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Naff old books that you are embarrassed to admit reading but just LOVE

132 replies

BalloonSlayer · 07/01/2011 17:02

I recently found a copy of an omnibus of James Herriot's books in a church booksale.

I last read his books (my copies must be in the loft somewhere) when I was waiting for DS1 to arrive, nearly 11 years ago.

I am enjoying reading them again SO much. They are so funny, and sad - and yes, sentimental - and the funny stories are written so well I still chuckle out loud. I must have read some of the anecdotes a hundred times in my life, they were a massive success in the 70s. Yet I wouldn't be surprised if they were out of print now.

What guilty pleasures do you have? Have you got any favourite books that you don't give pride of place on your bookshelf, even though you should?

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porcamiseria · 24/01/2011 22:10

Lace

yes! and Lace 2, loved them

RedCloud · 24/01/2011 22:05

Forever by Judy Blume (anyone remember 'Ralph'? lol

Feenie · 24/01/2011 22:00

Thanks, islalund

maryz · 24/01/2011 21:45

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IlsaLund · 24/01/2011 21:41

Feenie - the next two books (Clover and In the High Valley) are available free on Project Gutenberg

Ekka · 24/01/2011 21:32

Another fan of the Chalet School here - Girls Gone By Publishers are reprinting them all, for those who can't afford the first editions! They are also doing loads of other girls school stories.

Feenie · 24/01/2011 21:18

I loved What Katy Did, and What Katy Did at School too - must read again soon. What Katy Did Next was a definite damp squib though. I think there were two further books, but I've never managed to get hold of them.

maryz · 24/01/2011 21:10

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KurriKurri · 24/01/2011 19:24

For some reason maryz I think the last one is hard to come by, I have it in paperback but not hardback as yet. I first read them as a teenager (my DD 21 has shown no interest though)

My mum had one or two which I read and got hooked - I remember the sense of anticipation when I got a new one from the library Smile

Finch was always my favourite, and Pheasant Smile

maryz · 24/01/2011 18:47

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lololizzy · 24/01/2011 18:37

oooh thanks Keziah! have a 'big' birthday this year so may well put the box set on list!!

Keziahhopes · 24/01/2011 18:16

BarristerMum - thanks, will look out for the ones you recommend. Good to know that if I had just read Powder and Patch I may have not persevered!

Loving your admission too Grin

Ditto to What Katy Did!

Lololizzy - I have the box set of Anne of Green Gables Smile

twopeople · 24/01/2011 16:51

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Kendodd · 24/01/2011 15:32

Lace

LionsAreScary · 24/01/2011 15:31

Thanks LRD, off to pre-order!

barristermum · 24/01/2011 00:25

Keziah - The Toll gate is a cracker - really good story and sweet romance. Powder and Patch not one of her best, but still worth it, The Corinthian more of a caper and better. My all-time faves are (in order sort-of) Frederica, The Grand Sophy, Regency Buck, Toll gate. Do enjoy!

Can I confess something shameful - I never realised the "adult fiction" section was ORDINARY adult fiction Blush - I just assumed everyone was terribly open about their love of the Black Lace genre and consequently never investigated. Feel v foolish. Blush Blush Blush

lololizzy · 23/01/2011 22:49

if i could name only ONE..it would be What Katy Did. Must have read it about 100 times..both as child and adult. How i wanted to be an American girl in the olden days, with a big family! the second book was great too..the third not so.

JaneS · 23/01/2011 22:48

Lions, the new one is out in the spring, it's in pre-order now.

I think her last was less gripping than the others, but I'll certainly be reading the new one!

TheFallenMadonna · 23/01/2011 22:48

I'm not in the least bit embarrassed by my Dorothy L Sayers and Georgette Heyers.

My well worn copy of The Thorn Birds now...

lololizzy · 23/01/2011 22:45

re Anne of Green Gables..the Megan Follows tv adaptation was WONDERFUL. Anyone know if can get as a box set (dvd)? would love to take a day off to sit through all those!

LionsAreScary · 23/01/2011 22:42

I love the Clan of the Cave Bear series! Blush So glad I am not the only one!

I'm currently re-reading the 5th one when they are back in Zelandoni country! It is as cheesy and wonderful as ever.

I will be rushing out to buy the 6th if ever it is published.

My colleague called his daughter Ayla (after the heroine) - that is a step too far imo.

Like calling your kid after Rupert Campbell Black.

Keziahhopes · 23/01/2011 22:38

barristermum - the 3 I found are:
Powder and Patch
The Corinthian
The Toll-Gate

Without threads here I would never have picked them up, so am looking forward to them! Have I chosen ok, or any other I should start with?

JaneS · 23/01/2011 22:16

su, I am MNing with Clan of the Cave Bear beside me.

It's sooo purple-prose-y and I cringe at the sex ... but still a good read! Grin

I knew a girl who read Mills and Boon to take her mind off her English degree.

suwoo · 23/01/2011 21:20

English natch.

suwoo · 23/01/2011 21:19

I am doing an Enlish Lit degree at the moment, so am reading very seriously. I can't believe that my guilty pleasures have not been mentioned Shock. A recent guilty discovery has been Harlen Coben's crime fiction novels, but an oldie that has stayed with me, though not sure what I would make of it today is 'The clan of the cave bear' series.