bookmonkey

We just had a really big quake here. We get a lot, but this was the biggest I've felt in years, maybe ever, and I'm about 300km from the epicentre of it. We had some cups and things move on shelves, our TV has moved and a few of my books fell off the shelves. There are reports coming through of damage in Wellington, where it was closest to.

I gave up on Catcher in the Rye recently. I tried to keep reading it, but it just seemed like nothing was happening, and the writing was quite boring.

I did enjoy it Athena. I like Edward Rutherfurd's books. They're big but well worth reading. I have another of his I got the other day too, Dublin, Foundation.

Finished New York by Edward Rutherfurd. Can't remember the name of the book I started last night, but it's not very good, so I'll start something else tonight.

Had a busy weekend here. My daughter had her end of term dance recital, so dress rehearsal Friday night, show Saturday and Sunday. Dads fiance made a surprise visit (she lives about 6 hours away). Yesterday we all went roller skating with her and Dad, plus my sister and her kids, and my Mum and her husband. It was a great afternoon. Today we finally found a good bike for my son that I could afford. The one we got was half the usual price in a clearance sale, and we managed to get the last one. He's really excited as it's a diamondback, a brand we never thought we'd be able to get.

Finally read Of Mice and Men. I really enjoyed it, but it was quite short. Also tried to read Catcher in the Rye but I couldn't get into that, so I've given up. I'm currently reading New York by Edward Rutherfurd.

I'll have to check out Robert Parker. Always on the look out for new mystery writers. Someone mentioned James Lee Burke. What's he like? I've seen his books in the library but never looked at them.

I've read most of Rosamunde Pilcher's Julie. I agree, her books are similar to Maeve's.

That sounds good Tint. I like watching Midsomer murders.

tautology

I finished The five people you meet in heaven by Mitch Albom. Going to start The Catcher in the Rye tonight.

I'm actually in New Zealand. We don't have any wild animals here. We've got deer and things like that, but that's about it.

What about voluntary work Muggle? When I worked for the Sallies we had a lot of retired people working for us. I loved it there. Only left because we got a new manager who wasn't very good.

I would love to be able to write like Maeve Binchy. I think her descriptions and characterisations are great.

The wolves are gorgeous. I'd love to do something like that. The Maori word for dog is Kuri (Koo-ree). What about that?

I really like Maeve Binchy. Does anyone have any recommendations of authors like her?

Well done to your granddaughter Muggle. That is scary Pontalba. We had something like that happen years ago, and I can still remember how scary it was. Hope there's no damage to you two, and the car isn't too bad.

I hate cooking. I only do it because I have to. I mostly cook standard things like spag bol, bangers and mash, but will try new things sometimes. When I make something new I follow the recipe the first time, then add things the next time. My kids cook sometimes, but not as much as they probably should because I also hate doing dishes, and the rule in our house is 'the cook doesn't do dishes.'

I don't like gambling either. My marriage broke up due to exes gambling addiction, so I know how serious it can be. His father was an alcoholic, so addiction seems to run in the family.

I'm another who always intended to read Animal Farm but haven't yet. I've read 1984, but so long ago, that I also intend to re-read that at some point. Got to put those on my library list so I remember to look for them next time I'm in there. Also want to read Of Mice and Men, too.

My taste has definitely changed. As a teen I read things like Judy Blume and moved onto similar things in adult books as I got older. At some point (can't remember when) I tried crime and stopped reading 'romance' as my llbrary called it. I mostly read crime still, but sometimes read what I call family sagas - Maeve Binchy sort of books. Sometimes I read thrillers and things like Jodi Picoult (my library has her books as general fiction). My library organises books into sections by genre, so it makes it easy to find something similar to what you like. I've read a little bit of science fiction and fantasy but didn't like it. I also read a bit of non fiction, mostly history, and true crime.

I read A Study in Scarlet recently. When I got to the middle section I thought I'd accidentally opened another book. I was reading it on my kindle, and it was the first one I'd read on there, so I thought I'd done something wrong. I persisted with it though, and I agree with you. That section does add to the whole book. I really enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to reading more Sherlock Holmes. I've also read a Montanari, but I can't remember which one. I do know I liked it, so I've added him to my list of authors to look out for.

That's awful Laura. I hope something gets done about it.

I've volunteered at a charity shop. Really enjoyed that. I've also done various volunteer jobs at the library. Currently I deliver library books to people who can't get out, usually, but not always, elderly. I enjoy that.