Icecream's Reading blog

[Icecream]

Read in 2006 (since my university finals):-
Pride and Prejudice -Jane Austen
Cold Mountain - Charles Frazer
The Hobbit - J.R.R tolkien (Reread)
Emma - Jane Austen (50pg)
Angels and Christians - MJ White
Empress Orchid - Anchee Min
This Present Darkness - Frank Peretti
The Hogfather - Terry Pratchett

READ in 2007
The Hogfather - Terry Pratchett (cont'd)
The Vampire's Seduction - Raven Hart
Karma - Holly A Harvey
The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox - Maggie O'Farrell
Mist Over Pendle - Robert Neill
My Sister's Child - Lyn Andrews
Cracking the Da Vinci Code - JL Garlow
1984 - George Orwell
Gosh You Look Just Like ME - Keith Richardson
Harry Potter 3, 4, 5, & 7
The House at Riverton - Kate Morton
The bookseller of Kabul - Asne Steierstad
The Book of the Courtier -Baldasare Castiglione

READ IN 2008
Out - Natsuo Kirino
The Vampire's Secret - Raven Hart
The Vampire's Kiss - Raven Hart
A Small Part of History -
Bonfire of The Vanities - Tom Wolfe
Entertaining Angels by Joanna Bell
After You'd Gone - Maggie O'Farrell (Bookring)
Strata - Terry Pratchett (audio)
Eragon - Christopher paolini
Nice Girls Don't Change The World- Lynne Hybels
Stargazing by Linda Gillard
Blood Ties - Sam Heyes (Bookring)
Emotional Geology - Linda Gillard (Bookring)
The Memory Keeper's Daughter
In Search of Adam - Caroline Smailes

ON MY TO READ SHELF
The End of Mr Y - Scarlett (http://bookclubforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?goto=newpost&t=6832) (Bookring)
Fanny Hill
A Christmas Carol (reading circle)
The Silmarillion J.R.R Tolkien
My Dark Eyed Girl - Wendy Robertson
Moby Dick Herman Melville
Moody - John Pollock
Journey to the Centre of the Earth - Jules Verne
The Divine Secrets of the Yaya Sisterhood - Rebecca Wells
Shindler's List - Thomas Keneally
An Advancment of Learning - Reginald Hill
The Black Sun - James Twining
Hot Latin Lovers - Michelle Reid, Sara Craven and Sophie Weston
Poirot's Early Cases - Agatha Christie
Flesh and Blood - Jonathan Kellerman
Angela's Ashes - Frank McCourt
Modern Music - Paul Griffiths
Black Beauty - Anna Sewell
A Lifetime Burning - Linda Gillard
The Vampire's Betrayal - Raven Hart
Tolkien Illustrated Encyclopedia - David Day
Oscar Wilde - The Complete Works
Nine Coaches Waiting - Mary Stewart
For Whom The Bell Tolls - Ernest Hemingway
The Lovely Bones - Alice Seabold
The Black Magician trilogy (bookring)

TO BE BOUGHT/LOANED
Lady Chatterley's Lover by D.H Lawrence
The Divine Matrix - Gregg Braden
The Book Thief - Markus Zusak
VALIS - Philip K. Dick.
The Innocent - Posie Graeme-Evans
Broken April – Ishmael Kadare_
If on a winter's night a traveller - Italo Calvino
Mystical Paths and Glamorous Powers – Susan Howatch
The Debt To Pleasure - John Lanchester
Plain Truth - Jodie Picoult
The Golem’s Eye – Jonathan Stroud
Marius Brill 'Making Love - A Conspiracy of the Heart'
Cat Weatherhill – Barkbelly
Tainted Blood – Arnaldur Indridason
The Five People You Meet in Heaven - Mitch Albom
Everville - Clive Barker
Good Omens - Neil Gaiman
Piercing the Darkness - Frank Peretti
The Rainbow Bridge - Aubrey Flegg
Jean M Auel’s ‘Earth Children’
A Piece of Cake - Cupcake brown
Forgotten Garden - Kate Morton
His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman
Before I die - Jenny Downham
The Story of a Marriage by Andrew Sean Greer
Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks
Escape- Carolyn Jessop
Pooh and the Philosophers - John Tyerman Williams
The Music Teacher - Barbara Hall
Freudian essay
Therapy- Sebastian Fitzek
The Last Empress by Empress Orchid

Currently reading:- Before You Hit The Wall by Danny Lehman

[Icecream]

Cold Mountain was a good book. The chapters skip back and forth between the two love birds journeys. One more physical, showing the brutal fighting side of war, as well as how various obscure races deal with it, and one that is more on the emotional/mental side (though Inman has a journey of the mind too of course), coping with civilian life in wartime. This is from Ada's view, and those around her too.

[Icecream]

It is very well written, with verses from literature here and there and descriptive passages (supposedly from a book of Inman's). All of these are cleverly inserted. This book is designed to make the readers think about the other side of war. I have not looked up yet whether Charles Frazier is anti-war, or what his views are.

[Inver]

It is very well written, with verses from literature here and there and descriptive passages (supposedly from a book of Inman's). All of these are cleverly inserted. This book is designed to make the readers think about the other side of war. I have not looked up yet whether Charles Frazier is anti-war, or what his views are.

I found this book a bit of a disappointment...all though well written I found it a bit of a chore to get through. But I'm glad you enjoyed it. Wouldn't do if we all liked the same...and I was a bit disappointed with the ending.

[Icecream]

I found Emma very disappointing, just could not find a hook. I put it down about 50pg in.

[Icecream]

Have reread 'The Hobbit', which was still as enjoyable the second time, though more fantastical I think than the 'Lord of the Rings', a good read, if one takes a liking to dwarves and legend. There is also a fun element to this book as well.

[Icecream]

I picked up Angels and Christians from the library but have been slower reading it than I thought I would. Almost there. Will have a review by tonight or early tomorrow. There I have to finish it now.

[Icecream]

Angels and Christians by MJ White is a scary romantic adventure story about a brother and sister, and their life on an island, with the aim of them realising God’s plan for their lives. It is a book that addresses, through the adventures of these two people, both devastating and uplifting effects of humanity, both good and evil.

Christian witnesses his mother’s rape and death, then his sister Angel goes silent. They, and their father move away to an island, where paradise abides, (Angel even starts talking), until things start to go wrong..

The father dies at the hands of the son. Christian has sex with his sister, and she turns silent. She leaves the island and he goes after her..
Through a series of adventures, in which Christian searches for Angel, meets some interesting people, and goes to jail for no reason, both loving and evil thing are shown about people, yet ironically it is these things that lead the siblings back to each other.

It transpires that they are not brother and sister, and when Christian eventually arrives back at the island, he finds that he has twins, a boy and a girl.
This is a story of retribution, revelation, love, deceit, identity and love. There is a passage in the book that explains good and evil, in a Christian context, saying that one must triumph over the other, giving the character of each, while in the book, love and goodness triumph against all odds.

All of these topics together, plus the story, and the unexpected ending make a very interesting and thought provoking read. I of course, being a Christian agree that love will triumph over evil, as I think most people would do, and also through experience, I believe that circumstance, experience and character can attribute to how good or bad a person seems to be, and also whether they are truly like that on the inside. Only God, I think, knows this.

I am about now rereading 'The Fellowship of the Ring' by J.R.R Tolkien. I want to read this and the others quick because I want to read 'The Mist Over Pendle' (a local book). May pick Empress Orchid if I can too.

[Icecream]

I have just finished Empress Orchid (review in reading circle section). Was a very good read. I am starting 'This Present Darkness' by Frank Peretti.

[Icecream]

**List updated**

I went to my mother in law's yesterday and she gave me 'My Sister's Child' by Lyn Andrews to read. It looks like I have to bump up my list to fit another book at the front. Will I get to my own bookshelf??

My Sister's Child is set in Liverpool where I went to university, and where my maternal family is from, so maybe I will recognise some of it. It is also a book someone has leant to me so it looks like I'll have plenty of threads to post in when it is finished.

I'm still on This Present Darkness at the moment. Will try and finish it before I have to renew it again.

[Icecream]

I have just decided that I should not read 'This Present Darkness' before going to bed. Will I stick to it??

I had a horrid dream about evil spirits and the strongman last night, then woke up thinking there were evil spirits all over the house especially in the bedroom. I managed to convince myself it wasn't true and go back to sleep but I have been very tired today and now I have to wake myself up to go to band..:roll:

[abecedarian]

I've heard of lots of people feeling creeped out by this book..I wasn't bothered at all, but I can't remember if I read it before bedtime or not. I actually felt reassured by the both This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness. Everyone's mileage varies!:readingtwo:

[Icecream]

I'm definitely enjoying the book, and am not sure yet of my reaction to it because I feel there is something unexpected going to happen, but from what I know so far I am intrigued and enlightened. I think I just have a very vulnerable sleeping mind. OH thinks I'm mad..:mrgreen:

[Icecream]

I think it depends which bits are read before bed too. The last two nights I slept fine after reading substantial sections.

I am sure after finishing the book I will have another outlook on it. It is a book that most definitely changes your opinions and expectations right the way through.

[Icecream]

**List updated**

This Present Darkness is the best book I have read this year. I can't really say very much without givng the book away, as it all comes together in the last few chapters. I highly recommend this book to everybody.

It is a book that brings the innate human curiosity of life into the real world. It is a story of human will, the fight of good and evil, and provides answers to many questions we all ask, whilst pushing us to ask more questions. I will certainly be made to reflect upon the issues that from this book.

I'm now reading My Sister's Child, a very different book. It is a romance story. Not deep like This Present Darkness. As the author writes in local dialect, I am already in a completely different world after just a few pages.

[Icecream]

Finally finished The Hogfather. Will post comments tomorrow in the reading circle. *Updated the list and added my to be bought pile as well.

I'm still going with My Sister's Child too, and am waiting for The bookseller of Kabul in the library.

[everydayxangels]

Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult: haven't read this one by her. I'm on my third novel by Jodi, which is something I normally don't do - read more than two books by the same author. I read My Sisters Keeper by her, and loved it! read Nineteen Minutes and also loved that, which is coming in March/April, I forget. it had the same twist at the end in the way My Sisters Keeper did. I'm now reading Keeping Faith which is absolutely phenominal so far! I saw the Lifetime movie of Plain Truth which sets me off to reading the novel. I, for some reason, cannot read a book after seeing the movie. and it was a good movie, though wouldn't interest me in reading it.

The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom is wonderful! a slim read, not even 150 pages I believe, but could definitely cram quite a few life lessons and theories and really make you think, in such a few pages. There really is no plot, as there normally isn't in Alboms books, but still definitely wonderful.

[Icecream]

thanks everydayxangels. I've just started Mist Over pendle by Robert Neill. I've been aching to read it for ages, and as I can't get the bookseller yet couldn't resist. I wanted something to read last night, but I couldn't get back into My Sister's Child.

"The forest of Pendle during the early seventeenth century: a wild inaccessible corner of Lancashire where the ancient fear of demons and witches is still part of life - and death.

When several local people die in, mysterious circumstances, Squire Roger Nowell dismisses talk of withcraft as superstition, but soon a series of hideous desecrations take place, and there are unmistakable signs that a black coven is assembling to plot a campaign of evil and destruction.."

Mist Over Pendle is a local book. The valley of Pendle is next to where i live, the hill being only 5/10 minutes drive in many directions (big hill). The story is about the Pendle witches. If I remeber the legend correctly, there were nineteen women caught, tried and killed all from the area. As I have grown up around this legend and its geography this book has sentimental value..

[JudyB]

When I was a child my gran lived in Scotforth near Lancaster. I've loads of happy memories of visiting her there and was always vaguely aware of the Pendle witches - this would be a good book for me to read sometime.

[Icecream]

Well I'm sure you could borrow it if you like;) .

I'll let you know what I think of it.

[JudyB]

Thank you that's very kind - I'll see if my mum's got a copy first (very likely!). I'll be interested to read what you thought of it.

[Icecream]

Judy - Mist Over Pendle is a fiction book. Obviously it accounts real events, but is written as a fiction book and is quite long, if you get my meaning. I'm sure it is good, but in addition to this you may want to get your hands on the shorter book The Pendle Witch Trial 1612 by Rachel A.C. Hasted, and also
The Wonderfull Discoverie of Witches in the Countie of Lancaster, reprint of the 1612 book by Thomas Potts, ISBN 1-85936-100-5 (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Booksources&isbn=1859361005), which is actually a pamphlet written by Potts, a lawyer in the court at the time of the witches trial, which Hasted's book is based on.

Looking in the front of Hasted's book I see that i am correct there were nineteen witches. They were not all tried together though.

[Polka Dot Rock]

Hey Emma, I've just realised that we graduated at the same time! Where did you go and what did you study? (Manchester Uni and English & American Literature for me). Graduation seems soooo long ago...

[Icecream]

Hi Amy My graduation was only four months ago (due to the strikes), but now it does seem like an age. I studied a BAC Music/Theology and Religious Studies at Liverpool Hope, althoug hope only became a university in 2005 so my course is accredited by the University of Liverpool.

Four years at uni, I know many things but still don't understand why they named the Theology course twice!:lol:

[Polka Dot Rock]

Was it because it was so good, they named it twice? ;)

That sounds like a real full-on degree! The work you must've done!

[Icecream]

Must be:lol:

There was a lot of work, only the same amount as a single honours course. The difficulty with two subjects is spending each day flipping your mind between the too, and in my case moving between campuses meaning a lot of travelling time and not much studying time by the time I got home.

[Icecream]

*List updated

I have finally finished Raven Hart's The Vampire's Seduction, a truly wonderful book. It is well written, has many levels, yet is also very entertaining. If you have never read a vampire novel I recommend it highly. If you love romance or deep, meaningful, life-applicable plot lines then this is a book for you.

My favourite character was Jack (not too sure why). He is fun loving, sensitive (for a man;) ), and has a capturing aura about him. The Vampire's Seduction is full of twists (but not too many), that keep the reader guessing and intrigued. What's more is I cannot wait to read the next book, as I love the characters and the storylines. Something I often get bored with is a series, or books by the same author, but I have afeeling that won't happen here.

I have just started Karma by Holly A Harvey, a nice light change from the Vamipre's Seduction. It seems a good read so far.

[Michelle]

I'm so glad you liked it, Emma. The sequel didn't disappoint me at all.. in fact, I thought it was even better. :D

[Nici76]

I can't wait until i get mine! :D

[Raven Hart]

Icecream, I'm so glad you liked The Vampire's Seduction!!! Thanks for the kudos! :mrgreen:

[Icecream]

No probs. It was a great book. I haven't read a really wonderful book outside the fantasy genre for quite a while. I'm not very good at writing reviews though so I can't really do you justice. Thank you for the book, and to Michelle for the competition.

Hey Mrstrecool, how did you get on with The Vampire's Seduction??

[mrstrecool]

I'm still reading it, I'm so slow!!! I'm determined to get stuck into it properly this week. I've enjoyed what I've read so far, so I'm looking forward to the rest of it.

[Icecream]

Lekker! I wasn't exactly sure if you were still reading it or not. I thought you were. Let me know what you think..

[Raven Hart]

You're most welcome. :)

[Icecream]

I was planning to finish Karma this week, but cannot see it happening. I didn't get any reading done yesterday because Katie was being clingy, then had colic all evening. I could have read while feeding her all day (as that's all I did), but she tired me out.

I am enjoying Karma though, and I shouldn't be too much longer with it. The book is great, although predictable, and also, as I have said to PP, I need to be careful, as the main character is so like me that it s likely to affect my mental state if i am not careful, which makes it a very interesting read..

[Icecream]

Karma was great.

I don't usually like chic-lit, but Karma had an edge because the characters were real. They spoke to me, as I am sure they would to other readers, because the characters generally have much the same characteristics we have in society today. There is a youth culture, a female 'group culture' (those females who make any woman outside there 'group' suffer), and there are love wars (we all have those).

Paige, the main character spoke to me, as I too am young and in debt that I can't get rid of. I too, although the older sibling, have a sister who is doted on whereas my successes are more or less ignored. I too longed for love (before i found it), and i made drastic mistakes. I also hated school (loved the work, hated the people).

This book is a nice light read with plenty of entertainment, and as Kell mentioned, very funny, but it also has a certain depth. It does make you think. I found myself wondering about the past, present and future of both myself, and humanity as a whole. The questions where is culture taking us, and the question the book poses, what place does karma have, are now enveloping my brain. There are also serious issues posed, such as Paige's health problems with CFS, and debt management. I must point out that I saw some of the outcomes to the plot lines through the book, but that does not make it any less interesting..

The final thing I found interesting I will leave to those who have read the book.. Paige's being pregnant with twins struck me, having recently given birth myself. The short birth story brought back memories. Childbirth is a wonderful thing, however, I am not sure I could give birth to twins. It seems beyond belief. Even with pain relief it seems it would be difficult for the second baby..

I definitely recommend this book to anybody. I think even men would see a lot within these pages..

[Polka Dot Rock]

Ooh sounds fantastic! Great summary Emma! :)

[Icecream]

Aww, thanks Aimz. It really was a good read.

[Icecream]

I've updated my review of karma. I knew I'd forget something!!!:doh:

[Icecream]

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell is a great book. It affected me in many ways. It is a ver personal story, and very well written. It jumps around in time, but keeps its continuation by exlaning what needs to be explained, while holding back only on the main plot line. This is definitely a must read for anybody. The book certainly also promotes further reading. I've posted other commments in the reading circle thread..

I'm continuing with The Mist Over Pendle now. I've just realised how slow I'm being at reading..

[Icecream]

I have now finished The Mist Over Pendle. It was a great read. I loved reading a story set where I live. It was a slow start, but once it got past the first couple of chapters this was a very entertaining book. The story is of a local legend concerning the pendle witches. Nineteen witches were tried and hung in the days when Lancashire was still Lancaster. The book enlightened me, but I can't say why without spoiling it. It was also very funny, having as the book says, a sardonic nature in some of it's characters, however, there is also a dark element and some of the characters are rathe plain, but never dull. If anyone is interested in understanding witchcraft, or knows the area of Pendle, I recommend it.

I am now going to finish My Sister's Child by Lyn Andrews, which I started before christmas, but ended up reading other books. I borrowed it from my mother in law, so i better finish it now.

[Icecream]

Sorry, I]m a bit busy at the mo so this is in bits..

The Mist Over Pendle reminded me of Jane Austen, as it is set around the same sort of time/culture from the language used. Robert Neill is clearly in touch with his feminine side. This could be influence from his research though, as this is based on true events. I wonder how much of the style is him and how much is infuence from other texts..

I found the book entertaining because their are some very jovial ans sardonic characters. The mood and language of the culture portrayed had me actually talking like the characters at times too.

Thee were some things to do with fashion that I had to look up, but once I knew what a kirtle and a sarcenet were I could better picture the characters, and it did not hinder my enjoyment at all.

[Icecream]

My Sister's Child was a slow start (Although I actually started it before Christmas), but I am really enjoying it now. There is a lot happening, and the realism of life in a pre-WWI Liverpool slum is astounding. I love the book and sympathise with the characters (there is a lot of devastation, although because the book is so astonishingly realistic the devastation does not seem too much), but sometimes the writing style is confusing because a minor character, or new character will come into the plot and suddenly have a paragraph, not of speech, but of thought, all to themselves..

[Icecream]

I have just finished My Sister's Child. I was not expecting that ending, and it is very thought provoking. This was a book that I was unsure of whether I would enjoy or not, but Lyn Andrews has a way of writing which really hits you. I didn't realise until the end exactly what issues the book brought up. The ending is also very thought provoking. An extremely good read.

I was also glad that a family with such hard times did have a lot of happiness in the end too.. Has anyone else read this?

[Icecream]

I have just read The Pendle Witch Trial 1612 by Rachel A.C. Hasted. This books is the factual (and short) version of The Mist Over Pendle. It is only 53 pages long, but every line almost contains a fact, and there is also a lot of old english quoted, which makes for slow reading. Anyone interested in the Pendle witches (commonly known as the Lancashire witches), should first read The Mist Over Pendle, then The Pendle Witch Trial 1612. Even though is the fiction version, it makes the pamphlet easier to understand (as it is just fact after fact thrust a you. The Mist Over Pendle still has all the facts, but they are ontained in a story. The Pendle Witch Trial 1612 also begs the reader to think more on the subject of witches, and whether or not these people could be perceived in another light.

[Icecream]

I am now reading Cracking Da Vinci's Code by James L Garlow and Peter Jones

[Icecream]

This one is going a bit slow because I've had two children as well as bubs for three days, plus had lot's to do and little sleep. The book takes a lot of brain power to read so I can't take it in too quickly when I'm tired.

It isn't at all what expected though. What did I expect? For it to start pulling the book to pieces I suppose, but all it seems to be is a theological debate attacking the code for attacking the church..

This book is also rather pointless. There is a lot in it that at the end of the day is just plain rubbish and not worth knowing, however, there are a few gems in there that are worth thinking about.

I'm only a few chapters in, so I can't tell for sure whether this book is really about cracking the Da Vinci Code, or is just an attack on Dan Brown, but the author certainly has issues.

[Icecream]

I got 1984 off the shelf but OH started reading it. He hasn't read anything since he finished LOTR a few months ago. The books are on the shelves, but he has to wait till I get an interesting one down:roll:. I shall have to read it when he is finished. I'm still on with Cracking Da Vinci's Code at the mo. Still think it's a load of rubbish.

[Moonchild]

I got 1984 off the shelf but OH started reading it. He hasn't read anything since he finished LOTR a few months ago. The books are on the shelves, but he has to wait till I get an interesting one down:roll:. I shall have to read it when he is finished. I'm still on with Cracking Da Vinci's Code at the mo. Still think it's a load of rubbish.

I've had 1984 on my TBR pile for a couple of years now. I really want to read it soon but every time I choose a new book something else always jumps out at me first.:D

[fireball]

Personally, I'd wait till you've literally nothing else to read Icecream, Moonchild, really I would. It's, for me it was anyway, Deeply depressing, and God was it ever so boring a read too. If you must though, take a LARGE bottle whisky with the book, it might help.!:lol::lol:

I'd read the classic HG Wells's story 'War of The Worlds' at least that's got some *umph* to it.! :D ;)

[Icecream]

Well we shall see. Although I would love a large bottle of whisky I don't think it is the best thing for a breastfeeding mother. OH seems very pleased with 1984.

[Polka Dot Rock]

Although I would love a large bottle of whisky I don't think it is the best thing for a breastfeeding mother...

*Mmm* Whiskey... Oh, whoops - drifted there! :lol:

To give my 'two pennerth' worth, Nineteen Eighty-Four is one of my favourite novels, Em :) I read it in 6th form and had a fantastic tutor who really got under its skin, but aside from that, I still think I would have enjoyed it. The ideas Orwell uses are wonderfully pertinent (still) and usually quite terrifying. And I found myself caring about Winston, which was unexpected!

There are some great, iconic scenes in it too, so it's worth reading just so you can get to 'those' moments (I'm giving nothing away tho').

I'd steal it from your OH or at least encourage him to hurry up ;)

[Icecream]

OH hasn't finished 1984 but I have stolen it from him. He can still read it when I'm not. He says that it is a good book, but only if you understand how governments work. I'm not far in yet, as I have a lot do. By the time it gets to the evening lately it's time for bed before I know it (I used to have time!) I can't read this ine very well while feeding Katie as it is a folio and I want to look after it.

As for Cracking Da Vinci's Code, it is two things, an attempt at explainig the Da Vinci Code which has some interesting things to say and some not so interesting things, plus an attempt at mission (spreading the word of Christ). In consequence of these two purposes, neither is aceived to its fullest purpose. The preachy bits made me think, but only because I have studied theology and know of surrounding arguments to those put forward. There was nowhere near enough information. If the authors wanted to write a book about the message of christ which cautioned against believing the Da Vinci Code they could have written another book, or written a longer, better presented book. It is maybe because of this confusion that the information on the Da Vinci Code (that this book is supposed to give from the title) is not what is expected (no room left after the preachy part has taken over). Cracking Da Vinci's Code is a very opinionated and limited (in way of info) book.

[Icecream]

I finished 1984 in the waiting room at the hospital today. I thouroughly enjoyed it. How obvious it was that it was behind the picture!:lol: of course. ;) It should have been.. I loved this book. Amy was right. There are some iconic moments in it, but it would be giving things away to say. Everyone knows, I think, what to expect of 1984 and I can't give more info without spoiling it, but I will say that it was one of my best reads this year so far, and I recommend it to everyone.The personal journey (if you can call it that) of the main character through the book is amazing,and the reality of it doesn't hit you till the end. The journey gathers speed throughout the book before coming to a climax that will both overwhelm and disgust the reader. I have probably said too much already. It really is amazing to read, if you can get past a couple of lengthy descriptions (more than worth doing).

I am still reading Gosh you Look Just Like Me, which I am enjoying and haven't decided what to go to next. Gosh you Look Just Like Me, as I said is the story of an adoptive boys search for his birth mother. Born after the war with no father, Keith was adopted by the neighbours of his grandparents (though he did not learn that for a long time). After an arduous life and finding faith he eventually find his birth mother and travels half way round the world to meet her and his namesake (his brother!). It is only ninety something pages long so I should finish it tonight or tomorrow.

[Icecream]

I just typed a great review of the above book and then hit the back button on my mouse! Noooooooooo! Now I can't be bothered because I have a cut on my finger, so this will be short and sweet.

Keith has had a very interesting life and this book will appeal to anyone interested in searching for people, the life of a minister, agriculture, oppression of parents to children, and many other things. Keith is a family man. His book of course, talks about the local area of Burnley, and also Thornton, Ireland and other places. It is only a short book, so although the area detailing his ministry training and life in the church nay bore some people, the fullness of his life, the story behind his adoption and the finding of his family with his wife alongside him makes a heartwarming story.

[Icecream]

After saying in another thread that I a finishing HP 5, I have left the baby bag, with book inside, in the car (either due to the stress of today's events or the rush getting out of the car before OH sped off). I am therefore starting Harry potter and the Deathly Hallows now (after a quick skim through HBP to refresh).

[Polka Dot Rock]

Amy was right.

Can I have that on a badge?? :lol: Glad you enjoyed it, Emma :)

Hope you manage to steal a few more moments of HP reading time!

[Icecream]

Well it isn't very good, but here http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p293/EmmaLCleary/Badge.jpg

As for HP, I have read some. Katie and other things have kept me busy today, then me and OH had an argument so I went to bed for an hour. I'm going to go and read more now that I'm awake.

[Polka Dot Rock]

Aw, Thanks Emma! I shall wear it with pride :D

Oh I hate arguments: they always stop you from doing anything useful!
I think you're managing to cope very well with a baby AND reading HP at the same time!

[Icecream]

Thankyou. I'm just about doing it. I got frustrated tonight because Katie wouldn't go to sleep. I fed her again then just left her too it as I was in no mood to be in same room as her. Now I don't feel like doing anything, but I have not had any time off housework and children since at least Friday. I'm just drinking a coffee and catching up here, then I'll fold the washing and clean the cupboard, then i am taking HP to bed.

[Louiseog]

Take care, OH and I have argued far more and far more furiously since we had children than we ever did before but its not nice, enjoy HP. Think you will get more from it by reading slowly than rushing through

[Icecream]

Thanks Louise. You are probably right. I can't wait to get onto some other books though. I hope this phase will go soon. It is proably related to all the stuff I have done this wk, (which includes cleaning out a whole cupboard after having a mouse in the kitchen).

[JudyB]

I have not had any time off housework.

Know how you feel IceCream - it can get very frustrating at times - especially when you want a moment to yourself. Hang on in there. :friends0:


I have been griping today about the fact that everyone in the house is off (school, college, work) except me who is still doing all the unpaid labour and it's harder with everyone in the house! Moan over - one day I will be a lonely old lady wishing I had a house full of people to look after! :lol:

[Icecream]

Aww, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to moan. Well OK maybe I did, but I feel much better now all my jobs are done, even if I do have about 200 posts in the "what's going on with you today" thread to catch up on:lol:. Harry Potter time!

[Michelle]

Emma, I was going to ask why cleaning out a cupboard was so important.. but if you've had a mouse, I can see why.

[JudyB]

Aww, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to moan. Well OK maybe I did, but I feel much better now all my jobs are done, even if I do have about 200 posts in the "what's going on with you today" thread to catch up on:lol:. Harry Potter time!


Don't apologise for moaning - like I say I've had a good go today also!:smile2:

[Icecream]

Emma, I was going to ask why cleaning out a cupboard was so important.. but if you've had a mouse, I can see why.

Yes. I had to clean dry and antibac everything yesterday and it is a big cupboard. I have just put everything back.

[Icecream]

I have finally finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I kept having to put it down for the kids and at first I read t slow because I didn't want to finish it, but near the end I couldn't put it down.

Even when it said Harry had to die

It was very well written with plenty to keep fans going.

I shall catch up with the posts either later or tomorrow when I have time. In the meantime I am reading The House At Riverton by Kate Morton.

[JudyB]

In the meantime I am reading The House At Riverton by Kate Morton.

I'm starting this next - I'm looking forward to it after hearing so many good things about it.

[Icecream]

I haven't posted on here for a long time!!I read The House At Riverton by Kate Morton and lost my notes about it. I was not expecting the ending. I just could not believe that she would do that. The relationship between Hannah and Grace was very interesting. I also loved how it happened that she was related to Ursula.

I listened to an audio version of The Bookseller of Kabul by Asne Seierstad, a highly interesting, but not so very informative book about Afghan culture. I have also posted in the relevant reading circle thread.

I am struggling through my blog a penguin classic book, THe Book of the Courtier by Baldasare Castiglione. It is very interesting as a cultural book, and as a guide as to how to live a respectful life, but the way it is written (a conversation in written form) is rather tedious.

[Icecream]

I didn't read very much over the winter. I hope my will to read is coming back now. After opening and closing quite a few books on my pile, I decided to continue The Savannah Vampire Chronicles, with the second and third books in the series, and they brought back my reading mojo. They are absolutely brilliant books, with lots of great (and very real) characters. I think that is what I like about them. The characters have a way of being real, even though the main ones are vampires and shapeshifters.

I am now reading A Small Part of History by Peggy Elliot, an early reading book, due for pulication in August, which I am reading thanks to this lovely forum:D. It is supposed to be a serious book, but it is also very funny in places. It hasn't quite got going yet, but promises to be a good read.

[Icecream]

I have posted my thoughts on A Small Part Of History in the relevant thread.

After that I read Entertaining Angels by Joanna Bell. I recommend this book highly. It is an easy read, but heart renching and beautiful. It is the story of an angel, of a little girl with autism brought beautifully and lovingly to life by this book, and of family and forgiveness (those two words are on the front of the book, but they are entwined within the lives of all the characters). I fell in love with all the characters in this book, and felt for them all at some point. It is one of those books with obvious happy endings, but also keeps you reading and wondering.

I even cried at one point which isn't like me..

when Hebe went missing

I am now reading After You'd Gone by Maggie O'Farrell

[The Library Nook]

Entertaining Angels sounds lovely, I will search it out. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

[Icecream]

It is. I have another note to add about it. The book brings to attention the little girl's autism and talks about the condition, and its prejudices as well as the love it can bring. The book isn't really about autism, but it manages to help the reader see the condition from different angles. There are lot's of angels in the book too, but only if the reader is able to spot them all.

[Icecream]

After You'd Gone is an amazing book. It is emotional and thoughtful.


I spent most of the book thinking that John had left Alice, when all the time he had died such a tragic death, leaving his young wife. The ending was very open. I would like to have known a bit more.


I'm reading Eragon at the moment from the library, and also In Search of Adam, but I want to read that one on my own, so it may take a while.

[Icecream]

Eragon was a great read, but I am not yet sure whether I want to read the rest of the books. I will give Eldest a go. I am just not sure there are enough interesting characters and plot action to keep me going. I could well be wrong though!! I did love Eragon.

There was some blatant copying of LOTR in Eragon, especially to do with Tronjheim. I loved Saphira's character. She is very stong and wise. I don't know why it took me so long. My read has slowed down since starting it. Hopefully the next one won't take long.

I am currently reading Stargazing by Linda Gillard and enjoying it very much. It really is intriguing to understand what it must be like to be blind. I had heard that the book portrays it very well, but you really have to read it to see. It is beautiful.

[Louiseog]

Eragon was a great read, but I am not yet sure whether I want to read the rest of the books. I will give Eldest a go. I am just not sure there are enough interesting characters and plot action to keep me going. I could well be wrong though!! I did love Eragon.

There was some blatant copying of LOTR in Eragon, especially to do with Tronjheim. I loved Saphira's character. She is very stong and wise. I don't know why it took me so long. My read has slowed down since starting it. Hopefully the next one won't take long.

I am currently reading Stargazing by Linda Gillard and enjoying it very much. It really is intriguing to understand what it must be like to be blind. I had heard that the book portrays it very well, but you really have to read it to see. It is beautiful.
I'm with you on Eragon, thought the same, but in many ways Eldest was better for me, and there's another one Brisingar.

[kb.marsh]

I really enjoyed Stargazing. The way things are described is just so amazing

[Icecream]

I'm with you on Eragon, thought the same, but in many ways Eldest was better for me, and there's another one Brisingar.

Thanks, Yes I'd noticed Brisingr. I will probably take a look at Eldest. I'll reserve it from the library when I have a gap in my TBRs.

Kate - I like the way things are described in stargazing too, but then I often see the world in terms of music and can identify with that to a certain extent. I love the way Gillard takes you into the world of the blind. She does it very well. It really makes you think. A rare talent.

[Icecream]

Stargazing was brilliant. It really made me think about how I see the world, and what it would be like to be blind. In fact it made me think about lots of things.

I haven't read much over the weekend due to beng busy and having a cold but last night I started a short christian book Nice Girls Don't Change The World by Lynne Hybels, wife of the pioneering Bill Hybels. The book is nice and short, so I am not sure it effectively sends the message, but it has certainly made me think about a few things to do with my relationship with God, which is why I bought the book and have been wanting to read it for a while. It is inspiring to Christian women. Highly recommended.

[kb.marsh]

I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for that book, sounds good

[Icecream]

I bought it on Amazon. £7.19 It is published in the USA, as that is where the Hybels live, so it is not widely available here.

[Icecream]

Lynne Hybels faith is absolutely amazing. I think her book could realy help a lot of women, but would be much more helpful if it was longer.

After starting it and then getting engrosed in other books I am going back to In Search of Adam, but will read it alongside another book, maybe a christian one. I'll have to look on my christian bookshelves.

I wanted to read The Memory Keeper's Daughter but it isn't due in the library till tomorrow, so maybe I will get it on Wed when we go.

[Icecream]

I have so much to read. I have three christian books on the go, as well as In Search of Adam. I'm currently reading the Memory Keeper's daughter, which I am finding slow, though interesting. Does it pick up pace at all? It has taken me ages to get half way and I just want to finish it now.

In the meantime I have read Blood Ties and Emotional Geology. I found Emo Geo somewhat disappointing, but it was a good read. It had some moments that made me think, and some parts were written beautifully. Blood Ties was riveting. I recommend it highly.

I could totoally have understood if Erin had stolen Natasha. She had such a hard life, and probably a lot of that was due to the way her parents were. Not letting her have her own baby was terrible.

[Icecream]

OK, The Memory Keeper's Daughter took me so long to read that I haven't got to Footprints In The Sand. It was a waste of time reading that book. It had a good idea behind it, but the characters were rather dull and I didn't really enjoy reading it.

I've moved on to Raven Hart's The Vampire's Betrayal, which I have been trying to get bookrings out of the way for. It is great. Once again Raven Hart is keeping me entertained. I didn't get much read in the car at the weekend or at Mum's because OH and the children wanted my attention, but I have nearly finished it. There is so much going on the pages just race along. I saw a few things coming, but that does not spoil the enjoyment. It is interesting to see different things coming together, and the Mayan civilisation is definitely something I would like to read more about.

[Chimera]

OK, The Memory Keeper's Daughter took me so long to read that I haven't got to Footprints In The Sand. It was a waste of time reading that book. It had a good idea behind it, but the characters were rather dull and I didn't really enjoy reading it.

That's good to know! Do you think it's just not your kind of book or would you say its really one to avoid? I have it on my wishlist at the moment.

[Icecream]

I would say avoid it. The characters are just mundane and the whole thing is rather predictable. The story could have been written much better. I would have like it to go more into the minds of the characters in relation to the situation, especially David's.

[Chimera]

mmm I was thinking of pulling it out of the list anyway, so I think that seals it! I'll save the space for something else...

[Kylie]

I have to agree with you on The Memory Keeper's Daughter, Icecream. I didn't particularly like any of the characters either.

[Michelle]

Hmm.. The Memory Keeper's Daughter seems to be one of those 'marmite' books. I, for one, really liked it, and you can see a few different views on it here (http://bookclubforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=3605).

It probably is fairly long and descriptive, for what it is, but for me that worked. I guess it's one you have to judge for yourself.. although I do think it can be hard to approach a book with an open mind once you've read negative views.

[Icecream]

Ooh Raven is sooo good.
But why did William have to die? Of course if you ask me, I will say my favourite character is Jack, but secretly it has to be William.:weeping::drama:

I loved the vampire's Betrayal, but it was over so quick. There is so much going on, so many intriguing events. Now I have to buy the next book!!

I'm finishing In Search of Adam at the moment, because it's about time I did.

[FishAndChips]

I'm looking forward to getting The Vampires Seduction for xmas (hopefully - I put it on my wish list)

[Icecream]

They are addictive. So much going on.

[Icecream]

I finished In Search of Adam a few days ago but it might take me a while to write a review for it.

After a book that emotional I have gone onto a christian book Before You Hit The Wall by Danny Lehman, a book about self discipline, lent to me by Kate. Kate I'm sorry for taking so long with it. it won't take long to read then you can have it back.