maclsj

Hi Leona! This place is exceedingly addictive! Welcome to the forum and I hope you love it as much as I do

No I haven't visited the Pitt Rivers Museum. Bit far to go from here plus the only person I know in Oxford is an ex boyfriend. Maybe it'll be do-able from where I'm moving to. Any other museum recommendations? I'm definitely going to try and get to the British Museum for the Terracotta Army exhibition (even though they were only allowed about 20 figures).

Its so nice to see so many people who are interested in visiting museums! For years I've managed to keep dating guys with little or no interest in such things but my current one fortunately loves museums In fact one of our first proper dates was a day trip to the British Museum and Museum of London. We go to museums nearly everywhere we go now, we even managed to visit one when flat hunting recently!

Have been looking at the 1001 books to read before you die topic and just *have* to update my list! Whoops it is getting a little long.... think I'll stop after a few pages of that list! Currently Reading Way of the World by Elizabeth Aston Books to be read (in no particular order) The Book Thief by Markus Zusak The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery The Good Husband of Zebra Drive by Alexander McCall Smith To Kill or Cure by Susanna Gregory A Coin for the Ferryman by Rosemary Rowe Young Bloods by Simon Scarrow The Magicians Guild by Trudi Canavan The Three Kings of Cologne by Kate Sedley The Bookseller of Kabul by Asne Seierstad The Iron Horse by Edward Marston (to be published shortly) The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini Saving Fish from Drowning by Amy Tan Pillars of Earth by Ken Follett The Last Empress by Anchee Min The Janissary Tree by Jason Goodwin The Lost Luggage Porter by Andrew Martin The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger Tunnels by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling The Waxman Murders by Paul Doherty The Secret Diary of Ann Boleyn by Robin Maxwell Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See Behind the Scenes at the Museum by Kate Atkinson The Remedy by Michelle Lovric The Sultan's Seal by Jenny White The Red Queen by Margaret Drabble The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingslover A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth The House of Doctor Dee by Peter Ackroyd The Kings Last Song by Geoff Ryman (actually I think it was my Dad that recommended this one) Wild Swans by Jung Chang Books read (in June 2007) The Book of Dead Days by Marcus Sedgwick The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon Emotionally Weird by Kate Atkinson (abandoned part way through) Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin The Noble Outlaw by Bernard Knight The Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez Tuscany for Beginners by Imogen Edwards Jones Death and the Cornish Fiddler by Deryn Lake Blood on the Strand by Susanna Gregory

Hi elbereth. As a recent new join myself I can say with confidence that this is a truly amazing place I've loved every moment here and I'm sure you will to! The review section is good to browse through for book ideas, as are people's reading blogs. welcome and have a great time!

I picked up this book to read the other night and have to admit I couldn't put it down! Eventually I did but that was only because I'd finished it. I enjoyed it so much, well worth the read

Currently Reading Way of the World by Elizabeth Aston Books to be read (in no particular order) The Book Thief by Markus Zusak The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery The Good Husband of Zebra Drive by Alexander McCall Smith To Kill or Cure by Susanna Gregory A Coin for the Ferryman by Rosemary Rowe Young Bloods by Simon Scarrow The Magicians Guild by Trudi Canavan The Three Kings of Cologne by Kate Sedley The Bookseller of Kabul by Asne Seierstad The Iron Horse by Edward Marston (to be published shortly) The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini Saving Fish from Drowning by Amy Tan Pillars of Earth by Ken Follett The Last Empress by Anchee Min The Janissary Tree by Jason Goodwin The Lost Luggage Porter by Andrew Martin The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger Tunnels by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling The Waxman Murders by Paul Doherty The Secret Diary of Ann Boleyn by Robin Maxwell Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See Behind the Scenes at the Museum by Kate Atkinson The Remedy by Michelle Lovric The Sultan's Seal by Jenny White Books read (in June 2007) The Book of Dead Days by Marcus Sedgwick The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon Emotionally Weird by Kate Atkinson (abandoned part way through) Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin The Noble Outlaw by Bernard Knight The Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez Tuscany for Beginners by Imogen Edwards Jones Death and the Cornish Fiddler by Deryn Lake Blood on the Strand by Susanna Gregory

Unfortunately 'To Kill a Mockingbird' was a set text when I was at school and I learned to loathe it (it was back in the days when I went through a phase of not being interested in reading). I don't think I would try it again, even though I'm older and my tastes have changed. What are you reading next?

It probably all comes down to the issue of time... not enough time to do anything other than take the short list direct from previous winners. Sad that things work like this, but all too common.

Thanks to limited internet access as the connection has been like wading through treacle the last few days, I've managed to finish two books since I last posted here. The first was Mark Haddon's 'Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time'. I have to say it was ok, but it didn't leave me feeling anything other than 'meh'. I wasn't riveted, I wasn't dying to get to the end to find out what happened. Perhaps it's because I've had a really bad experience in my life concerning someone with aspergers (which is still going on) and so I find it hard to feel compassionate about such things. If anything it's made me even more scared about the situation I'm in (although once I move jobs and location that will all end). I think I will read another Mark Haddon book though (so long as its on another topic) as it wasn't badly written. I've also read 'The Book of Dead Days' by Marcus Sedgwick. I'd give this an 7 out of 10. It was good and I found it difficult to put down once I'd started. It was a good story, with mystery, intrigue, danger etc etc. I'm going to have to think about writing a review for it I'm definitely going to be on the look out for the next one in the series!

I must admit I was enthusing about this site so much my Mum wanted the link because she reckons it sounds exactly the sort of thing to direct people to when they come into the library asking for help choosing books

The library my Mum works at seems to be open every day except bank holidays. It's certainly open Sundays as my Mum has to work 1 Sunday in every 4. Its open until 8pm on Tuesdays (her late night) and I think possibly Thursdays too. Rest of the week its open til 5pm (or 4pm on Sundays). It certainly seems to be open a lot!

Ok then, I do English Civil War re-enactment

My hobbies include re-enactment, family history, baking and salsa

Aww thanks Wrath Nice of you to say Well as anyone whose read my Kate Atkinson topic will know I've abandoned 'Emotionally Weird'. It did nothing for me so I've decided to cut my losses and get onto Mark Haddon Currently Reading The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon Books to be read (in no particular order) Way of the World by Elizabeth Aston The Book Thief by Markus Zusak The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery The Good Husband of Zebra Drive by Alexander McCall Smith To Kill or Cure by Susanna Gregory A Coin for the Ferryman by Rosemary Rowe Young Bloods by Simon Scarrow The Magicians Guild by Trudi Canavan The Three Kings of Cologne by Kate Sedley The Bookseller of Kabul by Asne Seierstad The Iron Horse by Edward Marston (to be published shortly) The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini Saving Fish from Drowning by Amy Tan Pillars of Earth by Ken Follett The Last Empress by Anchee Min The Janissary Tree by Jason Goodwin The Lost Luggage Porter by Andrew Martin The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger Tunnels by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling The Waxman Murders by Paul Doherty The Secret Diary of Ann Boleyn by Robin Maxwell The Book of Dead Days by Marcus Sedgwick Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See Behind the Scenes at the Museum by Kate Atkinson Books read (in June 2007) Emotionally Weird by Kate Atkinson (abandoned part way through) Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin The Noble Outlaw by Bernard Knight The Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez Tuscany for Beginners by Imogen Edwards Jones Death and the Cornish Fiddler by Deryn Lake Blood on the Strand by Susanna Gregory

Thanks Samantha! Will add it to my TBR list

What was The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn like?

Well I took Emotionally Weird back to the library. They didn't have any other Kate Atkinson's in so will add 'scenes' to my TBR list. Thanks to everyone for helping me on this Am so glad I didn't give up entirely!

My library closes all day Thursday and does half day on Saturday. Wednesday is a normal day!

I did wonder if I'd picked the bad one so thank you PDR I will swap it for another Kate Atkinson instead Bagpuss - it was helpful, afterall if people are suggesting you read 'Scenes Behind the Museum' it suggests it can't be bad!

Has anyone read any Kate Atkinson? I'm trying to read Emotionally Werid but I'm finding it very hard to get into. I don't know if it is her writing style or just that particular book that is hard to read. Any comments/suggestions very welcome!

I think like all lists there is some hit and miss elements to it. I will always prefer to read a synopsis and review as opposed to being presented with a list of books I should try. I read Empress Orchid last year, and that too was a Richard and Judy booklist one. I didn't pick it because of that but I couldn't put the book down at all! I would highly recommend it.

I'm *trying* to read Kate Atkinson's 'Emotionally Weird'. I'm just not getting into it at all. I'm finding it dull and pointless and really don't feel its my cup of tea. The last chapter has been an in depth description of a student flat, one of the lead character's boyfriend, and then a very dull English class. The class I just couldn't follow at all, it all went over my head (presumably its meant to but its not half irritating). I have so far failed to see the point of what I'm reading, where its going or anything. It's almost like an incredibly detailed description of someone's unextraordinary day. Will stick with it a little longer but suspect I'll be reading Mark Haddon before the end of the week!

Book Title: Mistress of the Art of Death Author: Ariana Franklin Synopsis: In 1170 children start to disappear from Cambridge. Then a body turns up, horribly mutilated. The finger is immediately pointed at the Jewish community who flee to the local castle for protection. To try and solve the mystery and exonerate the Jews, Simon of Naples is sent to Cambridge to investigate. He brings with him Adelia, a doctor from the school of Salerno, and her Moorish man-servant Mansur. Although Adelia is skilled at treating the sick, that is not why Simon has brought her with him. No, the dead talk to Adelia...... Yet England is not as forward thinking as it's European neighbours and Adelia must hide her talents for fear of being branded a witch. Can she overcome this hindrance and help Simon uncover the killer, before they strike again? Review: I picked this book up because the cover suggested it was a piece of historical fiction, my favourite. I'm a big fan of Susanna Gregory's Matthew Bartholomew series and used to live in Cambridge so this sort of book really appeals to me. The tag line says it all really, 'Murder, mystery and malice in medieval Cambridge' I found the story really drew me in, there was enough going on to keep my interest going but the story didn't get lost or become too complicated to loose track. It was really well written I felt, good use of imagery and the dialogue ran smoothly. I liked the fact that although most of the story was told from Adelia's point of view, from time to time the emphasis moved to the other characters. I particularly liked the character of the Prior and how we are introduced to him. I also liked the fact that Adelia was not an instantly likeable character, she has no bedside manner and is very brusque and not unlike my partner is dying to ask people for their bodies after they've died (his archaeological speciality is human bones). All the characters evolve and change a little through out the story too, like real human beings. They're not static and every little event tells adds to their characters. The background to the book seems to have been well researched. Certainly the politics surrounding Jews during the medieval period and their role as money lenders in society adds credibility to the story and has been well used as a major part of the plot. The role of women in medieval society is a major theme in the book. It takes a lot of skill to have a believable female protagonist in historical fiction as sources suggest that women's roles were confined to the home for much of our past. I don't know anything about Salerno in the 12th century but to me it doesn't seem so far fetched that Adelia could be a doctor, and that many people at the time would have found this abhorrent. I really feel Franklin has done a good job in this respect. I only have one criticism of this book, and that is that when the plot takes a major turn about two thirds of the way in I felt that the quality of the story dropped a little. I'm not sure I liked the ending 100% and felt some of it could have been removed. I don't want to be specific otherwise I'll spoil the story for those that want to read it. If you enjoy Susanna Gregory's 'Matthew Bartholomew' series or enjoy historical fiction with a strong female character I would recommend this book to you.

Need to update this again as I've finished another book (will review it when I get home from work tonight) and found more books I want to read! Currently Reading Emotionally Weird by Kate Atkinson Books to be read (in no particular order) Way of the World by Elizabeth Aston The Book Thief by Markus Zusak The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery The Good Husband of Zebra Drive by Alexander McCall Smith To Kill or Cure by Susanna Gregory A Coin for the Ferryman by Rosemary Rowe Young Bloods by Simon Scarrow The Magicians Guild by Trudi Canavan The Three Kings of Cologne by Kate Sedley The Bookseller of Kabul by Asne Seierstad The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon The Iron Horse by Edward Marston (to be published shortly) The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini Saving Fish from Drowning by Amy Tan Pillars of Earth by Ken Follett The Last Empress by Anchee Min The Janissary Tree by Jason Goodwin The Lost Luggage Porter by Andrew Martin The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger Tunnels by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling Books read (in June 2007) Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin The Noble Outlaw by Bernard Knight The Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez Tuscany for Beginners by Imogen Edwards Jones Death and the Cornish Fiddler by Deryn Lake Blood on the Strand by Susanna Gregory