Purple Poppy Posted January 10, 2007 Author Share Posted January 10, 2007 I know. I'm choosing from the books that people recommend on here, so with most of the TBR list I think I'm fairly safe. Its just finding the time to read. I think I am going to have to ban myself from the forum! PP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Icecream Posted January 10, 2007 Share Posted January 10, 2007 A child called it is great. It was very moving, though you are right it should be read in the right frame of mind. It could hit home in a lot of different ways because it views a lot of different emotions from different angles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kell Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 I know. I'm choosing from the books that people recommend on here, so with most of the TBR list I think I'm fairly safe. Its just finding the time to read. I think I am going to have to ban myself from the forum! PP Nooooooo! You mustn't ban yoursel!:lol:I know what you mean, though - often I'll plan some nice reading time to myself, then get caught up on the board & before I know it, it's bed time! If I weren't a member here, I'd probably get a LOT more reading done, but I don't think I'd have half so much fun with it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 I can close the board down if you think it will do you all good...? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polka Dot Rock Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 Noooooooooooooooooo, Michelle!! Where would I go to keep my sanity whilst at work?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polka Dot Rock Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 Hey PP! You asked for recommendations so here are mine, if you please: * Vanity Fair * Vile Bodies * The Time Traveller's Wife * We Need To Talk About Kevin * Rebecca (one of my absolute favourite novels) * Atonement Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lilywhite Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 I have to agree with Polka Dot Rock there with most of those recommendations, brilliant books Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polka Dot Rock Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 Thank you Lilywhite *chinks tea cup* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purple Poppy Posted January 11, 2007 Author Share Posted January 11, 2007 Gosh, I'll have to give them all two stars!! Not sure about Vile Bodies....?? PP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polka Dot Rock Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 Then watch Bright Youngs Things instead, PP. It's Stephen Fry's film of Vile Bodies (he had to chang the title for American backers). I love it, it's brilliant and it's also my 'totty' film as there's lots of fine young British actors in it! :D Can't go wrong with a bit of Stephen Campbell Moore, James McAvoy and David Tennant (even if the latter does sport a very dodgy tash in it). The lovely Emily Mortimer is in it, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purple Poppy Posted January 11, 2007 Author Share Posted January 11, 2007 KNUTSFORD TIMES DECEMBER 1853 BOOK REVIEWCRANFORD - MRS ELIZABETH GASKELL Cranford was initially a work published in 'Household Works', and was only meant to be a short (two chapters) fictional version of an essay Mrs Gaskell had written called 'The last Generation In England'. However these two chapters, titled 'Our Society In Cranford', (which later became the opening of Cranford), were duly followed by more installments until the whole became a novel, published this year 1853. In many ways Cranford is a reflection of the life of it's author. Elizabeth Gaskell had lost her mother when only 13 months old and had gone to live with an aunt in the sleepy town of Knutsford. Her brother sailed with the East India Company and disappeared. This life event is reflected in Gaskells story of Poor Peter in Cranford, who likewise disappears after sailing away to India. The impact that this event had on Elizabeth can clearly been seen in her writing of the story of Peter. There is much empathy and pathos in the telling of some of the more tragic and sad events of Cranford society which must surely be as a result of the author's own experiences. Each chapter in the book tells a new tale and yet they are all connected and the characters developed throughout. As a child Mrs Gaskell must have observed the habits and idiosyncrasies of her family and the soiety in which they lived out their lives. The way they practised 'elegant economy' and the lengths they went to, to perfect their etiquette and behave in a manner that befitted their status within society. This is reflected in the descriptive passages relating to the usage of candles, the strict procedure set out by the previous mistress of the house, Miss Deborah Jenkyns being adhered to at all times. Likewise, the saving of the remnants of the wine bottle, either mixed with a new bottle and consumed at a later date, or mixed with other numerous bottles and passed on to the less financially well endowed. Reader, it may surprise you to know, that far from being droll, Mrs Gaskells descriptions of such matters are witty, humouous and empathic, the need for such activities clearly relayed and the worthiness endorsed. However, this reader felt that sometimes the narrator, Mary Smith, was silently frustrated, and though not annoyed, would dearly have loved to shake them out of their pecuniary habits.Mrs Gaskell writes fluently, and reader, if you are of the disposition to prefer concision in all matters, this is not the book for you. Our author writes long, extended sentences, transgressing from her subject only to return and coninue with yet more elaboration. I find this stimulating, but I am aware that many find it an impertinence well avoided. However, to miss these descriptions is to miss the very essence of this magnificent work, which recalls, gently ridicules, admonishes and chides the values of these genteel communities, yet concurrently conveys much affection for the people and the times, now almost lost to the rise of the industrial age. With humour, respect and deep affection, Mrs Gaskell presents us with a quaint, but perfectly portrayed cameo of polite society a generation ago. I commend this book to serious readers with an interest in social history and I look forward to Mrs Gaskells next contribution. Knutsford Chronicle - PP __________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maureen Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 Chocolat by Joanne Harris 3 My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult 2 The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger **1 The vote for those will be countdown 3...... 2........... and (drums pls) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purple Poppy Posted January 12, 2007 Author Share Posted January 12, 2007 Thanks Mau Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purple Poppy Posted January 13, 2007 Author Share Posted January 13, 2007 Having finished Cranford, I am now immersed in Johnny and the Bomb - Terry Pratchett, which I picked up at the library, in the interests of research. I know there's a thread here devoted to it, so I may add a comment later. I am also three chapters in to The Cat who Smelled a Rat - Lillian Jackson Braun. Enjoying it so far. Not so sure about the reader...George Guidall. His female voices are a little irritating, but that's something I'll have to live with. PP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KW Posted January 13, 2007 Share Posted January 13, 2007 ....just reading the thread, PP... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mysterymaven Posted January 13, 2007 Share Posted January 13, 2007 Hi Purple Poppy: So great that you are giving one of the Cat Who books a try. I've never tried one in audio - someone's voice could be a bit "off" for the character. If you enjoy cats, animals in general and have a spot in the heart for Beatrix Potter, may I suggest a new series by Susan Wittig Albert? Her books use Miss Potter as the central character, with a bit of village whimsy - a la Jane Marple- and all the animal characters speak as well - to each other only of course, all the while wishing the humans were only smart enough to "get it". They are just fun. There is a movie coming out now titled "Miss Potter" with Renee Zelwiger sp? in the title role. Albert's books were first, but may have sparked the movie writers - who knows? Enjoy reading you. M&M. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purple Poppy Posted January 13, 2007 Author Share Posted January 13, 2007 That sounds really good M&M. Thanks for that. I will have a look. I think it may well go onto my wanted list! PP:readingtwo: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purple Poppy Posted January 21, 2007 Author Share Posted January 21, 2007 Now finished the Cat Who audio and really enjoyed it, once I'd got used to the readers voice. There seemed to be alot of characters, and I had a job keeping up with who was who. Another problem with audios is that if I deliberately sit and listen to them, I fall asleep. Not cos I'm bored, but because I have narcolepsy, not badly, but enough to make life difficult, so I either have to be up doing things while I listen, or do an online jigsaw puzzle. Now I'm listening to Alexander McCall Smith, short stories, which I'm quite enjoying. Unfortunately because of the falling asleep problem, I have to keep listening to bits again, so that I can hear the bits I missed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppy Posted January 21, 2007 Share Posted January 21, 2007 Sorry to hear about your narcolepsy PP. Does it ever happen when you're driving.....that would be scarey. Just thinking of cat books, have you read any of Joyce Fussey's? "Cat's in My Coffee" is one, she loves cats and animals in general and is a very funny lady. They are biographical, she lives in Yorkshire (if I remember correctly) on a small farm and she mostly runs it while her husband works in town. They are really delightful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purple Poppy Posted January 21, 2007 Author Share Posted January 21, 2007 I've had a micro sleep once when driving, which was really scary. But when I was driving, I was sensible and stopped and had a five minute nap. But I must say it was sometimes difficult. I think I worked twice as hard at keeping awake because I constantly felt tired. It never occured to me that I might have Narcolepsy. I am not allowed to drive at the moment, which doesn't bother me too much anyway, because of the battle with staying awake, but once I get some medication sorted, then I may be able to drive again. I will look into the books you talk about and put them on my wanted list. I'm sure someone else has mentioned them. Thanks for the suggestion. I love anything to do with cats Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppy Posted January 21, 2007 Share Posted January 21, 2007 Another older author that I'm sure you've heard of, and I really love, is Lillian Beckwith. Her stories of the Hebrides are wonderful. That's a real nuisance PP, it's a wonder you can do so much on the computer .....by the time I've finished I'm usually yawning and feeling cross-eyed. Hope you can get your medication sorted out soon. It's awful feeling tired all the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purple Poppy Posted January 21, 2007 Author Share Posted January 21, 2007 Now. Is she the one that wrote the Loud Halo? If so then yes, and I thought the book....I'm not sure if the title is right, was beautiful. I absolutely loved it. Must read some more of her stuff. I think I'll just check on amazon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purple Poppy Posted January 21, 2007 Author Share Posted January 21, 2007 Yes, it was her. Sadly it appears to be her only book. But I loved it. I'm really glad you enjoyed it too. Now I really am going to bed...I think Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppy Posted January 21, 2007 Share Posted January 21, 2007 She's actually written a heap, maybe they aren't available but pretty sure they should be. Some titles are 'The Sea For Breakfast', 'Beautiful Just', 'A Rope in Case.', 'Lightly Poached', 'Bruach Blend'. She has also written novels but I was not very impressed with them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purple Poppy Posted January 21, 2007 Author Share Posted January 21, 2007 When I bought the Loud Halo (when we were on holiday in Dornock , which is Scottish east coast, even further north than Aberdeen, I am sure there were others on the shelf. I'll have another search tomorrow. I might have looked under Loud Halo or something which wouldn't bring the others up. I'm off now...going cross eyed. (well more than usual) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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