Ben
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Posts posted by Ben
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Okay my new modules are really getting started now, so I'm putting Dracula on the back-burner (unfortunately; I'm disappointed this is happening again), for the time being. I'm starting Dickens' Great Expectations which I've studied before, at GCSE level. I remember enjoying it, but not really much else (my GCSE English classes were some of the worst lessons I've ever had), so I'm looking forward to reading it properly.
Synopsis:
'It was now too late and too far to go back, and I went on. And the mists had all solemnly risen now, and the world lay spread before me’
A terrifying encounter with an escaped convict in a graveyard on the wild Kent marshes; a summons to meet the bitter, decaying Miss Havisham and her beautiful, cold-hearted ward Estella; the sudden generosity of a mysterious benefactor – these form a series of events that change the orphaned Pip’s life forever, and he eagerly abandons his humble origins to begin a new life as a gentleman. Dickens’s haunting late novel depicts Pip’s education and development through adversity as he discovers the true nature of his ‘great expectations’.
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Thanks VF, even more films to add to my ever-growing list.
I did actually manage to catch a couple of films but again it wasn't my choice, and as far as memory serves I don't think either of them is on 'the list', to my disappointment. In any case, I watched American Pie which I thought was hilarious, and although isn't a 'great film' in my opinion, it has enough great moments to be worth a watch. Apparently the following films in the series aren't as good so I might give them a miss.
I also watched Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas which was really, really good. I mean, I didn't like the fact that the plot was so loose at first, and it was completely all over the place, but then I recognised it for the ideas behind it and started to enjoy it. In the end I thought it was fantastic, and the acting is superb.
Anywho, back to the list.
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Thanks Peace, some more great suggestions to add to the list.
I ticked one off said list tonight, and if I remember rightly it was one of Kell's suggestions. Tonight I watched Reservoir Dogs and wow, it was absolutely fantastic. I loved the idea behind it, the acting was brilliant, and although not a lot seems to actually happen, the dialogue is just brilliant. Think I'll write up some more proper thoughts on it soon but for the minute there's no denying it's great!
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Making good headway with Stoker's Dracula and Alex Connor really enjoyed my review, so that's always pleasing. That's about as much reading news as I've got at the moment, but my new classes start tomorrow, so hopefully, most probably, my reading won't be slow in the coming weeks.
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Okay, I've given up trying to keep up with your busy blog, but I see you're reading Dracula. So am I! Is it the first time you've read it? Are you enjoying it? How far through are you? Will this be the last question?!
Kidding, but in all seriousness, I hope you're enjoying it, I certainly am. -
Finally got around to writing my review of Alex Connor's Legacy of Blood which is up here on the BCF Reviews page. It's my first full review of this year, as I've just been ordinarily drafting up a few select thoughts instead, and I'm not sure how it came across. I've sent her the link nevertheless so I guess I'll just see what she thinks: I'm sure she'll be happy I really enjoyed it anyway.
In the mean time I've started properly with Dracula and I'm really starting to enjoy it.
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I really must get around To Kill A Mocking Bird soon. It's been on the TBR pile for an age and all I've heard is good things. *Mental note to self to get my act together*.
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Author: Arthur Conan Doyle
Title: A Study in Scarlet
Personal Note
I’ll admit, reading the Sherlock Holmes books didn’t cross my mind until I fell in love with the TV show Sherlock. That being said, I liked “A Study in Scarlet” a lot and I’m looking forward to read the next books. It’s fast paced, I like the characters and it’s original. The one thing that bothered me was the sudden change of point of view and plot in the middle of the book. For a few pages, I was more than confused…but I did like how it all came together in the last pages. It’s a very short read, but enjoyable.
I felt the same about the Sherlock Holmes books; the television series inspired me to get reading them, and even set up the 'Sherlock Holmes Challenge' as motivation. I haven't got around to A Study In Scarlet yet but I am going back to the Holmes stories after I've had a shot at Dracula. Interesting that you mentioned the changes in the middle of the book, because a friend of mine also said the same thing. Nevertheless, none of the Holmes stories have disappointed me thus far, and I hope to get onto this one soon.
Author: David Nicholls
Title: One Day
Personal Note
I’m not sure how I feel about this book, I think the first word that comes to mind is disappointed. I have read impressive reviews about it and I’ve seen it advertised everywhere, I thought I must read it, and definitely before seeing the movie. I’m not saying I didn’t enjoy the book, I did and it’s a good story but I ended up not really liking the characters and the ending really disappointed me. What I initially liked about both Emma and Dex was their tries to discover who they are and to make a life for themselves – being at a similar age and phase right now, it certainly appealed to me. But then Emma became a person I didn’t like and I felt there were many times in the story when she could have done more for Dex, could have changed both of their lives for the better (not that Dex is an angel!). Overall, an enjoyable read, but I wasn’t impressed.
I think I know what you mean in your thoughts on this one. I enjoyed One Day but couldn't really like any of the characters. I think for me, that's what made the book enjoyable though; even though I didn't like any of them I enjoyed the connection they had - even if they couldn't always see that they were right for each other - and I enjoyed watching how things developed. I'm a little disappointed with the ending, I feel Nicholls in a sense sold out in an attempt to make the novel more serious (without putting spoilers you'll know what I mean). He didn't need to do that after such a carefree, light-hearted atmosphere that really made the book in my opinion.
Anyway good reviews/thoughts Mona, and I look forward to seeing what else you read this year.
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Great review of Sense & Sensibility, Claire. Out of Austen's books I've only read Pride & Prejudice but I most certainly want to read more in the future. She's got a lovely writing style and unlike most of my university reads, I actually really enjoyed P&P, so here's hoping I get around to reading more of her books soon.
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Been really enjoying flicking through my Norton Anthology of English Literature: Volume D, Romanticism book; it's utterly brilliant. I think there's seven volumes overall that encompass an extensive history of English Literature, and I've already decided that I'd love to own them all. I bought this volume for my new semester on Monday, but it's so great that it's definitely encouraging me to look at buying the rest. In other reading news I've got Dracula on the go, and I finished Alex Connor's Legacy of Blood a couple of days ago.
Slow reading for me at the moment but I'm hoping it'll pick up, and it hasn't been that bad of a month considering I've had exams.
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you heard correct!!
Yay! Most definitely looking forward to this one.
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Thanks guys! Looking forward to getting to know you all a bit better. I'm hoping being apart of this forum will get me reading even more books than before.
It most certainly will; that's something nearly everyone on here will agree with.
Anyway, welcome to BCF and I look forward to seeing you around the discussions.
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A couple of cracking looking modules there - Crime Fiction and Bildungsroman. All worth reading, even if with contrasting thoughts on one or two of the books (loved some, hated others). Those Bildungsroman ones are certainly ones to get one's teeth into. Your two 'extras' also definitely worth a read too. That's quite a list!
They do look good don't they? I'm really excited for the Crime Fiction module because that's a bit different to anything we've done so far and let's me get stuck into books that I wouldn't have thought of reading usually. Same with the Shakespeare module; I always seem to put off reading more Shakespeare but now I don't have much choice.
I was looking through The Norton Anthology of English Literature: Volume D, Romanticism last night and it's amazing. I'm already starting to think that to own all seven (I think) volumes, would be awesome. I enjoy all aspects of English Literature, and to have a bunch of nice volumes that encompass the whole subject would be incredible. Some day..
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Welcome back!
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Think I might need a fair few evenings set aside at this rate.
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Couple of things to update the old book blog with today, although it's mainly purchases (most for university, but the odd couple that I felt obliged to snap up), more than anything else if I'm honest.
The Norton Anthology of English Literature: Volume D, The Romantic Period. Had to buy this for university for my 'Romanticism' module, and it looks absolutely fantastic. Blake, Wordsworth, Keats, etc. Looks like I'll have some fun with this, this year.
The Norton Shakespeare: Comedies. Bought for my university course once again, my 'Shakespeare' module of course. I really like the look of this; I've always wanted to study/read more Shakespeare so this semester is the perfect opportunity.
Farewell, My Lovely. - Raymond Chandler. Bought for my 'Crime Fiction' module.
Devil in a Blue Dress. - Walter Mosley. Bought once more for my 'Crime Fiction' module.
Jane Eyre. - Charlotte Bronte. For my 'Bildungsroman' module.
Great Expectations. - Charles Dickens. For my 'Bildungsroman' module.
Sons and Lovers. - D. H. Lawrence. For my 'Bildungsroman' module.
Birdsong. - Sebastian Faulks. Always wanted to read this and finally got around to buying it in Waterstones.
Before I Go To Sleep. - S J Watson. Heard good things about this one so thought why not.
Blackwell's (the book shop), clearly took a bit of a dent out of that piece of plastic in my wallet.
In other news I've finished Alex Connor's Legacy of Blood and I'll post my thoughts/review a little later.
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The word 'them' in that sentence worries me greatly
Please, please, please only watch the original trilogy (that's A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi). Episodes 1, 2 and 3 are dire beyond belief.
Ugh, I hate even calling the original film 'A New Hope'. It was just called Star Wars when I was a kid. And yes, I have issues with this
Ben, I hope and pray that you can get hold of the original versions, the ones that existed before George Lucas went and ruined them. If you can't, let me know and I'll sort them out for you.
Haha, by them I meant the original three don't you worry about that. I've been told they're the only ones worth watching and the three that proceed that (or follow on from) depending on which way you look at it, are not on my list.
My favourite films are (in no particular order):
Singin' In The Rain (1952)**
The Big Lebowski (1998)
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Easy Virtue (2008)
Roman Holiday (1953)
The African Queen (1951)
Anchors Aweigh (1945)**
The Pirate (1948)**
Moonstruck (1987)
A Matter of Life and Death (1946)
The Bishop's Wife (1947)
Barefoot In The Park (1967)
**These are musicals, so if you're not into musicals, you might want to give them a miss. Although it is my firm opinion that everyone should see Singin' In The Rain
. Oh, and Casablanca. And Cool Hand Luke.Okay, I'll stop now.
Oh dear I haven't seen any of them - not so sure about all these musicals but I will check a few out just because you lovely people wouldn't recommend them if you didn't think they were brilliant. Thanks for the rest of the recommendations too, Ruth.
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I finished Adventures of Sherlock Holmes a few days ago, and I can't wait to read more
I shall assume by the fact that you can't wait to read more, that you enjoyed them?
I'm currently taking a little break to read a couple of other books then I'll be straight on the Holmes stories. I might have also got the full collection on my Kindle just to make things a little easier in life.
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One thing and one thing only, why on earth are you all encouraging Frankie to order from this new website of hers, it'll spell trouble!
I'm kidding, I could never actually discourage you from buying books Frankie, you know that.
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I loved both the book and the film of American Psycho. Unfortunately, the dark humour appealed to me so much that I got some very odd looks when reading it at work and laughing out loud at some of the funniest bits. Most people don't seem to realise it's got pitch-black humour, so to see the very mild-manered CE's secretary laughing out loud at a book about a psycho serial killer made people think I was perhaps a bit of a psycho myself - ROFLMAO!
*Is unsure whether I'm allowed to reply to this post.*
I'll risk it eh. Haha, that's brilliant - in fairness I was laughing at quite a lot of the film also. It doesn't seem like you're supposed to, but some of the deaths were so over the top I couldn't help myself (particularly the chain saw scene). I can see where your coming from then, but maybe there's a time and place for laughing at a psycho serial killer. Ben, The Beach was a book first, in case you weren't aware, and it's supposed to be very, very good. I've had it on my TBR pile for so long it isn't funny. I'm not sure if the movie was very critically acclaimed, but I've always liked it, even if it's a bit disturbing. The scenery and music make up for that, though.
I actually noticed this as I wrote the post above because I was looking for the actor who played the really crazy drugged up guy (Robert Carlyle). I might add it to the wishlist actually, I can imagine it would be a good read. But yeah, I enjoyed the film very much so.
Some more suggestions - these are the ones that will make you think:
Life is Beautiful
American Beauty
What Dreams Will Come
The Colour Purple
Rain Man
Sophie's Choice
Kramer versus Kramer
Dead Man Walking
Dogma
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
The Matrix (plus its follow ups)
Schindlers List
Star Wars
The Sixth Sense
The Shawshank Redemption
The Truman Show
*Ticks off The Shawshank Redemption (my favourite film ever, see OP), The Truman Show, the first Matrix film, Schindlers List (although I do need to watch it again, actually), and Rain Man (absolutely fantastic film). As for the rest, Star Wars is literally top of my list, I just need to get hold of them. And thanks for the other recommendations.
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Watched a couple of films recently, but unfortunately it seems none of them were on the lists I've been given. I would have watched films that you had recommended but it wasn't my choice unfortunately.
In any case, I watched American Psycho which was a very weird, dark film, but it was also very clever and I often enjoy films like that (where you actually have to think about what you're watching). Christian Bale was great in it, but that wasn't a surprise as he's always great. I've also somewhat incredulously seen him in another four films - Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, Public Enemies and The Fighter.
I also watched The Beach with Leonardo Dicaprio, which was very good. Basically, if you haven't seen it, Richard (Dicaprio) meets a crazy man named Daffy (Robert Carlyle) who rants about a secret island away from civilization - a paradise. He then dies and leaves Richard a map. Richard sets off on an adventure with a girl he likes and her boyfriend, and they eventually get more than they bargained for. It was a great film, Robert Carlyle acted great although he's only in it for a short while, and the others did too.
Lastly, I watched Green Street which probably wouldn't appeal to people unless they enjoy football. I thought I'd hate it because it's all about violence and gangs of football hooligans but I actually enjoyed it. Not for the violence itself but it was interesting to see the main character Elijah Wood develop as a character throughout the film.
Anyway, back to the list of films you lovely people have given me - I'll be on it soon.
If we're recommending musicals I recommend Oliver! (although the chances you haven't seen it are probably low
)And what about Disney films? I personally love Finding Nemo when I need cheering up
Not actually a big fan of musicals but I'll give some a shot I suppose.
I haven't seen Oliver! though. 
Yes! I'd probably just give up if I hadn't seen Finding Nemo - it's great.
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Hey Kylie, hope everything is well and good with you.
I'm excited to get going with Dracula again soon because I've always felt that I've been missing out on something special from not getting around to it. It's been recommended highly by, well everyone I know that's read it so far.
I've actually not really been writing much about uni, although it has been exams recently so I guess I was more happy to get them over with, and didn't fancy writing about them much.
When my new semester gets cracking, I'll probably be talking a lot about my modules. Incidentally, they are: Romanticism (Byron, Shelley, Keats, etc.), Crime Fiction (which is a bit different, and involes Sherlock Holmes of course), Bildungsroman (which I honestly had to look up to even know what it means - but we're reading Dickens and Charlottle Bronte among others), and last but certainly not least, my Shakespeare module that I'm really looking forward too. Happy reading right back at you!
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I really need to stop spending all my time running over the different theories and possibilites, but I can't help thinking that what we've mostly mentioned before can't just be the solution. Moffatt is clever and I'm convinced he will have something up his sleeve. Probably something someone has thought of, but things seem too simple. Also, this:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/2012/jan/20/steven-moffat-sherlock-doctor-who
What a tease.
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Unfortunately going to have to put Bram Stoker's Dracula on hold before it's really started (my friend isn't going to be pleased..). I've just received two books in the post, one of which is The Maltese Fiction by Dashiell Hammett which is for university, and a copy of Alex Connor's new book Legacy of Blood. If you missed the earlier post, I reviewed her other thriller The Rembrandt Secret last year and enjoyed it immensely. As a result she sent me her new one to review for BCF!
Synopsis:
The race is on.
The body count is rising.
No one can be trusted.
The flight to London was supposed to be a short cut home, but for the seven passengers gathered at an art auction it becomes the most terrifying journey they will ever make. An incident on the flight reveals the existence of a priceless artefact - and blows open a conspiracy that has been hidden for centuries. Every passenger on the plane is now caught up in a race to find the prize for themselves - but within 24 hours of the flight, three people have been silenced by someone who knows the devestating consequences should the fully story ever come to life.
Really excited to read this one, and it's a review book I'll get cracking right away I should think.
Ben's Reading 2012
in Past Book Logs
Posted
I've never read any Dickens but I've always wanted too. I'm actually loving it so far. As for Dracula, I will get back to it because I was enjoying it, but I'm going to have to be putting my recreational reads on hold when my university reading needs doing (always).