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Booknutt

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  1. Cromwell was a man we will always argue about. He did so.e cruel things. He did some good things. He loved his family. He was loyal to his king. He was a mixed bag of a human being and lived a full life. Yet, as written in this book even death did not end him. I believe physical death does not end any of us. The next step is waiting, and he went on to take it. I wonder what his God made of Thomas Cromwell?
  2. Really annoyed by the ending of Sanditon, blamed on the author Jane Austen! All the rest of her novels end up with reasonable happily ever after endings for the main couples, but not this one. Why the change of formula? (Adding insult to injury, even the television adaption followed on as the same. How often are novels changed when they are made into tv serials or movies?!) Happy All
  3. Just taking "The Evening and the Morning" back to the Library today Athena. Enough to say I enjoyed this Huge read! I'm sure you will too.
  4. Hi All, I suppose really it's down to what we rate as "horrific". Nowadays the market is flooded with all kinds of monsters in dvd's, games, and books - it's almost unscary now! During the lockdown especially I've been escaping reality into fantasy reading - would you believe a lot of YA like Vampire Academy and it's sequel series, and now the Mortal Instruments series of Cassandra Clare?! Actually all good books, enjoyable, so far not too violent etc., but full of vampires, witches, demons, younameits. I'm loving them! Written with a light hand, as if this is part and parcel of daily life of the characters concerned who are regular folks - they're very readable, and not scary at all. Makes you think of how we assess "bad" people too. At heart, such books express the different kind of "bad" normal people can turn into - a vampire, witch or demon, and the degree of "bad" they go to. Some can be redeemed, as happens in the stories. It's not all gloomy. So don't give up completely on the genre. Give some of the "YA" titles a try. Some are amazingly good stories, and out to do more than terrify readers. Meanwhile, I wish everyone a very Happy Christmas, Happy and a Healthy New Year!
  5. I've just started this series having been given the whole set of pre-read books. Even after a few pages I think I'm going to like it! is anyone else out there reading the series? Age is no barrier to "YA" series - I've recently read good things from an 80+year old who enjoyed his "young folks" reading! A good story is a good story so I'm cracking on ... I hope one or two of you will join me. Happy Christmas, Happy , and a Healthy New Year to All!
  6. Lovely books, Hayley. That's useful information too Brian. With the lockdown over we can mooch the bookstores of all kinds fairly safely now, then! Of course books are handled by loads of people who are curious about them, so new or pre read, a little wipe would do no harm even so. The older ones without covers may lose a little dye,but it's a small sacrifice. I love scooping a great bargain like Hayleys books. They look so good on the shelf, too. Happy All
  7. Nice one itsmeagain! That's a proper book! I'm sure your patience will be rewarded, Raven. Try the second hand bookshops. If you feel a bit nervous of using any bought book in current circumstances, dampen a piece of kitchen roll or a tissue in white vinegar, squeeze out well, and rub over the outer cover of the book to disinfect it. Let it dry - the whiff will disappear in a while, and you have a clean book. I usually use water on any pre-owned books I buy, but currently white vinegar is a great cleanser. Happy All
  8. Did you ever find that "real" copy of Pickwick Papers Raven? Sadly copies of the older classics are becoming more difficult to find in paperback or hardback. Somehow it feels wrong to read them on kindle etc., though I expect their authors would be fascinated! Summer is usually my time for some fantasy or folklore type reading but I've been feeling a pull to stretch my brain a little lately (must be all the old repeats I've watched during lockdown!) so now that my local Library is soon to re-open I'll soon be able to mull over a full over the range. Meanwhile, finishing off my dual time Avalon novel ... Happy All!
  9. Well, it's coming up to June already(!) and I'm feeling my seasonal urge to read Midsummer Nights Dream, and if I can find my elderly DVD, watch that too. This is one play I'd like to see on stage, maybe semi ballet, it could be beautiful. Romeo and Juliet too is a summer read for me. At the other end of the scale, what but MacBeth and Antony and Cleopatra for deepest darkest winter? Seems silly, but habits form and to read these plays at other times just feels wrong to me now, so I dabble about in the others and various poetry, when I feel like a bit of musical expression throughout the year. Modern language can be so boring, can't it? I may tarry no longer - Happy All
  10. Pickwick Papers for me. I love the way they form their own individual stories, but are connected. Just the right length for a " read". Of the other novels, Oliver Twist is an old favourite - if that's a suitable word to app!y. The happy ending for Oliver helps of course (sorry for the spoiler!) but I remember being stunned as a youngster on first reading of the harsh lives of the poor\parentless young of that time, and the system which abused them. Not only an enjoyable author and talented wordsmith, but these novels give us an insight into the actual kind of daily lives lived by those of equal status all those years ago. They're fascinating history lessons too. Just enjoy whichever you choose. Happy to All.
  11. Wandering slightly off subject - has anyone read the novel about the Bronte sisters "The Vanished Bride" by Bella Ellis? In this, the Bronte sisters themselves turn detective on the trail of the mentioned bride! I've just got it on kindle. I'd have loved to get the hardback but my shelf space quaked at the thought of another tenant! It's waiting my attentions, beckoning, beckoning, as they do! This is the first of a series which is great news. Of course, much will be of the imagination of Ms. Ellis herself, but there may be a few facts thrown in too. Sounds interesting, and current!y for 99p. how can I lose? Has anyone else read this novel of the Bronte detective trio? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Happy Christmas or 25th December, everyone. Enjoy whatever you are
  12. I've read this book before, but I can't seem to resist the lure of Ms. Gregorys historical fiction. Despite the fact that I've got a tottering TBR pile already, this sneaked in to take prior place. With the variety of historical authors about these days it's easy to miss the good ones, especially when they don't "sex up" (horrible expression!) their novels for the sake of adding interest. The Plantagenet and Tudor novels of this author can stand on their own feet as great "reads" without that added false boost. So if anyone is interested in the history of the periods, or about to study them these are an ideal relaxing read. For the rest of us, just good novels, all the range, which I'm slowly re-reading - (In fact, I think I may be addicted but I suppose there could be worse habits!) - in between other books. So - back I go, to tragic Amy, lovestruck, ambitious Robert, and Elizabeth I who sacrificed everything for her country. We haven't had many Queen monarchs throughout history, but by heck those we have had certainly gave everything to their position. Have a great Christmas or a pleasant 25th December, everyone. Happy !
  13. I was a "stay clear of horror" person till my late twenties, when I opened "Interview with a Vampire" by Anne Rice. My quick scan turned into me reading the book from cover to cover, glued to the story despite occasional protests from my scary cat side!πŸ˜€ That led to more Anne Rice books, all of them enticing me into the stories of characters who just happened to be un dead at the time. Strangely, for the most part I found none of them frightening, but chilling certainly, and that was worse, they stayed with me longer. What a gifted author. I'm still cautious about trying new authors in the "scary" sections, not many have the Rice deft touch. Reluctant too, about trying anything about seemingly normal folks turning out to be gruesome murderers, or other scary types. On the other hand, give me the homely ta!e of a shapeshifter, vampire, werewolf or like, and I can cope much more easily with any of their doings. So - if anyone has any suggestions on those lines I'd be glad of knowing them. Aren't we human beings so strange?! I denied this part of myself for years. Now, I've e found it can almost be funπŸ˜€ Happy to All.
  14. Oh, refresh yourself with a re-read Chrissy. ☺A familiar story will help get you back into the mood, again. What about Oliver Twist? The story of a lad, but still an eye opening tale of how it really was back then. For Oliver it ended well. He was just one of millions of children left to live or die by their own efforts, though. Times to remember so we never repeat them. Always a favourite of mine, David Copperfield too - great characters there!πŸ˜€ (Oh crikey - allright, I'll add them on again ) Happy All
  15. I've got it - the Glass Lake. ☺ That took a bit of sniffing out! Sounds just right, perfect for relaxing into, with a hint of mystery. It's next up, though I'll probably sneak a page or two while I finish my current read. (By the way, I've just noticed your "Book Wyrm" Poppy. I've just finished "Nevernight" by Jay Kristoff (just a little fantasy thing about teenage assassins in training) There's a library, there's bookworms. The books are very safe. The bookworms are monstrous creatures prowling the endless aisles eating unwary humans who cross their paths! You wouldn't go for a mooch around those shelves unless you were bristling with weapons!😁!) Happy All
  16. Yes, I have to say it's one that I found very - with apologies - boring! Whether it was the change of country, the characters, the subject, the executions themselves not a topic for Dickens usual irreverent humour. I couldn't bond with it at all. Even the message of "making a sacrifice for love" had an edge - the most unkind one! Still, there are bound to be one or two out of the choice available which we will dislike. That leaves plenty of Dickens novels to love! Happy All.
  17. Thanks Athena. The tribulations we bookworms go through dithering over that next choice. I know I'm just marking time, till I zoom in on it Happy All
  18. Well, how weird, I've searched and can't find anything.?? So I'll ask here. What's your favourite Maeve Binchy novel? Don't tramp!e me in the stampede!! I've read and loved Whitethorn Woods and the Copper Beech, meaning to read further but you know how it is, loadsa books out there. Now it's time to choose from the ranks again. I feel so at peace reading these novels, as if they're part of me. I'm just dithering about which to carry on with! So Help please! ☺ Happy All.
  19. I've done it again - I've re-bought Brent Weeks Night Angel trilogy! (3rd time now?) I really must keep it this time. I just don't know why I'm so fascinated with the story of this assassin. Should I worry about this trend?? I'm currently reading the Maria Snyder "Poison Study" and already have the rest of the series to follow, snapped up as a Charity shop bargain. Another assassin, female this time. I think my friends are getting a little alarmed, they don't browse among my bookcase as much as they did! ☺ Well, it makes a change from historical novels dunnit? Happy All (and stay alert!)
  20. There's a lot to handle reading your way through the whole series of "Thrones" so very well done Plot (I hope you don't mind the liberty?) I struggled myself a bit occasionally, and I love history - real or fantasy. In this case the tv series is great, and the actors seem to fit the characters well, but as you say, there are great chunks of story left out, and that's a shame for the reader, and the author who has put years of his life into the series. , I well know it's difficult to let go of old school memories, they haunt us all, but try to keep in mind you're reading voluntarily now, and for entertainment. You won't get detention for putting the book down for a few days. Maybe now you've watched the series you could take a stroll back through the books sometime, feeling on more familiar ground? Read other things in between, and you'll start each one fresh again for the drama! Reading for pleasure is just that - if it isn't relaxing and entertaining, I'd pack it up and move on to the next. Happy All.
  21. Actually, you're not too late finishing "Carol" this week Raven. We had 12th Night on Sunday 6th (Epiphany) and it's the Baptism of the Lord day on the 13th, so actually you were still within the traditional Christmas period.πŸ˜€ It's only in what we call "real life" that everything disappears with new year. πŸ˜• Yes, give C.C. another read a bit earlier maybe, next year. I read it, or watch at least one of the films every year. Scrooge may be a miser but he's courageous too, and honest enough to acknowledge the worst in himself, and actually do something about it when the Spirits shake him out of his rut. Dickens dropped a hint to his readers through the story for us to care more for each other in life. Like back then, it seems to work mostly in spasms nowadays, too. Happy New Year everyone!
  22. I suppose it's the same with many authors, an initial "rush" then readers get used to the style. It helps to leave a year or two and then have another go, I've often found my interest in certain authors reborn Hence my habit of hoarding books while waiting for the "flow" to return. 😊 Happy All
  23. Ahem!! Who has forgotten Anne Rice then?. Take a hundred lines the whole bunch of you! Have recently had the urge to buy a few of her Vampire books, heaven knows when I'll get to read them, though. Happy Christmas All.
  24. If you like historical novels with lots of battles, bloody and violent in 'em, you'll like the series, muggle not. I do like it, but take lengthy rests between books as I get weary of the violence in between the developing story. Happy All.
  25. How are you getting on with the Shannara books Kevin? The Book Peop!e have a fantastic offer of 4 trilogies of the series at the mo. I 've had a paddle in the series between a bit of a book and a bit of series one, so I indulged in the first 3 trilogies. Christmas is a time of magic, after all! πŸ˜€ Happy All
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