Michelle

Sorry for the delay, I'm still trying to recover form YALC! Anyway, thanks to random.org the winner is Kell! Congrats - send me your address, so I know I have the right one for you, and I'll pass it onto the publishers.

You've made this monkey sad....

I love the original films - and monkeys!

It's ok if you keep it in the context of the time it was written, and of the story - but I was eye-rolling a few times!

Have finished listening to the original Planet of the Apes by Pierre Boulle. I adore the original film, and so there was much to like in the book. However, it is rather dated, and the main character is arrogant and sexist!

I don't think a book jar would suit me, I do best when I just get on and read what I want to read, without the pressure of thinking I have to read it - either because it's for review, or I want to read it in time for YALC. The summer won't make much difference to me either way, as I'm working for most of it, and we don't have a planned holiday. I have a lot of stress at work, and a lot going on elsewhere.. time to sit and read is sadly lacking. Oh dear, I do sound woeful!

I have been struggling recently - I think I just have too many I want to read (review books, plus YALC books) and I've found it hard to settle. I did manage to read Deep Water by Lu Hersey and Darkmere by Helen Maslin - reviews will be written soon, but both were really good... Deep Water is for younger teens up, and Darkmere probably for older teens.

If this 42 year old can spend hours at YALC seeing YA authors, you'll be fine!

If anyone colours theirs, please take a photo and show us!

I adore our Tortie - she has a lot of personality, and is very friendly.

This one is a pretty good read... http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00M44051E?keywords=invisible%20library&qid=1436455494&ref_=sr_1_1_twi_2_kin&sr=8-1

I'm now quite intrigued by this one!

I'm glad they've arrived - are they sending you the 3rd when they have a copy?

I can't send all 5 copies to one person! Anyone else... especially those outside UK/Europe?

Only 2 entries? I've been sent a set of these, and they are rather lovely, so don't miss out!

The Brits came 3rd, beating Germany, and can call themselves the top team in Europe. So we were really pleased for both us and the US

Reply is pretty good Noll, and not a heavy read.

It may no be the sort of thing you like, but I remember really liking them both.

Excuse me, I suggested a short story author too...

Another competition for you! The lovely people at Transworld are offering 5 copies of The Truth According to Us by Annie Barrows. From the co-author of the international best-seller, THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY. 'I can't stand this poky little town any more. How can I bear it for three more months? Today alone has lasted years...' Disinherited by her father, the debutante Miss Layla Beck is forced to spend the hot summer of 1938 in Macedonia, West Virginia, and is tasked with recording the small town's history. She arrives with one goal: to get out as quickly as possible. Macedonia's history seems simple enough - brief and uneventful. Then Layla meets the Romeyns: Jottie, Willa, Felix, Emmett, a family at once entertaining, eccentric, seductive, and inextricably bound up in Macedonia's biggest secret. It's a secret all the townsfolk have a stake in, and as Layla delves into town legend, hidden truths emerge that reveal an altogether different history, one that has left hearts and lives broken. Layla soon realises that some secrets should stay hidden forever. Four copies will be sent out direct by the publisher, and will be for entrants in the UK / Europe. The fifth will come to me, and I can send it internationally.. along with a rather lovely Moleskine Journal. Closing date is Sunday 26th July. To enter, simply tell us a truth about yourself.. nothing major, just a little fact that we may not already know. (If you're stuck, maybe it's a book no one realises you've read.)

Noll, I'm not sure which type of short story you like, but take a look at Sarah Salway - I loved Leading the Dance (https://bcfreviews.wordpress.com/2008/07/24/leading-the-dance-by-sarah-salway/) and Messages (https://bcfreviews.wordpress.com/2008/08/29/messages-by-sarah-salway-and-lynne-rees/)

I know some of you are interested in the 'colouring for adults' books - Orion have a new range published at the end of the month, and they're very kindly offering a bundle for a lucky member of the forum! Discover a world of beautiful artwork by illustrator Anastasia Catris with three different themes to inspire and calm your mind – Underwater, Tropical and Birds. Each book features 64 pages of original designs that will sharpen your mind as you colour. It is a fun and relaxing form of therapy which you can indulge in every day. This one is UK only I'm afraid, as the publisher will be sending out. Closing date is Sunday 19th July. How to enter? Just tell me in this thread what else you do when you need to relax - apart from books, that is! Good luck!

In ten years my children will be 26 and 21, so maybe I'll have a bit more time to myself... Or, maybe they'll still be at home, handing me their washing, and demanding dinner!

The winner is.... Karsa Orlong Many congrats! Please send me your address, and I'll pass it on.

And our winner is... drumroll.... Signor Finzione Many congrats! Please send me your address... and shall I tell them you have a preference for Fantasy?