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Dunkirk The Men They Left Behind Sean Longden This is quite a unique book that differs from all other books about Dunkirk; It is not about the ones that got away but about the 41 000 soldiers who were taken prisoner and marched to Prussia and Poland into prison camps. Of those who survived most would not see freedom until 5 years later. This staggering number of prisoners equated to 1 man taken prisoner for every 7 that got away. The British government supressed all news of them at the time as it was considered bad for morale. So their story slipped unseen into history and never got told until now. This book discusses the prisoners in different groups; the Officers and NCOs ; the Medical personnel who opted to stay behind and by the rules of war were supposed to be sent home but were not; the wounded, some of whom received no medical treatment at all and whose wounds burst open even 2 years later ; and the "fit" men who were marched more than a thousand miles on starvation rations, beaten, abused and sometimes killed on the way. This book also busts the myth of the Hollywood version of POW camps which were something like Butlins with barbed wire and guards, which remains in the popular imagination but was not true. Anybody who is keen on WWII history should read this book it is a real eye opener.

Going to catch up some reviews; Across The Universe Beth Revis This YA book was recommended to me ages ago by Abbielle Rose. It was a quick read with the pace of action not flagging anywhere. The most powerful written scene for me was the beginning chapter where Amy the 17 year old heroine is placed in suspended animation after watching her parents go through the unpleasant process. The rest of the book for me did not live up to that as far as evoking emotion went. It is basically a teenage action romance. I liked it better than The Knife Of Never Letting Go. The story has several elements that are needed in a good YA book, a teenage heroine (or hero), a love interest , Emotional loss, personal danger, a conflict and a strong moral dilemma. It fulfills all those, and the author put some thought into the design of the space ship. The plot fell down for me as a scifi novel on some points: Also: Also: However apart from my grumbles above I enjoyed the book as much as any Andre Norton story I read as a thirteen year old.

I have a question. What is Progressive Rock ? Does that mean there must somewhere be Regressive Rock?

Sold out to Hollywood. They changed everything and added more horror and jumpy bits. Sorry I really disliked it. I just finished Sexing The Cherry by Jeanette Winterson. 24 books to go.

Think you have hit the proverbial nail right on the head there ketman. Nothing wrong with a modern writer weaving a spell on the reader in that way. I sit in both camps enjoyment wise, I read classics too and like the mix of both.

That certainly is a spree worthy of certain persons Australian or Finnish who shall remain nameless

Hi Ketman welcome, yes, what Frankie says, it doesn't matter what books you read you will find someone here who will read the same books as you. Always meant to read Caesar, how is it? I wargamed the battle of Sambre once, that was great fun , I think that was when he broke the Belgian Gauls. Oh and I think Barabara is a lovely way to spell it it certainly rolls off the tongue

Why can't she have both?

Hi Lozzerz you came to the right place a lot of people on here read 50 books regularly year after year and many exceed that by a fair amount. I have read 50 already this year. The ones on your list are those the ones already read? Some good ones there. If you have not already done so you can start a Reading Blog and keep tabs on them and write reviews. Good luck

I am all for BCF solidarity but I am assuming from how keen you ladies all are we are not talking about female strippers here ?

I did Ooshie. It was a reread for me, and still far superior to the recent film in my opinion.

Which should I start with and what is good about his writing, for you? I know liking an author is subjective .

I used to run maybe will again some day. Is he the guy who wrote Never Let Me Go?

Hi Angel your review of How To Be Married didn't say whether you liked it or not? I like the word wifebot that's funny. Unless you happen to be one of course.

Ah Tim can't wait to hear what you think of Lyonesse...

Have no idea what these are about but I just like the titles

I would echo what Brian said about Battle Royale not too violent. I wouldn't even say the message of the film is violent really. Amelie is a very pleasant feel-good movie with a gentle mystery. I don't go a bundle on Audrey Tatou but she fits the part.

Hi Julie I always get Buffalo Bill mixed up with Custer. How are you doing today?

Just reading the interview I would feel that Tell Tale would be a very difficult book for me to read emotionally. It's like my mind does not want to know that these things exist. Can anyone tell me who has read the book, is there any kind of happy ending?

Non fiction books on all aspects of the Victorians are quite easy to find. I have picked up several good ones from charity shops but unfortunately don't have them now and can't remember the titles.

Better now thanks. I lost a days reading time I could not even look at a book this morning. However I have just finished The Woman In Black. Now 25 books to go.

Love Actually has all the different types of Love in it thats tha point, Unrequited Platonic etc no contest

I am so dreunk right now I dont know har you are all talking abouyt

The "city" is definitely standard International ISO shipping containers used in fact since the 1960's and featured in the film I, Robot

All English is good even if its crap . 4 weddings was better than than Notting Hill though. Peace is your name really Marcia? OMG who knew?