Ruth

How funny - I saw your post and thought I'd like to read the Ann Rule book. The next morning, there was a dramatisation of the book on one of the film channels. I couldn't stay and watch it though, because I had to go to work...definitely think the book sounds good though I've now finished reading Marc Eliot's biography of Cary Grant. The parts about his films and the making of them were fascinating, but I didn't like the author's absolute preoccupation with Grant's sexuality. I just think that such an icon as Cary Grant deserves a better biography (and there may well be one - I'm still on the lookout). Started reading Painting Ruby Tuesday, by Jane Yardley this morning. It's for my f2f book group, so not my choice, but still looks like it might be a good read.

When I was little, my dad bought me a set of four books, all with a different children's story in them. It was small (about half the size of a regular paperback, and the books came in a little box. I still have it I also still have my original copy of To Kill A Mockingbird, which I bought myself when I was about 14. I will always keep that (it's a bit battered now though), because of the impact the book had on me when I first read it. I've reread it a number of times. My husband bought me a beautiful special edition of TKAM, knowing how much I loved the book. I will always treasure that too, but am scared of actually reading it, because I don't want to spoil the pristine condition of it! Normally I don't care if my books get battered about, but that was his present to me on the first birthday I had after we got together, so it's special.

I buy from bookshops AND the internet! I prefer to use bookshops, but often it's hard to find the book I'm after. Also, when you can get books for 1p from Amazon sellers, it's very tempting! Even with p+p added, it's still cheap. I do prefer to use independent bookshops if possible though - both on the internet and actual shops.

Thanks Kylie. Unfortunately, I did not think this biographer did Grant justice - he simply seemed too preoccupied with Grant's sexual preferences, and at times I got the impression that he did not even really like Cary Grant much! The parts about his films - who co-starred, the dynamics on set, and other information about each picture - rather than his personal life, were very interesting though - if this book had been a straightforward filmography, rather than a biography, I think I would have enjoyed it more. I'm about to start reading Painting Ruby Tuesday, by Jane Yardley, for my f2f book group. It's had mixed reviews from what I can tell, but the premise is interesting, so fingers crossed!

Wow, wow, wow! I would LOVE to live in a house like that. Although I'd probably become a recluse because I'd never want to leave!

I loved Small Island - enjoyed every page I have The Long Song on my tbr, but have no idea when I will get round to it!

The Book Thief is such a good book that I'm actually jealous that you still have it to read! Honestly, it's brilliant

I'm glad you liked The Help. I loved the book, which makes me wary of seeing the film. It has had good reviews though I can't remember the last time I was as excited to see a film as I am about The Artist. It just looks amazing. (I picked up on the similarity to Singin' In The Rain - which is probably my all time favourite film. Also Jean DuJardin reminds me somewhat of Gene Kelly.) Really looking forward to it. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel looks terrific too. Well, I'd watch anything with Maggie Smith in. The whole cast is incredible. The cream of British talent

Hi Delilah, I'm quite intrigued by 'Jane' by April Lindner. I too love Jane Eyre, so would be interested to read a book based on it (although I think any book would struggle to live up to Jane Eyre).

I must have picked that up and put it down so many times in bookshops. I really like books that weave fact and fiction. Knowing me, I will end up getting it at some point! All Quiet on the Western Front - just an amazing book. I have the urge to reread it now. I have The Gathering on my tbr, and all of the Stieg Larsson trilogy. I have heard such mixed reviews about the Larsson books, but the general consensus seems to be that they're brilliant if you can get through the first 100 pages or so.

I watched two at the weekend. The Purple Plain, with Gregory Peck (*swoon*). Not really in war movies, and I wouldn't have watched this one if GP hadn't been in it. It's not really a war movie though - it's more a study of the human psyche, with WWII as a backdrop. Anyway, very good. The other film I saw was Primrose Path with Ginger Rogers (not dancing) and Joel McCrea (not being a cowboy). Ginger was actually a very good dramatic actress, and this film was pretty good, if a bit of a cliched storyline. The new one? I've heard several bad reviews of that! I like the old cheesy version with Gene Kelly as D'artagnan Meant to say, after watching the Baftas last night, I'm more excited than ever about The Artist.

We have Netflix and it's well worth it, although we tend to use it for tv shows more than films. There is a pretty good selection of films on there, old, new, and spanning all genres. The choice of tv shows is good too. For the price you pay per month, I'd say it's definitely worth a look. Oh, and you can multi stream to different devices as well. So, for example, you could be watching something on a computer upstairs, while someone else watches something different downstairs.

Johnny Cash. I have one of his CDs in my car, and I love it. And him.

Hmm, will have to add to my to-watch list. Anything with Robert Carlyle is worth a watch.

The thing about that version of Emma is that it looks so dated. And somehow, I don't think period dramas should look dated - after all Emma was set 200 odd years ago! Also, what was going on with Mr Knightley's hair??? I was distracted by it every time he appeared on screen. I quite liked the Gwyneth Paltrow version, but by far my favourite is the one with Romola Garai and Jonny Lee Miller. There's also quite a good version from 1972 with Doran Goodwin as Emma. It also looks dated, and it's quite obvious in some parts that it was mainly filmed in a studio, but it's very faithful to the book, both in story and spirit. Sorry; I've gone off at a tangent there

That's just crazy! How can anyone review a book without reading it? I like reading the reviews here, because I know that (a) they're honest, and (b) the person reviewing has actually read the book! Sites that offer those kind of fake reviews just make me mad.

I like this kind of book as well Julie. Although sometimes I find they can be upsetting to read, they really are thought-provoking.

Haha, that's brilliant and funny too. I had to laugh at the part where it asks 'Want a little time travel with your story?'. If you opt for 'No', it just says 'Tough' and suggests The Time Traveler's Wife'. Will have to have a closer look when I've got ore time - thanks Timmo

The Handmaid's Tale, by Margaret Atwood. A favourite of mine....it's just brilliant. The Road, by Cormac McCarthy. Also brilliant (but I think McCarthy is a bit of a Marmite writer - people tend to love or loathe his style of writing). The Unit, by Ninni Holmqvist Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley The Postman, by David Brin Battle Royale, by Kouhun Takami (although the plot here has a lot of similarities to The Hunger Games). Hope these help

Ooh, this looks fascinating. I have a book about the Scopes Monkey Trial, called Summer of the Gods (I forget who wrote it). Might have to get this one. (P.S. I love The Wire too. Probably my very favourite show ever.)

Carter Beats The Devil has had lots and lots of very favourable reviews, so I'm sure I'm in the minority in that I didn't think it was fantastic - but the main character was terrific, and there was plenty to enjoy about the book. I hope you like it

Well I finally finished Carter Beats The Devil - mixed feelings really. Terrific protagonist, and an interesting story, but there was just too much going on. It was as if the author had just chucked in everything he could think of. I would read more by him (just as well really as I have his follow-up on my tbr!) but perhaps not for a while. Started reading a biography of Cary Grant last night.

Finished Carter Beats the Devil, with a slight sense of relief. There was LOTS to enjoy about this book, but there was also LOTS that felt unnecessary. I felt that there was probably a terrific 400 page novel within the pages of this 500+ page book. Great protagonist though, and lots of good parts to weigh against the not-so-good parts. I'm about to start Cary Grant: A Biography, by Marc Eliot. Grant is one of my favourite actors, so I hope I enjoy reading about him as much as I enjoy watching him on screen!

Two movies this weekend - Operation Petticoat, with Cary Grant and Tony Curtis. Very amusing! Last night, watched Casablanca. Seen it before (more than once!); it's just brilliant. My eyes are sore today from blubbing at it

Some great recommendations already on this thread. I would add George Pelecanos, John Lescroart and Mark Giminez to the list as well