~Andrea~

Thanks It does sound interesting - if a little odd. I might have to add it to the list! I'll look forward to your thoughts on it.

What is House of Leaves? The title alone is very intriguing.

It's Complicated. I thought it was very good. Light and funny and very entertaining.

It's basically about transfiguring our circumstances, be they personal or political or whatever. I suppose it's about transformation really, how we can allow God to transform our circumstances and our world. He talks about lots of things, forgiveness, reconciliation, taking timeout with God etc. And of course there is a lot of South Africa in this book, as an example of such transformation. From Amazon: Desmond Tutu shows each of us how to transform our pain and sorrow into hope and confidence in the future', Nelson Mandela .'I have the highest regard for my good friend Desmond Tutu and admire him for the humane principles he upholds', The Dalai Lama .'God Has a Dream shows us how our personal and global suffering can be transformed into joy and redemption', Jimmy Carter, ex-US President and Nobel Peace Prize winner .'This book is a testimony to the shining spirit and unquenchable faith of Archbishop Tutu. It will inspire your heart', Jack Kornfield, author of A Path With Heart .'Desmond Tutu is full of courage and faith in humanity's capacity for good...always the voice of inspiration', Mo Mowlem, MP

Finished God has a Dream by Desmond Tutu last night. I thought it was really good but I rushed the last few chapters and will probably read them again. It's a book to reflect and ponder on rather than just read. I would definitely I'd like to read more by him. The Quantum book is also very good. I'm about half way through.

Great film that. Odd but great. I watched Benjamin Button the other day. Pretty good, although i didn't like the ending:

Welcome back! So sorry to hear about your Dad. Good to see you here safe and well after your health scare! PS - I used to be FishAndChips in case you were wondering who on earth I am!

I always feel that The Real Hustle is a bit double-edged. It's supposed to show people scams to stop them falling for them, but at the exact same time it teaches people how to do them

Yes I noticed. And welcome back

I finished The Magic Cottage yesterday and really enjoyed it, although I got a bit frustrated at the pace at the start and wanted things to get moving quicker. I also thought the final showdown scene went on a bit too long, all the reveals had been done and I just wanted it to wrap up. That said, it was a fab read, the ending gets a bit OTT and carried away with itself, but I really enjoyed the writing. I'm really starting to like JH. Look forward to reading more. Started Quantum by Manjit Kumar last night which gives the history of quantum theory. I think it'll be fascinating, if a bit mind-bending From Amazon:

The first book that sprang to mind as I began reading the OP was Fear and Loathing in LV only to discover it's already mentioned half way down said post Hmm, no others really spring to mind, except perhaps Catch-22

Hehe, I don't know Janet, but I'm slightly intrigued

Thanks Janet. I think I might sky plus this one

They probably have more appeal to women than men but that doesn't mean men won't like them too. My dad for instance, has read and enjoyed a lot of Austen.

Well, great minds think alike, obviously ETA: Actually, some of them are probably based on your recommendations lol

I do intend to try Kelly Armstrong one day, however with a years worth of books on my shelves (at least) already, I have no idea when I'll get round to it

Interesting. I wouldn't mind giving it a go, thought some of the presenters appeal more than others. I like Jo Brand but am not really a fan of Gok's. What time is it on?

Interesting. I should really buy more from bookstores. However I acquire most of my books at xmas or birthday. Perhaps I should get waterstones vouchers instead of pointing people to online store links.

The magic cottage is becoming very gripping. I'm half way through and keen to read on. The Desmond Tutu book is also very interesting, although I'm using it as more of an occasional book. As always I wish I could read all of my books simultaneously and am already thinking about what to read next. I think I'll go for a non-fiction, probably Quantum, all about the development of quantum mechanics. It looks fascinating and I'm having to be very disciplined not to want to start it right now

Thanks Mac. I'll look out for them

Yup sounds like the Chrysalids to me. We did it in school. Very enjoyable stuff.