Maureen

Hello and welcome to here!

Welcome to here!

Tina. Loved your introduction!

This thread will open on the 1st of March. It is assumed that you have read the book before reading posts in this thread, as the discussion might give away crucial points, and the continuous use of spoiler tags might hinder fluent reading of posts. Synopsis from the book depository: Some basic questions to consider: 1. Who was your favourite character and why? 2. Was there a particular part you enjoyed/disliked more than the rest? 3. Was this the first book you've read in this genre/by this author, has it encouraged you to read more? 4. Were there any parts/ideas you struggled with? 5. Overall, was reading the book an enjoyable experience? A couple of discussion questions from the author's site: 6. Mariam’s mother tells her: “Women like us. We endure. It’s all we have.” Discuss how this sentiment informs Mariam’s life and how it relates to the larger themes of the novel. 7. By the time Laila is rescued from the rubble of her home by Rasheed and Mariam, Mariam’s marriage has become a miserable existence of neglect and abuse. Yet when she realizes that Rasheed intends to marry Laila, she reacts with outrage. Given that Laila’s presence actually tempers Rasheed’s abuse, why is Mariam so hostile toward her? And some of my own: 8. When we chose this book for the Reading Circle, I thought that if it had been written by a woman, it would be more credible - as she would be able to put herself in Mariam's or Liala's shoes more convincingly. Do you think the author's sex influenced at all? 9. How did you feel about Tariq's return? 10. At one time Laila's father told her 'It is a good time to be a woman in Afghanistan'. Did your perception of life for women in Afghanistan change at all after reading this book? 11. Is there a particular passage which has haunted you, even after some time has passed since finishing this book? 12. The book describes Afghanistan's enchantment with the film Titanic, and its popularity on the blackmarket. Is it this particular film, which was so well liked, or is this a substitute for something else?

Salmon roll

Hi Steve, back

If I may add my tuppence worth, as I have read these recently. It was a great series, and totally worth the Hype. I was glad with the way JK Rowlings wrapped things up - and although I was sad at some of the deaths (esp as Snape died before he and Harry could talk), it sort of made it more believable, IMO. One thing I'm still curious about is what happend to Prof McGonagall - as she was another favourite of mine

I loved reading this thread! ...re the book - I enjoyed reading the 'future' bit.

We love salt & vinegar over here too.

Thanks Francesca. I guess you like thrillers as well You mention Tess Gerritsen, what about Karin Slaughter, Kathy Reichs, Jeffery Deaver? Did you ever read them?

I really enjoyed that one. I have Skin Gods, on my TBR pile. Hope it's just as good. I also enjoyed Broken Angels

For the readers, it is a good thing. Where before I could afford to buy a book a month, for example, I can now buy two. For new authors it should have its positive side too - I am more likely to buy a € 4 book by an author I have never read, than a € 15 one. And I believe the theory of supply and demand holds in the book market too - a popular author would sell x amounts of his/her new book at the price of y, but if y is reduced, x should increase.

David Baldacci's Stone Cold. American conspiracy theory....bit boring.

I usually use Play, and nowadays I can buy a book for €6 or less. The almost new sections sometimes harbours €4 bargains. It is not even worth the fuel to go to the library (and the traffic jams, parking problems, etc, twice when returning the book as well, when for that price I get it delivered to my door).

I just finished Mark Haddon's A spot of bother. I had read Curious Incident a couple of years ago, and had been meaning to pick up this one ever since. I really enjoyed his work, pity that he has not yet written more adult books.

Focaccia filled with parmeggiano, olive oil and sun dried tomatoes. Divine.

Hi Pickle, to here

I am inclined to watch it again tonight, to make sure that I did not miss anything.

Anyone watch this yesterday? What do you think? Did you understand?

Oh I'm so glad I checked in here. IT'S TODAY