Athena

x XD, well sometimes I ask for practical gifts too so I understand. I don't mind the element of surprise much, I don't like most surprises, so as long as there's a few gifts in there that I don't know about, I'm fine with knowing some of the other gifts. (EDIT: Also, knowing what you get but not knowing 100% what it looks like IRL is a bit different too). Nice to hear about your parents, and the love your friends have found . You too, pontalba! For me and my boyfriend, we were friends for about 4+ years when I fell in love with him. I've never started a relationship in which I wasn't friends with the person first, I guess that might be how it works for me. We were friends for a long time, we met up quite a few times over the years, he was here, I went there, we also talked a lot via IM (I used to use it a lot, not so much these days). During most of this time I was with my ex. I broke up with my ex after I realised he's a selfish jerk and what-not. Some time after that, my boyfriend (then my friend) told me that he liked me as more than a friend. I wasn't too sure at first, but then I met up with him and fell in love. During this meet up, my ex was there too (since when we made the appointment I thought I could stay friends with my ex, this was before I realised how angry I was at him). So, during this meet up, I was with one person who wanted me back (my ex) and one person who wanted me (my boyfriend). I also was having some confusing feelings regarding something else. After the meet up, my boyfriend (at the time my friend) and I decided to meet up again soon after, and I took some time to think about things. Then I realised what I felt for my boyfriend was much more than friendship and so I told him I wanted to give our relationship a chance. It's the best decision I've made in my life, I think. From the moment I decided that, I was very happy. When we met up, it was a week / few days filled with happiness. I love him so very much (as you can probably tell from this story XD).

I think it is yes . I hope so at least XD. I came across a book shop yesterday (while I was in another city to go to the cinema) which was having a 70% off sale (I think because they're closing down. A while ago they had this sale too so not sure what's going on with them, they don't normally have a lot of English books so I don't go in there a lot since I started reading a lot of English. Also they aren't in my town). I bought a few books! Most of these I don't know much about, but they were quite cheap so . Steve Alten - The Domain Trilogy 2: The Mayan Resurrection S. Andrew Swann - Apotheosis 3: Messiah Fiona McIntosh - The Quickening 3: Bridge of Souls Michael Collins - Midnight in a Perfect Life Alexander McCall Smith - The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency 8: The Good Husband of Zebra Drive William Trevor - Bodily Secrets Jessica Fox - The Hen Night Prophecies 3: Hard To Get Delphine de Vigan - No and Me Joanna Kavenna - The Birth of Love Frank O'Connor - The Cornet-Player Who Betrayed Ireland Emma Maree Urquhart - Dragon Tamers 1: Dragon Tamers I know, I didn't really need to add more to my TBR . But I had a lot of fun though, I hope that counts for something.

Wow, that's a lot of books! Yes, my TBR is over 1000. That does include some Kindle freebies (when I just had my Kindle, I went a bit mad and downloaded some free Kindle ebooks even though they may not have been my thing), but still. I have bought a lot of books the past while. I do plan on getting rid of a few books at some point, because I didn't like them, don't care to reread them, or don't think I like the genre much anymore, etc.

I hope you'll like your next reads more than the last few, poppyshake! Nice reviews, though.

I don't think that's possible here. I've never asked, though, but I've never seen anyone with earphones. Where would they be plugged into? There are no jacks here in the seats or anything. Generally I find for such a disability as mine, certain other countries have better facilities for them. But some other things are better here (ie. unemployment care) so can't complain really! I do find the sound in the cinema loud which is why, afterwards, I need some rest, peace and quiet. EDIT: Thanks for the thought, though! Maybe it'll come in handy sometime .

Hmm, you'd have to contact the forum staff about that, I have no idea why it wouldn't be working . I was walking in the garden a few days ago, feeding the animals, when I heard chirping noises. And, then, I saw, baby chicken!! We have 14 baby chicken, they're all yellow or yellow with black spots and they're so cute! Here's a video I made of them: I do have photos as well but they're on my phone which is charging up atm.

The Mortal Instruments series books one and three are on my wishlist, I own books two and four. I'll wait until I have all four books before I start reading the series. I like dragons too, have you read the Dragonriders of Pern series? The Rain Wild Chronicles series is partially on my shelf (I haven't bought book three yet I believe, not sure if it's out in paperback yet). I've read Eragon but not yet the other books in the Inheritance series. I liked Eragon though! I bought this series in hardcover and they're quite big and heavy so that's why I haven't read more of it XD.

x Thanks for your answers! That clears some things up . I have some of the Sookie Stackhouse books but I haven't read them yet, they're still in plastic XD. I've named that genre (modern world but has vampires, werewolves or other such creatures) 'paranormal', I guess it really depends on the person.

Yesterday we went to the cinema and saw the film. I quite liked it! Admittedly I haven't seen a whole lot of Star Trek, just Star Trek: Enterprise (all seasons), some episodes of Star Trek: The Original Series and a few episodes of two of the other series (I think it was The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine, they were on TV a couple of years ago when I was in the UK. I don't remember too much of it). So I can't really compare the film much with original vision or what not, but I enjoyed it. Some things were predictable but a lot of other things weren't, to me, so I enjoyed myself . Also, the 3D was pretty well done in my opinion, better than the 3D of most films I've seen in the cinema (in 3D).

x I'm glad to hear you loved the film! Thanks, I might watch some more of his films . We went to see Star Trek: Into Darkness. I quite liked it. I haven't seen most Star Trek episodes (of most of the series) so I can't really say too much about original vision or anything like that. But I found the film entertaining.

I have only read the first book (A Game of Thrones), however I do think there are other fantasy books that are somewhat similar. However, most of the ones I've read contain some form of magic whereas in A Game of Thrones (the first book) there wasn't a lot of magic to be found. If you like dragons (which played a minor role in the first book, not sure what will happen after, rather not have it spoiled!) but not magic, the only series I recall is the Dragonriders of Pern series by Anne McCaffrey, which I've read some books of but not others yet, but the world isn't that similar to the world of A Song of Ice and Fire. It's about a planet where 'thread' falls onto, and the people on the planet fly dragons to burn up the thread before it falls to the ground. It's not as complex as A Song of Ice and Fire, though. If you don't mind a bit of magic, then there's plenty of fantasy books or series I could recommend. For example, in terms of complexity, with names and such, Robert Jordan's (and Brandon Sanderson's) Wheel of Time series is quite complicated and a bit 'political'-drama-y too. But it does have forms of magic in it so if you don't like that then it may not be for you. Well, I'll have to read more of the Song of Ice and Fire series to make a better recommendation I think! I plan to read the second book not too long from now.

Sorry to hear that, frankie . I really don't like it when the blurb spoils a lot of the plot. It should set the scene but anything happening later on in the book shouldn't be spoiled imo.

I don't know yet what I'll be doing however it should be fun at least to follow all your updates (if I am on the forum, otherwise afterwards sometime).

Thanks ! I look forward to see them .

Yes, it is really hard to pass up good priced books! Glad to hear you enjoyed the Catherine Cookson books and John Irving's books . I might get Owen Meany sometime (I've put it on the wishlist now, thought it was there already), I'm glad to hear you love it!

Here are the questions from the paperback version of the book, ISBN: 9780552778091. They are not numbered in the book. Harold's journey is both physical and metaphorical. He is not the only character in the novel to go on a journey and Rachel Joyce has said that writing the book was in itself a journey. What other literary journeys does this novel call to mind? Harold says he is not a religious man but his journey is called a pilgrimage and it is undoubtedly a leap of faith. How much and how consciously do you feel Rachel Joyce draws on Christian tenets and/or other belief systems in the novel? Harold is a man with many flaws. Despite, or perhaps because of this, do you see him as an archetypal Englishman? Or is he an Everyman? When we first met Harold and Maureen, at the breakfast table, they seem in different worlds. To what extent did you see Maureen as a cause for Harold's departure? Is Harold's relationship with David the inevitable result of Harold's own upbringing? The mental health of several characters is called into question in the novel. Depression, Alzheimer's and addiction are all diseases that touch many of us and yet mental illness remains to a great extent taboo in our society. How is Rachel Joyce using this? Do you find it effective? Harold and Mauren are married but both are lonely. The couple Harold meets at Buckfast Abbey travel together but also have lost sight of what holds them together. What makes a marriage happy? How much is romantic happiness about being a pair and how much about other people and interests? At the start of the book both Harold and Maureen hve allowed friends to fall by the wayside. This story is about how we all connect with one another. What makes someone a true friend and how does Rachel Joyce represent friendship? Regret is an emotion that plays a key part in the novel. Do you think Rachel Joyce sees it as a positive or a negative force? Rachel Joyce writes beautifully about the English countryside - but how crucial to the telling of her story is the actual landscape she describes? How would it change the novel if it was set in Scotland, perhaps, or France, or ...? The sea provides bookends for the novel and plays a vivid part in Harold's memories. Is this significant? How does Rachel Joyce use food and the sharing of food in the novel? How much are Harold's responses to his fellow pilgrims dictated by his past? Was the ending of the novel a shock or the inevitable conclusion? Who saves who in this novel? Has The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry inspired you to do something out of the ordinary - take a journey? Renew contact with someone? Look at strangers with a new perspective? Do share your response at: www.facebook.com/unlikelypilgrimageofharoldfry

Lately I've been watching the Star Trek: The Original Series - The Full Journey Blu-rays, we're seen about a third to a half of season one now. They're quite fun! It was filmed in the 60s so the pacing is different from modern stuff but I like it quite a bit. I had only seen a few episodes of the original series before, the new effects are pretty nice too imo.

Yesterday evening we watched Star Trek (Star Trek XI), this is the third time I've seen it, and I still like it quite a bit. It's not perfect but it's very enjoyable.

Nice questions . 1. Who was your favourite character? This is a difficult question! It'd have to be either Maureen or Harold, also Queenie is such a great character, the things she did for Harold. She wasn't a main character though so I'll have to go with either Harold or Maureen. I didn't like Maureen a lot at the start of the book but she grew on me as the book progressed and she changed her behaviour (though most of her behaviour made somewhat sense to me). I liked Harold too, he seemed like an interesting, nice gentleman. The way he talks with a lot of people during his journey and tries to help them as they help him, I thought that was really nice. 2. Was there a particular part you enjoyed more than the rest? I enjoyed the first part of Harold's walk more, because I loved the descriptions of the countryside. However, I liked Maureen better in the second part of the book, she became more likeable and started to be more active. 3. Was this the first book you've read in this genre/ by this author, has it encouraged you to read more? It's the first book I've read by this author. I've added Perfect to my wishlist, it's not out yet in paperback but I like the sound of it and I love the author's writing in The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. 4. Were there any parts/ideas you struggled with? I struggled a bit with the added fame of Harold and all the other pilgrims who joined him. This wasn't what I imagined would happen! However once I read a bit more I accepted it and moved on. The people did add to the storyline. I also thought that it might've been better if the truth about David had been revealed slightly earlier in the story, the behaviour of some of the characters might've made more sense to me then. However in a way it's also nice that it's done this late in the book, because things make sense from then on, it's kind of a big plot twist (imo), one I didn't see coming. 5. Overall, was reading the book an enjoyable experience? It was very enjoyable! I really loved the writing and the descriptions of the countryside, it made the walk come alive for me (if that makes sense). I also loved reading about Harold, Maureen, David and Queenie, their past, thoughts and feelings. 6. How important do you think the girl in the garage was? I think she was important but if it hadn't been her than maybe someone else had said something or maybe Harold would've decided it by himself. 7. Why do you think strangers who met Harold wanted to help him? Imo, it was very nice of them to help him. Personally, I think I'd help too (provided it doesn't cost me too much energy etc) though there are a lot of people out there these days who wouldn't. Why they would want to help him, I'm not sure. I'd like to think from the goodness/kindness of their hearts (that's how it'd work for me). Generally people who help others, are happier and feel better about themselves. That may have been a motive too, perhaps. 8. Are there any morals to be drawn from the other "pilgrims" who joined Harold? Not everyone who seems kind, can be trusted. Some of them turned against Harold, one nicked things, another decided to do things in a different way, go in a different direction, etc. People might still do their own thing and be selfish. 9. Did he help Queenie in the end at all? I like to believe she hung on for him, though whether that's a good thing or not.. her existence didn't seem to include more than just that, existing. However, I like to think she knew Harold came by and did this for her, I like to think that that's one of her last happy thoughts before she passed away. 10. Was Harold's Pilgrimage all in vain ? No, I don't believe so. He and Maureen were much closer by the end of the book, his walk in a way healed them both and made them realise how much they care for each other. Also, it may have made Queenie happy. My paperback copy has some questions at the end of the book for book clubs, if you like I can post them but I don't want to take anything away from you as the host. I like your questions more to be honest !

I can enjoy a book I've been forced to read, however generally the enjoyment is a bit less than how I would've enjoyed the book if I had picked it myself to read and hadn't been forced.

I'm glad to hear you liked it! I think I may have bought it based on your recommendation but I'm not sure. Thanks .

I purchased some Kindle books (most of these are Monthly Deals): Marjorie Celona - Y Catherine Cookson - The Dwelling Place John Irving - In One Person Kurt Vonnegut - The Sirens of Titan Temple Grandin - The Way I See It Ian Ford - A Field Guide to Earthlings Ann M. Martin - The Babysitter's Super Specials 3: The Babysitters' Winter Vacation Ann M. Martin - The Babysitter's Super Specials 4: The Babysitters' Island Adventure If I like some of these books a lot I may still buy them in paperback, but I'm a sucker for deals so . Plus, I like to have some more choice on the Kindle. In bed in the evening or morning it's easiest to read from the Kindle (with its light) rather than a normal book since it's too dark for that (I don't have a lot of light near my bed atm). I do plan, before I go on holidays, to have a look around Amazon, see if there are any free or purchasable books I might want to read on my holidays. Just so I have a bit to pick from etc. Does it make sense? I might download some free classics or something.

I'm reading The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon and am really enjoying it so far. I'm also reading a For Dummies book on the Kindle.

Thanks !

The Night Circus is on my shelf, if you decide to read it soon, I hope you like it and look forward to hear your thoughts on it .