Purple Poppy's Parlour [Archive]

Purple Poppy

6th January 2007, 21:49

Would like to read at some point

These are all books that I've never read but would like to at some point in the future. There will be a separate list for my TBR Mountain. If someone recommends a book on the list I will star it so that when I come to choose a book it might make it easier.

Frankenstein - Mary Shelley

Barchester Towers - Anthony Trollope

The Railway Children - E.Nesbit **

Far from the Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy **

Diary - Samual Pepys *

Vanity Fair - W.M.Thackeray **

The Forsyte Saga - John Galsworthy *

The Mill on the Floss - George Elliot *

Vile Bodies - Evelyn Waugh **

For Whom the Bell Tolls - Ernest Hemingway

Bliss and Other Stories - Katherine Mansfield

Treasue Island - Robert Louis Stevenson

Lord Jim - Joseph Conrad

The Virgin and the Gypsy - D.H.Lawrence

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

The Canterbury Tales - Geoffrey Chaucer

An Instance of the Fingerpost - Iain Pears

Joe Cat series by Shirley Rousseau

Lillian Jackson Braun-Cat Who series.

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

Hidden Talents by Erica James

Joyce Fussey's? "Cat's in My Coffee

More to be added

Purple Poppy

6th January 2007, 21:53

KW said...
We have a poppy AND a purple poppy??? I had no idea. Greetings, poppy!

'fraid so. The Terrible Two!
Just proves the point that people probably mix us up all the time.LOL (I could get away with murder...but then so could you Poppy!!!:lol: :lol: Hey, this could be fun!!

Michelle

6th January 2007, 21:58

Sorry to hijack your thread with this, PP! There is only one setting that I can see, which says... This is the time in seconds that a user must remain inactive before their login session expires. However, it also affects how long people show on the 'Who's Online' thingy.

At the moment, it's set to 15 minutes, and I don't really want people showing on the 'Who's Online' long after they've gone.

Saying that, I've never noticed myself logged out.. it will be interesting to know if the 'Remember Me' link makes a difference to people.

Also, if you get logged out, and you've been active in the last 15 minutes, it might be worth checking your cookies etc.

Purple Poppy

6th January 2007, 22:02

It seems to be working at the moment as I was inactive for a long time while I compiled the above list of books...so we'll see.
PP

poppy

7th January 2007, 02:56

We have a poppy AND a purple poppy??? I had no idea. Greetings, poppy!

Thanks KW :D
When I first joined I didn't realise there was a purple variety here already, otherwise I would have used something else .......hope it doesn't lead to too much confusion and I don't cause PP huge embarrassment :blush: .
As long as I keep away from cat avs, you should be able to tell us apart.
Hope the 'remember me' thing works for you PP, people were having the same problem on another forum and that's one of the things they said to do. The other was to write directly into microsoft word or similar, then transfer to forum.

Purple Poppy

7th January 2007, 14:00

Hi Poppy. Yes it seemed to work yesterday. I keep forgetting to tick the box, but once i get into the habit I think we have it resolved. I have recently been copying everything before I send it, as I lost so much in the past. That helped, and as you say, if its going to be a long post like a review I do it somewhere else.
Thanks, PP

Purple Poppy

7th January 2007, 14:03

Oh and Poppy....you are NOT an embarressment to me. Far from it. If you wish to use a cat avatar go ahead...it's up to the other forum members to check who they are talking to. I should imagine that on really big forums there are lots of very similar IDs.

:friends0: PP

rosegarden

7th January 2007, 14:54

Maureen

7th January 2007, 14:54

we had the railway children at school PP. I remember that it used to make me a bit sad.

Purple Poppy

7th January 2007, 15:54

Thanks Maureen. I'm surprised that it slipped through the net, as my childhood reads were mostly classics. I will catch up with it sometime soon, with a box of tissues at my side.

PP

poppy

7th January 2007, 23:11

I also enjoyed The Railway Children. Loved Forsyte Saga. It's one of those epic family tales, as long as you like that sort of thing.

Purple Poppy

9th January 2007, 23:32

Carole said;

I listened to a very abridged version of The Diary of Samuel Pepys and found it fascinating. Would definitely recommend it.

Carole
:jump:
I've had this book for ages, part of a whole set of books published by Marshall Cavendish. They were issued once a fortnight I think with the proverbial accompanying magazine - The Great Writers. I collected them all. I have read quite a few, but I catalogued them on Librarything the other day and saw one or two that I should read or re-read. They are lovely hardback books.

PP

Purple Poppy

10th January 2007, 18:44

MOUNT TBR

Somehow I doubt I'll ever scale it, but I'll have a go!

In no particular order, and books being added very frequently!

A Child Called It by Dave Pelzer

The Conjuror's Bird by Martin Davies

Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher

Blackberry Wine by Joanne Harris

Chocolat by Joanne Harris

Five Quarters of the Orange by Joanne Harris

Dime Store Magic by Kelley Armstrong

Body Double by Tess Gerritson

My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella

The Faber Book of Contemporary Stories About Childhood

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger **

Fleshmarket Close by Ian Rankin

Other Peoples Children by Joanna Trollope

Watchman by Ian Rankin

Tiger's Child by Torey L. Hayden

Intimate Lies by Maria Barrett

The Outsider by Albert Camus

The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett

The Light Fantastic by Terry Pratchett

Winter in Madrid by C.J Sansom

Never Say Die by Tess Gerritsen

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Blue Dahlia by Nora Roberts

Everything You Know by Zoe Heller

The Family Way by Tony Parsons

The Little Friend by Donna Tartt

Isobel's Wedding by Sheila O'Flanagan

The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory

We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver **

Emma (Penguin Popular Classics) by Jane Austen

The loving spirit by Daphne Du Maurier, Dame

Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier, Dame **

Always and Forever by Cathy Kelly

Evening Class by Maeve Binchey

The Copper Beech by Maeve Binchey

Under Gemini by Rosamunde Pilcher

Princess Diana's Revenge by Michael, de Larrabeiti

A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian by Marina Lewyicka

Revenge of the Middle-Aged Woman by Elizabeth Buchan

Man and boy by Tony Parsons

The Shell Seekers (Coronet Books) by Rosamunde Pilcher

Atonement by Ian McEwan **

Last Chance Saloon by Marian Keyes

The Secrets of Jin-Shei by Alma Alexander

Rachel's Holiday by Marian Keyes

The carosel - Rosamunde Pilcher

The Sins of their fathers - Gilda O'Neil

Make Us Traitors - Gilda O'Neil

On Beauty - Zadie Smith

Empire of the Sun -JG Ballard *

The Kindness Of Women - JG Ballard *

Black Dog - Stephen Booth *

The Bronte Project - Jennifer Vandever

Super - Cannes - J.G.Ballard

Daphne du Maurier - A Daughters Memoir - Flavia Leng

Nothing Happened - Ebba Haslund

Ellen Terry - Moira Shearer

Sesame and Lilies - John Ruskin

The Man-Booker Prize - 35 years of the best of contemporary fiction, 1969-2003

Another Time, Another Place - Jessie Kesson (but I will be reading Sam's first LOL)

10th January 2007, 19:02

PP,

I read a Child Called It...very moving. Not immaculate in its writing but it IS a story told in the real words of the man that lived the nightmare so you excuse that. But it's good and should be read if for no other reason to remind us that not all of us live lives of peace, joy, abundance and love.

KW

Purple Poppy

10th January 2007, 19:13

Thanks KW. I read Tory Haydens One Child last year, and agree, these books should definitely be read, but they are quite harrowing and need to be read when you are in the right frame of mind.
PP

Kell

10th January 2007, 20:14

I've read about a dozen of your TBRs - I guess we have some similarities in taste (not that we didn't already know that - LOL!). You've got some really good reading to look forward to there. :readingtwo:

Purple Poppy

10th January 2007, 20:42

Icecream

10th January 2007, 22:17

A child called it is great. It was very moving, though you are right it should be read in the right frame of mind. It could hit home in a lot of different ways because it views a lot of different emotions from different angles.

Kell

11th January 2007, 06:43

I know. I'm choosing from the books that people recommend on here, so with most of the TBR list I think I'm fairly safe. Its just finding the time to read. I think I am going to have to ban myself from the forum!

PPNooooooo! You mustn't ban yoursel!:lol:I know what you mean, though - often I'll plan some nice reading time to myself, then get caught up on the board & before I know it, it's bed time! If I weren't a member here, I'd probably get a LOT more reading done, but I don't think I'd have half so much fun with it!

Michelle

11th January 2007, 07:25

I can close the board down if you think it will do you all good...? ;)

Polka Dot Rock

11th January 2007, 10:40

Noooooooooooooooooo, Michelle!!
Where would I go to keep my sanity whilst at work?? :eek2:

:lol:

Polka Dot Rock

11th January 2007, 10:42

Hey PP!
You asked for recommendations so here are mine, if you please:

* Vanity Fair
* Vile Bodies
* The Time Traveller's Wife
* We Need To Talk About Kevin
* Rebecca (one of my absolute favourite novels)
* Atonement

Lilywhite

11th January 2007, 15:49

I have to agree with Polka Dot Rock there with most of those recommendations, brilliant books :)

Polka Dot Rock

11th January 2007, 15:50

Thank you Lilywhite *chinks tea cup*

Purple Poppy

11th January 2007, 16:11

Gosh, I'll have to give them all two stars!!
Not sure about Vile Bodies....??

PP

Polka Dot Rock

11th January 2007, 16:56

Then watch Bright Youngs Things instead, PP. It's Stephen Fry's film of Vile Bodies (he had to chang the title for American backers). I love it, it's brilliant and it's also my 'totty' film as there's lots of fine young British actors in it! :kiss: :lol: Can't go wrong with a bit of Stephen Campbell Moore, James McAvoy and David Tennant (even if the latter does sport a very dodgy tash in it). The lovely Emily Mortimer is in it, too.

Purple Poppy

11th January 2007, 20:18

KNUTSFORD TIMES
DECEMBER 1853

BOOK REVIEW
CRANFORD - MRS ELIZABETH GASKELL

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q77/Catkintails/GIF-EG-Elizabeth1832.jpg

Cranford was initially a work published in 'Household Works', and was only meant to be a short (two chapters) fictional version of an essay
Mrs Gaskell had written called 'The last Generation In England'. However these two chapters, titled 'Our Society In Cranford', (which later became the opening of Cranford), were duly followed by more installments until the whole became a novel, published this year 1853.

In many ways Cranford is a reflection of the life of it's author. Elizabeth Gaskell had lost her mother when only 13 months old and had gone to live with an aunt in the sleepy town of Knutsford. Her brother sailed with the East India Company and disappeared. This life event is reflected in Gaskells story of Poor Peter in Cranford, who likewise disappears after sailing away to India. The impact that this event had on Elizabeth can clearly been seen in her writing of the story of Peter. There is much empathy and pathos in the telling of some of the more tragic and sad events of Cranford society which must surely be as a result of the author's own experiences.

Each chapter in the book tells a new tale and yet they are all connected and the characters developed throughout. As a child Mrs Gaskell must have observed the habits and idiosyncrasies of her family and the soiety in which they lived out their lives. The way they practised 'elegant economy' and the lengths they went to, to perfect their etiquette and behave in a manner that befitted their status within society. This is reflected in the descriptive passages relating to the usage of candles, the strict procedure set out by the previous mistress of the house, Miss Deborah Jenkyns being adhered to at all times. Likewise, the saving of the remnants of the wine bottle, either mixed with a new bottle and consumed at a later date, or mixed with other numerous bottles and passed on to the less financially well endowed. Reader, it may surprise you to know, that far from being droll, Mrs Gaskells descriptions of such matters are witty, humouous and empathic, the need for such activities clearly relayed and the worthiness endorsed. However, this reader felt that sometimes the narrator, Mary Smith, was silently frustrated, and though not annoyed, would dearly have loved to shake them out of their pecuniary habits.
Mrs Gaskell writes fluently, and reader, if you are of the disposition to prefer concision in all matters, this is not the book for you. Our author writes long, extended sentences, transgressing from her subject only to return and coninue with yet more elaboration. I find this stimulating, but I am aware that many find it an impertinence well avoided. However, to miss these descriptions is to miss the very essence of this magnificent work, which recalls, gently ridicules, admonishes and chides the values of these genteel communities, yet concurrently conveys much affection for the people and the times, now almost lost to the
rise of the industrial age. With humour, respect and deep affection, Mrs Gaskell presents us with a quaint, but perfectly portrayed cameo of polite society a generation ago.

I commend this book to serious readers with an interest in social history and I look forward to Mrs Gaskells next contribution.

Knutsford Chronicle - PP

__________________

Maureen

12th January 2007, 20:10

Chocolat by Joanne Harris 3

My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult 2

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger **1

The vote for those will be countdown
3......
2...........

and (drums pls)
1

Purple Poppy

12th January 2007, 20:57

Thanks Mau :)

Purple Poppy

13th January 2007, 00:51

Having finished Cranford, I am now immersed in Johnny and the Bomb - Terry Pratchett, which I picked up at the library, in the interests of research. I know there's a thread here devoted to it, so I may add a comment later.
I am also three chapters in to The Cat who Smelled a Rat - Lillian Jackson Braun. Enjoying it so far. Not so sure about the reader...George Guidall. His female voices are a little irritating, but that's something I'll have to live with.

PP

13th January 2007, 17:15

....just reading the thread, PP...:readingtwo:

mysterymaven

13th January 2007, 22:36

Hi Purple Poppy: So great that you are giving one of the Cat Who books a try. I've never tried one in audio - someone's voice could be a bit "off" for the character. If you enjoy cats, animals in general and have a spot in the heart for Beatrix Potter, may I suggest a new series by Susan Wittig Albert? Her books use Miss Potter as the central character, with a bit of village whimsy - a la Jane Marple- and all the animal characters speak as well - to each other only of course, all the while wishing the humans were only smart enough to "get it". They are just fun. There is a movie coming out now titled "Miss Potter" with Renee Zelwiger sp? in the title role. Albert's books were first, but may have sparked the movie writers - who knows? Enjoy reading you. M&M.

Purple Poppy

13th January 2007, 22:39

That sounds really good M&M. Thanks for that. I will have a look. I think it may well go onto my wanted list!:friends0:

PP:readingtwo:

Purple Poppy

21st January 2007, 01:16

Now finished the Cat Who audio and really enjoyed it, once I'd got used to the readers voice. There seemed to be alot of characters, and I had a job keeping up with who was who.
Another problem with audios is that if I deliberately sit and listen to them, I fall asleep. Not cos I'm bored, but because I have narcolepsy, not badly, but enough to make life difficult, so I either have to be up doing things while I listen, or do an online jigsaw puzzle.
Now I'm listening to Alexander McCall Smith, short stories, which I'm quite enjoying. Unfortunately because of the falling asleep problem, I have to keep listening to bits again, so that I can hear the bits I missed.

poppy

21st January 2007, 01:39

Sorry to hear about your narcolepsy PP. Does it ever happen when you're driving.....that would be scarey.

Just thinking of cat books, have you read any of Joyce Fussey's? "Cat's in My Coffee" is one, she loves cats and animals in general and is a very funny lady. They are biographical, she lives in Yorkshire (if I remember correctly) on a small farm and she mostly runs it while her husband works in town. They are really delightful.

Purple Poppy

21st January 2007, 01:45

I've had a micro sleep once when driving, which was really scary. But when I was driving, I was sensible and stopped and had a five minute nap. But I must say it was sometimes difficult. I think I worked twice as hard at keeping awake because I constantly felt tired. It never occured to me that I might have Narcolepsy. I am not allowed to drive at the moment, which doesn't bother me too much anyway, because of the battle with staying awake, but once I get some medication sorted, then I may be able to drive again.

I will look into the books you talk about and put them on my wanted list. I'm sure someone else has mentioned them. Thanks for the suggestion. I love anything to do with cats :lol:

poppy

21st January 2007, 01:50

Another older author that I'm sure you've heard of, and I really love, is Lillian Beckwith. Her stories of the Hebrides are wonderful.

That's a real nuisance PP, it's a wonder you can do so much on the computer .....by the time I've finished I'm usually yawning and feeling cross-eyed. Hope you can get your medication sorted out soon. It's awful feeling tired all the time.

Purple Poppy

21st January 2007, 01:54

Now. Is she the one that wrote the Loud Halo? If so then yes, and I thought the book....I'm not sure if the title is right, was beautiful. I absolutely loved it. Must read some more of her stuff. I think I'll just check on amazon

Purple Poppy

21st January 2007, 01:57

Yes, it was her. Sadly it appears to be her only book. But I loved it. I'm really glad you enjoyed it too.

Now I really am going to bed...I think ;)

poppy

21st January 2007, 02:08

She's actually written a heap, maybe they aren't available but pretty sure they should be.
Some titles are 'The Sea For Breakfast', 'Beautiful Just', 'A Rope in Case.', 'Lightly Poached', 'Bruach Blend'.
She has also written novels but I was not very impressed with them.

Purple Poppy

21st January 2007, 02:11

When I bought the Loud Halo (when we were on holiday in Dornock , which is Scottish east coast, even further north than Aberdeen, I am sure there were others on the shelf. I'll have another search tomorrow. I might have looked under Loud Halo or something which wouldn't bring the others up.
I'm off now...going cross eyed. (well more than usual):friends0:

poppy

21st January 2007, 02:15

Yes nite-nite PP, make sure you go this time (not that I want to get rid of you or anything, but it's after 2 a.m for you, I'm sure) :)

JudyB

21st January 2007, 13:26

Would like to read at some point

These are all books that I've never read but would like to at some point in the future. There will be a separate list for my TBR Mountain. If someone recommends a book on the list I will star it so that when I come to choose a book it might make it easier.

Frankenstein - Mary Shelley

Barchester Towers - Anthony Trollope

The Railway Children - E.Nesbit **

Far from the Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy Far From the

Diary - Samual Pepys *

Vanity Fair - W.M.Thackeray **

The Forsyte Saga - John Galsworthy *

The Mill on the Floss - George Elliot

Vile Bodies - Evelyn Waugh **

For Whom the Bell Tolls - Ernest Hemingway

Bliss and Other Stories - Katherine Mansfield

Treasue Island - Robert Louis Stevenson

Lord Jim - Joseph Conrad

The Virgin and the Gypsy - D.H.Lawrence

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

The Canterbury Tales - Geoffrey Chaucer

An Instance of the Fingerpost - Iain Pears

Joe Cat series by Shirley Rousseau

Lillian Jackson Braun-Cat Who series.

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

Hidden Talents by Erica James

Joyce Fussey's? "Cat's in My Coffee

More to be added

Just wanted to recommend Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy from your list. We did it school for 'O' level (shows how long ago it was!) - I loved it at 16 and loved it as much when I read it again in my 30's for my degree. I think it's a wonderful story and is so true in its treatment of human relationships particulalry unrequited love. Some of the scenes were so dramatic that I continued to remember them for years afterwards.

Happy reading!
:readingtwo:

Purple Poppy

21st January 2007, 13:33

Judy said

Just wanted to recommend Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy

Thank you, Judy. I love Thomas Hardy too, but I can't remember whether I ever read this one. I found it on the bookshelf when I was listing the books and thought I'd add it to the list. I always associate it with the film and Terence Stamp (I think?)
I shall mark the book with a star. Thanks :friends0:

Angel

21st January 2007, 19:06

Far from the Madding Crowd is a lovely book - I also did it for my 'O' level, but it has remained a firm favourite of mine having read it a couple of times since. I love Thomas Hardy's books

Angel

21st January 2007, 19:10

Mill on the Floss is a good book, which I reread last year.

I have most of these books on your list! I collected them as part of a series that came out 20 years ago - a part magazine called The Great Writers. They were all hard backs - they are still my pride and joy on the shelves (52 in all!!) and they are as good as the day I bought them:smile2:

Purple Poppy

21st January 2007, 20:48

Angel said
I have most of these books on your list! I collected them as part of a series that came out 20 years ago - a part magazine called The Great Writers. They were all hard backs - they are still my pride and joy on the shelves (52 in all!!) and they are as good as the day I bought them:smile2:

Guess what! That's exactly what most of them are! I have all 52 as well, plus the magazines somewhere. I was cataloguing my books and went through them, having forgotten most of what I'd got. They are lovely books. I've read most of them at some point, but the ones on the list are either rereads or were missed out originally. Hardy is one of my favourites. The woodlanders is the one I love the most....cos I did it for GCE!:friends0:

Louiseog

21st January 2007, 21:03

I did Far From the Madding Crowd for my O Level too! Great book.
What's the quote... and we'll sit by the fire and when I look up there will you be and when you look up there will be me (or something like that)
Such romance!

Angel

21st January 2007, 23:04

Angel said

Guess what! That's exactly what most of them are! I have all 52 as well, plus the magazines somewhere. I was cataloguing my books and went through them, having forgotten most of what I'd got. They are lovely books. I've read most of them at some point, but the ones on the list are either rereads or were missed out originally. Hardy is one of my favourites. The woodlanders is the one I love the most....cos I did it for GCE!:friends0:

I thought I recognised that list!!;) I'm hoping that Tiger will soon starton them - she has showed alot of interest in a couple of them.

I also love Hardy's Jude the Obscure, and cry every time when Jude returns home to find his 'wife' and children dead:blush: despite the fact I must have read it at least 5 times!

Purple Poppy

21st January 2007, 23:11

Angel said

I thought I recognised that list!!;) I'm hoping that Tiger will soon starton them - she has showed alot of interest in a couple of them.

They are a lovely set, and mine although they have been on display all that time, are as new too. I had forgotten just what good quality they were, until I started listing them. I don't think it will be long before Tiger has her nose buried in them!
I really need to reread all Thomas Hardy novels as I think I would appreciate them even more nowam older. I just love his descriptions. I think that's partly why he's such a good poet. Have you read any of his poetry?

Angel

21st January 2007, 23:18

Unfortunately not yet, but I keep meaning to!

On my Amazon wishlist is the new biography of his life. Although I am very well known for hating (with a vengeance) this genre, this really grabs me. I think that he was a fascinating, astute and complex character!

Purple Poppy

9th February 2007, 18:55

Oh Dear. More added to the TBR Mountain!!

The Bronte Project - Jennifer Vandever

Super - Cannes - J.G.Ballard

Daphne du Maurier - A Daughters Memoir - Flavia Leng

Nothing Happened - Ebba Haslund

Ellen Terry - Moira Shearer

Sesame and Lilies - John Ruskin

The Man-Booker Prize - 35 years of the best of contemporary fiction, 1969-2003

Another Time, Another Place - Jessie Kesson (but I will be reading Sam's first LOL)

Gyre

9th February 2007, 19:30

PP I dread to think how big your TBR pile is....:D

Purple Poppy

10th February 2007, 01:42

Well...if you go to Libraything and look at my profile and the bit where I introduce my library, I actually make a confession. As our Judy suggested, I tagged the ones to be read, but found there were alot more than I had anticipated, mainly because I kept coming across books I had had for ages and hadn't got round to reading; or because I had originally read them when I was in my teens and wanted to read them again. I will probably have an entirely different take on them now! So that's why, but it doesn't help when I keep picking up other books, does it? Oh dear...think I'm addicted.:roll:

Polka Dot Rock

13th February 2007, 15:08

What's The Bronte Project - Jennifer Vandever?

I haven't heard of it... Is it to do with the actual Brontes, as I am a bit of a Bronte fan *goes and stands on a rock, looking wistfully into the distance, with wind swept hair*

Purple Poppy

13th February 2007, 21:06

Hello Amy!! Haven't seen you for ages! Missed you! I am still reading Maus but should finish in the next 24hrs. I printed off your questions and read them in bed last night, so I have been thinking about them today. I will be giving Kell the book at the weekend.
The Bronte Project. Cover reminds me a bit of the Jane Austen Book Club. Couldn't find any reviews on Amazon.

Synopsis
"As to intense passion, I am convinced that it is no desirable feeling" - Charlotte Bronte, 1840. Shy young scholar Sara Frost's unsuccessful search for the lost love letters of Charlotte Bronte hasn't won her any favours at her university, particularly now the glamorous new Head of Princess Diana Studies has introduced her media-savvy exploits to the staid halls of academia. But, it's not until Sara's fiance suddenly leaves her that she begins to question her life's vocation. How can she reconcile the mythology of romance with the harsh reality of modern love? As she tentatively re-enters the dating scene, Sara is to discover that the life and writings of Charlotte Bronte have more to teach her than she could ever have guessed about the perils and pitfalls of the 21st-century relationship game.

See here (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bronte-Project-Jennifer-Vandever/dp/1416511474/sr=8-1/qid=1171400111/ref=sr_1_1/026-0311748-4577270?ie=UTF8&s=books)

Hopefully catch you around VERY SOON XX

Polka Dot Rock

14th February 2007, 09:13

Hello Amy!! Haven't seen you for ages! Missed you! I am still reading Maus but should finish in the next 24hrs. I printed off your questions and read them in bed last night, so I have been thinking about them today. I will be giving Kell the book at the weekend.
Hopefully catch you around VERY SOON XX

Hello! :006:I haven't been able to get on the forum as much this week as I've been quite poorly, started my new (and v busy!) job and my back has been playing up. Oh, and my internet connection at home is down :roll: Great!
It's very sad tho' as I'm really missing being on here :( It's a bit of a life line, in some ways. And I won't be on this weekend, as I'm visiting my friend for the weekend (although I'm not sad about that, lol).

But I shall return! Properly...

How are you doing tho'? Glad you're enjoying Maus!

x x x x

Purple Poppy

2nd March 2007, 00:16

Having finished Maus, I decided to have light, short read and chose 'Who said Cats Can't Talk?' by H. Boots (who is a cat...real author is a lady called Audrey Hurry.

Lovely little book, short, only about 100 pages, but the cat narrator, who is the current Number One Cat of eight kitties living together, recounts the history of cats residing with the FAMILY. Very sad in places, but a lovely easy read.

I think, (not sure) that I might read Sams book next. It keeps calling to me!;)

Purple Poppy

2nd March 2007, 19:56

Well into Sams book now. Really enjoying it. However, I took time off this afternoon to read an anthology of poems by a local poet (Aberdeenshire). The collection is called 'The North East Passage, by Tom Bryon. I was a bit concerned that the doric might creep in and spoil it for me, although I do have a NorthEast Doric dictionary. I was pleasantly surprised though. I knew some of the stories about local towns, but the book had an explanatory text , so even if I hadn't known, I wouldn't have been stuck. Very nice read, especially as the poems were about local places and people.

Purple Poppy

3rd March 2007, 18:28

I am going to start a wish list here, cos I am frightened I am going to forget the books I've been recommended. I will transfer these to Librarything later.

1) Claire Tomalin's Thomas Hardy: The Time-torn Man (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Thomas-Hardy-Time-torn-Claire-Tomalin/dp/0670915122/ref=sr_1_1/202-1273959-1173436?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1172945846&sr=1-1)

PP

Polka Dot Rock

4th March 2007, 18:16

Ah. I see I've done it again. Y'know, if you become bankrupt because of all the books you've been buying, you can't go and blame me!! :mrgreen: :lol:

Btw, I hope your operation goes smoothly and comfortably tomorrow: I'll be thinking of you! :friends0:

Gyre

4th March 2007, 18:18

I know I said it already PP, but what a pile you have and loads of luck tomorrow.

I love the sound of 'Who said Cats Can't Talk?', sounds like something I would like. :D

Purple Poppy

4th March 2007, 18:55

Paula said

I love the sound of 'Who said Cats Can't Talk?', sounds like something I would like. :D

One book winging its way to you! (Just as soon as I am mobile enough to get to a PO. Keith is taking Wed Thurs and FRi off this week, so I expect he will oblige.)

Pp;)

Gyre

4th March 2007, 18:58

Paula said

One book winging its way to you! (Just as soon as I am mobile enough to get to a PO. Keith is taking Wed Thurs and FRi off this week, so I expect he will oblige.)

Pp;)

PP, you really don't have to, but thank you x:D

Purple Poppy

4th March 2007, 19:00

It's as good as posted!;)

Renniemist

4th March 2007, 23:15

PP Hope all goes well tomorrow. Will be thinking about you.:friends0:

madcow

4th March 2007, 23:17

Good luck tomorrow PP.

Purple Poppy

4th March 2007, 23:34

Thanks Rennie and Jules. I hope that I will be back on here tomorrow evening, but I'm not good with anaesthetics, even tho' I think it will just be a local. So we'll see.

Bye for now.

Purple Poppy

8th March 2007, 12:03

Well, while I was waiting for my op in the hospital ward, I read the whole of Charlottes Web - E.B.White. I had heard so much about this book, that it was always going to be difficult to judge it without bias. I loved the story, the originality is admirable. Wish I had such imagination. The chararcters are believable, especially Charlotte. Having said that, there were times when I wondered about a pig who was a baby one minute, but had wonderful, mature insights the next...writers licence I guess. I had not realised that the author was American, in fact I'm ashamed to say that I had not heard of him, even though I had seen the Stuart Little films. This in itself was not a problem, but I disliked the authors style, the repitition, and the way he described a whole paragraph twice sometimes, once as what will happen, second as it happened. I didn't feel there was a need for it, a few words to establish that it was exactly as Charlotte had predicted would have sufficed.
A lovely and very sweet story, educational too. I have heard others say how they avoid stepping on spiders now. I can see why! I can also see that the story is great material for a film. I enjoyed the book, but I expected so much from it, before reading, that I think it was always going to be slightly disappointing. And yet I say that, but can't quite put my finger on why!!

Polka Dot Rock

8th March 2007, 12:29

That was very interesting summary, Susie :)

I never read Charlotte's Web because whenever anyone at school had read it, they were always in floods of tears for days!

Purple Poppy

8th March 2007, 13:12

I finished Sam Grossers book, Another time and Place, last night. It was a really enjoyable read, set in England and France at the end of WW2. There was lots of historical information, and it was obvious that the author had done her research, even to the point of finding which film was showing at the local cinema!
The story traces the love-at-first-sight meeting of Anna and Tom. Only together for a week, they are separated by the war, Tom failing to return from an air mission. Anna returns to the home she shares with her mother, Mrs Pilgrim, and we realise that their relationship is tenuous, to say the least. The author tells us, turn about, what is happening to Tom, after being shot down and wounded, and to Anna who waits for him. Gradually, we hear more about the week that they spent together, and can judge for ourselves as to whether their love will be strong enough to pull them through and bring them together again.
The character of Mrs Pilgrim stood out for me. She was a beautifully drawn character, with a personality that would sour milk at seven paces. There was an indication, once, (in a fleeting smile) that she had originally been a warmer and more generous person, but her husbands betrayal, following on from her fathers tyranical behaviour, was too much for her to bear, and she recoiled behind the security of her defensive armour, a battery of bitter insults, lies and vindictiveness. Using the welfare of her daughter as an excuse for her behaviour, she made Annas life a misery. I kept wondering, especially later, when Annas baby had been born, why Anna did not contact Toms parents and ask for help. If she had not been reunited with him, we are led to believe she would have done this. Mrs Pilgrims character is a masterpiece, illustrating the bitter twisted logic of an abused and oppressed woman, who can only look to others to find fault, but never to herself. Unfortunately, I have had the misfortune to know someone just like her, and for me, Mrs Pilgrim was very real and a very accurate portrayal of a battered and betrayed human life.

I liked Tom too. He was a gentle caring guy, who hadn't expected to fall in love, but when he did, was loyal to the last (except when he thought she had been disloyal to him). His family seemed to be nice ordinary decent folk, caring very much about each other, as did Annas friend Lottie and her family, who were the only lights in Anna's awful dark world.

Anna, I was not sure about. She came across as a lovely girl, with a warm personality and a good heart. But I felt a wee bit frustrated by her, as I wanted her to respond more openly to her mothers threats. It was very difficult in those days to go against the 'norm', or to even disagree with parents, and sure enough, Anna would have had nowhere to go. Also, her mother being the person she was, would not have listened to her, or considered her feelings. Having a baby out of wedlock was a huge degradation, but Anna battled through all that, and was a superb mother. But...somehow I was never convinced by her. I really don't know why. She proved that she was tough and determined and that she knew how to love, despite her upbringing (she was close to her father), so I have no idea why I feel this way about her. Its almost as if she is a transparent person, a foil for Mrs Pilgrim. I'm sure Sam didn't intend that, and I know its nothing to do with your wonderful writing Sam...its just my perception of her.

I loved the story, and Sam's style of writing flows beautifully, so that you can read very easily. I would recommend this book as a good read, exciting in parts, sad in parts, but always honest. I can't wait for the next one!

JudyB

8th March 2007, 21:23

Thanks PP - I've added this to my wish list on LibraryThing.

Purple Poppy

14th March 2007, 21:40

Karma, by Holly A. Harvey.

I managed to get a copy of Kerri's (Blossom) book Karma from Amazon. I like chick Lit, but I wouldn't count myself as a huge fan. Like many people, I have questioned why the heroines are always rich and wealthy, flaunting their life style of exotic holidays and designer label clothes, to those of us whose lives are more mundane. It becomes a bit irksome after a while, and you find yourself wishing that a book will feature a REAL person!

Well, look no further. Karma is about Paige, a twenty eight year old, whose life appears to be in complete disarray, with debts, dud jobs, no social scene to speak of and no boyfriend. She lives with her adorable dog (who, as dogs world wide is loyalty personified) and she spends much of her free time sleeping.

Gradually, as a response to an invitation to her schools re-union, Paige relates some of her history, the people who betrayed her trust and how as a consequence she has become a doormat, as she sees it. Then, she decides to take matters into her own hands and give Karma a bit of help.

As the story unfolds, we watch as Paige tries to make things better, but almost always ends up making them worse. Some of the situations are very original, others you can perhaps forsee, but not always guess the outcome. Through the ups and downs, Paige is supported by her best friend Sarah, who was at school with her. Paiges family are less supportive and do little to make her feel better about herself. Paige has always accepted that her older sister is the favourite. There are many twists and turns before the climax, but I will not reveal whether this has a good or bad ending.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I could not put it down. Paige was portrayed as a real person, someone that most of us can relate to, with the same loves, hates, worries, niggles and joys. She responded to situations as most of us would have, with honesty, but also a mixture of intolerance, annoyance and sometimes momentary wickedness, the latter always being swiftly dissipated before any action could follow. Paige is bright, intelligent, but very insecure, but she never loses her sense of humour. The book is very funny in places, for instance, in describing her appearance, Paige tells us that she played the rabbit in the school nativity. The rabbit you ask? Well, there is a reason...and its very funny in the telling.
Sometimes you want to shake Paige. Most of the time you want to hug her. It seems that everything she tries to do turns sour, but she always springs back and many of us could learn from her. The other characters were described well, and they behaved pretty much as people do, in real life, lying, cheating, and lots of pretence. But there were also lots of wonderful moments, where love ruled, and forgiveness was the order of the day. Some of the characters were wonderfully rich, almost springing off the page, and produced some very touching moments.
I loved this book. It was fresh and easy to read, the narrative flowing off the page in a way that most people would readily understand and relate to. The plot was full of intertwining stories, each of which combined with the others to keep you guessing the outcomes and yet each retaining their own individual purpose and resolution. It was very cleverly woven together to make an interesting and entertaining read. I thoroughly recommend this book, especially to those who love chicklit, but others should try it as the humour alone is worth the read.Considering this was a first novel, it very impressive.
Read it!

I am starting a book chain thread, and this book will be available for loan, if you would like to read it. See the new thread for details.

Purple Poppy

19th August 2007, 16:59

I haven't updated this thread for so long! How very remiss of me, but I thought I should make a list of what I have read. Unfortunately, although I have read quite a lot, not much has been taken off my 'Want to read' and TBR lists! I keep picking up books and borrowing books, and so it is difficult.

My reads so far this year...

Picture of Dorian Gray - Oscar Wilde

Cranford - Elizabeth Gaskell

Johnny and the Bomb - Terry Pratchett

The cat who smelled a Rat - Lillian Jackson-Braun

The Debt - short story by Simon Kernick

Heavenly Date and other Flirtations - Alexander McCall-Smith

Maus - Art Speigelman

Who says Cats Can't Talk? - H. Boots (Audrey Hurry)

North East Passage - Poem anothology - Tom Bryan

Charlotte's Web - E.B.White

Another Time and Place - Sam Grosser

Karma - Holly A. Harvey

Birchwood - John Banville

Fluffy - Simone Lei

Love Among the Chickens - P.G.Wodehouse

Black Beauty - Anna Sewell

The Velveteen Rabbit - Margery Williams

The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett

The Cat who turned on and off - Lillian Jackson-Braun

The History of Mr Polly - H.G.Wells.

The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath

A Child's War - Molly Bihet

The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Graham

A Riot of Writers-A Romp though English Literature - Terrance Dicks

Black Dahlia - James Ellroy

Thief of Always - Clive Barker

The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy - Tim Burton

The town below the ground - Edinburghs Legendary Underground City - Jan Andrew Henderson

The Consort - Anthony Heskell-Smith

Rescuing the Spectacled Bear - Stephen Fry

Rapture - Carole Ann Duffy

Birders - Tales of a tribe - Mark Cocker

In the Blood - Andrew Motion

Perfume - Patrick Suskind

The Old Possums Book Of Practical Cats - T.S.Elliot

The Pearl - John Steinbeck

Sacred Elephant - Heathcote Williams

Too Many Mothers - Roberta Taylor

Pollyanna - Elinor H. Porter

One hundred ways to live with a Cat addict - Roger Payne

The Little Prince - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Favourite animal poems - an anthology.

Wow! Seems a lot, but bear in mind some of them are not very long!

Pp

Purple Poppy

23rd March 2008, 14:02

Well it's is some months since I touched this thread, and that is putting it politely. I eventually managed 54 books by the end of the year, so I did reach my target of 50! This year I am aiming for 75...:lol:

So far I've read the following, and I am a little behind schedule. I have written reviews of some, and they are marked by the red *

1) Just So Stories - Rudyard Kipling

2) Stamp Album - Terrence Stamp

3) The Real Life of Sebastien Knight - V.Nabokov *

4) Body Double - Tess Gerritsen

5) The Veiled One - Ruth Rendell

6) Blue Dahlia - Nora Roberts

7) The Fiction Class - Susan Breen *

8) Black Rose - Nora Roberts

9) Red Lily - Nora Roberts

10) Betjemin - A.N.Wilson *

11) C'est La Folie - Michael Wright *

12) Letter from America - Alistair Cooke

13) Ten Women who Shook the World - Sylvia Brownrigg.

Since this is week 12, I need to be a little further ahead, so I'd better look out some short books!