chesilbeach

The heavens have opened with torrential rain today. OH just popped out for a loaf of bread and came back looking like he'd taken a bath fully clothed. My turn to venture out for some shopping now …

I agree Michelle, and I do get a bit fed up of going into bookshops and seeing the children's display table full of classic children's books rather than contemporary, or the modern ones sidelined to a smaller display. While I like the classics, it's not the way to get children interested in books … I would definitely rate most of the children's and teen books I read higher than the ones I read as a child, and they're more likely to be able to identify with the characters in contemporary books as they will relate them directly to themselves.

Sorry you've been poorly, Janet, and still feeling a bit rotten. Hope you feel much better soon

It has caused a few problems in the past … used to have to give my aunt about a week's notice before I would visit and she would keep the cats out of the living room for that week and vacuum it thoroughly so that I could stay for the afternoon and evening. Even then, I'd be suffering a bit by the end of the night.

They have it at my library … will have to remember that in the future when I've got fewer other books to read.

I have heard of parvenu before, but didn't know what it meant! Thanks for the definition Chrissy.

The Big Bang Theory … the Monopolar Expedition, where they decide to go on a scientific expedition to the North Pole with Sheldon

I won't be handing out books, but I love your choice, Kell. Where are you planning on handing them out, and do you have recipients in mind already?

Unless you can't even be in a room with a cat without suffering an allergic reaction ... like me!

BIBLIOPHAGIST – a devourer of books.

Thanks Kylie I'd not seen Incorrigible Children before, and it seems to be a US import copy as it's not a UK publisher and only has US and Canadian prices on the back … curious.

Finished listening to Miss Mapp, but can't find any more of the series of books that have unabridged versions of the audiobooks. Such a shame, as I've loved listening to the first two, and was hoping that the television series might have encouraged the publishers to produce the audiobooks. I know they've issued a new omnibus (weirdly with books 1, 2 and 4) with a television series tie-in cover, but no audiobooks. I think the ratings of the television series probably weren't good enough to make it a success, so we won't get any more of the stories adapted, and the publishers won't bother with new editions of books or audiobooks. Will be carrying on reading The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender this morning.

I think today will be a reading day. Having to wait in this morning for a delivery, so going to put the kettle on, make some toast and settle down with a good book for a while. Ooh, just remembered, I've got the bergamot curd that OH made yesterday to go on my toast!

In an odd coincidence, talking about Broadmoor, I listened to A Good Read on the drive home yesterday, and Harriet was talking about English bull terriers after reading The Incredible Journey and said that there had a been a child murderer escape from Broadmoor and rather than not let the children out to play, her mother had bought a English bull terrier as they are ferociously protective of the children in their home.

And here's the reason I wasn't allowed to go bookshopping! I don't think I'll be able to wait after finishing my current book before starting Arsenic for Tea. Cowgirl was on my wish list, as it's one of the Waterstone's shortlist for 5-12s, so delighted to receive this one. I'd not heard of The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place but it looks really good, and I love the cover design. I love this little edition of Jane Austen's The Beautifull Cassandra … I was sure I heard Stephen Fry say he was filming an adaptation, but I've just looked it up, and it's actually Love and Friendship he's filming. I'm a very lucky lady! Thank you, Kay, they're all lovely

So cool, but I'd probably need about 500!

Turned out to be a lovely day again, bright, clear but cold. On the way home, the wind seemed to pick up a bit, and could feel the effect of the crosswind on the car going over a bridge over the river.

Received a few gorgeous books from the lovely poppyshake today, as it was the first time we'd met since my birthday a little while back. Arsenic for Tea by Robin Stevens Cowgirl by G. R. Gemin The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place by Maryrose Wood The Beautifull Cassandra by Jane Austen

This one and Jaws both look incredible in the HD format. I've not seen them on blu-ray, but we have the Sky Movie channels subscription, and I can't get over how good they look having been transferred into the new format. Both films are also ones that if I come across them while channel hopping, I have to watch.

We had to read Lord of the Flies at school and I thought that was much worse than The Hunger Games, as it was a very real situation, unlike THG which was clearly set in a fantasy society. I've also read a book aimed at younger teenagers which look at the very real life situation of children forced to be soldiers in African countries, which was far more brutal, and is actually happening. I'm not sure what age the children in the news story would be, but it's possible that many have them have already read this and similar books, and that the quote from the parent might be in the minority.

Just got back from a lovely day out meeting up with Kay again. Coffee and a natter, doesn't get better than that. Got home to find that OH has made the bergamot curd he promised me, and it's absolutely delicious. Will probably use it to fill a cake later in the week, but will definitely be going on some toast in the morning for breakfast.

Congratulations Noll … and you never had to read them again now!

I've read about 60 pages of The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender and it is, indeed, strange and beautiful so far

I can't remember the last time I had to skim read a book, I know I've mentioned earlier that I do occasionally skim read to the end for book group reads, but I've abandoned that idea now, just like the book if I'm not enjoying it!

I love the cover, but I've never heard of the book, the author or even the publisher. It's strange when you come across books that you have no idea where they came from, isn't it? I've got a few of those on the shelves that both of us are convinced we didn't buy and weren't given to us.