Ben

Welcome to BCF, I'm quite sure you'll fit in here perfectly.

For some reason from reviews and synopsis it reminds me of the film Hot Fuzz, but I haven't read yet it so that's probably a bit out there..

Thanks for the review Maureen, much appreciated to hear some thoughts from someone on here (and thus someone I can trust to be honest). I'll probably pick this up soon, I do have some vouchers waiting after all..

Brilliant, Kylie. Been watching these again from the beginning with one of my house-mates and it's funny because we keep being antisocial because they're so addictive. Still never watched series seven but if we keep working through them at this rate I'm sure I'll get to it soon. Such a great series.

I don't really have any different recommendations to add, but I'd certainly second The Ode Less Travelled. When I did my poetry module last year at university, Fry's novel was perfect for teaching me the intricacies of form (before reading it I was completely lost). His wonderful way with words and knack of keeping things clear and concise really helped me, though.

I'm still on a high from the Ryder Cup result this year. I was watching it on the big screen in the pub and although not many people there were golf fans, there was an almighty cheer when Kaymer holed that putt. Then another almost as loud when Tiger made sure we won it outright. In all fairness, was a sensational end to a mesmerising summer of sport. With the Americans absolutely dominating the first two days, coupled with the fact they had such a fantastic team of stars, I didn't expect us to have any chance in the singles matches on the final day. But alas we battled hard and it was one of my favourite sporting moments of this summer - despite having so many to choose from.

I hope Matt's there for the fiftieth anniversary. Oh, and in short, I thought last night's was exceptional.

Mary Barton by Elizabeth Gaskell One reviewer once called this Victorian novel a 'labour of love', and I'd be inclined to agree. Gaskell writes with eager enthusiasm, tackling the fascinating subject of the working-classes; their sufferings, their wonderful tenacity and hope - their everyday lives. Her work reflects her own pondering of the situation that these people were in, and it shows. As with other fiction from this period, the desire to write lengthy descriptions - of the factories, the countryside, the 'homes' and the people that live there - means that the thick of the action certainly takes a while to get going. Gaskell writes with an absolute realism that at times can be disconcerting to the reader, but it's truthfulness is what makes you invest in the characters' lives. A young man imprisoned for a crime that his mother swears he didn't commit, but one which he refuses to deny. A love triangle between different classes of people, who at any other time would live their lives well apart. Yet the workers grow restless, and vow to take action. It's a wonderfully crafted tale of the rich and poor, of death and life, and of hope and damnation. Stick with it if at first it seems sluggish, it's more than worth persevering with. 4/5.

The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole To review this novella is admittedly rather strange for me, as I've come to recognise it for it's standing in the Gothic fiction cannon, rather than on its merits as a tale. By all means, it excels in setting and atmosphere; the castle is intimidating, creepy, and of course haunted. It's villain Manfred is marvellous; loud, authoritative, and as in the same vein as Macbeth in Shakespeare's classic play, doomed inevitably to fail, as he continuously loses his grip on his position. Add a sprinkle of frantic chases through the night, torn lovers, jealousy and death, and you would think that it was a recipe for success. Alas, I can't agree; it's characters are too laughably pathetic to invest in, and every potentially gripping moment descends into a farce. Perhaps I expected more, and others will enjoy this light-hearted, comical, Gothic romp of a book - but it wasn't for me. Walpole, with The Castle of Otranto, arguably wrote the first Gothic novel, and credit where credit is due - but this genre has so much more to offer than giant helmets falling from the sky. 2/5.

"Everything happens for a reason, enjoy it while it lasts because you never know when it'll be over." I heard someone say that earlier today, and it reminded me, for some reason, of my poor neglected book thread, here on BCF. Of course, it's melodramatic; my reading is far from 'over', it just took an extended holiday, but the point remains the same. I'm delighted that I've had some excellent books so far this year, because I'm very disappointed in how the second half of the year has gone, reading-wise. From July onwards I let myself become dragged in by a lazy 'summer', and as a result I have read very thinly in the past few months. With the return of university, I have picked things up a little, and I hope that's a sign of things getting back on track. In the past couple of weeks my desire to read has returned, and I'm excited to see what will come from the rest of the year. I have, however, waffled on far too long. Mainly because I'm finding a multitude of different ways to procrastinate when I'm supposed to be studying, I will offer some brief thoughts on some of the texts I've not commented on this year, as of yet (over the next couple of posts). Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys The first novel on my post-colonial module this year, Rhys' tale is a fantastic reworking of Charlotte Bronte's well-known and much-loved Jane Eyre. I confess at the time of starting I hadn't heard of this prequel, as such, and I was rather apprehensive at the thought of Rhys' rather challenging undertaking. In essence, I needn't have worried; the author manages to weave a wonderful journey of a young girl growing up in a place full of tension and racial anxieties, who meets a young Englishman. Bronte's story of the savage and insane woman in the attic is torn up, and instead the author illuminates the darkness of her prison to the readers; 'Bertha', or 'Antoinette' as she is known in Rhys' tale, is finally given a voice. The figure of Mr Rochester, who through Jane's narrative voice in Jane Eyre we become inclined to sympathise with, reveals a personality merely hinted at in Bronte's text. His own somewhat vicious need for control and power gives rise to anxious questions within the confines of his mind, which he cannot banish. Rhys' text is marvellous reworking that offers a fresh perspective on Bronte's famous novel, and leaves the reader with a whole host of new, intriguing questions. 5/5.

Read a review of it in The Guardian this morning and although I'm much more inclined to make up my own opinion, nothing about it has interested me so far. Aside from the mixed-reviews, that aren't that important, I don't find the plot interesting at all. I'll perhaps get it at a later date but won't rush out in the next few days.

Was disappointed with the gunslinger episode, but have a feeling they'll bring it back tomorrow.

I've wanted to read Metamorphosis for ages now, but it's one of those I've always managed to put off (as you can probably imagine). You sound like you've got some good books to study this term. I've had a disappointing reading summer too, neglecting lots of books that I wanted to get around too. I'm also planning on being better this year, though, so I'll look forward to catching up with your thread and reading your thoughts.

I think Matt Smith is amazing, I think Doctor Who is incredible full stop. I really hope they kill off Amy and/or Rory, because it's about time that the people in charge did something that people don't expect. I've been absolutely enthralled by both episodes so far and will watch the rest with eager anticipation. I hope Moffat doesn't chicken out. I also prefer the story-arc compared to the so-called 'block-buster single episodes'.. but that's probably just me.

7-6, 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2. Murray wins it in five. Utterly sensational. Congratulations, thoroughly deserved.

6-2 to Novak in the third and 2-0 up in the fourth. Murray's fading..

Murray and Djokovic eh. Hmmm.

Simply that the blank notepad contains 50 different shades of grey. Unless I'm missing something..

I always get this at university from the really clever types that knock me for not having read such-and-such classics

The xx's new album Coexist. Absolutely beautiful.

Welcome to BCF.

I love Tryion.

I gave up trying to remember all the names.. houses.. alliances and whatnot. It soon became obvious it was an impossible task.