Booknutt

My own "local" has a reader's comments book which anyone can fill in with their comments on the service etc., Lately, it's been full of supportive remarks for the staff, and thanks for the services they provide, which is great. I added my support too - but also asked for a longer piece of string for the pen attached to the book (!), as anyone trying to write comments near the bottom of the page, couldn't reach it. I nipped in a couple of days later to use the photocopier, and noticed that the string hadn't been lengthened yet A small complaint though - otherwise, the service is top notch! (I love the sound of that 50p request fee pipread - it's a still-reasonable £1 where I am.) Happy Library-times, all.

Was chatting to one of the staff in my "local" this morning, and she confirmed for me that for folks in Cheshire, at least - there's no fee now to join the Libraries! (Each area around the U.K is different, but even if you do have to pay something, it won't be much) Also, if the book you'd like isn't on the shelves, the "request" fee is only £1. Not a bad deal for a 3-week free loan of your fancied book/s and you can always renew (no charge) so long as there isn't a queue waiting. It's still cheaper than paying even £1.99 - £2.99 in most Charity shops for your choice, and much more than that from the main stores, or even online. By the way - the staff are delighted that the public are showing support, and through joining and using this service, we may help save some endangered branches. So if anyone is curious, your Libraries service will be listed online under your Council Services, it may just be worth a look, and a visit. Take a couple of forms of I.D. (name & address) with you - and start saving that wonga on all kinds of books, C.D's, D.V.D.'s and computer games !

Hello Geneveive - and Happy New Year (better late than never! ) I needed a "comfort read" the other day, and picked up P & P again - and am again enjoying the gradually growing relationship of Elizabeth and Darcy. It gets better with each re-reading. Might Elizabeth's remark about the size of Pemberly making Darcy seem not such a bad choice of husband, be Elizabeth's sense of humour coming to the surface again? She frequently laughs at the shallowness of her fellow human beings, and is willing to laugh at herself, too, and that could also explain her later (self-mocking?)remark about her missed chance to be Mistress of the house, also. The written word can be a bit misleading sometimes, for the expression of a remark depends so much on the reader - and for certain, it's too late for us to ask Austen herself to clear things up! I do agree with you, though - poor old Mary got a rough ride in the novel. She tried so hard to be intelligent and accomplished, for she was the plainest of the girls, and even more at a disadvantage than the rest because of that. Even her own father mocked her, and she was ignored by Mr Collins (who she'd have been an ideal wife for) in favour of her prettier sisters. I read a sequel novel a few years ago (I forget who wrote it, though ) where Mary eventually wed happily, and I was so pleased for her! Us book-loving gals should stick together - for even nowadays most men will choose a "looker" rather than a "thinker". Some prejudice's are very slow to change!

Just finished watching the (recorded) "Outcasts" episode of last night. I think it's growing on me ... now that signs of previous human life have been found (a jawbone!) and it's getting spookier. Could still do with a little lightening-up though. We human beings tend to find something to lift our spirits, even in the grimmest situations. Lovely to hear our variety of British regional accents strewn throughout.

Attagirl, Lopeanha - I wish you many enjoyable "reads" from your new membership. - and I know just what you mean, Pickle, for my "local" feels a comfortable place to be, whether I'm actually book-hunting, or not! I pop in to use the photocopier quite a lot, and have found myself often sitting down (with a book in front of me for appearances sake)and letting myself have a spot of "quiet time" among the peace of the shelves. Thinking about it - it's one of the few places in our modern world where fuss and rush aren't welcome, or needed!

I've just watched the first two episodes of "Outcasts" (Beeb 1, 9 - 10 p.m. Mon and Tues nights) Usually I find it a good idea to record the first two episodes of a new series and watch them through - but this time I got bored fast, and only watched to the end to try to give it a fair chance! It's a bit disappointing, as usually I'm fond of sci-fi, and (with due respect to the American si-fi's) a British series is a pleasant change. Maybe I'm judging too fast ... what do other viewers think?

Great! We have 5 more votes (and counting?) to keep your "locals" - keep posting, folks. Maybe a representative of our dear Government will read this thread, and start paying attention to the Public? We can only hope. Actually, I've been having a think - and my local Library has quite a special nook in my heart as regards childhood memories. I was there loads solo, from about 5 years old, for I was an avid reader, and thankfully it was just at the foot of our road, without even a street to cross. (One of the benefits of living in a small community was such freedooms could be allowed to a small child). I can't remember my first books borrowed - it'll have started early, as my parents read as much as they could spare time for too - but I do remember I loved the "Milly Molly Mandy" books, and borrowed and read them till they were almost worn out! Who can remember their "first" books? Maybe your childhood trips to the Library were part of a family day out? Have a think back, fellow bookworms - it'd be interesting to share the old memories.

Time for us to start supporting our local libraries, folks - or we'll lose them! So say our generous Government, at a time when the belt-tightening of the majority of the population (and especially families) means buying books etc., is becoming a "treat" thing only. Whether you use your "local" often or rarely - it's a service you'll miss if it goes. For anyone else ... the best way to support your Library is to firstly join it, and help them boost their membership figures, and then, even if you only use it a few times a year - get in there! This service comes in differing sizes, of course, but even a small library (or a mobile one) can get requested books & etc., for you, if you're willing to pay a very reasonable "request fee" (£1 in my "local") - and that's certainly less than buying, even from a charity shop, or secondhand. By the way - I noticed a few posts in this topic about some books not being available. It's my experience that there's few which can't actually be had, (if you request them) it just takes a bit of patience to wait till they come in. Most libraries also now have a computer on the premises where you can even check availability of certain needs yourself - and if it's not in stock, a staffmember will help you make a "request". Nowadays, it's not just a place for books - there are DVD's, CDs, and computer games of all kinds also available to loan (that may include an extra small charge, but again, it's good value, especially if children are in the family) and in the larger branches free online access too, for anyone computer-less at home. Most libraries also run social or handcraft groups - from book clubs to poetry reading, handcrafts groups, and storytime for children (a chance for Mum or Dad to have a quick browse themselves, while the young 'un is happily listening, maybe?) and will have copies of the local papers or magazines available, to be read on the premises. Really - there's "something for everyone" - even if it's only a few times a year. So - join-up, bookworms ... or, if you're a member already, go back for a visit and a browse to show your support. I bet you'll borrow something, or join a group - and enjoy supporting your local Library, while your community keeps it

Hi Erskine fans - How are you getting on with those books, Weave and Kelmarie? (Or - are you both thinking "Oops, forgot!" ) It can be a bit of a problem, I know,to find the time for so many great "reads". I spotted Barbara's newest novel "Time's Legacy" in paperback (already!) in Tesco's the other day, so snaffle it if you see it, anyone who hasn't got a copy yet - it's a very worthwhile - and reasonable - £4.99. Happy over the weekend, all.

I recently read an "ad" for Manda Scott's "Dreaming" series of 4 novels, which will be re-released for it's 10th anniversary later this year. How on earth I came to overlook this series before, I don't know, for I've been a "historical" fan for ... well, umpteen years. Basically, she tells the story of Boudica throughout the novels, Iron Age Warrior Queen, who gave the Romans a really hard time - the books being channeled to Manda, through her own dreams. Makes one wonder if Boudica herself was the source (!) as little is actually known about the true facts of the fate of this feisty lady. The sneaky Romans saw to that. I'd put it on my "sounds interesting" list to follow-up, but only yesterday actually spotted an as-new copy of "Dreaming the Eagle" (the first of the series) in a charity shop, for a quarter of what it'd have cost me full price. (Charity shops being a good source of decent-quality books these days, they're worth a visit from any bookworm) So my fate is sealed - and "Eagle" is my next "read". I loved the reviews for this series, and I've a feeling I'll enjoy it - has anyone else read it?

Well! Don't kill me in the rush, will y'all? So ... in my own humble opinion, this is one of the most interesting "reads" I've picked up in a while. I love it's feisty heroine (plus her occasional rather expressive language!) and the way the author gives us an insight into the nature of her characters. There is also a real sense of threat around, when the local community is influenced by a resurrection of past evils, nicely lightened though, when a pair of geriatric twins come to fisticuffs. Also - a couple of places where the lovely expressive language held me in the moment, and I went back to re-read all over again - several times. Ceri has given us a refreshing, interesting first novel here - and I'm on her team, and hoping for a soon-to-follow second book. If you don't want to commit actual cash - what about requesting it in your local Library?

Hi Pixie - For me, a life-changing "read" was Barbara Erskine's "Midnight is a Lonely Place" - one of her oldies, but definitely a goodie! I can't say I "enjoyed" it at the time ... I was too busy being terrified! Also, before lights-out was the only time I had to read in those days, and I scared myself into a few very disturbed nights. It was really riveting though, and I couldn't not know how it turned out. It's since become one of my favourite of her novels - even if it was several years before I made myself face my scaredy-cat reactions, and read it again. What the experience did though, was open my mind to the matter of faith in "something" - for in my darkest hours (with the bedclothes over my nose, and the light kept on ... just "in case") my rattled nerves called for reassurance ... and I'd cynically thought I'd give up on ideas of some kind of "Caretaker/God" years ago. It set me on the road of spiritual exploration - through the Shirley MacLaine autobiographies initially (still one of my heroines) following her own condensed explorations of spiritual stuff (fascinating "reads" each one of 'em) to, eventually,the books and Angel School of Diana Cooper, and the White Eagle Lodge, which I've been a contented member of for over a decade, now. All because I read a hair-raising, gripping, early novel of this fantastic writer .. and scared myself silly! There are no "unimportant" choices in our lives, folks ... not even the books which draw us in!

Hi again, fans - Yes - it's so tempting isn't it to buy yet another version of the stories? I've had to actually give a few away, as I don't have much storage space here. The strange thing is, Kylie, that each different version makes me see something in the stories that I hadn't before - it's like finding a new facet to an old friend. I'm jealous of your lovely hardbacks already, Pickle. It makes such a difference when favourite books are bought by family or friends - gives them a special meaning, doesn't it? What about bringing just one at a time home for a read, then returning it to safekeeping with the folks? I'd have a problem choosing, though! Have a good weekend, Janeites.

Thanks for the replies, folks - it's always interesting to know the views of fellow fans of a loved author. I know what Ian means about being put off by certain formats - it's something someone who isn't a bookworm wouldn't understand, at all! I'm dithering at the moment about dropping hints for my this years' birthday present - copies of our favourite novels available at "The Jane Austen Shop" - giftshop.janeausten.co.uk They're Winchester Red hardbacks, and by the sound of it, a good, well presented buy at £9.99 each. Unfortunately, the insides of the books aren't well displayed on the website, so it's difficult to get an idea of what they're really like as a "read" and it's such a disappointment (for buyer and receiver) to have to send a "gift parcel" back! I don't suppose anyone posting here has, or knows of anyone who has them already? I'd be very interested to hear an actual owners opinion of them. I used to be very tempted by the various versions The Folio Club produced, too. They were always quite expensive ... but quite a weight in the hands, too, which made them uncomfortable to hold for too long, plus - there were no nice pictures for me to dream over!

We're all bookworms here, of course - and for a bookworm the actual format of a favourite novel can be as important as the actual story! So - what's your favourite style or format in Jane Austen novels? Personally, I love my little "Collector's Library" hardbacks. They're a lovely convenient size and weight to hold comfortably, and are small enough to slip into a handbag for entertainment on a boring journey. I also love the black and white illustrations of characters scattered throughout the books. Paperbacks are also handy, of course - I've got a few "Wordsworth" copies, which just happen to contain the same illustrations as the Collector's Library series, plus a bit more helpful information, too. The feel of a familiar and loved book in our hands is a reassuring experience, with a promise of a few minutes (or longer!) of "escape" from the day-to-day world to lure us between it's pages. So - which is your choice, fellow Janeite?

Happy New Year All! Yes the "new" version (as we'll all have seen, now!) picked up just a few years before 1940 - and the Second Word War. I must admit I wasn't too sure if I liked it for the first couple of episodes. With the alcholic young footman being marched off to jail at the end of the first episode, and the arrival and death of the new maid, who leaves an orphan child to be cared for by the end of the second, I was beginning to think a former resident had cursed No. 165 Eaton Place! Fortunately, things shaped-up for the end of the third episode, and a Happy Ending was experienced for most of the characters. I've gotta say, though - I don't think the employer\servant relationship will ever be quite the same between Lady Agnes and Pritchard her butler again. I bet she'd no idea she'd deliver her first-born literally into his hands!!

Who is looking forward to the Christmas showing of the new series of Upstairs Downstairs? Me, for one! Jean Marsh is back in Eaton Place, managing the staff side of the new "family", and we'll see what kind of a "Ladyship" elegant Keeley Hawes will make. I doubt if it'll measure up to the original much-loved series - but it'll be a good "watch" all the same. Which character did you like best in the original? For years I wanted to be Mrs Bridges It was quite a job to be a Cook for a "big house" in back-then days. Real cooking, too - no de-freezing and microwaving for her! It must have been wonderfully satisfying though, to settle down in the evening beside the kitchen fire with a nice cuppa, and know that everyone in the household was fed, for another day.

Just finished - Strictly Come Dancing! What a fabulous show.

First sci/fi "reads" were the Star Trek novels, based on the doings of the original Enterprise crew (Kirk, Spock and etc) - the T.V. series fascinated the teenage me! First fantasys - Melanie Rawns' "Sunrunner" series - brilliant escapism for a stressed twentysomething. I have the series of 6 books, yet. First (and last!) horror "Interview with the Vampire" by Anne Rice. What horrified me most about it was the easy way I accepted the matter-of-fact explanation of the deaths/undeaths caused by the vampires ... it all sounded so reasonable, and then - I found myelf arguing their case, and was horrified at myself for being led astray so easily!

I think it's great how many of we "adults" are reading and re-reading Harry Potter! We're drawn to the magic of the series - which proves there's hope for us old-folks, yet - and yes, I've re-read all of 'em a few times, now, and also re-watch the movies. There's always something new to learn, or enjoy again, with a re-read. My favourites are - any of the Jane Austen novels. any of the Bronte novels. quite a few of Charles Dickens. The "Sevenwaters" series of Juliet Marillier. (the latest "Seer of Sevenwaters" is just out!) any Barbara Erskine novel. the Jules Watson novels and the Melanie Rawn "Dragon Prince" series.("elderly" now, but great) to name a few - which I can currently see in my bookcase. I'm also enjoying getting tips from this thread - what a great way to introduce our old friends to others.

Talent will out, Ian, at any age. You've got a good attitude to the novels, too - you're not letting yourself be influenced by what others think, which is what we all ideally should do - regarding books, or life itself! For myself - I love Jane's sarcastic humour . She clearly saw the flaws in her own society - and I suspect, loved having a "pop" at them, through her characters and their situations. In a time when those of her class repressed their own feelings and adjusted their own behaviours to conform to the dictates of Society - it must have been a wonderful way of venting, and the popularity of her novels would seem to indicate that many other people of her time (including the Prince Regent) agreed with her!

Hi Ian - I suspect that this is where the chat you've started has been shifted to? Great to hear from another fan of our admired-Jane. Yes, Northanger Abbey is usually the least respected of all the Austen works, but it makes a quite serious point actually. As Catherine did, we usually target people as "baddies" for the wrong reasons. Catherine (her teenage head stuffed with Gothic romances) thought General Tilney had murdered his wife, and convinced herself that the Abbey itself held dark secrets. He hadn't of course, but his treatment of her when he found out she wasn't the "heiress" of his hopes (chucking her out, far from home and penniless) was monsterous, for that day and age. He actually did her a favour, though, as she grew up fast, got herself home, and became a much more sensible person, from there on. A very suited wife for Henry, in fact. So a happy ending. What is it you like best about the novels? Austen's style, her wit, or the wonderful character analysis she produces for our entertainment (and instruction).

O.K. - carrying on with chatting to myself I'm loving my latest purchase - "Little Book of Angels" by White Eagle. This a pocket-sized twelve-section book which covers a lot of information on the subject of our spiritual friends, and how we can work with them, or just enjoy contacting them. For under (£10 p & p incl) from The White Eagle Publishing Trust (or online for even less!) it will make a lovely little Christmas present for the Angel-friendly person, or a little treat for yourself. The Angels are among us all year round, of course, but large in the minds of many folks at this particular season. Quoting from the book - Contacting your Guardian Angel "When you fall asleep, let your mind be calm and still. Think of the hush over the Earth. All nature sleeps. Put yourself into rhythm with nature. Then you will be released harmoniously, and your Guardian Angel at your side will take your hand and lead you forth to one of the many Temples that exist on the etheric plane. There you will receive instruction, and your soul will be impressed so vividly that some of the experiences will remain in your waking moments." Isn't that a trip worth having?! Has anyone else got any gift-suggestions on the topic of spiritual beliefs?

I hope you enjoy "House of Echoes" Weave. I loved the way that B.E. brought up the character of Tom, the toddler son of the leads of the story. He plays quite a role in the story, and when he was in distress - I was filling up for him! Kelmarie - Have your teddy bear handy when you read "Midnight is a Lonely Place" - or at least don't read it in the late evening, once you get a few chapters into the story. I found it one of Barbara's scariest novels, but was so drawn into it that I couldn't stop! (The sign of a really good book!) It was several years before I could read it again, to prove to myself that I really am notthat big a chicken, enjoyed it again, and have since read it several times. Each time grips me, just the same. It's one of my favourites, now.

I always think House Of Echoes is one of Barbara's best "ghost story" reads, Weave. The comforting thing about it is that even in the spirit world, ghosts are people too! We have samples of a range of spirits, here. One trying to make up for his earthly misdeeds, one hurt and hurting others, and children, too. It's very interesting ... and just scary enough for a big girl like me!