Kell

BOOKING THROUGH THURSDAY There are so many crappy biographies … would you rather read a poorly written biography of a fascinating life, OR an exquisitely well-written, wonderful read of one of a not-so-interesting life? A short answer for me - I can’t have one without the other, really. A book has to be at least marginally well-written or I have difficulty letting myself enjoy it – the reason being I can’t get into the story that’s being told if it’s not being told well. I’ve read some averagely-written auto/biographies and been able to get on with them because the life was interesting (Cybill Disobedience by Cybill Shepherd springs to mind here – average writing, but a rip-roaring read!) and I found it interesting and enjoyable. I’m not likely to read about someone unless I find them interesting in the first place and I have read some first class auto/biographies as a result. Two absolutely awesome autobiographies (well, three really) that blew me away with just how inspiring people can be, were Lucky Man by Michael J Fox, and Still Me and Nothing Is Impossible by Christopher Reeve. An example of an autobiography that was well written and about an interesting person, yet still a dull and plodding read is Lord of Misrule by Christopher Lee. A shame, because I really like him a lot!

It's slag for one pound (£1.00). Likely stemming from the Latin "quid pro quo" indicating an exchange of some sort, I.e. money for goods.

This morning, for a quid each in the pound shop, all in hardback: * Raymond Khoury - Sanctuary * Kate Muir - Left Bank * Rebecca Stott - Ghost Walk * Douglas Carlton Abrams - The Lost Diary of Don Juan Couldn't resist - they all look ace!

It's just one of many gorgeous covers I found while searching for one - this was simply my favourite. I suspect they were all created by fans, not publishers, but they're great all the same. Just do a search for "Midnight Sun Book Cover" and you'll see how many great covers there are for it.

W... W... W... Wednesdays * What are you currently reading? * What did you recently finish reading? * What do you think you’ll read next? What are you currently reading? Philip Pullman – The Tiger in the Well (Sally Lockhart 3) I’m half way through this third installment and it is the best so far, but also the most harrowing to read – Harriet (Sally’s daughter) is of a similar age to my son, and someone is trying to take her away from her mother, so it’s a terrifying thought for a mother reading this book! I actually had nightmares last night because of it. However, it’s not deterred me from continuing with the novel. It also focuses on subjects of socialism, equality of the sexes (or lack thereof) and persecution of minorities and immigrants, so it’s got some very serious issues thrown in there, making this a very interesting read! Stephenie Meyer – Midnight Sun I haven’t got any further with this one yet, but I will… What did you recently finish reading? Barbara Ewing – The Mesmerist I picked this one up for £1 (I’m a sucker for a bargain!) and loved the cover, so it found its way into the shopping trolley. Well, can you blame me? I figured it would bridge the gap till I could get to the library again and get the next in the several series I’m currently reading. It started quite slowly then picked up a little Philip Pullman – The Tiger in the Well (Sally Lockhart 3) This series just keeps getting better and better! In the earlier books, we’ve touched on political activism, freedom of speech and slavery; this time it’s the French Revolution! Cat Royal is really growing and improving over the course of the series and I have high hopes for the rest of them! What do you think you’ll read next? James Long – Ferney Another £1 bargain! I read about this one on someone else’s blog some time ago (I believe it was a Teaser Tuesday post) and it grabbed my attention, so when I saw it on the shelf for a quid, I grabbed it quickly!

I've taken out books for me on Xan's card and vice versa before when I've forgotten one or the other of our cards. I've also had to take out a temporary card when I've been returning books but forgotten to take our cards to get new books out. Our library is pretty good about it.

TEASER TUESDAYS 1. Grab your current read 2. Open to a random page 3. Share two “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page 4. BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) 5. Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! My teaser: The blurb from the back of the book: Sally is 25, and somebody wants to destroy her. She receives divorce papers from a man she has never met, let alone married – yet this trap is so well laid that she is powerless to prove otherwise. When custody of her precious daughter is awarded to this evil stranger, it is the beginning of a terrifying struggle in which Sally will have to fight, with a gun if necessary, for the freedom of her family. The third instalment of the quartet What I think of it so far: Once again, I’m half way through a book when I get to Teaser Tuesday. This third installment is the best so far, but also the most harrowing to read – Harriet (Sally’s daughter) is of a similar age to my son, and someone is trying to take her away from her mother, so it’s a terrifying thought for a mother reading this book! I actually had nightmares last night because of it. However, it’s not deterred me from continuing with the novel. It also focuses on subjects of socialism, equality of the sexes (or lack thereof) and persecution of minorities and immigrants, so it’s got some very serious issues thrown in there, making this a very interesting read!

Alexandre Dumas – The Count of Monte Cristo Michel Faber – The Crimson Petal and the White Leo Tolstoy – Anna Karenina Coz they're all quite chunky and would take me a bit longer to read. Gotta make sure I don't run out of reading material!

Ooh, yes, Gone With the Wind and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest are both brilliant adaptations. I enjoyed The Great Gatsby too. I've never seen or read The English Patient or Dr Zhivago yet though... I did START readin gTEP, but I wasn't getting into it, so I shelved it.

I really muct get round ot reading this. I loved the film and I've heard nothing but good aout the book too.

That is so cool, Janet! I read The Secret Garden very recently and it's definitely a 5/5 book for me. I think I’m going to have to get hold of more work by this author because right on the heels of A Little Princess, this was another full-marks read! Mary Lennox couldn’t be more different from Sara Crewe, although they were both born and spent their early childhoods in India, their experiences and the outcome of their upbringing produces complete opposites – Mary is surly, stubborn, sour and unattractive, and yet this story of her transformation is nothing short of magnificent, so that one becomes very fond of her after a little while. The use of Yorkshire dialect is a lovely touch and never detracts from the ease of understanding, but adds a warmth and homeliness that would otherwise be sadly missing. Absolutely glorious! I also read ALittle Princess by the same author. It's just as wonderful.

Of some of the films already mentioned: Timeline - I liked the film, but then, I've never read the book. Lord of the Rings - I cannot read these books. Ihate Tolkien's writing. However, I loved the films. Shutter Island - Haven't read the book, but found the film very predictable and therefore very dull. The Hobbit - hated the book (again, the writing style, rather than the story), but am looking forward to the films. The Reader - I saw the film first and then read the book. I enjoyed both, but the book was WAY better. The film was very bland by comparison. A Room With A View - Saw the film first, then read the book years later BECAUSE I'd loved the film so much. The film managed to perfectly capture everything that is wonderful about the book. The Prisoner of Azkaban is the film that convinced me it was finally time to try reading the Harry Potter books, mostly because I thought there were some leaps made nearer the end that made me think something important was missing. I enjoyed the film, but had to go back and read the first two books in order to get to the third one and the book definitely explains things better. However, since then, I think the films have been rathr disappointing by comparison, losing more and more of what is fun and interesting about the books. Stardust was definitely better as a film. The book was a little light on sparkle for me - it fell a bit flat after I'd watched the film first. The Shawshank Redemption is an example of a stunning film from good but slight matrial. The novella is very short, but brilliant. the film is awesome. Schindler's List is one I've been meaning to read, but keep puttnig off because I know how harrowing I will fnid it. I love the movie, but it wrenches me apart every time I see it. Films worthy of mention: Stand By Me is another King novella that made for a wonderful film. It is such a wonderful version of the story that I think it actually surpasses the source material. The Princess Bride is, for me, the perfect adaptation. It's got almost everything tha tthe book had, dropping only those little bits that were a little duller (and mentioned as such in the actual book - read it and you'll know what I'm talking about!). The cast were all brilliant - perfect for the roles - and gave sterling performances. The direction was sublime, and, well, just watch it. It's marvellous!

Unfortunately, it's essentially just going to have a name change - the Sun on Sunday! They're thinking they'll start publishing the Sun 7 days a week, s it will basically be the same rag as NOTW. They've only decided to quit because all their advertisers pulled out, not because they're sorry for anything they've done.

I adore Animal Farm. It's conspicuous by its absence from my list because it's so long since I read it (all these have been read or re-read in very recent years). I actually used Animal Farm for my Higher English study. I got an A for it.

I adore this one! If I ever write a book, I wat you to do the cover art for it!

Booking Through Thursday What animal-related books have you read? Which do you love? Do you have a favorite literary dog? (Snoopy, anyone?) I’m not really into animal stories (and, in fact, actively avoid one in particular – Watership Down – as the film freaked me out so much), but I have read one or two over the years. The first one that springs to mind is Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White. As I’m absolutely petrified of spiders, it will surprise those who know me to know that I actually like Charlotte, and if all spiders would speak up with a friendly “Greetings and salutations!” then I might not be so terrified! This gorgeous story has been a favourite of mine since I was very small and Charlotte remains, to this day, the only arachnid that doesn’t freak me out (apart from The Snow Spider, but that story is more about the children, so I won’t post about that one ni this list). Next is another childhood favourite I still love, and I’m sure this will feature on many lists – The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. I still adore reading the delightfully gentle adventures of Mole, Ratty, Badger and, of course, the inimitable Mr. Toad! I’ve had a hardback copy since I was just a few years old and I have read it many times since then. nowadays I read from it to my young son who seems to love them every bit as much as I do! I should perhaps mention a few more that others may not have on their lists, so here are some I reviewed a few years back. The Mob by Clem Martini is the story of a murder of crows (yes, the collective noun for crows is a “murder”). Buster Fleabags is a quick read by Rolf Harris, the story of his boyhood days and his wonderful dog with the most wondrous name! Life of Pi by Yann Martel is an extraordinary journey taken by a young boy and a Bengal tiger in a lifeboat after the ship they are sailing on from India to Canada sinks beneath the waves. If you like classics, then Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a good one to try. For some classic mystery, try The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. And finally, if you like the Discworld, you’ll probably love The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents by Terry Pratchett – it’s aimed at his younger fans, but is enjoyable for any age! So, there are a few to get you going. If you haven’t already read them, give them a try!

The one with a kid on the cover is a stand-alone young adult book. The Romans series, however, is definitely for the grown-ups. Start with Under the Eagle and go on from there - they really are great!

Have you tried Simon Scarrow? His Roman series (starting with Under the Eagle) is awesome.

W... W... W... Wednesdays * What are you currently reading? * What did you recently finish reading? * What do you think you’ll read next? What are you currently reading? Barbara Ewing – The Mesmerist I’m about half way through this now and although it started quite slowly, I’m enjoying it. See yesterday’s Teaser Tuesday for a brief taste of this novel. Stephenie Meyer – Midnight Sun I’ve caved to my anal-retentive compulsive completism and have started reading this unpublished novel which tells the story of Twilight from Edward Cullen’s point of view. What did you recently finish reading? Maria V. Snyder – Magic Study (Study 2) A little slower and not quite as exciting as the first book in the trilogy, but still pretty good. This continues Yelena’s story as she returns to her family and begins studying to bring her magical abilities under control. It’s filled with intrigue and adventure, and was certainly interesting enough to warrant me completing the trilogy, so expect to hear from me about the last installment some time soon! What do you think you’ll read next? Julia Golding – Den of Thieves (Cat Royal 3) Continuing with the third book in the Cat Royal series… Philip Pullman – The Tiger in the Well (Sally Lockhart 3) Also ploughing on with the third book in the Sally Lockhart series…

TEASER TUESDAYS 1. Grab your current read 2. Open to a random page 3. Share two “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page 4. BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) 5. Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! My teaser: The blurb from the back of the book: Unable to find stage work, actresses Cordelia Preston and Rillie Spoons need to find a way of making a living. Cordelia remembers the skills of her aunt and sets out to be a phreno-mesmerist, advising couples on their compatibility and enlightening women on ‘The Gentle Intricacies of the Wedding Night’. Cordelia finds that she does indeed possess the gift for mesmerism, and as her popularity grows, she and Rillie are finally living their dream. But events from Cordelia’s past return to haunt her, and the women become embroiled in a scandal that threatens to ruin not only them but those they love … What I think of it so far: I’m about half way through the book and although it started quite slowly, it really set the scene and I’m enjoying it a great deal. It was certainly a great bargain, as I picked it up by sheer chance for only £1!

If it's fiction you're after, you might like to try the Women of the Otherwold series by kelley Armstrong. The series features many different supernaturals but books 3 and 4 in particular feature a Witch named Paige Winterbourne, and later books feature Savannah, who is also a Witch. 1. Bitten (2001) 2. Stolen (2002) 3. Dime Store Magic (2003) 4. Industrial Magic (2004) 5. Haunted (2005) 6. Broken (2006) 7. No Humans Involved (2007) 8. Personal Demon (2008) 9. Living with the Dead (2008) 10. Frost Bitten (2009) 11. Waking the Witch (2010) 12. Spellbound (2011) If it's straight fictionalised Wicca you want, then you might enjoy the Rowan Gant seried by M.R. Sellars. He incorporates actual Wiccan practices as well as fiction into his lead characters to very good effect and I can highly recommend them - they're very believable and well-written. 1. Harm None (2000) 2. Never Burn a Witch (2001) 3. Perfect Trust (2002) 4. The Law of Three (2003) 5. Crone's Moon (2004) 6. Love Is the Bond (2005) 7. All Acts of Pleasure (2006) 8. The End of Desire (2007) 9. Blood Moon (2008) 10. Miranda (2010) I'm actually thinking of going back and startnig the Rowan Gant series agani as I read the first 3 years ago but then lost track of them...

I saw LOADS of films last year (not all new ones ,but quite a few new releases too), but this one I had waited 30 years for! And it lived up to my expectations. And it had Michale Sheen in it. It was a win-win-win film for me. Oh, and I saw it in 3D at the IMAX cinema which was an AWESOME experience. I LOVE that film. My second choice was one I saw at the very beginning of last year - Star Trek! I can hardly wait for the sequel.

01 – Best film you saw last year – Tron Legacy 02 – A film that you’ve seen more than 3 times - Labrynth 03 – Your favourite film series – The Godfather Trilogy 04 – Favourite film of your favourite series – The Godfather Pt III 05 – A film that makes you happy – Arsenic and Old Lace 06 – A film that makes you sad – Schindler’s List 07 – Most underrated film – Moon (starring Sam Rockwell) 08 – Most overrated film – Dirty Dancing and Pretty Woman (tied!) 09 – A film you thought you wouldn’t like but ended up loving – Get Smart 10 – Favourite classic film – Bell, Book and Candle 11 – A film you hated – The Thin Red Line 12 – A film you used to love but don’t anymore – Top Gun 13 – Your favourite film maker - Hitchcock 14 – Favourite film of your favourite film maker - Vertigo 15 – Favourite male character – Rhett Butler 16 – Favourite female character – Scarlett O’Hara 17 – Favourite quote from your favourite film – Hallo! My name is Indigo Montoya, you killed my father. Prepare to die! 18 – A film that disappointed you – Black Swan (Awful film. Absolutely dire!) 19 – Favourite film from a book – The Princess Bride 20 – Favourite romance film – You’ve Got Mail 21 – Favourite film from your childhood – The Devil Rides Out (Yes, I first saw this when I was about 7-y-o and I loved it right from the start!) 22 – Favourite film you own - Equilibrium 23 – A film you wanted to watch for a long time but still haven’t – Cowboys and Aliens (coz it’s not out yet!) 24 – A film that you wish more people would’ve seen - Equilibrium 25 – A film character who you can relate to the most – Dottie in A League of their Own (she always looks out for everyone, works hard, even when she’s doing something she doesn’t particularly want to, and plays mediator a lot of the time. Feisty woman, though.) 26 – A film that changed your opinion about something – The Dark Knight (when we saw Batman Begins, we loved Christian Bale as Batman. When we saw The Dark Knight, we changed our minds. Stupid voice, man. Stupid voice.) 27 – The most surprising plot twist or ending – The Usual Suspects (Who could have guessed?!) 28 – Favourite film title – Things To Do in Denver When You’re Dead 29 – A film everyone hated but you liked – Hudson Hawk 30 – Your favourite film of all time – Dangerous Liaiasons

It's by Patrick Süskind. I loved it too when I read it. My favourites so far this year have been: Frances Hodgson Burnett – A Little Princess Frances Hodgson Burnett – The Secret Garden Emma Donoghue – Room Cornelia Funke – Inkheart I rated each of them 5/5, which doesn't happen very often, so to get 4 of them within the first 6 months of the year is something quite unusual!