Ben

Glad you're enjoying it, it's been one of those books I've been wanting to get for a while but just never got around too it..

It's funny because I've never managed to want to re-read the Twilight books for some reason. I read them a long time ago, before all the hype set in, and although I enjoyed them, once the world-wide obsession began I just seemed to lose all interest; probably because I was of the opinion that other books and series' deserved the attention that the Twilight series was getting. I'll re-read them one day, I'm sure, but for now I think I've just been completely put off.

Spent the afternoon reading Eldest by Christopher Paolini; just over half-way through and really enjoying it so far.

What's happening with me reading-wise then? Well, I've downloaded Nemesis by Jo Nesbo for my Kindle, because I have to read books in publication order (even if it's not entirely necessary), and I already have The Snowman and The Redeemer waiting for me. I read The Redbreast earlier this year and really enjoyed it, and have been wanting to read some more of his work for a while now. Now I've got the next in the series, I'll be doing that as soon as possible. As for Eldest - well, it's coming along quite nicely. I've read over two hundred pages and I just love the way Christopher Paolini tells a tale; his writing style is most enjoyable. I haven't had as much chance to read the last couple of days though, and it's quite a long book at over six hundred pages. I'm sure I'll get into a lot more soon enough, but for now I'll just keep tackling it slowly and enjoyably. Oh also, I'm going on holiday to Greece for two weeks on Friday. Of course that means choosing which books to take with me. I'm only going to take a few actual paper-backs with me, as I'm taking my Kindle and that will save me all the space I could need, whilst giving me all the choices I could ever need as well. I'm going to think through this week which books I want to take and which books I want to make sure are downloaded before I go. I know I could download them while I'm there, but I'll make sure I have what I need before just in case.

Well glad to see the football season back up and running; have definitely missed it the past few months. Just watched the Community Shield match between Manchester City and Manchester United, which was a fiery affair as you would expect from these two. United start off strongly, but for all their possession and pressure they couldn't make it count and grab any goals. City grabbed a goal out of nowhere, and then a couple of minutes before half-time, doubled their lead with a long shot that De Gea (new, inexperienced) should have really done better with. In any case, in the second half our youthful substitutions really gave it their all and we turned the match around. A lovely ball from new signing Ashley Young tapped in by Chris Smalling got as back into the match, before Nani equalised a bit later. Then, with just a couple of minutes on the clock, a mistake from Kolorov of Man City, let Nani tear past him. There were no defenders about, and he dribbled carefully around Hart in net, to slot the ball home and give United a 3-2 win. It's a result and performance that really cements our intentions to have a good season, and I thought we were in fine form. Looking forward to the opening weekend of the league matches, now.

I'd have to say How I Met Your Mother has it just has everything I enjoy from my television; laughter, wit, and loveable characters.

I finish it a couple of days ago, vodkafan, my review is here if you fancy reading it; if not, there's some briefer thoughts a page back in this thread.

That's why book-lists are key, Ooshie. I'm so glad I've got more of these to read though, they're brilliant.

Making a start on Eldest by Christopher Paolini, I read Eragon last year and for some reason, even though I enjoyed it, I never got around to the sequel. Synopsis: The challenges for Eragon and his dragon Saphira are by no means over. Having proved himself in battle as a Dragon Rider, Eragon must now travel to the land of the elves to be tutored in magic and swordsmanship, the essential skills of a Dragon Rider. But the Empire is in the grip of evil and Eragon is dogged by chaos and betrayal at every turn. Will the wicked king Galbatorix's dark hand strangle all resistance? Eragon may not escape with his life.. Looking forward to this one.

Finished Die Trying by Lee Child, and thought it was brilliant; really loving this fast-paced, action-packed series and I'm only two books in. Thoughts: So, the second book in the Jack Reacher series, one which I've waited a while to read now. I finished the first at the start of this year and enjoyed immensely, so this has been a long time coming. It's safe to say I haven't been disappointed though, as this book is a fantastic, fast-paced thriller, which had me turning the pages not wanting to put it down. This time, Jack Reacher is caught up in extremely unlucky circumstances, in the wrong place at the wrong time, as he stops to help a woman on crutches coming out of the dry-cleaners. It's an innocent move, but one that lands him in a whole heap of trouble as he turns to find a gun levelled at him. Kidnapped, Reacher and the young woman are driven thousands of miles across America, and become embroiled in more than they could ever imagine. Out in the mountains a lunatic visionary and his loyal followers plot meticulously their plans against the US government, and Reacher, the FBI, and an old acquaintance must tackle them head on in a battle for all their lives. Die Trying is a brilliant novel that will have you holding your breath as the characters race against time to try get out alive. 4/5.

Yes! Well done Kylie, I'm delighted for you, congratulations.

Drake - Headlines. First single from his new album coming in a couple of months, called Take Care.

Welcome to the forum Deanna, I'm sure you'll love it here and find lots of new recommendations.

Neither have I. Never have I taken a driving test.

I'm absolutely certain you will enjoy Shadow of the Wind and I can't wait to here your thoughts; you have a treat ahead of you for sure.

Not sure I'd enjoy the 'overly Christian preachy' part of Little Women but your recent Kate Morton read sounds fascinating..

Never read Sister but quite honestly want to read both; I'll be getting round to Afterwards very soon. It is indeed; much to my pleasure I had a great reading month last year and hope to continue that through this month. Wish I was in your calibre though; closing in on 100 books at this stage of this year is very impressive.

Going to get started on Die Trying by Lee Child. I read the first Jack Reacher book as my first book this year, so been meaning to get round to more of them since. Synopsis: Jack Reacher, alone, strolling nowhere. A Chicago street in bright sunshine. A young woman, struggling on crutches. He offers her a steadying arm. And turns to see a handgun aimed at his stomach. Chained in a dark van racing across America, Reacher doesn't know why they've been kidnapped. The woman claims to be FBI. She's certainly tough enough. But at their remote destination, will raw courage be enough to overcome the hopeless odds? Reading this one on my Kindle, hoping its as a good as the first one.

I absolutely loved The KIte Runner - thought it was a brilliantly written novel.

I agree with Shadow of the Wind - it's a fantastic novel.

That's the exact reason I bought it, but since I've been writing poetry more and more in the past year or so, it may be time for me to pick this up. It's interesting that he sets exercises though, might give it a shot. As for being knighted, I don't think he has yet, which is a travesty, really. In any case, congratulations on getting through the rounds so far, and let us know if you get the job, I've got my fingers and toes crossed for you.

Finished The Interpretation of Murder in the early hours of this morning and thought it was fantastic. Review here - I had a lot more to say about this. Thoughts: Well where do I start with this one? Rubenfeld's story of Dr Sigmund Freud's first and only ever journey to the United States is one that has always confused biographers. In this novel, the author has managed to blend real-life events and characters perfectly with fiction. From the minute he steps on American soil with his two followers Carl Jung and Sandor Ferenczi, to deliver a series of lectures at a prestigious university and hopefully propel his psychoanalytical theories across America, mysterious forces are at work to stop him from doing so. For the present, though, Freud and his followers have more pressing issues; a beautiful young woman has been found whipped and mutilated in an apartment high above the city, and the next day another stunning heiress is attacked in her home, barely escaping her killer. Freud hands the case to Dr Stratham Younger, a young psychoanalyst who idealises the Master. Little does Stratham know that he has become embroiled in a mystery that will delve into the darkest, most secret depths of the city, and into the darkest corners of the human mind. 5/5.

Just hate it when that happens, but thankfully owning my Kindle has reduced the problem of books not arriving on time, when they arrive in less than a minute.