Ben

Hey guys, not much reading going on at the moment due to the revision. Well, I am reading, but it's all text-books and notes that I've written. Nevertheless the short start I've managed to make on Over Sea, Under Stone is a good one; a steady start which has taken a start to get going, but I think it's just about to pick up pace, so I'm looking forward to getting stuck into this a bit more when I have the time on my hands. I hope everyone else is having a good reading year so far.

I've just finished watching the three Sherlock episodes - yes, I know I'm a little late! I have to say, they were wonderful; I thought the characters were excellent, the script was witty and quick, and I found myself enjoying the series immensely. I want more.

Yeah it's been a bit of a slow start in my opinion but Over Sea, Under Stone is starting to pick up pace a little bit now. I'll confess the main reason for me even picking up these again was seeing them discussed on the forum, otherwise they probably would have been left for a while yet. If the books get better as the series progresses then I can't wait to get stuck into the rest. I'll be sure to let you know my thoughts on this one; let me know when you decide to read it. Awesome, thanks for the comment. Looking forward to these now.

The next book I'm starting is Over Sea, Under Stone by Susan Cooper. This is the first of the five books which form Susan Cooper's The Dark Is Rising sequence. Synopsis: Three children, on holiday in Cornwall, discover an ancient map which leads them into a search for a buried grail. This looks good, and I've heard good things from people on here and in real life. It also has a somewhat sentimental value to me because they are - as far as I can remember - the only books my Auntie ever bought me. I've pushed them aside for a long time now, I'm not sure why, but now is the time to read them. Has anyone read this or the series before?

A Clockwork Orange. - Anthony Burgess. Thoughts: Well, here it is, the third finished novel of the year, and by far the strangest book I've ever had the pleasure of reading. Although the book deals with some serious issues such as rape, violence and crime - enough to put some people off - I feel that this is a piece of literature that everyone should read. My reasons for this are simple: the novel is thought-provoking, intriguing, and throughout I felt connected with the main protagonist, Alex; a strange thing to say about a fifteen year delinquent who enjoys gang-crime and extreme violent acts, but who also enjoys classical music. Particularly Beethoven's Ninth. Some people who will read this novel, will have no sympathy for a mere child who brings so much hurt and violence to perfectly innocent victims, but as the novel progressed I'm sure that I wasn't the only one who began to sympathise with the troubles that the Government forced upon him. Now, I imagine opinion about this novel is divided right down the middle; some will say he got what he deserved, others will disagree. I do know one thing for sure; this novel is one that everyone should read at some point in their lives. 5/5.

They're wonderful. Right now I'm just enjoying Alex James' show on Classical FM. This type of music certainly isn't normally my thing but I reasoned it couldn't hurt to try last week, and I enjoyed it so much that it persuaded me to listen to the show this afternoon as well.

Frankie!

Of course it's fun, I love making lists and you're right it will be useful in the future. Haha you're right on that front. I've said it once and I'll say it again, he's a National Treasure.

Hey Frankie, thanks for your comments; this is the first time I've really tried to make an attempt at a to-be-read list and at first it was really daunting. Now it just seems like it's giving me something to aim for. Moab Is My Washpot was every bit as wonderful as I expected it to be to be honest. As Kylie said, everything the man touches turns to gold so I expected nothing less from his book. As for The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society I confess I can't remember who's reading blog I read it on, but it looks like I'll enjoy it so thanks for recommending it as well.

Thanks, I've added it to my list of 'films I should have watched but haven't' list, so I'll let you know when I get onto it.

Tick tock..

I'm really enjoying the book at the moment, I think it's one of those really thought-provoking novels that everyone should read if they get a chance. I was surprised to find out that Anthony Burgess, the author, died a mere four months after I was born. From what I've read he's a wonderful author and I think I'll check out his other work. As for the film I think I'd like to give it a watch to see what they did with the novel.

Hehe, I changed mine and re-quoted you so it doesn't look odd.

Hey no problem Paula, I can see why people wouldn't like some parts of this book, as it concentrates on some quite disturbing issues. I haven't seen this but I bet the film would relay that even more, perhaps. It shouldn't take me long to finish this one up and then maybe I'll see if I can persuade you to give it a shot. As for happy reading, thanks, same to you.

I've decided my next read to be A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess. Synopsis: In this nightmare vision of a not-too-distant future, fifteen-year-old Alex and his three friends rob, rape, torture and murder - for fun. Alex is jailed for his vicious crimes and the State undertakes to reform him - but how and at what cost? I recently heard good things about this book from a student in my English literature class, and seen as though I have it on the to-be-read list, I thought I might as well give it a shot. I started last night and I have to say it is a thoroughly brilliant read. Although it took me some time to get used to the strange language being used, I soon managed to pick up what words meant what, and the story itself is undoubtedly very interesting. I'm only just over half way through - it's a shortish read - but I'm really enjoying it. Has anyone else read it, or indeed anything else by Burgess?

It's just the nature of things; if you would have beaten us convincingly, I'm sure the Australian press would have been exactly the same. I don't mean that offensively, It's just that The Ashes seem to go beyond competition and turn more personal; hence the snide comments and jibes at different batsmen and such strong comments in the papers. Don't get me wrong, I far from agree with it in any sport. It is the same in football really; more often or not it turns stupidly personal and offensive over a game, and it's visible in football where there's fights and violence and hooliganism. It's a shame sport sometimes turns people against each other for stupid reasons, when it should bring people together.

Happy 2011 reading Noll, hope it's a good one.

Thanks Janet, glad you enjoyed it; like I said, I felt like whatever I said I would be doing him an injustice. I love how honest he is as well, endears him somewhat to his readers I feel. I was tempted to move straight onto The Fry Chronicles and I doubt it'll be long before I read that as well.

I'm glad that my mere thoughts have helped you add Moab Is My Washpot to your wishlist, let me know how you get on.

Haha Kylie, I don't think anyone could blame you there. I'm sure you're not the only one. Thanks mate, glad to hear that people think they're good; I have really enjoyed reviewing so far this year. I'm so glad you're enjoying The Picture of Dorian Gray as much as I did, and I guarantee you won't be disappointed at the end.

Thank you. He is a National Treasure in my eyes; I have a lot of respect for the man.