~Andrea~

I think as classics go it's not too bad. I struggle a bit myself to be honest (I've never for example managed to get to the end of a Jane Austen) but its a shortish book. I couldn't keep a handle on all of the characters all of the time but I don't think it matters. The main thread of the story was gripping enough to keep my interest all the way through (apart from the pretty dense section of descriptions towards the middle. Happy reading

Oh haven't heard of that one, I have read quite a few of his though and enjoyed them. Fab choice. I read that last year and loved it. (But beware of about 10 pages of longwindedness near the middle which I had to skim read)

Oh dear. Hope he was OK. Last night's episode was the first of this series I'd seen. The beta team's attempt to get kosher chicken was unbelievable I am not surprised he fired two people. I think the two that went were right to be fired, but I also disliked Claire, the way she kept butting in to the negotiations etc. I'm with Esiotrot, I think she'll go soon. (Although she did seem to be playing a cleverer game in the board room by not saying as much as the others. The others seemed to hang themselves on their own rope by saying too much and blaming everybody else)

Ah I see. I hadn't interpreted it that way at all. Thanks for the link. I caught a bit of Ashes to Ashes but didn't see the first episode. It didn't live up the Life on Mars for me and so I never bothered with it again.

You have to bear in mind that I am big baby though and definitely easily scared

I liked the ending too. Although I thought that What was the article Michelle?

Still reading the Ghost Writer and I am so enjoying it :doowapstart:It is the first time in ages where I haven't wanted the book to end. (Usually I get half way through and I start thinking about what I'm going to read next) Its quite creepy and I find myself getting jumpy if I'm reading late in a room on my own (I won't read it if there's no-one else in the house ) I'm enjoying it even more so than The Stand. I love all the little short stories all the way through. I predict it will get 10/10 (However I am only half way through so we shall see)

Yay I might give that spicy shep's pie a go one day though, it sounds nice

Shepherds pie? (Bit obvious there) Meatballs? I know a great (easy) meatballs recipe, but it's supposed to be for beef (but it probably doesn't matter) Mix grated ginger (1 tsp for 650g meat) and 1 tsp of fennel seeds into the meat, then bring 500g (I think?) of passata to the boil, (add tsp turmeric and tbsp mild curry powder), gently place the walnut sized meatballs in and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Season if you like at the end. Serve drizzled with yoghurt and mint leaves and have it with rice or pitta bread (or both ) We also sometimes fry (soften) a finely chopped onion and then add the passata to that, just to add a bit more veg. ETA: Ooh Angels sounds good too. (She beat me to it )

Chilli con quorn

Thanks. I will have to give it some consideration

I was excited to discover today that John Harwood has another book out (as of 4th April) The Seance. I will definitely be adding that to my wish list

Wow, that's really bad. I wonder if it was a mistake. Either way it probably contravenes trade descriptions. You could justifiably complain to the publisher, perhaps even the retailer.

Homemade meatballs

For non fiction I really enjoyed Daniella Westbrook's autobiography which is dominated by her cocaine addiction. For fiction, I read Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S Thompson many years ago and really enjoyed it, although I'm not sure it fits exactly what you are looking for.

I abandoned this in the end I am sorry to say. I don't think it will get a second chance either, such is the size of my TBR.

I was very presently surprised by this book. It's very pacey isn't it. The first half of the book was absolutely riveting and very creepy.

I read Rendezvous with Rama years ago and absolutely loved it. I was put off reading the second one for some reason which I can't now remember. Either I started reading it and gave up not far in because I didn't think the writing was as good as the first, or I was put off by someone who read it and found it disappointing compared to the first one. I am tempted to give this series another go now though.

Thanks I might do at some point. Perhaps after my holiday.

It does sound good. I've added to my wish list, which is now so long that combined with my (owned) TBR I have enough reading to last me for three years solid!! Stop writing such appealing reviews!