karen.d

Well I haven't got too far into this book yet, but what I have read, I have enjoyed.. It's actually quite amusing which I wasn't expecting. So far, so good!

I've given up 3 books so far this year, 'The Somnambulist' by Essie Fox, 'Something Dangerous'- Penny Vincenzi and 'World Without End'- Ken Follet. All of these books suffered from the same flaws, that I wasn't able to connect with the characters and that they lacked an interesting plot.

This is a great collection of photos

1- Who was your favourite character? Were there any characters whom you disliked? I think that my favourite character in the book was Paloma. She's both intelligent, but doesn't feel the need to brag about it. Like some of the other commentors have said, I also found Renee difficult to warm to at the beginning of the story. It seemed rather odd that she was making so much effort to make people believe that she was insignificant or unintelligent, however as the story progresses, there is an explanation for that. 2- Was there a particular part you enjoyed more than the rest? I think that the second half of the book, when Paloma and Kakuro come into Renee's life was the most enjoyable part of the story.I also really enjoyed Paloma's Profound Thoughts. 3- What did you think of the way the book was written (part Renée's, part Paloma's observations)? I liked how the book is divided between Paloma and Renee because as a reader, it was interesting to read how these two people were so alike in thought and yet, they were continually crossing each other's paths. I liked the anticipation of if or when they would finally meet. 4- Was this the first book you've read by this author, has it encouraged you to read more? Yes it was the first book I have read by Muriel Barbery and I think that I would read more of her books in the future. I think that her style of writing is beautiful and at the same time, different. She conveys the world of her characters in a quirky, way. 5- Were there any parts/ideas you struggled with? I did struggle with Renee's determination to hide her intellect from the world at the beginning and, although some of it was fascinating, I did struggle with some of the ideas that mostly Renee was presenting about philosophy. However, I did enjoy being challenged by this, because this book made me think.

I'm just about to start reading 'Don Quixote' by Cervantes

I've just finished 'The Elegance of the Hedgehog' by Muriel Barbery. I have read this before, but wanted to take part in the Book Group discussion on it. Now I'm about to start reading an English translation of 'Don Quixote' by Cervantes. This has been sitting on my book shelf for months and I'll be honest, intimidated me for some reason. However, I'm going to give it go.

Hi Gabbie, welcome to the forum!

This drawing is beautiful Pickle. I love the detail in it.

This is my new Paralympic T-shirt

Noooo! I actually like that 'Dr Who' doesn't have a single, female companion. Rory and Amy have brought a different dynamic to the programme.

I had a great surprise when I got back home this afternoon to find that my sister, who went to the Paralympics last week, had sent me a Paralympics T-shirt and a programme!

Oil

I think this series so far has been a lot better than the last in my opinion. The on going story in the last series was fine, but the fun for me was sucked out of it a bit. This series so far has regained it's mojo and I'm looking forward to watching more.

An interesting mix of contestants this year and only 2 of them I've never heard of! I think Denise Van Outen is going to be good at dancing and having already seen Dann Harmer dance on 'Let's Dance for Sport Relief', I think this year will be a great competition.

I've decided to abandon 'The Somnambulist' by Essie Fox, because I found that it wasn't going anywhere and I didn't feel the need to read this, which I feel is important with any book. It's the third book I have abandoned this year, I must be getting ruthless with my reading! Now I have decided to re-read 'The Elegance of the Hedgehog' by Muriel Barbery. I definitely know that I will enjoy this one.

Fab Photos!

Thanks for that!

The woman in the 2nd photo (I can't remember her name at the moment!), was one of the commentators on Channel 4, but I wasn't aware that she had competed as well!

Brilliant! Post some of the photos on here! I'm watching the parade on tv at the moment and it's wonderful to see so many people put supporting the athletes. I'm quite surprised that today hasn't been made a Bank Holiday in the UK. Or has it?

I watched until midnight, then watched the rest of the closing ceremony on the Channel 4 website this morning. I thought it was spectacular, but as a lot of people have said, there was a bit too much Coldplay (and I'm saying this as a fan!). If you had bought tickets to see the closing ceremony and were not a fan of Coldplay, you would want a refund! Am now looking forward to the parade through London later.

Because we only get Channel 4+1 I'm still waiting for Coldplay!

How brilliant! I'm glad that you both had a great day . I'm wondering what I am going to do, when this all ends!? When is the Winter Olympics/Paralympics?

Welcome to the Pleasure Dome- Frankie Goes to Hollywood

Enjoy the volleyball, I'm sure it will be great. I'm sad that it's the penultimate day, the time has flown past!