Booknutt

I'm in the process of making my way through the entire series (to date) of the historical/fantasy "Sevenwaters" series, by Juliet Marillier. This has long been a favourite of mine - even if the descriptive word "fantasy" is a bit annoying. Frankly, I think it's there to encourage people to actually read the novels without frightening 'em with the fact that the Druid faith, and the spirits of our nature world really do exist! Both flavour these books and bring a wonderful sense of the magic around us to the attention. I think J.M. has done a wonderful job - putting forward her own faith and beliefs (she's a member of the Druid Order herself) and providing us with wonderful entertainment, too. Currently, I'm just finished the third of the 5-book series - and have loved the hours of pleasure I've had, and will have, over the next week or so. "Daughter of the Forest" "Son of the Shadows" "Child of the Prophecy" "Heir to Sevenwaters" "Seer of Sevenwaters" This is a series I've returned to again - and again. My personal favourite is still "Daughter" but "Heir" isn't far behind! What do other fans think?

Would you be interested in adding a few of our "classic" authors to your "to be read list" Rich? Types like Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy, George Eliot, W. M. Thackery?(often found in Kindle versions for very little cost, or even free of charge entirely) They can present a different kind of "read" as the old-style presentation of the authors makes for additional interest ... and often increases the word-power, too.(Very useful for Scrabble or crosswords ) Thomas Hardy in particular stretched me - I took ages reading "Tess of the d'Urbervilles" as a younger Nutt, but it was well worth the trouble - it's such a beautifully descriptive "read" and even the demise of Tess herself at the end doesn't detract from the message of hope (and rebirth/renewal) Hardy also brought to the story. Just a thought.

There must be somebody out there who has read this book - where are you, my friend? :ob_sad:

The ticking of my livingroom clock - very relaxing, just by itself.

Hi Rich - Hope you're enjoying your experiences on this forum. Yes, a book (Kindle or traditional) can make a journey a bit more fun, can't it? Pretty good for w-a-I-t-I-n-g rooms, too. Sounds like you're a after my own heart - liking a bit of variety in your novels. One of these days I'll get a Kindle too, but I'll never give up my old favourite books in traditional style - an emotional attachment develops! Why not dabble into both forms? You can buy a few "keepers" in paper form (and start your own small "library" of favourites) and use your Kindle for read-and-move-on ones? You're gonna find lots of recommendations here - enjoy them.

What do we think of Michelle Moran's Egyptian series, gang? I'm reading them somewhat out of order - having started with "Cleopatra's Daughter" her latest, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I've now snaffled "Nefertiti" her first, and "Heretic Queen" the second of the series from the Library, having hovered around the appropriate spot on the shelves like a buzzard for a few weeks while the selfish person who had them out didn't return them promply. Fortunately although related, they're quite separate stories, so no harm done. Although I like the Wilbur Smith Egyptian series too, I find these particular novels much "easier" to read. M.M. has the knack of drawing the reader into her historical world from the start, and making her characters easy to connect with. I've so far read none of her other historical novels - but I'll get to them, too.

I hope so, chesilbeach, my local Waterstones is one of my favourite "mooch around" spots! Internet buying is handy, and cheaper, but buying books is more fun if there's a "human" element, too - I love chatting to other "Nutts" while in there. I can't say I like the idea of the chain being sold "abroad" at all - but so long as the new owners have the sense not to panic us bookworms by making too many changes ... it'll all work out.

It's true we have to be a bit cautious in our choices of author, Willoyd. Generally though, nowadays historical details are accurate - the internet helps the author do the research faster, and once a writer is successful, there's a team of backroom folks to help, too. Most too, will add a bit at the back (or sometimes the front) detailing their research details, so we can know they at least have tried!

SueK I think you and myself must be soul mates I loved "Time's Legacy" Barbara Erskine's latest! I do agree with sadya on the novels versus fact books, though. Novels are the option, for me. I love history, but face me with a list of facts and figures, and it goes in one ear and out the other! Of course, we have to choose our novels wisely, and read the author's comments too, for some are based on actual facts, and some have a bit of imagination added to zizz up the story a bit! I have a theory too, on authors who write about historical times in other than their own home countries. Jules Watson is a good example. She writes novels of ancient Celtic times of Scotland and Ireland ("The White Mare" series, and a couple of other individual novels)but is herself Australian. I wonder if in such cases, the author isn't actually channelling past life experiences?! It's a little off-topic, I know, but how else to explain such a desire to write engrossing "living" novels of historical times in a country not even their own?

I know I really should give this novel a try again, and reading all the comments here is tempting me to get to it. I think the trouble is that I originally read it as a much younger Booknutt - and though I finished it, it scared me! But nowadays even the teens are used to the seamier side of life, and darker side of human nature - through the "Twilight" series, and various other vampire-stuff, if nothing else! So, maybe I'll be brave, and re-visit "Dorian"

Agreed, Ken - I've always loved historical novels, not only for the facts and figures they contain in an interesting and readable fashion, but for the descriptions of the way of life, too. I think the Charles Dickens novels are a great example - written by a man of the times, and with even the "warts and all" issues clearly on show. Reality, history and education in an entertaining form.

Hi, you fellow bookworms! Yes Univerze, Library books can be a handy way to "size up" a new author before spending real amounts of cash on buying. Isn't the price of even paperbacks nowadays shocking?! Even buying online can be quite pricy, especially for a serious I agree with you - it's so disrespectful when foolish people deface any books - regardless of where we get them. I think I must be strongly connected with a past-life where books were really scarce and valuable, for I've always felt strongly about looking after my own, and try to encourage other people to do likewise. John - I suspected that you'd be tempted back among the shelves! Getting back into the old routine will be opening up all kinds of interesting "doors" for you entertainment-wise. Enjoy!

Well done, John - did you borrow anything after clearing your conscience, or leaving it till later? Hope you and Lucy enjoy many more Library visits, jjzazzy. How about getting a book on her breed, and reading it to her? Especially the bits about what she should be doing, but probably isn't? (It didn't work with my dog, but y'never know!)

"Angels in my Hair" by Laura Byrne An autobiography of a modern-day Irish mystic classed as "retarded" as a child, because she interacted with the Angels she saw all around her, more than people. If you are interested at all in the effects Angels can have on our lives (if we let them) you need to read this book ... and be envious of the beautiful experiences, and the loving care of the Angels, which Laura has lived all her life.

We know just what you mean about ever-increasing to-be-read piles, Sadya. Problems ... problems!

Hi, EasyReader - and welcome to serious Austen-mania! I think we all know what you mean in the getting to grips with the reading of Austen-style (or that of any classic author, in fact). I love "Wuthering Heights" (Bronte) for instance, but some of it is still a challenge!) It makes the film adaptations (which I love, and have all of) a bit of a mixed blessing, though. Great for displaying visually the fashions and lifestyles of the times, but then new fans can find themselves struggling with actually reading the "classic" style of expression which was of course normal in Austen-days. Well worth the effort, though, and a study guide for the novel would help. Keep scanning your local charity shops, EasyReader, there's generally quite a few of such available, especially after the school "year" is over. Or, of course, they're available faster (but more expensive!) online, or ordering through a bookstore. Still can't recall title or author for the sequel which saw Mary happily settled with her "Mr. Right" except I recall the author was American. I certainly take my hat off to the American Jane-ites, for they are much more prolific in penning sequels then the Brit fans! Someday (when I have an hour or two to spare) I must potter through all the sequel novels on the Amazon website, (that's where I got it) and try to find it again. Yes - the Bennet famly as a whole was quite delightfully unconventional. One of the things Darcy initially disapproved of. However, true love will find a way (and open a hero's eyes) and he loosened-up considerably over their casual attitude to the rules of their society, eventually. Keep going with the Austen-reading fellow-Nutt - but the important thing is to enjoy Austen's work, whether it's in a book or on film.

Bet you love the kid's group just as much as they do, Kell. That's one thing people who have never experienced parenthood (or auntie/uncle-hood) miss out on. The fun of having a child in the family. When my nieces were small there was quite a competition among the elders to remember all the old nursery rhymes etc., and the history attached to each one. I'm glad they're coming back again - though our local Nursery school can't sing "Baa baa black sheep" anymore - it has to be "Baa baa little sheep" instead! I'm all for respecting our differences - but surely that's taking it a bit too far?! What about if we each tell the others what books we have on loan at the moment? I'm always open for suggestions. Currently I have "Bronte in Love" (an autobiography of Charlotte, telling of her frustrations and disappointments in love)and for light relief, a couple of old favourites - "Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict" Laurie Veira Rigler and "Austenland" by Shannon Hale. I do love indulging my obsessions! What about the rest of you?

What's wrong with a book every three weeks, Amesy? That's the standard "loan" period - or you could renew it, and keep it out as long as necessary. At today's prices, it's still quite a saving on the cash, too.

For goodness sake, you lot - do you think your Library staff are a a bunch of Dragons?! It won't be as bad as you think, I'm sure. If in doubt, then phone them and ask for your records to be checked - at least then you'll know what the charge (if any) might be, and it is true many Libraries will entirely forgive a long-standing fine, or at least only charge for a part of it. The important thing to them is that readers come back again, and anyone willing to confess the crimes of their youth, is well on the way to forgiveness! Oceansoul (I do love your user name) what about making a few requests in your Library for specific fantasy/horror books? Or - you could also ask one of the staff for a larger selection of any of such kinds of books. Libraries tend to supply largely what they know will be borrowed, so maybe yours doesn't have many readers into fantasy/horror. They need to know there's a fan about, needing the chance of a good browse, and you'll also give other people the opportunity to try another kind of book, too. Give it a try - the staff are ther to help, if they can.

Jules Watson is in danger of eclipsing Barbara Erskine as my favourite authoress - it's fortunate that the fantastic work of Jules is focused completely in the past, while B.E. switches between past and present, or it would be a real problem for me to choose! My first journey through this fantastic novel is at an end - always a sad time when I've been so gripped, but "all good things ..." I suppose. Despite the rather grim start for both our main characters, following them through their individual spiritual and physical journeys came to be a joy - the difficult to put down stage, that we all know and love to hate. With apologies to Ros Ruadh (the child-bride Maeve's first rapist husband) the baby she had taken away from her was a girl. Another much loved daughter - until she too would be old enough to barter off, no doubt. Fortunately, before that time, Finn took hold of her own fate, and joined her mother, giving both of them a second chance at a more successful mother/daughter relationship, and by the end of the story Finn and her husband had taken over the leadership of the people, while Maeve and Ruan retired to a peaceful life together, on the shores of Lough Erne. Very few actual facts are known about this history, but I like to hope that things turned out as the authoress has planned. It's the least these two spiritual warriors deserve. Along the way, Maeve grows from a frightened abused child, to a more confident and focused woman, growing in spirit - in all respects - with the help of Ruan, who also (with the help of the Sidhe - the fairy folk in other words) becomes greatly changed from his younger self, and a vital support to Maeve. I think my favourite passage in the book is about halfway, where Ruan connects with All That Is (or God/Spirit/Source) and uses his connection to find, energise, and prepare healing herbs to bring a seriously wounded Maeve back to health. A wonderful act of love - and the true start (for me) of the "romance" angle of their relationship. Previously to that, they'd just ... umm ... used each other for physical relief. Obviously - this is a book that needs to be read again, and again. There is so much here to enjoy, and so much for us to learn too, if we choose to accept it. The passages describing the spiritual experiences of this couple are fantastic, magical, wonderful - boring-old words can't really do them justice! Or - if you'd rather just read it as a fictional historical romance - you'll enjoy that, too. This is a book that can be lived, alongside the characters. See what you think - and come and let it all flow, here.

Well - I got as far as the first few chapter last night, and already am living Maeve's so-far quite distressing life with her. Her father's favourite child until she "started to develop breasts" (a quote) she was traded off at the age of 12 to a neighbouring king, who raped her until she produced a child, who (obviously a boy) was taken away from her. Her father then took her back again, and again traded her off to a second neighbour who did the same, this time with no results, until once again she was reclaimed by her father and married off to a third neighbouring king, Conor of the Ulaid. By this time Maeve was in her mid twenties and had had enough - she ran away and back to her father's "care" and her aggressive bullying brother, where she had to fight for survival among her "nearest and dearest" till her father died. This is as far as I've got so far, and I don't blame Maeve at all for becoming the warrior "Raven Queen"! The only reassuring relationship she has is with Garvan, who treats her like a person, and not a commodity for barter, or a sister to terrorise. I've also been introduced to Ruan, a druid, who in not saving the life of a favoured child, has been blinded as punishment, (a little harsh, I have to say) and taken in by the Sidhe (shee) the Fairy Folk of the land. As usual with Jules Watson the magical mystical passages of her work are beautiful, and a timely distraction from the grimness and aggression of Maeve's own story so far (I do hope things get better for her soon!) The weekend, more and a large bar of chocolate await!

Know what you mean, Pickle - even as a newbie in town, the Library was a friendy place for me to go. Book lovers love books and reading, worldwide! Just a suggestion Oksana - but wouldn't you using your Library more save you a bit of cash? The internet is great for getting book bargins, but nothing is cheaper than borrowing them free (or for very little, at least) and if you find you like a particular book - you can then buy it, to keep. It would also be somewhere you and your daughter could go for an outing together. It's never too early (or even late) to learn to love reading.

Good grief it's spreading like the plague! Such a shame that governments don't seem to care that libraries are wonderful places of social contact, where people enjoy taking a spell out of their lives to chat about their favourite authors, share interests etc., Plus the fact of course they are also a place where all the family can be provided for, together - and share a common interest. An important factor especially, if you have teenagers! Don't we all think?

The latest "baby" of Jules Watson has just now been published, and, as a fan of hers I had it on pre-order at Amazon. Receiving it early is a bit of a two-edged sword though, as I can't allow myself to actually start it for a few days yet, my schedule being a bit busy till then. So - if any other fans of this talented novelist out there are about to buy or read this story of Maeve, ancient Irish Queen (based on fact, but with lots of imaginaton added, as Jules herself admits) come back and let me know what you think, won't you? I've loved Jules' earlier stuff of "The White Mare" series, and especially liked her "Swan Maiden" - based on another Irish legend of Deirdre, "the Irish Helen of Troy" which took us into the "other world" as we call it ... and I loved it, there! The Raven Queen may be a little more down-to-earth as this heroine becomes a warrior, but magic was a natural part of life back then, and the promise of this latest book is good. I'm really looking forward to a day or two of submerging myself among the pages, with only needful "normal" stuff to do.

Attagirl, Fev! By the way - why not request a few of the "Big Read" booklist from your library? It'd save a bit of cash, surely? Requests in my own "local" have only a £1 charge, some libraries charge less, or not at all.