Booknutt

Never mind Karen - if we can agree on being soft about animals that's always a positive, isn't it? Yes - Keir was a bit intense. At one point I got a bit sick of his obsessive stalking of Abbey too. The problem of course was that he was terrified of his own gift, joining the Church partly as a form of self-protection, and determined to stamp what he feared in himself out in others, too. Especially if they also happened to be attractive and female and fellow clergy. I was pleased for him at the end of the story. He found acceptance and peace with his special talents, so for a "baddie" he came to a promising place of new-start.

Hiya "Gone" fans - I didn't know that about Clark Gable, Ruth, but I do salute him for sticking to his principals, and pushing for equality for all. It's quite shameful to think that by that day and age Ms McDaniel couldn't even collect her own Award publicly. Our human race is very backward in many important things ... Likewise, women's rights - don't worry though, I'm not going to do a rant on the topic. Actually there hadn't been a lot of forward movement in that area by the 1930's even though women at least had the right to vote by then. It's one thing to make something legal, and another for it to be accepted and fairly practised ... even nowadays it's still very much up to the individual women to be twice as pushy as a man to enable her to make her own way in most areas of life. Which is one of the things I like about Scarlett. When she was put in the position of keeping herself and her dependants alive when they had no man to rely on, she dug deep and accessed her hardy Irish "survivor" ancestry to get them all through. It wasn't the time to be ladylike, she had to fight, and did so successfully. The downside is that it made her bullheaded, and determined never to be in want again - and that gave her a hard edge, to the point of other people thinking her shameless and freezing her out. Altogether, she's a wonderfully complex character, and her story is a a page-turner from beginning to end. I'll always have a copy of "Gone" to sink into when I need to get away from it all ... for about a fortnight!

Hiya 'Nine!! and a Big Welcome to the topic! Gosh, I'm so excited to actually talk to another Earthling ... Jules Watson is a fairly new find of mine (just a few years of fandom, that is) but I loved her books from the start, and I hope you enjoy her stuff, too. There's also her "White Mare" series (set in the same era) which is not as deeply mystical, but very absorbing also. Come back and chat 'Nine, even if you find you don't like them - it's O.K. not to, though I may set myself to persuading you.

Agreed, Bree - well worth another read, the second time is even better (Yes - I skipped quite a bit of the "war" details myself!) "Gone" is a magnificent novel. I read it a few years ago for the first time - and it amazed me that in all my years of loving historical novels, I hadn't before! I think the size kept putting me off - it was a case of "after this I'll get to it" and never did. It totally absorbed me when I did eventualy get there, and I'm now on my second journey with Scarlett from spoiled Miss to mature woman - and her character-building experiences along the way. Such a lot happened to her in such a short spell of years, honing and hardening her, but bringing out her admirable qualities, too. That's what I like best about her - I don't like her, but I can admire her backbone, her loyality when it is given, her care for those less able than herself, and her survival instincts. I'm just at the point now where she's about to dress-up in an old pair of curtains to convince Rhett that all is not grim in her life, while she tries to fleece him of desperately needed tax money on Tara. What a good idea for us in our nowadays of penny-pinching! Have a look at your old curtains, girls - there's maybe a dress or two there - ?! I've also just got the sequel novel "Scarlett"(Alexandra Ripley) for my TBR pile. I'll get to it promptly on finishing "Gone" again ... and keep the mood going. Definitely a novel to keep, to enjoy again and again. Anyone else reading it now or lately?

Really enjoying talking to myself here ...

It's a bit late, Emelee - but congratulations on your fantastic work! It's a teeny point(and up to personal preference, too) but I'd just defend Mrs Bennet as having some good qualities. Yes - she was silly, and what we'd nowadays call a hypocondriac (or a "valtudenarian" - I think that may be a little mis-spelt! - as J.A. described Mr Woodhouse in "Emma") but, to be fair she was lumbered with no less than 5 daughters with no decent dowries to safely marry off, and a husband who retreated from the practicalities of fatherhood to hide in his library, so maybe her "nerves" may be excused by us a little. Looking at it that way, I can feel for her frustration when Lizzy refused the offer Mr. Collins made which would actually have placed the family - after Mr. Bennet's death - in the "safe harbour" of dependants of Collins. Then, to add to her woes, Collins was accepted by Charlotte Lucas the daughter of their neighbour, and would one day take over their home while Mrs B. and her remaining unmarried daughters would have been expected to move out. It's amazing what a few years "on the clock" will do for the viewpoint of a reader, Emelee. In my teenage and twentysomethings I read this and the other Jane Austen's from a completely different angle. I still love them all, though - it's good to have these novels to bring the reading-generations together, isn't it? ,

"A Message of Hope from the Angels" by Lorna Byrne "Angels love to be around us because we each possess a soul. When Angels are with us - imperfect as we may feel we are - they are in the presence of the Light of God. We embody God. Just think about it. God loved each and every one of us so much that he has given us a part of himself. I'm not sure that we humans have really grasped just how wonderful this is." I'm not sure we have, either! - but this book will help all of us as we deal with the daily issues we all grapple with as we live our lives.

Thanks for the tip, Mossy - I'll see what my Library can do for me as regards saint's books. I do agree with you too - faith or belief is nothing to do with "religion". Religion is the practise that mankind created in order to exert control over the masses (I.e. you must do this ...) We can believe in our God without ever entering a place of worship!

Here here Dr. Bill! Part of what takes "so long" to read C.D.'s work is because we can bathe in his wonderful powers of description. Modern authors rely on dramas or love themes,as a "hook" for their works and develop their stories in a focused way. Dickens "paints" his stories descriptively for us so we can see and feel them. It's a dying talent among the younger authors,I'm afraid. Still, I'm glad this old lady isn't my Gran - I'd be horrified if I took after her in my old age! , .

I know Dickens novels can take a bit of time to get through - but who says there's a time limit on them, anyway? What's so bad about reading a lengthy book gradually - with a few others along the way to vary things a bit? We're so used to rushing things nowadays ...

Crikey - I really drew y'all in with the posts above, didn't I? - Not!! Surely someone else has read "Raven Queen"? Or even "Swan Maiden" the previous offering of Jules? I'm actually looking forward to whatever comes flowing from this gifted lady next - but as I like to read at least two books at a time (to "ring the changes") I quite fancy living "Raven Queen" again, it's always a pleasure to re-visit a loved story. Plus - it's a refreshing change from my current of "A Tale of To Cities" I know you're out there Watson-lovers - come and talk

Popped along to my Library yesterday looking for a copy of "Edwin Drood". Couldn't have been a worse time of course as only a scant few of his novels were "in". It's nice to know that so many others agree with us here, though, for normally there's quite a choice. Of the two left "A Tale of Two Cities" is one I haven't read, so I've got it. Here goes - into the French Revolution, then!

The audiobook idea is a great one, Bookhound. I love having someone "tell me a story" - and it's even better if you are one of a group, all listening together. An age-old habit we shouldn't lose. and ... since we're celebrating the 200th birthday of Mr. Dickens - I'm sure he'd approve us carrying the celebrations on for a few day longer, so feel free to mark this special time any way you choose, folks! (I'm going to buy some decent hardback copies of my favourites among his novels to keep for ever and ever - those will be getting scarcer and more expensive as the years go by now ...) .

In this 200th anniversary year of this fantastic author - do we have any special "Dickens" plans folks? I'm going to make an effort to read a couple of his novels I haven't ventured into before - the Mystery of Edwin Drood for one. I've never bothered with this before, as it seemed pointless to me to start a novel which had no ending(!) - but the Christmas T.V. version of the story so fascinated me that I'm willing to give it a try, now ... Anyone like this particular novel? Or - what about encouraging any younger readers in your circle to give Dickens a try? According to the news recently, youngsters aren't being educated - in reading - with the attention span capable of managing a Dickens novel. That'll surely apply to the other classic-classics too, and it's a huge shame. Let's band together my brothers and sisters - and fly the Flag for these splendid examples of the skill of the wordsmith. They shall go forth to entertain a new generation!!

Isn't the news GREAT? Shirley MacLaine to play the Mom of the American Lady of the house in the next series of this fantastic entertainment! Treats in store for us all, as Shirley and our beloved Maggie Smith swap barbs and challenges as they are sure to do, as the respective mothers and grandmothers of our favourite family. An inspired choice by a faceless "someone" - we salute you.

"Paw tracks in the Snow" and "Paw tracks at Owl Cottage" by Denis O'Connor Heart touching, heartrending, loving, warm, fascinating, absorbing ... the "tails" (if I may! ) of a man and the cats he has and does love, and the fascinating life he has led with them. The first book is written as a memorial to Toby Jug, a beloved and very special cat friend of the author. Rescued by Denis at two weeks from an icy fate, Toby Jug fought to live, and due to the loving nursing care he received went on to be the soul friend of the author for almost 12 years Together, they travelled to enjoy and admire what Nature had to offer for miles around, T.J. (a Maine Coon cat) the same kind of companion a d-o-g would be, in his harness and lead. The second book is the story of the 4 Main Coons which then followed in turn, some years after the demise of T.J. (though a few of his "tails" are thrown in too) Denis and his wife have moved back to Owl Cottage where he shared his life with his loved friend many years before, and together they share the joy and heartbreaks connected with life with each of these unique felines and their adventures. , There's something for everyone here - and these stories will touch you in a way that will stay with you - always. Give them a try - and let us know what you think

"A Christmas Carol" (Charles Dickens) of course! I've tried to read his "Haunted Man" a few times - but it's too blinkin' scary for me!! Isn't it a great time of year for ghost stories? Merry Christmas, All, and the Best of New Years.

Good news, 91! I've just read a monthly newsletter from Lorna Byrne (which I've recently signed up for) - and "Angels in my Hair" is to be published in the USA on 1st November! Lorna herself will be over there in a couple of weeks for a tour - you may be able to track that down. Y'never know - she might stop somewhere closeby you. All good things are worth waiting for - yes?

Paun - Have you heard of an organisation called The White Eagle Lodge? - they take their teachings from the New Testament. Have a "search" for it, you'll come up with a few links. They publish a fantastic little book called "The Quiet Mind" which is very comforting and reminds us of just how close God is to us all. It's very small - about the size of a handbag sized personal diary, and that, and a little paperback New Testament, would fit easily into a jean's pocket, for your travels. Hmm ... I can't understand why there's a problem in getting "Stairways to Heaven" 91. It's out in both hardback and paperback here, I've just become the pleased owner of the latter, bought from a local "real" bookshop. It's also on Amazon here - so what about visiting the British site, and buying from there - ? Good Luck with the hunt - it'll be worth it, I promise.

Hiya "91" Glad to hear there's another interested party re: Lorna Byrne about! You may be interested to know that she's brought another book now "Stairways to Heaven" which takes us a bit farther into her experiences, work, and wonderful faith. Lorna's books ccme across as a bit "unique" re: the presentation because they're dictated into a computer and then printed, as spoken. So I read them as if I'm actually sitting across from her (with a nice cuppa) listening as she talks - "Irish-isms" and all! Actually, I find it one of the charms of her books - this is the real Lorna we hear, not some carefully edited text. I hope you give give "Stairways" a try, 91 - it contains a lot of value for us as we move into 2012, and also shows how we each can do so much with just a bit of positive focus.

I still think the door is open for a re-emergence of "Potter-tales" folks - J.K. left the basics at the end of "Deathly Hallows" didn't she? Maybe Harry, as an Auror (which he wanted to be all along) could investigate something murky at Hogwarts? Hermione would make a great Professor there too, for the next generation of wizards/witches - her own kids and Harry's included. There's always h-o-p-e! In the meantime - I've got this favourite series scheduled-in as part of my Winter reading ... it never gets "old" does it?

Melanie Rawn has written altogether a series of 6 books, based on the stories first of Rohan, a Desert Prince, and then his son Pol. The first is "Dragon Prince". Their family theme runs through the books from beginning to end, and there's just enough romance to be acceptable without being soppy! I adored this fantastic, colourful world which M.R. set for her stories, and a pride of my personal collection is all 6 of her series. It may be a bit of a challenge now to get them to buy (as last-published some years ago) but maybe your local Library could help? Or - they may be on e-book. Give "Dragon Prince" a try - you might be hooked!

Codysmum has got a good idea there, Dawnbird - what about checking out your library catalogue (online, or on their premises) you may find there's quite a bit of choice - they just can't have it all on the shelves at once. Yes, Codysmum - I do the general search-and-then-order at my library too, for new books - presently waiting for my turn at the latest Phillipa Gregory - "Lady of the Rivers" Enjoy yourselves at your own "locals" fellow bookworms!