Chrissy

Hello Sarah, They are tricky questions to answer in many ways. Before joining the forum here, I just mooched about book shops (new and second hand), and I would read reviews in newspapers, especially the weekend ones. Occasionally I would have a book or author recommended to me by a friend or family member, but to be honest I only trust the opinions of a couple of people and learned the hard way. It might be the cover that appeals and the back cover blurb that pushes me to purchase, or the blurb alone. I may see an author being interviewed and think that I like what they have to say and would like to read their stuff. Now I'm on the forum I definitely get ideas from the other members, and I have got to know the people who have similar tastes or who are so astute in their reviews I will know whether I would like a book / author or not. It can still be a bit hit and miss at times, but that's half the fun of it.

What are you suggesting Janet?

Would there be any chance of one person winning the original, while the others win a photocopy of it?

Great photographs! I was oohing and aahing, and have shared with husband..."The Rockies! Steve! Bear!"

Excellent photo! I can hear your thought..."I am THIS happy!" ETA If you were to say that you were holding a book in your right hand you could enter this photo into the competition.

I have got to dive in here! I love Chris Riddell's illustrations for Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book. At the beginning of the year the two collaborated to produce a response to terror. I first saw this on FB (I follow Mr Gaiman), but here it is in the (UK) Guardian. Powerful stuff indeed.

It started with rain, then became hot and windy combined.

Wow! Thanks Michelle.

I love it! It looks like a still shot from a Carry On film.......

I hope you enjoy the time you have to yourself.

This link should help with the how-to of the job, and it gives a list of the stuff you will need for the repair, so you will be able to work out how much the bits will cost you from that I would think. Good luck with it.

Hey Steve! *waves back* Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.

The James Herriot series of books starting with If Only They Could Talk. They are set in the 1930's. 40's and 50's. Hope that helps.

It must be such a relief that your flatmate has gone. Enjoy your peace and quiet when you finally get it later today.

Now that is my kind of throne! Brilliant Gaia!

I take it you mean Homer's Odyssey? Taking into account the age of book etc, would this version fit the bill? Looking at the amazon website under hardcover brought up quite a few potentials. Good luck finding it.

I'll be reading it for sure! I loved the Tiffany Aching series and always wanted another one so when The Shepherd's Crown publication was announced I was delighted. I haven't read all of Terry Pratchett's books, so I still feel like I have lots of reading pleasure ahead before I feel his writing loss.

Thanks Nollaig. I had to make myself post it! The one I had in mind showed an ear and the back of my head, but husband over ruled me.

Thanks muggle not. I am reading The Stone Book Quartet by Alan Garner, which is comprised of four stories depicting a day in the life of 4 generations of the same family. The writing is wonderful, and the first one completed was magical. My reading mojo slipped away for a day or two, and this is what I was pulled toward when it half returned.

The one I was going to post was a shot from behind, with very little of me in it. Husband decided the other one was better, and more 'train -y'.

I taught myself to switch off from Doctor Who in between series, and don't look at sites about it, so this new trailer is great as a "We're back with you soon". Can't wait!

We went on a choo-choo train this morning! It was a spontaneous visit to The Bluebell Railway with their beautiful old steam trains. It's a 22 mile round trip and takes about an hour and twenty five minutes through some gorgeous countryside. A lovely way to spend a Sunday morning.

Grey and wet, but drizzling rather than the drenching sort

This is me this morning reading my kindle while sitting in the railway carriage waiting for the steam engine to set off on the Bluebell Railway!

I haven't read the book, but I do remember catching the made-for-TV movie a few years ago. It was alright, but definitely far fetched! I'm in a bit of a reading slump right now, so am keeping myself busy with other stuff until the mood lifts. There is no panic (I'LL NEVER READ AGAIN!) just yet, but I do hope I can mentally snuggle into another book soon.