Anika

It's been years since I've read any of her books, but have, 'The Lighthouse' on TBR pile. Her 'fragment of autobiography', 'Time To Be In Earnest' is interesting.

I haven't read any of her books yet, but I've got 'The Grave Tattoo' on my TBR pile. Has anyone read this? If so, did you like it?

This is exactly why I read the ones I did. Everybody I knew couldn't stop going on about how good they were!! And I was just as adamant as you before that, believe me!! (If not more so!)

You're totally RIGHT!!! It was the mark of an accomplished woman to be able to speak it fluently, thus the French governesses of the affluent families. I'm just saying that, by now, the publishers reprinting this book should include translations so we could understand it better.

(Villette) It annoyed me when people started talking in french. I guess I wasn't supposed to know what they were saying......

That's good to know! Thanks!

No fan of Mr. Eco. Picked up one of his books a long time ago---think it was 'Foucault's Pendulum'...? Could have been 'Name of the Rose'. To be honest, I can't even remember. So, he obviously didn't leave much of an impression on me, except I couldn't get into the book and abandoned it. I like a few Latin words/phrases sprinkled judiciously in a book. I'm all about learning something while I read, but if they don't give me a translation I feel the writer is just showing off their knowledge. This is one of these reasons I threw down Villette. It didn't grab me right away as it is, then the character's just start speaking in french. How can I follow the story when I don't know what they're saying? And, as for 40-line sentences.... Ivanhoe! I'll probably finish the book someday, when I can get myself into that 'mode' and if I can stop laughing long enough. It's one of those 'should-reads' I've had for a couple years, but it cracks me up the way it's written.

No, I haven't seen that, KYLIE, but I'll sure look for it. THANKS for telling me! I really liked this book!!--what I've read of it so far, and would love to get into it again! By the way, what did you think of all the footnotes? I couldn't help laughing just a little, especially when at times they cover more than half the page! But to me, it shows the author must have really loved writing this book to go so deeply into all the background info on the history/characters. Do you know if her second book is a sequel, or not? It's much more 'managable' in size, I've noticed, but haven't bought it yet.

That's for sure! I just had to have a book by Simon Schama, (An Embarrassment of Riches) that was pretty expensive and I remember going all around town searching for it too! .....that was 2 years ago, and I still haven't read more than chap.1. --okay, just point me toward the Hall of Shame. I'll go quietly....

I've read this book many times and it's my favorite Bronte book~actually my favorite book of all time! The wild scenery of the story is a perfect backdrop for the untamed emotional bond between Heathcliff and Cathy. It's a love story that not only ruined their lives and most of those around them, but causes damage to the succeeding generation, which happily towards the end holds some promise of finally healing. I have only seen two movies made from this book--both quite old (not sure how many there are in total?) but I hated both of them! Mainly, the actors chosen did not match who I imagined for these powerful characters, and their portrayals were a dissapointment for me. I may just give it another chance and will look for the one mentioned here that is newer, but I'm doubtful.....I almost NEVER enjoy any movie made from a favorite book, but I'll try to keep an open mind. Maybe I will be pleasantly surprise? I recently heard this story on BBCi player, and it was a little better than any of the movies, but obviously very abridged. I think it might be time to read this book again; it's been a couple years since the last time. The version I have now is a cheapie paperback from a used book store, and it also has miniscule print. I haven't read this version before; I keep giving the book away and having to get another when I want to read it again.

Before, I could NEVER leave without something in my hand, but sadly, almost all my local used bookstores are closing, and all I'm left with is about the most poorly stocked Barnes & Noble ever!! Though I have to have my weekly browse (every once in a while a new book will be added to the remainder shelves that is one I must have) I often find myself walking out with nothing at all. Besides, I have a budget to consider..... By the way, is there an 'amazon-anonymous'? --because I think I need thier help. There's way too much I think I need when I'm on there! Even with a TBR pile that's already a small mountain in the corner of my book room, since I've run out of shelf space.

..... this book weighs a ton! A new version has come out that is much lighter, and I'm tempted to buy it. Also: 'Beyond Black'~Hilary Mantel and 'The Voyage Out'~Virginia Woolf

I seem to make a lot of notes when reading non-fiction. When I read fiction I tend to only jot down obscure words I come across or any page number that has a thought provoking sentence/paragraph.

Someone would have to be standing over me with a gun to my head to make me dog-ear one of my books!! ......and even then I would hesitate.

I'm already married to one. Not 'well known', however, but I don't mind

If the book is particularly bad I have no problem putting it down. There are too many better ones out there and I don't want to waste my time.

All the time! Always looking for that certain writer who will strike a chord with me. Plus, some of my favorites haven't written many books. (Emily Bronte, for example)

I was in a math class, and was so wrapped up in my book (sitting in the back of the room with my math book in front of it) and the teacher picked the book up out of my hands. He was laughing really hard--then I noticed the bell had rang and everyone else had left, but I never noticed!

Biggest irritation is too many cliches! And, as soon as gore presents itself, I'm done. Well, if it's a brief mention with no further offences, I'll read on, but I'm extremely squeamish, and those images tend to stick in my mind, unfortunately. I also hate long passages in a foreign language with no translation. A word here and there for the expressive element, okay. But whole paragraghs? I don't think so. And writers that think we need to know the entire life story of all the LESS than minor characters...... example: We first see Mr. X when he walks in the room and hands a message to Mr. Hero-of-story. Then there are 3 pages about the dreams, aspirations and hardships of Mr. X, whom we never see again. Why?

Must admit, I get influenced to pick up a book and have a flick through by what's on the cover sometimes, but I think I'm meant to. I mean, those marketing people aren't just sitting around playing chess all day. I think they know which images will resonate with certain readers. In my case they are sometimes close, but then I subject the book to other tests; first of which is opening it randomly and reading a page or two. Then I see if it's a time/place I want to read about, and does it have elements I enjoy, or ones that turn me off.....? I try not to be too exacting or I could miss out on something really good. Aways pays to have an open mind, especially with genres I normally don't like. I usually ask someone who reads that kind of thing to recommend their favorite and mostly I'm not dissapointed.

Yes,escapism! That's exactly it. I don't have any problem concentrating on a book if I'm stressed or upset. If I wasn't reading I'd only be ruminating over a situation that's bothering me, so I'm all for any pleasant distraction I can get.

I've learned so much from reading, especially as I prefer 18th-19th century authors. Get a history lesson along with a good story. Can't beat that! And my reading has a sort of snowball-effect. If I like the author I try to read their biography--if there is one, or I'll look them up on the internet. Then I research a bit more the time the story takes place or will read something mentioned in the book or connected to it. (Political events, social turmoil, etc.) Some writers quote a lot of Latin or use poetical references, which I like to look up too. Then are times when I just want to grab a good old P. G. Wodehouse and enjoy reading something fun that isn't going to be too taxing......so I guess you could say, reading also teaches me how to relax.

Both parents are big readers, so not sure if it's 'nature or nurture', but just know I've always loved reading.