Kell

I agree - SK tends to keep a pretty firm grip on reality and feed our darker fears of something happening in a "normal" situation to "normal" people, although some of them are more traditional creep-fests. Richard Laymon is definitely a pure gore-fest writer - all the novels of his that I have read have featured a lot of blood and guts and either a psycho murderer or a monster of some kind. They all seemed pretty samey to me after a while, but I read quite a few of them when I was in my teens. Nowadays, his style doesn't appeal to me at all and come the last few I tried I was thinking "Oh, OK, slash-slash, blood-guts, scream-run-die... AGAIN!" and I haven't read anh more in quite some time now. I've never read any Clive Barker as yet (but that will change when my Reading Circle book arrives), but James Herbert I tend to like, along with a lot of Dean Koontz, although my favourites of theirs have been based in the more fairy-tale or sci-fi areas with some horror element in them (such as Once by Herbert and Lightning by Koontz). Why's that, HandD? Was it any book or author in particular that put you off them?

I think I agree with you on the creepy horror v. bloody horror, Judy. I like some realism and intelligence# involved - and something that really plays tricks with your head. Although, I have to admit, I often find the incredibly gory horror books absolutely hilarious. It certainly keeps my colleagues at bay and stops them from interrupting me if I'm reading a book people know to be very violent and bloody whilst giggling like mad in the corner! But is there any area of horror that you particularly don't enjoy, Judy? Anything that really puts you off and kind of spoils things for you? Or has there been a particular horror book that you found really un-enjoyable because of one aspect?

As a follow-on from THIS thread about what irks us about fantasy novels, I thought I'd start off a similar one for horror, as I know that although there are loads of people who adore the genre, there are also many who completely shun it, or at least certain sub-genres, completely, and I'd love to know people's reasons. Personally, I'm a big fan of most horrors, but I do have a bit of a problem with zombies for some reason (as well as mummies, which are, basically, gift-wrapped zombies), although I have actually enjoyed one or two books that features them. I guess for me it's the shambling, mindless, brain-eating zombies that I can't get on with. Why, just because they're dead, would they be any less able to converse normally? After all, there are other undead creatures that traditionally are pretty eloquent, such as vampires and werewolves (although, I'd consider the latter supernaturals, rather than undead, per se), as well as ghosts (who don't have a physical body and therefore no brain, so why should they be any more intelligent than a zombie?). The zombie-included books I've enjoyed haven't taken away the human side of the zombie, and usually have them as just slowly rotting versions of themselves. Often they're quite witty, to be perfectly honest. Anyway, I just wondered if there was any aspect of horror that anyone else had a problem with. Or perhaps you're one of those anti-horror readers? Come on in and take a seat, I want to hear from you! And don't mind the children of the night howling outside the window - they won't bite - I promise!

Ooh! Another one from Scotland! Hello & , Karen. I hope you'll enjoy it here. Where is Scotland are you?

I only just saw this post now! Thank you very much, Wrath. My head will get all swelled... I thin kyou're sweet too.

Thought you guys might like this: Which Stephen King Book Are You? I got: What Stephen King Bo The Stand The novel of your life is the end of everything, after a flu epidemic that you find yourself unable to receive (?) you attempt to bring civilization back and stop the devil himself. Well, whaddaya know? My favourite! I'm not awfully sure about the comment attached to it (hence the question mark I stuck in there), but what the hey?

Yes, we seem to have a few small family groups here now! It's lovely.

A real treat on the novella collection side of things is Different Seasons - three of the stories within have been made into films, (The Body - which became Stand By Me; Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption - which became The Shawshank Redemption; and The Apt Pupil - which kept it's original title) and the fourth story, The Breathing Method, isn't too shoddy either.

I've not read Cell yet, but I have to agree with the others about The Stand - it's well worth the 1000+ pages of the completer and unabridged edition. I'm another one who rates it as one of my all time favourite books - not just of horror/chillers either - of all genres! I really do believe it to be King's masterpiece.

Hello & Supergran! Is your daughter a member here too? Come on, hands up who recommended us to their Mum! Seriously though - it's great to have you here and I hope you'll enjoy sharing your favourite books and authors with us all.

Well, PDR - you have to remember, this is not a support group - we're all addiction enablers when it comes to books here!

I've just remembered - I've been to the theatre more recently than the DT concert - I went to see a wonderful production of Arsenic and Old Lace last October - the tickets were a birthday present and I went along with my sister. Wayne Sleep played Dr. Einstein and absolutely stole the show!

OMG, Scottishbookworm! You've actually MET Derren Brown??? And more than once??? *swoon* I adore the man! I wanted to see his show in Aberdeen, but I had to wait till I was paid and then it was too late. The last concert I went to was quite a while ago now - I saw Dream Theater in concert in London after the release of their last album, Octavarium. Dale and I went to both dates in London as they did a different show the second night. The first night they played a selection of greats and stuff from the new album. The second night, they played new stuff and then, in the second half, performed Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd from start to finish - it was AWESOME! Dale actually got to meet the band, as he won the chance through the fanclub *JEALOUS AS ALL HELL!!!* and got some stuff autographed. We had a whale of a time. We're hoping that they'll have some UK dates later in the year, as they're touring Europe with Symphony X (another band we love) as their special guests. (We're not going to the Download Festival dates though.)

I do agree with a lot of what you've said, Wrath (you have a way of expressing your thoughts very clearly and precisely). However, many of the titles you listed here, although they do have a strong fantasy element to them, I think aren't necessarily thought of as fantasy per se. The Princess Bride, I think, is the closest to "traditional" fantasy, but it's more akin to traditional fairytales; The Matrix leans towards sci-fi/action; The Da Vinci Code towards conspiracy/mystery; The Bounre Identity, again, sci-fi/action; The Picture of Dorian Gray has a strong gothic horror theme; Brave New World and 1984, more sci-fi again. I've never read Siddhartha or Oedipus Rex, but do agree that both Gulliver's Travels and A Midsummer Night's Dream are firmly in the fantasy camp. I guess what I'm trying to say is that it's difficult to compartmentalise things into a single genre - all the very best writing encompasses a whole range of themes, emotions and fields, so that the lines are blurred. I don't think I could ever say outright that I strictly do not like any fantasy - that would be discounting many books I have loved that have a fantasy element to them (after all, all fiction is, to some extent, the fantasy of the author put down on paper...), there are just some elements that do not appeal to me so much as others, and a grounding in some kind of reality makes things much more enjoyable for me personally, no matter what the subject matter (even if it does involve unicorns.)

I'll be starting The Catcher in the Rye by J D Salinger very shortly and I was just flicking through the pages (I often do that before reading - i just rifle the pages a bit and the odd word or phrase jumps out at me). I noticed that right on the first page, Holden Caulfield mentions a book his brother wrote called The Secret Goldfish, which appears to be a book of short stories (one of which provides the name of the book containing them). He also mentions David Copperfield in the first paragraph. I'm already wondering how many other books will be mentioned...

Sorry, I can't wait - I have to jump right in an ask a question or two: Kelley, how and when did you first get into writing? And was there any moment in particular that really made you feel you were a "real" author?

Kelley Armstrong website interview article BOOKS: Women of the Otherworld: Bitten Stolen - Review Dime Store Magic Industrial Magic Haunted - Review Broken - Review No Humans Involved - Review Personal Demon (out 2008) Nadia Stafford: Exit Strategy (paperback out 1 July 2007) Online-Fiction: Savage - Review Ascension - Review Beginnings - Review 2005 Stories - Review The Case of El Chupacabra - Review Framed Becoming ~ ~ * * * ~ ~ The featured author for the month of June is something of a special treat for me, as we have as our guest none other than one of my favourite authors, Kelley Armstrong! (Please forgive me if I get a little excited!). Well known for her Women of the Otherworld series of novels, which feature supernaturals (werewolves and vampires and demons, oh my!) living along-side regular people and star strong female characters who are down to earth and superbly flawed, making for a sense of reality that makes the books all the more thrilling to read. On 1st July, her new book, Exit Strategy, is published in paperback - a departure from the Otherworld series and with a very human protagonist, Nadia Stafford. Kelley will be with us for the month to answer any questions our members may have. to the forum, Kelley - it's a pleasure to have you here!

Hello and , Sedge. Glad you decided to take the plunge!

Yes - all LT members can sign up for it, but at present, books will only be assigned to US members. There's hope that they'll be able to extend the same offer to other, non-US members, at some point in the future. So, of course, I've signed up in preparation!

Neither have I, I'm afraid. Perhaps you'd like to tell us a bit about him and his books? And perhaps some recommendations too? We're always after things to add to our wish lists!

It can be quite hard-going in places, so I can understand your mum's reservations, Chocolategal. I'm sure you'll enjoy it all the more when you're a bit older anyway - and you have it to look forward to, which is always a bonus!

I most often have a problem with mythical creatures and twinkly-star type magic. I also have a problem with strange worlds that have odd names and whose inhabitants have equally unpronounceable monikers. That said, I did enjoy Maia by Richard Adams (alternative fantasy world with no odd creatures) and Song of Sourcery by Elizabeth Scarborough (Dragons and unicorns, but earthy magic and "normal" people). I really do enjoy Pratchett though - although the Discworld is another world and there are mythical creatures all over the place, everything involved is recognisable as having something comparative in the "round world" - he's a master of satire. On the whole, though, I'm not really one for "hard core" fantasy at all - only that which is firmly rooted in "normalcy" in some way.

to the forum, Nirvana. I look forward to hearing all about your favourite books and authors (and adding them to my wish list!).

Does the Pope wear a big hat & drive round in a Popemobile? Definitely! If the others are anything as good as the first one, I'l be in for a barrel of laughs from start to finish. I really like Fforde's style - his humour really appeals to me, and I like his cleverness (which is very similar to Pratchett's style of satire).

I'm sure we did a Top 100 favourites at one point. I'll have a look around and see if I can find the thread... Aha! Now, we actually did a Top 10, but the full list ran like this: These were the books that got more than 1 mention: 1st Kelley Armstrong - Bitten / Stolen 2nd A A Milne - The House At Pooh Corner (Winnie The Pooh) Joint 3rd C S Lewis - The Chronicles of Narnia Mark Hadden - The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Philippa Gregory - The Other Boleyn Girl In addition, these authors recieved more than one mention, although for different books each time: Stephen King Juliet Marillier Charlaine Harris Dean Koontz James Herbert Martina Cole Terry Pratchett This was the full list: A A Milne - The House At Pooh Corner A A Milne - Winnie the Pooh Anne Bishop - Daughter of the Blood Anne Rice - Interview With A Vampire Arnold Lobel - The Frog and Toad series Arthur C Clarke - Rama Series Ben Elton - Popcorn Bret Easton Ellis - Less Than Zero C S Lewis - The Chronicles of Narnia Caiseal Mor - The Circle & The Cross Charlaine Harris - Dead To The World Charlaine Harris - Dead Until Dark Charles Dickens - David Copperfield Charlotte Bronte - Jane Eyre Christopher Brookmyre - The Sacred Art of Stealing CJ Sansom - Dissolution Daphne du Maurier - Rebecca Dave Gorman and Danny Wallace - Are you Dave Gorman? Dean Koontz - Life Expectancy Dean Koontz - Odd Thomas Dr. Seuss - Green Eggs and Ham Enid Blyton - St Claire's series Evelyn Waugh - Scoop Fitzroy Maclean - Eastern Approaches Graham Masterton - Devil In Grey H.G.Wells - Time machine Harper Lee - To Kill A Mockingbird Ian Pears - An Instance of the Fingerpost Ivo Andric - The Bridge Over The Drina J D Robb - In Death Series J.D. Salinger - The Catcher in the Rye -- by J.K.Rowling - Harry Potter series Jacqueline Carey - Kushiel's Dart James Herbert - Fluke James Herbert - The Magic Cottage Jean M Auel - Clan of the Cave Bear Jeannette Walls - The Glass Castle : A Memoir Jeffrey Steingarten - The Man Who Ate Everything John Julius Norwich - Byzantium John Lanchester - The Debt to Pleasure Juliet Marillier - Daughter of the Forest Juliet Marillier - The Sevenwaters Triology Juliet Marillier - Wolfskin Kate Forsyth - Witches of Eilanan Kelley Armstrong - Bitten Kelley Armstrong - Bitten/Stolen Kelley Armstrong - DimeStore Magic Kenneth Grahame - The Wind in the Willows Laurell K Hamilton - Blue Moon Linda Fairstein - Entombed Louisa May Alcott - Little Women Marion Zimmer Bradley - Mists of Avalon Mark Hadden - The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Mark Twain - Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Martina Cole - Faceless Martina Cole - Two Women Matt Ridley - Genome Mikhail Bulgakov - The Master and Margarita Minette Walters - The Sculptress Monica Dickens - One pair of feet Nicholas Evans - The Horse Whisperer P C Cast - Goddess By Mistake PD James - Adam and Eve and Pinch Me Peter - James Host Philippa Gregory - The Other Boleyn Girl Primo Levi - If This Is A Man Richard Adams - Watership Down Richard Laymon - Body Rides Simon Scarrow - Books 1-4 of the Eagles series Sophie Kinsella - Can You Keep A Secret Spike Milligan - The Book of Milligananimals Stephen King - IT Stephen King - Needful Things Stephen King - The Green Mile Stephen King - The Long Walk Stephen King - The Shining Stephen King - The Stand Steve Harris - Adventureland Sue Townsend - The Queen and I Susan Cooper - The Dark is Rising series Tami Hoag - A Thin Dark Line Terry Practchett - The City Watch series Terry Pratchett - Death Trilogy Thomas Hardy - Jude the Obscure Thomas Hardy - Tess of the Durbevilles Tom Sharpe - Riotous Assembly Trudi Canavan - The Black Magicians Triology Wilbur Smith - River God William Golding - Lord Of The Flies William Goldman - The Princess Bride The thread got moved to the archives a while back as it was done ages ago. It's a very different list from Peter Boxall's one and I wonder how different it would be if we tried it again now... We also run the annual awards, which is why keeping a note of the books you read throughout the year is so handy. They get run in January for the previous year's books.