JudyB

I didn't actually like Bex myself - just the dynamic between her and Luke - for some reason he was the only one in the house that got away with being honest with her and speaking his mind.

I think it would make a good film. OH is going to read it once I've finished. It certainly makes you think of possible scenarios that might have happened.

I'm really surprised she's going - I'm going to miss her friendship with Luke it was so funny at times. In fact thinking about it, it was the only thing I was enjoying about BB9.

Did they say on the application form what attributes they were looking for and what questions were asked?

Yep - I'm thinking the same.

I'm over halfway through - it's a very quick read that's like being on a ride that doesn't slow down enough to let you off. In other words I find it hard to find a point at which to put the book down.

Me too - whenever we host Christmas I always make sure there's a jigsaw on the go.

Chicken Stroganoff - a recipe from Gordon Ramsey's F Word programme - very nice it was too.

Maybe it's fate saving me from another tome!

Had another look and this time noticed that it was fiction so decided to go for it . . . no books left.

I felt the same when I got my email from them - although I did (by the skin of my teeth) my review I don't want to risk getting another philosophy tome!!!

I'm sorry to hear that Talisman - it's always such a disappointment. I hope you find something soon.

Yes I totally agree - it's almost like it's part of the way you are.

I think they can but I also think it is open to outside influences like for example, this forum (in which we can get recommendations and learn about new books from others), educational experiences ie. having to follow reading lists etc. Also what we read can be very much of its time and at the time seem really good but then in retrospect seem dated and make us feel we have grown out of it (that doesn't include the timeless classics though). Maybe reading is a thing that reflects phases in our lives when we have more or less time to read and may choose books to fit with those limitations. Oh dear I've rambled quite a bit here - hope it makes sense.

Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert

I totally agree Spooncat. LOL - can't remember exactly what I said after Belinda on the bike but it was along the lines of 'get a grip'. Totally pathetic performance made worse by Lisa quoting Belinda saying 'she was doing it for the house' - puke!!!!

No. nor me which is why I was keen to bump it up the TBR list.

We get The Week also and it is a good read. I bought it originally for myself and OH but am pleased that my eldest pinches it to read when she can. What's your favourite bit SusieQ?

I enjoyed this so much I read it within one day. I've posted a review on the reviewer's blog.

Lol - I do remember one occasion when OH upset me big time and I plotted revenge with The She Devil in mind!!! Footnote - only plotted, never carried anything out - I'm not psychotic!

I too read Fay Weldon in the 80s/90s - my favourite was The Hearts and Lives of Men which stuck in my mind as a really good read. I've read others but can't now remember individual titles but I did see the She-Devil dramatisation and thought it was excellent. Another writer I enjoyed at the same time (also feminist) was Zoe Fairbairns (particular favourites Stand We At Last and Daddy's Girls)

Hello and welcome. I like your online name - I have a Verbena in my garden and it's lovely. JudyB

Finished it today so will be joining everyone with The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.

Ooo I'm getting so impatient to read this now - I'm a 100 pages nearer to finishing my current book so not far to go.