chesilbeach

Thanks Janet, that's a great idea to add the dates. I now realise I should have only read up to chapter 7, not 8! I'm definitely finding the writing easier to read than I was expecting, and it's much easier to approach knowing I'm only reading a few chapters a week, rather than having the thought of such a long novel to finish in one go.

Thanks, Steve.

Hawksmoor by Peter Ackroyd Synopsis (from amazon.co.uk): Peter Ackroyd's Hawksmoor was first published in 1985. Alternating between the eighteenth century, when Nicholas Dyer, assistant to Christopher Wren, builds seven London churches that house a terrible secret, and the 1980s, when London detective Nicholas Hawksmoor is investigating a series of gruesome murders on the sight of certain old churches, Hawksmoor is a brilliant tale of darkness and shadow. Review: I'm going to start by saying, this is not the first book of Ackroyd's I've tried, and I have enjoyed all the ones I have read, so this review is ONLY reflective of this book! That's got you interested, hasn't it? Ok, so the book is written in chapters alternating between the eighteenth century and 1970s London, and the historical chapters are written in English contemporary to the period. I struggled big time with this book. It's a short book - just over 200 pages - but it took me almost a week to read. At first, I thought it was going to be worth the effort, but I got more and more frustrated reading the old style of English, with odd capitalisation, strange spellings and confusing phrasing. The modern English chapters were much more readable, although, if I'm honest, slightly dull. But I thought it would be worth it at the end, and I would find out what it had all been about, but you know what? I got to the end, and just thought, "Was that it?" I read it for my book group, and it garnered a very mixed reaction there, and I was able to get to grips a bit more with the story, and without spoiling anything, I found out they thought the same as me about one aspect, and found that aspect unresolved and unsatisfying. I'd been told it was creepy and chilling, but I found it neither. There's even a quote from a newspaper review on the back of the copy that I read that said it was funny! All I can say is that the reviewer and I have very different senses of humour. Overall, I didn't enjoy reading it, I can't recommend it, and it's one to chalk up to experience. It won't, however, stop me reading more Ackroyd, as this is the first one of his I haven't enjoyed.

I'm at home this afternoon, so I'm going to try and catch up on the last couple of weeks of bookaday. I haven't read Alice in Wonderland (at least, I gave up on it when I was little and haven't tried it since ) so that one won't be featuring on my list! I'll be interested to see what you think of The Winter Queen if you do read it.

The Winter Queen by Boris Akunin Synopsis (from amazon.co.uk): Moscow, May 1876: What would cause a talented young student from a wealthy family to shoot himself in front of a promenading public in the Alexander Gardens? Decadence and boredom, most likely, is what the commander of the Criminal Investigation Division of the Moscow Police thinks, but still he finds it curious enough to send the newest member of the division, Erast Fandorin, a young man of irresistible charm, to the Alexander Gardens precinct for more information. Fandorin is not satisfied with the conclusion that this is an open-and-shut case, nor with the preliminary detective work the precinct has done—and for good reason: The bizarre and tragic suicide is soon connected to a clear case of murder, witnessed firsthand by Fandorin. There are many unresolved questions. Why, for instance, have both victims left their fortunes to an orphanage run by the English Lady Astair? And who is the beautiful “A.B.,” whose signed photograph is found in the apparent suicide’s apartment? Relying on his keen intuition, the eager sleuth plunges into an investigation that leads him across Europe, landing him at the deadly center of a terrorist conspiracy of worldwide proportions. Review: I bought this book off the back of a recommendation of the BBC programme A Good Read. I like my crime fiction a bit quirky, whether that's in location, period, style or character, and this one seemed like a good fit. As you can see from the synopsis, it's set in nineteenth century Russia, so that was quirky enough for me, and it was recommended by all the panelists, so I thought it was worth trying. As far as plot goes, it's a fairly straight forward detective novel, but what makes it stand out is the Russian society of the period. I know very little about the history or Russia, and this book completely immersed me in it. From the strict hierarchy of the classes to the living conditions of the characters to the gambling and duelling of the period, and the life of a detective, it was a fascinating read. That's not to say it was heavy, no, no, no … the information was effortlessly given to the reader, and it was a gripping whodunit, with twists and turns aplenty, and the most unexpected ending I never saw coming. I will definitely read more of the Ernst Fandorin series. I did pick up the second book to have a look at the other day, and I noticed that some sections of the book had the text turned through 90 degrees (perhaps representing a newspaper?) and it looked a little awkward to read in a paperback, so I think I'll be reading at least the next one on my Kindle. A very good read, and one for crime lovers who want something a bit different.

WARNING --- THERE MAY BE SPOILERS AHEAD FOR CHAPTERS 5-8 I read part two yesterday (chapters 5-8). For the most part, it was good, and I enjoyed how the story moved along, but the two tales regaled by the travellers - The Five Sisters of York and The Baron of Grogzwig - were rather tough going, and felt I had to plough on through them, just hoping they will have a relevance later on in the book! Other than that, I enjoyed reading it, and Nicholas is likeable character, while Mr, Mrs and Master Squeers are shaping up to be nasty pieces of work! I'm finding it difficult to picture the conditions of the boys in my head in too much detail - not because of Dickens writing, but because it's hard to have to imagine that parents or guardians would allow that to happen to their children. It's certainly a powerful enough image that you can understand why Dickens felt the need to bring this type of thing to public attention.

Started Vivien's Heavenly Ice Cream Shop this morning, and it's whizzing past! Good fun and perfect for a lazy day.

The Tornado Chasers by Ross Montgomery Synopsis (from amazon.co.uk): When Owen Underwood's family move to Barrow, it's because there's nowhere safer in the Valleys - and safety is very important. Especially when the threat of tornadoes, and giant bears, is constant. But in Barrow, safety is taken to extremes. Children have to wear bright yellow at all times and are never allowed outside except to go to school. How can Owen face an entire summer of that? In secret, Owen and his friends form the Tornado Chasers. Their mission: to get as close to a Grade 5 tornado as possible. It's time for them to face their fears! And then... And then... Review: I loved Ross Montgomery's first book, and went as far as to specifically go to the bookshop on publication day to get this one. I love the enclosed societies that he creates in his children's stories, giving a familiar feel to a world that kids will recognise and relate to, but different enough to be something out of the ordinary, in a fantastical, whimsical way. The adrenalin fuelled quest the children make is thrilling and exciting, with their own rebellion against the dictates of authority figures, and a genuinely unexpected twist comes towards the end. And then the end, oh my, is one of the most thought provoking things I've read in ages, and one that I can imagine parents being able to discuss with their children after reading this aloud. Fantastic book, and Montgomery proves he is no one-hit wonder. Unique, funny and imaginative, I can't wait to see what he comes up with next!

Interesting to read your review of Longbourn, Janet. It's one I keep going back and forth on whether I want to read it. I read a glowing review, and I think I will definitely read it, then I read one that is not so complimentary and I think maybe I won't bother! In the end, I guess I need to read it and make up my own mind, but it's probably not top of my list at the moment.

I'm nervous of Hardy - the only contact I've had was the film adaptation of Jude The Obscure, and after coming home from the cinema and telling my OH how dismal it was, he said that's just how Hardy is, so it's put me off reading him. I know I'm going to have to for the English Counties Challenge, so your review has given me some hope, at least!

Interestingly, while I really didn't enjoy Emma, I did like reading Mr Knightley's Diary by Amanda Grange. She basically writes the Austen novels from the point of view of the male characters in diary format. I've read a few books inspired by the Austen novels over the last few years, and these have been quick, easy, but fun reads, and I would say worth a look for an Austen fan.

I'm very far behind on the BookADay tweets at the moment, but I've just caught up with yours above. Interesting choices, and just shows how we all have different tastes - the books you bought because of the cover would put me off, as they look far too creepy to me!

I love your minions, Devi! I drove behind a car yesterday that had a couple on the parcel shelf looking out of the rear windscreen, and it made me smile - a perfect antidote for road rage! (Not that I had road rage, just that I can't imagine anyone driving behind that car and getting annoyed )

Yay for Espoo library!!! So pleased you love it, and you'll be able to make plenty of use of it. I have a tiny library in my town, but I used to love that I knew most of the librarians, and we would have a chat when I borrowed books. Unfortunately, probably about a year ago, they changed to a self-service system, and they also changed most of the staff as well, moving them all around the different libraries, so now when I go in, I only use a machine, and I hardly recognise anyone. They've also cut the opening hours, so it's just not the same anymore, and I only really use it for the book group monthly meeting, which used to be run by the library, but now we just use the library as a meeting place.

I finished Love, Nina this morning, which has taken me a surprisingly long time for some reason I can't quite fathom, as it was an easy and fun read, and I enjoyed it a lot. This afternoon, I've read the next instalment of Nicholas Nickleby for the week. I bought A la Mod: My So-Called Tranquil Family Life in Rural France by Ian Moore on the Kindle Daily Deal today, so my TBR hasn't gone down at all!

Ummm, guess I didn't phrase that very well

While the main character is an alien in a human body (you know that from the very beginning, so it's not a spoiler), it *could* be classified as science fiction, but really, at the end of the day, it's about looking at what it's like to be a human from an objective point of view. It doesn't feel like science fiction, it just feels like a story about people.

I read The Radleys a while ago and enjoyed it, but honestly, The Humans was just brilliant. It started well and I was pleased it was enjoyable, but as I read more, I just found it got better and better, and by the end, I'd completely fallen in love with it. (And it's got a dog in! ) I've started Love Nina today, and it's good fun, such an easy read so far.

Don't worry, I didn't think you were criticising me, just me being a dunderhead and not really thinking about how we should discuss the book! I was going to put a link on the first post of the thread to the first post on each section discussion. Thanks willoyd. I still think I will struggle saying that in my head along with some of the other names, and they'll end up being a pronunciation my brain can cope with, otherwise it'll be a stumbling block throughout my reading. I'm actually looking forward to reading the next part, and not knowing much about the book, I've been contemplating whether on the basis of the first part, whether I think it will end up being a very bleak and dour book, or if there will be some lighter characters and elements in there. I'm hoping for the second, as I did think there was some elements of the slightly comedic in the first part, but I fear it my veer more towards the former! I guess I'll find out shortly …

I only picked it up because it was in a 3 for 2 offer, and I'd heard the name somewhere before, but couldn't remember where, so fingers crossed! I finished The Humans by Matt Haig today, and I think it might be my fiction book of the year so far.

More exciting news (for me, at least ) … just booked my ticket to go to an Ali Smith talk!!!!! Beyond excited :D :D

The end of another month, and it's time for a catch up on where I am with my reading this year … As at the start of 2014 TBR: 35 books (excludes any books I own on my challenge lists) Jane Austen reading list: 18/24 books read = 75% complete J. L. Carr reading list: 3/8 books read = 38% complete E. H. Young reading list: 0/13 books read = 0% complete Persephone reading list: 6/104 books read = 6% complete English Counties Challenge: 7/48 books read = 15% complete Current status Books purchased: 65 5 pre-order 16 Kindle daily/monthly deals - one of these is an omnibus of 4 books 3 second-hand for English Counties challenge 43 other books Books received as presents: 6 Books read: 106 Abandoned books: 0 TBR: 19 books Jane Austen reading list: 19/24 books read = 79% complete J. L. Carr reading list: 4/8 books read = 50% complete E. H. Young reading list: 0/13 books read = 0% complete Persephone reading list: 8/107 books read = 7% complete English Counties Challenge: 13/48 books read = 27% complete Outstanding reviews: 16

I guess it's time for a bit of a catch up … I've been on a bit of a book buying spree this week but I feel I can justify it! In my defence, I downloaded six book last weekend but they were all in the monthly or summer Kindle sales, and all except one were on my wish list, so I think that was just a way of saving money in the long run. Then yesterday, we had a day out in Oxford, and you can't visit two fine bookshops - a FIVE floor Waterstone's and a mahoosive Blackwells which also has the incredible Norrington Room with its 3 miles of book shelves and separate shops for Art & Posters and Music - without buying some books, but I did limit myself to just three, and one of those was for OH, so I think I did alright. The Waterstone's was good, although pretty much like any other Waterstone's just a bit bigger than the ones I'm used to, but Blackwell's is a whole new ball game. I haven't been there for probably getting on for twenty years, and it was lovely to have the whole morning to wander round. One thing I loved was that they shelved the translated fiction separately from the general fiction. I really enjoy reading translated fiction, so it was good to be able to browse them independently without having to search through the normal general fiction section. Unfortunately, this unexpected trip, coupled with trains being cancelled and delayed on the way home, meant I only managed to visit the new bookshop in my town at 5pm, only half an hour before they closed. While I was there, they were talking to someone else and saying they'd had a great opening day, and done lots of business, but this was a shame for me, as their stock had gone down quite a lot! It's only a small shop, but I was still surprised they didn't have more shelving, as it seemed a bit empty. They did have some display tables in the middle of the room which seemed too small and looked a bit lost, and they didn't have enough books on them to make any sort of impression. They were also trying to turn books from spine out to cover out on all the shelves to make them look fuller, but again, I overheard them saying that they were waiting for more books to come in. Despite that, it does look very promising, and hopefully, when I get chance to visit again next weekend, I'll have more choice and be able to buy something and start supporting them.

I would highly recommend it, Alexi! I put it off for a while as it looks such a looong book, but actually, it just flew by. I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed the first part of Nicholas Nickleby, so fingers crossed the reading in instalments will get me over my Dickens phobia. I read a YA book called Jessica Cole: Model Spy by Sarah Sky which was fun, but not as good as my favourite YA spy books, by Ally Carter, but if I'm in the mood for that sort of book again, I'll probably try them again. Had a day out yesterday and bought some new books: The Humans by Matt Haig Nick & Nora's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan The Eye of the Falcon by Michelle Paver (this is for OH as he is reading the series and he didn't know book 3 was out in paperback yet) I've started reading The Humans already, and I've already chuckled out loud a couple of times.

I'm so happy that everything's going so well for you! It's sounds like you're already having a great time … just waiting for a full report on the library* now! *unless I've missed it, as I've been busy and haven't really been reading everything properly in which case, sorry, and just point me in the right direction and I'll quietly be on my way