Janet

I loved this! Totally agree with Michelle's review - it's simple yet charming and the illustrations really are what make it special. I loved Dennis' friendship with Darvesh in the book and the subtle message about how everyone is different one way or another but that that's what makes us individual. 10/10!

I haven't read this since about 1980! I can't remember much about it. I watched the '81 adaptation too but it doesn't help! I think I might try to get hold of a copy to read before I watch this.

Finished The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway - 10/10 Next, The Boy in the Dress by David Walliams

I've just read this (so kindly sent to me by Paula - thanks again ) and found it enchanting. Lovely prose and a concise enjoyable story. I've passed it on to my Mum. 10/10

My absolute favourites are Genesis, Pink Floyd, AC/DC and Green Day but I also like The Carpenters, Robbie Williams, Billy Joel and I have a passion for Gilbert and Sullivan - so quite varied you might say! Oooh, me too! And Iris is one of my fave songs!

I will try to re-read it for the circle but I'm not sure I'll fit it in! On the subject of Dickens, does anyone know anything about his non-fiction travel writing? I've searched on Amazon and found one of London (and one by his son - also Charles) but I thought he'd written more. I'm thinking of trying to get one for my Mum for Christmas - so any advice welcome.

Next I'm going to read The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway - kindly sent to me by Paula (Gyre).

The Shack by William Paul Young The

I enjoyed this book - I think it's an interesting idea for a story - but I felt that the characters lacked depth. I would recommend it as a novel for when you want to read something undemanding and I can see how it could be a comfort for people who have suffered a bereavement. If this is what heaven is like then it's something to look forward to! 7/10

I finished The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom on Sunday. It was a good and enjoyable story but lacked depth of characterisation in my opinion. 7/10 I finished The Shack by William Paul Young this morning. I've been reading it for *weeks*. I really don't know how to review this one - will have to put my thinking cap on!

It happened before too - when Jimmy Tarbuck had to pull out for health reasons. Tom to win!

The BBC are going to refund anyone who voted for John last Saturday.

He's going to dance on Saturday in a 'Farewell dance'. It's a shame he's pulled out as it's not really what the competition is about. If it's meant to be purely a show about dancing, rather than about dancing and entertaining then they shouldn't let the public vote. I imagine those who have voted to keep him in will be angry that they've wasted their money.

I read The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle several years ago but it left me feeling a bit bewildered and unsatisfied - I felt I'd missed the point, somewhat. However, that was when I purely read 'Women's Lit' which I don't tend to touch these days, so perhaps it's time to try another? Would you say Norwegian Wood would be a good one to 'start' with, Andy?

For the record, I *hate* RKS!

I read that several years ago. It was very surreal and I haven't tried anything else by him since!

Ceinwenn - Roxette rock! Great album.

Gentlemen and Players is my favourite of hers, closely followed by Five Quarters of the Orange. I also like Blackberry Wine - but some people struggle with it because it's party told by the point of view of a wine bottle! If you can get your hear round that then it's a very enjoyable read. I haven't read Coastliners yet, but it's on my 'to read' shelf.

I agree with that books from childhood/inner child sentiment!

Favourite band: Pink Floyd, AC/DC and Genesis Favourite singer: I don't really do singers but I guess Robbie Williams Favourite song: Comfortably Numb / Follow You, Follow Me Favourite album: Dark Side of the Moon Least favourite band: Anything Hip Hop Least favourite singer: Celine Dion Least favourite song: My Heart Will Go On Least favourite album: ?? (I don't listen too albums I don't like)