chaliepud

I didn't even realise they were a trilogy and don't remember the characters that linked the books. Birdsong is the first chronologically and very definitely the best of the three, and that's not just my opinion.. Have you tried Human Traces yet frankie? That's definitely a standalone. :-))

Hi frankie, it's a trilogy of sorts, the 3 books are The Girl At The Lion D'Or, Biirdsong and Charlotte Gray... They are only linked by a few characters, and not main ones, they're not even chronological, so I think they really can be read as standalones. I loved Birdsong, really liked Lion D'Or but just couldn't get into Charlotte Gray, despite trying 3 times over a number of years.

They're beautiful Poppyshake

I'm recording Call The Midwife as I still haven't read the book yet, I was going to read it next but a library book had to take priority as someone else has pre-ordered it, I'll get to it next!!!

Ok, will pop it on my TBR list, though think maybe I'll try a library copy as I'm not supposed to be buying books at the mo!

Yes yes yes yes yes!!!!! I do so hope they do a good job of it!

I have this in my 'maybe I'll read it one day drawer', it's way out of my comfort zone so probably should try it sometime..

Hurt

Thanks VF

Thanks for the heads up on this Janet, It's one of my most favourite books ever, I do hope the TV show does it justice! (Need a fingers crossed icon here!)

Oh Inver, I'm so jealous you're reading Birdsong for the first time, it's such a wonderful book, not a quick read and certainly one to be savoured, enjoy!!

Burlesque, I enjoyed it much more than I expected..

Just finished Me Before You by Jojo Moyes, a definite 4.5/5 for me, I couldn't stop reading it, I read till 12.45 last night and 12 tonight to finish it. It was a beautiful story, quite different to anything I've read before, uplifting yet heart rending, so well done, I can see why the author was chosen for the Richard and Judy book club. Highly recommended and takes by 2012 total to 4 so far. Next I'm going to read a library book I ordered months ago, Maine by Courtney Sullivan, it only came yesterday and I can't wait to get started!

Just finished Me Before You by Jojo Moyes, a definite 4.5/5 for me, I couldn't stop reading it, I read till 12.45 last night and 12 tonight to finish it. It was a beautiful story, quite different to anything I've read before, uplifting yet heart rending, so well done, I can see why the author was chosen for the Richard and Judy book club.

5HTP regulates seratonin levels but I don't think it actually contains it so hopefully it will be okay... I have a book that lists possible triggers too so it's made me rethink my diet so that can't be a bad thing. I'm really pinning a lot of hopes on this supplement as otherwise I've got to make an appointment with a neurologist too

I'm currently on triptans which I take once headache starts but they make me a bit drowsy and sick, not great with kids to take care of but as you say better than the headache! I've been researching different complementary therapies and have ordered some 5-HTP which is cited to increase seratonin levels. There are lots of mentions of it on the internet, I think this is a US site - http://5htp.com/ It is also said to help with other problems, including PMS, which would also be a great help as I do believe many of my migraines are hormone related.

1. Which story was your favourite, and why?​ I wasn't hugely impressed by any of them,but the best for me was The Courtship of Mr Lyon, as The Beast really touched my heart and I was so happy it ended well as I wasn't sure it would, Angela Carter doesn't generally keep true to the story! 2. Who was your favourite character (from one story or from each story), and why? The Beast (Mr Lyon) as he was so misunderstood yet tried so hard. 3. Was there a particular part that you enjoyed or disliked more than the rest? I think the story above was the only one I actually enjoyed, a couple of the others were ok but I actually skipped parts of a couple of them as I found them too contrived and over written. 4. Was this the first book you've read in this genre, or by this author? Has it encouraged you to read more? I've never been one for fairy tales or rejigs but I did love The Magic Toyshop a few years ago, so whilst I will avoid the genre I will definitely read more of her novels, in fact I have Nights at the Circus on my TBR pile so I should get round to that sometime this year. 5. Were there any parts or ideas you struggled with? Mainly the overwriting, I know she is poetically descriptive and uses 5 words where 1 would probably suffice but I found this to be a little over done. 6. How did you find the experience of reading a collection of short stories? Were you able to engage with the characters in the same way? I have tried 2 collections of short stories in the last month and not got on with either, I would try another if something caught my eye but in general I definitely prefer a full length novel to get my teeth into! 7. Overall, did you find it an enjoyable experience? No, I found myself racing to get it over with.

I have had Clausen's Pier on my wish list for ages was very happy to get a copy of it, it's a lot bigger than I thought so I hope it's a good story! Migraines are a complete nuisance, I'm having up to 3 a month at the mo and I'm not sure why, I have prescription meds that help but still puts me right out for 3 days at a time, hopefully these new supplements will help... All better now thanks Karen. I'm on my 4th book of 50 so optimistic as long as my mojo sticks with me!

Was that homemade? I have a jar of lemon curd desperate to be made into muffins!! :-))

I started it today, on page 127 and looking good!!! Will report back when I'm done!

Frustratingly only just finished Witch Child (Celia Rees) as I had a 3 day migraine, I thought I'd got rid of them a year or so ago, I've ordered a new supplement recommended in a self help book so hopefully they will help. I need to keep on track if I want to crack 50 books this year!! Still, am 100+ pages into Me Before You (Jojo Moyes) and very much enjoying it, a light read with depth, just what I need.

Thanks Noll, I'll try and get to it soon!

Finished Witch Child (Celia Rees) and now 100+ pages into Me Before You (Jojo Moyes), enjoying it very much so far!

You're welcome to my copy Weave, it's not a keeper for me, I'll pop my answers on later :-)

Lucky you Julie, what a great guy you have