Ben

I was a bit unsure about the NHS bit particularly as we always cut their budgets and things. Despite that though, I thought it was integrated with the children's literature segment very well. On a whole I think Danny Boyle did a wonderful job. I was worried it wouldn't be anything special but I thought he did a great job. I too am very pleased to be British right now. I agree wholeheartedly Kylie, it's wonderful that the world can come together like this and celebrate instead of focusing on all the hurt and pain that seem central to our news. We never get to hear about anything good and happy, and this offers a perfect chance. I'm looking forward to the sporting events beginning tomorrow now.

What's everyone think of this? I'm rather enjoying it.

Ooh it all sounds very exciting, I wish something was happening close to us.

Yep, it seems to be leaning towards Roger Bannister. I personally don't mind, but I'm really looking forward to seeing what Danny Boyle has come up with for the opening ceremony. I know we can't match China for scope, but I really think he'll come up with something great (despite the fact that no matter what happens he'll be unable to please everyone).

The Picture of Dorian Gray. Without question.

That's so cool that you were interviewed, wish I would have seen that. I hope everything runs smoothly for you and doesn't cause too much disruption (well, more than you probably know it will at least). I'm personally very excited for the Olympics as I absolutely love sport and will watch pretty much any sport ordinarily (including so-called boring sports like golf. ) I'm wary that our Olympics will disappoint in comparison to some of the others, particularly Sydney, but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and try to ignore some of the mistakes, because it must be such a logistical nightmare. I'm excited for pretty much all the events, but particularly the table tennis, tennis, football, cycling, badminton, volleyball (beach too), handball, hockey and the water polo. Not much then. *laughs*

I'm not overly excited about Life of Pi either, actually.

The Dark Knight Rises. I really want to write a full review for this at some stage, but a truly spectacular conclusion to Nolan's brilliant trilogy.

Season 4 >.

Interesting.

Opinions on Littlefinger from what you've seen of him so far?

I've been really interested in reading this since the release of The Hunger Games and all the comparisons to Battle Royale that came with. Great review above, and thanks for bumping up the topic. I now might actually remember to read this sooner rather than later.

I really like yours Poppy, Stiggy's words are as beautiful as ever. I also really like Kafka's, really makes you think.

Oh, I see; the wonderful Jane Austen strikes again it seems (well, unless of course Ann Radcliffe's books aren't that great. ) Northanger Abbey is really one of hers I need to get a hold of (unless I have it on my Kindle already.. I can't remember). I've sadly only read Pride and Prejudice but I do intend to read her others and I've heard great things about this one, on here especially. I can see why you'd want to read the book she mentions in the novel though; it'd frustrate me enough that they didn't reveal what's behind the veil, that I'd probably have to go out and buy the book immediately just to know. I'm really excited for it. That's the one thing about having my reading dictated to me on a university course. Although for the most part I hate reading what I'm told to, it makes me open my mind to different sub-genres and themes that I wouldn't normally look at it. I probably would have constantly put off reading more Shakespeare if it wasn't for last semester, and this time around once again I have some great modules. Nice try at giving it away but two copies is enough for me. I actually don't buy more than one copy of a book unless the other is damaged (thankfully has never happened!) or I want to keep one in pristine condition because it's a favourite. This time I thought the background information in the new edition would be helpful for assignments. Well I always have a month or two at least (.. or usually three or four) where I have a terrible reading month. I can't consistently read lots all-year round even though reading is my favourite pastime. It's probably true what you say about needing a recharge; my brain isn't up to going without rest. As for the 1001 list, it's one I've been contemplating looking at long term. I mean, the type of books I have recently begun trying to make myself read will probably be likely on there without me specifically aiming to complete it as a challenge, but it'd still be an interesting one to look at.

Hey, welcome to BCF. I'm certain you'll find a lot of like-minded people on here, so your in good company.

I haven't heard of her but I'm guessing from your comment she's a specialist Gothic writer? The title sounds intriguing I must say. I'm not just buying lots of Gothic novels for the fun (oxymoron? ) I have a module in it starting in September, which looks great. We did indeed. I already own a copy of this but thought I'd buy a Norton edition for the supplementary essays. Here's hoping eh? Depressingly I haven't read one single book this month. At least I've got a lot to get my teeth into. Is there anything better? I think not. It sounds great doesn't it? Should do it more often.

Likewise, I've been wanting to read some Melville for a while so was glad to see this on my university list. One of the first one's we study so I'll be getting to this very soon. I know Claire absolutely loved it so that's promising. I just about recognise his name so you're doing better than I am. I read Haroun and the Sea of Stories last year and thought it was fantastic, so definitely looking forward to this. Well, books are much more often better than the films so this is a good sign. I read one of her short stories last year, 'The Old Nurse's Story' and enjoyed it so we shall see. This is another one that looks particularly great. I have to admit I hadn't heard of this one either, probably one of her more lesser-known novels. I reserve judgement until I get around to it. It's been one of the books I've wanted to read for a while, actually. I imagine it'll be creepy in the same stakes as Dracula.

Here's hoping. Oh no, I'm sure they don't.

I'm not even close VF my friend.

HEY GUYS WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO CHEER YOURSELF UP IF YOU'VE NOT READ ANYTHING IN AGES? Buy some books? Oh go on then. The first two I picked up in the Trafford Centre last week and the rest, although they're university books, still put a smile across my face because they arrived in a huge box. It was like Christmas opening up my little box of wonderful goodies. A Storm of Swords (Part 1) by George R. R. Martin. Bereft by Chris Womersley. 'Bartleby and Benito Cereno' by Herman Melville. 'Tell Me A Riddle & Yonnondio' by Tillie Olsen. The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit by Sloan Wilson. 'Microserfs' by Douglas Coupland. The Wide Saragasso Sea by Jean Rhys. Foe by J. M. Coetzee. Shame by Salman Rushdie. The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje. The Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga. Mary Barton by Elizabeth Gaskell. Lady Audley's Secret by Mary Braddon. Felix Holt: The Radical by George Eliot. Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy. The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole. A Sicilian Romance by Ann Radcliffe. The Monk by Matthew Lewis. Zofloya, or The Moor by Charlotte Dacre. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Book buying spree, woo. Perhaps it'll give me a reading resurgence.. perhaps not.

Great thread title. I think I'll be okay reading your thoughts for now as I'm a third through A Clash of Kings but if you get ahead I'll have to stop. I'm planning on reading them all pretty soon actually (holiday in a couple of weeks so it seems ideal). Will be looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

Nifty.

Forgive me for not scrolling back through the pages but whoever said that we should all watch Moonrise Kingdom - thank you. I haven't got around to seeing it yet but I've been wanting to see it for ages. I'll definitely get to it soon. I watched Ted today. Thought it was fantastic. Probably a bit too crude in some places, like The Inbetweeners, but overall very enjoyable.