read any good books lately?

[Candy]

Hi everyone!
I was wondering what you are currently reading or have read recently and enjoyed? Having just read several by Joanne Harris (Chocolat and Blackberry Wine) and two history books by Giles Milton (Nathaniel's Nutmeg and Big Chief Elizabeth) I'm stuck for what to read next. Any suggestions much appreciated!

Marina-that's an outrageous story! I really want to know how some of these books get published, was just in the library earlier with dd and the amount of books that were just plain stupid/scary/boring was untrue. I'm doing a creative writing course, we covered writing for children and were told that it was a well saturated market but publishers are always on the lookout for new fresh material. Less than half the books I looked at for toddlers fell into this catergory. They were either far too long and rambling with non-toddler friendly language, or had good pictures with no storyline. It really drove me mad I ended up with two we've had out about a million times already but at least they are appealing to dd. Hairy toes, I ask you...! Sorry, rant over

Tinker - I agree, I have mentioned my extreme dislike for Ms Knight on here ages ago, sadly my opinion of her has not improved with time!!

Lizzer - must admit, I read it because I can't stand her. Glutton for punishment. Bought it from a charity shop so no money to her! And straight back to a charity shop it shall go!

I was given "camberwell Beauty" by Jenny Eclair at Christmas. I really dislike her so was not looking forward to reading it but it was an amazing book . Very funny but also disturbing and I have completely reversed my opinion of her, and think she must be very clever.
I am currently enjoying Terry Wogan's biography which I requested from Dh at Christmas.
Any fellow TOGS out there?

Lizzer, Jodee, Enid - no author credited, retelling apparently of an "old American tale". Yeah, Edgar Allen Poe - or Stephen King! Every bit as scary as The Monkey's Paw.
Stupidly, I assumed it would be OK because it was Walker Books, I will vet things more thoroughly in future. More nightmares last night...but what is really touching is the way even a tiny person tries to confront his fears. We didn't make it back to the library last night but when he saw the book on the table he said "I'll turn it over mummy so we can't see the picture and we won't be scared."
Jasper, I never liked Jenny Eclair much but got into her when she did Baby Street on Radio 4, which I thought was really touching and funny. Must try and read the book.

PLEASE HELP!! Sorry but I'm getting desperate, I have been trying to get hold of a copy of the Arden Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra that I'm studying for my English course. You'd think this would be easy but unfortunately because of the number of a-level etc courses running this text this yr it has had to be re-printed and I'm being told by local/only bookstore that it may take up to 6 weeks for a copy. I need it NOW. Although I have another copy I need the Arden one for all the notes in it, and need to write my own notes in that copy to take into the exam.
I know this is a long shot but do any of you know where I can get a copy of it? It doesn't need to be the last edition, any would do, 2nd hand, anything??!

Lizzer - try Amazon. Used it for the first time on Saturday after local bookshop told me my set text would take 2 weeks - got it this morning! Very exciting - the delivery, that is, not the the set text particularly!

Lizzer, do get the latest edition if you can (ed John Wilders), the previous one dates from 1965 and is not reliable. Blackwell's online bookshop, www.bookshop.blackwell.co.uk is often better than amazon for academic books (and free postage!). You might want to have a look at Ken Parker's introductory critical book on Antony and Cleopatra, published by Northcote House, very uptodate and a million times better than all those student guides, York notes etc.

Sorry, bossy English lecturer, can't take my work hat off (I should be working, obviously, at this time of day!). Btw, I know several lecturers in the Lancaster English dept, they're a great bunch and you'll have a really good time - look out especially for Alison Findlay and Hilary Hinds who will be very understanding of what a mature student and mother has to give and deal with that's different from the 19 yr olds.

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Jasper - I have to admit that I'm also a TOG! (.. and having hit the big 4-0 last April can't even claim to be a TYG!). I blame my dh - he got me off Radio 1 aged 32-ish (DLT going was the last straw). I gave him Wogan's book last year - haven't read it yet myself.

I did read Bridget Jones' Diary and the sequel over Christmas and enjoyed that. I used to be a real bookworm, but no longer have the time/energy! I took a boxed set of the Harry Potter books (Christmas present from dh) with me on skiing holiday last week, but it has come still sealed in its wrapping!

Thankyou for helpful messages.

Suew - I looked but not sure its the best copy, as is expensive and 2nd hand but I'll bear it in mind as a backup, thanks so much for taking the time.

Zoya - wow an English lecturer, perhaps you shouldn't have mentioned that to me or I'll start an entire thread devoted to you, exclusively for my own use! Hehehe Just checked Blackwells (thanks for tip off, couldn't get anything from amazon et al ) Unfortunately they are quoting a 4-7 weeks delivery time...

Bloss, thank you for looking for me that is such a kind offer, it is the right one, but the 'availability to be confirmed' said it may need to be ordered and can take up to 3 months. Also do you know how much roughly 28 dollars would be in pounds (that would be book plus postage to your address, I'd also need to pay you for postage here) But again, if all else fails I may take you up on that it that's ok...?

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JanZ am I right in thinking you live in Scotland? We could start a new group - STOGs...

Jasper - yes, I'm in Glasgow. STOGs 'R' Us!

Going back to the thread, I read "Girl with a Pearl Earring" (can't remember who it's by) when I was on holiday in October and thoroughly enjoyed it. The person who'd lent it to my aunt had also printed off some pages from the internet with details of all the paintings referred to in the book which made a real difference to you being able to visualise what the writer was talking about. (The story is a fictional account of the girl featured in Vermeer's painting "Girl with a Pearl Earring" ) .

Lizzer - I've got an old copy of the Arden Antony and cleo (reprinted 1981) - unfortunately its got loads of biro-ed notes all over it (English degree!), but you are welcome to it if you are stuck.

Lizzer, another thought, try ringing Heffers Bookshop in Cambridge, Blackwells in Oxford (main shop on Broad st) or Waterstones on Gower St inLondon - they all have academic 2nd hand sections and might well have used copies of A&C

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Hi Lizzer, did a search on google and there's a website www.ardenshakespeare.com that you could order from, HTH.

Oh thanks again everyone, will check out all possibilities and get back to you all (Esp you Enid-if it has notes on its a bonus for me!!!)

This is the first time I've posted on Mumsnet, although I have been reading the messages for some time.

Re: SueDonim's post of 27th November, I have just finished the book you recommended - "The Coilony of Unrequited Dreams" - and I thought it was brilliant. I have always been fascinated with the idea of visiting Newfoundland, ever since we flew over it on our way to Nova Scotia some years ago, and I found the descriptions of the inhospitable landscape and the harsh conditions fascinating.

On another note, I used to belong to book discussion group before I was married and would love to start one locally once I have a bit more time. Has anyone had any experience of setting one up. I wondered if I should place an advert in the local library?

Hi xanthe, welcome!! I remember my NCT newsletter had an ad from a mum about wanting to start a book group. It got up and running. Good luck.

Hi Xanthe,

Some friends and I set up our own BG about 8 months ago. We meet once a month and take it in turns to host (can be dependent on dhs not being offshore, on call etc), drink wine, eat cake and talk about books. It's really good fun now that we're over the first month stiltedness of "formally discussing" books. We have read a very broad range of books though I must confess that I'm not always very good at getting down to the ones that don't appeal; we sort of take it in turns to recommend usually something that noone has read (including the recommender). If nothing else it's a definite night out with girlfriends once a month! I would recommend it - you could find 2 or 3 friends and then each bring someone. Our group size varies between 6 and 9 (at the most).

I'm in a Book Group but can't really advise on setting one up as this one started with a group of work friends and has since evolved. Anyway, a recommendation for you all - Girl in Hyacinth Blue by Susan Vreeland.
It's both a fascinating and a very moving read. You can dip in and out as each chapter tells a different story - all linked to an an imaginary painting by Vermeer and how it has affected the subjects' lives from the present day back to the 17th century. Most importantly it's an easy read, so it's good if you're tired or running short on quality reading time!

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LOVED C by John Diamond, and have also just finished his last book, "Snake Oil" which is a series of essays and articles, the main one being what he calls " an uncomplimentary look at complimentary medicine". It is a fascinating read. He was a very clever and eloquent man.