The Great Gatsby) is on the list which is exciting! I've also never read any Austen or Dickens, and only one Orwell (1984) - must do better! I hope you enjoy The Great Gatsby, I liked it I've read all the major Austens, not the 'lesser' known novels or shorter stories, but I've only read one (!) Dickens so far and one Orwell (Animal Farm) and I feel you, I'm so ashamed that I don't know my Dickens! Well, I love books that are social history/commentary (especially non-fiction) and most of his fit that bill, albeit that only two of them are non-fiction and the rest fiction. I enjoyed Nineteen Eighty Four and Animal Farm (probably his best known books), but I've preferred the lesser known ones. They all have the same theme of people in Britain who are on the borderline of real poverty, whether real or forced. I would say to start with Down and Out in Paris and London if you don't mind non-fiction. It's of his experiences of living as a 'down and out' - a tramp - call it what you will. In the first part in Paris he had a job but it was really badly paid and there is quite a lot about his treatment/experiences doing that. In the second part based in and around London he lived in some real grotty boarding houses to start with and then went on the roads and lived rough, sleeping outside or moving from workhouse to workhouse - it's fascinating stuff. Of his novels, A Clergyman's Daughter is probably my favourite. I don't want to give too much away in case you do read it, but the daughter in the title ends up away from home and ends up travelling. Great stuff. They're not very cheery books though! Thanks for that Janet, you've managed to increase the intrigue for me! I'm now adding Down and Out in Paris and London to my wishlist and then move on from there Rebecca is one of my favourite books of all time! I've never met anyone who hasn't like the book, I think. I have no idea why I haven't read it yet. I used to own this really tattered, ugly copy, which put me off reading it, but then I bought a much nicer one so there's really no excuse anymore. Sure, it's in Finnish, but I didn't mind reading My Cousin Rachel in Finnish, the translation was really good. I really loved My Cousin Rachel, if Rebecca is as good as that, then it's going to be a real treat! I just thought The Sea was rather dull. It was one of those books that takes a long time as it's a chore rather than a pleasure. I know plenty of people who liked it so I'm in a minority! Funny you should say that it took a long time to read, because I was just about to say that well at least it's a short book and quick to read Well, I'll only have to read and see for myself. There's no way around it! Edit: I checked my wishlist and chaliepud, it was down to your recommendation that I have Human Traces already added on the list Edited January 24, 2012 by frankie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chaliepud Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 Edit: I checked my wishlist and chaliepud, it was down to your recommendation that I have Human Traces already added on the list I know! I'm desperate for someone on here to read it and love it as much as I did! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankie Posted January 24, 2012 Author Share Posted January 24, 2012 I know! I'm desperate for someone on here to read it and love it as much as I did! Haha But wasn't there someone else who'd already read it as well and praised the book to high heavens? Or am I getting soft in the head in my old days... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chaliepud Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 I can't remember but I hope so! I think the problem with Faulks is that some of his books are great and some are just.. well, not! So if you were to read one of his lesser books first you would be unlikely to try another which is very sad for Human Traces. The BBC adaptation of Birdsong probably won't do him any favours either! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lauraloves Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 An excellent 'thread hijack', as you call it, see how much conversation it envoked? For some reason this is one of my fave threads but there isn't that much convo on here, usually, so I'm only happy for the 'hijack' Keep 'em coming! Yay I'm so pleased that its kicked off a bit of a discussion I do need to read more books in this challenge this year to catch up with everyone else hehe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexi Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 I hope you enjoy The Great Gatsby, I liked it I've read all the major Austens, not the 'lesser' known novels or shorter stories, but I've only read one (!) Dickens so far and one Orwell (Animal Farm) and I feel you, I'm so ashamed that I don't know my Dickens I'm just over halfway through and really struggling with this one! I don't know if it's me being harsh because I'm having a tricky week or two for various reasons, so my concentration is a bit shot, but I'm really finding it hard to get into it and want to pick it up. I am persevering because it is quite short, counts for this list and also USA on my world challenge, but I'd heard really good things so am annoyed with myself! I found a copy of Down and Out in Paris and London in my brother's room last night (away at uni so he can't stop me pinching it!) - there are some pluses to a temporary move home! Planning a move shortly with Mr Alexistar - he's been warned about the stack of books that will be next to the bed at all times...But I might leave some here and swap them at convenient moments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankie Posted January 24, 2012 Author Share Posted January 24, 2012 I can't remember but I hope so! I think the problem with Faulks is that some of his books are great and some are just.. well, not! So if you were to read one of his lesser books first you would be unlikely to try another which is very sad for Human Traces. The BBC adaptation of Birdsong probably won't do him any favours either! Well, you'll be happy to know that I've taken note of this, and anyway as I have Birdsong, I'm more than likely going to start my journey with Faulks with that book. So if I don't like it, then you can just blame me, plain and simple Why do you reckon the BBC adaptation won't do him any favours? I thought BBC can't botch anything. I'm just over halfway through and really struggling with this one! I don't know if it's me being harsh because I'm having a tricky week or two for various reasons, so my concentration is a bit shot, but I'm really finding it hard to get into it and want to pick it up. I am persevering because it is quite short, counts for this list and also USA on my world challenge, but I'd heard really good things so am annoyed with myself! Uh oh, I hate it when everyone likes a book and I want to like it but can't! I'd suggest you put the book down and give it another go some other time when your mood might be better suited for it, but I'm not sure you'll like that suggestion, seeing your over halfway through. And then again, it's not a very long book.... I hope your week gets better soon! I found a copy of Down and Out in Paris and London in my brother's room last night (away at uni so he can't stop me pinching it!) - there are some pluses to a temporary move home! Planning a move shortly with Mr Alexistar - he's been warned about the stack of books that will be next to the bed at all times...But I might leave some here and swap them at convenient moments. Hehe, yay for brothers far and away And no leaving behind books for you missy, it's better to start grooming Mr Alexistar right from the get-go, it's easier that way in the long run Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janet Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 Thanks for that Janet, you've managed to increase the intrigue for me! I'm now adding Down and Out in Paris and London to my wishlist and then move on from there Goodo - hope you enjoy it when you get to it. I've never met anyone who hasn't like the book, I think. I have no idea why I haven't read it yet. I used to own this really tattered, ugly copy, which put me off reading it, but then I bought a much nicer one so there's really no excuse anymore. Sure, it's in Finnish, but I didn't mind reading My Cousin Rachel in Finnish, the translation was really good. I really loved My Cousin Rachel, if Rebecca is as good as that, then it's going to be a real treat! I don't think I've come across anyone who has read Rebecca and not enjoyed it either. The only other of hers I've read is Rule Britannia - I think that might have been her last published book? It was nothing like Rebecca though! I found a copy of Down and Out in Paris and London in my brother's room last night (away at uni so he can't stop me pinching it!) - there are some pluses to a temporary move home! Planning a move shortly with Mr Alexistar - he's been warned about the stack of books that will be next to the bed at all times...But I might leave some here and swap them at convenient moments. Hurrah for finding Down and Out... And quite right about Mr Alexistar - educate him from the start and you shouldn't have too many problems with him! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chaliepud Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 Well, you'll be happy to know that I've taken note of this, and anyway as I have Birdsong, I'm more than likely going to start my journey with Faulks with that book. So if I don't like it, then you can just blame me, plain and simple Why do you reckon the BBC adaptation won't do him any favours? I thought BBC can't botch anything. The BBC isn't perfect and has botched it's fair share of programmes over the years, but to be fair, I think it usually does a reasonable job with period dramas. But this one hasn't started well and so far has completely failed to capture the emotion of the book. It was always going to be difficult as his books are so descriptive and capable of making the reader visualise the scenes as they are read, to the point of feeling every emotion that the characters are feeling, that would be tremendously difficult to achieve in just a few hours of TV... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankie Posted January 25, 2012 Author Share Posted January 25, 2012 I don't think I've come across anyone who has read Rebecca and not enjoyed it either. The only other of hers I've read is Rule Britannia - I think that might have been her last published book? It was nothing like Rebecca though! I was sure I had Rule Britannia on my TBR because I do have some naughty-cal () book by her on the bookcase, but it must be some other book. I'll go and have a look. Oh no, it was Frenchman's Creek. It sounds good though. So many great books ahead! The BBC isn't perfect and has botched it's fair share of programmes over the years, but to be fair, I think it usually does a reasonable job with period dramas. But this one hasn't started well and so far has completely failed to capture the emotion of the book. It was always going to be difficult as his books are so descriptive and capable of making the reader visualise the scenes as they are read, to the point of feeling every emotion that the characters are feeling, that would be tremendously difficult to achieve in just a few hours of TV... That's too bad I guess BBC bit off more than they could chew. Oh how I love BBC's period dramas! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexi Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 I persevered and really enjoyed the second half of it! I reviewed it elsewhere, but copying and pasting and formatting on a mobile device makes me want to throw said mobile device out of the window, and I'm rather attached to it so shall refrain. Plus it's got all my ebooks on it I haven't yet read....totalling 43 as of now. Ahem. Only 14 out of the combined list completed, I feel rather embarrassed at this total. As for Mr Alexistar he is a reader (although on electronic devices) and seems extremely tolerant of my ways! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankie Posted January 28, 2012 Author Share Posted January 28, 2012 I persevered and really enjoyed the second half of it! I reviewed it elsewhere, but copying and pasting and formatting on a mobile device makes me want to throw said mobile device out of the window, and I'm rather attached to it so shall refrain. Plus it's got all my ebooks on it I haven't yet read....totalling 43 as of now. Ahem. Only 14 out of the combined list completed, I feel rather embarrassed at this total. Oh please do not manhandle your mobile device I'm happy to hear you made it through and started to enjoy the novel! Wohoo! I assume I might find a review on your reading blog (at some point if not already)? As for Mr Alexistar he is a reader (although on electronic devices) and seems extremely tolerant of my ways! He's a keeper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppyshake Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 Oh how I love BBC's period dramas! Which ones have you seen frankie and what's your favourite? I haven't seen Birdsong yet .. it's on tape though. Alan saw it and thought it was ok but he hasn't read the book so he's not had that comparison. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankie Posted February 3, 2012 Author Share Posted February 3, 2012 (edited) Which ones have you seen frankie and what's your favourite? I haven't seen Birdsong yet .. it's on tape though. Alan saw it and thought it was ok but he hasn't read the book so he's not had that comparison. Oh boy, how could I remember them all? Pride and Prejudice, of course. Wives and Daughters, Cranford, Jane Eyre, ... I'm sure there was one other Gaskell but I can't remember which. And there must be others but it's been years, I can't remember! Are we talking mini-series only, or the movies as well? As favorites go, I've seen Pride and Prejudice half a dozen times at least, and I love it so, but because I've seen it so many times I don't think I can watch it any time soon again. I love the songs they play at the balls. Beautiful! I really like the Gaskell ones as well. And I can't wait to read the Gaskells I have on my TBR Edited February 3, 2012 by frankie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppyshake Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 Oh boy, how could I remember them all? Pride and Prejudice, of course. Wives and Daughters, Cranford, Jane Eyre, ... I'm sure there was one other Gaskell but I can't remember which. And there must be others but it's been years, I can't remember! Are we talking mini-series only, or the movies as well? As favorites go, I've seen Pride and Prejudice half a dozen times at least, and I love it so, but because I've seen it so many times I don't think I can watch it any time soon again. I love the songs they play at the balls. Beautiful! I really like the Gaskell ones as well. And I can't wait to read the Gaskells I have on my TBR I love all of those too My favourite is probably Pride & Prejudice .. I don't think it will ever be as well done again (so I wish they wouldn't try ) Have you seen any of the Dickens? .. there has been so many brilliant adaptations but those that have been absolutely phenomenal are Martin Chuzzlewit, Our Mutual Friend, Bleak House & Little Dorrit. If you haven't caught any of those then you really must (when you have a spare five hours or so ) I prefer the Great Expectations that went before this last one but they were both great. Teeny, tiny Daniel Radcliffe (before Harry Potter) as David Copperfield was also a treat. Imo there hasn't really been a Wuthering Heights that has captured even half the intensity of the book .. same with Rebecca, A Tale of Two Cities (though I do love the old B&W films of both) and Northanger Abbey (and I soooooo wish they would do that one properly.) I've liked most of the Sense & Sensibility's especially Emma Thompsons .. I thought Kate Winslett was just so 'Marianne'. I also really loved Love in a Cold Climate .. they actually mashed two of Nancy's books together for the TV adaptation (Love in a Cold Climate and The Pursuit of Love) which could have gone horribly wrong but luckily it was fantastic. Was the other Gaskell North & South? .. that was another good one. Perhaps (because of the unique way it is funded .. sorry ... that's a Brit reference .. it's what they tell us because we have to fund the BBC by paying a TV licence fee) the BBC hasn't enough money to really invest in long adaptations anymore .. they seem to do more potted versions now which is a shame. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian. Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 I quick and short update to my list. I have now read Fight Club (which I'm pretty sure is on the list) and Crime & Punisment. I really liked Fight Club and thought Crime & Punishment was ok although I didnfind it a bit of a slog in places. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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