General Chat

Hi Ann Yes it was Merry Christmas we differed on. Mike had been keen to read it and was not impressed with it. However it was a book I would not normally have chosen and when I actually started it I just couldn't put it down I can see some quite interesting debates starting up. Dee ;-)))

Just a quick thought. Does anyone fancy trying poetry? (Mike, I heard that comment!!!!!) Dee xx

Dee I enjoy poetry depending what it is but i will willingly try anything. Ann Glos

Hi Ann I would quite like to find more out about John Betjeman and Dylan Thomas. Dee x

Hi folks I'm getting worried, since my mention of poetry there has been no sign of Mike!!!! Dee xx

I don't mind a bit of poetry. Wondered whether we ought to have something a bit less time consuming soon lol!! Most of the July and August stuff is heavy in at least one sense of the word!! Perhaps we could select half a dozen poems or maybe a short story one month???? Maz. XX

Hi Maz Mike vaguely talked of having a selection free month so we could catch up with some of our reading. He is also planning to be away at some point, and I expect others will have holidays coming up, so it might make sense. I have just got a book of short stories by Michel Faber and one by A. S. Byatt. I'm waiting for 'Possession' by Byatt to arrive, it was mentioned in The Crimson Petal and I thought it looked good - have you come across it in your travels? Dee xx

Dee I do like Dylan Thomas. have you been to Laugharne and seen where he used to write? Such a pretty place. Quite like Betjamen (sorry can't spell it, too late in the evening.) as well. I have not heard from Mike either so do hope he is OK. Better than a book free month (we might lose impetus) is to have a couple of books, or even three to read over two months. Mind you our holiday times will never coincide, I am away 2 weeks in september and two in November. MIKE ARE YOU OK? Ann glos

Hi Ann Yes I have been to Laugharne, we visited last year when we were on holiday. I agree it was a lovely place. I did wonder if Mike has been on, found the site slow, and given up!!! It's not been easy getting into threads today has it? It must be even more soul destroying when you can't even add when you finally get in!!!! Dee xx

A friend and I have been to a second hand book shop today. It is reputed to be the largest in England. Have come home with loads of books, including A Pattern Out of Time by Lauren Van der Post. It is described as an Autobiographical Memoir. It is a book I would probably have passed over , but as we read Merry Christmas and I liked the guys style I decided to get it. Will report back on it, when I get time to read it!!!! Dee xx

Where wasthis shop dee. Anwick?? Hay on Wye?? A bit far from where you live so must be somewhere else. Intrigued!!! Just got the Cromson petal..... from the library, over 800 pages, will I ever get it read in time. Looks daunting. nevr mind will try although down at daughters again at the weekend then have my sister heare unitl 21st. We shall see, I liked the beginning paragraph anyway. Off to watch the spelling quiz now. Hope jacqui is OK. Ann Glos

Hi Ann Glad you have been able to get the book, good job we have the extension Hope you son in law continues to make progress and that you will have a good time with your sister The shop we went to was Baggins Book Bazaar according to the web it : is the biggest second-hand bookshop in England. Amongst our huge and constantly changing general stock are large sections on Natural History, Biography, Fine Art, Foreign Travel, Fiction and many others. Baggins Book Bazaar is set in the historic town of Rochester We could spend the day there, and large quantities of money!!!! Dee xx

That book shop sounds good to me Dee. Hopefully we will find Jon much improved, he has had his stitches out & has been able to wash his hair. I think Lynda was taking him out to a garden centre for coffee today. He is still very tired but wanted a change of scenery. he is signed off until the end of August, Dr doesn't want to see him until then . Also he can't drive before he sees the doctor again. Which is frustrating for him (& Lynda)!! regards Ann

Hi folks The Boss has been in touch, as we suspected he has had problems getting into the site. He has politely!!!! informed me that NO way can we have poetry. Even suggested we start another thread if we wanted it!!!! So I think we can take it to mean that he is not too keen on the idea!!!! He wondered if we should just review Cloud Atlas this month. Then next month we can review Crimson Petal, Family Tree and Rebecca. What do people think? He also wondered if a humerous book would be an idea for September, we seem to have had quite a bit of the 'heavy stuff' Any comments appreciated - direct to Mike, or on here Dee xx

Dee Im not in your club but if want a humerous book with a Sporty Theme read 'Kicked into Touch' by Fred Eyre it is hilarious,it is older book but dont think its been out of print for years a true story of a Guy who wasnt the greatest footballer in the world but certainly the funniest. Dave

Thanks for that suggestion Dave, will look out for it The last book you recommended was brilliant (The Ragged Trousered Philanthropist) Dee xx

hi I have also had a message from Mike but as I am unable to send messages this morning (I assume due to the upgrade) I will say that I agree with reviewing The crimson petal in August (having only just got it). Mike, sorry not to have replied to your message, didn't pick it up until this morning. glad you are OK, we are a funny lot on here, we get concerned if we don't hear from someone for a couple of days. Jon continues to be OK, is happier now he has had the stitches out but can't drive until he sees the GP again at the end of August. Good job Lynda doesn't mind driving. We are nipping off to see them later today and to bring my sister back here for a few days on sunday. So contact may be a bit sporadic for a few days. I have not seen anyone yet who has not struggled with Cloud Atlas. The reviews/discussion should be interesting. And yes a humorous book for september would be refreshing. Ann Glos

An official announcement from the Boss July review 27th onward will ONLY be for Cloud Atlas. Due to the 'heavy' nature and length of books I think it would be better if Crimson Petal is carried over into August and reviewed at the end with Family Tree and Rebecca. This gives people longer to read and also if unable to obtain Family Tree- another choice. When I return I'll put more info about the nominations for Sept book, but think it definitely should be a 'humerous only' selection for that month. As for the poetry, although I'm not interested at all, the only reason I'm against on this thread is that we will then be going into 3 choices per month - light/classic/poetry - I personally think its too much, but would welcome views - maybe one month classic one month poetry - we'll have to have a talk about it when I get out of solitary!. Mike xx

Hi folks Mike also asked me to thank Dave for his suggestion for a humerous book. I have looked it up on Amazon and it looks as though it could be good. Mike, I shall add it to the selection thread when you post it Dee xx

Hi, Just to say I am halfway through The crimson Petal. The only problem i fnd is with the weight of it as the copy i have is hard back. Definitely not bedtime reading, too heavy to hold. Ann Glos