Janet

Welcome back, Laura - nice to see you again. Happy reading in 2016. It's great fun, isn't it!

From your 'to read' books, I enjoyed the above ones. I have some others on my 'to read' pile too. I hope you have a good reading year in 2016.

That's a good haul from the library sale.

I'm sorry I'm late with this (I haven't looked at this topic before today. Sorry!). My former dentist spoiled the end of a book for me once. I shan't say what it is, but I was reading in the waiting room when he called me in, and he asked me what the book was. I told him and he said "oh yes, I've read that. He dies at the end, doesn't he?". I was so cross - I said "I'm only on page 50" but he didn't seem to even realise that he'd spoiled it for me! Grrr!

No, I haven't, but they have More William on audio CD from a nearby library, so I'll take it out and listen to it. Thanks for the recommendation.

Just William by Richmal Crompton The ‘blurb’ In Richmal Compton's Just William the Outlaws plan a day of non-stop adventure. The only problem is that William is meant to be babysitting. But William won't let that stop him having fun with his gang - he'll just bring the baby along! There is only one William. This tousle-headed, snub-nosed, hearty, loveable imp of mischief has been harassing his unfortunate family and delighting his hundreds of thousands of admirers since 1922. Contents: William Goes to the Pictures William the Intruder William Below Stairs The Fall of the Idol The Show A Question of Grammar William Joins the Band of Hope The Outlaws William and the White Satin William's New Year's Day The Best Laid Plans "Jumble" William is an endearing, cheeky boy who lives with his parents and older brother and sister. He has an enormous amount of freedom (unsurprising given the time it was written and set) and gets into some scrapes but he always seems to come out of the other side unscathed! He drives his father to distraction at times and his siblings are variously amused or annoyed at him. His mother is patiently tolerant of him! Some of the adventures in this book include him running away from home and ending up in service at a grand house, upsetting the household staff by throwing a party whilst his parents are away from home and leading a load of children at a Temperance group into temptation! In some of the stories he is joined by his friends Ginger, Henry and Douglas, who, with William as their leader are known as the Outlaws. The book is illustrated by a man called Thomas Henry – the pictures are gorgeous. Some of the illustrations for the female characters remind me of my Grandmother – she was born in 1903 and so would have been 19 when this book came out! I particularly love these two pictures: Richmal Crompton wrote 39 books about William Brown in total – this one, which is a collection of short stories was the first – and is the first one I’ve read. I did watch the most recent adaptation on the BBC (back in 2009 now!) starring Daniel Roche who played Ben in Outnumbered so brilliantly but obviously had nothing to compare it to at the time. I have to say that from what I remember of it, it was a pretty faithful adaptation and the character of William was spot on. The book naturally is dated but it made me chuckle a lot! I’m not sure what today’s children must make of it, but the fact that it’s still in print means that it surely does stand the test of time! I don’t plan to read all of the books but I’m definitely going to read the next one! The paperback edition is 272 pages long and is published by Macmillan. It was first published in 1922. The ISBN is 978 1447285588. 4/5 (I really enjoyed it) (Finished 25 January 2016)

I read this back in 2006 and I know what you mean about it being compelling. When you've finished I'll say a bit more (in tags) - I don't remember exactly when events happen so I don't want to accidentally spoil things!

I adore the BBC's Sherlock - it's one of my favourite ever TV things! I've only read The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (my last book read) as I wanted to compare the two. I loved the book too.

I've had a busy weekend so I've only read 97 pages so far, but it's good. I think it's a good cross between Conan Doyle's books and the BBC Sherlock!

It is, isn't it!

The Enchanted April by Elizabeth Von Armin The ‘blurb’ A notice in The Times addressed to 'Those Who Appreciate Wisteria and Sunshine' advertises a 'small medieval Italian Castle to be let for the month of April'. Four very different women take up the offer: Mrs Wilkins and Mrs Arbuthnot, both fleeing unappreciative husbands; beautiful Lady Caroline, sick of being 'grabbed' by lovesick men; and the imperious, ageing Mrs Fisher. On the shores of the Mediterranean, beauty, warmth and leisure weave their spell, and nothing will ever be the same again. Mrs Wilkins and Mrs Arbuthnot are members of the same London club but have never really spoken to each other. One day both women see the same advertisement in The Times – an advertisement offering a small castle in Italy that is available for rent for the whole of April. What starts out as a seemingly impossible fantasy becomes reality when Mrs Wilkins throws caution to the wind and suggests that the pair of them take up the offer. At first they come up with lots of reasons not to go, but eventually talk themselves into it. Mrs Wilkins has been saving her allowance but is worried that her curmudgeonly husband will disapprove, whilst Mrs Arbuthnot knows that sadly her husband won’t care whether she goes or not. To help spread the cost of their trip, they recruit a couple of other women to go along too – a young woman called Lady Caroline and ageing widow Mrs Fisher. On arrival the Mrs Wilkins and Arbuthnot find that their companions have arrived early and bagged the best rooms. They are also aloof and things get off to an awkward start – will the charm of Italy help to improve things for these four women and maybe help relationships back home too…? I’ve had another of this author’s books on my Kindle, Elizabeth and her German Garden, since 2013 but had admired the cover of this book in Waterstone’s, and after mentioning it to a friend she sent me her copy which was in a bag on its way to a charity shop! I really enjoyed this gentle book – there is a definite element of comedy in it – I didn’t laugh out loud as I have with some of Nancy Mitford’s books, but a lot of it made me smile. It’s quite a simple story really – and in fact for me, the study of the characters was as important as the content. It’s definitely made me want to explore Von Armin’s other books, so I shall look forward to reading the aforementioned book some stage. The paperback edition is 288 pages long and is published by Vintage. It was first published in 1922. The ISBN is 9781784870461. 4/5 (Very good) (Finished 24 January 2016)

We don't have a video player any more, sadly. I didn't watch the old Forsyte Saga. I watched some of the remake - largely for Damien Lewis! I didn't dislike Emma as Elinor, but she was a bit older than I pictured her in the book. I agree that Kate Winslet was brilliant! If I had to pick only one version to watch for the rest of my life it would be the one with Alan Rickmam in though, just because of him! My parents liked Howard's Way - but I think I was probably either in my room listening to AC/DC and Genesis - or I was in the pub! (I can't remember when it was on - I might not have been old enough to legally go the pub! Edit: 1985 - so I was 19! Your home is so lovely. And who needs an in-between maid anyway?! Me - I'd like one! It's so stunning. I was tempted to buy it but I don't suppose I'll re-read it - but if I ever come across it in a charity shop and it's a decent copy then I will snap it up.

It's going really well, thanks - 14 books so far. However, I won't keep up that pace - it's because I had a week where I didn't leave home as I was poorly, so I read my way through several books. Lovely though that was I really don't want to repeat the feat if it means being ill!

Hehe - I'd expect no less of a bookworm!

I finished that yesterday! I'm now reading The House of Silk by Anthony Horowitz, which is his take on Sherlock!

It's lovely, isn't it! There is a hole in the front cover - the watch is the one from my second photo on the page when you open the cover. And the cover itself feels lovely - almost like suede! I borrowed this but I wish I owned it!

Thanks - hope you enjoy it if you do read it.

Whoops! Well I *was* impressed, even if you've just shattered that illusion!

The Watchmaker of Filigree Street by Natasha Pulley The ‘blurb’ In 1883, Thaniel Steepleton returns to his tiny flat to find a gold pocketwatch on his pillow. But he has worse fears than generous burglars; he is a telegraphist at the Home Office, which has just received a threat for what could be the largest-scale Fenian bombing in history. When the watch saves Thaniel's life in a blast that destroys Scotland Yard, he goes in search of its maker, Keita Mori - a kind, lonely immigrant who sweeps him into a new world of clockwork and music. Although Mori seems harmless at first, a chain of unexpected slips soon proves that he must be hiding something. Meanwhile, Grace Carrow is sneaking into an Oxford library dressed as a man. A theoretical physicist, she is desperate to prove the existence of the luminiferous ether before her mother can force her to marry. As the lives of these three characters become entwined, events spiral out of control until Thaniel is torn between loyalties, futures and opposing geniuses. Utterly beguiling, The Watchmaker of Filigree Street blends historical events with dazzling flights of fancy to plunge readers into a strange and magical past, where time, destiny, genius - and a clockwork octopus - collide. Thaniel is a telegraphist in the Home Office – one day a wire is received warning that on a particular day there will be a bombing campaign in London that will have devastating consequences within the city. Thaniel heads home from his shift and on arrival at his rented room he discovers the door open – he tentatively goes inside fearing the worst, but far from being ransacked, the room has been tidied and an intricate watch has been left by his bedside. The watch later saves his life, and Thaniel determines who has sent it to him and why. He traces the maker – a man called Keita Mori. Meanwhile, a young woman called Grace is studying at university and having to dress as a man to be allowed into the library at Oxford University – she is working on a project that she is desperate to finish but time is running out and Grace knows that if she doesn’t solve the problem before she graduates, she will be forced by her mother, who only just tolerates her daughter studying at University, to marry a ‘suitable’ man – but Grace isn’t interested in settling down. She also has a watch by the same watchmaker – and soon the worlds of the three collide. But Mori is a mysterious man who is always one step ahead of everyone else and Thaniel wonders whether he might be involved somehow in the atrocities that have taken place… My friend Jess has a friend in France and the pair of them have a book club of two! She finds a book she loves and so she’ll send him a copy and he’ll read it – and he does likewise. He’d sent her this book and she popped it in her bag when she went to pick up her son from the airport. His flight was delayed and she read the book in one sitting and then immediately sent me a text saying she was going to lend it to me! The Watchmaker of Filigree Street is set in the Victorian era which is probably my favourite period of history so I had high hopes for it – and it didn’t disappoint. I’m no expert on Steampunk, but I think this book might fall into that category? But in any case, Mori is an interesting character and who couldn’t love a story that features an intelligent but mechanical octopus?! On a purely aesthetic note, this book is simply gorgeous with one of the best covers I’ve ever come across! # This is Pulley’s debut novel and for a first book is pretty impressive. I shall definitely be keeping an eye out for this author’s next book. The hardback edition is 336 pages long and is published by Bloomsbury Circus. It was first published in 2015. The ISBN is 9781408854280. 4/5 (I really enjoyed it) (Finished 19 January 2016)

I'm very impressed that we're nearly half way through February and this is still empty! Well done! Wishing you happy reading in 2016.

I've seen the 1995 and 2008 versions since I read the book. I loved Linda Bassett's Mrs Jennings in the 2008 version - and dare I say it ( ) - yes, I think I do... after consideration I think I preferred Hattie Morahan's Elinor! I enjoyed both versions - but Alan Rickman was definitely the best Colonel Brandon! I have - I think a mixture of the two would be just perfect! I haven't seen the Tracey Childs version or Howard's Way though. Yes, their interpretation of a cottage is not what I think of as a cottage!

I haven't posted in your blog to wish you a happy bookish 2016. Yay for the new Kindle and I'm very pleased to see you so happy.

I really like Sue Perkins, so this sounds like something I might enjoy. Great review.

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen The ‘blurb’ Marianne Dashwood wears her heart on her sleeve, and when she falls in love with the dashing but unsuitable John Willoughby she ignores her sister Elinor's warning that her impulsive behaviour leaves her open to gossip and innuendo. Meanwhile Elinor, always sensitive to social convention, is struggling to conceal her own romantic disappointment, even from those closest to her. Through their parallel experience of love - and its threatened loss - the sisters learn that sense must mix with sensibility if they are to find personal happiness in a society where status and money govern the rules of love. After Elinor and Marianne’s father dies, their home, Norland, becomes the property of their half brother John, and he and his wife Fanny move in. Initially the sisters and their mother plan to stay, but it soon becomes obvious that their presence is not welcomed by the haughty and arrogant Fanny and so they move to a cottage in Devon. There, Marianne meets a young man called John Willoughby and falls head over heels in love. An engagement seems on the cards… but then their relationship abruptly ends. Marianne is distraught and she and Elinor head off to London to stay with a friend. Elinor struggles to comfort Marianne whilst hiding from her the fact that she has suffered a disappointment of her own and the pair wonder whether they will ever find ever find true love… I thoroughly enjoyed this, Austen’s first full-length novel. Like Pride and Prejudice it features sisters who are in need of finding suitors because their home is, or will be, left to a male family member – I half expected the stories to be very similar so I was pleased to find that whilst there are similarities the stories are definitely distinct. Elinor, the elder sister represents sense whilst Marianne represents sensibility. I particularly liked Elinor who conducted herself with immense kindness and compassion despite her own woes. I think I possibly still prefer Pride and Prejudice, but this was a very close second. I’ve watched a couple of versions of this since reading it but I think I’d like to read it again – I might see if I can get an audio book from the library. The paperback edition is 368 pages long and is published by Penguin. It was first published in 1811. The ISBN is 9780141439662. 5/5 (I loved it) (Finished 10 January 2016)

I've added four titles to my list, which now stands at 90 of the combined books. Unfortunately I managed to delete my post and I can't remember the fourth book, but the ones I can remember are Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D H Lawrence, North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell and Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell Books read: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry A Kestral for a Knave by Barry Hines A Room with a View by E M Forster A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque Animal Farm by George Orwell Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne Atonement by Ian McEwan Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh Burmese Days by George Orwell Candide by Voltaire Casino Royale by Ian Fleming Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons Coming Up for Air by George Orwell Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham Diary of a Nobody by George Grossmith Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy Fingersmith by Sarah Waters Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift Hard Times by Charles Dickens I’m not Scared by Niccolo Ammaniti In a Free State by V S Naipaul In Cold Blood by Truman Capote Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë Keep the Aspidistra Flying by George Orwell Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D H Lawrence Little Women by Louisa May Alcott Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov Love in a Cold Climate by Nancy Mitford Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden Middlemarch by George Eliot Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens On the Black Hill by Bruce Chatwin Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson Pride and Prejucide by Jane Austen Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier Regeneration by Pat Barker Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen Silas Marner by George Eliot Small Island by Andrea Levy Tess of the D’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath The Catcher in the Rye by J D Salinger The Color Purple by Alice Walker The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barberry The Enormous Room by e e cummings The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Attwood The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams The Hobbit by J R R Tolkien The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens The Line of Beauty by Alan Hollinghurst The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy The Midwich Cuckoos by John Wyndham The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde The Pursuit of Love by Nancy Mitford The Reader by Bernard Schlink The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro The Sea by John Banville The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë The Thirty Nine Steps by John Buchan The Time Machine by H G Wells The Turn of the Screw by Henry James The War of the Worlds by H G Wells The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Vile Bodies by Evelyn Waugh Wise Children by Angela Carter Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë