Brian.

When I say cabinet it's actually a shelf on my bookcase. No trolley but it's not a terrible idea.

Nothing wrong with No 7, especially with a mixer. I’ve normally got a bottle in my drinks cabinet at home at all times.

Gentleman Jack is definitely a step above the standard No 7 and worth the extra cost in my opinon.

I was unexpectedly struck by the need to read today and as a result I’m halfway through So Much Things to Say by Roger Steffens. It’s an ‘oral history of Bob Marley’ and although I think I would have preferred a more conventional biography I am enjoying it a lot. I’m also almost finished with my latest James Bond book, Scorpius by John Gardner.

I wasn't aware of it. It would have been good if the BBC had put it on a prominent place on their website. Having said that, the only book related thing I've seen on their website main page recently are plugs for their god-awful books programme Between the Covers.

Forums as a whole struggle these days so we are not unique in this issue. I have been a member/moderator/admin of a number of really big forums since they became a thing and they have all eventually closed their doors. Social media has definitely had a negative effect over the longer form of discourse that is the bread and butter of web forums.

Sorry for the slow reply, I some how managed to miss seeing this. It's not a book I would read cover to cover but I have dipped into it a fair bit since I got it and I really like it. It covers a lot of the things that professionals know that aren't always covered in the more 'normal' style cook books.

I seem to be on a bit of a non-fiction run at the moment which often happens when I'm struggling to get into anything. I picked up A Storm of Swords for the first time in ages today so that will be my focus for a while.

I've read a lot of Harris's work and while I rate him quite highly, I do feel like his most recent output is his weakest. For me his best work is the Cicero trilogy which feels like a lot of time and effort went into writing.

I absolutely adored this when I read it for many of the same reasons as you. I went into knowing nothing about it which is just as well because the synopsis would have put me off even picking it up.

Rather late I will admit but these are my thoughts on book III, chapters 10 & 11, and book IV, chapters 1 & 2. - The reappearance of Wormtongue caught me by surprise a bit, especially given that he seems to be in a position of some authority/power given his close proximity to Saruman. This further cements my opinion that he is portrayed this way to draw comparisons to politicians and lobbyist who manoeuvre in the background without having to take on any of the front facing responsibilities. However, Wormtongue may think he is clever but in losing his temper and throwing the palantir out of the window he demonstrates that he lets his temper get the better of him. - I really like the fact that once again Tolkien uses an opportunity to show that although Saruman might be on the side of evil now, that wasn't always the case. It shows that everyone, or almost everyone, is corruptible in some way. - The scenes with Pippin using the palantir are really well written because we know Pippin shouldn't be doing what he is doing but we still feel sympathy for him when Gandalf catches him. - Jumping back to Frodo and Sam helps balance out the menace experienced by the Gandalf/Pippin group as it is very different in feeling. Even though I thought I knew the trilogy pretty well from watching the movies when they came out I clearly don't as I'm constantly surprised by how much of the story revolves around those other than Frodo. - Gollum is definitely the most intriguing character as I never know if I dislike him or if he is just a victim of evil himself. My feelings towards him have swung between the two emotions with pity just about winning. If no one has any issues with it I will post my thoughts about the next 4 chapters tomorrow. Although I have struggled a little to sit down and read in recent months I have managed to keep up with the trilogy and I'm quite far ahead at the moment. I should have posted my thoughts earlier but life kind of got in the way a bit.

It's been quite a while since my last update. Moving house has really thrown my reading off and I've only read one book in the last month or so. The who John Gardner books I finished some time in March. Nobody Lives Forever - John Gardner (4/5) No Deals, Mr Bond - John Gardner (3/5) Tunnel 29 - Helena Merriman (4/5) A non-fiction book based around a BBC Podcast about one of the escape tunnels dug between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. Before reading this book I knew there were a number of tunnels dug but I never knew that the construction and susequent escape was all captured on film. Merriman has done a great job in finding and interviewing the people involved. The tale is told in sequential time order and the tension really builds as we reach the climax. Since reading the book I have watched the NBC documentary from 1962 and I am working my way through the podcasts. Highly recommended.

Chapters 6-9 - The story around Wormtongue is very prescient, especially in times of war and conflict. With the name Wormtongue we know pretty much straight away that his words are not to be trusted. His decision to flee rather than fight alongside Theoden show his true character. - Gandalf is ever the diplomat but unafraid of using force when he deems it necessary. - The battle at Helm's Deep is a real epic and could easily be the end point of a book. The sense of impending defeat is really well portrayed in the writing as is the relief of reinforcements arriving. - Merry and Pippin chilling out smoking having no idea about the battle made me smile. - The last chapter felt a little oddly placed but I assume Tolkien wanted to ease away from the hectic battle scene and return to more intimate things for a bit.

I'm glad you liked Piranesi. I've never read anything quite like it before and after a few pages I thought I may struggle with it but like you, I just couldn't put it down after a while. It was mysterious and confusing enough to be really interesting without getting completely out of hand. This is where I started with Val McDermid as well and I have really liked the series so far.

I have used Goodreads for years despite the fact that it is a mess that really needs updating. Alongside this I have used a pocket notebook to keep track of title/author/date/rating of the books I've read for the last 8-9 years. I have never trusted Goodreads to not suddenly lose all my information so keeping a physical backup was a no-brainer for me.

I finished No Deals, Mr Bond by John Gardner earlier today. It was ok, nothing special but I do feel like I need a bit of a break from the Bond series for a while.

Sounds like a hellish day. I would be panicking big time if I thought my dog had run off so I'm glad the puppy came back.

Some of my thoughts for chapters 2-5. - The fact that Pippin leaves a trail shows that he isn't as naive as he appeared a little earlier in the book. - As more and more different groups enter the story there is a lot more nuance to who they side with. Although some are clearly on the sides of good or evil, there are those who want to remain neutral and those who can be swayed. This echos the realities faced when huge conflicts have happened in human history. - I really liked the use of grey and white relating to the wizards. Both colours are pretty close to each other and it wouldn't be too hard for one to become the other colour and what that represents if they chose. - The Orcs would be a far more formidable foe if they all worked together. - I really liked the Ents and the way that Tolkien likes to come back to the power of nature on a regular basis. - Yay Gandalf is back and this time in white. - The situation between Saruman and Sauron is intriguing. I guess the promise of absolute power is such a corrupting force that people who should be working together are only too keen to stab the other in the back in pursuit of this power.

I've done a few modules through the OU because at one point I fancied doing a degree. I would still study the odd module for personal interest but the price per module is very high considering it wouldn't be for any real purpose.

I'd also like to add that if we do move a post, we will either leave a link in the original location or notify the member via PM. The only posts that get deleted without any kind of notification are from outright spammers.

- The decision on what way to go when they reach the end of Anduin feels really important and it's telling that Frodo doesn't say anything. At this point it really feels as if they weight of responsibility has fallen on Frodo and he knows that the decisions will have to be his going forward. - Gimli wanting some of Galadriel's hair - I'm not sure how to feel about this. It feels a bit creepy to me but I know it's meant to symbolise a thawing of the tension between the Elves and Dwarves. - The negative influence of the ring is really starting to tell with the behaviour of Boromir. - The closer we get to Mordor, the more evil seems to be ever present. The Orcs are back and unseen things always seem to be lurking in the shadows. - Boromir finally cracks and tries to get the ring from Frodo. I didn't see this coming despite the suggestions that the ring was starting to get the better of him. Once the ring is removed we can see how bad Boromir feels about what he has attempted to do. - The scene where Frodo can see war and destruction all around him and the eye looking for him is really powerful. The same goes for his realisation that he doesn't want to drag those he loves into this, especially after seeing what it did to Boromir. - It was really nice to see that Frodo will have at least Sam with him as company when Frodo tries to sneak off in a boat. - Boromir's departure is very definitely a departure. - Yay. The others are sticking together to try and find Frodo. Please for the love of god. No more songs!

Hi Suzanne. I don't think I'd necessarily count myself as an oldie just yet but I do remember the crunchie adverts.

I'll have a crack. - One of the things that stood out for me in the first chapter was the fact that despite Gandalf being very powerful it is only of limited value when the problem being faced required mental dextierity. - Although there are battles with wolves and a weird octopus kind of creature, the main problem they face is finding their way through the caves. - I was also amused by the fact that Frodo is unknowingly wearing something which is worth more than the shire and doesn't realise it until the history of the dwarves is revealed. - More threats and attacks, this time from the Orcs. The drums are really menacing in this section and put in mind a huge monster which in turn is revealed to be a big cave troll. I wonder where the troll comes from and why the he is in the league with the Orcs, it seems like a bit of an odd mix to me. - Frodo's billionaires shirt saves his life. - Lothlorien feels like the last semi safe place and it must have been very tempting for some of them to want to stay put instead of pressing on. - Is this the last of Gandalf? My vauge knowledge of the movies doesn't help me here. - Despite the previous bad blood between the Elves and the Dwarves the greater good prevails, albeit with some concessions and diplomacy being required. - I want to know what Galadriel offered Boromir. It feels like a test to weed out those who are not thoroughly commited to the cause.

After loads of prompting from a friend of mine I finally started to watch After Life. I did the entire first season last night and it’s one the best things I’ve watched for years. It actually had me in tears at some points.

I felt like I needed something familiar so I started A Storm of Steel pt 1 by George R.R. Martin. I watched the show before I started reading the books so I can always see the people who played characters in my mind's eye when I'm reading.