Chrissy

Oh my. I will have to make a note of that. I LOVE Neverwhere! Thanks P!

It looks so much like a hoax photo, with the strange mouth and what looks like bits of green carpet! The papers were saying how ugly it was, but I think it's so sweet. Can you imagine a squidgy toy version?

Strangely as a young adult I read only adult fiction, and it is only now that I am in my forties that I have 'discovered' YA writing. So it's less a matter of 'still reading' with me, and more a matter of Eureka!. The article is sayng what we as enthusisatic readers know to be true, that books and libraries should be at the heart of educating our young people. In additon, reading guidance is desirable just to learn what is out there, what might capture your interest. I know from friends and family that they will opt for easy reading books when they don't know what else to read (those strange people without TBR piles and shelves ) . People of all ages can feel almost intimidated by the sheer quanity and variety of books, and it can be compounded by the types that appear on television and radio discussing books. If you aren't a long time reader where the hell do you begin, and how many of us are self starters in things we are uncertain of?

That's a tricky one, especially as I don't think there is a writer quite like Mr.Gaiman. For quirkiness, wit and intelligence of concept, perhaps Jasper Fforde would come the closest for me, but his books are series rather than stand alones A good site to visit might be The Literature Map. The idea is that you pop an author's name into the box and it will give you name's of further authors that might interest you. That might help you. Good luck, and i will keep thinking on it.

The two of you look so dashing! Lovely pic.

It is such a difficult thing to help someone with, as we all find our own paths to reading, to genres and to authors. I read (when I do) for such many and varied reasons, and what appeals to me at any given time also varies. All I can advise truly is that you keep on reading anything that appeals to you. It will eventually 'stick', and you will develop you own preferences and modes of reading. A good starting point might be to consider what type of films you enjoy, and indeed what kind of video game, as they could both help you find a genre to delve into. For example, if you enjoy strategy games, a book that encompasses battles (the Romans, civil war, Waterloo etc) might be a a way to go. If you are a shoot-em-up player, maybe fiction or non fiction books such as 'Band Of Brothers' type reads, or the genre that contains Special Forces type stories. Again, the type of playing that needs you to delve and explore for clues / gadgets etc might lead you to detective stories or mysteries. Lastly, if you join your local library you can be doing as much exploring through books as you like without it costing you anything, and most library workers are also keen readers and they can point you in different reading directions. And the forum is always here with recommendations, and we will want to hear about the books you ave read too!

Seawater

Now that's what I call advertising!

Congratulations on the job offer AshleighJane. I have enjoyed two days off work (had to use up my holiday quota), and am heading on in soon. It's amazing how quickly you can become accustomed to NOT working. Having said that I have been doing lots of at home working, so I haven't exactky been idle.

There are no adequate words to express how terrific that was, from the obvious affection his team have for him, through his coach playing him that game, to the exquisite passing of the ball to him (and his scoring with it) from the 'other side'. So much horrible stuff that takes place in the world, it is so nice to be reminded of the quiet and constant good stuff that takes place too.

Charmed. It's nearing the end of the last series - great witchy stuff!

Oh, I do like this word! The example was pretty good too!

Oh my goodness! Hello Ceinwenn, how are you? Great places to hand out your BN books.

I've spent the morning clearing out our shed - parts haven't seen the light in over twenty years! I stopped for a trip to the local tip just at the point where I would have to tackle the creepiest / spideriest corner. Hubby has promised to help sort out that corner over the weekend. I am filthy and achey, so am now enjoing a well earned cup of tea before I head off to clean up.

I'm watching our local television news, where a man appears to have discovered a pair of tusks on a local beach - they think they may be Woolly Mammoth tusks! Cool huh?

Clown

Three books arrived for me today, 'Shiver', 'Linger' and 'Forever' by Maggie Stiefvater. Not currently reading anything, so hopefully these will stir the mojo.

Have a wonderful time June. I hope the weather stays lovely for you. A quiet weekend here. The last bits of my cold are lingering, but today I must get all my houseworky things done ready for next week. Therefore later today the washing machine will be whirring and the iron will be steaming. I had better get my ironing movie ready - that will make it feel less of a chore.

Hey Ho ~ The Lumineers

Granted. However he continues to go missing, and you must therefore spend the rest of your life searching for him whilst wearing a stripey shirt and a daft hat! I wish this stinky cold I have (again!) would go away and take the sore throat with it!