Anika

:soaking1:What about the steam from the bath/shower? Don't the books get soggy? My mom has lots of books that have fallen in the tub while she was reading..... I don't let her borrow mine anymore.

Though I read 'Little Women' eons ago, I always remember the part where Beth is given the chance to use the neighbors piano, but she's too shy to do it. Then one day Laurie's grandfather hears her in the house playing it. He's very moved, and later in the story Beth comes home to find he has given her the piano.

THANKS so much for the list, Mysterioso!! (cool name, by the way!) I appreciate your response! I will definitely check these out right away, especially the Lee Jackson website. I've just finished reading, The Meaning of Night and agree with you that it's brilliant! I'm going to get his sequel, The Glass of Time next. (I think that's the title?)

Ha ha! No, I'm sure you aren't bad at all! Regular conversations aren't annoying, but certain people seem to be announcing their phone calls.... And some of the things I've heard really aren't what I'd expect them to want broadcasted!

Yes! He's very interesting. Look for the BIO by Richard Ellmann. I read it a few years ago, and it's really good!

I have a metal book-holder so I can stand a hardback in it while I'm eating. And I bought a Barnes & Noble booklight, but noticed the thing starts getting dim within an hour, and the batteries are expensive!!

I usually have the tv on, but the volume is at the lowest setting and the program is anything without commercials; documentary, PBS. Sometimes, I listen to classical music, but it has to be peaceful, quiet music. I can't have complete silence inside or I start focusing on the noise outside, and there's always plenty of that. I usually like reading on the living room sofa, and there's generally a purring kitty nearby. If I get up, and go away for any reason, however, I come back to find the curled-up little cat has become a big sprawled-out one occupying the very center of the couch! I don't tend to eat much since most of my reading time is in the evening after dinner, but I like to have a glass of cola/juice/wine nearby. Of course, I have to get up now and then to fortify myself with a bite of chocolate or some pastry. Y'know how that reading just takes it out of you! Of course, thats my 'ideal' scenario, but actually, I can read anywhere and often do, especially if I have to be kept waiting. I keep a book in the car for unexpected waiting moments, and often bring a book to work to enjoy during my lunch hour. Oddly enough, the hardest place for me to read is the bookstore!! I get so furious at those idiots who march around talking LOUDLY on their cell-phones, telling me, and everyone else in the whole store, way more than we want to know about themselves, their friends and family!!

Intriguing classic, heh? hmmm...... The ones that come to mind for me are: Madame Bovary~ Gustave Flaubert Cousin Bette~ Honore de Balzac Nana~ Emile Zola The Three Musketeers~ Alexandre Dumas (This one is actually quite funny! It's about the only classic that made me laugh out loud.) By the way, which are the ones on your shelf?

Thanks! I'll look for that one!

I'm a huge fan of Victorian mysteries and I'm eager to read more of these. Can anyone suggest books similar to 'Woman In White' by Wilkie Collins or the Sherlock Holmes stories by Arthur Conan Doyle? I prefer stories that take place in England or Scotland, and it would be a plus if the author came from there, as well. I don't mind if the author lived during that time or is a contemporary writer-- I recently read 'Kept' by D.J. Taylor and LOVED it! There are many similarities to this book and 'Woman In White', actually, and I'm hooked on these kinds of stories! Thanks!!

I am a big Evelyn Waugh fan and have read Brideshead Revisited (3 times), A Handful Of Dust, and Decline and Fall. I've also read The Pictureque Prison; Evelyn Waugh and His Writing by Jeffrey Heath.

I read this book after reading his short story collection, 'Nocturnes' and loved both of them! He's one of my new favorite writers!

I always liked Francois Sagan, especially 'Sunlight On Cold Water'.

This sounds like a book I might enjoy. I recently heard Birdsong on BBC radio and wanted to read something by this author, so I will definitely look for this!

I saw the TV series over here years ago and loved it! I've only read the first and second books, but I thought they were hilarious!

Sandra Cisneros John Grisham

I've only read, 'Notes From a Small Island' but that was years ago. I'd like to read it again, but maybe I'll read something else by him first. I think 'A Walk In the Woods' looks interesting.

Is 'The Ladies of Grace Adieu' a sequel to 'Jonathon Strange'? I am one third of the way through 'Jonathon' and it will be a while before I'm done. A massive book, for sure! I like it so far, though.

I have read, 'The Grass Harp' and 'Other Voices, Other Rooms', but not this one. I love the way Capote writes very much. He has a unique style that is a joy to read.

I almost bought this book recently, but it was almost new (retail) priced at a used book store, though in fairly good shape. But I buy used for a 'bargain', and this one wasn't. I have wanted to read this for a while since it seemed like something I'd enjoy. It's interesting to see the varied reviews here.

I read 'Grapes of Wrath' years ago, and enjoyed it very much! Always meant to read more by this author, and will probably look for 'East of Eden' since it seems so many others give it a positive rating.

I've only read 'Gentlemen & Players', but I enjoyed it quite a bit and will definitely look for other books by her. I'm curious what it is that makes 'The Evil Seed' confusing.....?

Blueberry Cheesecake