JudyB

Yes it's one of those unforgettable stories - the dangers of ennui (be happy with what you have!). I loved it and found it quite a daring book of its time - certainly didn't pull any punches and there are some brilliant scenes in it. Similar novels I've read are The Awakening by Kate Chopin and Therese Raquin by Emile Zola (I think this is my favourite Zola - he doesn't pull any punches either). Notice that Villette is on the list - I've started and abandoned this but am determined to go back to it when I can give it the attention it deserves - it's supposed to be one of the best of the Bronte novels.

Right - I've now registered and chosen and labelled a book. Where's a good place to release it - are charity shops a good idea?

Park and Ride sounds good.

At the moment I'm using a gift tag from last year's Mother's Day present from my daughter. It's flower shaped - bright pink and yellow (won't lose that will I?). I do have a proper bookmark - lace from Venice (holiday present from parents) but haven't seen it for a while - may be it's in a book I've abandoned . . .

Hi - it was me! Definately want to have a try at this - keep looking thoughtfully at my bookcase and think I've found one to release - one that I didn't enjoy hence the ability to 'let go'. We did find one in our library last year which was what brought the whole idea to my attention. We left it where it was and it did disappear - I think I noted the number down so I could try and track it.

Just wanted to recommend Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy from your list. We did it school for 'O' level (shows how long ago it was!) - I loved it at 16 and loved it as much when I read it again in my 30's for my degree. I think it's a wonderful story and is so true in its treatment of human relationships particulalry unrequited love. Some of the scenes were so dramatic that I continued to remember them for years afterwards. Happy reading!

Finished The Lovely Bones this morning. I thought it was okay and found it quite compelling; I think mainly because I wanted to know what happened to Mr Harvey. Liked the perspective of having Susie in heaven and find that quite thought provoking. I would love my gran to know how often I think of her since she passed away 15 years ago. Have now moved on to Moving Away From The Ordinary by Isla Dewar.

Birthday: April Age: 41 Starsign: Aries Single/Married/Other? Married Children? 2 girls - 15 and 17 Where do you live? Shropshire Do you work? In a library and as a Home Support Worker Favourite author? Can never choose one - my 360 page shows what I've read over the last two years Favourite book? Same as above really - although Far From the Madding Crowd never fails to move me. How did you get here? Through Kell recommending the site. __________________

Have you released any so far?

Additions to reading list - I'd forgotten that I'd noted some books down in my diary. Educating Alice - Alice Steinbach Two Lives - Vikram Seth Sunday Night Book Club (short stories) The Five People You Meet in Heaven - Mitch Albom I'd also like to have a try at Bookcrossing though I need to find a book I can let go of - I like to keep all my books. Apologies for spelling mistakes on last list - spelt both Alice Sebold's and Julie Myerson's names wrong.

In a library - I discover a lot of books when I'm shelving.

I've not read Persuasion but my favourite Austen novel is Northanger Abbey - I found it really funny and I'm thrilled it's going to be televised this year.

From the library I have borrowed: Home by Julie Meyson (hoping to finish this soon. It's good but am getting restless with it. I feel guilty that I'm not enjoying it as much as I thought I would because I am very conscious of the work and research that's gone into making the story and it is very interesting. Possibly you can never really get truly excited about someone else's family tree or house tree - in the case of this book). The Lovely Bones - Alice Seebold Lady Catharine's Necklace - Joan Aitken (the character of Lady Catharine is taken from Pride and Prejudice) I've been eyeing this up in the library for nearly a year now but only just got round to taking it out). Giving Up on Ordinary - Isla Dewar (a lady I visit and I have got into Isla Dewar. Secrets of a Family Album was my favourite and I was going to stop after two of her novels and then try some more later in the year. However this came highly recommended so it's on my pile). For 2007 I hope to continue reading through the Rougon-Macquart cycle by Emile Zola - The Earth is next. I've also got a couple of Dickens and a couple of Charlotte Brontes on my bookshelf. Plus plenty on the shelves at work!

I love paperbacks - I think it's their compactness (is that a word?) that I like plus they're easier to carry around. In the library I always plump for the paperback copy of a book. Which ever you prefer though you can't beat buying a new book.

I started with a notebook that a friend gave me that I wanted to use in a constructive way. Was wary of writing a diary worrying that I may lapse into teenage angst style (yes even at 41!) and so felt that I needed a focus. Realised that if I wrote about my personal responses to books I'd read and reasons for reading them in some respects it would form a picture of my life while also providing a record of what I've read. I kept it for about a year or so before publishing it on my yahoo blog - knowing that it's going public though does affect how I write - not sure if that's good or bad - it's certainly useful to have a written record of your reading and I'm glad I've put my notebook to good use. As we are now into a New Year I've been thinking about other kinds of diaries I could keep.