northernnutter

I pretty much agree with everything you say here, Ghost, but I still feel the program was a necessary one. Yes, the format and discussion topics were centered around race and immigration, but what else would come to the fore when discussing BNP policy?? I 'don't' agree that Griffin scored points on immigration. What he did, and this is where the BNP are very dangerous, is 'highlight' the issue, but gave no viable policy outline to tackle the issue. (Not a legal one anyway!) Warsi tackled this well, calling all the parties at fault for allowing the BNP to hijack this issue, by having a shocking record on this issue in the eyes of the public. As for homophobia, I thought Griffin highlighted his 'own' homophobic beliefs quite well!! On to the rights of women, and Muslim Shari'a law. Always a good one when you want to highlight the 'monstrous' muslim faith. I agree totally that this strict Islamic law is inhumane and offensive, and many Muslims agree with this! But I don't need Griffin to tell me this! Imagine- What would the rights of asian, black or ethnic women be in a country governed by the BNP???? Oh , I forgot! They would't need rights because they would no longer be welcome to live here!! I totally agree with you that Jack Straw came across terribly!! He had his 'script' and he was going to stick to it!! And his points concerning immigration policy, ie, none, played into Griffins' scaremongering hands. There will no doubt be lots of press coverage about this- demonising Griffin and the BNP - agreeing with them- bringing certain policies to the fore-, all need to be debated and out in the open. NN.

Go for it Ben! I'm sure you'll enjoy them! Good to talk to a native yorkshireman, by the way! I'm a native yorkshire lass myself!! NN.

I watched this last night with great interest. The reason the BNP was given the seat on the panel of such a show of this caliber was because, in the last European election, the party recieved over one million votes, culminating in the election of two MP's to the european parliament, one of whom was Nick Griffin. I agree with you entirely Ben! Rather than this being an 'early christmas present', as stated by the media, for the BNP, Nick Griffins' contribution only highlighted for the audience the underlying ethos/ message this party adheres to- that of racism, bigotry and anti-semitism. I hope the public watching, who voted for this party,(Many, I suspect through disaffection with the main parties,), are able to finally see that the BNP uses such emotive issues as immigration, religion to draw on peoples fears in the most negative way, for their own ultimate means! I also agree with you Ghost, that the barrage Griffin recieved from the other members of the panel and the audience could have made him into a 'victim' figure for some of the watching public, and that is worrying, but, I feel, a chance worth taking to bring into the light the BNP, on such an open forum, in front of the true public, instead of letting them gain more support, with no open questioning, 'poisoning from the shadows'. NN.

Just about to start 'A whispered name' , by William Brodrick. I originally borrowed this book from the library for my husband to read, but I can't leave a book in the house unread, and hubbys' a bit tied up at work at the mo', so I'm going to read it first! Don't know what to expect really. It's set in WW1, not usually my cup of tea, but I'll give it a go!! NN.

Finished 'a thousand splendid suns' by Khaled Hosseini a few days ago, and even now, the story of Mariam and Leila keeps invading my thoughts. A heartwrenching tale of the suffering and abuse of two women in wartorn Afghanistan, where ultimately, their friendship, strength and love prevails over all else. The endurance of Mariam and Leila's spirit will stay with for a long time to come. A wonderful book. Also, just re-read 'monstrous regiment' by Terry Pratchett, another book of women and war, but so 'very, very ' different! Love Mr Pratchett!! Can bring a smile to my face on the most dull of days!!

Just about to start 'A thousand splendid suns' by Khaled Hosseini. Looking forward to it after the reviews it's received on here.

Ok, a bit of an update on my reading activity. Finished the 'night angel' trilogy by Brent Weeks. These books I would definately class as 'adult' fantasy! The books are gritty, dark, sometimes gory and use quite 'colourful' language, but I really enjoyed them!! The characters are built well throughout the books, and the author touches on some interesting themes, primarily power. The use, (and abuse) of it, and it's effect on others. The storyline is pretty 'fantasy' standard- the fight between good and evil, with magic and sourcery thrown in, but the characters stand it out from the rest. Interesting and colourful, with human emotions and fears, and not 'clearcut' good or evil- there's ambiguity there!! If you can take the adult theme and language of these books, and you're into fantasy, I'd highly recommend them!! Also just finished reading 'The five people you meet in heaven' by Mitch Albom. Loved this book. Although the theme is death, I came away from it with a feeling of warmth and security. I found the style of the author simple yet thought provoking, and it left me wondering who my five would be? It left me with the feeling of grabbing each day as it comes, and just doing what you do- you never know how the smallest things may effect others, we're all linked on this earth, whether we realise it or not. Going on my favourites' so far.....list!

Single: Video killed the radio star- The buggles. Album: Super trouper- Abba.

Finished book one of the 'night watch angel' trilogy by Brent Weeks last night, (The way of shadows.) and have dived straight into book two- ' The shadows edge.'

Cheers chrissy. Will definately add that one to the list! Can feel a 'Ben Okri fest' coming on! Northernnutter.

Just finished reading 'the famished road', by Ben Okri. What can I say about this book? Well, I know I've read something different when it takes me three days to get through it. The synopsis; 'Azaro is a spirit-child who is born only to live for a short while before returning to the idyllic world of his spirit companions. Now he has chosen to stay in the world of the living. This is his story.' And we are given the story through Azaro's eyes. Living in 'our' world. A world of hardship, poverty, political upheval in an African slum compound on the verge of change. The trials and tribulations of his family and neighbours. Of love and loss, pride and courage. Azaro not only has to deal with all of these issues, but,as a 'spirit child', also has to face the continued visions of the many spirits that walk amongst us in this world, unseen by others, tempting and harrassing him to leave 'this' world and return to theirs. And why it took a while to read? Because the writing is so beautiful, you just can't rush it. Practically every sentence, every paragraph Okri writes is awash with imagery and charm. Almost poetic in description. The scenes where Azaro encounters spirits are almost 'halucinogenic', and drag you into Azaro's visions full tilt. This book made me mad with the injustice of it all, and full in the heart with the hope that love and suffering can bring. There is a sequel to this book, and I shall be rushing out to source it!! This one is getting added to my 'Favourites so far...list!! Northernnutter.

Finished 'the famished road', by Ben Okri last night. Beautiful book. Started 'The way of the shadows', by Brent Weeks today. Pretty good so far! Northernnutter.

Thanks everyone for your excellent suggestions. All have been taken on-board, and will be put into motion! I'll let you all know how we get on!!

The faraway tree series, by Enid Blyton. First delve into fantasy!! Then moved onto the Hobbit and The lord of the rings. Other childhood favourites which made a lasting impression were, Rebecca's World: Journey to the forbidden planet. Terry Nation. The silver sword. Ian Serreillier. And the novels by Joan Lingard set in Northern Ireland about 'Kevin and 'Sadie'.

Hi everyone. Has anyone read the books by S.Roit? (Vampire genre.) Saw books 1&2 in the library today, but maddeningly they don't stock book 1 !!! The synopsis got me interested, and I was wondering whether to bother finding/buying the first book?? Northernnutter.

Hieronymus 'Harry' Bosch. Michael Connelly.

Hi Kylie, glad to hear we may have similar tastes! As for the Gormenghast trilogy. How to describe it?? Well, I would say the only way to find out is if you give it a go!! A bit of a cop-out, I know, but to give you an idea, I would describe it as a gothic fantasy, but with no sign of 'dragons' or 'elves', a totally different take on fantasy literature. Be prepared to be transported into a delicious 'other world'. Atmospheric, claustrophobic, with beautifully descriptive prose, and some of the richest characters created. ('Steerpike' is one of my all time favourite characters!!) I would agree that the first two parts of the trilogy,(Titus Groan and Gormenghast), stand apart from the third, (Titus Alone), primarily because the third part is set away from Gormenghast Castle, (a character in itself!), so loses some of the intensity found in the former two parts. It also becomes a little erratic and unfocused in plot. (Due, many believe, to it being written whilst Peake fell into 'madness' himself, and eventually being completed by a surrogate author.) However, still worth reading!! Hope this has piqued your interest a little and you choose to indulge!! Cheers.....Northernnutter.

Indeed Dimitra!! P and P is one of my all time favourites. Will never forget the first time I endulged and reached the part of the 'marriage proposal'!! I was in a bingo hall at the time, (Don't ask!!), and squealed audibly with excitement and delight, which was followed by many focused stares and 'tut's of disgust! I will never forget it! Wuthering heights? Fabulous! Although I was terribly dissapointed with the recent adaptation on tv. Where was the passion?? Ah well....stick to the book, I think. Cheers.....northernnutter.

Hi chesilbeach. Tough question!! To be honest, there are very few books that I've read this year that I can say I have disliked. Primarily because I tend to choose books within genres' that appeal to me. I was given a stack of Katie Fforde books over the summer by my sister-in-law, and although I'm not a chic-lit fan, I gave them a go, but found they weren't my cup of tea! See you're reading the moonstone, by the way. Great book!! Really keeps you guessing!! Cheers...Northernnutter.

Hi Kate. Really glad to hear that you enjoyed your first 'fix' of Harlan Coben. He's one of my favourites!! Fast action, gripping plots...can see why you could't put it down. I'm exactly the same!! If you fancy a bit more, might i suggest you try and get hold of the 'Myron Bolitar' series of his books. Centered around Bolitar, a sports agent and the 'occasional' investigator!! Plus, a regular crew of 'colourful' characters. The books do follow on from each other, in terms of character development and character relationships, so better, I think, to try and read them in order if possible! Happy reading!! Northernnutter.

Hi all, I'm very new to the forum, so hope you don't mind me joining in! Wish I'd found this forum earlier in the year, as looking at my library info, I've already read over 100 titles this year. Too many to list at this point. So, I thought I would start off with some of my favourites so far, then carry on from there. So, here we go...... Albom, mitch. Five people you meet in heaven. Austin, jane. Pride and predjudice. (must read at least once a year!) Banker, ashok. The 'Ramayana' series. (Books 1-6) Baxter, steven. Evolution. Broderick, william. A whispered name. Bronte, emily, Wuthering heights. Capote, truman. Breakfast at Tiffany's. Collins, wilkie. The woman in white. Davidson, andrew. The gargoyle. Fforde, jasper. The Eyre Affair. Fforde, jasper. The Big Easy. Fforde, jasper. The Fourth bear. Graves, robert. I, Claudius & Claudius, the god. Harris, jane. The observations. Heller, joseph. Catch 22. Hosseini, khaled. A thousand splendid suns. Kellerman, jesse. The brutal art. Kostova, elisabeth. The historian. Meyer, stephenie. The Host. Larsson, steig. The Girl with the Dragon tattoo. Lukyanenko, sergei. The Nightwatch. Okri, ben. The famished road. Peake, mervyn laurence. The gormenghast trilogy. Pratchett, terry.(pretty much the whole series-again!!) Rushdie, salman. The enchantress of Florence. Sansom, c.j. Revelation Schama, simon. 'A history of Britain' series. Sebold, alice. The lovely bones. Shriver, lionel. We need to talk about Kevin. Stoker, bram. Dracula. My favourites, so far.......!! Currently on the TBR shelf, probably in the next week or seven.. Paolini, christopher. Eragon. Niffenegger, audrey. The time traveler's wife. Armstrong, kelly. Bitten. Connelly, john. Nocturnes. Northernnutter.