happyanddandy

I just saw him, Harry Patch on the 10pm BBC1 news - I think they said there was a documentary about him tomorrow night.

I have an invite for Early Reviewers of books soon to be released - sadly only 1 is available to the UK and there are lots wanting them

Airport departure lounge bookshops are deadly aren't they? At Gatwick on the way to Florida eldest found at least 3 books to read which I bought for him.

Chose Gil McNeil 'Stand by Your Man' from TBR pile - have read a previous book of hers and aquired this one for a quid from the last Amazon sale - after this will be something less frivolous.

Finished 'The Ivy Chronicles' by Karen Quinn and will be giving it away to the second had book shop ASAP. I really have nothing to recommend about this book - it was truly awful and I don't know what possessed me to continue to the end apart from the obsessive quality of finishing something I started. The book is mostly about shallow rich people of New York City and how they get their kids in to the top private schools. I think the author was trying to be funny in places but it just didn't work.

'Black Swan Green' - excellent!

I have it - don't buy it!!

Some sort of rare fungi I believe

I had this on mount TBR - then OH was looking for something to read so I gave him this - he has been completely engrossed ever since - he was up very late last night reading!!

You mean you dipped into it but did not read completely from cover to cover?

Welcome Evelyn

....And very well written it is too. Full marks for reading and reviewing a deadly book!!

Off to read it now Judy!

Avocado and tomato in honey and mustard reduced calorie dressing - with fruit smoothie drink

I will definitely be looking at her other books in the future.

I agree it was horrible to read about the prejudice. Heart rending that As I was reading I knew that was going to happen

Was Mr Essex good? I saw him with my sister at Sutton Granada in 1973ish. Sister was thrown out for trying to get on the stage to give him a kiss!!

Finished Andrea Levy's - 'Small Island' today. What a great read that covering aspects of the 2nd World War and it's aftermath in terms of racial prejudice and immigration to the UK. Several strong characters whose lives intertwine with surprise, comedy and tragedy. Selected a light read to follow.

I have memories of being a child living in Tooting, SW London and going to the Co-op shop at the end of the road where there was a selection of Puffin books. I would use my pocket money to buy Dr Dolittle books and Nigel Molesworth books. I loved their newness and the cartoon drawings.

Well I think you all need to read 'The Accidental Tourist' by Anne Tyler. The story is about Macon who lives by a series of systems and organisation including his bookshelves!!!

I think you are probably right Laura I found the poem 'Mr Nobody' I know a funny little man, As quiet as a mouse, Who does the mischief that is done In everybody's house! There's no one ever sees his face, And yet we all agree That every plate we break was cracked by Mr Nobody. 'Tis he who always tears our books, Who leaves the door ajar, He pulls the buttons from our shirts, And scatters pins afar; That squeaking door will always squeak For, prithee, don't you see, We leave the oiling to be done by Mr Nobody. He puts damp wood upon the fire, That kettles cannot boil; His are the feet that bring in mud, And all the carpets soil. The papers always are mislaid, Who had them last but he? There's not one that tosses them about But Mr Nobody. The finger-marks upon the door By none of us are made; We never leave the blinds unclosed, To let the curtains fade; The ink we never spill; the boots That lying round you see Are not our boots; they all belong to Mr Nobody. Anon You see I told you he lives at my house

I have a wooden page clip thing with 'Canada' written on it - it was a holiday gift to one of my children which I have 'borrowed'. I bought my mum a clip bookmark last xmas, wrapped it and it has never been seen since!! It must have been taken by Mr Nobody who lives in my house. Which reminds me of a poem I read in childhood about 'Mr Nobody' who did all sort of things in your house that no one else owned up to - I must google it and find readit again. It made such an impression all those years ago.

That's the one!

I prefer paperbacks as I prefer thinner paper and I am not keen on hardback paper or print - in Florida recently I noticed the feel of the paperback covers was much more aesthetically pleasing - my son agreed - we went round feeling the book covers it was lovely - definitely different to here. By the way it was a terrific bookshop called 'Books a Million' - is it a chain?

Welcome Phil I have read these two books - not many people have had a go at Double Fault - What did you think? I really enjoyed Starter for Ten.