poppyshake

Thanks Paula .. and I've just realised that I can look at the pics before searching for my next book to read, I never usually can find the one I want. Of course, calorie wise, it would be better to go up and down the stairs a thousand times but patience wise this is a much better idea

Thanks Paula

You have my permission, it'll make room for more books OMG ... there's no excuse is there I will have to go down into the basement and sort it now otherwise it'll surface in my nightmares One day the basement is going to be lined with lovely Billy, or similar, bookcases (though I've been told that they'll also have to house other stuff like CDs and DVD's ) and it'll be heaven. However, that day is a long, long way off .. even if I squint I can't see it.

Thanks Frankie Ha, you haven't seen the later ones' ... hardbacks and unorganised I only bought the 'A&K' a few weeks back .. couldn't resist them Thanks Claire I should get some more because I've loved all the one's I've read but where to put them?? .. reckon I might possibly turn the whole bookcase over to Persephone and Bloomsbury Group books one day .. when I've saved enough pennies

This is where it starts getting messy and I have to close my eyes and ignore the higgledy piggledyness of it all ... Bookshelf 4 is a bookcase which is meant to be hung on the wall but isn't and for some unknown reason it's upside down. Bookshelf 5 is on the landing without 'Howards End' in it but with Susan Hill's book so kind of fitting. Bookshelf 6 is my lovely collection of 'Puffins' .. I could fit one more on but it needs to be an exact size so still looking. Bookshelf 7 is in the basement awaiting liberation and sorting. Bookshelf 8 .. cookbooks!!

Making a start ... these three are in my lounge. Yes I know some of the books have been colour co-ordinated .. I can't help it, it's a sickness I've just seen that some of them are upside down *smacked wrist*

Mine is of Regina Spektor who I'm a little bit obsessed with

Looking forward to it Weave , I'll try and get mine done too but they are all over the place and most of them are only little.

Me too and I can't think what's happened. I've moved house and lot's of things need doing but tbh .. I'm not the one having to do them and if anything it's given me more time to read because sometimes there's no electricity and I'm just sitting on a raft in the middle of a pile of mess .. there's two things you can do in that situation ... or The very best of luck for the rest of the year Kylie .. go on girl, you can do it Thanks Frankie and well done you for keeping on track. An interesting viewpoint as well about your ratings .. just looked mine up 6/10: 1 7/10: 12 8/10: 14 9/10: 18 10/10: 7 A mixed bag by the look of it with only a few cherries in it Well done June that's what I need .. a good holiday to catch up on my reading (just off to propose it to hubby )

Loving looking at these shelves Lisa's look lovely and cosy and I like all the other bits and pieces on the shelves like the angel, love Bobbly's shelves so neat .. but I can't see the titles (you really should've knocked a wall down to get the right angle Bobbly ) Loving Pickle's fairy lights .. and Frankie's Aussie posse and love the way Frankie that I can get right up close to your books and read the titles .. bliss!

This time last year I had read 58 books and listened to 13, this year I've read 44 and listened to 8 ... bother!!

Is that Paris or Florida? Either way have a great time Ian

Of course I forgive you and I think it's all to the good, otherwise we might be thought of as *whispers* clones Ooh are you intending to become a novelist Kylie, don't say I'm going to have to start collecting you as well You're welcome and thank you .. I found the questions a bit difficult at times (I had no answers in other words) but I didn't let that put me off .. if there's one thing I could ramble on and on about for ages, it's books (you've probably noticed ) It would have to be a most incredible book to be better that P&P or TKAM .. not just an incredible story but one that makes you feel a bit mushy inside whenever you think about it because you're so fond of it. I doubt they'll ever be replaced in my affections. Thanks Chesil I'm coping quite well, perhaps withdrawal will set in later. I'm a bit relieved because they were getting harder and there were some stinkers but they didn't ask what my favourite covers were ... big oversight imo .. what on earth do they think I buy books for I can see we'll be able to start a 'David Mitchell - No, Not the Author - Appreciation Society soon, we have three members and counting

I'm sure I will Claire I've got the two Puffins you mentioned Kylie I just love their covers (let alone the stories.) I didn't mind 'Fever Pitch' but then I know a few football obsessed men (not Alan thankfully) so knew where it was coming from. I bought 'The Finkler Question' recently too but am a bit daunted, someone here was saying they were forced to abandon .. I'll give it a go .. eventually. I need to catch up too with the Adrian Moles .. I haven't read any since the first two (and loved them so can't think why I stopped.) As usual a brilliant days shopping for the mistress, I love the sound of the 'Unpacking my Library' essay ... 1000 books on your TBR .. that's legendary .. we are soooooo not worthy. I've probably got about a hundred, and I'm scared stiff of them.

I loved Enid's mystery books and always looked forward to seeing Fatty, in some disguise or other, get one over on Mr Goon .. of course they're hilariously non PC. When I read bits back now I'm a bit horrified at what was considered normal back then and my friend said when she was reading some Enid to her daughter recently she had to do a bit of judicial editing. I read quite a bit of Famous five too and liked them although I couldn't really bond with either of the girls. I think I liked Dick best I agree I prefer the covers on the old books, the new books just look wrong.

I quite liked 'The Goblet of Fire' .. in fact the graveyard scene sticks in my mind as one of the best bits in any Potter book, it was the next book that I had problems with 'The Order of the Phoenix' but in general, after Azkaban, they did start getting a lot fatter and I felt some of it was padding and needed editing out .. but strangely she never asked my advice

The last question I feel I should get a medal or something. Day 30 – Your favourite book of all time .. and I really have no answer for it I don't have an all time favourite book, I have lots of favourite books but don't favour one over the other. I guess if you tie me down and force me to give an answer then I'll say .. 'Pride & Prejudice' by Jane Austen because I love it and feel quite sentimental about it. But equally it might be 'To Kill a Mockingbird', 'Great Expectations', 'Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell', 'Gold', 'Neverwhere', 'I Capture the Castle', 'The Pursuit of Love' etc etc etc ... I reckon I could name a hundred favourite books easily. I'm quite sad really because I'd like to have a favourite book .. a special one that meant more to me than any other .. but I just don't. Perhaps I haven't read it yet

I'm afraid it is Kylie

Day 29 – A book everyone hated but you liked This is a chance for Kylie to get her own back on me the book that comes to mind is 'How I Live Now' by Meg Rosoff *ducks and waits for missiles*. I can see why other people didn't like it (the main character Daisy was not necessarily likeable, the plot was far fetched and at times unconvincing) but for all that I enjoyed it and got quite caught up in it. The writing style didn't annoy me but that was probably because I heard it being read so didn't notice any of the quirks or punctuation problems. It felt a bit like a slightly grown up Enid Blyton story except one that turned sinister. You have to suspend a lot of disbelief but once I'd done that I was fine with it.

Bless you I know you are I should actually take my own advice because there are several Nancy stories I haven't read yet I don't think I'm going to try him again, the only other one in the pipeline was 'The Alchemist' and just a couple of words from Frankie put paid to me even looking for it. He had his chance and he muffed it How very dare you

Yes Marmite/Vegemite are the same thing .. and I can't stand either .. and it's not anything like that, it's like *fingers crossed and hoping* a lovely double coated tim tam It would be quite unfair but cheap for the rest of us however, I can't do without books or book recommendations. I bought an Anne Tyler book today from a charity shop, it was on my wishlist anyway but I know you said Liisa really rated her so that made it more appealing (God, even your friends are spending my money ) Wise move Hope you enjoy both the book and the movie. I shouldn't have let on really, I've spoiled my 'Pollyanna' image It's rare .. but when the red mist comes down .. run for the hills! I've just looked it up ... it seems like the kind of book I'd go for and I like to read books on similar subjects to those I've enjoyed (though this one is a novel so it'll be a different take on it.) Thanks for pointing it out to me Frankie

You'll love it I'm sure Frankie, it was just hilarious and it's dated well. I watched some the other day and was laughing again like a drain That'll be David .. you couldn't call Matt handsome but he is cute (especially as Tweedle Dee/Tweedle Dum in 'Alice in Wonderland') Don't get me started on David Mitchell .. I think he's not only a comedy genius but he's probably the most intelligent guy ever .. his intellect scares the life out of me .. whenever I see him on TV panel shows he is just so razor sharp and on it .. but yes 'Peep Show' is hilarious. I used to think he was the author too .. and it wouldn't have surprised me one bit. But have you seen Robert Webb doing 'Flashdance' for 'Let's Dance for Comic Relief'?.. really it was just the most stunning thing ever .. if you haven't seen it you must 'You Tube' it (and try and see the one where he does an introduction.) I have to watch it at least once a month, always with my mouth wide open. Yes I loved 'Cranford' too and also Gaskell's 'Wives & Daughters'. I'm really looking forward to 'Night Watch' because it's got two of my favourite actresses in it ... Anna Maxwell Martin (who has played lot's of drama leads including Esther in 'Bleak House' and 'N' in Poppy Shakespeare ) and Claire Foy who was so lovely as 'Little Dorrit' You'll have to check Colin out again in 'Nanny McPhee' (if it comes on your TV) .. he was just so lovely in it. I don't know why I didn't enjoy BJ the book .. I read it after the film I think and as such probably wanted it to follow the film more (which is odd because it's usually the other way around.) Again, I love, love, love Jennifer Ehle's Elizabeth Bennett .. we don't see Jennifer enough, weirdly she was in 'The Kings Speech' with Colin but playing an Australian!! .. and only the tiniest of parts. I'd love to see her in more stuff. I know .. take the shame You kind of expect a slow start with Dickens, there's always a lot of rambling on at the beginning. I'll bear it in mind though and it'll help me turn pages

Love In a Cold Climate - Nancy Mitford Waterstones Synopsis: 'How lovely - green velvet and silver. I call that a dream, so soft and delicious, too.' She rubbed a fold of the skirt against her cheek. 'Mine's silver lame, it smells like a bird cage when it gets hot but I do love it. Aren't you thankful evening skirts are long again?' Ah, the dresses! But oh, the monotony of the Season, with its endless run of glittering balls. Even fabulously fashionable Polly Hampton - with her startling good looks and excellent social connections - is beginning to wilt under the glare. Groomed for the perfect marriage by her mother, fearsome Lady Montdore, Polly instead scandalises society by making a very shocking choice. Review: This is the sequel to 'The Pursuit of Love' but it actually follows the same timescale and has the same narrator, Fanny Logan, but here we see what she was up to when she wasn't staying with her cousin Linda Radlett (and all the events that took place in 'The Pursuit of Love' murmur along in the background here.) In particular it focuses on Fanny's visits to Hampton where she stays with the terrifying Lady Montdore, Lord Montdore and their lovely daughter Polly who is the same age as Fanny and, apart from Linda, her closest friend. Polly is the beauty of her age and her parents have the highest hopes of her making a good match, but there's something wrong. Polly is not one bit interested in any of the young men they have so far thrown at her. Lady Montdore in particular is simmering with ill concealed rage and disappointment, she cannot understand why Polly is so cold. Polly is perhaps one of the few people not intimidated by her mother, she knows her own mind and she's determined not to be brow beaten. They are only lately returned from India where they have governed for the last five years and it's Lady Montdore's idea to have Fanny to stay in the hope that she might have influence with Polly but Fanny is at a loss to put her finger on exactly what lies behind Polly's disinterestedness. No, but what I really want to know about coming-out here is what about love? Are they always having love affairs the whole time? Is it their one and only topic of conversation?' I was obliged to admit that this was the case. 'Oh, bother, I felt sure, really, you would say that - it was so in India, of course, but I thought perhaps in a cold climate ....' After the death of her aunt, Polly makes a surprise announcement which sends shockwaves through Hampton and puts her mother and father in a spin. I can't say too much more without spoiling the plot (and indeed I had to edit the synopsis as it gave away the main twist of the story and whatever you do don't read the book blurb) but not only does it have far reaching consequences for Polly herself it leads to events that completely transform the life of Lady Montdore and, at the same time, introduces us to the wonderful Cedric Hampton (who, though they've never seen him, is heir to Hampton, it being entailed away from the female line.) Cedric is summoned to come and stay at Hampton and as he hails from Canada they are expecting a rather hale and hearty lumberjack type rustic but what they find is something quite different ... 'a glitter of blue and gold crossed the parquet, and a human dragon-fly was kneeling on the fur rug in front of the Montdores, one long white hand extended towards each. He was a tall thin young man, supple as a girl, dressed in a rather bright blue suit; his hair was the gold of a brass bed knob, and his insect appearance came from the fact that the upper part of the face was concealed by blue goggles set in gold rims quite an inch thick.' Although I love it nearly as much as I do 'The Pursuit of Love' it has a very slow start (with the introduction of the new characters and their genealogy etc) and there is also a slight absence of Radlett's which to my mind is shameful (though they are still there sporadically.) Nevertheless the character of Lady Montdore is a triumph, she's hilariously awful (one of literature's great comic creations) whilst pretending to be benevolence itself ... 'Ever since she was born, you know, I've worried and fussed over that child, and thought of the awful things that might happen to her - that Montdore might die before she was settled and we should have no proper home, that her looks would go (too beautiful at fourteen I feared), or that she would have an accident and spend the rest of her days in a spinal chair - all sorts of things, I used to wake up in the night and imagine them, but the one thing that never even crossed my mind was that she might end up an old maid.' but rather like Uncle Matthew in 'The Pursuit of Love' you can't hate her ... not entirely. A lovely gossipy, bitter-sweet read. 9/10

I predict a riot :mrgreen: I couldn't read Madame Bovary again Kylie, even to please you though it pains me to say it. I'm not saying never, who knows what the reading material will be like in the next world?. But it would only worry my family because last time I read it they had to keep shaking me to wake me from a self induced coma to check that I wasn't dead You may be right Kylie, I'm sure you are because you have brilliant taste and millions of people agree with you but to paraphrase Tigger this book wasn't 'what Poppyshakes like best'

Day 28 – Favourite title I like books with interesting titles and my favourite is probably 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time' because, with a title like that, how could you not want to read it? Now chances are, with such a great title, the book will turn out to be rubbish .. but thankfully in this case it wasn't, it was great Other's that I like are ... 'Let's Kill Uncle' 'Little Hands Clapping' 'We Have Always Lived in the Castle' 'Howards End is on the Landing' 'A Hat Full of Sky' 'The Well of Lost Plots' 'The End of Mr Y' 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' 'The Earth Hums in B Flat' 'The Castle of Crossed Destinies' 'Skippy Dies'