karen.d

No I've never been into romance novels either. I think I read a few 'Goosebumps' novels, didn't they get turned into a tv programme too, or is that my imagination? This thread also makes me think of 'Sweet Valley High' books/tv programmes, but that's for another thread!

'May I Have Your Attention Please?' by James Corden Publisher: Arrow Books ISBN: 978-0-099-56023-4 Length: 341 Pages Opening Line: 'I've always thought that the first few lines of any book would be the hardest to write.' The 'Blurb': 'So... the story of my life. I've often thought about this moment, about what it would be like to write my memoirs. I always thought it would make me feel important. It doesn't. If anything it makes me feels a little strange. The truth is, I should never have been this famous guy. I wasn't the cool, clever, good-looking boy at school. But I always dreamt of it, hoped for it, longed for it: throughout school when I was disruptive, in my teens when I tried to form my own boy band, and through hundreds of auditions for parts which were met with constant rejection. Until finally I co-wrote 'Gavin and Stacey'. And my whole life changed. This is that story. The story of how I found myself here, talking to you.' Review: Being a fan of the British comedy 'Gavin and Stacey' and the actor James Corden, I thought that this book would be interesting to read. Corden's chatty, easy style of writing is engaging and easy to identify with. There are many times throughout this book in which I laughed out loud. Also as a wannabe writer, I was interested to read about the process that took place when James Corden and Ruth Jones set about writing 'Gavin and Stacey'. The book has loads of photographs of James growing up and also some of the benchmarks (like his character 'Smithy') which have marked his career. One criticism I would have, would be that on occasion, Corden gushes so much about some of the directors/ actors he has worked with, that to me, he almost sounds insincere. Is this worth a read? If you like James Corden or 'Gavin and Stacey', then yes, this is worth a read. This is an easy going, funny book that I enjoyed.

Cake Eating is a fine hobby to have, I have that hobby too

Strength

Superman

Reading Blogging Writing Fiction Surfing the Net Painting (with Oil Painting) Drawing Watching Films Photography Listening to music Singing in a Gospel Group (I'm not great at singing, but I enjoy it) Now and then I crochet and knit, but that's very sporadic.

I LOVED 'Point Horror' when I was about 12-13! The ones that stand out the most for me were 'The Babysitter' and 'Teacher's Pet'. I did try and read a couple of the 'Point Romance' novels, but they were never as good. The 'Point Horror' books influenced me to go on to read Stephen King novels. This thread makes me want to read 'Point Horror' books again after all these years.....

Lycra

I'm not much of a fan of autobiographies, but I have just finished reading 'May I Have Your Attention Please?' by James Corden. Whilst I think that throughout the novel he occasionally gushes about some of the people he has worked with, the book is honest and Corden is able to admit to some of the mistakes he has made in the past. This book had me laughing out loud at times and I really enjoyed it.

'Room' is a brilliant novel, one of my best reads from last year. Anyway, I have finished 'May I Have Your Attention Please?' and although sometimes Corden becomes a little gushy over some of the directors he has worked with at times, I really enjoyed it. Having seen the film adaptation, I'm now about to start Michael Morpurgo's novel 'War Horse'.

I'm about half the way through 'May I have Your Attention Please?' by James Corden. I'm not much of a fan of autobiographies, but I'm enjoying this.

Thanks for the messages, I appreciate it. It's nice having my mum back home. Today I have been watching a little of the men's beach volleyball and started reading 'May I Have Your Attention Please?' by James Corden. I love James Corden and so far his book is making me laugh, which I could do with after what has gone on over the last few weeks.

I've abandoned 'Dark Days At Drumshee' by Cora Harrison for now and started reading 'May I have Your Attention Please?' by James Corden. I need a good laugh at moment, and this seems to be doing the trick.

Thanks. I hope your headache feels better now.

Hi!

My family has had a pretty rough time over the last few weeks after the death of my grandad . It has also meant that we have been divided between England and Spain. My dad can't travel and I have stayed here to look after him and the dog, whilst mum has been with the rest of the family in the UK for the funeral. Well, tomorrow my mum flies here and I'm really looking forward to seeing her, but it also means that I have to clean the house from top to toe before she gets back eek!

'The Art of Racing in The Rain' by Garth Stein Publisher: Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0-00-728119-0 Length: 321 Pages Opening Line: 'Gestures are all that I have; sometimes they must be grand in nature.' The 'blurb': 'The captivating and moving story of an extraordinary family, how they almost fell apart and how they were brought back together by the wisest and most loyal member- Enzo the dog.' Review: Having read many positive comments around this novel, I was worried that when I read 'The Art of Racing in the Rain' for myself, it wouldn't live up to my expectations. I must admit that the 'voice' of Enzo didn't quite feel real to me at the beginning of the novel, after all it's not often that you get a dog who loves Formula 1 racing, but very quickly, I believed in Enzo and his story. This novel is written with wit, intelligence and even though I'm not a fan of Formula 1, I thought that the inclusion of the psychology behind the sport, fitted perfectly into context of what was going on in the main body of the story. Even though this did have some sad elements to the story, this novel had an upbeat and positive message. Is this worth a read? This is a must read for anyone who loves animals or enjoys motor racing.

I've read quite a few books, but my favourites this year so far are: 'The Art of Racing in the Rain' by Garth Stein 'We Bought a Zoo' by Benjamin Mee 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte (which I only gave 3 stars on my book list, I must have been feeling mean that day!)

I've literally just finished 'The Art of Racing in the Rain' by Garth Stein and I absolutely loved it! It's probably the best book I've read this year. Now I'm about to start reading 'Dark Days at Drumshee' by Cora Harrison. Even though this is an Irish children's book, a friend recommended that I read this. So I'm giving it a go.

So far I have (pardon the pun) raced through 'The Art of Racing in the Rain' by Garth Stein and I'm absolutely loving it. I've got some time to kill in a hospital waiting room this morning, so I'm probably going to finish this today. 'Memoirs of a Geisha' is one of my favourite books! Hopefully that will restore your mojo.

Guy Burt's work is a bit dark and a little unconventional, but for me, that's what makes him so interesting. One of his books 'After the Hole' was made into a film with Keira Knightley and Thora Birch and although it was good, the book is much better.

'The Dandelion Clock' by Guy Burt Publisher: Transworld Publishers ISBN: 0-385-60037-2 Length: 416 Pages Opening Line: 'Altesa is in the rain.' The Blurb: 'Alex is an artist, preparing for a major exhibition. His life seems ordered and complete, but an impulsive trip back to the Italy of his childhood forces him to explore the unresolved questions of his past. There, in those seemingly innocent days, as he swam and explored the wild countryside with Jamie and Anna, Alex must surely find the key to so much of his later life. To understand the fear that now assails him, he has to experience again his first friendship with Jamie and his first love for Anna; and to put together the pieces of a dangerous episode which brought the three of them closer than they could realize, and which was to have such devastating consequences in their adult life.' Review: Having already read two of Guy Burt's books ('Sophie' and 'After the Hole'), I had certain expectations about this novel. I wasn't disappointed. Believable characters, combined with Burt's unsual style of writing, make this a dynamic read. Unlike a more linear novel, this kept my mind busy, trying to piece together the fragments of story (both in past and present) together. Although I have to say, the frequent switch between past and present throughout the book, took me a while to get used to. Even though this is set in the sunny climate of Altessa, this has darker under currents running through it. I could feel a certain of tension building throughout this novel. The only slight complaint I have about this novel, is that I found the ending to be slightly anticlimatic. Is this worth a read? Yes, I do think this is a very good read. The unique style in which Burt writes, in my opinion, makes him one of the most innovative and interesting of writers. This coming of age story will keep you gripped from the first page.