Kylie's Literary Adventures in 2015

[woolf woolf]

I'm already planning to be the production/stage manager for a production at the same time next year (I'm happy to have a year off to be a hermit again ). N is going to direct The 39 Steps, so I'll assist. It's going to be much more challenging because there's a large number of props and the timing has to be perfect. Very excited to do it though.

 

It sounds interesting, the film is really good. Good luck.

[Anna Begins]

 

I'm hoping to perhaps try my hand at directing one day, but not for a couple of years. Still trying to work out what I'd like to do. I'd love to do a Jeeves and Wooster comedy, or I'd like to adapt a few episodes of The Twilight Zone for the stage. Not sure if the theatre group would go for that; they've never done a series of shorts before.

 

You should check out the one act play, No Exit by Jean Paul Sartre   It can easily be pared with something more popular, we did it with a comedy of Moliere... it was an experiment for a community theater, as you can imagine   But a fun play, anyway. 

[Athena]

I'm already planning to be the production/stage manager for a production at the same time next year (I'm happy to have a year off to be a hermit again ). N is going to direct The 39 Steps, so I'll assist. It's going to be much more challenging because there's a large number of props and the timing has to be perfect. Very excited to do it though.

 

I'm hoping to perhaps try my hand at directing one day, but not for a couple of years. Still trying to work out what I'd like to do. I'd love to do a Jeeves and Wooster comedy, or I'd like to adapt a few episodes of The Twilight Zone for the stage. Not sure if the theatre group would go for that; they've never done a series of shorts before.

That sounds very nice! I'm glad it was so successful this year and I wish you lots of fun and good luck in future endavours with it . I don't know much about theatre production but I did read a couple of books with that as a theme so I know a few things. I wish I could see one of those plays you hope to do.

[Kylie]

I think I've got one of his (I presume Ransom is a man's name?!) books on my wish list - it sounds familiar. 

 

Yes Janet, Ransom is a man, and a fine and quirky writer too!

 

Thanks Kylie but I doubt you'll want my copy as it has its rounds planned, first me, then my Mum, then my Mums friend, then back to me to lend to two of my friends! At least that's all at the mo, there may be more depending on how good it is!

 

Not only is he a man and an awesome writer, but he's pretty good looking too.   He's also written a book (which I've got on my TBR pile) called The Sherlock Holmes Handbook, which seems to be full of interesting trivia. Could that be the book on your wishlist, Janet? Or is it the original book in the trilogy called Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children?

 

No worries, Chaliepud. It's nice to know the book will be getting a lot of love.

 

It sounds interesting, the film is really good. Good luck.

 

Thanks WW. I must admit to not being a fan of the book, and I can't remember if I've seen the Hitchcock film, but the stage play is more an adaptation of the latter, and it's lots of fun, so I'm looking forward to it.

 

You should check out the one act play, No Exit by Jean Paul Sartre   It can easily be pared with something more popular, we did it with a comedy of Moliere... it was an experiment for a community theater, as you can imagine   But a fun play, anyway. 

 

Thanks Anna! I'll look into it. Sartre is one of those authors that I want to read but never seem to get around to.

 

That sounds very nice! I'm glad it was so successful this year and I wish you lots of fun and good luck in future endavours with it . I don't know much about theatre production but I did read a couple of books with that as a theme so I know a few things. I wish I could see one of those plays you hope to do.

 

Thanks Athena! Do you remember the BSC Super Special book where they staged Peter Pan? I always loved that book and thought it would be interesting to work behind the scenes, so I'm glad to finally get a chance to do it!

[Kylie]

I have to take a moment to brag. Here's a list of how many books I've bought per year since I joined the forum:

 

2015: 40*

2014: 145

2013: 281
2012: 427
2011: 551
2010: 382
2009: 275
2008: 147

 

For the past couple of years, I've been working hard on reducing the number of books I buy, down from a peak of 551 in 2011 to 145 in 2014.

 

This year is my first attempt to actually read more books than I buy. With only three months left in the year, I'm pleased to report that this is still a possibility (although it'll be a close thing)! I'm a bit behind where I want to be in my reading, but so far I've read 27 books from my TBR pile and only bought 40! That's a ridiculously small number of books bought (for me). I'm quite proud of myself!

 

But given that I only read around four books per month, I'll have to try not to buy any books for the rest of the year if I'm to complete this goal. I've largely been able to keep the amount down because I didn't go to either of the book fairs this year. If I have to, I'll resort to reading some of my smaller books so I can meet my goal.

[frankie]

Shut the front door You've only bought 40 books this year??? Bloody hell woman, I'm so proud of you!!     (I've been reading your log but haven't had the time to post about the latest things, what with things being busy over here, but I'll try and get to writing soon! )

 

PS: Fingers crossed you will reach your agenda of reading more books than you'll have acquired this year! I know you can do it!! 

Edited September 26, 2015 by frankie

[Janet]

Not only is he a man and an awesome writer, but he's pretty good looking too.   He's also written a book (which I've got on my TBR pile) called The Sherlock Holmes Handbook, which seems to be full of interesting trivia. Could that be the book on your wishlist, Janet? Or is it the original book in the trilogy called Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children?

I had a quick look and it's called Talking Pictures - I think it's a non-fiction book about finding old photos, if I'm remembering correctly.

 

Well done on only buying 40 books so far this year.

[chaliepud]

I had a quick look and it's called Talking Pictures - I think it's a non-fiction book about finding old photos, if I'm remembering correctly.

 

Well done on only buying 40 books so far this year.

I have Talking Pictures Janet, but will admit to not being overly enamoured with it, probably because my expectations were too high. I'm hoping the pictures in Library of Souls are on a par with the first Miss Peregrine book as I felt the ones in Hollow City weren't quite as good, most of them looked like any old pictures you might see. Edited September 26, 2015 by chaliepud

[Athena]

Thanks Athena! Do you remember the BSC Super Special book where they staged Peter Pan? I always loved that book and thought it would be interesting to work behind the scenes, so I'm glad to finally get a chance to do it!

 

I haven't read that one yet, but you make me want to do so . It's Super Special 9, right? I'm reading them in order so it'll be a little while until I get there, but I look forward to it . I hope you have tonnes of fun .

 

I have to take a moment to brag. Here's a list of how many books I've bought per year since I joined the forum:

 

2015: 40*

2014: 145

2013: 281

2012: 427

2011: 551

2010: 382

2009: 275

2008: 147

 

For the past couple of years, I've been working hard on reducing the number of books I buy, down from a peak of 551 in 2011 to 145 in 2014.

 

This year is my first attempt to actually read more books than I buy. With only three months left in the year, I'm pleased to report that this is still a possibility (although it'll be a close thing)! I'm a bit behind where I want to be in my reading, but so far I've read 27 books from my TBR pile and only bought 40! That's a ridiculously small number of books bought (for me). I'm quite proud of myself!

Well done on only buying 40 books !! Good luck for the rest of the year .

[Anna Begins]

I'll look into it. Sartre is one of those authors that I want to read but never seem to get around to.

It's only 4 characters and a one act- good piece of work, they are all trapped in the afterlife.

 

I have to take a moment to brag. Here's a list of how many books I've bought per year since I joined the forum:

 

2015: 40*

2014: 145

2013: 281

2012: 427

2011: 551

2010: 382

2009: 275

2008: 147

 

If I have to, I'll resort to reading some of my smaller books so I can meet my goal.

First, I can't believe you bough 551 books in 2011    But awesome on the 40 for the year- and only 3 more months to go!

Shorter books can be some of the best ones.  And No Exit is short, but I guess that would count as a "buy"... or does a play count? 

Sorry I didn't respond sooner... bad time of year and all.

Edited October 1, 2015 by Anna Begins

[chesilbeach]

Fantastic results on your book buying, Kylie!  You should be very pleased with your efforts, and deserve a big pat on the back.

[frankie]

Hehe, I was just about to go over your posts and respond to them, and noticed that you're here In your thread! Imagine that

[frankie]

Parents called and I got totally distracted and there was dinner and stuff. Will need to get back to you tomorrow! Mwaaaaaah 

Edited October 2, 2015 by frankie

[Alexi]

Good news on your mojo and book buying, Kylie! I am set to miserably fail my goal of reading one more book than I acquire*, so I totally admire how close you are. 

 

*I get a lot of books as gifts or free, which I don't use the word buy! Maybe I should, I'm on track to read one more than I have bought myself

[frankie]

I went back to see where I left off previously with reading your log and it seems I've missed a few things earlier!! 
 

Ben Aaronovitch Rivers of London #5: Foxglove Summer
Boris Akunin Erast Fandorin #5: Special Assignments
Ernest Cline Ready Player One
Andrey Kurkov The Gardener from Ochakov
Andrey Kurkov The Milkman in the Night

Great haul! I love it that you're getting Kurkov novels The picture of Jasper with the book stack was so cute
 

 

And Kay, look! The evil Turkish Gambit cover is everywhere! I've just sent the publishers an email and (nicely) demanded to know why I can't find the 'correct' cover anywhere. I hope I get an answer! (By the way, after I took the photo I moved The Winter Queen so it was before TTG. I didn't fix the rest, but I think they're mostly in the wrong order.)

Have they gotten back to you on the subject?
 
 

Kate Chopin The Awakening and Selected Stories
Robert Galbraith The Silkworm
Craig Harrison The Quiet Earth
Nick Hornby Shakespeare Wrote for Money

Wohoo for a Rory book! Do you know, I was organizing my bookcase yesterday and the day before and I started thinking that I've completely lost sight of which were Rory books and which were 1001 books. I had to go and check the lists! I thought I'd learned them by heart by now but that doesn't seem to be the case
 
 

Gosh, I don't remember buying a book for Mum at all. We went to some shops closer to Sydney...could be one of those?

I can't remember where they were... But the book, I can't believe you don't remember! It's the one that got your Mom reading!! It was a book on her favorite radio show. I'm going to have to get the dictionary and find out the word I'm looking for... Ah, the term is a 'radio play', as simple as that Did you save it for her Birthday, I can't remember.
 
 

I forgot to mention some other book news. I sold my entire Lemony Snicket series of books online. I've been wanting to clear space in general around my house, so I've been busily putting ads online for my stuff. The couple who bought the books said that their son has some sort of disability but that he devours books, so I'm glad they went to a good home. I'd read about half the series but wasn't too keen on finishing them. I thought I'd already taken the rest off my TBR pile, but apparently I hadn't, so now I get to reduce my TBR pile by 7 books. Hooray!

Awww, I'm glad the Lemony Snicket books found a new respecting and loving home! Funny thing, I coincidentally read this thing on the author...
 
 

According to Goodreads, I'm 8 books behind on my reading goal for the year. That's partly why I've chosen to read an Agatha Christie book now, because I know I'll get through it fairly quickly.   I have a couple of other short reads lined up too.

I'm behind by 15 books I'll race you!
 
 

This past weekend was the weekend of the Canberra book fair. This is the first year since 2009 that I haven't been to a book fair, but I had to be strong because I want to meet my goal of reading more books than I buy in a year! But I was a bit sad about it, and I'd had a bad week for other reasons, so I went to a bookshop on Friday and bought myself a new book to cheer myself up. And it didn't cost me a cent because I had a book voucher.
 
I bought The Rabbit Back Literature Society by Pasi Ilmari Jääskeläinen. This should make a certain Finn quite happy. 

Wohoo!!!! You've certainly made this certainly Finnish person happy!!! I hope you enjoy the novel!! And now I can't buy it for you as a present... Crap Have to come up with something else....

 

Oh and please remind me about The Phantom Tollbooth soonish, okay? Now that I've settled, I really want to get to it. I have a few necessary library reads but after that. I've stopped reserving books from the library (kept the ones valid that I'd reserved before the move, though), so I should get back to my TBR soon enough! 

[Kylie]

Shut the front door

 

 

You've only bought 40 books this year??? Bloody hell woman, I'm so proud of you!!     (I've been reading your log but haven't had the time to post about the latest things, what with things being busy over here, but I'll try and get to writing soon! )

 

PS: Fingers crossed you will reach your agenda of reading more books than you'll have acquired this year! I know you can do it!!

 

Thank you, lovely! I might catch up to you one day.

 

I had a quick look and it's called Talking Pictures - I think it's a non-fiction book about finding old photos, if I'm remembering correctly.

 

Well done on only buying 40 books so far this year.

 

Thanks Janet. Ah yes, I've read Talking Pictures (or rather, I've looked at it ).

 

Before I even knew of Ransom Riggs, I had always fancied the idea of finding some old black and white photos and writing stories about the people in them. I'm not a writer though, so I'll just keep thinking about it rather than doing it.   

 

I'm hoping the pictures in Library of Souls are on a par with the first Miss Peregrine book as I felt the ones in Hollow City weren't quite as good, most of them looked like any old pictures you might see.

I tend to agree, Chaliepud. The photos feel a bit more 'forced' in the second book. I suppose he had to work harder to find photos to fit the story he wanted to tell. I'm not very far into The Library of Souls yet, so I haven't formed an opinion about the photos.

[Kylie]

I haven't read that one yet, but you make me want to do so . It's Super Special 9, right? I'm reading them in order so it'll be a little while until I get there, but I look forward to it .

 

Ooh, I didn't realise you hadn't read it yet! Good thing I didn't include any spoilers. I think it's #9, yes. What number are you up to in the Super Specials?

 

It's only 4 characters and a one act- good piece of work, they are all trapped in the afterlife.

 

First, I can't believe you bough 551 books in 2011    But awesome on the 40 for the year- and only 3 more months to go!

Shorter books can be some of the best ones.  And No Exit is short, but I guess that would count as a "buy"... or does a play count? 

Sorry I didn't respond sooner... bad time of year and all.

 

That play sounds interesting! It reminds me a little of one of the Twilight Zone episodes I want to check out with a view to adapting it. It's about 4 (or maybe 6) people who are trapped in a cylindrical room with no way out. But now I'm wondering if the 'twist' is that they're in the afterlife?! Hmm...

 

Unfortunately I think I would have to count the play as an acquisition.

 

Yeah, I was pretty out of control with my book buying back in 2011! Nearly 2 books per day! I don't know where I got the money from for all those books. And I'd really like to know why my bank balance doesn't seem to have improved even though I've bought so few books this year! 

 

Today I received a book in the mail from the Book Depository (I had already included it in my total of 40 books) and I had forgotten the sheer joy of finding a small white padded envelope in the mail. It made me want to rush back into the house and order more books...but I resisted the temptation!

 

Fantastic results on your book buying, Kylie!  You should be very pleased with your efforts, and deserve a big pat on the back.

 

Aw, thanks Claire! That means a lot coming from the person who showed such self-restraint in reducing her TBR pile to zero. You're my hero!

 

Good news on your mojo and book buying, Kylie! I am set to miserably fail my goal of reading one more book than I acquire*, so I totally admire how close you are. 

 

*I get a lot of books as gifts or free, which I don't use the word buy! Maybe I should, I'm on track to read one more than I have bought myself

 

Aw, that's a shame Alexi. I think I copied this goal from you, didn't I? It's been a difficult year, and I didn't take into account any books I might receive at Christmas time. I'll either have to not ask for any books for Christmas ( ) or I'll have to conveniently make up some rule about not counting those books as acquisitions for this year (even though it would contradict how I count my book acquisitions in every other year  ).

[frankie]

 

Thank you, lovely! I might catch up to you one day.

 

I don't think you realize that you're far ahead of me this year already... I've acquired 29 books and have only read 5 TBR books  

[Anna Begins]

 

That play sounds interesting! It reminds me a little of one of the Twilight Zone episodes I want to check out with a view to adapting it. It's about 4 (or maybe 6) people who are trapped in a cylindrical room with no way out. But now I'm wondering if the 'twist' is that they're in the afterlife?! Hmm...

 

Unfortunately I think I would have to count the play as an acquisition.

 

Yeah, I was pretty out of control with my book buying back in 2011! Nearly 2 books per day! I don't know where I got the money from for all those books. And I'd really like to know why my bank balance doesn't seem to have improved even though I've bought so few books this year! 

There was one year, I never kept track, but I an stunned to think of how much I spent to built my digital library.  I have spent so so much.  There are books I don't even remember buying, just ones I wanted in my Kindle library.  Now I "buy as I go" and don't buy far ahead, just one book at a time- it only helps a little, I read 87 books last year

[Athena]

Ooh, I didn't realise you hadn't read it yet! Good thing I didn't include any spoilers. I think it's #9, yes. What number are you up to in the Super Specials?

I'm glad . I've read books 1, 2, 3 and 5. I was only able to find books 1, 2 and 5 as a child in Dutch, and I read book 3 on my Kindle in English. Book 4 will be next, I think I'll read that one soon, once I'm caught up to book 35 of the normal series (which is where your post says to read it ).

[Kylie]

I'm back home from my three-week holiday in New Zealand. Gorgeous country and very friendly people. I'm happy to be home, though.

 

I couldn't buy many books while I was away but I bought quite a few lovely NZ bookmarks. I may post pics at some stage. I only bought two books: The Lord of the Rings Location Guidebook by Ian Brodie, which discusses the filming locations of the movies, and Quake Cats by Craig Bullock, which is full of lovely photos and stories of cats that survived the earthquakes in Christchurch (with proceeds going to cat charities in the area).

 

I managed to get some reading done while I was away. I finished The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule (awesome book), The Sisters Brothers by Patrick DeWitt (very good), Inkspell by Cornelia Funke (meh) and the short I Murdered my Library by Linda Grant (good).

 

Even though I was underwhelmed by Inkspell, I have to finish the trilogy, so I've started Inkdeath. I've also started Terry Pratchett's Wyrd Sisters, which is going well.

[mirandashell]

I love Wyrd Sisters!  It's the first one that really develops the Granny/Nanny/Magrat relationship.

[Athena]

I'm glad you had a great holiday ! New-Zealand is said to be so beautiful. Did you take any photos?

 

I love bookmarks. What do they look like?

 

I hope you enjoy your new books .

 

I liked the short I Murdered my Library too (though it wasn't brilliant), and Wyrd Sisters was great. I hope you enjoy the whole book.

[frankie]

I'm back home from my three-week holiday in New Zealand. Gorgeous country and very friendly people. I'm happy to be home, though.

 Hurrah, welcome back! Why just yesterday I was thinking, when's Kylie coming baaaaaa'aaack?   I'm glad you enjoyed your trip! 

 

I couldn't buy many books while I was away but I bought quite a few lovely NZ bookmarks. I may post pics at some stage. I only bought two books: The Lord of the Rings Location Guidebook by Ian Brodie, which discusses the filming locations of the movies, and Quake Cats by Craig Bullock, which is full of lovely photos and stories of cats that survived the earthquakes in Christchurch (with proceeds going to cat charities in the area).

 

Yes, pics please! I like the sound of both those books. I was quite shocked to see the pictures of Christchurch that you posted I can't imagine the devastation. Finland doesn't suffer from earthquakes or tornadoes or hurricanes or tsunamis or any natural disasters (it's a really safe country in that respect! If you don't mind freezing your butt off during the winter ) so I just can't even grasp what it's like to live in one of the countries that do. I loved the one picture, though, where two men were playing chess and people had painted the walls and made it all colorful. (It was so odd to see businesses in containers, though! )

 

I managed to get some reading done while I was away. I finished The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule (awesome book), The Sisters Brothers by Patrick DeWitt (very good), Inkspell by Cornelia Funke (meh) and the short I Murdered my Library by Linda Grant (good).

 

I'm still mega happy that you enjoyed the TSBM so much! Too bad that you didn't like Inkspell that much though I thought it was just about as good as the first one in the series. I've still to read Inkdeath, too, but it's been so long since I've read the other two books that I don't know if I can just start reading it without re-reading the others first. I hope you'll love the third novel and it'll make up for Inkspell. 

 

Oh, and by the way: where are you at with Dexter? I finished the 6th season a few weeks ago. My least favorite. But what a cliffhanger!!! I've reserved a copy of the 7th season from the library but it's going to be a while, there are two other reservations before me  

Edited November 18, 2015 by frankie

[Anna Begins]

I am glad you had a good time!  3 weeks is a good while to actually relax, without all the pressure of having to do something everyday. 

 

Interesting to hear you say that The Sisters Brothers was very good... I keep going back on if I liked it or disliked it  Now he has Undermajordomo Minor out.  Which sounds totally bizarre.

 

Good to have you back, you were missed