~Andrea~

I've just finished reading "A very short introduction to Metaphysics" from the OUP very short series. It was excellent, but as the title suggests, very short and not too in depth. It does have a further reading section though so it's a good starting point. But if you're more interested in general philosophy rather than that particular branch, they also have "A very short introduction to Philosophy". I haven't read it but am tempted to and I think it does cover the history a bit. I've also looked into introductory books and may at some point purchase Routledge: Philosophy the basics. The Routledge series seems well regarded but I haven't actually read them myself.

I know what you mean. That's why I kind of enjoy practical task based things so that the interaction with those you're helping is secondary and arises more naturally around the work you're doing. I once did some volunteer work where I went round to elderly people's houses to see how they were and check that they were getting everything they needed from the organisation I volunteered for. It was basically a chat over a cuppa but I didn't enjoy it at all, it just wasn't me. So now I stick to washing dishes in the background lol. Great!! Do let us know how you get on

It's funny you should say that. I found that at first as well. I think I am getting used to it now though, however I'm reading non-fiction on it at the moment and somehow I find non-fiction reads better on it than fiction. Wierd

I have done various bits of volunteer work over the years from working shifts in the church coffee shop to more recently working at a homeless hostel, making beds, food prep, washing dishes etc. It is very rewarding. I'm not doing anything at the moment, the homeless work is over winter only but I'll probably help out again next year. I think walking dogs for an animal shelter would be my perfect volunteer job! It wouldn't seem like work at all. Do you have any ideas about what kind of thing would appeal to you Frankie?

Man walks into a Room sounds great Claire. I'm adding it to my wish list.

I like the sound of both of those Lucy. I'm adding them to my wishlist.

The Dinner sounds great. Is it disturbing though? I don't like things that are too gruesome.

Oops - bought another book today - still it comes from my gift voucher credit on my kobo account so it doesn't count: A very short Introduction to Metaphysics by Stephen Mumford. Another light read :S

Great review Willoyd. I think I'll skip that one

Thanks Frankie

I'm not sure. I suspect it could be the audio narration. I think I'm going to put it to one side and come back to it fresh.

I started listening to Jekyll and Hyde but for some reason I'm really struggling with it.

Hi Poppyshake. Great to have you back. I hope you're feeling better.

I acquired two audio books today. Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson and Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (audio)

Hi sorry to hear about the challenges life has thrown at you. How about something creative? Painting, drawing, creative writing, craft etc? The act of completing something could give you a sense of achievement and help you set goals etc.

Cathy was my favourite character in East of Eden - not because I liked her but because as you say, she pulls you into the story and was really interesting.

As if I didn't already have enough books on the go at the moment, on the weekend I bought and started The Four Loves by C S Lewis.

The chyrsalids cover is the one that was on the version of the book we studied in school. It's bizarre because the cover has absolutely nothing to do with the story as I remember.

Ah lush - Wuthering Heights is great. Glad you enjoyed it.

I know! I expect they were in a different font or something (because the last 7 words are a kind of quote) and weren't picked up by the scanner.

I finished Chocky last night. It was an enjoyable little book although it was quite dialogue heavy and I did feel a little too much of the story came through dialogue. A little more description and narration would have broken it up a bit. It was almost like reading a play. But the story itself, of a boy who acquires a so called imaginary friend, is quite engaging and I did like it. It didn't really have the same depth or excitement as The Day of the Triffids though. Also in my ebook version the last 7 words were missing so I had to look them up online today

Yes, it was. Hopefully they'll put me through as a priority when they reschedule.

The Seance is a great book, glad you enjoyed it. The Ghost Writer is fab too. Look forward to hearing your thoughts on that when you get to it.

Not quite finished Chocky but I've started another book anyway. I had to go into hospital yesterday and didn't want to take my Kobo or any valuables in so I started reading The Men and the Girls by Joanna Trollope which I'd picked up in a charity shop. I probably won't read more until I've finished at least Chocky. Annoyingly my op was cancelled right at the last minute when I was all gowned and tagged and ready to go in, having been hanging about all day. Good job I had a book with me!