Purple Poppy

I had a peep at Carol's recommendation after chatting on the other thread. It looks good. Loads of titles to choose from. I might even volunteer to read some time. PP

I've never read and Ruth Rendall. She's at the back of my mind. Should I bring her to the front? PP

Sorted but not quite how I wanted it. Never mind. Now need to start listing books. PP

I seem to remember that The History of Mr Polly was quite good and Anna of the Five Towns. Last night I almost downloaded the latter, but I think there are others I'm more interested at the moment. I would like to reread them. I can still remember the the feel of the book (Mr Polly). Bennett creates a particular 'dry' atmosphere. Not sure what I mean by that, but someone might relate LOL

:D I can relate to that as I love animals too especially cats and dogs. PP

Don't reckon I'd taste too good!

Problems! I lost half of it, because it submitted before I had finished. Edited it, then it wouldn't let me post cos I wasn't logged in (fed up with being logged out all the time), so will try and edit again. Watch this space...or the one above it! PP

for the PROLIFERATION OF IDEAS PERUSAL OF WORKS and a lot of PRATTLE! (In other words my new 2007 blog-type thread)

Maureen said... Well he had an interesting life, not bad for a dog. Lots of adventures and lots of treats (food), so why not?? No, I think I wanted to be like George as I was a bit of a tom boy too. PP

It makes the the relationship between writer and reader more intimate, I think. It's quite excitin to read about places you know. PP

I can remember sitting in the back garden one summer hols writing my own Famous Five book. I wonder what happened to it. I loved George too, but favourite was Timmy. PP

Carole said... Carole, thats great. I've just had a peep and it looks great Goning to download something later. I'll let you know about the library if and when I go. Thanks, PP

Kw said... Sounds like grovelling time to me.... Now, surely one of these will melt your heart??? PP

KW writes... Oh my...fame at last! Not quite what I had in mind LOL, but I admire your imagination KW. (If you catch me Madcow, you won't eat me will you?) PP:lol:

You've convinced me that I'm on the right track Rosegarden. I looked at online sites last night. Most seem to charge for downloads, so maybe I should go to the library. PP

Poppy said ... and Kell said Thanks guys! I would insert a smilie here but for some reason the post submitted itself before I was finished and I've had to edit to finish it...can't see any smilies.

You lucky girl PP

I recently listened to a Rosamunde Pilcher novel which was nice and over the years I have listened to poetry collections etc. and Tarka the Otter LOL. Recently I decided that loading one into the computer, or downloading one and listening while you surf is a good way of getting to know books, as is listening to them being read on the radio. PP

And of course, as you pointed out Kell another Catherine Cookson book is published today (I did read that somewhere today didn't I, even though she is no longer with us???) Anyway living on Tyneside we did tend to read her books as they centred on South Shields about 4 miles away from us. My son was almost in one of the films, can't remember which one, but he just missed out by a whisker....he was only eleven and it was the lead, so he did really well to get that far. Sorry, whittering on as usual PP

Re Stuart McBride - Cold Granite. Keith is now a fan. He has almost finished it and basically can't put it down. Had to prise Terry Pratchet out of his hands though first! He even said to me that it's a good book! Praise indeed! I should say, reflecting the question of locality, that Keith is Aberdonian and he's chuffed cos his old school is mentioned (but there weren't any drugs when he was there! - he says;) ) PP:)

Quite by accident I discovered an online copy of Pollyanna which I've downloaded ready to read. I couldn't help but smile when I suddenly came upon it. Serendipity or what! PP

Yes thank you for your speedy answers. Here's a question of a more general nature. What do your children think about your writing career and do any of them intend following in your footsteps? Do they write now? PP

Hello Katherine. Can you expand a bit on Kane's character in An Open Vein. Your description of him on the website says...

Cont... The story itself is interesting in that it illustrates that looks and beauty are only surface deep and superficial and to rely on them for a fulfilling life is fruitless and shallow.. Dorian trades his soul for his continuing beauty. He changes personality and becomes an evil calculating individual who uses others to satisfy his own needs. His friend Henry encourages him, with long lectures about the pleasures and advantages of a degenerate life, cleverly disguised just enough to convince the young man that what he is doing is right. At a very early stage I felt that Henry was actually the devil or evil personified and I remain of that opinion. At the beginning when Dorian and Henry meet you get a strong sense of black and white, evil and purity. As Dorian descends into wretchedness you feel that he wouldn

The Picture of Dorian Gray. Having at last finished this book, I will start this thread as I know a couple of people wanted to discuss this work. What a book! I can’t say I enjoyed it, and my dislike is probably reflected in the length of the time it took me to read it. Disliking it, however, does not prevent me from appreciating it as a good book and very well written. The story is of Dorian Gray a young man famous for his flawless looks and initially a seemingly pleasant personality, but with a lot to learn of the world. His friend Basil, a competent painter, who idolises the boy (though it turns out he is married), paints a portrait of Dorian which is very realistic and shows the young man in the prime of his youth. Dorian is so pleased by it that it ‘turns’ his head and he wishes , with Basil present, that he would always stay youthful. His wish is fulfilled but (this is like our Corrupted wish game) the Dorian in the picture begins to age and takes on cruel and ugly features. Daunted by this, Dorian hides the picture in the attic room of his house where no one else can see it. As Dorian succumbs to the influence of his new friend Henry, we see his personality change and this is reflected in the picture, hidden upstairs. Dorian seems to have some understanding of what is happening, but dismisses it and is enjoying his life and the company of Henry too much to dwell on the dangerous ground he is treading. Eventually he oversteps even his boundaries and from somewhere deep within he hears the tiny voice of his conscience and tries to rectify his evil deeds, but the truth will out and his hopes of cleansing his soul and continuing his life are dashed for ever. I will continue below...